The National Marine Fisheries Service, in reviewing existing Kitsap County land use rules to see whether they are adequate to preserve salmon habitat, has determined that rules governing stormwater runoff and shoreline development in areas where young salmon migrate need to be strengthened. There is scientific justification for buffers, or at least for the functioning natural conditions buffers support. Experts say increasing the amount of undeveloped land along marine shorelines offers numerous benefits for salmon and other species. One of the biggest benefits is increased vegetation, including large trees. Shade from trees can improve spawning habitat for surf smelt, sand lance and other prey species for salmon.
Vegetation also attracts insects, which salmon feed on.
And fallen logs at the edge of the water create hiding places for juvenile salmon. A vegetation buffer also helps filter toxic chemicals, such as insecticides and oils, that drain down from people's yards and local roads. The problem is that scientific research has not yet determined the amount of buffer needed to provide those benefits. Set a buffer, but allow property owners to submit habitat plans that show when a lesser buffer is adequate to protect salmon. Scientists acknowledge that one size buffer doesn't fit all habitats.