both to human health and marine life, control of contaminants, 
through whatever means are necessary, has been given high 
priority by the Estuary Program. 
The second assumption which has influenced the design of the 
PSEP program has been the recognition that a comprehensive 
approach to estuarine management should incorporate 
investigation of estuarine processes (e.g., contaminant 
transport and deposition), assessment of current environmental 
conditions (e.g., levels of contaminants in fish tissue), and 
consideration of changes that have occurred in the estuary over 
time and space. Such analyses attempt to establish linkages 
between resource use and environmental impact, and improve our 
ability to predict adverse effects associated with cumulative 
impacts of pollution. The technical findings resulting from 
characterization and problem identification studies enable 
managers to separate perceived from real problems, identify 
environmental problems that may not be readily apparent, and 
identify information needed to further assess problems and 
their causes. 
Finally, PSEP efforts have been influenced by the assumption 
that a coordinated approach and the use of effective management 
tools are essential to the successful, cost effective and 
timely resolution of environmental problems. Existing 
knowledge about the Sound has not always been well 
communicated, nor have ongoing regulatory or research programs 
been well coordinated. It is now recognized that joint efforts 
are required to fully and accurately identify problems, develop 
new and innovative management tools, and coordinate policies 
and priorities. 
PSEP Accomplishments and Results 
Not surprisingly, the studies funded by the Estuary Program can 
be divided into three main program areas: toxics control in 
urban bays, estuary characterization, and improved management. 
In the past two years, substantial progress has been made in 
each area. The approaches taken and recent accomplishments in 
each program area are highlighted below. 
Urban bay toxics control programs 
In addressing chemical contamination in Puget Sound, the first 
priority of PSEP has been to control sources of contamination 
to the most seriously polluted areas. Thus, a major thrust of 
PSEP has been the design and implementation of "action 
programs" for the urban/industrial bays. This geographic focus 
enables concentration of limited resources first in the areas 
which need them most. 
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