The intent of the course is to provide a scientific context for developing an understanding of the issue of salmon in Puget Sound - ranging from the physical structure of the Puget Sound Basin, basin hydrology and oceanography, Puget Sound salmonid life histories, habitat needs and production histories, salmonid ESA listing criteria, Puget Sound chinook and chum stock assessments and ESA recommendations, and past institutional responses to salmonid ESA listings.

Because salmon issues should not be studied in isolation, other important environmental issues in the Sound (e.g. changes in hydrology and sedimentation, changes in marine fish and shellfish populations and resources, wetland dynamics and restorations) are discussed.