Data assembled by Jan Newton (WA Ecology, UW), Mark Warner (UW), and Renee Rose (HCSEG) on behalf of the Hood Canal Dissolved Oxygen Program show that winter 2003-2004 is exhibiting lower oxygen concentrations in Southern Hood Canal than any other on record.

To view data plots, select from the thumbnails on the right or the links below:

1. Hood Canal Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations at Historically Low Values during Winter 2003-2004 (current page)

2. Oxygen Inventory for S. Hood Canal

3. Minimum Winter Oxygen Concentrations

4. Average Winter Oxygen Concentrations

Implications of these results for the rest of 2004 are not known, but typically oxygen is maximal in the late-winter, early spring timeframe. Values for the inventory of oxygen below 20 meters in the area from Dabob Bay to the Great Bend during Spring 2004 are 25-50% lower than any other on record. Starting the year with such low values may mean that summertime oxygen could be more scarce in 2004 than during 2003 or 2002, and more biota kills could be expected. The Hood Canal remains closed to fishing for bottomfish. Based on the most recent results, the Department of Fish and Widllife is currently reviewing the need for further restrictions on fishing.