DWAMISH RIVER BOAT PATROL

DWAMISH RIVER BOAT PATROL

By: Jaena Bautista

Last January 16, 2017, I had the chance be a volunteer as a boat patrol. As passenger volunteers in the Soundkeeper boat, we helped observe shorelines and waterways. We were responsible to help monitor and report pollution to an appropriate agency and assist in removing marine debris from the water to prevent wastes reaching waterways. The Soundkeeper boat is out on the water each week at various locations around Puget Sound.

I have learned a lot in this experience. Not only, I learned about the history o Seattle's development, but I also had the opportunity to view waterways from a different perspective. I saw how companies and factories discharge wastes, oil slicks and other types of pollution around the area. One of the biggest pollutant in Puget Sound is Boeing. It is said that the chemicals they release is one of the most toxic chemicals in the river. The water ways around Boeing, not only is extremely polluted, but also smells really bad. We also easily noticed dumped waste because of the discoloration in water. If the pollution in the water is a lot, we have to report it urgently to the Department of Ecology, and they will take care of it.

My volunteer experience in the boat lasted from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Although I didn't really had a goal at first, I realized that it is important to be aware of the environment around us. There are organisms such as crabs, salmons, clams and many more marine animals in the river. Because of human deeds, waterways are getting polluted and toxic. This is why in some parts of the river, it is prohibited to fish.

Animals benefit from us, as well as we benefit from animals. It is better to save our environment now than be sorry later!

While it is still early, what action can you do in order to stop chemical release in the environment? How can we raise environment awareness as students? How can we be affected with this issue (and later generations)?

Figure 1: Puget Sound

Figure 2: debris from factories which are washed in the river

Figure 3: Toxic water surrounding Boeing company

Figure 4: waterways around factories