Positioning for future work at the Marine Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory officials submitted a Shoreline Exemption application on Dec. 16 to the county for approval on research activities anticipated to occur between January and September 2020 in areas including Sequim Bay.

“In-water research projects at specific locations in and near Sequim Bay and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s MSL (Marine Sciences Laboratory) is being planned for future projects associated with the DOE (Department of Energy) programs and other federally funded research projects over a five year period,” according to the Five Year Scientific Research Scope for MSL submitted to the county.

Located off West Sequim Bay Road with facilities off Washington Harbor Road, the lab and its staff “provide capabilities for future energy research, climate change effects analyses, eelgrass restoration and other environmental research involving marine resources,” according to application.

Activities corresponding with upcoming research projects include seabed installations, like cables and sensors, temporary floating platforms and/or moored buoys to support or suspend equipment, equipment installations at the lab’s dock, vessel use and electromagnetic field operation.

The application includes a combined Biological Assessment and Essential Fish Habitat assessment to evaluate possible impacts to critical habitat, non-listed marine mammals and both endangered and threatened species because of the expected research activities. Ten species known as being seasonally present in the Sequim Bay project areas and Gibson Spit are listed as either threatened or endangered. Six species of marine mammals covered under the Marine Mammal Protection Act also can be found seasonally in the projects areas.

After assessing the potential impacts associated with the possible research activity, it was determined the activity “may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect,” the species and habitats of concern, according to the Biological and Essential Fish Habitat assessments.

About PNNL’s Marine Sciences Laboratory

The Marine Sciences Laboratory, headquartered at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Marine Research Operations located in Sequim, is the Department of Energy’s only marine research laboratory. The unique facility and its researchers deliver science and technology that is critical to the nation’s energy, environmental and security future.

Reach Alana Linderoth at alinderoth@sequimgazette.com.