5/10 Sea plastics, Black Out Speak Out, spot shrimp, PSPoison, growth cost, coal review, algae, Ft Worden

Spot Shrimp boom (Seattle Times)

Thank you, Mr. President!


The amount of plastic debris in the part of the Pacific Ocean known as the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" has grown 100-fold in the past 40 years. But that wasn't the major finding the scientists are reporting. The scientists have found that all those pieces of plastic have provided ample opportunity for insects called "sea skaters" to breed. Study: Plastic in Pacific Ocean increased 100-fold in 40 years

Canada's leading environmental organizations will black out their websites for one day next month to protest what they consider attacks by the federal government - and they are asking businesses, social justice groups and individuals to join them.  The Black Out Speak Out campaign, culminating in website blackouts June 4, is a symbolic act to focus attention on government actions.  Eco groups protesting government bill, attacks

The spot shrimp fishery started off on a high note, and looks like it should stay that way heading into the next opener this Friday.  "What we're seeing in Puget Sound the past few years is an increase for Dungeness crab and spot shrimp like we've never seen before," said Rich Childers, a state Fish and Wildlife shellfish manager.  Spot shrimp fishery off the charts good in Puget Sound, and should remain that way in open days ahead

Harvesting of a number of shellfish species is banned from Sandy Point north to the Canadian border and at Point Roberts due to rising levels of paralytic shellfish poison. Until further notice, clams, cockles, mussels, scallops and oysters may not be harvested from those areas. Crabs can still be taken, but crab "butter" and crab entrails should be discarded.  Biotoxin closes shellfish harvest from Sandy Point to border

A predicted influx of new county residents in the next 50 years is likely to cost more to cities and other governments than the taxes they will generate, a report unveiled Tuesday stated. The report was presented to Skagit County commissioners as part of the Envision Skagit 2060 project. Expected growth won’t pay for itself, report reveals  

The Washington Ecology Department is asking the Corps of Engineers to develop a cumulative study of plans for coal export terminals in the Northwest.  In a letter Tuesday, Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant said a federal review of rail and vessel congestion, air quality and other possible problems is necessary to help state and local governments.  Last month the Environmental Protection Agency also asked the corps for such a review. Washington Ecology Boss Seeks Federal Coal Review

Sunshine is causing algae blooms in Western Washington waters, including Sinclair Inlet, according to the Washington Department of Ecology. So far, only Jefferson County's Anderson Lake has been closed. It was found to have toxic bluegreen algae. People are advised to stay out of the lake.  Sunshine causing algae blooms in Sinclair Inlet, elsewhere  

The development of a plan for running a lifelong learning center at Fort Worden State Park moved closer toward fruition this week as public development authority board members discussed options for a partnership with the state. The first option includes leasing out several buildings that are now used for storage and renovating them to generate revenue. The second option concentrates on managing the campus area of Fort Worden, with the transfer to the PDA of all existing leases and leaseholders.  Development authority sets two options for management of lifelong learning center at Fort Worden

Now, your tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA- 848 PM PDT WED MAY 9 2012
THU
NW WIND 10 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 1 OR 2 FT. W SWELL 9 FT AT 11 SECONDS.
THU NIGHT
NW WIND 15 TO 20 KT...EASING TO 10 TO 15 KT AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND WAVES 1 TO 3 FT. W SWELL 6 FT AT 10 SECONDS.

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