3/28 Bioluminescence, BC pipe, electric ferry, climate-change liability, Skagit farms

Comb jelly [Aquarium of the Pacific]

Let it glow, let it glow, let it glow
According to NOAA Senior Scientist and Deep Sea Researcher Dr. Edie Widder, “Bioluminescence in the ocean is the rule rather than the exception.” First things first: what’s bioluminescence? It’s the production of light from a chemical reaction inside an organism, produced by animals for defense, attracting mates or finding food. Numerous deep sea creatures exhibit bioluminescence and more than a few light-producing organisms are found right here in Puget Sound—some of which are even housed at Seattle Aquarium. (Seattle Aquarium blog)

Burnaby mayor says threats to provincial autonomy over pipeline fight could provoke constitutional crisis
The City of Burnaby is taking its fight against construction of Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project to Canada's highest court, after lower courts and the National Energy Board rejected its challenge. Mayor Derek Corrigan also says he doesn't believe Burnaby should pay for the policing costs of the long-running protest against the project in his city — comments Alberta Premier Rachel Notley warned were "irresponsible." On Tuesday, Corrigan said the city intends to ask the Supreme Court of Canada to hear its challenge of a National Energy Board decision that came down in December. (CBC)

Electric-Powered Ferries Could Be Coming To Washington
Now that electric cars are a common sight on the nation’s highways, and prototypes exist for electric trucks and airplanes, could electric ferries be next? The 2018 state transportation budget signed by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee Wednesday includes money to look at converting some of the state ferry fleet. The Legislature gave $600,000 to Washington State Ferries to explore how to convert three ferries from diesel to hybrid electric propulsion. Director of Vessels Matt von Ruden said the money will boost a nascent vessel electrification project. Tom Banse reports. (NW News Network)

B.C. should copy Ontario's new climate-change liability bill, says environmental lawyer
A climate-change liability bill was introduced in the Ontario legislature this week and a Victoria-based environmental lawyer says British Columbia should follow suit. The Liability for Climate-Related Harms Act of 2018 bill is the first of its kind to hold fossil fuel corporations liable, without proof of fault, for climate impacts and to also allow people to sue companies for climate damages. Andrew Gage, a staff lawyer with West Coast Environmental Law, says it shouldn't be up to individuals alone to combat climate change — industries that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions should be held responsible. Clare Hennig reports. (CBC)

Three main issues face Skagit County farmers
When it comes to the top issues facing Skagit County farmers in 2018, Washington State University Skagit County Extension Director Don McMoran says it can be narrowed down to three: water, labor and the economic viability of local farms. McMoran, a fourth-generation Skagit County farmer with a master’s degree in agriculture and education, has a firsthand and academic perspective on the county's agricultural issues. Julia-Grace Sanders reports. (Skagit Valley Herald)

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  240 AM PDT Wed Mar 28 2018  
TODAY  W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming 10 to 20 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. W swell 7 ft at 11 seconds.
TONIGHT  W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming SW to 10 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 6 ft at 10 seconds. A slight  chance of showers after midnight.

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