4/25 Rainbow trout, EPA science, Suzuki degree, shellfish permit, WA ferries, restored wetland

Rainbow trout [Tennessee Aquarium]

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Rainbow trout are the most common and hence most popular species of trout in Washington.  There are thousands of wild populations statewide but the main reason for their popularity is that the Washington Department of fish and Wildlife stocks millions of rainbow trout in hundreds of waters annually across the state for the specific purpose of providing recreational angling opportunity.  Rainbow trout are an excellent game fish reputed for their willingness to bite bait and lures, scrappy nature when on the end of a fishing line and the fact that they are excellent table fare. Rainbow trout can be identified by their bluish-green back, silver sides and belly, and black spots on the body and on the caudal, dorsal, and adipose fins.  Another characteristic of rainbow trout, and a characteristic that it gets its name from is the presence of a reddish stripe along its sides that is often, but not always present. (WDFW)


E.P.A. Announces a New Rule. One Likely Effect: Less Science in Policymaking.
The Environmental Protection Agency announced a new regulation Tuesday that would restrict the kinds of scientific studies the agency can use when it develops policies, a move critics say will permanently weaken the agency’s ability to protect public health. Under the measure, the E.P.A. will require that the underlying data for all scientific studies used by the agency to formulate air and water regulations be publicly available. That would sharply limit the number of studies available for consideration because much research relies on confidential health data from study subjects. Scott Pruitt, the E.P.A. administrator, announced the proposed regulation this afternoon at agency headquarters, flanked by Republican lawmakers who sponsored legislation designed to achieve the same ends as the new regulation. Lisa Friedman reports. (NY Times)

U of A stands by Suzuki honorary degree as donors withdraw, Albertans protest
Backlash toward the University of Alberta is escalating, with donors pulling funding and rallies being planned, but the school's president says he won't compromise academic independence by reversing a decision to award David Suzuki an honorary degree. Although some of the school's own faculty staff have spoken out against the decision, U of A president David Turpin confirmed Tuesday the university will go forward in awarding the controversial environmentalist an honorary doctor of science degree this spring. "Universities must not be afraid of controversy. Instead, we must be its champion," Turpin said in a statement posted on the university's website. Andrea Ross reports. (CBC)

Penn Cove Shellfish first to go through new shoreline plan
A proposal by Penn Cove Shellfish, LLC to add nine raft clusters to 15 existing raft clusters at its mussel farm in Quilcene Bay is the first floating aquaculture project to be reviewed under the new Shoreline Master Program. Anna Bausher, project planner for Jefferson County Department of Community Development, explained that under the previous Shoreline Master Program, the proposal would have been allowed outright without review by the county. Under the current shoreline rules, the project requires a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit application and is subject to State Environmental Policy Act review. The proposal also is subject to approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the state Department of Natural Resources. A comment period for the project ends May 11. Allison Arthur reports. (Pt Townsend Leader)


Half of Washington State Ferries vessels slated for retirement by 2042
As many retirees are wont to do, the ferry Evergreen State – 65 years old and now renamed “The Dream” – will soon head to Florida for its later years. In Pensacola, it’ll take up retired life as an event center with space for fine dining. The 51-year-old “baby ferry" Hiyu is living out its retirement years as a floating event venue on Lake Union and Lake Washington. Thirteen more vessels will likely join those two most recent retired vessels from Washington State Ferries service over the next two-and-a-half decades. Currently, WSF plans to get about 60 years of service out of its vessels. Those 13 vessels, out of the fleet's total of 23, will hit that age between now and 2042. Nathan Pilling reports. (Kitsap Sun)

Retired zoology prof restores a wetland wonder
When Dr. Sievert Rohwer moved to Whidbey Island in the early 1980s, he remembered seeing large migrations of salamanders trying to cross Cultus Bay Road. Most didn’t make it.... Rohwer, a retired University of Washington zoology professor, takes an active interest in such matters. As an owner of a forest and wetland near Cultus Bay, he realized he could restore wildlife diversity to the natural world around him. That started Rohwer on a mission to improve wildlife habitat on his property in hopes all creatures would benefit, particularly amphibians and waterfowl. He recently led a small group of Whidbey Camano Land Trust members on a tour of his land, showing the progress he and his family have made on their 34 acres. (South Whidbey Record)


Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  151 AM PDT Wed Apr 25 2018   
TODAY  E wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. W swell 6 ft  at 13 seconds. 
TONIGHT  E wind 5 to 15 kt becoming 10 to 20 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. W swell 5 ft at 12 second
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