3/20 Kelp crab, proposed state animals, virtual biology camp, proper flushing, Jordan Cover permit, bad oil

Kelp crab [Slater Museum]

Kelp Crab Pugettia producta
These crabs are in a large group of crabs called spider crabs. Kelp crabs, as their name implies, are typically associated with species of kelp, and they are colored much like them. They are also common, especially younger individuals, in the low intertidal in beds of other algae and eelgrass. They are easily found under rocks and other objects at extreme low tides. Handle them carefully; their large chelipeds are good defensive adaptations. Like the shore crabs, kelp crabs are herbivores most of the time. During the summer they nip off bits of brown algae such as kelp, rockweed, and sargassum, as well as several types of red algae. When the algae die back during winter, they turn to an animal diet, including small mussels and barnacles as well as smaller creatures such as bryozoans and hydroids. [Slater Museum]

Suciasaurus rex, moss piglet lose bids to represent state — but provide lessons
Two creatures — one massive and extinct, one microscopic and thriving — were recently penned into bills with state legislators from the 40th and 42nd districts among the sponsors. Although the bills — which proposed designating the Suciasaurus rex as the state dinosaur and the tardigrade as the state micro-animal — lost steam in the shuffle of the hundreds of bills moving through the legislature’s recently completed 60-day 2020 session, they created learning opportunities for state leaders and local students alike. Kimberly Cauvel reports. (Salish Current)

Whale experts launch free, virtual marine biology camp to entertain and inform kids
The scientists running Seattle-based Oceans Initiative more typically apply their marine mammal expertise to research on endangered orcas or conservation of white-sided dolphins in Washington’s Puget Sound. But the upside-down world of the new coronavirus and the closure of their nearly 6-year-old daughter’s school inspired them this week to launch what they’ve dubbed their Virtual Marine Biology Camp.  Lisa Stiffler reports. (GeekWire)

Sewer operators worry that toilet paper shortage will lead to more nasty clogs
With a multitude of people scrambling to buy toilet paper, and some going without, sewer utility officials across the country are worried about the possible repercussions of the TP shortage — such as clogged sewer lines. Toilet paper and wipes of all kinds have become the subject of a complex, wide-ranging and controversial debate. The issue was even argued this year in the Washington Legislature. But for hard-working public employees who clean out the sewers, the bottom line is simple: DON’T FLUSH ANYTHING BUT TOILET PAPER (unless it’s human waste, of course). Christopher Dunagan writes. (Puget Sound Institute)

Jordan Cove Energy Project Gets Federal Approval But Oregon Permit Denials Remain
A federal commission gave its conditional approval Thursday to Southwest Oregon’s controversial Jordan Cove energy project, which includes a natural gas pipeline, liquefication plant and shipping terminal. Thursday’s vote by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission does not mean the project can move forward because Pembina, the Canadian fossil fuels corporation behind the project, still needs to qualify for Oregon permits, three of which have been denied. Monica Samayoa reports. (OPB)

Oil spills in U.S. western states threaten water and health, residents fear
Oil spills and gas leaks in the U.S. West, along with the oil industry's boom-and-bust business model, are worrying people who live near fossil fuel operations. With the international price of oil collapsing this month to under $30 a barrel, smaller operators might be on the verge of bankruptcy and could go broke without cleaning up their well operations, as has happened before, industry observers say...Almost 3,000 oil spills were reported in top drilling states of Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico in 2019, an average of eight a day, an analysis by the nonprofit center showed. Jean Lotus reports. (UPI)



Now, your weekend tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  242 AM PDT Fri Mar 20 2020   
TODAY  Light wind becoming NW 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Wind  waves 2 ft or less. NW swell 2 ft at 9 seconds. 
TONIGHT  W wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell  2 ft at 11 seconds. 
SAT  Light wind becoming NW to 10 kt in the afternoon. Wind  waves 1 ft or less. W swell 4 ft at 20 seconds. 
SAT NIGHT  NW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming W to 10 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 6 ft at 18 seconds. 
SUN  SW wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 6 ft at  16 seconds.



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