4/21 Belgian hare, Roberts Bank port OK, salmon grants, DFO investigated, spirit bears, ship breaking regs, week in review

Belgian hare [WDFW]

Belgian hare Oryctolagus cuniculus
The Be[gian hare, also known as the European rabbit, is an introduced species. This single species is the ancestor of all domestic rabbits (about 80 varieties!). The domestic rabbit is considerably larger than other Washington rabbits, measuring 20 to 30 inches in length. It has black, white, brown, or multicolored fur, and is most frequently seen in the San Juan Islands where it was first introduced in 1900, although it is spreading into other areas where it has been released. (WDFW)

Feds approve major expansion B.C. container port despite environmental, labour opposition
The federal government has given the OK to a major new container terminal on Canada's West Coast. It says Roberts Bank Terminal 2 in Delta will open up Canada's throttled marine supply chain and promises environmental concerns will be addressed. Federal Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says the expanded terminal will increase capacity by up to 60 per cent. Canada's largest port, the Port of Vancouver, is the lead agency. Liam Britten reports. (CBC)  See also: Opinion: The feds just approved a massive Port of Vancouver expansion — and it’s a blow to biodiversity Arno Kopecky writes. (The Narwhal)

WA could get millions in federal salmon recovery dollars
More than $60 million in federal Climate-Ready Coasts initiative grants could soon be on the way to help Washington’s rivers, endangered salmon and native eelgrass. The money was secured under the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, and will benefit the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, as well as several nonprofits and state and local agencies. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife will receive the most, with $12.1 million to roll out seven restoration projects aimed at Chinook salmon recovery totaling 1,200 acres in South Whidbey Basin, and another $11.6 million for north basin projects. Isabella Breda reports. (Seattle Times)

First Nations leaders in B.C. continue call to have decision-making at Fisheries and Oceans investigated
B.C. First Nations leaders have sent an open letter to sent an open letter to Justin Trudeau and DFO Minister Joyce Murray referring to a report by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans on science at DFO released in March, that examines how DFO develops scientific studies and advice for the department, how these results are communicated to the minister's office and the public, and how they're used in decision-making. It makes 48 recommendations to improve the department's science, six of which are directly related to working with Indigenous people and incorporating Indigenous knowledge. ckie McKay reports. (CBC)

If you like to watch: How the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation is working to protect spirit bears
B.C.'s central coast is home to one of the rarest animals on earth: the spirit bear. The Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation has been trying to protect it at all costs for several decades, but the salmon stocks on which the bears feed is in decline. (CBC)

BC Greens Call for Provincial Ship Breaking Regulations
The BC Green Caucus wants the province to step up its game when it comes to regulating ship breaking, an industry that dismantles vessels and sorts materials into recycling or waste streams. Michelle Gamage reports. (The Tyee)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 4/21/23: Earth Day!, Tokitae, orca hunting, water pollution rules, Fairy Cr protest, airport pollution, US forest inventory, WA ferries, Site C dam, Roberts Bank expansion, salmon grants.

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Now, your weekend tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  236 AM PDT Fri Apr 21 2023   
TODAY  SW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming to 10 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 8 ft at 10 seconds. A chance of  rain. 
TONIGHT  SW wind to 10 kt becoming SE after midnight. Wind  waves 1 ft or less. W swell 5 ft at 9 seconds. A chance of rain  in the evening then rain likely after midnight. 
SAT  SE wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. W swell 4 ft at  8 seconds. Rain. 
SAT NIGHT  SE wind 5 to 15 kt becoming to 10 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 5 ft at 8 seconds. 
SUN  W wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 6 ft  at 12 seconds.

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