Friday, January 31, 2025

1/31 Banana slug, wintry weather, Trump's tariffs, Willamette R sewage, killer sea otter, orca ID, first 100 days, week in review

 

Banana slug

Banana slug Ariolimax
Banana slugs are a genus of air-breathing, terrestrial gastropod slugs in the family Ariolimacidae. Their often yellow color and elongated shape can resemble a banana, thus giving rise to their common name. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Kindling connections at the Fire and Story festival

Friday, and wintry weather is afoot!
A one-two punch of systems doubles up on us over the next 72 hours - prepare for lowland snow - Seattle's first opportunity since March of last year. Three lowland areas are under winter storm watches for 2-9" snowfall potential Saturday evening through Monday morning. (KOMO)

Trump says tariffs on Canada and Mexico coming Saturday, and he's deciding whether to tax their oil
President Donald Trump said his 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico are coming on Saturday, but he’s still considering whether to include oil from those countries as part of his import taxes. Trump said his decision will be based on whether the price of oil charged by the two trading partners is fair, although the basis of his threatened tariffs pertains to stopping illegal immigration and the smuggling of chemicals used for fentanyl. (Associated Press)

Portland celebrates a year of not polluting the Willamette River with sewage
Portland celebrated a big achievement this week: Going a whole year without sending poop and other sewage into the Willamette River. April Erlich reports. (OPB)

Sea otter off Vancouver Island prime suspect in river otter deaths. Researchers say that's not unusual
A sea otter off the coast of Vancouver Island is the prime suspect in a string of river otter deaths.  Mollie Cameron says that while she's never seen the otter — dubbed Ollie — kill any river otters, she has seen it carry their lifeless bodies around for "multiple days." Courtney Dickson reports. (CBC)

How To Tell Orcas Apart
Southern Resident (SRKW) and Transient (also known as Bigg’s) killer whales have several distinguishing characteristics, despite belonging to the same species. Here are the key differences. (All Points Bulletin)

The First 100 Days
Trump Administration Shocks Senior F.B.I. Ranks by Moving to Replace Them (NY Times)
Trump's FCC chief opens investigation into NPR and PBS (NPR)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 1/31/25: Scotch tape Friday, Tahlequah, Storming the Sound, BC orcas, enviro crimes, species comebacks, Fairy Cr

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Here's your weekend tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  253 AM PST Fri Jan 31 2025    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT
   
TODAY
 SE wind 15 to 25 kt, becoming W 25 to 30 kt with gusts  up to 40 kt late. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: S 3 ft at 5 seconds  and W 6 ft at 10 seconds. Rain until late afternoon, then showers  late.
TONIGHT
 W wind 25 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt, easing to  15 to 20 kt after midnight. Seas 6 to 9 ft, subsiding to 5 to  7 ft after midnight. Wave Detail: W 9 ft at 9 seconds. Showers  likely in the evening, then rain and snow showers after midnight.  
SAT
 W wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W 7 ft at  10 seconds. Snow showers.  
SAT NIGHT
 SW wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W  7 ft at 11 seconds. Snow showers.
SUN
 S wind around 10 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft  at 11 seconds. Snow showers.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Thursday, January 30, 2025

1/30 Destroying angel, species comeback, Fairy Cr logging, North Shore wastewater, hair ice, BC tariff, first 100 days

 

Destroying angel

Western North American destroying angel Amanita ocreata
The Western North American destroying angel is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus, one of many in the genus Amanita. The species occurs in the Pacific Northwest and California Floristic Provinces of North America, associating with oak trees.  (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Arts, recreation, stories in the dark: where lodging tax revenues go

A handful of Canada’s at-risk species have made a comeback. Here’s what they can teach us
From peregrine falcons to humpback whales, a new study finds a crucial first step to recover an endangered species is to stop known harms. Ainslie Cruickshank reports. (The Narwhal)

B.C. extends deferral of logging in Fairy Creek amid reports of tree spiking
2021 deferral already extended to Feb. 1, 2025, now stretches to Sept. 30, 2026. (Canadian Press)

Metro Vancouver vows North Shore wastewater treatment plant on track but final price tag still uncertain
New contractor PCL Constructors is working under a $1.95 billion "target-cost" contract to finish the project, which includes incentives if it can bring it in under budget, but project critics are still not reassured. Derrick Penner reports. (Vancouver Sun)

The century-old mystery of 'hair ice,' how it forms and where to find it
If you're lucky, you may have spotted "hair ice" out in the wild. Early records of the phenomenon, also known as angel hair, date back over a century. As science and climate specialist Darius Mahdavi explains, only in recent years have scientists solved the mystery of how the delicate strands of ice form. (CBC)

B.C. assembles 'war room' as U.S. tariff threat looms on Saturday
"We cannot live four years with threats constantly coming from a Trump administration," said Ravi Kahlon, chair of a B.C. cabinet committee to counter the tariff threat. Brenna Owen reports. (Canadian Press)   Trump team details two phases of tariff threats on Canada Possibility of emergency tariffs over border for now, then wider-ranging tariffs in spring. Alexander Panetta and Katie Simpson report. (CBC News)

The First 100 Days
Trump vows to build migrant detention center at Guantanamo Bay as he signs Laken Riley bill (Washington State Standard)
Pentagon agency pauses celebrations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month and more (Associated Press)
Federal Agencies Ordered to End Initiatives That Support ‘Gender Ideology’ (NY Times)
Trump orders Education, Labor and other departments to enhance school choice (NPR)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  205 AM PST Thu Jan 30 2025    
TODAY
 S wind 5 to 10 kt, becoming SE 10 to 15 kt late. Seas  3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: S 2 ft at 4 seconds and W 4 ft at  10 seconds. A chance of rain early this morning, then rain late  this morning and afternoon.  
TONIGHT
 SE wind 10 to 15 kt, rising to 15 to 20 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: SE 3 ft at 4 seconds, SW  2 ft at 9 seconds and W 3 ft at 10 seconds. Rain.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Wednesday, January 29, 2025

1/29 Devil's club, BC orcas, buffer zones, environmental crime, DNR forest management, first 100 days

Devil's club
 
Devil's club Oplopanax horridus
Devil's club or Devil's walking stick is a large understory shrub native to the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, but also disjunct on islands in Lake Superior. It is noted for its large palmate leaves and erect, woody stems covered in noxious and irritating spines. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Storming the Sound conference returns for its 26th year

‘The whales are in crisis’: two federal ministers sued over delay in protecting B.C.’s orcas
Conservation groups are asking for an emergency order to protect killer whales following the death of another calf. Ainslie Cruickshank reports. (The Narwhal)

New buffer zones could help orcas hear their dinner
Just last year, scientists published the first direct evidence that noise interferes with orca feeding behavior. Officials hope a new law establishing a larger buffer zone between boats and endangered southern resident orcas will mean quieter seas and healthier whales. Eric Wagner reports. (Salish Sea Currents Magazine)

Washington legislators look to crack down on environmental crime
A bill before the Washington state Senate would make intentional water pollution, air pollution, and spilling of hazardous waste felonies. Under Washington state law, most environmental crimes are misdemeanors. John Ryan reports. (KUOW) 

Prosecutor reviewing possible lawsuit
The Clallam County prosecuting attorney’s office is evaluating whether the county has grounds to sue the state over a breach of contract related to timberland management. That argument, made by retired politician Jim Buck of Joyce, contends that the state has violated its fiduciary responsibility to Clallam County by not managing the county’s land, held in trust by the state, with undivided loyalty to the county. Emma Maple reports. (Peninsula Daily News)

The First 100 Days
Trump issues order prohibiting openly transgender service members in the military (Washington State Standard)
Trump offering federal workers buyouts with about 8 months’ pay in effort to shrink government (Associated Press)
Trump order aims to end federal support for gender transitions for those under 19 (Associated Press)
Trump Seeks to Assert More Control Over California’s Water
(NY Times)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  214 AM PST Wed Jan 29 2025    
TODAY
 W wind around 5 kt, rising to 5 to 10 kt this afternoon.  Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 13 seconds. A slight  chance of rain late.  
TONIGHT
 SW wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 ft at 11 seconds. A chance of rain in the evening, then rain  after midnight.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Tuesday, January 28, 2025

1/28 Weeping willow, Helion, starlight beach walk, Eric Scigliano, octopus lives, sea otters, Tahlequah's grief, first 100 days

Weeping willow

Weeping willow Salix babylonica
Weeping willow is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can be found in the Pacific Northwest. It's often planted near water features and ponds.

Today's top story in Salish Current: Tacoutche Tesse, the Northwest’s great ghost river — Part 1: Not the Columbia, by Eric Scigliano

Sam Altman, SoftBank invest in $425M round for Helion, a Seattle-area startup chasing fusion power
Helion Energy announced a $425 million funding round that will help the Seattle-area fusion company chase the “Holy Grail” of clean energy. The company’s new investors include SoftBank, Lightspeed Venture Partners and an unnamed university endowment. Sam Altman — OpenAI’s CEO and co-founder, as well as Helion’s longtime board chair and a past investor — also participated in the round with others. Lisa Stiffler reports. (MSN)

Starlight Beach Walk returns to Olympic Beach
On Feb. 8, there’s an opportunity to discover what the beaches and rocky shore look like after the sun goes down. Washington State University Beach Watchers program, in partner with Snohomish County’s Marine Resources Committee and the city of Edmonds, is putting on its annual Starlight Beach Walk at Olympic Beach. Eliza Aronson reports. (Everett Herald)

Adventures in Writing: Remembering Seattle Journalist Eric Scigliano, 71 Tim Apollo reports. (Post Alley)   Eric Scigliano, eclectic writer on Seattle, art, elephants, dies at 71 Margo Vansynghel reports. (Seattle Times)

Saanich author delves into secret lives of octopuses in new book for kids
Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep offers an in-depth look at these fascinating creatures. Tony Trozzo reports. (Victoria News)

Siletz Tribe gets $1.56 million to reintroduce sea otters to coastal waters
After centuries of overhunting by fur traders, sea otters have largely disappeared from the Oregon and Northern California coasts. But the Siletz Tribe is trying to bring them back with the help of a $1.56 million grant. Brian Bull reports. (KLCC)

How we can honor the orca Tahlequah’s grief

The loss of Tahlequah’s new calf (“Orca Tahlequah’s new baby dies,” Dec. 31, Climate Lab) and her all-too-familiar grief are heart-wrenching. It would be easy to despair and feel powerless. But there are rays of hope we must not overlook. Here are five things to remember, and three ways you can help. Donna Sandstorm writes. (Seattle Times Opinion)

The First 100 Days
ICE arrests six people in Whatcom, Skagit counties (CDN)
CDC ordered to stop working with WHO immediately (Associated Press)
Trump Administration Puts Dozens of U.S.A.I.D. Officials on Paid Leave (NY Times)
Justice Department moves to fire at least 12 officials who investigated Trump (NPR)
Trump signs an order to revise the Pentagon’s policy on transgender troops (Associated Press)
Trump orders temporary funding freeze that could affect trillions of dollars (Associated Press)
All the executive orders Trump has signed after 1 week in office (NPR)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  211 AM PST Tue Jan 28 2025   TODAY  E wind around 5 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: NW  2 ft at 6 seconds and W 2 ft at 12 seconds. 
TONIGHT  E wind around 5 kt, veering to W after midnight. Seas  around 2 ft or less, then around 3 ft after midnight. Wave  Detail: W 2 ft at 13 seconds.


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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Monday, January 27, 2025

1/27 Brooding anemone, Tahlequah, WA enviros, Storming the Sound, bird flu, False Cr derelict boats, saving journalism, Indigenous reporting, First 100 Days

 

Brooding anemone [Sound Water Stewards]

Brooding anemone Epiactis sp.
This is a small anemone, with the crown up to 2 inches in diameter. (The base may be somewhat wider than the crown.) The color varies. It is often red or pink when on rocks and green or brown when on eelgrass. Look for the radiating white lines originating from the oral disk and on the base and column. Also, watch for baby Epiactis attached to the base of the mother. They look like little buds and will stay attached to her for several months until they're large enough to live on their own. There are several similar species of Epiactis. (Sound Water Stewards)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Mark Hunter and the sound of innovation

How Tahlequah, her dead calf tell the story of climate change
The stories of salmon and orcas in the Pacific Northwest are linked. Their paths intermingle in a vast web of ecosystems and coevolved species. Salmon are struggling to survive. So are the families of endangered southern resident orcas, with a population of just 73, not improved in years. Their plight has been on full display, capturing worldwide attention yet again as mother orca Tahlequah this winter has carried her dead calf that lived only about a week. Lynda Mapes reports. (Seattle Times)

Washington environmentalists respond to Trump’s rollbacks
President Donald Trump signed numerous executive orders weakening national environmental protections before his first week back in office has even ended. The orders align with Trump’s agenda of supporting fossil fuel production and curbing emission regulations.County and state conservation and renewable energy groups plan to continue work during the new administration. Eliza Aronson reports. (Everett Herald)

Storming the Sound Conference returns for its 26th year
About 175 people attended Friday the 26th iteration of a local environmental educators conference. The Storming the Sound Conference is an annual conference that draws environmental educators from throughout the Puget Sound region. Emma Fletcher-Frazer reports. (Skagit Valley Herald)

Bird Flu Enters a New Phase, Scientists Say
A pandemic is not inevitable, scientists say. But the outbreak has passed worrisome milestones in recent weeks, including cattle that may have been reinfected. Apoorva Mandavilli reports. (NY Times)

'Nobody is in charge': Derelict boats in False Creek a growing problem, residents say
Little accountability for owners of abandoned boats, says local salvage and boat repair service. (CBC)

Edmonds lawmaker’s bill would pump $20 million into journalism statewide

The bipartisan bill would tax high-income tech companies as part of a workforce development tax. The bill follows similar legislation in other states and countries to protect legacy media. State Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, is the lead sponsor of the bill. Jordan Hansen reports. (Everett Herald)

'Our own voice': Organization supporting Indigenous journalists launches in Canada
Five veteran Indigenous journalists have launched a new organization dedicated to supporting and representing fellow First Nations, Metis and Inuit storytellers. The Indigenous Media Association of Canada, or IMAC, will represent Indigenous journalists and media at the federal level, push for better coverage of Indigenous communities by mainstream media and advocate for the implementation of UNDRIP Article 16, the organization said in a news release. (CBC)

First 100 Days
Trump officials issue quotas to ICE officers to ramp up arrests (Washington Post)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  236 AM PST Mon Jan 27 2025    
TODAY
 E wind 5 to 10 kt, becoming around 5 kt late. Seas 3 to  4 ft. Wave Detail: NW 2 ft at 7 seconds and W 3 ft at 15 seconds. 
TONIGHT  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W  2 ft at 7 seconds and W 2 ft at 14 seconds.


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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Friday, January 24, 2025

1/24 Brant, Casey Sixkiller, owl kill, energy bills, Canada pipelines, carbon storage, week in review

Brant
 
Bird of the Month: The brant
A small goose, brants congregate near the water line. Birch Bay and Drayton Harbor often is a landing area for these birds. It is the farthest north nesting goose, and in migration may fly as high as several thousand feet. The Washington Brant Foundation, along with North Cascades Audubon Society and the City of Blaine, held the first Washington Brant Festival in Blaine and Birch Bay in 2003. The festival changed its name in 2005 to Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival to include the large number of marine bird species that migrate here during spring. This year's festival is March 14-16.  (The Northern Light)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Mark Hunter and the sound of innovation

Casey Sixkiller transitions from EPA to lead state Dept. of Ecology
Regional EPA Administrator Casey Sixkiller finished his work as a federal environmental protection official last week, but he’s staying in the field. He’s been appointed as the new head of the Washington state Department of Ecology. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX)

Northwest conservation groups intervene in lawsuit to defend the lethal removal of barred owls
Five Northwest conservation groups have joined the federal government in defending a program to kill barred owls in the Pacific Northwest to protect the threatened northern spotted owl. These environmental groups have joined the government’s side, in opposition to animal rights groups. Roman Battaglia reports. (Jefferson Public Radio)

Trump’s proposed Canada tariff could boost Northwest energy bills
President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian imports could be an expensive proposition for the Pacific Northwest, which depends heavily on its northern neighbors for energy supplies. More than two-thirds of the Northwest’s natural gas comes from Canada, according to the Northwest Gas Association. Nearly half of the crude oil refined in Washington state is Canadian, according to the Washington Department of Ecology. John Ryan reports. (KUOW)

Trump's threats reveal the trouble with Canada's pipelines running through the U.S.
Interconnectedness is a double-edged sword and Canada is vulnerable in any trade war Evan Dyer reports. (CBC)

Does seabed soil hold secret to supreme carbon storage?
Interest in natural carbon storage in the ocean has, to date, focused on mangrove forests, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows. However, a new study from Canadian researchers implores us to take a closer look at the very soil beneath us: the sediment on the seafloor. Rob Hutchins reports. (Oceanographic Magazine)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 1/23/25: Mac Friday, WA recycling, Nooksack flooding, Trump tariff, Great Bear Rainforest, visiting the U.S., plastics ban

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Here's your weekend tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  236 AM PST Fri Jan 24 2025    
TODAY
 E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 2 ft  at 8 seconds and W 6 ft at 13 seconds.  
TONIGHT
 E wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt after  midnight. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: SE 2 ft at 6 seconds and W  5 ft at 12 seconds.  
SAT
 E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: SE 2 ft at  6 seconds and W 4 ft at 11 seconds.  
SAT NIGHT
 E wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 11 seconds.  
SUN
 E wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  13 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Thursday, January 23, 2025

1/23 Wintergreen, Canada plastics, WA F&W Commission, Northern Gateway pipe, First 100 Days

 

Wintergreen

Wintergreen
Wintergreen is a group of aromatic plants. The term wintergreen once commonly referred to plants that remain green (continue photosynthesis) throughout the winter. The term evergreen is now more commonly used for this characteristic. Most species of the shrub genus Gaultheria demonstrate this characteristic and are called wintergreens in North America, the most common generally being the American wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens). Wintergreens in the genus Gaultheria contain an aromatic compound, methyl salicylate, and are used as a mintlike flavoring. (Wikipedia)


Today's top story in Salish Current: Climate and community resilience on the docket in 2025

Canada’s plastics ban and the group that wants to scrap it
An industry coalition is challenging the ban on checkout bags, cutlery, takeout containers, (most) straws and more. But the federal government is fighting back, for now. Rebecca Gao reports. (The Narwhal)

Should Washington’s Fish and Wildlife Commission be dissolved?
It’s one of the possibilities raised in a new report that describes the citizen-led panel as “dysfunctional.” Lawmakers and commissioners are weighing next steps. Laurel Demkovich reports. (Washington State Standard)

First Nations leader apologizes, walks back support for Northern Gateway pipeline in B.C.
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip had expressed support for controversial pipeline in face of U.S tariff threat. Chuck Chiang reports. (Canadian Press) 

First 100 Days
Congress clears immigrant detention bill for Trump’s signature on his 3rd day in office (News from the States)  Trump's new Justice Department leadership orders a freeze on civil rights cases (Associated Press)  Trump puts DEI staff on paid leave, guts environmental justice offices across government (News from the  States)

Have you read the Salish Current? 
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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  221 AM PST Thu Jan 23 2025    
TODAY
 W wind around 5 kt, rising to 5 to 10 kt late this  morning and afternoon. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  13 seconds. A slight chance of showers late.  
TONIGHT
 NW wind around 5 kt, veering to E after midnight. Seas  4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at 9 seconds and W 4 ft at  14 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Wednesday, January 22, 2025

1/22 Wandering albatross, climate policy rollbacks, Great Bear Rainforest, ants, staying home, Bluesky, first 100 days

 

Wandering albatross

Wandering albatross Diomedea exulans
The wandering albatross, also known as the snowy albatross, white-winged albatross, or goonie, is a large seabird from the family Diomedeidae; they have a circumpolar range in the Southern Ocean. (Wikipedia)


Today's top story in Salish Current: The disease flying over our heads

What Trump’s climate policy rollbacks may mean for WA
In the first days back in his old office, President Donald Trump began weakening the country’s policies to cut greenhouse gas emissions and lessen its dependence on fossil fuels. Washington state has been a leader in state-level climate policy. So what does new leadership in D.C. mean for Washington the state? Trump’s administration might be able to slow some of Washington’s momentum, but it can’t sway the state’s landmark climate policies, according to state legislators and policy experts. Craig Swanson reports. (Seattle Times)

The Great Bear Rainforest is protected. So why is an abandoned industrial site leaching heavy metals?
Heiltsuk Nation has a vision to revitalize Namu, an ancient village and former vibrant cannery. According to B.C., it’s Crown land — so the nation is calling on the province to clean it up. Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood reports. (The Narwhal)

A secret weapon in agriculture’s climate fight: Ants
Ants — yes, ants — could protect apples, nuts, cocoa, and other beloved crops from disease and climate change. Ayurella Horn-Muller reports. (Grist)

B.C. Premier David Eby asks Canadians to think carefully about spending money in U.S.
People should think carefully about spending money in a country that wants to do them economic harm, said Premier David Eby, calling the proposed U.S. tariffs a "deliberate economic attack" on B.C. families. Marcy Nicholson reports. (Canadian Press)

The rise of Bluesky, a not-so-Seattle-based social media company
Since November, over 10 million users have flocked to the site, which aims to provide a personalized feed not driven by an algorithm, in contrast to X. Adam Willems reports. (CascadePBS)

First 100 Days
Washington AG sues over Trump’s birthright citizenship order (Washington State Standard)  Trump administration strips schools, churches of immigration enforcement protections (NPR)  Trump directs all federal DEI staff be put on leave and eventually laid off  (Associated Press)  Trump vows to revert name of Alaska’s Denali back to Mount McKinley  (Washington State Standard) Trump is withdrawing from the Paris Agreement (again), reversing U.S. climate policy (NPR)

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.


Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  204 AM PST Wed Jan 22 2025    
TODAY
 E wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: SE 2 ft  at 6 seconds and W 4 ft at 13 seconds.  
TONIGHT
 SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: E  2 ft at 4 seconds and W 3 ft at 13 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

1/21 Orange roughy, import tariffs, floating hotel, bird festival, first 100 days

Orange roughy

Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
The orange roughy, also known as the red roughy, slimehead and deep sea perch, is a relatively large deep-sea fish belonging to the slimehead family. The UK Marine Conservation Society has categorized orange roughy as "vulnerable to exploitation". (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current: ‘And justice for all’ — a people’s vigil in Friday Harbor sends a message

Donald Trump signals 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports could be coming Feb. 1
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested his administration could move ahead with with 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs on Canadian imports on Feb. 1. Kelly Geraldine Malone reports. (Canadian Press)

Floating hotel with 250 rooms proposed for Vancouver's waterfront
The floating hotel, if approved, would be privately funded and built off-site before being moved to the waterfront and connected to the Vancouver Convention Centre where it would "operate like a normal building on land." Stephanie Ip reports. (Vancouver Sun)

La Conner Birding Festival returns for a fifth year

As snow geese and trumpeter swans are seen throughout the Skagit Valley, the La Conner Birding Festival will return Saturday and Sunday for its fifth year. The free festival, which will be held at Maple Hall, includes a presentation on ethical birding, a watercolor workshop, interactive exhibits, and suggested birding opportunities throughout La Conner. Emma Fraser-Fletcher reports. (Skagit Valley Herald)

First 100 Days
Trump issues pardons for 1,500 defendants charged in Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol (Washington State Standard) Trump orders withdrawal from Paris climate agreement, erases actions on LGBTQ+ equality (Washington State Standard)  Trump signs executive orders to kick-start his immigration crackdown (Washington State Standard)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  240 AM PST Tue Jan 21 2025    
TODAY
 NW wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft  at 14 seconds.  
TONIGHT
 SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 13 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Monday, January 20, 2025

1/20 Brown pelican, WA recycling, Nooksack flooding, brant hunting, planet parade

 

Brown pelican [Pat McMahon]

California Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis
The Brown pelican is a large aquatic bird that uses plunge diving to feed on fish. They nest in colonies in early summer in secluded areas. When you think of Salish Sea marine birds you don't often consider the California Brown Pelican but in the last few decades, these birds are regularly seen during late summer after their breeding season in the western Strait of Juan de Fuca from Tatoosh Island to Sekiu. They have been seen as far North as southern British Columbia. (Pat McMahon)


Today's top story in Salish Current: Farmworkers to return to Olympia to lobby for rights / Town halls slated on tidal energy project in San Juan waters

WA lawmakers look at making packaging producers pay for recycling
Democrats are back with a “streamlined” version of a bill that seeks to standardize the state’s recycling system and cut down on waste going into landfills. Laurel Demkovich reports. (Washington State Standard)

Will new leaders kickstart (or doom) hopes for high-level Nooksack River talks?
Abbotsford's mayor says international talks are needed to resolve the US river's habit of flooding Sumas Prairie. Tyler Olsen reports. (Fraser Valley Current)

Brant hunting remains closed in Skagit County
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced Skagit County will remain closed to brant geese hunting this season. Vince Richardson reports. (Skagit Valley Herald)

How to glimpse a parade of planets in the January night sky
Six planets grace the sky this month in what’s known as a planetary parade, and most can be seen with the naked eye. These planetary hangouts happen when several planets appear to line up in the night sky at once. Adithi Rmakrishnan reports. (Associated Press)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  239 AM PST Mon Jan 20 2025  
TODAY
 SE wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft  at 14 seconds.  
TONIGHT
 SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W  2 ft at 4 seconds and W 4 ft at 14 seconds. 

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Friday, January 17, 2025

1/17 Wolf eel, TikTok, WA logging halt, Nooksack flooding, SnoCo habitat ordinance,BC drought, Papahānaumokuākea, US electricity use

 

Wolf eel [Monterey Bay Aquarium]

Wolf eel Anarrhichthys ocellatus
A long eel-like fish (but not a ‘true’ eel) with a large, square head and stout canine teeth at the front of the mouth. This species ranges from the Seas of Okhotsk and Japan to the Krenitzen Islands, in the Aleutian chain, and to Imperial Beach, southern California. Adults live on the bottom, usually among rocks in subtidal areas. They often occupy only one den, unless they are driven out by a larger wolf eel or a large octopus. They have been found at depths up to 226 m (740 ft). Wolf can grow up to 240 cm (7.87 ft) in length, and 18.4 kg (40.5 lbs) in weight. The maximum lifespan of a wolf eel is not known. Age at maturity occurs at 4 to 7 years, suggesting these may be long-lived fish. (WDFW)


Today's top story in Salish Current: Teen anxiety is on the decline in northwest Washington, but still high / What’s the best, worst to expect from Nooksack adjudication?

Supreme Court upholds law banning TikTok if it’s not sold by its Chinese parent company
The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld the federal law banning TikTok beginning Sunday unless it’s sold by its China-based parent company... A sale does not appear imminent and, although experts have said the app will not disappear from existing users’ phones once the law takes effect on Jan. 19, new users won’t be able to download it and updates won’t be available. Mark Sherman reports. (Associated Press)

New WA lands commissioner orders pause on logging sales for some older forests
Dave Upthegrove announced the move shortly after being sworn into office. It’s in line with a pledge he made during his campaign last year. Bill Lucia reports. (Washington State Standard)

How a Spiderman meme explains Canada's disaster-prevention failures
Three years after the Sumas Prairie flood, Ottawa's disaster-prevention talk has yet to translate to tangible progress, one expert says.Tyler Olsen reports. (Fraser Valley Current)

Snohomish County delays decision on changes to habitat ordinance
The delay comes after comments focused on proposed changes that would allow buffer reductions around critical areas. Eliza Aronson reports. (Everett Herald)

Ottawa providing $117M for drought resilience on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast
Funding comes over 2 years after the region declared a local state of emergency and water restrictions. (CBC)

Will NOAA’s Race To Make Papahānaumokuākea A National Sanctuary Survive Trump?

The added protection for the environmentally and culturally sensitive area in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is set to take effect in March. Nathan Eagle reports. (Civil Beat)

U.S. electricity demand is set to explode. That will make it harder to cut climate pollution
The United States is poised to burn a lot more natural gas in the coming years to meet soaring electricity demand, potentially locking in decades of emissions that are raising global temperatures. Michael Copley reports. (NPR)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 1/17/25: Popeye the Sailor Friday, wildlife photo ethics, smelt, Roberts Bank, underwater volcano, WA lege enviro agenda, hydro dams.

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Here's your weekend tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  234 AM PST Fri Jan 17 2025    
TODAY
 E wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E 2 ft  at 4 seconds and W 6 ft at 12 seconds.  
TONIGHT
 E wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E  2 ft at 4 seconds and W 5 ft at 12 seconds.  
SAT
 SE wind 10 to 15 kt, easing to 5 to 10 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: E 2 ft at 6 seconds, W  4 ft at 11 seconds and W 3 ft at 21 seconds.  
SAT NIGHT
 SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: E  2 ft at 4 seconds, W 4 ft at 11 seconds and W 5 ft at 19 seconds.  
SUN
 E wind 10 to 15 kt, becoming SE 15 to 20 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E 4 ft at 5 seconds and W  5 ft at 16 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Thursday, January 16, 2025

1/16 Goose barnacle, WA lege enviro agenda, hydro dam, LNG lobbying, Victoria sewage

 

Goose barnacle

Goose barnacle Lepas anatifera
Barnacles are a type of crustacean, related to crabs and lobsters. Goose barnacles filter feed on plankton and detritus, capturing it from the water with their specially adapted legs. They live attached to rocks, ships, ropes or flotsam floating out at sea. They are also known as a gooseneck barnacle and have a long fleshy stem that looks like a black neck. The stem or peduncle is topped with a chalky white shell that houses the main body of the barnacle. (Wildlife Trusts)


Today's top story in Salish Current: Artists from 51 countries are behind exhibit in La Conner

A look at the Washington Legislature’s 2025 environmental agenda
A plan to create a state watchdog for the oil industry was deferred, but bills on recycling, salmon and data centers could come under consideration. John Stang reports. (CascadePBS)

Hydroelectric dams on Oregon’s Willamette River kill salmon. Congress says it’s time to consider shutting them down
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it could make hydroelectric dams on Oregon’s Willamette River safe for endangered salmon by building gigantic mechanical traps and hauling baby fish downstream in tanker trucks. The Corps started pressing forward over objections from fish advocates and power users who said the plan was costly and untested. That was until this month, when President Joe Biden signed legislation ordering the Corps to put its plans on hold and consider a simpler solution: Stop using the dams for electricity. Tony Schick reports. (OPB)

After Heavy LNG Lobbying, BC Simplifies Power Project Approval
The move will allow the North Coast Transmission Line to bypass an environmental assessment. Amanda Follett Hosgood reports. (The Tyee)

CRD set to skip secondary sewage treatment during spring maintenance
The Capital Regional District plans to skip secondary treatment during three weeks of maintenance at the Esquimalt sewage treatment plant this spring. The CRD is seeking regulatory permission for a 21-day sewage bypass of secondary treatment while completing system maintenance on the McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. (Sooke News Mirror)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  248 AM PST Thu Jan 16 2025   SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING    
TODAY
 NW wind 15 to 25 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft  at 5 seconds and W 7 ft at 13 seconds. A chance of showers this  morning.  
TONIGHT
 NW wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W  7 ft at 11 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Wednesday, January 15, 2025

1/15 Mouse nudibranch, Roberts Bank port, MLK Day of Service, eagle count, buck fun

 

Shaggy mouse nudibranch [Robin Agarwal]

Shaggy mouse nudibranch Aeolidia loui
Aeolidia loui is a species of sea slugs that feeds almost entirely on various species of anemones. A unique phenomenon displayed by Aeolidia loui reveals an ability to prevent the species of anemone being preyed upon from discharging its nematocysts. A. loui appears to have the ability to adapt to the species of anemone currently being consumed.


Today's top story in Salish Current: Is the future of Bellingham’s Port five or three commissioners?

This Vancouver megaport expansion could harm killer whales. Approving it still didn’t breach endangered species law, court says
A legal challenge to block a major container terminal has been quashed, though environmental groups warn orcas are on an ‘extinction trajectory’  Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood reports. (The Narwhal)

Marine Science Center targets shoreline for MLK Day of Service
It takes a community to ensure invasive, non-native species don’t take over our generally pristine Salish Sea shoreline. That’s the underlying belief of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service... The focus of the volunteer environmental effort this year is pulling out invasive beachgrass. Kirk Boxleitner reports.(The Leader)

Eagle count shows encouraging increase in Squamish area
A group of 64 volunteers counted 1,288 eagles during the Brackendale Winter Eagle Count on Jan. 5. Bhagyashree Chatterjee reports. (Vancouver Sun)

Fun for just two bucks
Four bucks were spotted near the intersection of Highway 20 and Midway Boulevard last week. Sam Fletcher reports. (Whidbey New-Times)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  227 AM PST Wed Jan 15 2025    
TODAY
 SE wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: E 2 ft  at 4 seconds and W 7 ft at 14 seconds. Areas of fog this morning.  
TONIGHT
 W wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt after  midnight. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft at 13 seconds. A  chance of rain after midnight.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Tuesday, January 14, 2025

1/14 PS rockfish, Roberts Bank, baby orca, snowfall, avian flu, underwater volcano, Burley Lagoon

Puget Sound rockfish [Race Rocks]

Puget Sound rockfish Sebastes emphaeus
The Puget Sound rockfish is one of the smallest rockfish species and has a very slim body. Puget Sound rockfish range from Prince William Sound, Alaska, to Punta Gorda, California. Adults have been found at water depths of 3 to 366 m (10-1,200 ft). They prefer high-relief rocky outcrops or boulder fields with high currents and often form small schools. Puget Sound rockfish can grow up to 18.3 cm (7.2 in) in length. Maximum age is at least 22 years old. (WDFW)


Today's top story in Salish Current: 40th, 42nd district legislators advance session priorities

Federal Court rejects environmentalists' bid to halt B.C. port expansion
A Federal Court judge has thrown out a legal challenge by environmental groups that claimed allowing the expansion of a massive container facility on British Columbia's waterfront would threaten the survival of southern resident killer whales and salmon. The Federal Court dismissed the group's judicial review on Friday, ruling that the decisions by the federal environment minister and the cabinet to allow the project to proceed were reasonable. Darryl Greer reports. (Canadian Press)

‘Heartbreaking’ loss of newborn orca spurs renewed call for federal emergency order
The federal government found southern resident killer whales face imminent threats to their survival. Conservation groups say an emergency order to protect the population is urgently needed. Ainslie Cruickshank reports. (The Narwhal)

Oregon snowfall projected to drop 50% by 2100 among findings in latest state climate report

Oregonians born today are likely to experience a future of more drought, more rain and less snow under warming average global temperatures due to human-caused climate change. That’s one conclusion in the 314-page Seventh Oregon Climate Assessment  published Wednesday. Alex Baumhardt reports. (Oregon Capital Chronicle)

B.C. ostrich farm ordered to kill 400 birds after avian flu outbreak
Universal Ostrich Farms is hoping the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will reverse its order after avian flu was detected on the farm. David Carrigg reports. (Vancouver Sun)   Kitsap farms taking precaution, watching warily as bird flu outbreak continues Conor Wilson reports. (Kitsap Sun)  Role reversal: Avian flu makes birds a menace to cats John Ryan and Casey Martin report. (KUOW)

Underwater volcano off B.C. coast primed to erupt
The Axial Seamount is not expected to threaten human population centres but it could help scientists forecast the eruption of more dangerous volcanoes. Stefan Labbé reports. (Times Colonist)

In the Swirling Waters of Burley Lagoon

Chris Rurik captures the history and ecology of Burley Lagoon in "Low Tide" Part 1  and the long struggle between Taylor Shellfish Farms and local residents over a proposed 25-acre geoduck farm in "High Tide" Part 2.  (Substack)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  246 AM PST Tue Jan 14 2025   TODAY  NW wind around 5 kt, veering to SE late this morning and  early afternoon, backing to E late. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail:  W 6 ft at 16 seconds. Areas of fog this morning.  
TONIGHT
 SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W  6 ft at 15 seconds. Areas of fog after midnight.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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Monday, January 13, 2025

1/13 Ratfish, WA lege session, wildlife videography, SnoCo ordinance, wildfire stories, tree planting, smelt, private islands, hate speech, black widow

 

Ratfish [Monterey Bay Aquarium]

Spotted ratfish Hydrolagus colliei
These fish have smooth skin, large green eyes, a rabbitlike face and mouth with platelike, grinding teeth. The tail is tiny, so for propulsion they flap their bare, winglike pectoral fins. Ratfish cruse just above the seafloor searching for crunch food like crabs and clams. (Monterey Bay Aquarium)


Today's top story in Salish Current: Legal field sees increased diversity; progress still needed

2025 Washington state legislative session begins today
The 105-day session is scheduled to end on April 27. Lawmakers will confront a budget shortfall and other pressing policy issues. (Washington State Standard)

Who Watches the Watchers?
The recent charging of prominent documentarians in British Columbia court is raising important questions about the ethics of wildlife videography. Larry Penn reports. (bioGraphic)

Critics question proposed amendments to habitat ordinance
Snohomish County Council will likely decide on Wednesday if buffers to wetlands, streams and other critical habitats will be cut in half for development opportunities. Snohomish County’s Planning and Development Services is updating the Critical Area Regulations ordinance, which cover wetlands, fish and wildlife conservation areas, geologically hazardous areas, aquifer recharge areas and some flood hazard areas. Council members Jared Mead and Nate Nehring have introduced amendments to the ordinance, decreasing environmental protections to create flexibility for possible development. Eliza Aronson reports. (Everett Herald)

Life in the time of wildfire
These are the stories of the people on the frontlines in British Columbia.  Matt Simmons reports. (The Narwhal)

Uncertain harvest: Despite recent wildfires, B.C. tree planting is set to plummet
Tree-nursery companies say the drop makes no sense, but others question the environmental value of tree planting. Stefan Labbé reports. (Times Colonist)

Listening to the Smelt
By monitoring the embryos of a little-studied forage fish, scientists hope to track and minimize the damaging effects of pollution in important coastal habitats. Gemina Garland-Lewis reports. (bioGraphic)

Shopping for a private island? Here are some things to consider (think boatload of cash and a boat)
Private islands may be the stuff of dreams, but they’re tough to put a price on, and timing the market to land a good deal can be difficult. Andrew A. Duffy reports. (Times Colonist)

Vancouver strip club marquee cited as hate speech on X
Known for its cheeky signage, The Penthouse's latest quip took gentle aim at president-elect Donald Trump. Karin Larsen reports. (CBC)

Black widow
The Friday critter feature on the black widow brought a couple of comments:

Wendy Feltham wrote: "I learned a lot from Burke Museum's professional arachnologist and spider curator for 50 years, Rod Crawford, when working on a photo essay about spiders a couple of years ago. .. Crawford shared this reassuring information, 'Neither black widows, nor any other species dangerous to humans, occurs at all (except for imported individuals) on the western Washington mainland.  There are small black widow populations in especially dry climate enclaves on a few islands. On the mainland, one of our common house spiders is the false black widow Steatoda grossa, which is no danger to humans. Black widows do occur east of the Cascades, especially in the Columbia Basin.'

Rick Haley wrote: "When I was working on an experimental streams project in Lewiston, Idaho, my first task each morning was to go around and take WQ readings on the four 100-m long streams.  One morning it was raining, which didn't happen often in Loserton, so I grabbed a raincoat off the rack in the shed and made my way up to the head of the streams, the aforementioned 100 m away.  Just as I was lowering the dissolved oxygen probe into the stream inlet, some motion in the corner of my vision caught my eye.  I was a black widow lowering itself out of the hood of my raincoat."

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Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.


Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  310 AM PST Mon Jan 13 2025  
TODAY
 W wind around 5 kt early this morning, veering to NW  early this afternoon, becoming light and variable. Seas 3 to 5 ft.  Wave Detail: W 9 ft at 15 seconds.  
TONIGHT
 W wind around 5 kt, backing to S after midnight. Seas  4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 8 ft at 17 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email msato(at)salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told