1/9 Black coral, net-pen ban, late climate report, BC masking, WA pessimism, grizzly ESA

Black coral [Dr. Scott France]

Black coral Antipatharians
Black corals are an order of soft deep-water corals. Though they have historically been used by Pacific Islanders for medical treatment and in rituals, its only modern use is making jewelry. Black corals have been declining in numbers and are expected to continue declining due to the effects of poaching, ocean acidification and climate change. (Wikipedia)


Today's top story in Salish Current: Discovery of soupfin shark surprises researchers

WA bans commercial net-pen fish farming
Commercial net-pen aquaculture is history in Washington. The state Board of Natural Resources on Tuesday adopted a rule banning the industry. The ban is a victory for outgoing Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, who told the board that the top duty for the Department of Natural Resources in leasing its aquatic lands is to protect them for future generations. Lynda Mapes reports. (Seattle Times)

Despite state law, Washington takes 3+ years to reveal its climate pollution
Washington state disclosed its impact on the global climate on Monday, two years later than required by state law. The Department of Ecology’s new report on Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions covers the years 2020 and 2021. State law has required timely disclosure of Washington’s climate pollution every two years since 2010, with heat-trapping emissions for 2022 and 2023 to be reported by Dec. 31, 2024. The deadline for reporting 2020 and 2021 pollution was Dec. 31, 2022. John Ryan reports. (KUOW)

BC orders masks in hospitals, care facilities as flu illness increase
Workers, volunteers and visitors in facilities operated by B.C. health authorities must now wear masks in areas where patients get care. (Canadian Press)

Majority of voters have a negative outlook on Washington’s future
Across political lines, Cascade PBS/Elway Poll respondents feel pessimistic about the state, citing the tax system, budget shortfall and housing costs. Mai Hoang reports. (CascadePBS)

Feds reject state petitions to delist grizzly bears, reaffirm protected status in Montana, Wyoming
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed a new comprehensive approach to grizzly management including consolidating grizzlies into a single distinct population; Montana officials decry announcement. Micah Drew reports.(Daily Montanan)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  322 AM PST Thu Jan 9 2025    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT    
TODAY  SE wind 15 to 25 kt, easing to 10 to 15 kt late. Seas  4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E 4 ft at 4 seconds, SW 2 ft at  12 seconds and W 4 ft at 13 seconds.  
TONIGHT  E wind 10 to 15 kt, becoming SW 15 to 20 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 5 ft, building to 5 to 7 ft after midnight.  Wave Detail: SE 2 ft at 5 seconds, SW 3 ft at 13 seconds and W  6 ft at 17 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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