2/19 Pinctada, feds in WA, BPA workers, BC energy projects, NOAA weather, conservation burial plots, private forests, J-62, first 100 days

 

Pinctada margaritifera [Didier Descouens]

Pinctada
Pinctada is a genus of saltwater oysters, marine bivalve mollusks in the family Pteriidae. These pearl oysters have a strong inner shell layer composed of nacre, also known as "mother of pearl". Pearl oysters are not closely related to either the edible oysters of family Ostreidae or the freshwater pearl mussels of the families Unionidae and Margaritiferidae. Pinctada margaritifera and P. maxima are used for culturing South Sea and Tahitian pearls. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Farming leases renew ag efforts in the islands

Trump’s job cuts lead to closed trails, staff shortages in WA
Federal workers in the Pacific Northwest who protect water and air quality and keep public lands open and clean are among the thousands fired without cause as President Donald Trump slashes jobs across the country. Many were let go on Friday or over the weekend by email. Isabella Breda, Conrad Swanson and Gregory Scruggs report. (Seattle Times)  A comprehensive look at DOGE’s firings and layoffs so far Meg Kinnard reports. (Associated Press)

30 Bonneville Power workers get jobs back as hundreds are cut
After an uproar over staffing cuts at the Bonneville Power Administration, the Trump administration is trying to rehire a handful of staffers it laid off last week. Jake Goldstein-Street reports. (Washington State Standard)

Eby vows to cut ‘red tape’ for B.C. resource and energy projects — citing tariff threats
B.C. MLAs returned to the legislature today for a throne speech that centred the NDP’s push to speed up permits for LNG and other projects. Shannon Waters reports. (The Narwhal)

Scientists at U.S. weather forecasting agency ordered to get clearance before talking to Canadian counterparts
Former official says NOAA workforce could be halved, sending ripple effects around the world. Jaela Bernstien reports (CBC)

Jefferson Land Trust considering conservation burial ground
Jefferson Land Trust is taking steps in due diligence before potentially converting a retired golf course into a conservation burial ground. Funds from plot sales could fund habitat improvements. Elijah Sussman reports. (Peninsula Daily News)

What is a ‘private forest’ in B.C.? And how much logging is allowed there?
B.C.’s private forests aren’t subject to the same logging regulations as those on public land — putting old growth, wildlife habitat and significant ecosystems at risk. Julie Gordon reports.(The Narwhal)

Baby killer whale seen bouncing and rolling off Washington. See the peachy orange calf
A pod of the endangered Southern Resident killer whales were photographed Feb. 8 off San Juan Islands in the Salish Sea, the Center for Whale Research said in a Feb. 15 Facebook post. Researchers were able to catch a glimpse of all 26 members of J pod on camera, including its newest member, J-62. The calf was first spotted on New Year’s Eve, according to a Jan. 1 Facebook post. (News&Observer)

The American Lobster’s Baby Bust
A potentially dire change in spawn timing threatens the future of lobster in the Gulf of Maine. Moira Donovan reports. (bioGraphic)

RCMP Violated Charter Rights During CGL Arrests, Court Finds
Indigenous land defenders found guilty of criminal contempt may receive shorter sentences due to ‘extremely serious,’ ‘racist’ conduct. Amanda Follett Hosgood reports. (The Tyee)

The First 100 Days
A comprehensive look at DOGE’s firings and layoffs so far (Associated Press)
Trump’s firings strike the nation’s health agencies (Washington Post)
Federal judge turns down attempt by Democratic AGs to block Elon Musk and DOGE (News From The States)
Trump Issues Order to Expand His Power Over Agencies Congress Made Independent (NY Times)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  753 AM PST Wed Feb 19 2025   SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING    
REST OF TODAY  E wind 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt,  becoming SW 15 to 20 kt late. Seas 6 to 9 ft, subsiding to 5 to  7 ft this afternoon. Wave Detail: E 6 ft at 6 seconds and W 5 ft  at 14 seconds. Rain showers likely.  
TONIGHT  W wind 15 to 20 kt, easing to 10 to 15 kt after  midnight. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W 2 ft at 4 seconds, SE  3 ft at 6 seconds and W 7 ft at 13 seconds. A chance of rain in  the evening, then rain likely after midnight.

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