5/16 Snake plant, Alouettte R, Bill 15, Axial Seamount, Lynne Barre, crayfish, week in review, democracy watch

Snake plant

 

Snake plant Dracaena trifasciata
Dracaena trifasciata is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to tropical West Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo. It is most commonly known as the snake plant, Saint George's sword, mother-in-law's tongue, and viper's bowstring hemp, among other names. Until 2017, it was known under the synonym Sansevieria trifasciata. This plant is often kept as a houseplant due to its non-demanding maintenance; they can survive with very little water and sun. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Tribal court warrants to be enforceable by state authorities

86 per cent of a river gone: First Nation calls on BC Hydro to let more water through
Katzie First Nation wants BC Hydro to let more water into the Fraser region's Alouette River, as it faces pollution, drought and decreased salmon. Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood reports. (The Narwhal)

Bill 15: this ‘blank cheque’ legislation could dramatically change how B.C. approves major projects
Premier David Eby says new legislation won’t degrade environmental protections or Indigenous Rights. Critics warn government would have ‘extraordinary powers’ to push projects through. Shannon Waters reports. (The Narwhal)

Marine life's latest hotspot could be an underwater volcano primed to erupt off Oregon
An underwater volcano in the Pacific Northwest is expected to erupt sometime this year for the first time in 11 years — and it could stir up lots of activity for marine life in the area. The volcano, Axial Seamount, lies about a mile below the ocean's surface, about 300 miles from the coast of Astoria, Oregon. Ayana Archie reports. (NPR)

Whale Trail Spring Gathering: Celebrating Lynne!
Celebrate with the Whale Trail Lynne Barre's retirement from NOAA following 25 years of dedicated service, plus whale updates, on May 29 from 7-9:30 p.m. at C&P Coffee Company, West Seattle. Brown Paper Tickets.

New crayfish species discovered in WA lake
A graduate student came across a reddish-brown creature with claws that was tangled up in fishing line at a north central Washington lake — and it turned out to be a new species. Its scientific name is Pacifastacus okanaganensis, but it’s known commonly as the Okanogan crayfish. Sara Schilling reports. (McClatchy)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 5/16/25: ESA Friday, fossil fuel suit, green energy dreams, dredging Burrard Inlet, Snake R dams, drinking forever chemicals, NW energy forecast, NOAA scientists cut, SnoCo critical areas.

Democracy Watch

• Asylum-seekers left in limbo after Trump's crackdown (AP)
  
• GOP states double efforts to stamp out DEI (AP)
  

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Here's your weekend tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  222 AM PDT Fri May 16 2025    
TODAY  SE wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: SE  2 ft at 4 seconds and W 6 ft at 11 seconds. Rain.  
TONIGHT  S wind 5 to 10 kt, veering to W after midnight. Seas  3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at 11 seconds. Rain.  
SAT  W wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 15 to 20 kt in the afternoon.  Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 6 seconds and W 5 ft at  11 seconds. Rain likely.  
SAT NIGHT  W wind 20 to 25 kt, easing to 15 to 20 kt after  midnight. Seas 5 to 8 ft. Wave Detail: W 7 ft at 9 seconds.  
SUN  W wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft at  9 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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