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Skagit and San Juan counties. You’ll guide strategic growth, deepen
partnerships and strengthen its role as a trusted source for fact-based
local news. Salish Current focuses on the environment, culture
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| Mussel worm |
Mussel worm Nereis vexillosa
The mussel worm belongs to the phylum Annelida, a group known as the
segmented worms. It is generally iridescent green and can reach 30 cm in
length. It is found in sand or rocks in association with mussels and
barnacles in intertidal and shallow marine waters from eastern Siberia
to western North America as far south as Santa Barbara, California.
(Wikipedia)
Today's top story in Salish Current: Funding cut
but researcher continues — without pay
Drought is a big problem in Canada — and it’s getting worse
A rush of water-hungry AI data centres is just one reason to rethink
industrial water use, as drought becomes a real, year-round problem
across Canada. Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood reports. (The Narwhal)
Dwindling kelp beds gain protection with partnership between Squaxin Island Tribe, DNR
Native bull kelp forests in the Puget Sound have been steadily
disappearing for decades. According to recent studies, there was an 80%
loss of native kelp between 2013 and 2024. Around Squaxin Island, where
the southernmost kelp forest used to be found, the plants were virtually
undocumented in 2025, suggesting the once-expansive marine habitat may
be lost forever. DNR’s Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove met
with Squaxin Island Tribe chairman Kris Peters this month in Arcadia to
sign an order creating the Squaxin Island Kelp Protection Zone, in an
effort to bring the kelp bed and others around Puget Sound back to full
health. Ty Vinson reports. (The Olympian)
UW lab's seaweed-infused cement could slash carbon emissions
Cement is the source of as much as 10% of all carbon dioxide emissions
worldwide. That’s according to materials scientists at the University of
Washington who are aiming to reduce that carbon footprint, by adding
seaweed to the mix. Bellamy Paithorp reports. (KNKX)
Study finds impacts of colonization destroyed nearly 90% of Burrard Inlet food ecosystems
A new research study, in partnership with the səl̓ilwətaɬ
(Tsleil-Waututh) Nation and the University of B.C., has found the
impacts of colonization from as early as 1750, including smallpox,
overfishing and industrialization, destroyed nearly 90 per cent of the
food systems and sources in the Burrard Inlet in Metro Vancouver. Lauren
Vanderdeen reports. (CBC)
Ferguson orders investigation into conduct of WA Fish and Wildlife Commission members
Gov. Bob Ferguson has authorized an investigation requested by
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind into
allegations that four members of the Washington State Fish and Wildlife
Commission violated state open meeting and public records laws ahead.
Emily Fitzgerald reports. (Washington State Standard)
Seattle writer Lynda V. Mapes thanks readers for decades of inspiration
This is still one of the most beautiful places I know, replete
with wild species we cherish. Over the years some of my best-read
stories were about the simple joys of living here: that first juicy fall
rain, the grace of a lowland Puget Sound snowfall, the song of a winter
wren, a walk in Seward Park in deep winter. Ours is a four-season
wonderland, even right close to home. Enjoy it, appreciate it, savor it,
share it. Daily. Lynda Mapes writes. (Seattle Times) Editor's note: Lynda V. Mapes will speak at Salish Current's "Voices of the Northwest" Knowledge Festival on Sept.9 in Bellingham. Register for free admission.
I.R.S. Makes It Harder for Wind and Solar Projects to Claim Tax Breaks
The Internal Revenue Service on Friday issued new rules that would
restrict the ability of wind and solar companies to claim federal tax
breaks, a move that could hinder a number of renewable energy projects
under development. Brad Plumer reports. (NY Times)
After a freeze, Trump administration reluctantly agrees to fund EV chargers
The Trump administration is reopening a federal program to fund the
installation of high-speed EV chargers along freeways nationwide, after a
six-month freeze in funds and a legal battle with states. Camila
Domonoske reports. (NPR)
Beach advisories on the rise around region
The number of beach advisories coming from seasonal tests is up from
last year, an indication that hitting the water isn’t always the best
idea on summer outings. While no firm numbers are available, this past
week alone has seen advisories issued for the foot of Estevan Avenue at
Willows Beach, Bazan Bay on the Saanich Peninsula, Sayward Beach,
Langford Lake at Ed Nixon Lane and Esquimalt Gorge Park’s Kinsmen Beach.
Jeff Bell reports. (Times Colonist)
WSF boats are going hybrid, but disposal of old ones poses environmental, legal risks
Too big for the state's Derelict Vessel Removal Program, an abandoned former Washington state ferry, the Olympic, rests slanted on a shoreline off Ketron Island, in southern Puget Sound. Some 25 years ago, the Olympic sold for $71,000 at a state surplus auction. Years later, it sold again. This time, allegedly, on eBay. Aspen Ford reports. (Investigate West)
Democracy Watch
- Government papers found in an Alaskan hotel reveal new details of Trump-Putin summit (NPR)
- Trump’s push to take over DC is broad. Could he try it in more cities? (AP)
- Thousands join US ‘Fight the Trump Takeover’ protests against Republican redistricting plans (The Guardian)
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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-
230 AM PDT Mon Aug 18 2025
TODAY
SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft
at 9 seconds. A slight chance of rain.
TONIGHT
SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W
3 ft at 9 seconds. A chance of rain.
---
"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.
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