8/18 Mussel worm, drought, kelp beds, seaweed cement, colonization impacts, WA Fish & Wildlife Commission, Mapes thanks, tax breaks, EV chargers, closed beaches, old boats, democracy watch

 

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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.

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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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