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Eulachon
Eulachon Thaleichthys pacificus
Eulachon have many other names—smelt, hooligan, oolichan, and fathom
fish. First Nations people called eulachon "salvation" fish because the
return of spawning runs to coastal rivers meant the difference between
life and starvation after a hard winter. Native people continue to fish
for eulachon by traditional methods for use as an important subsistence
food and medicine. Eulachon are found from northern California to
southwest Alaska. The southern distinct population segment is listed as
threatened under the Endangered Species Act. (NOAA Fisheries)
Today's top story in Salish Current: Sinterklaas, labyrinth, solstice: holidays marked in varying ways
Growler analysis report complete
The U.S. Navy has completed and submitted its Final Amended Analysis for
the EA-18G “Growler” Airfield Operations at Naval Air Station Whidbey
Island. The analysis is the final step in the Environmental Impact
Statement for the operations and was sent to the U.S. District Court for
the Western District of Washington. The full analysis, which is more
than 800 pages long, can be found at tinyurl.com/PDN-Navy-Analysis. Emily Hanson reports. (Peninsula Daily News)
Health officials warn of high bacteria levels in parts of Commencement Bay
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is warning of an
increased risk of gastrointestinal illness for those who swim or wade in
parts of Commencement Bay. Isha Trivedi reports. (Tacoma News Tribune)
Group warns about flooding impacts on gray whales
The nonprofit Orca Network is noting that the early arrival of gray
whales occurred just as contaminated floodwaters flowed into the Salish
Sea. Floodwaters can carry pollution and debris, causing concern for the
arriving whales and their food. Emma Fletcher-Frazer reports. (Skagit Valley Herald)
Sidney aquarium’s octopus makes a splash with new name, Chuck(anut)
A resident giant Pacific octopus at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
now has an official name after a public voting process. The name comes
from Chuckanut Creek
near Bellingham, Wash., a salmon-bearing stream known for its
significant fall runs of chum salmon. The name was selected through a
public vote that drew 1,129 ballots. Erin Haluschak reports. (CHEK)
Probe of WA Fish and Wildlife Commission to stretch into 2026
Gov. Bob Ferguson hired an investigator in June, but they didn’t get
started until the agency director requested an inquiry two months later.
Jerry Cornfield reports. (Washington State Standard)
Wolves, long feared and reviled, may actually be lifesavers
A new line of research has revealed a surprising finding about how the
presence of wolves helps keep people safe. Dino Grandoni, Alice Li and
Joshua Lott report. (Washington Post)
Democracy Watch
- ICE shift in tactics leads to soaring number of at-large arrests, data shows (Washington Post)
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West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 241 PM PST Sun Dec 28 2025
MON SE wind around 10 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft at 12 seconds.
MON NIGHT E wind around 10 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft at 13 seconds.
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