3/10 Spurge, WA low oxygen, Drayton Harbor shellfish, public land protection, blocking access, Roundup, democracy watch.

 

Spurge

Spurge Euphorbia
Euphorbia is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly called spurge, in the family Euphorbiaceae. Euphorbias range from tiny annual plants to large and long-lived trees, with perhaps the tallest being Euphorbia ampliphylla at 30 m or more. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Community Voices / Vanishing science, vanishing fairness

State adjusts strategy to address low-oxygen levels in Puget Sound
The Washington State Department of Ecology is responding to new legal rulings and public concerns with changes in planning and potentially future enforcement. In January, the agency decided to abandon its “nutrient general permit,” originally designed to control nitrogen releases from sewage-treatment plants throughout Puget Sound. Christopher Dunagan reports. (Salish Sea Currents Magazine) 

WA oysters, clams harvested in Whatcom County’s Drayton Harbor recalled 
Oysters and clams harvested in Drayton Harbor near the Canadian border in Whatcom County between Feb. 13 and March 3 have been recalled after an outbreak of a norovirus-like illness. Raw oysters harvested by the Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and manila clams harvested by the Lummi Indian Business Council may have been contaminated, the Washington Department of Health said in a recall issued Wednesday. Kai Uyehara reports, (Seattle Times) 

Republicans target public lands protections in a new way
Over the past year, GOP leaders and the Trump administration have used a law known as the Congressional Review Act to push for coal mining in Montana, oil drilling in Alaska and copper mining in Minnesota, while also attempting to reverse protections for a national monument in Utah. The rarely used act gives Congress a few months to revoke new federal regulations. Only in the past year has it ever been used to overrule land management plans. Alex Brown reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Investment companies block access to tens of thousands of acres in Wahkiakum, Pacific counties
Investment companies have whittled away the land hunters can use in Access to tens of thousands of acres of locally treasured, longtime hunting grounds is now blocked because a new generation of private landowners won’t offer access. Henry Brannon reports. (Washington State Standard/The Columbian) 

Trump Executive Order Protected Weedkiller Roundup and a Munition, White Phosphorus
Citing national security, an unusual executive order gave protection to the herbicide Roundup. It also protected the U.S.’s only supply of a controversial, highly flammable munition. Hiroko Tabuchi reports. (NY Times) 

Democracy Watch

• Trump says he won't sign bills until Congress overhauls voting (NPR) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather—  
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  204 PM PDT Mon Mar 9 2026    
TUE  SW wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 5 to 8 ft. Wave Detail: S 2 ft  at 3 seconds and W 8 ft at 12 seconds. Rain in the morning, then  showers in the afternoon.  
TUE NIGHT  SW wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W  7 ft at 12 seconds. 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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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3/9 Billy Frank Jr., Skagit creeks, camground shutdown, BC geothermal, democracy watch.

 

Billy Frank Jr. [Richard Arlin Walker]

Happy Birthday, Billy!
Billy Frank Jr. was a Native American environmental leader and advocate of treaty rights. As a member of the Nisqually tribe, Frank led a grassroots campaign in the 1960s and 1970s to secure fishing rights on the Nisqually River. (Wikipedia) (See: "Billy Frank Jr.’s teachings endure" Salish Current) 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Gaza students’ journey to Western stalled by war and immigration barriers

Three creeks at Skagit River headwaters nominated for protection
Ruby, Granite and Canyon creeks at the headwaters of the Skagit River east of Ross Lake have been nominated to be considered Outstanding Resource Waters and to receive additional environmental protections. (Skagit Valley Herald/paywall) 

Funding gap may shutter three Peninsula campgrounds
Two Clallam County campgrounds and one in Jefferson County are among 19 state Department of Natural Resources recreation sites that face some level of closure if funding cuts are made by the state Legislature. Emily Hanson reports. (Peninsula Daily News) 

In northeast B.C., fresh food is scarce. This First Nation hopes geothermal energy could change that
A first-of-its-kind project by West Moberly First Nations looks deep underground for clean energy solutions. Zoë Yunker reports. (The Narwhal) 

Democracy Watch

• State actors are behind much of the visual misinformation about the Iran war (AP) 
• Automated license plate reader regulations close to becoming WA law (Washington State Standard) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  252 PM PDT Sun Mar 8 2026    
MON  W wind 15 to 20 kt, rising to 20 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft at 11 seconds.  Rain. Snow showers in the morning, then snow likely in the  afternoon.  
MON NIGHT  W wind 15 to 20 kt, easing to 10 to 15 kt after  midnight. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft at 12 seconds. Rain  and snow.

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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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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3/6 Sea clown, Skagit dams, carbon markets, daylight savings time, climate choices, bolide, democracy watch, week in review.

Sea clown nudibranch

 
Sea clown nudibranch Triopha catalinae
The sea clown triopha or sea clown is a species of colorful sea slug called a nudibranch. Sea clowns are a shell-less marine, gastronomic mollusk in the taxonomic family Polyceridae. The species' Latin name is named after Santa Catalina Island, California. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Demolition of last NW aluminum smelter marks end of era / New book recalls Skagit experiment in socialist living

Seattle spent years misleading the public about Skagit River salmon. Now it will pay $1 billion for fish passage
In a stunning reversal, Seattle City Light has agreed to invest $979 million to build fish passage at its three Skagit River dams, a commitment its own scientists long insisted was unnecessary. It’s also a victory for two tribes of the Skagit Valley who never stopped fighting. Susannah Frame reports. (KING)  Seattle City Light proposes $4 billion for Skagit River hydropower dams Seattle City Light, the city’s electric utility, has agreed to commit about $4 billion to continue to operate its hydropower dams on the Skagit River over the next 50 years. Isabella Breda reports. (Seattle Times) 

WA takes another step to link its carbon market with California and Quebec
Supporters say joint cap-and-trade auctions will help stabilize prices and drive down costs for businesses. Aspen Ford reports. (Washington State Standard) 

'Scientifically not a good idea,' says researcher whose work informed B.C.'s daylight-time decision
Permanent daylight time likely to result in sleep deprivation, negative health outcomes, experts say. Tara Carman reports. (CBC) 

People often miscalculate climate choices, a study says. One surprise is owning a dog
The top three individual actions that help the climate, including avoiding plane flights, choosing not to get a dog and using renewable electricity, were also the three that participants underestimated the most. Meanwhile, the lowest-impact actions were changing to more efficient appliances and swapping out light bulbs, recycling, and using less energy on washing clothes. Those were three of the top four overestimated actions in the report. Caleigh Wells reports. (Associated Press) 

NASA says meteor that lit up Vancouver sky was travelling 100 times speed of sound
All indications suggest the region was witness to a significant meteor, scientifically known as a bolide. Chuck Chiang reports. (Canadian Press) 
Democracy Watch

• WA voters to see ballot initiative aimed at trans girls in sports (Seattle Times) 
• Trump says he's replacing Homeland Security Secretary Noem with GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin (AP) 
• Panel reviewing Trump's White House ballroom project gets an earful from the public opposed to it (AP) 

Salish Sea News Week in Review 3/6/26: Salish Sea News Week in Review 3/6/26: Oreo Friday, Japanese beetle spray, enviro crimes bill, data center regs, BC daylight savings, spawning herring, rainforest logging, Hummingbird Hill, Musqueam treaty, sea level rise, Skagit dams.  

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your weekend tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  226 AM PST Fri Mar 6 2026    
TODAY  S wind around 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft  at 10 seconds. Rain.  
TONIGHT  SW wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W  5 ft at 10 seconds. Rain.  
SAT  SW wind 10 to 15 kt, rising to 15 to 20 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 3 to 5 ft, building to 5 to 7 ft in the  afternoon. Wave Detail: W 7 ft at 12 seconds. Rain.  
SAT NIGHT  SW wind 20 to 25 kt. Seas 5 to 8 ft. Wave Detail: W  2 ft at 5 seconds and W 8 ft at 12 seconds. Rain.  
SUN  W wind 25 to 30 kt. Seas 7 to 10 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft  at 5 seconds and W 10 ft at 11 seconds. 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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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3/5 Skunk cabbage, BC smugglers, Aboriginal rights, killer whale moms, high seas, quakes, democracy watch

 

Skunk cabbage

Skunk cabbage Lysichiton americanus
Skunk cabbage is a perennial fleshy herb from upright underground stems with a skunk-like odor which grows in marshes, swamps, streambanks, and forested wetlands. This plant grows from Alaska to California (including British Columbia) and east to northern Idaho and western Montana. This plant grows on both sides of the Cascades crest and at the coast in Washington. (WA Native Plant Society)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Lummi Nation appeals for consultation rights in British Columbia port expansion

Trump admin hands legal victory to alleged B.C. defeat device smugglers
'There's no following the law, there's no consistency' says critic of DOJ's environmental law enforcement
Liam Britten reports. (CBC) 

Canada signs Aboriginal rights, fishing and marine management agreements with Musqueam
The federal government has released details of recent agreements with the Musqueam Indian Band recognizing Aboriginal title over an area potentially covering much of Metro Vancouver. The agreements do not have any effect on privately owned land, according to the government. (Canadian Press) 

Killer whale moms struggle to regain body fat with more offspring
Drone photography reveals insights into northern resident orca motherhood. One and a half years of pregnancy, up to two years of nursing, then hunting and sharing food with their adult children who never leave. Anand Ram reports. (CBC) 

The sea is higher than we thought and millions more are at risk, study finds
Climate change’s rising seas may threaten tens of millions more people than scientists and government planners originally thought because of mistaken research assumptions on how high coastal waters already are, a new study said. Seth Borenstein and Annika Hammerschlag report. (Associated Press) 

Here’s Where You Don’t Want to Be Living in a Quake
Vancouver’s West End apartments face a deadly reckoning. There are solutions.vPreetish Kakoty and Carlos Molina Hutt report. (The Tyee) 

Democracy Watch

• Judge rules companies are entitled to refunds for Trump tariffs overturned by the Supreme Court (AP) 
• Bill barring law enforcement from wearing masks inches closer to becoming Washington law (KNKX) 
• Body camera footage shows federal response to Portland ICE protests (OPB) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  159 PM PST Wed Mar 4 2026    SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING    
THU  W wind 20 to 25 kt, becoming SW 10 to 15 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 6 to 9 ft, subsiding to 5 to 7 ft in the  afternoon. Wave Detail: W 9 ft at 11 seconds. A chance of rain in  the morning, then rain in the afternoon.  
THU NIGHT  S wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W  5 ft at 11 seconds. 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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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3/4 Hemlock, BC logging, regulating data centers, Hummingbird Hill, Nanaimo trail, Surrey Speak, frog breeding, democracy watch.

Western Hemlock

   
Western Hemlock Tsuga heterophylla
Western Hemlock occurs from the southern coast of Alaska to the northern coast of California and the Cascade Range of central Oregon.  It also occurs in the Rocky Mountains of Canada, Montana and Idaho.  Western Hemlock is considered the climax species in most of our area.  That means that, in theory, if forests are left alone and allowed to grow undisturbed indefinitely, Western Hemlock would be the dominant species. The genus name “Tsuga” comes from Japanese words meaning “mother” and “tree.” The species name heterophylla, literally means different leaves. (Native Plants of the Pacific NW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  OPALCO asks to roll back restrictions on Decatur solar site

‘No reason on earth’ to log endangered Canadian rainforest: scientist
Forestry companies hold licences to log in Canada’s inland temperate rainforest, home to endangered caribou and rare lichens. That makes a proposal for a new provincial park more urgent than ever. Sarah Cox reports. (The Narwhal) 

It’s lights out for WA Legislature’s effort to regulate data centers
The bill died Monday amid a barrage of industry opposition. Supporters said it was a crucial step toward protecting the grid and utility ratepayers from the energy-hungry facilities. Aspen Ford reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Hummingbird Hill in Metchosin to be a bird sanctuary, research centre
The 21-hectare Hummingbird Hill will serve as the Rocky Point Bird Observatory headquarters. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist) 

A Nanaimo trail project reveals how B.C. fails to protect rare ecosystems
Trail construction in Nanaimo, B.C., dug up a rare slimleaf onion patch, exposing the lack of protection for endangered Garry oak ecosystems. Amber Bracken reports. (The Narwhal) 

Inside a Surrey ‘Local News’ Site Run by AI
Surrey Speak published fake news about a mayoral candidate and an AI-generated picture of a real murder victim. Zak Vescera reports. (The Tyee) 

How people are helping breeding frogs dodge cars
Meet the volunteers shuttling northern red-legged frogs across a 4-lane highway in Oregon to lay eggs. Sarah Trent reports. (High Country News) 

Democracy Watch

• Scientists create autism panel, citing RFK Jr.’s politicization of research (Washington Post) 
• FACT FOCUS: Misrepresented images spread after US and Israel strike Iran (AP) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  125 AM PST Tue Mar 3 2026    
WED  SW wind 5 to 10 kt, becoming W 15 to 20 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 4 seconds and W  5 ft at 12 seconds. Rain.  
WED NIGHT  W wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 5 to 8 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 5 seconds and W 8 ft at 12 seconds. 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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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3/3 Moss, BC time, salmon spawn, spongy moths, democracy watch.

Moss baubles [Laurie MacBride]

Moss baubles
Laurie MacBride in "Eye on Environment" writes: "Our mostly mild, wet February has prompted a burst of new energy among the mosses. Their sporophytes are pushing up, each long stem topped with a capsule, getting ready to burst open and release the spores carrying the next generation.When I captured this image, the bright green baubles of the sporophytes were still intact, and pretty enough to lure me down to ground level for a closer look. The hard part was getting my aging body back up again afterwards. If only I could spring up as energetically as the moss! (Eye on Environment) 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Report shows need for greater funding, enforcement to save salmon 

B.C. to end time changes, adopt year-round daylight time
March 8 will be the last time most British Columbians have to change their clocks, premier announces. (CBC) 

From Vancouver Island to Howe Sound, spawning herring hit B.C.'s waters
The B.C. coastline is on the verge of one of its biggest natural events of the year: the annual herring spawn. John Kurucz reports. (Times Colonist) 

Are these weird-looking bugs taking over Lakewood? What to know
You probably won’t see them, but they’re there. Growing in the tall tree canopies of Lakewood are tiny invasive critters that have the potential to wreak havoc on Pacific Northwest forests, especially oak trees. It’s called a spongy moth. Becca Most reports. (Tacoma News Tribune) 

Democracy Watch

• WA students face confrontations during anti-ICE walkouts (Seattle Times) 
• What the Pentagon’s Attack Videos Reveal About the Boat Strikes at Sea (NY Times) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  317 PM PST Mon Mar 2 2026    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TUESDAY NIGHT    
TUE  S wind 15 to 20 kt with gusts to 25 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft.  Wave Detail: SE 2 ft at 4 seconds, SW 3 ft at 7 seconds and W 2 ft  at 10 seconds. Rain.  
TUE NIGHT  SW wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: S  2 ft at 4 seconds, SW 3 ft at 8 seconds and W 2 ft at 13 seconds.  Showers in the evening, then rain after midnight.

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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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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3/2 Robin, data center regs, enviro crimes bill, cross-border relations resolution, Japanese beetle spray, democracy watch.

 

American Robin

American Robin Turdus migratorius
The quintessential early bird, American Robins are common sights on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery song, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they’re familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and Alaskan wilderness. (All About Birds)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  100 years of Black History Month

Microsoft urges major changes to Washington data center regulations as bill nears final vote
The race to regulate artificial intelligence infrastructure has arrived at a crossroads in Washington state. After weeks on the sidelines, Microsoft publicly declared its opposition to a controversial state bill that aims to rein in the environmental and economic impacts of the massive data centers powering the AI boom. Lisa Stiffler reports. (GeekWire) 

Plenty opposed to Washington environmental crimes bill
A parade of union officials, industry association leaders and representatives of landowners and fisheries appeared at a Washington state legislative hearing to oppose a bill that would attach criminal penalties to environmental violations. The bill, SB5360, narrowly passed the Washington Senate but has drawn strong opposition from critics who say it will subject workers to criminal penalties for honest mistakes and potentially reduce the willingness of farmers and foresters to engage in environmentally helpful activities. Daniel Fisher reports. (The Center Square) 

State resolution recognizes cross-border relationship with Canada
42nd Legislative District Senator and WWU Associate Professor of Economics Sharon Shewmake’s resolution SR 8696, “recognizing Washington’s interconnected relationship with Canada,” was adopted on Feb. 25 and signed. (WWU News) 

Japanese-beetle pesticide spraying coming to south King County
In a first for western Washington, agriculture officials are gearing up to spray insecticide to fight an infestation of Japanese beetles in south King County, near Seattle. The Washington State Department of Agriculture aims to spray up to 2,000 properties, covering about 1,000 acres of lawn in south King County, starting in late March. John Ryan reports. (KUOW) 

Democracy Watch

• A Supreme Court case over whether marijuana users can own guns is creating unusual alliances (AP) 
• Worms in food, poor medical care, lights on 24/7: Families tell of life in Texas detention center (AP) 
• 'One year of failure.' The Lancet slams RFK Jr.'s first year as health chief (NPR) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  203 PM PST Sun Mar 1 2026    
MON  SE wind around 5 kt, veering to S in the afternoon. Seas  around 2 ft or less, then around 3 ft in the afternoon. Wave  Detail: W 2 ft at 9 seconds.  
MON NIGHT  S wind 5 to 10 kt, becoming SE 10 to 15 kt after  midnight. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: S 3 ft at 9 seconds. A  chance of rain in the evening, then rain after midnight.

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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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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2/27 Plum blossom, Columbia R salmon, Tacoma trees, elephant seal flu, conservation's new era, democracy watch, week in review.

Plum blossom

Chinese plum Prunus mume
Chinese plum is a tree species in the family Rosaceae. It is also referenced by its flowers as plum blossom. Although referred to as a plum in English, it is classified in the Armeniaca section of the genus Prunus, making it an apricot. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  The music of a movement 

Judge orders protective measures for Columbia River salmon after Trump canceled historic deal
A federal judge in Oregon has ordered dams that operate on the Columbia and Snake rivers to generate less hydropower and allow more water to pass in an effort to keep salmon populations from dying out. The order largely restores measures that were in place under a landmark deal to protect salmon that the Trump administration canceled last year. Tony Schick reports. (OPB) 

Tacoma gets grant to plant trees around where kids walk to school 
The city of Tacoma has been prioritizing tree planting in parts of the city where there are fewer trees, such as south and east Tacoma. This latest effort is a new grant-funded program called SafeTREE Routes to School, which aims to increase tree canopy near schools. Saturday’s tree planting event was the groundbreaking of the project. Lauren Gallup reports. (NW Public Broadcasting) 

Bird Flu Strikes California Elephant Seals for the First Time
Thirty seals, primarily weaned pups, have died since late last week, scientists said. Emily Anthes and Apoorva Mandavilli report. (NY Times) 

Conservation Enters a New Era
One year after the Trump administration slashed biodiversity protections at home and abroad, people and organizations are figuring out where to go from here. A four-part series. 

• The Ghosts of Conservation Past. A look back at the United States’ outsize influence on global conservation reveals why the latest funding cuts should come as no surprise. (bioGraphic) 
• The Future of Conservation Without U.S. Aid. The Trump administration’s cuts to biodiversity funding have imperiled species, habitats, and the people who defend both. Now the world seeks a new way forward. (bioGraphic) 
• In the Wake of the Storm. A scientist tracks how cuts to federal funding are reshaping coastal communities, research, and species management in Alaska. (bioGraphic) 
• The Fight for the Heart of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One year after the Trump administration threw the EPA into chaos, former employees continue to push back—and to dream of an agency reborn. (bioGraphic) 

Democracy Watch

• The IRS broke the law by disclosing confidential information to ICE 42,695 times, judge says (AP) 
• Snohomish County judge rules Flock camera footage is public record (Everett Herald)  
• Checking in on the state of news media in Washington (KNKX) 

Salish Sea News Week in Review 2/27/28: Polar bear Friday, coal plant poison, logging OR, Dungeness crab regs, BC Indigenous Rights law, geoduck harvest rules, oil company climate, BC herring spawn, Burrard Inlet dredging, conservation's new era, Columbia R salmon, elephant seal flu. 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your weekend tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  227 AM PST Fri Feb 27 2026    
TODAY  W wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft  at 13 seconds. Rain likely, mainly this morning.  
TONIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt, becoming NW 5 to 10 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at 10 seconds.  
SAT  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  11 seconds.  
SAT NIGHT  E wind around 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 ft at 11 seconds.  
SUN  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: E 2 ft at  5 seconds and W 3 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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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2/26 Oregon hairy triton, herring spawn, Burrard Inlet dredging, Padilla Bay eelgrass, flare fix, underground dam, democracy watch.

Oregon hairy triton

    

Oregon hairy triton Fusitriton oregonensis
Oregon hairy triton is a species of large predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Cymatiidae. The snail was given its specific name oregonensis (meaning "of Oregon") to honor the Oregon Territory by conchologist John Howard Redfield in 1846. It is native to the northwestern coast of North America. The shells are found from Alaska to California, as well as in northern Japan. (Wikipedia) 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Whatcom County flooding problem solving

First signs of herring spawn spark excitement on Vancouver Island
The herring spawn attracts wildlife and onlookers to witness an increase in marine activity. Maryse Zeidler reports. (CBC) 

Vancouver port applies to dredge Burrard Inlet this year to fuel oil exports
An application to federal authorities contemplates deepening a navigational channel starting in September 2026. Stefan Labbé reports. (BIV) 

Genetic diversity a plus for Padilla Bay eelgrass
Padilla Bay’s expansive eelgrass meadow has a unique diversity of genetics, according to new research. Padilla Bay hosts one of the largest eelgrass beds in North America. The bed spans about 8,000 acres. Emma Fletcher-Frazer reports. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

Financial considerations likely behind LNG Canada flare fix delay: experts
The company says an issue with one of its flares will take three years to fix. Experts believe the company is prioritizing profits over the public and ask why the B.C. regulator isn’t stepping in. Lauren Watson reports. (The Narwhal) 

As drought fears mount, a team in Idaho proposes a subterranean dam
Can we engineer a way out of water shortages and a looming agricultural crisis? An ISU professor is working on it. Kendra Chamberlain reports. (Columbia Insight) 

Democracy Watch

• A look at Trump’s false and misleading claims in his State of the Union speech (AP) 
• The Future of News (Pew Trust) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  300 PM PST Wed Feb 25 2026    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON    
THU  SW wind 20 to 25 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft  at 8 seconds and SW 2 ft at 8 seconds. Rain.  
THU NIGHT  W wind 20 to 25 kt, easing to 15 to 20 kt after  midnight. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft at 9 seconds and W  6 ft at 12 seconds. 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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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2/25 American dipper, Indigenous Rights Law, goeduck harvest, gov's new ferries, SCOTUS climate, democracy watch.

 

American dipper

American Dipper Cinclus mexicanus
The slate-gray American Dipper is North America’s only truly aquatic songbird. It flits among midstream rocks and logs, rhythmically bobbing its tail, and then disappears for long moments to forage for aquatic larvae on the stream bottom, using its wings to negotiate the current. These birds build mossy, domed nests on boulders, cliff ledges, and bridges. The burbling song is evocative of the rushing whitewater streams this species calls home in western North and Central America. (All About Birds)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Bridge over a troubled highway

B.C. moves at ‘warp speed’ to change landmark Indigenous Rights law
B.C. plans to amend the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act by June. Opposition is growing — will the government listen? Shannon Waters reports.(The Narwhal) 

WA proposes tighter rules on harvesting shellfish, including geoducks 
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife is proposing to increase the minimum harvest size for cockles from one and half inches to two and a half, decrease the limit of geoducks that can be gathered daily from three to one and modify harvesting seasons for certain beaches. Kai Uyehara reports. (Seattle Times) 

WA governor’s $1B borrowing plan to buy new ferries sinks in Legislature
House and Senate spending plans released Monday would also push off conversion of diesel boats to battery power. Tom Banse reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Supreme Court agrees to hear from oil and gas companies trying to block climate change lawsuits
The Supreme Court said Monday that it will hear from oil and gas companies trying to block lawsuits seeking to hold the industry liable for billions of dollars in damage linked to climate change. Lindsay Whitehurst reports. (Associated Press) 

Democracy Watch

• It's not just professional journalists combing the Epstein files (AP) 
• Justice Department withheld and removed some Epstein files related to Trump (NPR) 

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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  234 PM PST Tue Feb 24 2026    

WED  W wind 15 to 20 kt, becoming SW 20 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at 6 seconds.  Rain.  
WED NIGHT  SW wind 20 to 25 kt, rising to 25 to 30 kt after  midnight. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: SW 6 ft at 7 seconds.  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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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2/24 Spanish bluebell, Wei Wai Kum First Nation, Dungeness crab rules, democracy watch.

 

Spanish bluebell

Spanish bluebell Hyacinthoides hispanica
The Spanish bluebell, or wood hyacinth, is a spring-flowering bulbous perennial native to the Iberian Peninsula. However, it has naturalised and is cultivated in many other European countries, as well as in North America and Australia. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Indigenous rappers ‘carry the torch’ 

First Nation takes majority ownership in Campbell River whale watching firm
Wei Wai Kum First Nation is on pathway to full ownership of Campbell River business. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist) 

Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission denies petition to alter Dungeness crabbing rules
With whale entanglements on the rise, last December, the Center for Biological Diversityalong with Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the American Cetacean Society, submitted a petition to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission that recommended a suite of sweeping new deployment and equipment rules intended to prevent whale entanglements.  Brian Bahouth reports. (KLCC) 

Democracy Watch

• RFK Jr. fought pesticides for years. Now he’s backing their production (AP) 
• CDC deputy director abruptly resigns from role as agency reels from turnover (The Guardian) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  225 PM PST Mon Feb 23 2026    

TUE  E wind 5 to 10 kt, backing to NW in the afternoon. Seas  3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: S 4 ft at 8 seconds. A chance of rain in  the afternoon.  
TUE NIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt, rising to 15 to 20 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at 6 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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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2/23 Ruby-crowned kinglet, coal plant emissions, cutting western OR forests, protect public lands, plastic problem, Indigenous curriculum, Trump's border wall, democracy watch.

 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet [Evan Lipton]

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Corthylio calendula
A tiny bird seemingly overflowing with energy, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet forages almost frantically through lower branches of shrubs and trees. Its habit of constantly flicking its wings is a key identification clue. Smaller than a warbler or chickadee, this plain green-gray bird has a white eyering and a white bar on the wing. (All About Birds)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Indigenous rappers ‘carry the torch’ 

Trump administration eases limits on coal plants for emitting mercury, other toxins
The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday weakened limits on mercury and other toxic emissions from coal-fired power plants, the Trump administration’s latest effort to boost the fossil fuel industry by paring back clean air and water rules. Michael Phillis and Dylan Lovan report. (Associated Press) 

Feds propose opening millions of acres of western Oregon forests to 1960s logging levels
The Bureau of Land Management on Thursday shared in a notice of intent that officials will propose new updates to the Western Oregon Resource Management Plans that have governed logging and conservation on 2.5 million acres of forests in 17 Oregon counties for decades, and that were last updated in 2016. Alex Baumhardt reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Bipartisan majorities in Western states oppose Trump’s rollback of public lands protections
Eighty-four percent of Western voters say that “rollbacks of laws that protect our land, water and wildlife” are a serious problem, up from 68% eight years ago, according to a poll released Wednesday by Colorado College’s State of the Rockies project. Chase Woodruff reports. (Washington State Standard) 

 'The Problem With Plastic' is dire, but still holds hope
"The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late," written by Adam Mahoney and Judith Enck, founders of the nonprofit Beyond Plastics, looks at the serious impacts to the environment and human health caused by our reliance on plastics. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX)  

A class of their own: Tired of same topics, students help shape their own Indigenous course
A group of Indigenous students helped put together a new course for Stelly’s Secondary with local First Nations input. Michael John Lo reports. (Times Colonist) 

‘Psychological’ Trump wall on WA’s border has repelled a million trips 
Cars with Canadian plates coming southbound into northwest Washington dropped 39% in the first 365 days of Trump’s term, Jan. 20, 2025, through Jan. 19, 2026, as compared to the same time span a year earlier. Assuming a typical average of 1.3 people per car, it adds up to 1.2 million Canadians not visiting. Danny Westneat writes. (Seattle Times) 

Democracy Watch

• FCC calls for more 'patriotic, pro-America' programming in run-up to 250th anniversary (NPR) 
• TSA says PreCheck still operational after previous announcement of suspension during funding fight (AP) 
• ICE’s purchases for big detention centers are marked by secrecy, frustrating towns (AP) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  215 PM PST Sun Feb 22 2026    
MON  SW wind 10 to 15 kt, becoming W 5 to 10 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: SW 5 ft at 9 seconds. A  chance of rain.  
MON NIGHT  NW wind 5 to 10 kt, veering to NE after midnight.  Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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2/20 False Lily of the Valley, greenhouse gas regs, Trump's weedkiller, BC reconciliation law, Pat Arnold, democracy watch, week in review.

False Lily of the Valley [Ben Legler]

False Lily of the Valley Maianthemum dilatatum
A perennial herb from wide-spreading rhizomes with upright stems which grows in moist, shady areas and open to dense woods. This plant grows from Alaska to California (including British Columbia) and east to northern Idaho. This plant grows on both sides of the Cascades crest and at the coast in Washington. Many Pacific Northwest tribes (including the Bella Coola, Hesquiat, Nitinaht, Salish, and others) have eaten ripe berries for food and used the berries to treat tuberculosis. A poultice of leaves has been used to treat skin boils, minor burns, wounds, and cuts. The fruit has been used to treat tuberculosis. An infusion of chewed or pounded roots has been used to treat sore eyes. (Washington Native Plant Society)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Contagious cancer poses possible threat to Salish Sea clams

Climate, health groups challenge EPA repeal of major greenhouse gas regulation
A coalition of public health and environmental groups filed a suit Wednesday challenging the Trump administration’s recent finding that the Environmental Protection Agency could not regulate climate-warming greenhouse gases. Jacob Fischler reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Trump Order Aims to Boost Weedkiller Targeted in Health Lawsuits
An executive order aimed at ramping up production of glyphosate set off alarms among supporters of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Hiroko Tabuchi and Sheryl Gay Stolberg report. (NY Times) 

As B.C. stokes its economic engine, Eby says reconciliation law is in the way
The government says changes are needed to avoid ‘uncertainty’ from court rulings. Critics argue the move could spark more, costly legal battles. Shannon Waters reports. (The Narwhal) 

The conscience of conservation in Southwest Washington
If you’ve ever been involved with environmental issues in Southwest Washington, you’ve got an opinion about Pat Arnold. Though her platform is Friends of the White Salmon River—she’s been with the advocacy organization since the 1990s, becoming part of its leadership in 2008—her interests and expertise are widespread. Timber sales. Renewable energy. Wildlife habitat. Dams. Deborah Bloom reports. (Columbia Insight) 

Democracy Watch

• WA Japanese Americans rally against ICE on Day of Remembrance (Seattle Times) 
• Federal judge accuses Trump administration of ‘terror’ against immigrants in scathing ruling (AP) 
• New Trump Banner Hung on Justice Department Headquarters (NY Times) 

Salish Sea News Week in Review 2/20/26: Muffin Day, WA climate fight, Columbia R salmon, whale-safe gear, old oaks, Roundup cancer, climate funds, new orca, AK drilling.

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your weekend tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  259 AM PST Fri Feb 20 2026    
GALE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY  MORNING    
TODAY  SE wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: E 3 ft  at 4 seconds and W 3 ft at 10 seconds. A chance of rain and snow  this morning, then rain likely this afternoon.  
TONIGHT  E wind 15 to 20 kt, rising to 30 to 35 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: E 5 ft at 5 seconds and W 3  ft at 9 seconds. Rain.  
SAT  E wind 25 to 30 kt, with gusts to 35 kt. Seas 5 to 8 ft,  building to 7 to 8 ft in the afternoon. Wave Detail: E 8 ft at 7  seconds. Rain.  
SAT NIGHT  E wind 30 to 35 kt. Seas 7 to 9 ft, building to 9 to  10 ft after midnight. Wave Detail: E 9 ft at 8 seconds and W 4 ft  at 14 seconds. Rain.  
SUN  E wind 25 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt, becoming SE  15 to 20 kt in the afternoon. Seas 7 to 10 ft, subsiding to 5 to  7 ft in the afternoon. Wave Detail: E 9 ft at 7 seconds and SW  4 ft at 14 seconds. 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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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2/19 Skink, new orca calf, transforming biosolids, African farm, swallow homes, receding glaciers, AK oil drilling.

Western skink [WDFW]

Western skink Plestiodon skiltonianus
Western skinks can be found in eastern Washington, Idaho, from south-central British Columbia to southern Baja California, eastwards to western Montana, eastern Utah, north-central Arizona, and southern Nevada. The western skink is the only lizard in Washington that has a bright blue tail, shiny smooth scales, and stripes running along the length of their body. If caught by a predator, the western skink can detach its tail. The bright blue tail then moves vigorously around, distracting the predator while the skink tries to escape. The tail will eventually grow back, but oftentimes the new tail is darker and more oddly shaped than the original. (Burke Museum)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  An interview with Jessica Rienstra

New Southern Resident orca calf spotted in L pod
he Center for Whale Research spotted a new Southern Resident orca calf traveling with L pod on Feb. 16 in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Designated L129, the calf was seen with two females, the 49‑year‑old L55 and her daughter L103. Researchers said it is too early to know which whale is the mother. AARON GRANILLO Aaron Granillo reports. (KIRO) 

CRD launches survey, open house on proposed thermal treatment plant
The plant would transform biosolids into biochar, a charcoal-like product that can be used in everything from green building materials to stormwater filtration. Andrew A. Duffy reports.(Times Colonist) 

As grocery prices climb, one farmer bets on growing African staples in B.C.
People said he was crazy to start a farm based in African foods. ‘It’s good to be crazy in a good way,’ Canadian Black Farmers Association founder Toyin Kayo-Ajayi says. Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood reports. (The Narwhal) 

Beautiful new waterfront homes built along Tacoma shoreline — for beloved birds
This month Parks Tacoma staff put up some beautiful waterfront housing. But it’s not for us. It’s for a new purple martin colony to lure North America’s largest swallows back home to the Ruston waterfront. Becca Most reports. (Tacoma News Tribune) 

Vonn, Shiffrin and Brignone among the Olympic skiers voicing concern over receding glaciers
Team USA skiers Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, along with Italy’s Federica Brignone, are among the many skiers who have expressed concern during these Olympic Games about the accelerating melt of the world’s glaciers. Jennifer McDermott reports. (Associated Press) 

Lawsuits challenge renewed push for oil drilling in Alaska petroleum reserve and upcoming lease sale
Conservation organizations and an Iñupiat group filed legal challenges Tuesday to the Trump administration’s renewed push for oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and an upcoming lease sale that they say improperly makes available ecologically sensitive lands that have been long protected. Becky Bohrer reports.(Associated Press) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  214 PM PST Wed Feb 18 2026   
 SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING    THU  E wind 15 to 25 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E 3 ft at  4 seconds and W 4 ft at 10 seconds.  THU NIGHT  E wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: E  2 ft at 4 seconds and W 3 ft at 9 seconds. A chance of rain and  snow after midnight.

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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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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2/18 Hyacinth, WA climate funds, glyphospate spraying, Roundup cancer, BC critical minerals, democracy watch.

Hyacinth

Hyacinth
Hyacinthus is a genus of bulbous herbs and spring-blooming perennials. The name comes from Greek mythology: Hyacinth was killed by Zephyrus, the god of the west wind, jealous of his love for Apollo. He then transformed the drops of Hyacinth's blood into flowers. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Whatcom County jail is on the wrong path

WA climate funds needed to plug huge budget gap, lawmaker says 
Lawmakers can’t find a better way to fill part of Washington’s perennial budget gap than by dipping into the billions raised by the state’s Climate Commitment Act. Gov. Bob Ferguson’s $559 million proposal to transfer climate funds is legal but also a significant disappointment for those who hoped to safeguard that cash as a way to transition away from planet-warming fossil fuels or to guard against natural disasters, especially as the federal government hastens its retreat on climate change policy. Conrad Swanson reports. (Seattle Times) 

The BC NDP promised to phase out glyphosate. Forestry companies are still spraying
Herbicide use by the forestry sector has declined, but a group advocating for a ban says spraying even relatively small areas can have an outsized impact. Ainslie Cruickshank reports. (The Narwhal) 

Bayer agrees to $7.25 billion proposed settlement over thousands of Roundup cancer lawsuits
Agrochemical maker Bayer and attorneys for cancer patients announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement Tuesday to resolve thousands of U.S. lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn people that its popular weedkiller Roundup could cause cancer. David A. Lieb reports. (Associated Press) 

B.C.’s critical minerals push to reshape the province — fast and without consent?
Premier David Eby wants to fast-track projects and amend Indigenous Rights legislation, raising questions about environmental oversight and who benefits from B.C.’s critical minerals agenda. Santana Dreaver reports. (The Narwhal) 

Democracy Watch

• Trump family business files for trademark rights on any airports using the president’s name (AP) 
• Jesse Jackson’s Death Arrives at a Crucial Moment for Black Political Power (NY Times) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  235 PM PST Tue Feb 17 2026    SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING    
WED  SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at  12 seconds. Rain. A chance of snow in the morning, then snow in  the afternoon.  
WED NIGHT  E wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E  2 ft at 3 seconds and W 4 ft at 11 seconds. A chance of snow.  Rain likely, mainly in the evening.

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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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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