9/14 Killer whales, BC pipe, Alaska oil, Site C, Hanjin Shipping, Clear Cr., youth climate suit

Killer whales in British Columbia (Carl Safina)

As salmon dwindle, whales die
Governor Jay Inslee visited the San Juan Islands over Labor Day weekend for two reasons: to secure voters, and to get a little peace and quiet. While he did find those two things, he was also confronted with something else—orca advocates seeking help for the region’s Southern Resident killer whales. On the morning of September 3, atop Mount Grant, Inslee listened to the pleas of the orca group to remove dams from the Snake River to help replenish wild salmon stocks. In turn, he asked the group—which included both concerned scientists and citizens—questions about the importance of Columbia-Snake River Basin and its salmon to the orcas. The answer: With dams on the Columbia, there are fewer salmon, and with fewer salmon, the orcas will continue starving to death. Carl Safina and Erica Cirino write. (National Geographic)

Editor's note: Reader Don Norman points out that yesterday's picture accompanying a story about a young Great Blue Heron was of an adult heron. "Juveniles have no white in the crown, second years a bald white spot."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau planning to approve at least one pipeline, with Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain in the lead
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to approve at least one new oil pipeline project in his first term, with Kinder Morgan Inc.’s Trans Mountain expansion to the Pacific Coast the most likely candidate, people familiar with his plans said. The prime minister is seeking to strengthen environmental standards and build confidence in new regulatory rules while also stoking growth in Canada’s sluggish economy by backing a pipeline. Trudeau therefore plans to neither approve all the projects under consideration nor reject them all, according to the people who spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions are private…. Kinder’s proposal is seen as likeliest to win approval despite opposition among key figures in vote-rich Vancouver, the people said. The Trans Mountain expansion already has conditional regulatory sign-off from the National Energy Board. Josh Wingrove reports. (Bloomberg News)

Overlooked North Slope formation may hold 120,000-barrel-a-day secret
Geologists say a potential major oil discovery in Alaska, coupled with a state geological analysis released this summer, indicate that an often-overlooked rock formation on the North Slope may hold significant potential for future oil discoveries. Those experts have long known that the sandstone in the Nanushuk formation, an underground layer of rocks deposited from eroding mountains about 100 million years ago, had the qualities for oil and gas. But while the Nanushuk has been penetrated by dozens of wells — the formation is one of the first rock layers that a drill bit pierces in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska — longtime geologists say decades of drilling has led to only minor discoveries. That changed last year when Spanish company Repsol and Armstrong Oil and Gas of Denver announced that they had found what experts say might be one of the largest oil discoveries in Alaska. Alex DeMarban reports. (Alaska Dispatch News)

B.C. First Nations criticize Trudeau government for approving Site C permits
An indigenous member of the federal Liberal caucus is breaking ranks with his colleagues on B.C.’s controversial Site C project, saying he is not convinced that two First Nations were properly consulted about the multibillion-dollar hydroelectric project. Robert-Falcon Ouellette, MP for Winnipeg Centre, said Tuesday he still has questions about a July decision by the Fisheries and Oceans Department authorizing construction of the dam on the Peace River. Ouellette said he plans to raise the issue with Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc when Parliament resumes next week. (Canadian Press)

Hanjin Shipping secures $45 million, more may take 'considerable time'
The chairman of Hanjin Group transferred 40 billion won ($36 million) to Hanjin Shipping (117930.KS) on Tuesday to help unload cargo stranded on the troubled shipper's vessels, a spokesman said, but regulators warned securing further funds could take "considerable time." The parent of Hanjin Shipping pledged last week to raise 100 billion won to help rescue cargo in the wake of the collapse of the world's seventh-biggest container shipper, including the 40 billion won from Chairman Cho Yang-ho. About $9 million pledged by Choi Eun-young, a former chairwoman of Hanjin Shipping, has also come in, the shipper said. Around $14 billion of cargo has been tied up globally as ports, tugboat operators and cargo handling firms worried about not being paid refused to work for Hanjin, which filed for receivership in a Seoul court on Aug 31.  Hyunjoo Jin and Cecile Lefort report. (Reuters)

Returning Clear Creek's curves
…. Kitsap County is in the final phase of an ambitious project to return a straightened section of Clear Creek to its naturally curvy course. Started in May, the $3 million project is reviving the Silverdale creek's historic floodplain on 30 county-owned acres north of Waaga Way. What was once a meandering route has, over the past century, been turned into straight sections to accommodate farms and the more recent spate of commercial development. Tristan Baurick reports. (Kitsap Sun)

Federal Judge In Oregon Weighs Dismissal Of Youths' Climate Suit
Federal Judge Ann Aiken heard from attorneys Tuesday in a case that 21 young people have brought against the Obama administration over climate change.  the audience for the hearing overflowed into two other rooms at the Eugene Federal Courthouse and in courtrooms in Portland. Attorneys for the federal government and fossil fuel industry groups argued for dismissal of the case. Sean Duffy, with the Justice Department, acknowledged climate change is real and human caused. But he said the judicial system is not the right forum to push for more action to cut carbon emissions. Attorney Julia Olsen, with Our Children’s Trust, represents the youth plaintiffs. She said when Congress and the executive branch aren’t doing enough it’s up to the judicial branch to step in—decisions which ended segregation established marriage equality. Rachael McDonald reports. (KLCC/EarthFix)

Now, your tug weather---
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA-  300 AM PDT WED SEP 14 2016  

TODAY  W WIND TO 10 KT...BECOMING NW IN THE AFTERNOON. WIND WAVES  1 FT OR LESS. NW SWELL 4 FT AT 12 SECONDS.
TONIGHT  W WIND 5 TO 15 KT...BECOMING NW AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND  WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 4 FT AT 11 SECONDS.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. To subscribe, send your name and email to msato at salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

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9/13 GBH, Kply cleanup, Devil's Lake & Dabob Bay, Cheslatta Carrier First Nation, Site C

GBH (Rebecca Richardson/BirdNote)

The Heron and the Snake
It's a rough world for a young Great Blue Heron. A mere one egg in ten results in an adult heron. Only a little more than 25% of fledglings survive their first year. Michael Hobbs witnessed a battle between a young heron and a snake. Successful foraging takes practice. In a trial-and-error world, how often does an inexperienced bird get a second chance? Fortunately, nearly 75% of yearlings will survive to adulthood. (BirdNote)

Port of Port Angeles commissioners formally conclude cleanup of KPly mill site
Port of Port Angeles commissioners took action Monday morning, officially putting to rest the cleanup of the 19-acre former KPly mill site at 439 Marine Drive. The cleanup ended up costing $7,007,738.98. While well over the original $3.5 million contract, the final costs came in about $200,000 less than expected. The costs dropped from $7.2 million because the contractor brought in less fill material than was originally estimated, said Chris Hartman, the port’s director of engineering. Jesse Major reports. (Peninsula Daily News)

State details conservation area expansion plans for Jefferson commissioners 
Jefferson County commissioners learned details of a proposal to expand two conservation areas within the county at their meeting Monday. The proposal from the state Department of Natural Resources would expand Devil’s Lake Natural Resources Conservation Area by just over 400 acres and Dabob Bay Natural Area by almost 3,000 acres. The Devil’s Lake expansion would be onto 415 acres of DNR managed trust land, with would put the boundary right up to Quilcene Bay…. The much more expansive area around Dabob Bay is expected to be a long-term project, according to John Gamon of the DNR.  Cydney McFarland reports. (Peninsula Daily News)

Cheslatta Carrier First Nation sign reconciliation agreement with province
The Cheslatta Carrier First Nation signed a reconciliation and settlement framework with the B.C. government on Monday afternoon. Cheslatta Carrier was removed from their traditional territory over 60 years ago to make way for the Kenney Dam, a hydroelectric dam that powers Rio Tinto Alcan's Kitimat smelter operations. The flooding of their traditional territory by the dam has resulted in the destruction of sites of cultural significance, including graves. According to the province, the agreement will serve as a framework for further negotiations on specific benefits for the First Nation. (CBC)

B.C. First Nations Site C dam challenge plays out in Federal Court in Montreal
Ottawa has an obligation to uphold treaty rights in relation to the $9-billion Site C dam project in British Columbia, two First Nations groups from the province argued Monday. The communities from Treaty 8 territory -- Prophet River and West Moberly -- appeared in the Federal Court of Appeal seeking to reverse a 2015 decision that rejected their arguments the project violates their constitutionally protected treaty rights. The proposed dam and hydroelectric generating station on B.C.'s Peace River, which calls for an 83-kilometre reservoir, would flood farmland along with traditional First Nations territory and affect hunting, fishing and trapping rights. Sidhartha Banerjee reports. (Canadian Press)

Now, your tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA-  300 AM PDT TUE SEP 13 2016  

TODAY  E WIND TO 10 KT. WIND WAVES 1 FT OR LESS. NW SWELL 3 FT AT  10 SECONDS.
TONIGHT  W WIND 5 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 3 FT  AT 14 SECONDS.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. To subscribe, send your name and email to msato at salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

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9/12 Spotted owl, La Nada, BC sockeye, Elwha fish, chum & coho, paddle path, grn crab, Site C

Northern spotted owl (Vancouver Sun)

Wing and a prayer: northern spotted owls on the brink despite captive breeding program
He’s the $300,000 bird, a fluffy ball of feathers that represents a last faint hope for his species. His theoretical value represents the approximate annual budget of a provincial captive-breeding program for endangered northern spotted owls — one of Canada’s most endangered species — in north Langley that successfully produced just a single newborn this year. Nameless so far, the young male born in April shares its enclosure at the Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Centre with grandparents, Shakkai, hit by a car and brought to a rehab centre in 1994, and Einstein, taken from the Stein Valley as a juvenile in 2007. The young bird is being raised by his grandparents, in part, because they are considered more experienced than its true parents, Shania and Scud, and offer the young a greater chance at survival. Larry Pynn reports. (Vancouver Sun)

Neutral Weather Pattern Sets Up 'Anything Goes' Northwest Winter
What kind of weather might the Northwest be in for this fall and winter? Well, one meaningful clue came when federal forecasters at the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center Thursday dropped their "La Niña Watch.” La Niña and its opposite, El Niño, are tropical climate patterns that can strongly influence snowfall and temperatures in the Pacific Northwest. La Niña is characterized by unusually cold surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. For much of this year, federal forecasters thought a mild La Niña was developing. But no longer. Kathie Dello, deputy director of the Oregon Climate Service at Oregon State University, said the outlook has now been dialed back to “ENSO neutral” in weather-speak -- or La Nada. Tom Banse reports. (KUOW)

What is the future of B.C.'s iconic fish?
Wild B.C. salmon may be on its way to luxury item status… That’s if you can buy it at all. The wild catch of B.C. salmon has declined nearly 80 per cent since 1990, according to statistics supplied by the Ministry of Agriculture. Aquaculture has replaced nearly all of that decline, and today produces about three quarters of B.C.’s total salmon haul. The Fraser River sockeye fishery was closed altogether this year based on spawner return estimates of just 853,000 fish, numbers once reckoned in the tens of millions. It is the worst return in 120 years, according to the Pacific Salmon Commission. Randy Shore reports. (Vancouver Sun)

Olympic National Park: Fish continue to recolonize Elwha watershed 
Adult chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, steelhead and bull trout were spotted in the upper Elwha River last month, the latest evidence of post-dam removal recolonization, fisheries biologists said. Recent monitoring has revealed that the fish have passed upstream through the former Elwha and Glines Canyon dam sites, Olympic National Park officials said. The observation is based on snorkel surveys that spotted fish but did not show the numbers that are swimming above the former dam sites. Rob Ollikainen reports. (Peninsula Daily News)

A difference between chum and coho salmon may be in their blood
Chris Dunagan in Watching Our Water Ways writes about the latest research into why coho salmon are more susceptible to stormwater pollution than chum salmon. In an interview with researcher Jenifer McIntyre, he writes: "Researchers in Japan have discovered that different kinds of fish have different subunits in their hemoglobin, which are the proteins in red blood cells that carry oxygen to the vital organs. Since coho and other salmon may have different forms of hemoglobin, oxygen transport in the blood is a good place to start this investigation, she said."

Paddle corridor planned for Salish Sea
Work is underway on a water route that will connect Vancouver Island and the mainland. The Salish Sea Marine Trail will provide official access points to the ocean to make the coastline more accessible. It will also tie together a network of camping sites that are within a day's paddle from each other…. The 257-kilometre route will go from Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula into the Gulf Islands, north past Nanaimo, through the Winchelsea and Ballenas islands across to Lasqueti and Texada Islands, then down the Sunshine Coast and across Howe Sound to end at Horseshoe Bay. Megan Thomas reports. (CBC)

Sea Grant Monitors In High Gear After Invasive Green Crab Found On San Juan Island
This week, scientists are scouring shoreline habitat near Westcott Bay on San Juan Island, hunting for green crabs. The Washington Sea Grant Crab Team, with help from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, will set dozens of traps in an effort to learn more about the population of the invasive species. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX)

Why B.C.'s Site C dam could become a national issue
For the last week, a large bus with the slogan "Stand with First Nations to protect the Peace River" on its sides has been making its way across Canada. A federal judge will hear an appeal from two northeastern B.C. First Nations groups in Montreal on Monday about the $8.8 billion dam known as Site C. The Treaty 8 First Nations want construction to stop on the Site C dam site, saying it infringes on their traditional hunting, fishing and trapping rights…. But 21 months after it was approved by the province of British Columbia, Site C opponents believe the fight is now at a tipping point. Justin McElroy, CBC

Federal government halts work on part of pipeline project
The federal government stepped into the fight over the Dakota Access oil pipeline Friday, ordering work to stop on one segment of the project in North Dakota and asking the Texas-based company building it to “voluntarily pause” action on a wider span that an American Indian tribe says holds sacred artifacts. The government’s order came minutes after a judge rejected a request by the Standing Rock Sioux to halt construction of the $3.8 billion, four-state pipeline. The tribe, whose cause has drawn thousands to join their protest, has challenged the Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to grant permits for the pipeline at more than 200 water crossings. Tribal leaders allege that the project violates several federal laws and will harm water supplies. The tribe also says ancient sites have been disturbed during construction. Dave Kolpack and James MacPherson report. (Associated Press)

Now, your tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA-  300 AM PDT MON SEP 12 2016  

TODAY  E WIND TO 10 KT...BECOMING 5 TO 15 KT IN THE AFTERNOON.  WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 5 FT AT 9 SECONDS.
TONIGHT  W WIND TO 10 KT...BECOMING SE AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND WAVES  1 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 4 FT AT 9 SECONDS.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. To subscribe, send your name and email to msato at salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

Follow on Twitter.

Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told

9/9 Squamish fishing, pier removal, Vic sewer, no birds, no swim, green crab, wolf kill, bad fishing

Squamish fishing on Capilano River (CBC)

Traditional salmon fishing on Capilano River raises complaints 
At the mouth of the Capilano River, members of the Squamish First Nation have engaged in rock weir fishing for generations. Using rocks as barriers to trap salmon in small ponds, and simple nets to move them to land, the annual harvest helps feed the community for months…. But in a year where some salmon stocks are at record low numbers, and recreational salmon fishing on the Fraser River has been completely banned, traditional activities are causing modern grievances for some…. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1990 — in a case involving the Musqueam Indian Band — that Aboriginal rights to fish for food on traditional rivers are protected.  "This is a sanctioned fishery and it's for the Squamish Nation under their communal license," said David Loop with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Justin McElroy and Kamil Karamali report. (CBC)

Maury Island pier being removed to protect Puget Sound marine life
Crews from King County Parks and the State Department of Natural Resources began removing an derelict pier on Maury Island this week. Officials said the pier is treated with creosote, a chemical that can seep into the water as the pier ages. That chemical is known to kill herring eggs, a fish that's a staple for salmon and migrating birds. DNR officials said removing the pier's 150 pilings and other structures will improve vital shoreline habitat in the 275-acre natural area on Maury Island. The area is home to endangered species like orcas, Chinook salmon and bull trout. (KOMO)

Esquimalt’s clout on sewage treatment plant softer: expert
Esquimalt may have kiboshed sewage treatment plans at McLoughlin Point two years ago, but that won’t likely happen this time around, a legal expert says. Administrative lawyer John Alexander said as long as the plan abides by zoning regulations, council won’t have much power to turn it down. The Capital Regional District’s project board released a final report Wednesday recommending a single wastewater treatment plant at McLoughlin Point, to be completed by 2020. Unlike earlier proposals for McLoughlin Point, the plant’s footprint would be small enough to fit current zoning. It also involves tertiary treatment, setbacks and other adjustments that Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins has hailed as victories for the municipality. The CRD board will vote on the plan next week, to meet a Sept. 30 deadline for federal and provincial funding. Amy Smart reports. (Times Colonist)

Improved water quality could mark end of Priest Point swim advisory
For the first time since 2004, the beaches at Priest Point Park in Olympia are undergoing tests for bacterial contamination — all in the name of public health and safety. The Budd Inlet waters have been under a permanent swim advisory since 2004 because of the presence of fecal bacteria known as enterococcus, which can cause illness from exposure. However, the swim advisory’s days may be numbered. Last spring, the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation’s Capitol-Olympia chapter launched the Blue Water Task Force in a partnership with Thurston County and the Department of Ecology. The task force’s goal is to retest the beaches at Priest Point Park to determine whether they are safe for recreation — and eventually make the case for lifting the swim advisory. Andy Hobbs reports. (Olympian) See also: Dyes Inlet closed for shellfish harvesting  (Kitsap Sun)

How Sea-Tac biologist prevents birds from creating the next ‘Miracle on the Hudson’
Seven years ago, a US Airways pilot was forced to make an emergency water landing in New York’s Hudson River after his Airbus A320 struck a flock of Canada geese and its engines failed. Everyone survived and media organizations dubbed the incident “The Miracle on the Hudson.” Now Hollywood has its hold on the story, with Tom Hanks playing the titular character “Sully,” the pilot who decided to ditch…. Steve Osmek is a wildlife biologist at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. He’s in charge of keeping birds and other wildlife from disrupting airline operations and endangering passengers. Lately, things have been busy for Osmek. Evan Bush reports. (Seattle Times)

Green crab invade farther north on B.C. coast
Last week, an invasive species known as the European green crab was found in Puget Sound. The marine-focused environmental group that found the crab, Washington Sea Grant, is still trying to find out if it was just a lone crab, or if a population has been established. And, while the alarms are sounding in Washington State, green crab populations are already establishing themselves off British Columbia’s coast and are moving further north. Alaska Fish & Game Invasive Species Coordinator, Tammy Davis, said the green crab found in Puget Sound last week isn’t a concern for Southeast Alaska.  Aaron Bolton reports. (KSTK, Stikine River Radio)

State rejects proposed nonlethal plan to transport targeted wolves
Washington state officials have rejected a proposal by a wildlife preserve to save the Profanity Peak wolf pack targeted for extermination. “We received the proposal to relocate the remaining Profanity Peak pack members to California, but that approach just isn’t feasible,” said Eric Gardner, assistant director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), in an emailed statement. Lorin Lindner and Matthew Simmons, co-founders of the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center, a 4,000-acre preserve near the Los Padres mountains in Ventura County, Calif., offered to use helicopters to find and tranquilize the wolves, then move them to the preserve. Vernal Coleman reports. (Seattle Times)

Hawaiian seafood caught by foreign crews confined on boats
Pier 17 doesn’t even show up on most Honolulu maps. Cars whiz past it on their way to Waikiki’s famous white sand beaches. Yet few locals, let alone passing tourists, are aware that just behind a guarded gate, another world exists: foreign fishermen confined to American boats for years at a time. Hundreds of undocumented men are employed in this unique U.S. fishing fleet, due to a federal loophole that allows them to work but exempts them from most basic labor protections. Many come from impoverished Southeast Asian and Pacific nations to take the dangerous jobs, which can pay as little as 70 cents an hour. With no legal standing on U.S. soil, the men are at the mercy of their American captains on American-flagged, American-owned vessels, catching prized swordfish and ahi tuna. Since they don’t have visas, they are not allowed to set foot on shore. The entire system, which contradicts other state and federal laws, operates with the blessing of high-ranking U.S. lawmakers and officials, an Associated Press investigation found. Martha Mendoza and Margie Mason report. (Associated Press)

Now, your weekend tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA-  244 AM PDT FRI SEP 9 2016  

TODAY  LIGHT WIND...BECOMING NE TO 10 KT IN THE AFTERNOON. WIND  WAVES 1 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 5 FT AT 9 SECONDS.
TONIGHT  W WIND 5 TO 15 KT...BECOMING TO 10 KT AFTER MIDNIGHT.  WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 4 FT AT 11 SECONDS. A SLIGHT  CHANCE OF RAIN AFTER MIDNIGHT.
SAT  SW WIND TO 10 KT...BECOMING W IN THE AFTERNOON. WIND WAVES  1 FT OR LESS. SW SWELL 3 FT AT 13 SECONDS...BUILDING TO W 5 FT AT  10 SECONDS IN THE AFTERNOON. RAIN LIKELY IN THE MORNING...THEN A  CHANCE OF RAIN IN THE AFTERNOON.
SAT NIGHT  W WIND 5 TO 15 KT...BECOMING TO 10 KT AFTER MIDNIGHT.  WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 6 FT AT 11 SECONDS.
SUN  W WIND 5 TO 15 KT...BECOMING NW TO 10 KT IN THE AFTERNOON.  WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 6 FT AT 10 SECONDS.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. To subscribe, send your name and email to msato at salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

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9/8 Vic sewer, Skagit poop, 'pit-to-pier,' no oil port, bad fisher, Hood Canal, quake!, bird fest

Prognathodes basabei (NOAA)

Scientists name new fish species found in Papahanaumokuakea
Scientists have named a new species of butterflyfish discovered in the deep reefs of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument after a Kona diver who has assisted in the collection of reef fishes for numerous scientific studies and educational displays in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The new fish, Prognathodes basabei, is named after Pete Basabe, a veteran local diver from Kona who, over the years, has assisted with the collection of reef fishes for numerous scientific studies and educational displays, according to a news release from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Basabe, an experienced deep diver, was instrumental in providing support for the dives that produced the first specimen of the fish that now bears his name. Gregg Kakesako reports. (Star-Advertiser)

Build sewage plant at McLoughlin Point in Esquimalt, expert panel says
In what can only be seen as coming full circle, an independent panel is recommending the Capital Regional District build a single regional tertiary sewage treatment plant at Esquimalt’s McLoughlin Point. The new proposal, which still needs approval by the CRD board, has a pricetag of $765 million. That’s far less expensive than the other short-listed options — $920 million for a plant at Rock Bay or $1 billion for plants at Rock Bay and McLoughlin, says a panel report released Wednesday. The new McLoughlin plan is remarkably similar to one rejected two years ago when Esquimalt council refused to approve variances to the zoning of McLoughlin to allow a regional enhanced secondary sewage treatment plant to be built there. That sent CRD staff and directors on a two-year, multimillion dollar search for a different option. Bill Cleverley reports. (Times Colonist) See also: West Shore wastewater plant still on the table  Amy Smart reports. (Times Colonist)

Skagit County program effective at reducing fecal coliform pollution
With less fecal coliform bacteria found this year at the Bay View State Park beach, Skagit County staff say their efforts to find and fix sources of pollution are working. During past years, the beach along Padilla Bay has closed to swimming multiple times during the testing season — May to September — due to fecal coliform bacteria in the water, but this year it closed once. County staff are saying the “dramatic water quality improvement” is thanks to a pollution identification and correction program used in the Bay View area over the past year. Kimberly Cauvel reports. (Skagit Valley Herald)

Local group critical of Swinomish pollution campaign 
A Skagit County agriculture organization and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community have been feuding for several months over a Swinomish multimedia campaign that paints farmers as chief polluters of the region’s streams. The agriculture organization Save Family Farming was formed in late 2015 in response to the Swinomish campaign “What’s Upstream?” The campaign has been funded by Environmental Protection Agency grant money, totaling about $430,000 since 2011. Aaron Weinberg reports. (Skagit Valley Herald)

‘Pit-to-pier’ project appears to be dead
A gravel company has dropped its legal challenge of conservation protections in Hood Canal, likely putting to rest the legal fight over a "pit-to-pier" mining operation proposed for the canal's west side. Jefferson County-based Hood Canal Sand and Gravel had filed a federal lawsuit in 2014 challenging a conservation easement running along the shore from the Hood Canal bridge to the Jefferson-Mason County line near Eldon. The easement prevented the company from building a conveyor belt system and pier for shipping gravel mined in Jefferson County. Tristan Baurick reports. (Kitsap Sun)

State attorney: Deny oil terminal
Arguing that the proposed Vancouver Energy oil terminal creates “unprecedented and unacceptable” risks to the environment and Washington residents, Assistant Attorney General Matthew Kernutt in his closing brief recommended that the state’s Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council deny the project. The 18-page document was filed Tuesday, the deadline for all parties to submit post-hearing briefs before the adjudication record officially closed for the terminal project proposed at the Port of Vancouver. The Port of Vancouver, Vancouver Energy and others also filed post-hearing briefs, but Kernutt’s was the first made available to The Columbian. Dameon Pesanti reports. (Columbian)

B.C. man sentenced to another 45 days in jail for repeat fishing violations
A man previously convicted for selling up to $100,000 in illegally-acquired crab and halibut has been given another jail term. Scott Steer, a fisherman based out of Nanaimo, was found guilty last month on eight charges of breaching his Fisheries Act prohibition order. As a result, he has been sentenced to an additional 45 days in jail, along with forfeiting his crab fishing gear and a vessel, the HOLLY V.  Justin McElroy reports. (CBC)

Close call, but Hood Canal may escape a major fish kill this fall
With some luck, southern Hood Canal may avoid a major fish kill this year, as we observe extremely low oxygen levels beginning to dissipate. It looks like the fish around Hoodsport dodged a bullet on Friday when south winds pushed the surface layer of oxygenated water to the north, bringing hypoxic waters up from below, according to data from the Ocean Remote Chemical Analyzer (ORCA) buoy near Hoodsport. Chris Dunagan reports. (Watching Our Water Ways)

Northwest Humpback Whales Continue To Struggle Despite Positive Outlook Worldwide
The humpback whale has made a significant recovery since being listed as endangered nearly 50 years ago. But a federal review issued Tuesday indicates Northwest humpbacks are still showing signs of trouble. The review evaluated the Endangered Species Status of the whale worldwide. This time around, U.S. fisheries managers did something very different.  “Up until this review, humpback whales were listed under the Endangered Species of Act as a single species,” Angela Somma of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.  But now the whales will be divided worldwide into 14 distinct geographic populations. Nine of those groups are in good shape and will no longer be listed as endangered.  Jes Burns reports. (OPB/EarthFix)

Magnitude 3.2 earthquake near Bellingham shakes Abbotsford residents
A small earthquake shook Bellingham, Wash., just before midnight Tuesday, rattling residents in nearby Abbotsford, B.C. The magnitude 3.2  quake struck at 11:50 p.m. near Lake Whatcom, roughly 30 kilometres south of the Sumas Canada-U.S. border crossing, according to the U.S. Geological Service. The quake was widely reported by residents from Bellingham to Abbotsford, with at least one B.C. resident saying it felt like a truck hit his house. (CBC) See also: What was that jolt last night in Whatcom County? Yep, earthquake  Robert Mittedorf reports. (Bellingham Herald)

Birders, swoop on over to Puget Sound Bird Fest, plus other festivals this weekend
oin the flock of bird fans heading to Edmonds this weekend for the Puget Sound Bird Fest — a celebration of birds and nature with speakers, guided walks, exhibits and activities for all ages — Friday through Sunday (Sept. 9-11). Saltwater, fresh water, wetlands, fields and woods in the Edmonds area provide habitats for more than 200 bird species, year-around and migrating, making the area a favorite for local bird-watchers. Bird Fest draws bird fans from around the Puget Sound region for the popular annual event that’s been drawing fans since 2005. Along with speakers, exhibits and activities Saturday at Frances Anderson Center, Pilchuck Audubon hosts outdoor events Saturday and Sunday at several locations in the Edmonds area. Some events require fees and advance registration; check before you go, as several are sold out. Madeline McKenzie reports. (Seattle Times)

Now, your tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA-  254 AM PDT THU SEP 8 2016  

TODAY  W WIND TO 10 KT...BECOMING 5 TO 15 KT IN THE AFTERNOON.  WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 6 FT AT 9 SECONDS.
TONIGHT  W WIND 5 TO 15 KT...BECOMING SW TO 10 KT AFTER MIDNIGHT.  WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 6 FT AT 9 SECONDS.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. To subscribe, send your name and email to msato at salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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9/7 Corals, Tacoma LNG, BC pipes, spill cleanup, youth climate, Nisqually coho, whale ESA, Rialto

(Hans Lejinse/NiS/Minden Pictures/Corbis/Hakai Magazine)

Coral, Explained
A little bit algae, a little bit rock, and a lot animal. If you’ve ever wondered about the life of a coral, this photo essay will help. Amorina Kingdon reports. (Hakai Magazine)

Newspaper asks court to halt LNG plant permits until safety studies’ release
The News Tribune has asked a state appellate court to halt all permitting and other work on Puget Sound Energy’s proposed Tideflats liquid natural gas plant until the project’s safety studies are released. The request came in a court filing Tuesday in the utility company’s lawsuit seeking to keep the fire and siting reports filed with the city of Tacoma over the 30-acre, $275 million project from being released to the newspaper under a public records request. Puget Sound Energy has sued the newspaper, the city and the reporter who filed the request, claiming that allowing public access to the documents could increase the possibility of terrorist attack. Derrick Nunnally reports. (Tacoma News Tribune)

Expect a Kinder Morgan Surprise from Trudeau’s Liberals
Many signs point to ultimate approval of Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. Bill Tieleman opines. (The Tyee)

Major oil spill response improvements planned for B.C.
The organization responsible for cleaning up oil spills around Vancouver and B.C.'s South Coast has plans for major improvements to its facilities and spill response times — but the $200 million upgrades come with a catch: they won't go ahead if the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project isn't approved. Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) currently has about 17 vessels ready for duty around Vancouver's harbour. The proposed upgrades include a new $10-million spill response base a little west of the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge in Burrard Inlet.  Rafferty Baker reports. (CBC)

2 Pipeline Companies, Enbridge and Spectra Energy, to Merge
Two pipeline companies agreed on Tuesday to merge in a deal that could create the largest energy-infrastructure company in North America. The companies, Enbridge and Spectra Energy, signed a stock-for-stock deal, where Enbridge shareholders will own about 57 percent of the combined company and Spectra’s will own 43 percent, according to a statement released by the companies on Tuesday. Leslie Picker reports. (NY Times) See also: Enbridge set to take over most of B.C.'s gas pipelines  Betsy Trumpener reports. (CBC)

Youth Activists Demand Tougher Limits On Climate Pollution
The Washington kids who filed suit against the state Department of Ecology to get tougher limits on carbon pollution say current policies don’t go far enough. Together with their backers, they’ve unveiled more aggressive legislation they say would protect their constitutional right to clean air.  In April, a King County Superior Court judge ordered the state Department of Ecology to issue an emissions reduction rule by the end of the year and to consult with the young plaintiffs about the latest science before making recommendations to the legislature in 2017.  This was after eight youngsters filed suit in cooperation with the national group, Our Children’s Trust, which has brought similar cases across the country. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX)

Nisqually River closed to all fishing to protect poor forecasted coho run
The Nisqually River is now closed for all fishing from the mouth to the military tank crossing bridge (located one mile upstream of mouth of Muck Creek). State Fish and Wildlife incorrectly listed the closing date in the 2016-17 fishing regulation pamphlet. The closure in effect now through Nov. 15 is to protect an expected poor coho salmon return. Mark Yuasa reports. (Seattle Times)

The humpback whale follows the giant panda off the endangered list
Federal authorities are taking most humpback whales off the endangered species list. The National Marine Fisheries Service said Monday that nine of the 14 distinct populations of humpbacks have recovered enough in the last 40 years to warrant being removed from the endangered list. The agency says four distinct populations remain listed as endangered and one as threatened. The National Marine Fisheries Service last year proposed removing most of the world’s humpback whales from the endangered species list. It said populations of the animals have steadily grown since the international community banned commercial whaling nearly 50 years ago. Audrey McAvoy reports. (Associated Press)

Rialto, the world’s cutest baby otter, moving to Vancouver Aquarium
Rialto, a baby otter that was found alone and starving on Rialto Beach in Washington’s Olympic National Park last month, will soon be moving to his new home at the Vancouver Aquarium. Since his rescue on Aug. 1, Rialto has been a resident at the Seattle Aquarium where staff have been nursing him back to health. When he was rescued, Rialto weighed just 4.2 pounds. Last Thursday, he weighed in at 9.4 pounds thanks to round-the-clock care from staff at the Seattle Aquarium. Scott Brown reports. (Vancouver Sun)

Now, your tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA-  248 AM PDT WED SEP 7 2016  

TODAY  SW WIND TO 10 KT...BECOMING W 5 TO 15 KT IN THE AFTERNOON.  WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 4 FT AT 8 SECONDS. A CHANCE OF  RAIN IN THE AFTERNOON.
TONIGHT  SW WIND 5 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL  4 FT AT 9 SECONDS. RAIN LIKELY IN THE EVENING...THEN A CHANCE OF  SHOWERS AFTER MIDNIGHT.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. To subscribe, send your name and email to msato at salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

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9/6 Bye bye birdie, Canada's Pacific strategy, I-732 vote, new big boat, secret rail inspections

Black-bellied plover (Michael Topp/BirdNote)

Juvenile Shorebirds Head South
Like most juvenile shorebirds, this young Black-bellied Plover was abandoned by parents that began their southbound flights from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge a few weeks earlier. It will join other young Black-bellied Plovers as they make their way south. This little flock of birds could arrive on the coast of Washington within a few days if they make a direct flight, or within a week or more if they stop at a wetland along the way. Some will stay, but others continue their continent-spanning journey, arriving in coastal Venezuela at the end of December. (BirdNote)

If you like to watch: Watch 118 Bird Species Migrate Across The Americas
[This] mesmerizing map… was created by the scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It shows the migratory patterns of 118 bird species throughout the Americas. Each dot represents the average of location of one bird species for each day of the year. (Brilliant Maps) [Thanks to Punjikasthala.]

Ottawa's new 'Pacific strategy' will combine conservation, economic growth, minister says
The Trudeau government will formalize its long-promised moratorium on crude oil tankers off the northern B.C. coast this fall as part of a broader “coastal strategy” to protect the environment while using West Coast ports to fire up the national economy. The moratorium would cover the Dixon Entrance, Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound, and would effectively kill Enbridge’s $7.9-billion Northern Gateway pipeline proposal to transport 525,000 barrels a day of diluted bitumen from Alberta’s oilsands through Kitimat. Ottawa wants to package that announcement with other measures aimed at improving shipping safety and marine spill response, dealing with the growing number of derelict vessels that create pollution and safety problems, and designating new marine protected areas. The focus on environmental and marine management will be coupled with unspecified steps to boost the role of the ports of Prince Rupert and, especially, Vancouver as vital engines of the Canadian economy. (Vancouver Sun)

Carbon tax initiative looks like a nail-biter
In December, Yoram Bauman had a crisis of confidence. The economist and stand-up comedian, having lead a successful effort to collect more than 350,000 signatures to qualify a policy proposal for the November 2016 ballot, wasn’t sure if he should turn them in. “I think it’s fair to say that we’re on the fence,” he wrote in an email to supporters. The ballot measure in question, Initiative 732, would impose a tax on fossil fuels used or sold in Washington — and on the electricity generated from these fuels — in an effort to reduce the state’s carbon emissions. In simple parlance, I-732 is a carbon tax. Bauman ultimately decided to go forward with the initiative. Nine months later, though, it’s the voting public that’s on the fence. Recent polling shows I-732 trailing, or only leading by a slim margin, and many voters still haven’t made up their minds. Clayton Aldern reports. See also: Famed weatherman wades into I-732 debate on race and social justice  Matt Driscoll reports. (Tacoma News Tribune)

All American Marine to build 500-passenger tour boat
All American Marine, Inc. (AAM), Bellingham, WA, has signed a contract with Argosy Cruises, Seattle, WA, to build a 125 ft aluminum monohull for operation in Puget Sound's Elliott Bay. The contract with Argosy Cruises will also mark the first keel laid at All American Marine's new shipyard currently under construction in Squalicum Harbor at the north edge of Bellingham Bay. AAM will to open the new state-of-the-art 57,000-sq. ft. boat building facility in January 2017. The Port of Bellingham is developing the new site to further support AAM's ability to take on and pursue larger vessel projects with hulls over 100 ft in length alongside their regular production of mid-sized monohulls and catamarans. (Marine Log)

Secret railroad inspection data frustrates Spokane officials
Railroads appear to keep most data on their bridge inspections secret, even after a federal law allowed local officials to request the information. The Spokesman Review reported that Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart says he requested copies of Union Pacific and BNSF Railway bridge inspections, hoping to learn more about the condition of the infrastructure that supports trains carrying oil and other hazardous cargo. He says he was expecting an engineer’s analysis of the structures, but only got a one-page report for each bridge with little detail. BNSF spokeswoman Courtney Wallace says the bridges are inspected at least twice a year, more than required by the federal government, and that the company will not run trains on any infrastructure it thinks could be unsafe. (Associated Press)

Now, your tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA-  301 AM PDT TUE SEP 6 2016  

TODAY  SE WIND TO 10 KT...BECOMING NE IN THE AFTERNOON. WIND  WAVES 1 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 4 FT AT 12 SECONDS. A CHANCE OF RAIN IN  THE MORNING...THEN A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS IN THE AFTERNOON.
TONIGHT  W WIND 5 TO 15 KT...BECOMING TO 10 KT AFTER MIDNIGHT.  WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 4 FT AT 8 SECONDS.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. To subscribe, send your name and email to msato at salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

Follow on Twitter.
 
Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told