Copper rockfish [Andrew Harmer]
Copper rockfish Sebastes caurinus
Copper Rockfish range from the northern Gulf of Alaska to central Baja
California. They can be found from the subtidal zone down to 183 m (600
ft). Copper Rockfish can grow up to 66 cm (26 in) in length and 4.5 kg
(10 lb) in weight, living up to at least 50 years. (WDFW)
Today's top story in Salish Current: State AG Nick Brown visits Bellingham, compares Trump administration to North Korea
The Pacific Ocean is running a fever. Why that’s an ominous sign
Across the Pacific Ocean, there’s a massive marine heat wave covering an area more than eight times the size of the contiguous United States — and it could have profound ripple effects for weather events around the globe in the coming weeks and months. Ben Noll reports. (Washington Post)
Across the Pacific Ocean, there’s a massive marine heat wave covering an area more than eight times the size of the contiguous United States — and it could have profound ripple effects for weather events around the globe in the coming weeks and months. Ben Noll reports. (Washington Post)
Alberta and Ontario propose a pipeline to carry western Canada’s oil to the east
Alberta and Ontario proposed a pipeline Monday to carry western Canadian oil east and eventually to Atlantic export terminals as Canada seeks new markets beyond the United States, reviving a project that was abandoned nearly a decade ago. Rob Gillies reports. (Associated Press)
Alberta and Ontario proposed a pipeline Monday to carry western Canadian oil east and eventually to Atlantic export terminals as Canada seeks new markets beyond the United States, reviving a project that was abandoned nearly a decade ago. Rob Gillies reports. (Associated Press)
Rusting Rivers: Alarm Grows Over Rising Acid in Arctic Waters
Climate change is thawing permafrost and increasing rainfall, producing sulfuric acid in rivers and lakes. Ed Struzik reports. (The Tyee)
How a Northwest tribe and an endangered sea creature are helping each other
One of the most endangered sea creatures of the Pacific Ocean is getting a leg up in the kelp forests of Washington’s San Juan Islands: a 24-armed sea star called the sunflower star. University researchers and the Samish Indian Nation are working to bring this pizza-sized predator back from the brink of extinction after a vast underwater pandemic nearly wiped it off the face of the earth. John Ryan reports. (KUOW)
WWU researchers document 93% historical loss of persistent, old-growth grasslands in the San Juan Islands
Native grasslands have shaped the ecological and cultural landscapes of the San Juan Islands for millennia, but the extent of grassland ecosystems has shrunk dramatically since the 19th century. Jennifer Nerad reports (WWU Stories)
How Washington is working to get rid of lead contamination in public school drinking water
Time's up for many schools in Washington to test drinking water for lead. If lead contamination is found in an outlet, such as drinking fountains or sinks, the water source has to be fixed, replaced or shut off, which is already happening around the state. As of the state deadline, 91% of schools required to complete testing had done so: 1,645 out of 1,806. Courtney Platt reports. (NW Public Broadcasting)
Will Tacoma become WA’s next ‘Bee City?’ Mayor wants to save local pollinators
In response to extinction risks, the city of Tacoma is considering becoming a Bee City USA affiliate, an initiative spearheaded by a nonprofit called the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. The initiative encourages communities to work together to conserve natural pollinators by providing a framework to create and restore healthy habitats. Elizah Lourdes Rendorio reports. (Tacoma News Tribune)
Second-largest whale species spotted off Vancouver Island
A fin whale estimated to be about 21 metres long was photographed swimming off Sheringham Point, west of Sooke. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist)
Democracy Watch
Climate change is thawing permafrost and increasing rainfall, producing sulfuric acid in rivers and lakes. Ed Struzik reports. (The Tyee)
How a Northwest tribe and an endangered sea creature are helping each other
One of the most endangered sea creatures of the Pacific Ocean is getting a leg up in the kelp forests of Washington’s San Juan Islands: a 24-armed sea star called the sunflower star. University researchers and the Samish Indian Nation are working to bring this pizza-sized predator back from the brink of extinction after a vast underwater pandemic nearly wiped it off the face of the earth. John Ryan reports. (KUOW)
WWU researchers document 93% historical loss of persistent, old-growth grasslands in the San Juan Islands
Native grasslands have shaped the ecological and cultural landscapes of the San Juan Islands for millennia, but the extent of grassland ecosystems has shrunk dramatically since the 19th century. Jennifer Nerad reports (WWU Stories)
How Washington is working to get rid of lead contamination in public school drinking water
Time's up for many schools in Washington to test drinking water for lead. If lead contamination is found in an outlet, such as drinking fountains or sinks, the water source has to be fixed, replaced or shut off, which is already happening around the state. As of the state deadline, 91% of schools required to complete testing had done so: 1,645 out of 1,806. Courtney Platt reports. (NW Public Broadcasting)
Will Tacoma become WA’s next ‘Bee City?’ Mayor wants to save local pollinators
In response to extinction risks, the city of Tacoma is considering becoming a Bee City USA affiliate, an initiative spearheaded by a nonprofit called the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. The initiative encourages communities to work together to conserve natural pollinators by providing a framework to create and restore healthy habitats. Elizah Lourdes Rendorio reports. (Tacoma News Tribune)
Second-largest whale species spotted off Vancouver Island
A fin whale estimated to be about 21 metres long was photographed swimming off Sheringham Point, west of Sooke. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist)
Democracy Watch
- Seattle Immigration Court launches new Trump tactic: ‘Mega’ hearings (Seattle Times)
- A new ICE facility could speed up deportations for families and kids (AP)
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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 146 PM PDT Mon Jul 6 2026
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 146 PM PDT Mon Jul 6 2026
TUE
W wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt in the afternoon.
Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 10 seconds.
TUE NIGHT W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 9 seconds.
TUE NIGHT W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 9 seconds.
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"Salish Sea News
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