10/2 America at 250, American bittern, West Coast pipeline, AK natural gas, BC Ferries fuel, water and oil, Skagit dams, wolf kill, snaring salmon, crab fishing, Fire and Ice, democracy watch, week in review.

 

Check out the artwork auction and come support Salish Current and local news next Wednesday at "America at 250" featuring eminent historian and Western Washington University scholar Johann Neem and journalist Ron Judd discussing the search for a common narrative to describe what our county means to us.  Appetizers and no-host bar are available. Wednesday, Oct. 7, Hotel Leo, Bellingham. Reservations advised: salishcurrent.rsvp@gmail.com

American bittern [Greg Lavety]

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
A solitary species, the American Bittern is more often heard than seen. It is a stout heron, with mottled buff-brown plumage. Its neck can be held in to appear short and sturdy, or extended to look long and slender. American Bitterns are found in dense freshwater marshes and extensive wet meadows. They prefer wetlands with thick cattail and bulrush, mixed with areas of open water. (BirdWeb)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Volunteers work to solve Washington’s kelp mystery

West Coast oil pipeline becomes 1st project designated in national interest
A proposed pipeline carrying one million barrels of oil a day from Alberta to the B.C. coast has become the first project designated in the national interest, the federal and Alberta governments have announced. Listing the West Coast Pacific Link oil pipeline on Schedule 1 of the Building Canada Act means the federal government has moved from considering whether it should be built to how it will be built by fast-tracking and consolidating the approval process, including environmental assessments. Peter Zimonjic reports. (CBC) 

Korean officials confirm no deal exists to invest in Alaska natural gas pipeline
Korea has not agreed to invest $54 billion in the proposed trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline — and has not even agreed to invest at all, its national industry minister, Kim Jung-kwan, told reporters in Seoul on Thursday. His remarks came hours after President Donald Trump held a news conference in the White House to incorrectly proclaim that officials from the Asian nation had agreed to spend $54 billion from a $200 billion investment pledge on the pipeline project. James Brooks reports. (Washington State Standard) 

BC Ferries Heads to $1.3-Billion Deal with US-Owned Fuel Supplier
At a time when British Columbia Premier David Eby is championing buying Canadian, BC Ferries may be preparing to enter a multi-year agreement to buy fuel from an American-owned company with strong ties to U.S. President Donald Trump and the governing Republicans. Andrew MacLeod reports. (The Tyee) 

Study ties oil companies to water crisis. Will it stick in court?
A study published in August may have gifted citizens and governments a powerful new scientific tool for forcing large fossil fuel companies to pay for the climate change-associated damages and costs linked to their outsized carbon footprints. And it’s not alone. Nathan Gilles reports. (Columbia Insight) 

Seattle’s dams cut off Canada’s salmon. A century later, they may be coming back 
After U.S. Tribes won a hard-fought agreement to restore fish passage around Seattle's dams, First Nations in British Columbia are preparing for the possible return of salmon to waters they've been absent from for more than a century. David Moskowitz reports. (The Narwhal) 

Wolves in SE Washington pack to be killed ‘incrementally’ by state officials after livestock attacks
The director of the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife this week authorized the “incremental” killing of wolves in southeastern Washington with a goal to stop attacks on livestock.  The order is the second this month that calls for killing wolves in the Couse pack. On Sept. 17, the department killed an adult male. Since then, at least one member of the pack attacked again.  Aspen Ford reports. (Washington State Standard) 

The Art of the Catch
To bulk up for winter hibernation, Alaska’s brown bears employ a range of techniques for snaring salmon. Pål Hermansen and Vanessa Minke-Martin report. (bioGraphic) 

Recreational crab fishing reopening
Local waters that will open to sport crabbing seven days a week through Dec. 31 include: Marine Area 6 (East Juan de Fuca Strait, Port Angeles Harbor, Discovery Bay); Marine Area 7 North (San Juan Islands); Marine Area 7 South (San Juan Islands); Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet). Vince Richardson reports. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

Fire and Ice
Author David B. Williams discusses his book, "In the Range of Fire and Ice" with North Cascades Institute founder Saul Weisberg at Village Books in Bellingham at 6 p.m. on October 8.  Information and reservation here.

Democracy Watch

• 14,000 WA residents expected to lose Medicaid Oct. 1 (KUOW) 

Salish Sea News Week in Review 10/2/26: Peanuts Friday!, clean car rules, funding industry, carbon-market deal, Skagit eagle center, Truth and Reconciliation, ocean protection, 'sacrifice zones,' LNG expansion, oil and water, Skagit dams, west coast pipe green lit.

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-  233 PM PDT Thu Oct 1 2026    
FRI  S wind around 5 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: SW 2 ft  at 8 seconds and W 2 ft at 9 seconds. Rain likely.  
FRI NIGHT  N wind around 5 kt, veering to E after midnight.  Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 2 ft at 9 seconds. Patchy fog in  the evening.  
SAT  E wind around 5 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: SW 2 ft  at 8 seconds.  
SAT NIGHT  NE wind around 5 kt. Seas around 2 ft or less. Wave  Detail: W 2 ft at 8 seconds.  
SUN  NE wind around 5 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 2 ft  at 6 seconds and W 2 ft at 9 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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10/1 Decorator crab, ocean protection, LNG expansion, LNG tax credits, AK natural gas, democracy watch.

 

Decorator crab [Vic High Marine Biology]

Decorator crab Oregonia gracilis
Oregonia gracilis, commonly known as the graceful decorator crab, is a species of crab belonging to the family Oregoniidae. Like other decorator crabs it habitually attaches other organisms to its back. The sessile organisms are attached to hooked setae that act as a sort of velcro attachment. This decoration provides visual and chemical camouflage thus reducing predation risk. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in NW Washington 

Carney announces $1.2B in funding to protect oceans as major projects loom
Funding aims to reduce effects of underwater noise on marine life and boost fisheries enforcement. Brenna Owen reports. (Canadian Press) 

LNG Canada’s massive expansion is a go. Here’s what it means
A planned $33 billion investment in the second phase will double LNG Canada’s export capacity, bringing more gas, infrastructure and emissions to B.C.’s North Coast. Matt Simmons reports. (The Narwhal) 

BC’s Big, and Now Secret, Natural Gas Giveaway
Tax credits let companies pay little for resources. What do the parties say? Ben Parfitt reports (he Tyee) 

Trump plugs $54 billion natural gas project in Alaska, flanked by a senator in a tight race
President Donald Trump said South Korea plans to invest about $54 billion in a natural gas project in Alaska, an announcement he made in the Oval Office on Wednesday flanked by a Republican senator who has found himself in a tough reelection race in the state. On Monday, Trump made a similar-styled announcement about a massive steel plant in Iowa. Thomas Beaumont, Darlene Superville and Will Weissert report. (Associated Press) 

Democracy Watch

• Senate GOP campaign chief says ‘cash is king’ as Trump team promises millions to keep majority (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-  134 PM PDT Wed Sep 30 2026    
THU  SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  10 seconds. A chance of rain in the afternoon.  
THU NIGHT  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 ft at 10 seconds. A chance of rain.

---


"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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9/30 Chinese lantern, BC pipe, environment 'sacrifice zones,' Truth and Reconciliation Day, fed land data centers, sixgill sharks, democracy watch.

 

Check out the artwork auction and come support Salish Current and local news next Wednesday at "America at 250" featuring eminent historian and Western Washington University scholar Johann Neem and journalist Ron Judd discussing the search for a common narrative to describe what our county means to us.  Appetizers and no-host bar are available. Wednesday, Oct. 7, Hotel Leo, Bellingham. Reservations advised: salishcurrent.rsvp@gmail.com

 

Chinese Lantern

Chinese Lantern Physalis alkekengi
Physalis alkekengi has been used for a wide range of purposes in traditional medicine for around two millennia. It was used, purportedly to heal fever, induce mental serenity, and assist in childbirth, according to ancient Chinese books including the Erya and Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. Its usage in reducing heat, boosting energy, and aiding in diuresis was also mentioned in Li Shizhen's Ming dynasty Compendium of Materia Medica. The plant's juice was thought to be useful in treating jaundice. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Laughs are year-round in Bellingham’s stand-up comedy scene

Pump the Brakes on the West Coast Oil Pipeline, Washington Says
The state of Washington is urging the Mark Carney government not to fast-track the new West Coast oil pipeline, saying shared waters are “too valuable” to expedite a project that could lead to a catastrophic oil spill and harm ecosystems and the maritime economy. In a Sept. 18 letter to the government, Casey Sixkiller, director of the state’s Department of Ecology, wrote that the proposed pipeline would double the volume of crude oil exported through the Salish Sea. Sarah Cox reports. (The Tyee) 

Critics accuse Carney government of proposing 'sacrifice zones' for the environment
The new Building Canada Strong Act contains a list of measures that Prime Minister Mark Carney says will get projects moving faster in the face of major threats to Canada's economy from U.S. President Donald Trump. But experts warn Bill C-39 could also dismantle environmental safeguards that protect Canadians and prevent wildlife from extinction, despite the federal government claiming otherwise. David Thurton and Olivia Stefanovich report. (CBC) 

Reconciliation events important amid rising denialism, says Sooke walk organizer
Sooke walk, South Island Powwow, bike ride among many events marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday. Hannah Link reports. (Times Colonist) 

Data centers proposed on federal land in eastern Oregon, western states
A new data center campus could soon be coming to federal land near Hermiston in eastern Oregon. It would be the first in Oregon sited on federal public land, and one of at least 12 proposed for more than 17,500 Bureau of Land Management acres across western states under President Donald Trump’s July 2025 executive order to hasten data center development. The proposals on federal land in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming were first reported last week by The Washington Sun. Alex Baumhardt reports. (Washington State Standard) 

The Secrets of Salish Sea’s Sixgill Sharks
Bluntnose sixgill sharks are something of an enigma, even to scientists who study them. Using data collected over more than 20 years, scientists have learned that the Salish Sea, including Puget Sound, comprises one of the world’s few known pupping grounds for the species. Typically researchers see and catch only younger animals in relatively shallow, nearshore habitats. Only through unusual events, such as the stranding of female sixgills in 2007 and 2019, have researchers accessed adults for study. (NOAA Fisheries) 

Democracy Watch

• Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads (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-  651 PM PDT Tue Sep 29 2026    
WED  E wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  11 seconds.  
WED NIGHT  NE wind around 5 kt, veering to E after midnight.  Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 11 seconds.

---


"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

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9/29 Salmonfly, PSE rate increase, carbon-market deal, Eba, Marine Life Center camera, owl migration, Skagit bald eagle center, kalo harvest, democracy watch.

 

American salmonfly 

American salmonfly Pteronarcys dorsata
American salmonfly is a species of giant stonefly in the family Pteronarcyidae found in North America. Larvae feed on algae, but adults don't eat at all. They are known to release a noxious fluid from joints in the legs or play dead when menaced and are primarily nocturnal. Adults are active in spring and summer and the species is the biggest stonefly in North America. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Author writes first full history of long-lost Mount Baker Marathon

Puget Sound Energy seeks $1.5B rate increase 
Puget Sound Energy is asking state regulators to approve $1.5 billion in rate increases over the next three years. The proposal would cost a typical PSE electricity customer an additional $612 a year by 2029 and a typical gas customer $276 a year. John Ryan reports. (KUOW) 

Washington gets closer to massive carbon-market deal
Last week, the state of Washington completed the final piece of state rule-making needed to link its cap-and-trade carbon market with markets in California and the Canadian province of Québec. The move sets the stage for what’s being called the world’s largest subnational cap-and-trade system to begin operating as soon as next year. Nathan Gilles reports. (Columbia Insight) 

Meet Eba, the San Juan Island dog that excels at sniffing out orcas for science
A Skagit County dog is giving new meaning to the term “working dog.” Eba, an 11-year-old corgi-pit bull mix, doesn’t guide the blind or sniff for bombs — she sniffs for orcas. Julia Hawkins reports. (Bellingham Herald) 

What's the Deal With: The Marine Life Center tank camera? 
Spare a moment of your day for a sea star crawling by or fish zipping around. Annie Todd reports. (CDN) 

Record-breaking owl migration in northern B.C. leaves bird banders scrambling
Boom in mice and voles may have helped produce an unusually large wave of young saw-whet owls near Mackenzie. Tom Popyk reports. (CBC) 

Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center to shut down after season
After 30 years of providing education on the Skagit River watershed, the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center in Rockport is shutting down at the end of the 2026/2027 season. Emma Fletcher-Frazer reports. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

Hawaiians nurture community by harvesting kalo in the Pacific Northwest
Growing kalo feeds families while helping them learn Hawaiian words and cultural practices around the native plant. Jireh Deng reports. (OPB) 

Democracy Watch

• Hegseth says national security, military cyber forces will guard US election systems during midterms (AP) 
• Trump can't force election changes by blocking counterterrorism funds to states, judge says  (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-  740 PM PDT Mon Sep 28 2026    SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON    
TUE  W wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: S 3 ft at  6 seconds and W 7 ft at 11 seconds. Rain in the morning.  
TUE NIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt, easing to 5 to 10 kt after  midnight. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft at 11 seconds.

---


"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

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Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


 

9/28 Woodsorrel, clean car rules, LNG flaring, bear-scaring zombie, Edmonds tree code, W̱SÁNEĆ fishing village, frog sex, funding Canada's industry, democracy watch.

Creeping woodsorrel [Richard Old]

Creeping woodsorrel Oxalis corniculata 
This non-native plant has small, yellow, five-petalled flowers that close when not in direct sun. Creeping sorrel is often confused with O. stricta, but is more low-growing and spreads by above-ground stolons that root. Explosive seed capsules shooting seeds several feet when disturbed. (Preen)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Bellingham Herald newsroom staff cut by a third 

Trump Administration Plans to Gut Clean Car Rules
New fuel-economy standards, which President Trump said he finalized Saturday, would kill a federal effort to speed the transition to electric vehicles. Maxine Joselow reports. (NY Times) 

LNG Canada poised to decide on expansion as flaring challenges continue
The Kitimat, B.C., liquefaction and export facility has exceeded permitted emissions levels since starting operations last year. Now, LNG Canada wants the government to increase how much it can flare until its systems can be redesigned in 2028. Matt Simmons reports. (The Narwhal) 

Squamish man uses motion-activated zombie to scare bears away from garbage
A Squamish, B.C., homeowner is using a motion-activated Halloween decoration to scare bears away from his garbage bins. Stephen Fryer has been dealing with bears constantly in the Brackendale neighbourhood, about 50 kilometres north of Vancouver. Alanna Kelly reports. (CBC) 

Edmonds extends interim tree code for six more months
The city of Edmonds will extend its interim tree code another six months while it continues its months-long process of drafting a permanent code. The city first passed the interim code in April 2025, shortly after significant community concern over the removal of a 100-foot-tall California redwood nicknamed “Big Red.” Jenna Peterson reports. (Everett Herald) 

B.C. turned this W̱SÁNEĆ fishing village into a park. Now an Elder is leading the fight to protect it
Once arrested for hunting on W̱SÁNEĆ territory, Carl Olsen is now holding the B.C. government to its word — as he fights the Malahat highway expansion to ‘be the voice for the salmon.’ Julie Chadwick reports. (The Narwhal)

When it Comes to Frog Sex, Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Polyamory isn’t for everyone. Juggling multiple partners requires patience, communication, and above all else, cooperation. But while humans sometimes struggle to make it work, a lumpy green frog found in the savannas and dry forests of southeastern Africa seems to have polyamory figured out. Annie Roth reports. (bioGraphic) 

Carney’s Push to Fund Industry Imperils Canada’s Nature Promises
Canada participated in a ‘historic’ global moment for biodiversity. Experts say we’re not following through. Sarah Cox reports. (The Tyee) 

Democracy Watch

• Canadian citizen detained at U.S. border crossing, questioned about voting for hours (CBC) 
• Hobbs says WA won’t use Trump’s ‘flawed’ SAVE voter database (Seattle 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-  203 PM PDT Sun Sep 27 2026    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH  TUESDAY AFTERNOON    
MON  SW wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at  13 seconds and W 3 ft at 16 seconds. A chance of rain in the  afternoon.  
MON NIGHT  S wind 15 to 20 kt, becoming SW 25 to 30 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 5 ft, building to 5 to 7 ft after midnight.  Wave Detail: S 5 ft at 5 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.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

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Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


 

9/25 America at 250, quaking aspen, sea lion shot, heritage forest logging, 900-year-ld-oak spared, salon hatchery booted, humpback freed, democracy watch, week in review.

 

Salish Current presents "America at 250," an evening of provocative conversation about  who we are and where we are going— and an art auction to support local news! Click here to view the amazing artwork up for live and silent auction, and RSVP at salishcurrent.rsvp@gmail.com to reserve your seat. "America at 250" features eminent historian and Western Washington University scholar Johann Neem and journalist Ron Judd discussing the search for a common narrative to describe what our county means to us. The event features live and silent auctions of fine art from local artists curated by artist Chris Moench and a paddle-raising led by guest auctioneer Frank Catalano. Appetizers and no-host bar are available. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Hotel Leo, Bellingham. RSVP at salishcurrent.rsvp@gmail.com 

 

Quaking Aspen [Native Plants PNW]

 
Quaking Aspen Populus tremuloides
There are about 15 species of Populus (Poplars, Cottonwoods and Aspens) native to North America. In our region, Black Cottonwood is very common. It is the most widely distributed tree in North America. Distribution is spotty in the west, occurring mostly in the mountains from Washington to California and Mexico and in the Colorado Rockies. It is also found near the shores of Puget Sound and on southeastern Vancouver Island. (Native Plants PNW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Whatcom Studio Tour: 5 artists share their craft and calling

Sea lion found dead in West Seattle was shot at least a dozen times
An adult California sea lion lies dead at the mouth of Duwamish River in West Seattle, killed after it was shot at least a dozen times. Kai Uyehara reports. (Seattle Times) 

WA public lands commissioner scales back order protecting older forests
Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove is scaling back an order to set aside 77,000 acres of older forests, citing financial strain and a lack of authority to carry out his vision. Upthegrove said the older forests, sometimes called “legacy forests,” that his agency could conserve in the near term amounted instead to about 55,000 acres. Isabella Breda reports. (Seattle Times) 

Will 900-year-old Pierce County tree be cut down for parking lot? Decision made
In a ruling this month, city hearing examiner Mark Scheibmeir said Emerson Lake Business Park could go forward with expanding a semi-truck parking lot at 7319 146th St. SW as long as the healthy 900-year-old oak on site is undisturbed. Becca Most reports. (Tacoma News Tribune) 

Hupačasath Nation Boots Salmon Farm Hatchery off Its Territory
Citing wild fish health concerns, Hereditary Chief Alton Watts wants industry giant Cermaq to ‘vacate the area.’ Sarah Cox reports. (The Tyee) 

Canadian, American crews rescue entangled humpback
An humpback whale was cut loose from fishing gear tangled around its dorsal fin in Juan de Fuca Strait over the weekend. It was a two-day operation involving Canadian and American rescuers that saw the whale trailing rope and several floats as it straddled the international boundary. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist) 

Democracy Watch

• 3 US news outlets return to White House after judge orders Trump to lift ban (AP) 
• 'Time to move on': Sedro-Woolley ends use of Flock Safety cameras (Skagit Valley Herald) 

Salish Sea News Week in Review 9/25/26: America at 250, Koala Friday!, Arctic oil, Roadless Rule, marine detective, warming Sound, Tilbury LNG ok'd, Ferndale battery facility, kill seals, sea lion shot, new sea spider, genomics testing, heritage forest logging. 

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-  132 PM PDT Thu Sep 24 2026    
GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE FRIDAY  NIGHT   
FRI  E wind 10 to 15 kt, becoming W 20 to 30 kt with gusts to 35  kt in the afternoon. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E 2 ft at 4  seconds and W 6 ft at 9 seconds. Rain, mainly in the morning.  
FRI NIGHT  W wind 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt, easing to  15 to 20 kt after midnight. Seas 6 to 9 ft, subsiding to 5 to  7 ft after midnight. Wave Detail: W 9 ft at 9 seconds.  
SAT  W wind 5 to 10 kt, easing to around 5 kt in the afternoon.  Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 8 seconds.  
SAT NIGHT  NW wind around 5 kt, veering to NE after midnight.  Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 8 seconds.  
SUN  E wind around 5 kt, backing to NW in the afternoon. Seas  around 2 ft or less. Wave Detail: W 2 ft at 8 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



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9/24 Grebe, seal kill, new sea spiders, Laura Tucker, Woodfibre LNG, genomics testing, EV trucks, black gas, BC lNG, democracy watch.

 

Red-necked Grebe [All About Birds}

 
Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena
Red-necked Grebes are boldly plumaged waterbirds with pale cheeks and a daggerlike yellow bill that contrasts with a sharp black crown often likened to a toreador’s cap (sometimes raised into a short crest). In North America, Red-necked Grebes breed chiefly in Canada and Alaska, mostly on shallow freshwater lakes in lowland areas, especially sheltered areas that have some marsh vegetation around the edges and little disturbance or human activity. (All About Birds) 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet

Congress debates lethal removal of seals and sea lions in Puget Sound
A proposed amendment to the Marine Mammal Protection Act has renewed a debate over the merits of killing seals and sea lions to protect salmon. Proponents say it will help some endangered salmon populations while opponents say the legislation is misguided and likely to be counterproductive. Christopher Dunagan reports. (Salish Sea Currents Magazine) 

Hairy-legged red-eyed sea spiders discovered in the Salish Sea
UBC-led research uncovered tiny marine spiders that suck the juice out of jellyfish and other hydroids, helping fill gaps in our understanding of coastal biodiversity. Alex Walls reports. (UBC) 

Laura Tucker to receive Eleanor Stopps Award
The award has been presented annually since 2009 by the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Stopps, who died in 2012, was a celebrated conservationist and the driver behind the conservation of Protection Island. Christy Carley reports. (Peninsula Daily News) 

District of Squamish rejects $142M Woodfibre LNG deal 
The District of Squamish has rejected a deal that would have seen the operators of the Woodfibre LNG project contribute $142 million over 10 years. Alanna Kelly reports. (CBC) 

First Nations Invest in Genomics Testing for Their Fisheries
Five Nuu-chah-nulth nations will soon no longer need to rely on DFO to run data that informs management and conservation. Michelle Gamage reports. (The Tyee) 

Uptake slow for mid-size electric truck vouchers in WA’s new incentive program
Five months after the program’s launch, half of $112 million in vouchers have been requested, but some say more funding is needed to incentivize small businesses. Aspen Ford reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Black gas: Inside the investigation of a B.C. oil refinery chemical leak
Parkland could face fines up to $1.2 million for the chemical leakage on Jan. 21, 2024, which left an odorous haze across the region and prompted hundreds of calls to emergency lines. Metro Vancouver has been granted a search warrant to seize dozens of documents inside Burnaby's Parkland Refinery that it believes will prove the facility polluted the region during a malfunction in January 2024 — and that staff didn't immediately warn the district about it. Jon Hernandez reports. (CBC) 

The election is on. So is B.C.’s push for more LNG 
B.C. issued a key approval for a massive expansion of FortisBC’s Tilbury LNG facility one day before calling a snap election, putting the province’s push for LNG squarely in the political spotlight. Shannon Waters reports. (The Narwhal) 

Democracy Watch

• Iowa judge dismisses Trump’s lawsuit against Des Moines Register and pollster (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-  216 PM PDT Wed Sep 23 2026    
THU  SE wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft  at 11 seconds. Rain in the afternoon. THU NIGHT  SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: SE  2 ft at 5 seconds and W 4 ft at 10 seconds. Rain.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told