7/16 Yellow Island, tribes sue re ESA, chiefs oppose Carney projects, millions of frogs, Skagit hazards plan, democracy watch.

 

Yellow Island Preserve [WDFW]

Yellow Island Preserve
Yellow Island Preserve is an island in the San Juan archipelago. The entire island is a preserve managed by the Nature Conservancy. The abundance of native grasses and wildflowers make this park a rare ecological gem, and attracts some special species of birds as well. This is a fragile area so visitors are asked to take special care by not bringing any pets or food onto the island. (Washington Trails Association)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Let it go brown: The changing landscape of NW summer water conservation

Washington tribes sue to save endangered species habitats nationwide
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Squaxin Island Tribe are suing the Trump administration to save endangered-species habitats nationwide. John Ryan reports. (KUOW) 

First Nations chiefs vote to oppose Carney government's proposed major projects reforms
Assembly of First Nations chiefs on Wednesday unanimously resolved to oppose the Carney government's sweeping proposed reforms aimed at streamlining major project approvals, if those reforms weaken environmental protections or sidestep Indigenous rights. Brett Forester reports. (CBC) 

Five million frogs have been relocated for industry in B.C. No one knows how many survived
Translocation mitigation has been standard in the province since 2010. Sixteen years later, researchers aren’t sure if it’s working. Santana Dreaver reports. (The Narwhal) 

Skagit County approves updated hazard mitigation plan
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners approved Monday a long-awaited update of its countywide hazard mitigation plan. The plan was last updated in 2020. Ironically, the plan’s completion was delayed by the December 2025 Skagit River flooding and recovery work. Emma Fletcher-Frazer reports. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

Democracy Watch

• It’s official: WA voters will get to weigh in on new income tax (Washington State Standard) 
• Trump expected to make election conspiracies a focus of Thursday's national address (AP) 

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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  246 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026    
THU  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  7 seconds. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers in  the afternoon.  
THU NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt, backing to SW after midnight.  Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 8 seconds. Showers likely  in the evening.

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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.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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7/15 Yelloweye rockfish, ESA rule revision, outdoor guides, Comox sewage, democracy watch.

Yelloweye Rockfish

Yelloweye Rockfish Sebastes ruberrimus
Yelloweye rockfish are among the longest lived of rockfishes, with maximum age reported to be up to 150 years. This species also is very slow growing and late to mature. Although conservation measures like fishing bans have been put in place in Puget Sound, recovery from threats such as past overfishing and continued bycatch will take many years due to the life history of yelloweye rockfish. The Puget Sound/Georgia Basin distinct population segment (DPS) in Washington State is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. (NOAA)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Indigenous cultural center aims to immerse visitors in Coast Salish history

WA tribes, conservation groups sue over Trump endangered species rule 
Northwest tribal nations and conservation groups sued the Trump administration Tuesday, challenging a new rule that aims to eliminate habitat protections for imperiled species. The new rule, rescinding the longstanding definition of “harm,” would make it legal to kill and injure ESA-listed species by destroying habitat. Isabella Breda reports.(Seattle Times)

Outdoor guides struggle as Washington’s rivers shrink amid drought 
Washington is in its fourth straight year of drought, and many rivers are running much lower and slower than normal. This impacts fishermen and farmers. It is also a problem for outdoor recreation, as the changing conditions make some activities more difficult and dangerous. Bellamy Pailthorp reports, (KNKX) 

Independent investigation into major Comox sewage leak recommended by regional district staff
On May 26, up to 6,000 cubic metres of untreated sewage gushed into the Comox Harbour, a sensitive marine ecosystem. Staff at the Comox Valley Regional District on Vancouver Island have recommended an independent investigation into a major sewage leak in May after residents called for one. Maryse Zeidler reports. (CBC) 

Democracy Watch

• US House passes bipartisan bill to make daylight saving time permanent (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-  210 PM PDT Tue Jul 14 2026    

WED  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft  at 9 seconds.  

WED NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 ft at 7 seconds. A chance of rain after midnight.

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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.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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7/14 Yellowjacket, nat'l monuments reduced, Ross Dam fish passage, SnoCo PUD battery storage, Cooper's hawks, Santa Barbara pipeline, democracy watch.

Yellowjacket

Yellowjacket
Yellowjacket or yellow jacket is the common name in North America for predatory social wasps of the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula. They can be identified by their distinctive markings, their occurrence only in colonies, and a characteristic, rapid, side-to-side flight pattern prior to landing. All females are capable of stinging. Yellowjackets are important predators of pest insects.(Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Island Allies: Building respectful relations on the San Juans

 Trump reduces size of 2 national monuments in Utah as Republicans reshape land management
President Donald Trump on Monday sharply reduced the size of two national monuments in Utah, undoing protections established by former presidents on public lands that are sacred among many Native Americans. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in southern Utah have ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and scenic canyons, as well as coal and uranium deposits that state officials want made available for development. Matthew Brown and Savannah Peters report. (Associated Press) 

Fish passage at Ross Dam could involve blasting a new road. Is it worth it?
Fish passage at Ross Dam could involve blasting a new road. Is it worth it? Sophia Gates reports. (CDN) 

Snohomish PUD prepares to open first battery storage site in Arlington
Washington’s first battery energy storage facility is set to open this fall in Arlington. The facility will store up to 25 megawatts of energy when it is abundant and discharge it to the grid during peak times each month to help reduce costs. Taylor Scott Richmond reports. (Everett Herald) 

On the hunt: the ferocity and precision of Cooper’s hawks
A pair of Cooper’s hawks made their home in one photographer’s backyard. Over the last 18 months, he’s watched these wild birds adapt their routines to urban living. Photos and story by Paul Gains. (The Narwhal) 

This California Oil Pipeline Was Dormant for 11 Years. Trump Reopened It. 
The move in Santa Barbara by the Trump administration has made residents anxious in a region prized for its gorgeous beaches and ocean views. (NY Times) 

Democracy Watch

• Initiative to end Idaho’s strict abortion ban qualifies for November ballot (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-  315 PM PDT Mon Jul 13 2026    
TUE  W wind around 5 kt, rising to 5 to 10 kt in the afternoon.  Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 7 seconds.  
TUE NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 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.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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7/13 Honeylocust, ESA, Microsoft climate, climate skeptic, Canada pipes, 'Pop Tart,' microplastics, BC tanker dredging, Blake Is SP

 

Skyline® Honeylocust 
[J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.]

Skyline® Honeylocust Gleditsia triacanthos 'Skycole’
A thornless and nearly seedless cultivar of a tough urban tree. The compound leaves on this tree are made up of tiny leaflets resulting in a tree that casts lite shade. This fern-like foliage turns an attractive golden yellow in the fall. Pyramidal in youth with a central leader, this cultivar develops a more reliable structure than the species. (City of Seattle)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  ‘The Earth Said Remember Me’ / Proposed oil pipeline to B.C. coast spurs alarm in Washington

Trump administration rolls back a key protection for imperiled wildlife
The Trump administration has finalized a rule that changes how agencies enforce the Endangered Species Act.  Wufei Yu and Matthew Brown report. (Associated Press) 

Microsoft's climate-warming emissions surge 25%, driven by AI
Microsoft’s total carbon emissions have increased 25% year over year, driven by the company’s aggressive buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Microsoft released the new emissions figures in its annual sustainability report Thursday. It’s a significant surge that makes the company’s moonshot climate change goals rocket even further out in space. Monica Nickelsberg reports. (KUOW) 

Trump taps climate skeptic to run US government’s flagship climate report
The Trump administration has tapped Matthew Wielicki, a former geochemist who has railed against “climate alarmism” and calls himself an “Earth science professor-in-exile,” to oversee the federal government’s flagship report about climate impacts on the US. Dharna Noor reports. (The Guardian) 

Pipeline-a-palooza: unpacking the week in Canadian energy politics
Politicians dropped three pipeline announcements this week. If they’re such an economic boon, why are taxpayers footing the bill? Emma Gilchrist reports. (The Narwhal) 

Beloved humpback whale 'Pop Tart' escapes from tangled fishing gear after a week
A beloved Salish Sea humpback whale known as Pop Tart is swimming free after spending nearly a week entangled in fishing gear, thanks to a cross-border effort involving professional whale watchers and Canada's marine mammal response team. (KOMO) 

He Wanted to Track Microplastics in the Sea. The E.P.A. Fired Him
The official urged requiring a fish farm to monitor for the tiny plastic particles. The E.P.A. said he had taken steps to embarrass the agency. (NY Times) 

Tsleil-Waututh Nation seeks to overturn permits allowing dredging to accommodate larger tankers in Vancouver
A British Columbia First Nation says it has launched a legal challenge against a plan by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to dredge Burrard Inlet to make room for oil tankers with larger loads to operate. (Canadian Press) 

Storied WA state park in central Puget Sound at a crossroads
Boaters, recreationists agitating for improved access to expensive-to-maintain Blake Island Marine State Park. Tom Banse reports. (Washington State Standard) 
Democracy Watch

• In deep red Idaho, support for ballot question on abortion access is spread across party lines (Washington State Standard) 
• Donald Trump ousts election commission members in latest push to reshape US voting process (AP) 
• U.S. Employers Told to Dismiss Thousands of Immigrant Workers (NY Times) 
• New York Times reporters are subpoenaed after Air Force One stories, raising press freedom concerns (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-  131 PM PDT Sun Jul 12 2026    
MON  W wind around 5 kt, veering to NW in the afternoon. Seas  around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 8 seconds.  MON NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 ft at 7 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.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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7/10 Yellowtail rockfish, breast milk, Canada pipes, upper Columbia sockeye, wolf shooting, NW pears, democracy watch, week in review.

Yellowtail Rockfish [Jean DeMarignac]

Yellowtail Rockfish Sebastes flavidus
Yellowtail Rockfish range from Unalaska Island, Alaska, to Isla San Martin, northern Baja California. They can be found from the surface to 549 m (1,801 ft) in water depth. Yellowtail Rockfish can grow up to 66 cm (26 in) in length, and 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs) in weight. Maximum age is at least 64 years old. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  ‘Nothing more punk’ — punk fest returns to Bellingham

Study finds dangerous chemicals in the breast milk of Seattle moms
Breast milk samples from moms in the Seattle area contained chemicals linked to health problems, new research has found.  The chemicals are often used in beverage can liners, receipt paper, and other products, and they’ve been linked to reproductive problems, cancer, and immune problems like asthma. Eilís O'Neill reports. (KUOW) 

Plans for more pipelines to export Canadian oil — and emissions — as planet keeps getting hotter
PM Carney says choices being made now for 'Canada's energy future' will certainly increase emissions. Nick Logan reports. (CBC) 

Fewer sockeye are returning to the Upper Columbia. 
Drastically fewer sockeye are returning to the Upper Columbia than expected. That’s why Washington isn’t allowing sockeye fishing this season there. Courtney Platt reports. (NW Public Broadcasting) 

Divisions emerge as WA looks to retool its wolf shooting rules
Amid several livestock attacks, two wolves have been slain in recent weeks. The state killed one while the other death is under investigation. Aspen Ford reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Economy, fruit prices and pest outbreak devastate Northwest pear industry
About 87% of all fresh U.S. pears come from the Northwest, according to the Pear Bureau Northwest. But many pear farmers in the Northwest say they’re going into deep debt or are getting out of the business. Anna King reports. (NW Public Broadcasting)

Democracy Watch

• WA leads lawsuit to block Trump’s homelessness funding rules (Seattle Times) 
• ICE ramps up arrests in Puget Sound region under new nationwide quota (KING) 

Salish Sea News Week in Review 7/10/26: Blueberry Friday, BC pipe, Roberts Bank Terminal 2, ocean fever, sunflower star, leaded water, World Cup physics, BC conservation areas, WA groundwater, mom's milk. 

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-  141 AM PDT Fri Jul 10 2026    
TODAY  W wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt late. Seas 3 to  4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 9 seconds. A slight chance of rain  early this morning.  
TONIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt, easing to 5 to 10 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 9 seconds.  
SAT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  10 seconds.  
SAT NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 10 seconds.  
SUN  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 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.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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7/9 Blue rockfish, BC Indigenous conservation areas, air pollution regulator, BC exotic pets, WA groundwater, democracy watch.

Blue rockfish

 

Blue rockfish Sebastes mystinus
Blue rockfish are distributed from northern Baja California to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, though the northern limit of the species is uncertain. In 2015, blue rockfish were split in to two separate species - blue and deacon rockfishes. Blue rockfish can grow up to 53 cm (21 in) in length and reach more than 5 lbs, living for up to at least 44 years. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  The future of Bellingham’s wastewater

BC Announces Plans for Three New Indigenous-Led Conservation Areas
Small patches of wilderness are ‘lifeboats for wildlife,’ says one advocate. ‘But you also need the arks.’ Sarah Cox reports. (The Tyee) 

Trump’s top air pollution regulator to resign
Aaron Szabo, a former registered lobbyist for the oil and chemical industries, said he would resign as the head of the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation on July 17. He did not provide a reason for his departure after nearly a year in the Senate-confirmed position. Maxine Joselow and Lisa Friedman report. (NY Times) 

Meet Gary, an exotic cat that B.C. just outlawed as a pet
As of May 2026, you can no longer buy or sell exotic cats in British Columbia. What do we do with them all now? Michelle Cyca reports. (The Narwhal) 

Groundwater is definitely declining. What now?
“We need to protect water supplies,” says Wash. Gov. Ferguson. But conservation alone won’t solve the problem. Kendra Chamberlain reports. (Columbia Insight) 

Democracy Watch

• California colleges reveal their military weapons stockade after CalMatters investigation (AP) 
• Meta plans billions for first AI data center in Canada, largest outside the US (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— 

est Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  143 PM PDT Wed Jul 8 2026    
THU  W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  9 seconds.  
THU NIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt, easing to around 5 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 8 seconds. A  chance of rain after midnight.

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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.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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7/8 Black rockfish, World Cup physics, Arctic waters, giant trees, bumblebees, PermitAI, democracy watch.

Black rockfish [Chad King]

 

Black Rockfish Sebastes melanops
Black Rockfish range from Amchitka Island (in the Aleutian Islands) and Kodiak Island, Alaska, to northern Baja, California. They have been found at water depths up to 366 m (1,200 ft), but are most commonly found in waters shallower than 73 m (240 ft). Black Rockfish can grow up to 69 cm (27.6 in) in length, and 6 kg (13.3 lbs) in weight. Maximum age is at least 56 years old. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Washington to ‘stay the course’ on climate goals despite federal deregulation

Science Wednesday—

Expert breaks down the physics behind the World Cup
Every goal is a lesson in physics. Michigan State University physicist Stuart Tessmer explains how forces, momentum, and even air pressure shape the world’s most popular sport. (Futurity) 

As Ice Melts in the Arctic, Some Deep-Sea Creatures Are Thriving
A new study suggests that deep-sea life reaps the benefits of icebergs’ castoffs — a rare silver lining as a warming planet destabilizes glacial ice. (NY Times) 

Giant trees have tricks to work around drought
Tweaks to leaves and vessels allow trees to still get water to their crowns in dry times. (Science News) 

Bumblebees collect up to 7 times more toxic metals than honeybees
Bumblebees are picking up dramatically more toxic heavy metals than honeybees, even when both species forage in the same places. Researchers warn that this hidden pollution could quietly reduce their ability to find food, reproduce, and keep colonies healthy. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260707025044.htm

PermitAI Public-Private Partnership Speeds Environmental Review Drafting Tasks
An innovative public-private partnership has yielded powerful new tools to help federal agencies rapidly synthesize complex data, historical documents and more into draft environmental impact statements. (PNNL) 

Democracy Watch

• DOJ threatens WA election officials with prosecution if noncitizens vote (Washington State Standard) 
• The Vances added a chicken coop to the vice president’s residence. We had questions. (Washington Post) 

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-  155 PM PDT Tue Jul 7 2026    
WED  W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  9 seconds.  
WED NIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 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.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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