8/7 Leopard shark, fish necropsy, WA ferry, tribal canoe voyage, Adventuress, off-shore wind, Fort Worden marine exhibit, Fraser R journey, Molokai monk seal, democracy watch, week in review.

 

Leopard shark [Aquarium of the Pacific]

Leopard shark Triakis semifasciata
The leopard shark is a species of houndshark, in the family Triakidae. It is found along the Pacific coast of North America, from the U.S. state of Oregon to Mazatlán in Mexico. Large schools of leopard sharks are a common sight in bays and estuaries, swimming over sandy or muddy flats or rock-strewn areas near kelp beds and reefs. They are most common near the coast, in water less than 4 m (13 ft) deep. Harmless to humans, the leopard shark is caught by commercial and recreational fisheries for food and the aquarium trade. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  The hidden life of salmon sharks

Mass fish necropsy helps forecast salmon returns in Oregon
Scores of volunteer scientists performed a mass fish necropsy in Newport last month. Events like this help forecast salmon returns, as climate change has upended more traditional methods. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports. (OPB) 

Ferry construction begins in Florida on WA’s new hybrid-electric vessels
The first delivery is still estimated for 2030, testing the patience of ferry riders. Tom Banse reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Stormy seas, history, songs and tradition on this year’s tribal canoe journey
You may have noticed tribal canoes passing by Commencement Bay this past week. Their destination was south of the Dupont Wharf, where Sequalitchew Creek empties into the Puget Sound. There, the Nisqually Tribe waited to greet them. This year, it’s called the Medicine Creek Potlatch Journey, and it’s hosted by the Nisqually Tribe. Last year, it was called “Paddle to Elwha,” and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe hosted it. Gavin Feed reports. (Tacoma News Tribune) 

Seattle students set sail on historic tall ship the Adventuress
Sunlight danced on the water on a late July morning at Shilshole Bay Marina as 23 high schoolers climbed aboard a wooden schooner built more than 100 years ago...Students spent two weeks living on the ship, learning how to steer the ship, adjust its sails and navigate the Sound using modern and traditional sailing techniques. Their goal? To man the ship without any help from crew members. Ann Duan reports. (Seattle Times) 

Trump administration's latest buyback of offshore wind leases brings total to nearly $4 billion
An offshore wind company says it's reached a $1.2 billion settlement with the Trump administration to walk away from projects under development off New York, California and Louisiana. Jennifer McDermott reports. (Associated Press) 

New marine science exhibit opens at Fort Worden
The Fort Worden Salish Sea exhibit is the first major renovation of the center’s aquarium facilities in 25 years. It features live exhibits that re-create the region’s kelp forest habitat as well as a fully articulated, preserved orca skeleton. (Peninsula Daily News) 

Swimmers to embark on 1,375-km epic Fraser River journey to protect Delta’s crucial estuary
Beginning Aug. 7, a team of women scientists, strategists, and Indigenous swimmers will plunge into the glacial waters near Mount Robson. Their goal is monumental: a 30-day, 1,375-km relay swim down the Fraser River, culminating at Garry Point in Richmond on Sept. 4. (Penticton Herald) 

A Viral Hawaiian Monk Seal Changes The Conversation On Molokaʻi
A critically endangered seal’s chance encounter with the owner of a popular local social media account has brought community members together after recent killings of the protected species. Marcel Honoré reports. (Civil Beat) 

Democracy Watch

• Trump again tries to restrict birthright citizenship after Supreme Court ruling (AP) 
• A look at Trump's false and misleading claims about the Reflecting Pool (AP) 
• ICE will release body camera video only when seen in the agency’s ‘best interests,’ policy says (AP) 

Salish Sea News Week in Review 8/7/26: Beer Friday, wildlife tracker, largest battery plant, tenacibaculosis, WA wildlife commission, paddling, climate grants, BC pipe fast-track, Big Oil profits WA hybrid-electric ferry. 

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-  211 AM PDT Fri Aug 7 2026    
DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT THIS MORNING    
TODAY  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft  at 7 seconds.  
TONIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft  at 6 seconds.  
SAT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at  7 seconds.  
SAT NIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt, easing to 5 to 10 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 7 seconds.  
SUN  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft in the morning, then  around 2 ft or less. 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.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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8/6 Salmon shark, Alberta pipe, who pays?, Big Oil profits, deep-sea mining, wildfire misinfo, democracy watch.

Salmon shark [Brooke Olson]

 

Salmon shark Lamna ditropis
The salmon shark ranges from Korea and Japan to the Okhotsk and Bering Seas, and the Gulf of Alaska to central Baja California. They are found in both open ocean and in coastal waters. They have been found from the surface to 668 m (2,192 ft) deep. They have an interesting migration pattern that tends to be segregated sexually until summer or fall when males and females gather in the Gulf of Alaska or Japanese waters to mate. Maximum age is up to 30 years old. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Skagit journalists unable to reach deal

Ottawa moves to list Alberta-backed West Coast pipeline as national interest project
Naming a project in the national interest under the Building Canada Act allows the government to fast-track approvals and skirt some environmental laws. David Baxter reports. (Canadian Press) 

(Almost) everybody in Canada wants a pipeline. Nobody wants to pay for it
More than half of Canadians support new pipelines, mostly for economic reasons. But no company has stepped up to cover the cost. Here’s what you need to know about the dollars and cents of pipeline projects in Canada. Sharon J. Riley reports. (The Narwhal) 

Big oil companies continue to post banner profits as fighting in Iran drives prices higher
Six of Europe’s largest oil companies posted combined first-quarter profits of $22 billion, more than 40% higher than last year. Profits at BP, based in London, more than doubled to $3.9 billion in the second quarter, the company said Tuesday. (Associated Press) 

Deep-Sea Mining Would Devastate Ocean Life, DFO Scientist Warns
Some creatures that ‘survived all of Earth’s mass extinctions’ might not make it if we go ahead. Michelle Gamage reports. (The Tyee) 

Wildfire misinformation is mutating online, thanks to AI slop
How conspiracy theories and AI-generated images are playing out during Canada’s 2026 wildfires — and how every social media user chasing engagement is to blame. Michelle Cyca reports. (The Narwhal) 

Democracy Watch

• Trump seeks a boost for hemp that would benefit a top aide’s family (NY Times) 

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

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  210 PM PDT Wed Aug 5 2026   THU  W wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  8 seconds.  
THU NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 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.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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8/5 Brown catshark, air quality, Okanogan fire, Nisqually youth, climate grants, science news grants, wolf kill, Echoes of Senćoŧen, democracy watch.

 

Brown cat shark [NOAA]

Brown catshark Apristurus brunneus
The brown catshark is commonly found in the Pacific Ocean, ranging from the northern Pacific waters off the coast of British Columbia and south to the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. They may live as far south as Ecuador and Peru. Very little is known about the behavior of brown catsharks; they are believed to be solitary, nocturnal creatures. They are thought to be migratory, but most of the year near the edge of the continental shelf. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Activists sound alarm amid wave of ICE detentions

Air quality worsens amid smoky skies, hot weather: Here's what to expect
Hazy, smoky skies from wildfires and building heat will be the story, with relief not likely until a stronger onshore push arrives later this week. Smoke is increasing Tuesday as more wildfire smoke drifts in from central and eastern Washington and British Columbia. (KOMO) 

Wildfire destroys about 230 homes in western Canadian Indigenous community, officials say
A fast-moving wildfire destroyed about 230 homes in an Indigenous community in western Canada, officials said Tuesday, making it one of the country’s most destructive fires in recent years. Dan Wilson, chief of the Okanagan Indian Band, said the Bradley Creek wildfire devastated much of the reserve near Vernon, about 440 kilometers (275 miles) northeast of Vancouver. (Associated Press) 

'Ceremonies change lives' Nisqually youth learn and guide through paddling
Tribal families from around the Northwest paddled to Nisqually for this year's canoe journey. “It teaches a lot of our youth that we still have culture,” said youth skipper Aliya Choke. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX) 

Appeals Court Says E.P.A. Cannot Block Billions in Climate Grants
An appeals court on Tuesday handed a victory to a group of federal grant recipients that the Trump administration has prevented from spending billions of dollars in climate funding for over a year. Claire Brown reports. (NY Times) 

Officials push back on federal changes that could impact WA science news
The Trump administration proposed sweeping changes to federal funding rules. Washington’s governor and university leaders say this would politicize the grant award process. Anna Marie Yanny reports. (KNKX) 

BC Just Spent $74,900 to Kill a Single Wolf in the Kootenays
The program exists to save at-risk caribou, but critics want Ottawa to move to preserve herds’ old-growth habitat. Sarah Cox reports. (The Tyee) 

‘We’re still here’: Echoes of Senćoŧen draws community to Lime Kiln State Park
Community members, tribal leaders and visitors from across the border gathered at Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island on July 23 for the third annual Echoes of Senćoŧen gathering, an evening of song, story and food organized by Josiah French Feld through his organization PKOLS pq̕áls, with support from the Friends of Lime Kiln Society and Protectors of the Salish Sea. Darrell Kirk reports. (San Juan Journal) 

Democracy Watch

• Democratic state officials urge US Supreme Court to affirm pause on Trump vote-by-mail order (Washington State Standard) 
• Poop-painted portrait of U.S. president goes global (Times Colonist)

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-  223 PM PDT Tue Aug 4 2026    
WED  E wind around 5 kt, backing to N in the afternoon. Seas  3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 8 seconds.  
WED NIGHT  W wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 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.



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8/4 Dogfish, wildfire tracker, wild Chinook bacteria, fish and wildlife commision, tiger shark, democracy watch.

 

Pacific spiny dogfish shark [NOAA]

Pacific spiny dogfish shark Squalus suckleyi
Pacific Spiny Dogfish are frequently encountered in shallow bays ranging from the Bering Sea in the north to central Baja California in the south. They are commonly found from 15 to 1244 m (46-4080 ft) but can be encountered much shallower. Caught in the commercial fishery off the outer Washington coast with longline, troll, trawl, and jig handline gear. Also caught by recreational harvesters off the outer Washington coast and in Puget Sound. At 24 months, Pacific Spiny Dogfish have the longest gestation time of any known cartilaginous fish. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Disturbance of Indigenous burial sites is not rare in region

Pacific Northwest Wildfire Tracker
Wildfire potential is tracking above normal through September in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, according to the National Interagency Coordination Center. Janice Kai Chen reports. (Seattle Times) 

B.C. researchers discover deadly bacterial disease in wild chinook
For the first time, B.C. researchers have discovered a deadly bacterial disease in wild chinook salmon in the Pacific Ocean off Vancouver Island. The new study, by scientists at UBC and the Pacific Salmon Foundation and published in Scientific Reports, says tenacibaculosis — a bacterial disease that causes lesions and death in fish — was found in 16 per cent of the 99 chinook sampled. Tenacibaculosis has been well documented in farmed Atlantic salmon, but not found in wild-caught Pacific salmon until now, said Emiliano Di Cicco, a fish health researcher with the Pacific Salmon Foundation and lead author of the study. Tiffany Crawford reports. (Vancouver Sun) 

Fish and Wildlife Commission probe finds wrongdoing, doesn’t recommend punishment
The monthslong investigation into the Washington state panel found a group of commissioners flouted transparency laws and conflict of interest rules. Jerry Cornfield reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Tiger shark caught off Massachusetts could be sign of warming waters
Brothers Nate and Nelson Rouette, longtime sport fishermen who live in Massachusetts, released a juvenile tiger shark in late July after catching it from a beach. The five-foot shark is far more common in warmer, southern waters such as the Caribbean Sea, and scientists said its appearance off Falmouth, Massachusetts, is an indicator of warming seas caused by climate change.Patrick Whittle reports. (Associated Press) 

Democracy Watch

• As Blanche’s path to confirmation is cleared, Trump’s tax audit immunity remains in place (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-  208 PM PDT Mon Aug 3 2026    
TUE  E wind around 5 kt, backing to NE around 5 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 7 seconds.  
TUE NIGHT  W wind around 5 kt, veering to N around 5 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 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.



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8/3 Bluntnose sixgill shark, orcas by night, WA fire, coal to gas, SnoCo battery, dying whales, ticks, democracy watch.

 

Bluntnose sixgill shark [MaST Center Aquarium]

Bluntnose sixgill shark [MaST Center Aquarium]

Bluntnose sixgill shark Hexanchus griseus
The bluntnose sixgill shark has a heavy, powerful body with a broad head and small florescent green-blue eyes. Bluntnose sixgill sharks can grow up to at least 550 cm (18 ft) in length, and 590 kg (1,300 lbs) in weight. The bluntnose sixgill shark is circumglobal: both in tropical and temperate waters. In the Eastern Pacific, they are found from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska to Baja California, Mexico. This species is a deepsea shark, but like most fish that prefer the deep, they may move to shallower depths to feed. In some areas, such as Puget Sound, females move into shallow water to give birth, at which time they may be encountered by divers. Maximum age is 80 years old. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Volunteers, nonprofits step up as Skagit County restructures senior services

Orcas by night: A rare look at the nighttime activities of endangered killer whales
Killer whales are active both day and night, but most scientific research focuses on their daytime activities. A recent study looked at a small group of endangered southern residents to find out how often they hunt after the sun goes down. Ocean noise tends to decrease at night, potentially making it easier for the whales to catch salmon, but could they take advantage? Sarah DeWeerdt reports. (Salish Sea Currents Magazine) 

‘Particularly Dangerous Situation’: Washington’s fire season off to roaring start
Fire season in the Pacific Northwest is off to a roaring start, with fire officials predicting “explosive” growth of eastern Washington wildfires in the days ahead. John Ryan reports. (KUOW) 

State’s only coal power plant shifting to natural gas, will serve as backup power for  region
Washington’s only coal power plant will transition to natural gas by 2028. As part of the transition, the Washington Department of Ecology reviewed the environmental impacts involved with the switch, and reached an agreement to mitigate those impacts with TransAlta, which operates the Centralia plant. (WA Dept of Ecology news release) 

Snohomish County is building the state's largest battery plant
The battery system will add capacity to the electric grid, support renewable energy and help keep prices down. But other such Washington plants have stirred controversy. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX) 

Whales are dying in B.C. waters. Here's how 2 groups are trying to save them
An estimated 20K whales are killed worldwide by vessel strikes each year, research suggests. Caroline Barghout reports. (CBC) 
 
What to know to keep yourself safe from ticks this summer
With temperatures warming year over year, ticks are on the rise in Canada and moving northward from their typical breeding grounds. The blood-feeding arachnids can transmit some serious illnesses, meaning it's a good idea to be prepared. (CBC) 

Democracy Watch

• Justice Department moves to drop case against ex-Olympian charged with damaging Reflecting Pool (AP) 
• Trump defends massive settlement for ‘great American Patriots’ of Jan. 6, attacks GOP senators (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-  118 PM PDT Sun Aug 2 2026    
MON  E wind around 5 kt, backing to N in the afternoon. Seas  3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 8 seconds.  
MON NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt, becoming E after midnight. Seas  around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 7 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.



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7/31 Red elderberry, profit-taking oil companies, WA emissions, Lummi wastewater award, data center gas plant, rating fires, democracy watch, week in review.

 

Red elderberry [David A. Hofmann]

Red elderberry Sambucus racemosa
Red elderberry does best in moist, well-drained soil. Occasionally it does not survive transplanting, but once it lives through transplant shock it grows vigorously even in its first growing season. Stems that are damaged or die back have an amazing ability to regenerate from the roots. 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Commentary: Are Nooksack salmon doomed?

Dear reader: Thank you for supporting Salish Current and its free daily newsletter with either a one-time donation or a recurring monthly donation. Your support of nonprofit, open access community news is sincerely appreciated. Mike Sato.

Oil companies are expected to reap big profits because of US-Iran conflict
Analysts are expecting major oil companies to report large profits while fighting between Iran and the U.S. impeded petroleum shipments. Cathy Bussewitz reports. (Associated Press) 

With 2030 deadline to cut emissions approaching, WA has a long way to go
Greenhouse gas emissions in Washington will need to plummet over the next three and a half years to comply with ambitious state climate regulations. Washington met its first emissions limit set in 2020, mostly due to the pandemic. The 2030 target will be a much heavier lift, according to new information presented Monday at a Washington Climate Partnership meeting. Aspen Ford reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Lummi Nation earns national EPA award for ‘exceptional’ wastewater treatment work
The Lummi Tribal Sewer & Water District recently celebrated a national award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for major upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant. The  Gooseberry Point Wastewater Treatment Plant was one of five projects to be nationally recognized as “exceptional” out of several thousand similar projects over the year. Hailey LeRoy reports. (Bellingham Herald) 

Controversial Central WA gas power plant for data centers canceled amid activist backlash
A contentious plan to build a behind-the-meter gas power plant to meet growing demand from data centers in Central Washington has been canceled. Monica Nickelsburg reports. (KUOW) 

The Science Behind BC’s Fire Danger Ratings
‘Extreme’ isn’t just a vibe. How decades of research help inform the public and set rules for workers. Ainslie Cruickshank reports. (The Tyee) 

Democracy Watch

• After Obamacare Cuts, Hospitals Are Treating More Uninsured Patients (NY Times) 

Salish Sea News Week in Review, July 31, 2026: Avocado Friday, clean energy grants, grid bottleneck, BC carbon capture, SRKW population, Hood Canal biotoxin, LNG flaring, canoe journey, profit-taking oil companies. 

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-  148 AM PDT Fri Jul 31 2026    
TODAY  S wind around 5 kt, veering to NW late this morning,  backing to W early this afternoon, rising to 10 to 15 kt late.  Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 8 seconds.  
TONIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt, becoming SW 5 to 10 kt after  midnight. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 7 seconds.  Rain likely after midnight.  
SAT  W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at  8 seconds. Rain.  
SAT NIGHT  SW wind 10 to 15 kt, easing to 5 to 10 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 7 seconds. Rain  likely in the evening.  

SUN  W wind around 5 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 3 to 4 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.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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7/30 Pacific nine bark,Hood Canal biotoxins, BC LNG flaring, data center campaign, 2026 Canoe Journey, democracy watch.

Pacific nine bark [Steve Sullivan]

Pacific ninebark Physocarpus capitatus
Pacific ninebark is abundant along wet roadsides in our area. It favors moist to very wet soils, but also can sometimes be found on drier sites. It does fine with "flashy" hydrology (alternatingly wet and dry) which makes it useful for planting stormwater ponds and other fluctuating water edges. The twigs and greenery provide browse for wildlife. 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Gray whales are struggling; researchers look to new tools

Dear reader: Thank you to readers who have donated to Salish Current.  "News and Weather" is my free news blog; at Salish Current we pay editors, freelancers and contractors to publish the free daily newsletter.

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WA shellfish growers worry for future after Hood Canal closure 
Hood Canal, a pillar of the state’s shellfish economy, a popular draw for recreational harvesters and stewarded by Native people for millennia, has been closed to harvest all summer because of a potentially deadly biotoxin. Scientists sounded the alarm in June when a survey at Hoodsport picked up microscopic Alexandrium catenella cells. When ingested by humans, the toxin produced by the alga can lead to paralytic shellfish poisoning, a severe illness that can be deadly. The biotoxin can’t be cooked or frozen out of shellfish. Isabella Breda reports. (Seattle Times) 

LNG Canada dropped commitments to operate ‘without routine flaring,’ docs reveal
For years, LNG Canada made environmental commitments in documents submitted to B.C.’s energy regulator. It removed them before the facility launched — then the flaring started. Matt Simmons reports. (The Narwhal) 

Pro-data center industry group behind ad campaign in Oregon, six other states
They’re all part of a network of groups created by the nonprofit Data Center Coalition, an industry group hoping to improve public opinion of data centers as pushback grows. In each of these states, a growing number of local governments and legislatures are considering and passing policies meant to slow data center growth. Alex Baumhardt reports. (Washington State Standard) 

2026 Canoe Journey: Duwamish Tribe’s canoe family launches from West Seattle on Wednesday
July 29, marks the beginning for the Duwamish headed to Canoe Journey 2026, Paddle to Nisqually Medicine Creek Potlatch, which continues an inter-tribal celebration and annual gathering of Northwest Indigenous nations. After preparing and training for months, the Duwamish Tribe Canoe Family is poised to join and celebrate the annual canoe journey, Healing Through Our Waters By Honoring Our Ancestors, from July 29 to August 5. (West Seattle Blog) 

Democracy Watch

• No soup for you: These are the federal grants Trump squashed in Ore., Wash. (Columbia Insight) 
• ACLU files federal claim over monthlong Blaine detention (Bellingham Herald) 

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- 213 PM PDT Wed Jul 29 2026    
THU  W wind around 5 kt, veering to NW in the afternoon. Seas  around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 8 seconds.  
THU NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt, becoming NW after midnight. 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.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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