3/25 Oystercatcher, orca capture, first humpback, DRIPA, purple martins, bullfrog man, democracy watch.

 

Black Oystercatcher [Suze Schalbe]

Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani
Among the mussel- and barnacle-covered rocks of the Pacific Coast lives this stout shorebird with a gleaming reddish bill, yellow eyes, and pink legs. Look for them foraging on falling tides, when exposed marine organisms are vulnerable to quick strikes from their sharp, stout bills. (All About Birds)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Whatcom County to deliver needs assessment for new jail

Reflecting on the legacy of the last orca capture in Washington state, 50 years later
Ellie Kinley is a mother, fisherman, and a member of the Lummi Nation in the Bellingham area reflects on the orca captures 50. Kim Malcolm and John O'Brien report. (KUOW) 

First official humpback whale sighting of the season confirmed off Nanaimo 
Vancouver Island Whale Watch says the first humpback whale of the 2026 season has been spotted just off Nanaimo, marking the start of the marine mammals’ annual return to B.C. waters. Jeff Lawrence reports. (CHEK) 

B.C. mulls changes to weaken DRIPA, shares secret document with First Nations leaders
Following two recent court decisions siding with First Nations under British Columbia's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, Premier David Eby is considering amendments that would weaken that legislation. Alessia Passafiume reports. (Canadian Press) 

The Birds Who Call Us Home
We’re in the full flush of spring. Here on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, signs of renewal abound, including winged arrivals from Espírito Santo, Brazil—the ravenous and ravishing purple martins. Brian Payton writes. (bioGraphic) 

Meet the Nisqually bullfrog man. Refuge hires pro to take out invasive amphibian 
The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge been raided by American bullfrogs, an invasive species not native to the area. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has been fighting the spread of American bullfrogs for years and recently brought in some reinforcements. His name is Jamie Buchanan. And he’s a professional bullfrog hunter. Gavin Feek writes. (Tacoma News Tribune) 

Democracy Watch

• Trump casts Florida mail ballot as he pushes Congress to severely limit that voting option (AP) 
• US Senate confirms Mullin as next Homeland Security boss (Washington State Standard) 

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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  217 PM PDT Tue Mar 24 2026   
WED  W wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W 7 ft at  10 seconds. Showers in the morning, then rain in the afternoon. WED NIGHT  W wind 20 to 25 kt, easing to 10 to 15 kt after  midnight. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W 7 ft at 9 seconds. Rain.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here 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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3/24 Redbanded rockfish, enviro and climate bills, orca distance, Ash Grove Cement, David Suzuki, wind farm buyout, Davis Meeker Garry Oak, democracy watch

Redbanded rockfish [Ed Bowlby]

 
Redbanded rockfish Sebastes babcocki
The redbanded rockfish, also known as the bandit, barber pole, flag rockfish, Spanish flag, Hollywood, convict, and canary, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the subfamily Sebastinae, the rockfishes, part of the family Scorpaenidae. It is found in the northern Pacific Ocean.

Today's top story in Salish Current:  From gallery walls to shop windows, skateboards carve out space in art scene 

Environment and climate bills that passed and failed in WA’s legislative session
Aspen Ford reports. (Washington State Standard) 

DFO aims to increase distance between vessels and endangered orcas
The rule change would increase the distance boats must keep from the endangered orcas to 1,000 metres from the current 400. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist) 

Why a Seattle cement plant burns a million tires a year and wants to burn more
For anyone crossing the Duwamish River on the West Seattle bridge, the Ash Grove Cement plant is hard to miss. Beneath the cooling tower, a massive cylindrical kiln spins on its side like a giant rolling pin, except this cylinder gets up to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit inside. Every day, to heat that kiln and turn limestone into “clinker,” a key ingredient of cement, the plant burns natural gas and thousands of old tires for fuel. John Ryan reports. (KUOW) 

At 90, David Suzuki says he has done everything he could to protect the Earth, but fears he has fallen short
The iconic Canadian environmentalist says it may be too late for humanity to stop the worst of climate change. Catherine Zhu reports. (CBC) 

Trump Administration to Pay $1 Billion to Energy Giant to Cancel Wind Farms
In exchange, the French company TotalEnergies would invest in oil and natural gas projects in Texas and elsewhere. Maxine Joselow and Brad Plumerd report. (NY Times) 

Is there enough money to save this 400-year-old oak tree in Thurston County?
The City of Tumwater now has a plan to keep the 400-year-old Davis Meeker Garry Oak tree standing, almost two years after former Mayor Debbie Sullivan called to cut the tree down after a large branch fell near Old Highway 99. The plan consists of a three-year maintenance plan. However, the funds the city has set aside to care for the tree might not cover what needs to be done in the first year. Ty  Vinson reports. (Olympian) 

Democracy Watch

• Supreme Court rejects appeal from online citizen journalist over her arrest in Texas (AP)
• Pentagon spokesman says it will issue new press credentials but remove media offices (AP) 

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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  214 PM PDT Mon Mar 23 2026    
GALE WARNING IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY  EVENING    
TUE  S wind 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft.  Wave Detail: E 4 ft at 4 seconds, W 4 ft at 10 seconds and SW 6  ft at 12 seconds. Rain.  
TUE NIGHT  SW wind 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt. Seas 6  to 9 ft. Wave Detail: S 4 ft at 5 seconds and W 9 ft at 12  seconds. Showers in the evening, then rain after midnight.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here 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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3/23 Caspian Tern, artificial turf, BC wildfires, coal plants, microfibers, national park air, whale sounds, democracy watch

Caspian Tern [Sasha Cahill]

 

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia
The regal Caspian Tern is the largest tern in the world, easily recognized by its brilliant red fish-knife of a bill and deep, raspy call. Found all over the world, the Caspian favors both freshwater and saltwater environments. It feeds mostly on fish, captured in nimble aerial dives. (All About Birds) 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  VSED awareness continues for those unable to use state’s Death with Dignity

New study finds artificial turf fields in Metro Vancouver releasing chemicals harmful to salmon
A new study from the University of British Columbia is raising concerns about the environmental impact of artificial turf fields across Metro Vancouver, which, it says, is leaching a chemical that’s deadly to coho salmon. (CBC) 

Invasive grasses spreading after B.C. wildfires could fuel massive fires
Researchers say invasive grasses act as dry runways that spread flames at highway speed. Marissa Birnie (Canadian Press) 

WA, Trump administration standoff continues in fight over coal plant 
The U.S. Department of Energy renewed an emergency order this week directing the state’s last coal power plant to remain available for operation, continuing a legal fight between the Trump administration and state leaders. Amanda Zhou reports. (Seattle Timers)  See: Trump is forcing coal plants to stay open. It could cost customers billions (Washington State Standard) 

Rivers and tidal currents keep 80% of microfibers from reaching oceans, study suggests
New research shows that up to 80% of polyester microfibers released from wastewater treatment plants in the Salish Sea accumulate close to their sources and behind natural barriers like sills and channels, with only a tiny fraction (approximately 0.13%) escaping into the Pacific Ocean, while the rest either settle in sediments or wash up along the coastline. Hannah Bird reports. (Phys.org) 

Trump's EPA is paving the way for haze to return to national parks, conservationists warn
Conservationists are warning that the Trump administration is working state by state to undo decades of progress in clearing skies over the country's beloved national parks. (Associated Press) 

Oldest known whale recording could unlock mysteries of the ocean
A haunting whale song discovered on decades-old audio equipment could open up a new understanding of how the huge animals communicate, according to researchers who say it’s the oldest such recording known. The song is that of a humpback whale, a marine giant beloved by whale watchers for its docile nature and spectacular leaps from the water, and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda. Patrick Whittle reports. (Associated Press) 

Democracy Watch

• Judge sides with New York Times in challenge to policy limiting reporters’ access to Pentagon (AP) 
• Trump’s Reaction to Mueller’s Death: ‘Good, I’m Glad.’ (NY Times) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  203 PM PDT Sun Mar 22 2026    
MON  NW wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at  11 seconds.  
MON NIGHT  NW wind 5 to 10 kt, veering to E after midnight.  Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: E 2 ft at 3 seconds and W 5 ft at  11 seconds. Rain.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here 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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3/20 Garden mystery, BC flooding, data centers, Chuckanut Shellfish, Imperial Metals, Salish Sea Wonders, democracy watch, week in review.

 

Garden mystery [Laurie MacBride]

The Mystery in the Garden
Laurie MacBride in Eye on Environment writes: "It’s just a memory now, but what a spectacular one! The plant in the photo began life as a volunteer in our garden last spring. I wasn’t sure what it was at first and almost yanked it out, since it was growing fast and taking up precious space that could be used for food production. Its thick stem resembled a fennel, and we had more than enough of those already – but I wasn’t quite certain enough to take action. (Read more) 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Little Squalicum Estuary project models successful coastal habitat restoration

Why B.C. is flooding — again
In the years since the devastating 2021 floods, B.C. has taken some steps to reduce flood risk. Experts say more could be done. Shannon Waters reports. (The Narwhal) 

Opposition to data centers is growing. How far can it go?
As big tech eyes public lands in its quest for power, public opinion is souring. Chuck Thompson and John Stang report. (Columbia Insight) 

Chuckanut Shellfish seeks to expand operations
Chuckanut Shellfish has applied to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to expand its shellfish cultivation area from 6.93 acres to 10.62 acres in Samish Bay. Cameron Martinez reports. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

Imperial Metals Wants to Dig for Gold Despite Indigenous Objections
Vancouver Island nations say the province shouldn’t have granted exploration permits. Nora O'Malley reports. (The Tyee) 

"Wonders of the Salish Sea” is back! 
Celebrate the program's 10th year with a dive into topics such as the powerful convergence of geography, biodiversity, and human activity; the resilience of the Salish Sea; fishes of the shallows; the secret lives of harbour porpoises; sea stars—exposed and explained; gulls—misunderstood and charismatic; Indigenous Food Systems; and a truly remarkable whale tale. March 23, 30, April 13 & 20. 7 - 9 p.m. Online. Registration. 

Democracy Watch

• Pentagon seeks $200 billion in additional funds for the Iran war, AP source says (AP) 
• Former Trump appointee: MAGA movement is ‘dead’ (The Hill) 

Salish Sea News Week in Review 3/20/26: Spring!, BC old-growth, nat'l forest logging, California offshore oil, industrial chemicals, daylighting streams, Duwamish R., fed fish regs.

Have you read the Salish Current? 
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Here's your weekend tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  150 AM PDT Fri Mar 20 2026    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH  SATURDAY MORNING    
TODAY  SW wind 15 to 25 kt, rising to 20 to 30 kt late this  morning and early afternoon, veering to W late. Seas 4 to 6 ft.  Wave Detail: S 2 ft at 4 seconds, SW 5 ft at 9 seconds and W 6 ft  at 11 seconds. Rain this morning, then a chance of rain early this  afternoon. A slight chance of rain late.  
TONIGHT  W wind 20 to 30 kt, becoming NW 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W 7 ft at 9 seconds and SW  2 ft at 10 seconds.  
SAT  W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at  9 seconds. A chance of snow showers in the morning. A chance of  showers.  
SAT NIGHT  SW wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: SW  2 ft at 3 seconds and W 5 ft at 10 seconds. Showers.  
SUN  W wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W 6 ft at  11 seconds. Rain, mainly in the morning.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here 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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3/19 Spring draba, Duwamish R., Little Squalicum Estuary, fed fish regs, The Nature Record.

Spring draba [Rick Haley]

Spring draba Draba verna
Reader Rick Haley writes: "Draba verna is my favorite harbinger of better times ahead, as it's usually the first annual flower.  It blooms so early that the better times are sometimes farther off than one might hope.  I've seen it blooming as early as December 28, but more frequently I find it first in February.  One of its favorite habitats in my neighborhood is a crack between the sidewalk and the curb.  Draba verna is less than 5cm tall, and I sometimes wonder what passing drivers think when they see me crouched over trying to take a picture of what appears to be nothing." From Awkward Botany: "Draba verna is a small but memorable plant. Common names for it include early whitlowgrass, vernal whitlowgrass, and spring whitlow-mustard. Sometimes it is simply referred to as spring draba. As these common names suggest, Draba verna flowers early in the spring."

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Woe, Canada! Washington State Ferries enters seventh season without cross-border service / Protecting people's right to know is getting harder

Seattle’s Only River Comes Alive Again
How one of the largest cities in Salmon Nation has restored the Duwamish River over the past three decades — community-first and one mucky step at a time. Kathleen Tarrant reports. Photography by Kirk Hostetter. (Magic Canoe) 

Little Squalicum Estuary project models successful coastal habitat restoration
Fish, birds, flora and fauna have flocked to the restoration area in Bellingham. Eli Voorhies reports. (Salish Current) 

Fewer fish in West Coast waters will be federally regulated
The Pacific Fishery Management Council voted this month to loosen regulations on eight groundfish stocks in Washington and Oregon, after doing the same for 39 stocks last year. Bellamy Pailthorp reports.(KNKX) 

Nature assessment describes both peril and promise, as humans relate to the natural world
“The Nature Record,”  originally titled the “National Nature Assessment,” was launched in 2022 as a government project — the first of its kind. The effort involved more than 160 leading scientists from throughout the country, representing wide-ranging fields of study related to the natural environment. Christopher Dunagan reports. (Puget Sound Institute) 

Have you read the Salish Current? 
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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  103 PM PDT Wed Mar 18 2026    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON    
THU  S wind 15 to 25 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: S 2 ft at  3 seconds, SW 3 ft at 11 seconds and W 3 ft at 11 seconds. Rain.  THU NIGHT  S wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: S  2 ft at 5 seconds, SW 3 ft at 10 seconds and W 3 ft at  11 seconds. Rain.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here 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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3/18 Pacific chorus frog, Snohomish grant, daylighting creeks, Five Star Whale Watching, democracy watch.

Pacific Chorus Frog [Mr.Toad]

Pacific Chorus Frog Pseudacris regilla
The Pacific Chorus Frog (also known as the Pacific Treefrog) is perhaps the most abundant amphibian on the west coast of North America. The geographic range of these little frogs extends from British Columbia down to Baja California, and from the Pacific Ocean to Nevada and Montana. Within this huge area, Pacific Chorus Frogs can be found from sea level to over 10,000 feet, in habitats that include deserts and redwood forests. If you live within the range of this frog, you have probably heard them calling, or seen them hopping about. Michael F. Benard writes. (Mr. Toad)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Colleges see international enrollment shifts amid visa program changes 

Snohomish County to receive $500K urban forest, salmon recovery grant
The Snohomish County Council unanimously voted Wednesday for a $500,000 urban forest grant that will fund data collection and forest mapping to help with future salmon recovery projects. Taylor Scott Richmond reports. (Everett Herald) 

When We Revive Buried Urban Creeks, What Can Happen?
Spurred by advocates, Vancouver has ‘daylighted’ some paved-over waterways. Ducks, and people, are flocking. Hanna Hett reports. (The Tyee) 

Victoria’s longest-running whale watching company shuts down after 41 years 
Five Star Whale Watching announced in a Facebook post Monday that it has suspended operations after 41 years, Jeff Lawrence reports. (CHEK News) 

Democracy Watch

• Joe Kent, a top counterterrorism official, resigns citing Iran war (NPR) 
• Trump's homeland security pick Mullin is poised to inherit a department beset by challenges (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-  240 PM PDT Tue Mar 17 2026    
WED  SW wind 10 to 15 kt, backing to SE in the afternoon. Seas  3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: SW 5 ft at 10 seconds. Rain.  
WED NIGHT  S wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: S  5 ft at 8 seconds. Rain.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here 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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3/17 Bluegill, mystery orcas, industrial chemicals, BC wildfire season, democracy watch

 

Bluegill

Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus
Bluegill is one of several "panfish" species in Washington which is very popular across the state because they are easy to catch, they are a great "family fishing activity" and they make excellent table fare. The state record is 2.33 lbs for a bluegill caught by Ron Hinote in 1984. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Good Time Girls to kick off 2026 tours

Mystery orcas from afar thrill Seattle-area whale watchers
Three mystery whales have been surprising whale watchers from Canada to Olympia. Photos taken during the four days that the trio of whales spent in a busy harbor bounded by Vancouver’s Lions Gate and Trans-Canada Highway bridges showed these were Bigg’s killer whales, but they matched none of the whales in the catalogs. John Ryan reports. (KUOW) 

Industrial chemicals have reached the middle of the ocean, new study shows
New research shows the chemicals we use to kill pests, heal our bodies and package our foods are spread throughout the ocean, intermingling with the microorganisms that feed marine life. They’ve reached even the most distant and remote places on the planet. Susanne Rust reports. (LA Times) 

Province preparing for 2026 wildfire season as Environment Canada predicts hot year ahead
Environment Canada expects 2026 to be one of the hottest years on record. Meanwhile, B.C.'s River Forecast Centre says low snowpack in some regions could increase the potential for drought this spring and summer. (CBC) 

Democracy Watch

• Judge blocks US government from slimming down vaccine recommendations (AP) 
• Kennedy Center votes to shut down operations for 2 years and names a new president (AP) 
• With Threats and Claims of ‘Treason,’ Trump Pressures Media on the War (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-  256 PM PDT Mon Mar 16 2026    SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON    
TUE  S wind 15 to 20 kt, easing to 10 to 15 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: S 3 ft at 4 seconds and W  7 ft at 12 seconds. Rain.  
TUE NIGHT  S wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: S  2 ft at 4 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. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here 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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Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



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