8/12 Water hemlock, spotted owls, Roadless Rule, Whidbey prairie, pipeline fees, low oxygen, democracy watch.

Western water hemlock [R.D. Ness]

Water hemlock
 Ethnobotanist H.D. Harrington once wrote that Water hemlock “has gained the reputation as being the most poisonous plant in the North Temperate Zone.” Its toxin, called cicutoxin, can cause delirium, nausea, convulsions, abdominal pain, seizures, and vomiting within 60 minutes of ingestion – frequently leading to death. Cicuta maculata (spotted water hemlock) in the strict sense occurs over most of North America but is replaced by Cicuta douglasii (western water hemlock) in the northwestern United States and western Canada. (Walter Fertig USDA)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Legacy and Life in Odlin Park

BC Aims to Revive Spotted Owls in the Wild. So Why Log Fire Lake?
The province allowed clear cutting old growth previously set aside as key habitat for the endangered raptor. Sarah Cox reports. (The Tyee) 

UW study: Ditching Roadless Rule would degrade drinking water
Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave the public just 21 days to weigh in on Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ proposal to rescind the Forest Service’s Roadless Rule, a federal regulation that prohibits road construction, reconstruction and timber harvests on nearly 60 million acres of national forests and grasslands. The proposed rescission of the rule has proven wildly unpopular. Kendra Chamberlain reports. (Columbia Insight) 

Rare Whidbey prairie protected forever
One of Whidbey Island’s most ecologically significant properties near Coupeville has been permanently protected under a conservation easement preserving 143 acres of rare prairie, Garry oak savanna and mature forest while ensuring continued public access to the land’s trail system. Jessie Stensland reports. (Whidbey News-Times) 

Trans Mountain Looks to Slash Pipeline Shipping Fees
The deal would leave the public on the hook for more of the TMX megaproject’s cost overruns. Zoë Yunker reports. (The Tyee) 

Low oxygen
In response to the article "Case studies provide new details on impacts of low oxygen on Puget Sound species,"  a reader writes: "[D]espite the fact that rising temperatures both lower dissolved oxygen levels while concurrently increasing species’ needs for oxygen, this paper merely notes the climate change issue and moves on.  Granted that not all studies can address all issues but since this is a very message driven report intended to undermine efforts to control a major pollutant, it is irresponsible for its authors to not address the known impacts of climate change on oxygen levels, including warming water and its domino of effects: increased and more severe algal blooms, warmer water in the fall, loss of coastal habitat from sea level rise and ocean acidification, loss of essential estuarine habitat for salmon due to drought, adverse effects of warming on the lowest part of the food chain (copepods), etc.  In addition, this paper makes its calculations on what is the lowest possible level of dissolved oxygen that the species can withstand, while ironically noting that the levels it examines in great detail are not actually high enough to sustain active swimming, growth, and reproduction, as if these are optional to aquatic species’ survival."

Democracy Watch

• Homeland Security Intensifies Pursuit of Noncitizens on Voter Rolls (NY Times) 
• ICE plans to give officers gloves that can deliver painful electric shocks (AP) 
• Judge again bars Trump administration from implementing order that sought to limit mail voting (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-  130 PM PDT Tue Aug 11 2026   
WED  W wind around 5 kt, veering to NW in the afternoon. Seas  3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 8 seconds.  WED NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 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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8/11 Poison ivy, hottest month ever, low oxygen, BC pipes, LNG black cloud, climate for judges, natural wine cellar, democracy watch.

Western Poison-ivy [USDA]

 

Western Poison-ivy Toxicodendron rydbergii
Western poison-ivy is a low-growing shrub; as young children, we learn “leaves of three, let it be” to remind us to avoid the shiny green leaves (technically leaflets) of Poison ivy.  Touching or merely brushing against poison ivy (or coming into contact with contaminated clothing or pet fur), can result in painful swelling, itching, Relatively few wild animals are susceptible to poison ivy and many game species, rodents, livestock, and birds consume the foliage or white, berry-like fruits without ill effect. (Walter Fertig, USDA)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Tracing jazz geography in NW Washington

Contiguous US breaks its record for hottest month ever, NOAA says
The contiguous United States sizzled to its hottest month ever last month, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. July averaged 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit (24.94 degrees Celsius) across the Lower 48 states, eclipsing the Dust Bowl’s July 1936 by an eighth of a degree. Records go back to 1895. Seth Borenstein reports. (Associated Press) 

Case studies provide new details on impacts of low oxygen on Puget Sound species
Oxygen is fundamental to almost all life on earth, but not all marine species require the same amount. Some are adapted to live in deeper waters with less oxygen. Others will tend to inhabit more oxygen-rich areas closer to the surface. Some species can move quickly if oxygen levels get low, but others that are more rooted in place may die. Sarah DeWeerdt reports. (Salish Sea Currents Magazine) 

Coastal Nations want 'master planning,' not piecemeal projects
When Heiltsuk Nation Chief Marilyn Slett invited coastal leaders to gather in Bella Bella, she was expecting a potential fight against Alberta’s proposed oil pipeline to the North Coast. Sonal Gupta reports. (National Observer) 

Inside LNG Canada’s black cloud: docs reveal B.C. regulator was warned about smoke before approvals
Internal documents reveal LNG Canada told the B.C. Energy Regulator its Kitimat export terminal could emit black smoke and pollutants before the project received key permits. Matt Simmons and Will Crisp report. (The Narwhal) 

Top Science Body Deletes Climate Chapter From Judges’ Manual
The nation’s top scientific body has removed a chapter on climate science from a reference manual for judges after an outcry from critics on the right, including President Donald Trump. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine said Friday that it had “determined that questions about the processes used to develop the chapter warrant an independent review, and the chapter will not appear on our website while that review is underway.” Karen Zraick reports. (NY Times) 

Comox Valley winery turns to the Salish Sea as a natural wine cellar
A search for a lower-carbon cellar sent 120 bottles of sparkling wine to the ocean floor. (Comox Valley Record) 

Democracy Watch

• Trump media company announces a massive loss and new turnaround effort (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-  125 PM PDT Mon Aug 10 2026    
TUE  W wind around 5 kt, rising to 5 to 10 kt in the afternoon.  Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 2 ft at 5 seconds.  
TUE NIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt, easing to 5 to 10 kt after  midnight. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 2 ft at 5 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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8/10 Poison oak, BC wildfires, crabbing, halt West Coast pipe, illegal fishing, citizen suits, natural gas power plants, marine mammal observer, democracy watch.

 

Poison oak [Native Plants PNW]

 

Pacific Poison Oak Toxicodendron diversilobum
Poison oak is found from Vancouver Island and nearby islands in British Columbia to Baja California, mostly on the west side of the Cascades in Oregon.  In Washington, it is most common on Puget Sound islands and nearby shorelines, and along the Columbia River.(Native Plants PNW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  The pull of the ancestors

What you need to know about B.C. wildfires on Aug. 9
Over 100 fires are blazing across the province, over 21,000 people under evacuation orders Simon Little reports. (CBC) 

Commercial and recreational Dungeness crabbers tussle over finite resource
As long as crabbers and state officials can remember, Puget Sound’s Dungeness crab season is nothing short of an ordeal. As tribal commercial, state commercial and recreational crabbers divvy up a finite resource, no one is 100% satisfied with harvest shares, enforcement or scheduling. Kenedy Sanchez reports. (CDN) 

First Nations chiefs in B.C. call on Carney, Smith to halt advancing West Coast pipeline
Group says expanding the oil industry will accelerate climate change, natural disasters. (Canadian Press) 

Over 50 violations found during North Pacific illegal fishing crackdown
Inspections also found poor labour practices, including overworking, and withholding of documents. Isabella Calissi reports. (CBC) 

A pillar of environmental enforcement is targeted by Trump and Musk’s AI company
Right-leaning legal activists along with Elon Musk ’s artificial intelligence company have brought sweeping challenges against a cornerstone of legal enforcement in the United States: the right of private groups, people and local governments to sue over violations of many major laws. Their argument, supported by the Trump administration, is that the Constitution reserves tremendous power for the president and federal agencies to decide how — or whether at all — to enforce federal law. They contend Congress should never have handed that power to others through so-called citizen suits that are part of environmental, campaign finance and certain other laws. Michael Phillis reports. (Associated Press) 

WA wanted clean energy. But utilities plan fleet of gas plants
By 2045, state law requires all electricity sold in Washington to be carbon-free, one of the most aggressive deadlines in the country. But to meet skyrocketing electricity demand, utilities are preparing to build a fleet of power plants fueled by natural gas. This contradiction is setting the stage for a renewed battle over Washington’s clean-energy transition. Greg Kim reports. (Seattle Times) 

B.C. Hydro buys natural-gas power plant in Campbell River
Island Generation has operated an average of about 15 days a year over the past five years when needed for B.C. Hydro’s Island electricity grid. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist) 

Marine mammal observer sets sail on new Alaska-Seattle cruise 
The MSC Poesia is heading from Seattle to Alaska for the first time this season. It was one of the first to set carbon neutral cruises as a goal. It also employs advanced recycling systems and has prioritized protecting world oceans and marine life. Since 2022, almost 800 crewmembers and MSC officers have been trained on how to detect and avoid whales. Bellamy Paithorp reports. (KNKX) 

Democracy Watch

• Todd Blanche is narrowly confirmed as Trump’s attorney general in an overnight Senate vote (AP) 
• WA judge rejects bid to ditch description of income tax initiative’s budget effects (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-  101 PM PDT Sun Aug 9 2026    
MON  W wind around 5 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 7 seconds.  
MON NIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt, easing to 5 to 10 kt after  midnight. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 5 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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8/7 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. 

---


"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.

---


"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.

---


"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.

---


"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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