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



Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


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.



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


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.

---


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



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


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.

Thank you for the periodic generous donation. We also encourage a recurring monthly donation of $12 or more which provides a steady income flow with the assurance we can pay more writers for more stories. Please support the Current today. Mike.

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.      

---


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



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


 

7/29 Red huckleberry, SRKW numbers, pipeline threat, forest sanctuary, democracy watch.

Red huckleberry [Walter Seigmund]

  
Red huckleberry Vaccinium parvifolium
Red Huckleberry performs best in a woodland garden which duplicates its native habitat in partial shade with rich, humusy soil.  It is delicate-looking with an attractive branching pattern.  In fall, its reddish leaves create an interesting visual contrast next to its green branches. (Native Plants PNW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Possible cuts threaten support for families of people with disabilities 

Dear reader: Salish Current is a nonprofit supported by its community of readers. If you are reading "News and Weather" in the Current daily newsletter, we're asking for your support this summer to help us raise $15,000 so we can report more stories and engage more readers. Not a Current reader? Subscribe for free here.

We always appreciate the periodic generous donation, and we also encourage a recurring monthly donation of $12 or more which provides a steady income flow with the assurance we can pay more writers for more stories. Reporting more stories about environment, justice and culture will help us subscribe more readers. Please support the Current today. Thank you, Mike.

Annual census could show an increase of two killer whales among southern residents
Pending one final check, it appears that this year’s census of the endangered southern resident killer whale population will show a positive increase of two orcas — an annual increase equaled only four times in the past 20 years. The Center for Whale Research, which conducts the annual census, needs one more encounter with a group of 19 whales in L pod to be sure that no recent births or deaths will alter the count, according to Michael Weiss, research director for CWR. This group of whales, known as the Greater L4 subgroup, includes a new calf, L130, first seen last month. Christopher Dunagan reports. (Puget Sound Institute) 

75 of these whales remain. A new West Coast pipeline would be 'devastating' for them, experts say
Environmental groups are voicing concerns about the impact the Alberta government's proposed route for a new oil pipeline could have on an already endangered species of whale. Brock Wilson reports. (CBC) 

BC Parks calls it ‘a luxuriously forested sanctuary.’ Just don’t try to visit
Carmanah Walbran Park is inaccessible to visitors, as B.C. approves logging company’s decision to gate roads. Cameron Fenton reports. (The Narwhal) 

Democracy Watch

• ‘Government edit’? Two lawsuits challenge state’s description of WA income tax measure (Washington State Standard) 
• WA has blocked over 100,000 federal attempts to access license plate data (KUOW) 

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-  152 PM PDT Tue Jul 28 2026    
WED  W wind around 5 kt, veering to NW 10 to 15 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 9 seconds.  

WED 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.

---


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



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


7/28 Pacific willow, WA wildfires, Border fires, BC carbon capture, democracy watch.

 

Pacific willow [Matt Lavin]

Pacific willow Salix lasiandra
Pacific willow is the tallest of the native willows. Given ample moisture, it grows abundantly and can quickly become established to anchor soil at the base of a slope. Pacific willow grows very well from cuttings, although the wood is somewhat brittle and live stakes may split if pounded vigorously. (Sound Native Plants)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  The NW Washington species impacted by Endangered Species Act rollback / Bellingham’s rent software ban won’t fix Washington’s housing crisis (Commentary)

Dear reader: Salish Current is a nonprofit supported by its community of readers. If you are reading "News and Weather" in the Current daily newsletter, we're asking for your support this summer to help us raise $15,000 so we can report more stories and engage more readers. Not a Current reader? Subscribe for free here.

We always appreciate the periodic generous donation, and we also encourage a recurring monthly donation of $12 or more which provides a steady income flow with the assurance we can pay more writers for more stories. Reporting more stories about environment, justice and culture will help us subscribe more readers. Please support the Current today. Thank you, Mike.

Dry conditions, gusty winds contribute to more active than normal wildfire season in Washington
The Pacific Northwest faces an intense wildfire season, with nearly 150,000 acres burned and lightning strikes contributing to several large fires. (KING) 

Two Wildfires Continue To Burn @ North Cascades National Park
Despite cooler temperatures and a chance of rain in the forecast, two wildfires continue to burn within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, with crews maintaining a full suppression strategy on both incidents. (Unofficial Networks) 

Calling Carney’s Carbon Capture Bluff
He pretends the technology is a serious response to the climate crisis. Here’s the reality. Andrew Nikiforuk writes. (The Tyee) 

Democracy Watch

• Administration asks US Supreme Court to uphold sweeping Trump order restricting vote-by-mail (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-  146 PM PDT Mon Jul 27 2026    

TUE  SW wind 10 to 15 kt, becoming W 5 to 10 kt in the  afternoon. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: S 3 ft at 5 seconds and W  3 ft at 8 seconds. Rain in the morning.  
TUE NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 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



Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


7/27 Nootka rose, cancelled clean energy grants, wildfire smoke, WA transmission lines, ancient forest experience, democracy watch.

Nootka rose [Leslie Seaton]

 

Nootka rose Rosa nutkana
Nootka rose is a workhorse of a plant. It is successful in a range of sun and moisture conditions and spreads easily. It is also one of the few species that can compete with Himalaya blackberry. Nootka rose likes it wetter than bald-hip rose but not as wet as swamp rose. (Sound Native Plants)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  After years of delays, Secret Harbor School lawsuits head toward trial

Dear reader: Salish Current is a nonprofit supported by its community of readers. If you are reading "News and Weather" in the Current daily newsletter, we're asking for your support this summer to help us raise $15,000 so we can report more stories and engage more readers. You're not a Current reader, you can subscribe for free here.

We always appreciate the periodic generous donation, and we also encourage a recurring monthly donation of $12 or more which provides a steady income flow with the assurance we can pay more writers for more stories. Reporting more stories about environment, justice and culture will help us subscribe more readers. Please support the Current today. Thank you, Mike.

Trump administration admits grants for clean energy were canceled based on politics
The Trump administration has again acknowledged in court documents that it terminated $7.6 billion in grants for hundreds of clean energy projects “based solely on the political identity of the grant recipient’s state,” in this case, 16 states that voted for Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Matthew Daly report. (Associated Press) 

U.S. senator stands up for Canada against smoke complaints as U.S. wildfire moves into B.C.
Democratic Sen. Patty Murray says recent statements from U.S. Republicans, including President Donald Trump, criticizing Canada for its wildfire management are insulting and ridiculous. Andrew Kurjata reports. (CBC) 

Washington state’s clean-energy bottleneck leads to calls for reform 
Despite its green reputation, the Evergreen State trails every other U.S. state in adding wind and solar power to its electrical grid, according to a 2025 investigation by Oregon Public Broadcasting and ProPublica. John Ryan reports.(KUOW) 

Step inside an 1,800-year-old tree to experience the magic of B.C.’s ancient forests
The Ancient Forest Experience is an immersive video installation by Skwxwú7mesh artist, ethnobotanist and educator T’uy’t’tanat Cease Wyss in collaboration with filmmakers Damien Gillis and Olivier Leroux. The work is presented at the Vancouver Art Gallery as part of the exhibition Future Geographies: Art in the Century of Climate Change. Katie Lawson reports. (CBC) 

Democracy Watch

• US appeals court upholds injunction that blocks Trump's order to create a federal voter list (AP) 
• Skagit Publishing journalists go on strike amid contract negotiations (Skagit Valley 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-  129 PM PDT Sun Jul 26 2026    
MON  SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 2 ft  at 9 seconds. Rain likely, mainly in the morning.  
MON NIGHT  SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W  2 ft at 8 seconds. A chance of rain in the evening, then rain  after midnight.

---


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



savesalishsea@bluesky.social

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate



Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told