4/1 Crows & kids, global warming, Clean Marine, derelict boats, DuPont shores

Smart crow (PHOTO: Sarah Jelbert)

No kidding: Crows understand water displacement at the level of a small child: Show causal understanding of a 5- to 7-year-old child
New Caledonian crows may understand how to displace water to receive a reward, with the causal understanding level of a 5- to 7-year-old child. Understanding causal relationships between actions is a key feature of human cognition. However, the extent to which non-human animals are capable of understanding causal relationships is not well understood. Scientists used the Aesop's fable riddle -- in which subjects drop stones into water to raise the water level and obtain an out-of reach-reward -- to assess New Caledonian crows' causal understanding of water displacement. (Science Daily)

Threat from global warming heightened in latest U.N. report
Global warming poses a growing threat to the health, economic prospects, and food and water sources of billions of people, top scientists said in a report that urges swift action to counter the effects of carbon emissions. The latest report from the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says the effects of warming are being felt everywhere, fuelling potential food shortages, natural disasters and raising the risk of wars. "The world, in many cases, is ill-prepared for risks from a changing climate," the IPCC said on Monday, after the final text of the report was agreed. More warming increased the chance of harsh, widespread impacts that could be surprising or irreversible, it added. (Reuters)

The water’s blue, but it’s time to think green
A citizens’ group focused on protecting the marine environment has teamed up with local marinas to educate an estimated 400,000 recreational boaters on how to minimize their impact on water and air quality. Boaters cherish their time on the water, but when they congregate in marinas and other anchorages, escaping sewage, bilge and grey water discharges, fuel leaks and even some paint can have a negative impact on the marine environment. The Georgia Strait Alliance has launched Clean Marine B.C., a voluntary environmental recognition program for marinas, harbour authorities, yacht clubs and boatyards in the province. Pedro Arrais (Times Colonist)

Derelict boats removed from Oak Bay Marina
What started with the removal of a few rusted boats from Oak Bay Marina on Monday could be a small start in addressing the jurisdictional Ping Pong that has long stymied municipalities trying to deal with derelict boats. The joint operation involving Oak Bay police, RCMP and Transport Canada targeted abandoned boats and illegal moorings in what could serve as an example for coastal communities struggling to deal with problem vessels — and looking for help in picking up the bill. Katie Derosa reports. (Times Colonist) See also: State cracks down on derelict boats (Crosscut)

Conservation easements open mile of shore, bluff in DuPont to public
A mile of Puget Sound shoreline and a 45-acre forested bluff in DuPont are now officially protected and partially open to the public as part of restoration efforts in the Sequalitchew Creek watershed in south Pierce County. DuPont Mayor Michael Grayum recently approved the conservation easements from property owner CalPortland Company. CalPortland had previously agreed to preserve the land as part of larger plans to mine a northern portion of its property. The company operates a gravel mine along the city’s northern border near Puget Sound. Brynn Grimley reports. (Tacoma News Tribune)

Now, your tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA- 300 AM PDT TUE APR 1 2014
TODAY
E WIND 10 TO 20 KT EASING TO 10 KT IN THE AFTERNOON. WIND WAVES 1 TO 3 FT. W SWELL 6 FT AT 11 SECONDS.
TONIGHT
NW WIND 5 TO 15 KT BECOMING W AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 4 FT AT 10 SECONDS.

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