1/30 Science funding, Trudeau, microplastics, 'Big One,' water law, invasives, enviro ed, Dyes poop, Columbia treaty

Amazon reef [Greenpeace/BBC]

Amazon Reef: First images of new coral system
The first pictures of a huge coral reef system discovered in the Amazon last year have been released by environmental campaigners. The Amazon Reef is a 9,500 sq km (3,600 sq miles) system of corals, sponges and rhodoliths, Greenpeace says. The reef is almost 1,000 km (620 miles) long, and is located where the Amazon River meets the Atlantic Ocean. (BBC)

UW scientists unsure of federal funds in Trump era
As confusing and conflicting tweets, leaks and directives fly from the new administration in Washington, D.C., many local researchers are unsure about what’s in store for their work and the role of science in America. Sandi Doughton reports. (Seattle Times)

Trudeau ducks controversy in Lunar New Year visit to Vancouver
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau smiled and waved during his latest visit to Vancouver, but didn't stop to answer questions on a number of issues facing Canadians. Trudeau joined the city's Lunar New Year celebrations Sunday, participating in a blessing ceremony before a traditional lion dance, then leading a parade through Vancouver's historic Chinatown. (Canadian Press) See also: Trudeau got an earful during town hall tour: Here are the top concerns   Frequently asked questions centred on the economy, Indigenous affairs, climate change and immigration. John Paul Tasker reports. (CBC)

Microplastics found in supermarket fish, shellfish
Tiny pieces of plastic are making their way into fish and shellfish found at the supermarket, a new study has shown. The findings are part of a report prepared for the International Maritime Organization, the UN agency responsible for preventing marine pollution. It's not yet been established what effect these tiny particles of plastic will have on the humans who consume them, the report says. Brandie Weikle reports. (CBC) See also: Car Tires a Source of Marine Microplastics  (Marine Executive)

Washington's 30-year earthquake drill for the 'Big One': Order studies. Ignore them. Repeat. 
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has ordered a new report on seismic danger, adding to a paper trail of recommendations that have largely been ignored for decades. Daniel Gilbert and Sandi Doughton report. (Seattle Times)

Competing bills target, affirm high court water decision
Some lawmakers are taking aim at a recent Washington Supreme Court decision that put the onus on counties to determine whether water is legally available in certain rural areas before they issue building permits. One bill sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, amends parts of the state law at the heart of the ruling, known as the Hirst decision. County officials, builders, business and farm groups are among supporting the measure, while environmental groups and tribes oppose it. A competing bill sponsored by Sen. John McCoy, D-Tulalip, supports the court decision and sets up a program to help counties find ways to meet the requirements. Phuong Le reports. (Associated Press)

Invasive oyster drills react differently to predators than natives
Invasive saltwater snails, including dreaded oyster drills, seem to be far more leery of predators than native snails under certain conditions, according to a new study by Emily Grason, whose research earned her a doctoral degree from the University of Washington. Why non-native snails in Puget Sound would run and hide while native species stand their ground remains an open question, but the difference in behavior might provide an opportunity to better control the invasive species. Chris Dunagan reports. (Watching Our Water Ways)

Event encourages environmental education, advocacy
Educators and students of all ages gathered Thursday at La Conner’s Maple Hall for Storming the Sound, a day of discussions about the importance of environmental education in the Salish Sea region. Speakers stressed the importance of continuing environmental science, education and advocacy work during the presidency of Donald Trump. kimberly Cauvel reports. (Skagit Valley herald) See also: Local environmentalists share concern over Trump presidency  Kimberly Cauvel reports. (Skagit Valley Herald)

No-contact order for Dyes Inlet 
A no-contact advisory for Dyes Inlet is in effect through Friday because of a sewage spill into Mosher Creek, the Kitsap Public Health District announced in a news release Sunday afternoon. Signs are being posted at Anna Smith Park, Old Military Park and the Silverdale Waterfront Park. According to the Kitsap County Public Works Department, the spill began at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday at a pump station under construction near Conifer Drive. The 9,000-gallon sewage spill affected Mosher Creek, which feeds into Dyes Inlet in the Tracyton area. (Kitsap Sun)

Northern pike caught in Lake Washington could have impact on juvenile salmon 
While invasive species such as walleye being illegally introduced into Lake Washington have garnered much of the attention, another non-native fish is now making waves in Seattle’s largest urban watershed. The Mercer Island Police and Emergency Management team’s Facebook page posted a picture on Jan. 24 of a northern pike. These fish are also known predators that could have the potential to impact young juvenile salmon, trout and other native fish species in the lake. The fish was caught by a Muckleshoot tribal member who was working with state Fish and Wildlife in a sampling project on Lake Washington. Mark Yuasa reports. (Seattle Times)

River Worth A Dam
A source of both inspiration and controversy for decades, the future of the Columbia River now hangs in the balance as the U.S. and Canada prepare to renegotiate a 53-year-old treaty on its use. Roy MacGregor reports. (Globe and Mail)

Now, your tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA-  303 AM PST MON JAN 30 2017  

TODAY  EAST WIND TO 10 KT. WIND WAVES 1 FT OR LESS. WEST SWELL  7 FEET AT 12 SECONDS.
TONIGHT  NORTHEAST WIND TO 10 KT. WIND WAVES 1 FT OR LESS. WEST  SWELL 6 FEET AT 13 SECONDS.

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