7/10 Mitten crab, BC pipe, Springer, Growlers, Marysville trees, Whatcom habitats, Van councils on climate

Chinese mitten crab

Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis
The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is a burrowing crab whose native distribution is the coastal rivers and estuaries of the Yellow Sea in Korea and China. It has recently become established on the west coast of the U.S. in the San Francisco Bay/Delta watershed in California, posing a potential threat to native invertebrates and to the ecological structure of freshwater and brackish estuarine communities, as well as disrupting some fish and shrimping operations. Although not currently present in the Pacific Northwest, scientists predict that, like the European green crab (Carcinus maenas), it is likely to arrive in Oregon and Washington eventually through larval dispersal or intentional release. (Washington Sea Grant)

First Nations launch new court challenge to Trans Mountain pipeline
Six First Nations that have filed another legal challenge against the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion say Canada's ownership of the corporation behind the project created a bias that prevented full consultations as ordered by the Federal Court of Appeal. Chief Leah George-Wilson of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation said Canada had an opportunity to "get it right" but failed to take environmental risks into consideration as part of a rushed consultation process. Camille Bains reports. (Canadian Press)

Springer and calf spotted thriving with return of northern resident killer whales
Northern resident killer whales were spotted in Johnstone Strait for the first time this year, surprising eco-tourism passengers last weekend as the orcas surfaced, spy hopped and fed on salmon. Among those spotted was A73 – a female whale also known as Springer – which was successfully re-integrated into her pod following human intervention after being discovered emaciated hundreds of miles from her family pod, according to a press release from Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures. In 2002, she was captured, treated medically and transported to her traditional territory, becoming the only whale in history to be successfully re-integrated into a wild population. (Campbell River Mirror) See also: Almost a year ago mother orca Tahlequah swam for days with her dead calf. Is she still in your thoughts?   Lynda Mapes reports. (Seattle Times)

Washington state sues Navy over expansion of Growler jet training on Whidbey Island 
The Navy’s expansion of loud, low-flying Growler jet training flights on Whidbey Island drew a lawsuit on Tuesday from Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who alleges the Navy did not do enough to examine the flights’ impacts on people and wildlife. In a state that has long hosted military bases — and welcomed billions of dollars of Defense Department spending — the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Seattle marks a rare court challenge of a Pentagon decision from state political leaders. Hal Bernton reports. (Seattle Times) See also: 'An egregious violation': WA sues Navy for dumping toxic paint into Puget Sound  The copper-based paint repels barnacles — but it could add up to a larger environmental cost. John Stang reports. (Cascadia Magazine)

100 Marysville trees will be chopped to help save the salmon
The commute on Highway 529 in south Marysville may start to look different this week when more than a hundred trees are scheduled to be cut down along the roadway. Clearing was scheduled to start Monday and is expected to continue for the next couple weeks. There may be lane closures during that time, for safety. The job is being completed by the state Department of Transportation. The goal is to help restore salmon habitat.... Trees are going to be removed from about 12 acres to help rebuild the habitat for fish and other animals, said Ruth Park, a biologist with the Department of Transportation.  Stephanie Davey reports. (Everett Herald)

Grants will help remove one dam while creating several logjams to aid salmon
Whatcom County will receive almost $13 million to grow Puget Sound salmon populations, part of a $45 million investment from the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board and the Puget Sound Partnership. Sixty-one other grants will be awarded to counties around the Puget Sound. The Whatcom County grants will go toward three projects, according to a Monday, July 8, press release from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office and the Puget Sound Partnership. Warren Sterling reports. (Bellingham Herald)

North, West Vancouver councils latest to declare climate emergencies 
The districts of North Vancouver and West Vancouver are the latest British Columbia governments to declare climate emergencies. Councillors in both districts voted unanimously Monday night to adopt motions recognizing a climate crisis and declaring an emergency exists. Both councils also directed staff to develop policies to reduce greenhouse gasses and meet emission reduction targets. (Canadian Press)



Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  743 PM PDT Tue Jul 9 2019   
WED  SE wind 5 to 15 kt becoming E in the afternoon. Wind waves  2 ft or less. W swell 5 ft at 8 seconds. Showers in the morning  then showers likely in the afternoon. 
WED NIGHT  W wind to 10 kt in the evening becoming light. Wind  waves 1 ft or less. W swell 5 ft at 8 seconds. A chance of  showers in the evening then showers likely after midnight.



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