2/4 Basking shark, Douglas Channel noise, Kitsap water quality, clean water biz, Japan coal

Basking shark [WikiMedia]

Basking shark Cetorhinus maximus
The basking shark is the second largest fish in the world, second only to another filter feeder, the whale shark...Historically, Basking Sharks were abundant in many areas off the coast of British Columbia. As commercial fishing expanded in the 1940s and 1950s, basking sharks experienced an increasing number of encounters with boats and fishing gear. The large sharks were frequently entangled in salmon gillnets and caused significant financial damage to the industry. From 1955 to 1969, Basking Sharks in Barkley Sound were subject to an intensive and successful government eradication program. At the same time, a commercial fishery for shark livers, aggressive sport fishing, and general harassment of the sharks must have also contributed to their decline. Between the 1970s and early 1990s, basking sharks were only seen in large numbers in Clayoquot Sound, and even here they appear to have virtually disappeared. Since 1994, sightings in British Columbia waters have become increasingly rare, with only a small number of anecdotal reports from fishermen, boaters and kayakers and occasional validated reports from onboard observers on commercial vessels. (DFO)

Alarm Bells Ring in a Whale Habitat Famed for its Silence
The fjords that etch out British Columbia’s central coast are deep, cold, and mostly very quiet—the perfect habitat for whales. The territory of the Gitga’at First Nation, situated around Douglas Channel, is home to the country’s highest concentration of humpback and fin whales, two distinct populations of killer whales, as well as Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall’s porpoises, and more. “Humpback and fin whales think they have found heaven,” says Janie Wray, CEO of the nonprofit North Coast Cetacean Society (NCCS). “It’s one of the quietest places around.” But this oasis of calm is under threat.  Frank Swain reports. (Hakai Magazine)

In latest report, Kitsap sees improvements in freshwater quality
The banks of Burley Creek run alongside sprawling residential yards, thick patches of trees and two-lane highways as the stream winds its way south to Burley Lagoon.  The South Kitsap watershed plays host to a range of animal activity. Raccoon paw prints visible along the water’s edge are just one indication of wildlife. Puget Sound salmon make their way upstream in fall and there are shellfish harvest beds just past the creek’s end. In warmer months, the area can become a playground for children and family pets. But Burley Creek — like watersheds across Kitsap County — has also fallen victim to fecal pollution from septic tanks and livestock run-off, which can carry viruses and harmful bacteria that make people sick. For the past two decades, Burley’s water quality has gone back and forth. In the late 1990s, Washington state shut down shellfish harvesting in Burley Lagoon because of high bacteria levels. Harvesting has been open and closed several times since.  Austen McCalus reports. (Kitsap Sun)

As Regulations Roll Back, Could Clean Water Protection Business Dry Up?
Many business interests are cheering President Trump's recent rollback of water regulations put in place by the Obama administration. But companies that make money protecting clean water could take a big hit. The Trump administration is stripping protections for streams that only run after rain and for wetlands that don't have a connection to bigger waterways above ground. Announcing the rule last week at the International Builders' Show in Las Vegas, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said it will "save Americans time and money while accelerating infrastructure projects and economic development." The EPA says there's no data on exactly how many waterways would be affected, but a leaked presentation by government scientists says more than half of wetlands across the country as well as 18% of streams would not have federal protection. Nick Mott reports. (Montana Public Radio)

Japan Races to Build New Coal-Burning Power Plants, Despite the Climate Risks
Just beyond the windows of Satsuki Kanno’s apartment overlooking Tokyo Bay, a behemoth from a bygone era will soon rise: a coal-burning power plant, part of a buildup of coal power that is unheard-of for an advanced economy. It is one unintended consequence of the Fukushima nuclear disaster almost a decade ago, which forced Japan to all but close its nuclear power program. Japan now plans to build as many as 22 new coal-burning power plants — one of the dirtiest sources of electricity — at 17 different sites in the next five years, just at a time when the world needs to slash carbon dioxide emissions to fight global warming. Hiroko Tabuchi reports. (NY Times)


Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  244 AM PST Tue Feb 4 2020   
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON   
TODAY  S wind 10 to 20 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. W swell 5 ft at 10 seconds  building to 7 ft at 18 seconds in the afternoon. A chance of rain  in the morning then rain in the afternoon. 
TONIGHT  SW wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. W swell  11 ft at 16 seconds building to 13 ft at 15 seconds after  midnight. Rain.




--
"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. To subscribe, send your name and email to msato (@) salishseacom.com
Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

Follow on Twitter. 

Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told