8/6 Cattail, UBC ammonia, Site C settlement, Pressentin Park, noctiluca bloom

Cattails

Cattails are wetland plants with a unique flowering spike, flat blade like leaves that reach heights from 3 to 10 feet. They are one of the most common plants in large marshes and on the edge of ponds. Two species are most common in US: broad leaved cattail (T. latifolia) and narrow leaf cattail (T. angustifolia).

UBC loses appeal of conviction for dumping ammonia into stream
The University of B.C. has lost its appeal of a $1.155-million fine and conviction for allowing ammonia to be discharged from the Thunderbird ice rinks into a tributary of the Fraser River. In November 2018, Provincial Court Judge Bonnie Craig found UBC guilty of offences under the Fisheries Act, namely permitting the deposit of a deleterious substance into water frequented by fish. Keith Fraser reports. (Vancouver Sun)

Agreement between province, BC Hydro, First Nation, ends legal fight over Site C
A British Columbia First Nation has ended its legal battle against the provincial government and BC Hydro over the Site C dam, a project the nation originally claimed was a $1-billion treaty violation. A statement from the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation says the Prophet River First Nation, province and BC Hydro have reached agreements ending the civil claim. The matter involved the allegation that development of BC Hydro’s Site C dam on the Peace River in northeastern B.C., would destroy Indigenous territory and violate Aboriginal rights protected by Treaty 8. The statement, released jointly by the province, Crown utility and First Nation, says B.C. will work to improve land management and restore traditional place names in areas of cultural significance. Prophet River also receives ongoing payments while the Site C project is operating, and provincial Crown lands will be transferred to the nation along with a licence for woodland management. (Canadian Press)

Local salmon project gets boost from Cooke Aquaculture fine
A plan to offer recreation opportunities and improve salmon habitat where a bend in the Skagit River hugs Marblemount is getting a boost in funding. The $265,600 being given to the nonprofit Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group comes from a penalty levied against Cooke Aquaculture for a 2017 incident in which a company net pen broke, allowing Atlantic salmon to get into the Salish Sea. The money will allow for completion of Pressentin Park, which has been in the works for several years in coordination with Skagit County Parks and Recreation. Kimberly Cauvel reports. (Skagit Valley Herald)

Noctiluca bloom in Chuckanut Bay may be a first
The Washington Department of Ecology has reported a noctiluca bloom in Chuckanut Bay. The department says they first became aware of the bloom after a citizen scientist sent in photos taken Tuesday. Oceanographer Christopher Krembs says this bloom may be a first for the region. Over the last 10 years, Krembs says he has not documented a noctiluca bloom in Chuckanut Bay. Noctiluca is not harmful to humans but it can be an indicator of excess nutrients and possible changes to the food web, oceanographer Juila Bos says. (KOMO)

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  230 AM PDT Thu Aug 6 2020   
TODAY  W wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. W swell 5 ft at  8 seconds. A slight chance of rain. 
TONIGHT  W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming SW to 10 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 5 ft at 11 seconds. A slight  chance of showers.

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