9/23 Skipper, open-net salmon farms, tear gas, single-use plastics, blobs, hornets

Woodland skipper [Ingrid Gowans]

 
Woodland skipper Ochlodes sylvanoides
The name Ochlodes is Greek for turbulent or unruly, from the swift, erratic flight of the members of this genus.  The name sylvanoides is derived from the Latin silva (woods or forest). The Woodland Skipper is very common across the southern fourth of BC below 1,000 m elevation, occurring most often in undisturbed sites like moist wooded canyons.  It can also be found in every kind of open shrubby habitat, including woodland clearings, small streams, bogs, shorelines, forests,  meadows,  mountains, and even city gardens. (Ingrid Gowans)

101 B.C. First Nations demand removal of open-net salmon farms near Campbell River, B.C.
A total of 101 B.C. First Nations, wilderness tourism operators, and commercial and sport fishing groups have united in a show of solidarity to demand the federal government take action on the collapse of Fraser River salmon stocks by ordering the removal of open-net fish farms near Campbell River. Speaking at a media conference in North Vancouver, the group says Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan needs to make good on the 19th recommendation of the 2012 Cohen Commission's report on declining Fraser River salmon stocks. The recommendation calls for the prohibition of 18 fish farms in the Discovery Islands by Sept. 30, 2020, unless there is proof they pose only a "minimum risk of serious harm to the heath of migrating Fraser River salmon." Karin Larsen reports. (CBC)

What Tear Gas Does to Fish
Previous work shows the main ingredient in tear gas can kill fish—but little else is known about how riot control agents affect the environment. Brian Owens reports. (Hakai Magazine)

COVID-19 complicates already complicated issue of single-use plastics
A handful of towns and cities across B.C. are eyeing bans on single-use plastics used for take-out food, an approach that is generally supported by British Columbians. But those people are just as keen on hygienic, disposable containers and utensils as a way to protect their health. Only 11 per cent of respondents want to use their own reusable beverage containers at a food outlet right now, while 70 per cent want some form of disposable container, according to a Leger poll of 1,001 British Columbians conducted for Postmedia. Randy Shore reports. (Vancouver Sun)

An Unwelcome Snot Blob
Amorphous slime is unlikely to be the first thing you go searching for when exploring coastal British Columbia. To most people, the ocean creatures known as colonial tunicates, or sea squirts, are barely recognizable as animals. But despite their alien appearance, scientists want you to keep an eye out for them. They’ve hitched a ride with humans around the world, and for many local critters, these particular tunicates mean trouble. Josh Silberg reports. (Hakai Magazine)

Study: ‘Murder Hornets’ could reach Oregon in 10 years
Researchers say the invasive insects popularly referred to as “murder hornets” could expand into Oregon in ten years if not successfully contained in Washington. The giant hornets, native to Asia, were discovered on Vancouver Island in Canada and the northwest part of Washington last year. They’re the world’s largest hornet — up to two inches long — and they prey on other insects. Agriculture officials are highly concerned about the introduction and spread of Asian giant hornets because a few hornets can kill a honey bee hive in just a few hours. Jes Burns reports. (OPB)

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  548 AM PDT Wed Sep 23 2020   
GALE WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM PDT THIS MORNING  SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON   
TODAY  E wind 25 to 35 kt becoming SE 15 to 25 kt later this  morning. Wind waves 4 to 6 ft subsiding to 2 to 4 ft later this  morning. SW swell 8 ft at 10 seconds. Rain in the morning then  showers and a slight chance of tstms in the afternoon. 
TONIGHT  S wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. W swell 10  ft at 12 seconds building to SW 12 ft at 15 seconds after  midnight. Showers and a slight chance of tstms.

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