2/10 Sixgill shark, BC old growth, climate catch-up, anchored freighters, pit mine appeal, Thetis Cove, foot ferries

Sixgill shark [Seattle Aquarium]

 

Bluntnose sixgill shark Hexanchus griseus
Bluntnose sixgill sharks are members of the cowshark family. Most sharks have five gill slits, but the aptly named sixgills have six. At a mature length of about 14 feet, they are one of the top ten largest predatory sharks of the world – and they not only live in Puget Sound, they can often be found swimming directly below the Seattle Aquarium’s pier. (Seattle Aquarium)

B.C.’s old-growth forest nearly eliminated, new province-wide mapping reveals
As old-growth logging continues unabated in most unprotected areas of B.C., one conservation organization decided to spend a year creating a detailed map that shows the province’s original forests have all but disappeared under pressure from industrialization. Sarah Cox reports. (The Narwhal)

We’re way behind in meeting Paris climate goals, but local research shows how to catch up
One of the first actions by President Biden after his inauguration was bringing the U.S. back into the Paris climate agreement. A new study from a researcher at the University of Washington shows people how much more we will have to do, to meet the goals in that accord. (Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX)

Vancouver Island First Nations leaders want freighter anchorages lifted in the Salish Sea
A number of south Island First Nations have made a joint request aimed at ending the current practice of freighter anchorages in the southern Salish Sea. Cowichan Tribes Chief William Seymour, Lyackson First Nation Chief Richard Thomas, Penelakut Tribe Chief Joan Brown and Halalt First Nation Chief James Thomas, together with Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP Alistair MacGregor are calling for immediate consultation, while pointing out several concerns. (Vancouver Island Free Daily)

Appeals hearing held for Lake Erie Pit gravel mine expansion
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners heard Tuesday from a dozen residents who live near Lake Erie Pit, a gravel mine in operation for decades and seeking to expand from 17.7 acres to 53.5 acres. Those residents reiterated concerns about unstable bluffs between the gravel mine and homes built along Sunset Lane and other roads that face Burrows Bay. Kimberly Cauvel reports. (Skagit Valley Herald)

Province buys Thetis Cove property in bid to advance reconciliation with First Nations
The province has bought Thetis Cove for $13 million to support reconciliation with the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations. The 3.4-hectare undeveloped private property is next to the E & N rail corridor and adjacent to the Esquimalt reserve. Louise Dickson reports. (Times Colonist)

More Puget Sound-area foot ferries could cut travel times, new study says
A commuter traveling between Renton and the University of Washington could save nearly a half-hour in travel time by boarding a passenger-only ferry on Lake Washington instead of taking a bus, a new study of possible foot-ferry routes says. Michelle Baruchman reports. (Seattle Times)

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  242 AM PST Wed Feb 10 2021   
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING 
GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY  MORNING   
TODAY  E wind 15 to 25 kt becoming 20 to 30 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft building to 3 to 5 ft in the  afternoon. W swell 3 ft at 16 seconds. 
TONIGHT  E wind 20 to 30 kt rising to 25 to 35 kt after  midnight. Combined seas 5 to 7 ft with a dominant period of 15  seconds.

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