3/16 Eared seal, Deb Haaland, Michael Regan, eDNA, mystery feet, PA harbor restoration

Eared seal [WikiMedia Commons]

 
Eared seal
An eared seal or otariid or otary is any member of the marine mammal family Otariidae, one of three groupings of pinnipeds. They comprise 15 extant species in seven genera and are commonly known either as sea lions or fur seals, distinct from true seals and the walrus. (Wikipedia)

Deb Haaland confirmed as interior secretary, becoming the first Native American U.S. Cabinet member
Rep. Debra Anne Haaland of New Mexico was confirmed Monday as the country’s first Native American Cabinet-level official, becoming secretary of the interior. The U.S. Senate vote was 51-40. Lynda Mapes reports. (Seattle Times)

New EPA administrator: ‘Science is back’
In his first interview as the nation’s top environmental official, Michael Regan says he is focused on restoring morale at the agency, combating climate change and lifting up communities burdened by pollution. Brady Dennis and Dino Grandoni report. (Washington Post)

Tiny Scoops Of Water Are Unlocking Worlds Of Information About Oregon Watersheds 
Environmental DNA, or eDNA, can help identify who’s in a river, stream or creek. Now, it’s helping scientists learn how threatened salmon and trout adapt to a changing environment. Bradley W. Parks reports. (OPB)

How science solved the mystery of feet washing ashore in the Pacific Northwest
The unsettling discoveries along the Salish Sea prompted talk of serial killers, aliens, and psychics. The truth is even more unexpected. This story is an excerpt from the book Gory Details: Adventures From the Dark Side of Science by Erika Engelhaupt. (National Geographic)

Port of Port Angeles reaches $1.7 million settlement for harbor restoration 
The Port of Port Angeles has reached a $1.7 million settlement that will help fund the restoration of western Port Angeles Harbor, Executive Director Karen Goschen said. Port commissioners reviewed the federal Natural Resource Damages settlement without objection in a special meeting Monday. Commissioners described the pact as a “huge milestone” for the port. Rob Ollikainen reports. (Port Angeles Daily News)

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  238 AM PDT Tue Mar 16 2021   
TODAY  NW wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 4 ft  at 9 seconds. 
TONIGHT  NW wind to 10 kt becoming SE after midnight. Wind  waves 1 ft or less. W swell 5 ft at 14 seconds building to 7 ft  at 13 seconds after midnight.

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