5/26 Knotweed, farmed fish virus, Fairy Cr protest, lowest tide, shellfish harvest, Site C costs, North Slope drilling, protest press, Enviro Heroes, WA 101

Japanese knotweed [King County]

 

Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica
Invasive knotweeds, mostly non-regulated Class B noxious weeds, are perennials found throughout King County, especially on roadways and riverbanks. Growing in large, dense thickets, they reach 4-13 feet tall, with bamboo-like, green-reddish canes and branched clusters of small white to pink flowers. They reproduce mainly vegetatively via extensive roots and rhizomes, a stem fragments. These plants are highly aggressive, clogging waterways, eroding banks, and even growing through building foundations. (King County)

Farmed fish the source of virus spread among wild salmon, B.C. study suggests
Evidence shows a debilitating virus found in British Columbia salmon was transferred from Atlantic fish farms, which then spread from Pacific aquaculture operations into wild fish, says a study published Wednesday. The researchers used genome sequencing to trace the piscine orthoreovirus, or PRV, that they say was first introduced to B.C. waters from Norway about 30 years ago at the start of open-net pen aquaculture in the province. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances, says the evidence now suggests the virus is continuously spread between farmed and wild Pacific salmon as they migrate past the farms. Dirk Meissner reports. (Canadian Press)

Protesters vow to fight on as B.C. RCMP continue enforcement against old-growth logging blockades
Police used jackhammers and pickaxes on Wednesday as they tried to remove a group of protesters who had secured themselves to the ground in a demonstration against old-growth logging on Vancouver Island. More than 30 RCMP officers were on scene on Braden Road near Port Renfrew as they tried to extract five people who had partially buried themselves in the logging road. At total of 127 people have been arrested since police moved in last week. (CBC) See also: A Giant Old Growth Cedar Rolling Down a BC Highway Went Viral. What’s Its Story?  As a new ‘war in the woods’ brews, a social media post has emerged as a rallying call. Andrew MacLeod reports. (The Tyee)

Lowest tides of the year coming this week to Puget Sound. Here’s how to make the most of them
The Puget Sound area is set to see some of the lowest tides of the year this week, thanks to the super blood moon. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the life and ecosystems found at the beach. Amanda Zhou reports. (Seattle Times)

More beaches open for shellfish harvesting
Recreational shellfish harvesting is open on Strait of Juan de Fuca beaches from Lyre River east to Discovery Bay, which is closed for all species of shellfish. Sequim Bay and Dungeness Bay are open for shellfish harvesting except for butter and varnish clams, which hold onto toxins for up to a year. In Jefferson County, Quilcene Bay beaches are now open for the harvesting of all species of shellfish. (Peninsula Daily News)

NDP ducks questions about whether Site C cost could soar more
Vaughn Palmer writes: "Three months after green-lighting Site C for the second time, the John Horgan NDP government still has not finalized a budget or a construction schedule for the troubled B.C. Hydro project. Energy Minister Bruce Ralston refused during debate on his ministry budget last week to commit to either the $16 billion costing or the 2025 completion date that Premier John Horgan announced Feb. 26 when he said Site C construction would continue." (Vancouver Sun)

Earth Is Barreling Toward 1.5 Degrees Celsius Of Warming, Scientists Warn
The average temperature on Earth is now consistently 1 degree Celsius hotter than it was in the late 1800s, and that temperature will keep rising toward the critical 1.5-degree Celsius benchmark over the next five years, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization. Rebecca Hersher reports. (NPR)

Biden Administration Defends Huge Alaska Oil Drilling Project
The Biden administration is defending a huge Trump-era oil and gas project in the North Slope of Alaska designed to produce more than 100,000 barrels of oil a day for the next 30 years, despite President Biden’s pledge to pivot the country away from fossil fuels. The multibillion-dollar plan from ConocoPhillips to drill in part of the National Petroleum Reserve was approved by the Trump administration late last year. Lisa Friedman reports. (NY Times)

‘Enough is enough’: Canadian news organizations file legal action for press freedom at Fairy Creek
The Canadian Association of Journalists, along with a coalition of news organizations including The Narwhal, are demanding the RCMP ensure journalists fair access to demonstrations and arrests taking place at old-growth logging blockades on Vancouver Island. Sarah Cox reports. (The Narwhal)

Future meets heritage in this year’s awards
Each year, RE Sources holds its Environmental Heroes Awards celebration and fundraiser where the environmental advocacy group recognizes individuals doing remarkable work to protect the Central Salish Sea region’s environment and communities. The Environmental Heroes Awards celebrate the accomplishments of individuals in Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties whose work has had significant, lasting impact. This year's honorees at the June 9 online event are Darrell Hillaire, Mary Ruth Holder and London Fletcher. Tim Johnson reports. (Cascadia Weekly)

Washington 101
A new website by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources helps connect people to the state’s rich and diverse geologic history. (Washington Department of Natural Resources)

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  251 AM PDT Thu May 27 2021   
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM PDT THIS MORNING  THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON   
TODAY  S wind 10 to 20 kt becoming SW 15 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. SW swell 6 ft at 9 seconds. Rain  in the morning then showers in the afternoon. 
TONIGHT  W wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. SW swell  7 ft at 9 seconds. Showers likely in the evening then a chance of  showers after midnight.

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