5/27 Hawthorn, J-pod returns, DFO turmoil, kelp forests, Discovery Creek, week in review

Common hawthorn [Ben Legler]

 
Common hawthorn Crataegus monogyna
Common hawthorn, also called English, one-seed or single-seed hawthorn, is an introduced tree that has naturalized in the Pacific Northwest. This small tree spreads readily by seed into woodlands and open fields, often creating a dense, thorny thicket. Its abundant red berries are attractive to birds and other animals, which help spread this tree far beyond where it is planted. It is classified as a Class C noxious weed by the Noxious Weed Control Board.

J-Pod whales spotted in Salish Sea
All 25 members of J-Pod have returned to the Salish Sea, including the newest member, born in late February. The pod of endangered southern resident killer whales appeared just off Pender Island on Tuesday and has been hunting for chinook salmon around Haro Strait, the U.S. San Juan Islands, Active Pass and the Strait of Georgia toward the Fraser River. Scientist Monika Wieland-Shields of the Orca Behavior Institute said it’s only the second time in the past five years that J-Pod has appeared in the Salish Sea in May. That’s a good sign, she said, and the fact the pod seems to be sticking around indicates there is chinook salmon for the whales to feed on. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist)

Docs show turmoil in DFO following fisheries harassment investigation: ‘this article is horrific’
Freedom of information documents reveal that DFO has created a suite of new policies and is spending millions on modernization in wake of whistleblowers speaking up about harassment, intimidation and assault aboard Canadian fishing vessels. Jimmy Thomson reports. (The Narwhal)

Work being done to help the region's kelp forests
The south Puget Sound saw an 80% reduction of bull kelp in the past 50 years, according to the Puget Sound Restoration Fund. Kelp has the ability to turn carbon into food for marine life, said Jodie Toft, deputy director of the fund...In response to disappearing kelp, the Puget Sound Restoration Fund teamed up with the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation to launch a kelp forest monitoring program in the state. Maddie Smith reports. (Skagit Valley Herald)

NWI: Purchase protects Discovery Creek headwaters
Ninety-one acres of forest and streams at the headwaters of Discovery Creek, a major tributary to Dabob Bay in East Jefferson County, have been acquired by Northwest Watershed Institute. The acquisition on May 12 means the land will be permanently protected by the nonprofit organization that has focused on land conservation and habitat restoration along Tarboo Creek and Dabob Bay for 20 years. (Peninsula Daily News)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 5/27/22: Three Little Pigs Friday, fish skin, carbon price, trash diving, water wins, saving salmon, Bristol Bay, BC climate, pond turtle, DFO in turmoil, J-pod

Now, your weekend tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  254 AM PDT Fri May 27 2022   
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON   
TODAY  SW wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. SW swell 6 ft  at 11 seconds. Showers likely in the morning then a chance of  showers in the afternoon. 
TONIGHT  SW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming S to 10 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 8 ft at 10 seconds subsiding to  6 ft at 9 seconds after midnight. A chance of showers. 
SAT  E wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 4 ft  at 8 seconds. A chance of rain. 
SAT NIGHT  NW wind 15 to 25 kt becoming W 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. SW swell 2 ft at 11 seconds. 
SUN  W wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 3 ft  at 8 seconds.

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