1/5 Skate, TM fine reduction, WA climate actions, WA recycling, Ken Balcomb, giant octopus release

Big skate [iNaturalist]

Big skate Beringraja binoculata
Big skate range from the Bering Sea and southeast Alaska to central Baja, California. They are rare south of Point Conception, California. They are found from the intertidal to 800 m (2,600 ft) in depth but are most common at moderate depths of 3 to 100 m (10-360 ft). They occur in coastal bays, estuaries, and over the continental shelf, usually on sandy or muddy bottoms, but occasionally on low strands of kelp. Big skates can grow up to 2.4 m (8 ft), but rarely over 1.8 m (6 ft), in length, and 91 kg (200 lbs) in weight. Maximum age is 26 years old. (WDFW)

Fine issued to Trans Mountain pipeline for harming birds reduced from $88K to $4K
The $88,000 penalty handed to Trans Mountain Pipeline almost a year ago for harming nesting birds has been reduced upon review to just $4,000. In the decision, the Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator said Trans Mountain Pipeline's violation of environmental regulations aimed at protecting nesting migratory birds was "unacceptable." However, the three-person review panel also said the amount of the penalty was not properly determined, characterizing the "level of actual harm as low, given that the species impacted are common species, and the number of individuals impacted is relatively low compared to the estimated populations." Karin Larsen reports. (CBC)

Washington state starts 2023 with ambitious new climate efforts
One of Washington's biggest climate programs yet launched on Jan. 1: the Clean Fuel Standard. Under this program, fuel suppliers must gradually provide cleaner and cleaner fuels for gas pumps across the state, starting now, through 2034. Also kicking in this month is a law that caps greenhouse gas emissions from the state's largest polluters. That program allows companies to buy carbon credits in an auction, which can be traded like other investments — also known as cap and invest. In Seattle, the city will start funding its Green New Deal, the city's climate change master plan. As part of that, middle and low income residents will be eligible for assistance to buy heat pumps. And this year, major federal incentives for green energy kick in. People can get tax credits for buying electric vehicles, installing rooftop solar, and heat pumps. Paige Browning reports.(KUOW)  See also:  6 new climate policies anticipated for B.C. in 2023 Will it be enough to meet the province's critical climate and biodiversity goals? Tiffany Crawford reports. (Vancouver Sun)

Here’s how Washington might get consumer bottle recycling, eliminate waste production
The Washington Recycle and Packaging Act, sponsored by Rep. Liz Berry and Sen. Christine Rolfes, will require producers, manufacturers and companies to fund residential recycling services for packaging and paper products across Washington and create a bottle deposit system. Jack Belcher reports. (Bellingham Herald)

Remembering Ken Balcomb and his extraordinary life with killer whales
Chris Dunagan writes: "I’m still adjusting to the world of killer whales without Ken Balcomb. Ken, who died Dec. 15 at age 82, was a constant presence throughout my career as an environmental reporter. His presence inspired many others among the so-called “killer whale community,” made of experts, observers and those who simply love and follow the stories of our beloved orcas..." (Puget Sound Institute)

Sylvia, Port Townsend's giant Pacific octopus, to return to the Salish Sea
Sylvia the giant Pacific octopus, who has spent the last few years at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center Aquarium (PTMSC), will be released soon as he has reached maturity. Sylvia was collected in the PTMSC's light trap at Port Worden pier in June 2020. PTMSC staff said at that time he was a "well-developed paralarvae just starting to transition from floating in the water column to a benthic juvenile crawling across the seafloor." Now, at 3 years old, he is considered a mature adult and is ready to mate. (KOMO)

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Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  203 AM PST Thu Jan 5 2023   
GALE WARNING IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON   
TODAY  E wind 25 to 35 kt. Wind waves 4 to 5 ft. SW swell 6 ft  at 14 seconds. A slight chance of rain in the morning then rain  in the afternoon. 
TONIGHT  SE wind 20 to 30 kt becoming S 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. W swell 11 ft at 15 seconds  building to 13 ft at 13 seconds after midnight. Rain in the  evening then a chance of rain after midnight.

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