2/27 Nemertean, extinction risk, GasLink data, where's the ferry?, carbon pricing, Mount Fisher Bluffs, Middle May cut, reforestation, genetic diversity, whale tagging, fish farm ban, truth trust news

Orange Nemertean [Dave Cowles]

Orange Nemertean Tubulanus polymorphous
Nemertea is a phylum of animals also known as ribbon worms or proboscis worms, consisting of 1300 known species. Most ribbon worms are very slim, usually only a few millimeters wide, although a few have relatively short but wide bodies. Many have patterns of yellow, orange, red and green coloration. (Wikipedia)

Hundreds of WA plants, animals at risk of extinction
Over a third of species and ecosystems in the United States are at risk of disappearing, including hundreds of plants and animals in Washington. In a newly released report,  conservation research group NatureServe analyzed data from its network of more than 1,000 scientists across the United States and Canada. The group said the report is its most comprehensive yet, synthesizing more than 50 years of biodiversity information and highlighting the urgency of biodiversity conservation. Vonnair Phair reports. (Seattle Times)

One fish, two fish, red fish, dead fish? Feds fail to disclose Coastal GasLink data on salmon eggs, habitat
Pipeline contractors estimated there were at least 273,000 salmon eggs in a Wet’suwet’en river crossing. Fisheries and Oceans Canada said it was ‘impossible to confirm.’ Matt Simmons reports. (The Narwhal)

Where's the ferry?
Riders on Washington State Ferries runs serving Anacortes and the San Juan Islands can continue to expect delays and cancellations, for now. For the future, 16 years out, new funding for hybrid vessels, full staffing and improved terminals could bring improvements. WSF, part of the state highway system, has faced challenges with its aging fleet, shrinking crew and decreased funding since 2000. Nancy DeVaux reports. (Salish Current)

Emitting greenhouse gases in WA? Here’s who will need to pay up to pollute
Washington state last month launched its complex carbon-pricing scheme, in which most of the state’s biggest emitters of climate-warming greenhouse gases can buy and sell carbon allowances — permits to pollute. On Tuesday, the allowances for the first time will go up for sale in an online auction. This new market is only the second of its kind in the United States and is a major test of state lawmakers’ grand ambitions to rein in climate pollution. Even before the first bids have been placed, it has unleashed a political tug of war over potential impacts for consumers. Isabella Breda reports. (Seattle Times) 

Conservation group purchases 31.2 hectares on Saturna Island
The Nature Trust of British Columbia bought 31.2 hectares of land on the southwest corner of the island, , known as Mount Fisher Bluffs, to protect it from development. Roxanne Egan-Elliott reports. (Times Colonist)

After controversial cutting, Middle May managers look to the future
The Middle May site has been the center of controversy for over a decade. Local residents protested what they said amounted to a clearcut of valuable natural resources, long treasured by hikers and off-roaders. The state Department of Natural Resources, which manages the land, said the sale would bring in funds for schools and hospitals without compromising the forest’s value for future generations. After several false starts, Sierra Pacific Industries bought the timber at auction for $3.17 million in 2020. With the timber harvest now complete and restoration efforts underway, forest managers say Middle May has a lot of life left in it. But those opposed to the sale still think it should have been done differently. Riley Haun reports. (Everett Herald)

Planting the seeds for Washington's forest restoration efforts
Reforestation starts with sufficient seed supply. The state Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the U.S. Forest Service to restock it. Alex Brown reports. (Stateline)

For Marine Species, Hidden Divisions Abound
The little sand lance is unexpectedly split in two, revealing a breadth of genetic diversity that could help it survive. Brian Owens reports. (Hakai Magazine)

Tagging Whales Tells Researchers ‘The Story Of The Whole Ocean’
In the waters off Maui, scientists are gathering data on whales to learn how each piece fits in a delicate marine ecosystem. Marina Starleaf Riker reports. (Civil Beat)

Alexandra Morton on New Hopes for ‘Fat And Sassy’ Salmon
Opting not to renew Discovery Island fish farm licences will ‘instantly affect’ millions of young fish, she says. Amanda Follett Hosgood reports. (The Tyee)

Truth, Trust and the News: "Calling Bullshit"
How do YOU decide what's true? An evening with authors Carl Bergstrom and Kevin West. April 13, Heiner Auditorium, Whatcom Community College, Bellingham. FREE, registration required.  Sponsored by Salish Current, Western Washington University’s Ralph Munro Institute for Civic Education and Whatcom Community College, in partnership with Village Books.

Have you read the Salish Current?
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Free to read, free from ads. Catch the Current here.

Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  256 AM PST Mon Feb 27 2023   SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING   
TODAY  E wind 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. W swell 10 ft  at 12 seconds. A chance of showers in the morning then showers  likely in the afternoon. 
TONIGHT  NE wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. W swell  10 ft at 13 seconds. Showers likely in the evening then a chance  of showers after midnight.

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