3/8 Surge Narrows, WA carbon credits, Sauk-Suiattle suit, warm waters, BC reefs, BC Ferries, King County pollution, SE AK troll fishery

Surge Narrows

Surge Narrows
Surge Narrows gets its name because there are a couple of very small islands just off Quadra that create a small channel for the ocean water to pass. As the tide goes in and out throughout the day, the water surges through this channel creating river-like rapids.

This is what Washington is now charging carbon polluters
The cost to pollute in Washington state is going for $48.50 per ton of carbon dioxide. This year, the state is implementing a new cap-and-invest program. Business and government agencies cannot surpass a certain pollution amount, unless they buy credits to offset their emissions. The floor price for carbon allowances was set by the state at $22.20. But all 6 million credits were sold for $48.50 each, more than doubling the minimum. Paige Browning and Catharine Smith report. (KUOW)  See also: State eyes $300M haul from first-ever carbon emission auction Jerry Cornfeld reports. (Everett Herald)

Sauk-Suiattle lawsuit against Seattle City Light headed back to trial court
A state appeals court has sent a lawsuit accusing Seattle City Light of false advertising back to King County Superior Court, giving the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe another chance to argue what is called greenwashing. An opinion released Monday states the lower court erred when it ruled the tribe didn’t have cause to challenge Seattle City Light’s characterization of itself as environmentally friendly. Brandon Stone reports. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

Fish in hot water: decades of logging tied to warmer temperatures in unprotected salmon-bearing streams
As a cold-blooded species, salmon are at the mercy of the waters they swim in. New research finds logging restrictions along small, unprotected streams could go a long way to keeping water cool and safe for the at-risk fish. Ainslie Cruickshank reports. (The Narwhal)

These Rare and Beautiful BC Reefs Fight Climate Change
So why hasn’t the government cancelled oil and gas exploration permits that could damage them? Michelle Gamage reports. (The Tyee)

B.C. Ferries struggles with rising costs, shortage of staff
Employee turnover is high, mid-life upgrades for ships are being deferred, and maintenance costs for its aging fleet and infrastructure have jumped. Carla Wilson reports. (Times Colonist)

$165 million awarded to fund King County water quality projects
The Washington State Department of Ecology this week awarded $165.3 million in low-interest loans to help fund two King County water quality projects. The Department of Ecology’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund loans will help pay for a water quality project along the Lake Washington Ship Canal and the new Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station, according to the county. Both will both reduce stormwater pollution, King County Natural Resources and Parks said in an online statement. Vonnai Phair reports. (Seattle Times)

WA DNR Seeks Input on Kelp, Eelgrass Conservation
DNR is holding four workshops to get input on where to conserve the species. It will focus on Puget Sound at its virtual March 14 meeting, and an in-person March 23 meeting in Mukilteo. The coast will be the focus of a meeting in Hoquiam on March 16, and a virtual meeting on March 21. (Public News Service)

Community Voices / Southeast Alaska troll fishery has deep local ties
Shutting down Southeast Alaska’s troll fishery will not stave off the decline of local orca and salmon populations — but it will have devastating effects on hundreds of fishing families and businesses. Pete Granger and Norm Pillen write. (Salish Current) https://salish-current.org/2023/03/07/southeast-alaska-troll-fishery-has-deep-local-ties/

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Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  212 AM PST Wed Mar 8 2023   
GALE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE  THURSDAY NIGHT   
TODAY  SE wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell  3 ft at 8 seconds. A slight chance of showers in the morning then  showers likely in the afternoon. 
TONIGHT  E wind 5 to 15 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 ft or less building to 2 to 4 ft after  midnight. W swell 2 ft at 7 seconds becoming S 3 ft at 6 seconds  after midnight. A chance of showers.

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