10/19 River otter, ShakeOut Day, BC spotted owl, lead pollution, North Fork Stilliguamish restoration, BC Ferries, WA lands commissioner, cigarette butts

 River otter [American Rivers]

River otter Lontra canadensis
The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg. (Wikipedia)

Great ShakeOut Day
This year's International ShakeOut Day is October 19, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home! At 10:19 a.m. (local time) on 10/19, you can join millions of people across the world practicing earthquake safety. (ShakeOut)

‘It’s never too late’: Canada taken to court for near-extinction of spotted owls
As the species hangs on to survival in the country, the federal government will defend its role in delaying emergency measures that could have helped the raptor from disappearing in B.C.’s heavily logged forests. Sarah Cox reports. (The Narwhal)

Lead pollution from small planes threatens human health, EPA finds
Agency takes first step toward regulations aimed at reducing exposure to a dangerous neurotoxin, a potential health benefit for people who live near smaller airports. Timothy Puko and Lori Aratani report. (Washington Post)

Stillaguamish Tribe to ‘repair, restore’ river with salmon funding
Over $1 million in grants will help the tribe to restore the Trafton floodplain and plant trees along the North Fork Stillaguamish. Ta'Leah van Sistine reports. (Everett Herald)

B.C. Ferries faces criticism after more cancelled sailings
Earlier this month, B.C.'s transportation ministry released a statement on its plan to fine B.C. Ferries when it cancels "core service" sailings because of staffing shortages. B.C. Ferries says two sailings were cancelled Wednesday due to a crew shortage. Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said Wednesday that B.C. Ferries has been active in hiring and connecting with post-secondary programs, but is still falling short. (CBC)

No, it's not weird that so many people are running for WA lands commissioner
The pool of candidates vying to become Washington's next commissioner of public lands is getting crowded. As of mid-October, seven candidates are in the running for next year’s election, with five Democrats and two Republicans in the mix. Seven people also ran for the position in the 2016 primary. Jeanie Lindsay reports. (NW News Network)

In Graphic Detail: Cigarette Butt Research Is Lighting Up
As the world’s beaches and oceans have become one giant ashtray, research has accelerated on what many are calling a global crisis. Jude Isabella reports. (Hakai Magazine) 

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Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  233 AM PDT Thu Oct 19 2023   
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT THIS MORNING   
TODAY  S wind 5 to 15 kt becoming W to 10 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 11 ft at 15 seconds. Rain in the  morning then a chance of rain in the afternoon. 
TONIGHT  W wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 8 ft  at 14 seconds. A slight chance of rain.

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