10/6 Brittle stars, BC old-growth logging, Klamath dam removal, PFAS destroyer, traditional foods, largest estuary, PIlchuck Audubon, Roberts Bank, week in review

 

Brittle stars [WA Dept. of Ecology]

Brittle star
The brittle stars truly are in a class all their own. Class Ophiuroidea, derived from the ancient Greek words ophis meaning “snake” and ura meaning “tail,” refers to the snake-like way their long, slender arms move. In fact, an alternate common name is the serpent stars. When handling these animals, their delicate arms break off easily as they tangle with themselves or other marine sediment debris. In the Pacific Northwest, there are 53 brittle star species.  (WA Dept. of Ecology)

Provincial data shows increase in old-growth logging, contrary to B.C.'s earlier figures
Figures from both Sierra Club and province show area of old-growth trees cut in 2021 was higher than in 2020. Chad Pawson reports. (CBC) 

Massive dam removal project spurs hope in the Klamath Basin
As four Klamath River dams come out over the next year, many seek solutions to chronic environmental problems. Cassandra Profita reports. (OPB)

‘Forever chemicals’ are eternal no more thanks to a pollution destroying device from Tacoma startup
A startup called Aquagga has successfully deployed a PFAS destruction unit nicknamed “Eleanor” that’s housed inside a modest 10-feet-long by 8-feet-wide shipping container.  Lisa Stifler reports. (GeekWire)

What will it take to make traditional foods thrive again?
Skeena River sockeye have declined 75% since 1913. Woodland caribou have declined by more than half in the past century. But with the right resources, First Nations are bringing ancestral foods back from the brink. Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood reports. (The Narwhal)

What may be the nation’s largest estuary seems hidden in plain sight for many people
What is the largest estuary in the United States? Chesapeake Bay? Puget Sound? Christopher Dunagan answers. (Puget Sound Institute) 

Pilchuck Audubon to celebrate chapter, endangered species milestones
The Pilchuck Audubon Society plans to celebrate two milestones at its Feast in the Forest event on Saturday: the 50th anniversary of the chapter and the Endangered Species Act. Ta'Leah Van Sistine report. (Everett Herald)

Roberts Bank Terminal 2
Zoom in to an examination of the huge shipping terminal expansion proposed north of Boundary Bay in a highly important ecological area for migratory birds and other wildlife, including juvenile Chinook salmon. Oct. 10, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Reservations. (Salish Sea Institute)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 10/6/23: Badger Friday, Caspian terns, tufted puffins, pond turtles, tree equity, Mt Nch'ḵay̓ ,harbor seal flu, GasLink fines, Klamath dams .

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Now, your weekend tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  243 AM PDT Fri Oct 6 2023   TODAY  E wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. W swell 4 ft at  11 seconds. 
TONIGHT  E wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. W swell 3 ft  at 10 seconds. 
SAT  SE wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 3 ft  at 10 seconds. 
SAT NIGHT  SE wind to 10 kt becoming SW after midnight. Wind  waves 1 ft or less. W swell 2 ft at 10 seconds. 
SUN  S wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 2 ft at  10 seconds.

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