11/7 Catfish, Skana the Killer Whale, Goldstream R salmon return, saving hogtied humpback

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Channel catfish [WDFW]

Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus
Channel catfish are one of several species from the catfish family that occur in Washington and are probably the most popular because of the large size they can attain and they are considered excellent eating. Channel catfish are the only established catfish species in Washington with a forked tail. Channel catfish are well-established and naturally reproduce throughout the lower Columbia, Snake, Walla Walla, and lower Yakima Rivers and the lower reaches of their tributaries. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks many lakes throughout the state to provide this opportunities for this popular fish, both "dinner-size" and trophy. (WDFW)

How an orca held captive at the Vancouver Aquarium helped changed the world's view on killer whales
It's been 43 years since the death of Skana, the Vancouver Aquarium's first resident orca, who experts believe changed the way people viewed killer whales and spurred a global movement in whale conservation. (CBC)

Low returns so far for chum, coho on Goldstream River
The return of chum and coho salmon to spawn in the ­Goldstream River so far is well below last year, according to hatchery officials monitoring the run. Peter McCully, technical adviser of the Goldstream Hatchery, said only 1,500 chum had been counted on the river as of Saturday. That’s a sharp decline from last year, when 5,100 were counted up to the same date. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist)

How wildlife officials saved a humpback whale found 'hogtied' to a 300-pound crab pot
Wildlife officials successfully rescued a humpback whale after it was discovered entangled in a web of crabbing gear and at risk of dying, the National Park Service said. A pair of residents first spotted the whale on Oct. 10 off the coast of Gustavus, Alaska. Surrounded by Glacier Bay National Park, Gustavus is bordered by the so-called "Icy Strait," a popular ocean feeding ground for humpback whales in the spring, summer and fall. But this particular whale wasn't feeding. It was seen "trailing two buoys, making unusual sounds and having trouble moving freely," according toan account of the rescue from the park service. Emily Olsen reports. (NPR)

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Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  245 AM PST Tue Nov 7 2023    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT    
TODAY  NW wind 20 to 25 kt becoming W 15 to 25 kt in the  afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. W swell 12 ft at 12 seconds. A  chance of sprinkles in the afternoon.  
TONIGHT  NW wind 15 to 25 kt becoming SW to 10 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft subsiding to 1 ft or less after  midnight. W swell 10 ft at 11 seconds. Showers likely in the  evening then a chance of showers after midnight.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email mikesato772 (@) gmail.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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