2/2 Giant Pacific octopus, toxic tires, big oil transparency, Iona wastewater plant, beaver dams, deer zombie disease, Future Ecologies

 

Giant Pacific Octopus [NOAA]

Giant Pacific Octopus Enteroctopus dofleini
The Giant Pacific Octopus is the largest species of octopus in the world. It is found in the northern Pacific Ocean from the northwest coast of the continental United States to Japan, including Puget Sound. Giant Pacific octopuses live up to their names: They're the largest octopus species in the world! Adults can weigh from 40 to 100 pounds, with a relaxed tip-to-tip dimension of 12–14 feet. Although less common, larger animals weighing up to 160 pounds have been found. An octopus at that weight would have a tip-to-tip measurement of about 25 feet—roughly the height of a two-story building. (Seattle Aquarium)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Amid controversy and turmoil, Orcas fire commissioners plan for a new levy proposal

Lawsuits fly, as regulators come to grips with a toxic tire chemical
A lawsuit filed against 13 of the largest tire manufacturers in this country seeks to ban the chemical 6PPD from its universal use in tires, or else force tire companies to pay for stormwater-mitigation measures that can remove the chemical or otherwise protect salmon. The lawsuit alleges violations of the federal Endangered Species Act, which is designed to prevent extinction of threatened and endangered species. Christopher Dunagan reports. (Salish Sea Currents Magazine)

High gas prices drive 'big oil transparency' legislation in Olympia
Legislation to require more transparency from big oil companies has survived this week’s legislative cutoff and is moving forward in Olympia. The bill (SB 6052) would create a new Petroleum Market Oversight division within the state Utilities and Transportation Commission. It’s similar to legislation recently passed in California, with required reporting from oil companies on their margins and pricing. Bellamy Pailthor reports. (KNKX)

South Vancouver residents weigh in on considerations for Iona replacement proposal
South Vancouver neighbours of Metro Vancouver’s Iona Wastewater Treatment Plant are raising the alarm about options to build a barge terminal as part of the plant’s $10-billion replacement project. Metro wants to build the terminal to barge in thousands of tonnes of sand, gravel and other materials to the construction site and neighbours fear the favoured of three options is directly across the Fraser River’s north arm from Deering Island. Derrick Penner reports. (Vancouver Sun)

Conservationists building beaver dams to help restore B.C.'s drying Columbia Wetlands
Dams help maintain wetland but beavers have vacated certain areas, contributing to loss of important habitat. Corey Bullock reports. (CBC)

2 cases of 'zombie deer disease' have been confirmed in B.C. Here's what you need to know
The B.C. government says chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been confirmed in two deer, a first for the province. Nicknamed zombie deer disease, CWD is a fatal and incurable illness that affects cervid, or deer family members, such as moose, caribou and elk, and has been spreading rapidly through western Canada. (CBC)

Future Ecologies: A podcast with soundscapes from around the Salish Sea
B.C.-based nature podcasters pursue subjects outside the standard focus of most nature shows. Stuart Derdeyn reports. (Vancouver Sun)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 2/2/24: Groundhog Friday, plastic bag ban, J60 presumed dead, TM pipe delay, BC population growth, BC LNG, Samish kelp, toxic tire lawsuits.

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Here's your weekend tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  610 AM PST Fri Feb 2 2024    
TODAY  SE wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. W swell 8 ft  at 11 seconds. Rain likely in the morning then a chance of rain  in the afternoon.  
TONIGHT  E wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 6 ft  at 10 seconds. A chance of rain in the evening then a slight  chance of rain after midnight.  
SAT  E wind to 10 kt becoming SE 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 6 ft at 12 seconds. A slight  chance of rain.  
SAT NIGHT  E wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell  8 ft at 11 seconds.
 SUN  E wind 5 to 15 kt rising to 15 to 20 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. NW swell 5 ft at 10 seconds.

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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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