2/27 Kumamoto oyster, weather, BC firefighting, Skagit spill cleanup, BC Ferries, "British Columbians," Wedgwood cedar

 

Kumamoto oyster [Smithsonian]

Kumamoto oyster Magallana sikamea
Magallana sikamea is commonly known as the Kumamoto Oyster. It was previously considered a subspecies of the Pacific Oyster (M. gigas), and although the two can hybridize, it is now considered its own species. Its native range extends through Japan, Korea, Taiwan and southern China. It is cultured on the West Coast of North America, but there is no evidence that it is established and reproducing in the wild. It has also been cultured in France, Brazil, and Tasmania, but these introductions did not result in reproduction or successful commercial culture. (Smithsonian)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Giant hornet effort approaches milestone as another pest shows up

Western WA weather: Heavy lowland rain, mountain snow ahead
After a brief mid-day lull Tuesday, a “pretty strong system” moving in from the Gulf of Alaska will settle over the region, said Anna Lindeman, a meteorologist with the weather service in Seattle. The system will continue and intensify into Wednesday, pulling in deep moisture from the Pacific. Conditions will turn wetter and gustier, as the system piles up heavy mountain snow and soaks the lowlands in heavy rain. Vonnai Phair reports. (Seattle Times)  See also: Wet snow forecast for B.C.'s South Coast Environment Canada says 2-5 cm could fall across Metro Vancouver starting Tuesday afternoon. (CBC)

BC Urged to ‘Completely Change Its Approach to Firefighting’
A 14-member government-appointed expert task force is expected to report soon with recommendations on improving emergency preparedness and response. Premier David Eby says the province is already acting on the task force’s preliminary recommendations. Many of the lessons have been about how to work better with local communities to leverage local knowledge and respond faster, Eby said. Especially in rural and remote communities, including First Nations, the government is making sure people have the equipment and training they need to respond to fires quickly. Andrew MacLeod reports. (The Tyee)

Gasoline spill cleanup continues near Conway
Crews responding to the Dec. 10 gasoline spill from the Olympic Pipeline near Conway are getting ready to begin removing gasoline from water that is in soil at the site. According to a Friday news release from the unified command overseeing the cleanup, what is known as a dewatering system has been installed inside a wall of steel plates, or a cofferdam, on the edge of Hill Ditch. Once testing of the dewatering and water treatment systems is complete, excavation of contaminated soil along the streambank is expected to begin. (Skagit Valley Herald)

New ferries will carry more people, use green technology
B.C. Ferries is unveiling plans for new major vessels that ­feature more space for ­passengers and vehicles and greener technology. Up to seven new major ­vessels will join the fleet, with the first set to arrive in 2029. A request for proposals to supply the new ships, which will replace six older Queen-class ships serving the busiest routes between Vancouver Island and Metro Vancouver, is expected to go out this summer. Carla Wilson reports. (Times Colonist)

British Columbians told to stop using term 'British Columbians' because it's offensive now
The Province of British Columbia is now instructing its residents not to refer to themselves as “British Columbians” as the term is offensive. The guideline — first publicized by True North — is contained within an official guide for B.C. government workers drafting “Indigenous content.” Writers are told that the term British Columbian “excludes Indigenous Peoples who may not identify with it.” Tristin Hopper reports. (National Post)

Activists want to save Wedgwood cedar, change Seattle tree oversight
On Saturday afternoon, Tree Action Seattle, an urban forestry advocacy group, hosted a neighborhood gathering to preserve the tree nicknamed Astra at 3003 Northeast 88th St. — about four blocks west of another Western red cedar, nicknamed Luma, that was slated for removal for a development last summer, until protests sparked actions that saved the tree. Luma was found to be culturally modified by the Snoqualmie people over centuries, and the cedar was declared an archaeological site.  Lauren Girgis reports. (Seattle Times)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  249 AM PST Tue Feb 27 2024    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM PST THIS MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON    
TODAY  SE wind to 10 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1 ft or less building to 2 to 4 ft in the afternoon. W  swell 3 to 7 ft at 11 seconds building to 6 to 7 ft at 11 seconds  in the afternoon.  
TONIGHT  SE wind 15 to 25 kt becoming SW after midnight. Wind  waves 2 to 4 ft. W swell 3 ft at 11 seconds.

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