6/4 Western oak fern, BC orca protections, ship noise, BNSF trespass, camas, PSP closure, swimming advisory

Western Oak Fern [Native Plants PNW]

 

Western Oak Fern  Gymnocarpium dryopteris
There are only about 8 species of gymnocarpium, mostly in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.   Common names of G. dryopteris include Western or Northern Oak Fern. G. disjunctum is confined to the coastal northwest of North America and the Pacific coast of Russia.  In the Pacific Northwest, these ferns grow in shady, moist woods, streambanks and wet cliffs.  Despite its name, it is not usually found in association with oaks, preferring mixed coniferous forests. [Native Plants PNW]

Today's top story in Salish Current: Bellingham Queer Collective opens its doors

Speed restrictions, B.C. fishery closures, aim to protect southern killer whales
The federal government has announced salmon fishery closures and mandatory speed limits in areas where southern resident killer whales forage and travel in the ongoing effort to protect the endangered species. Until Nov. 30, all vessels must slow down to a maximum of 10 knots in two speed-restricted zones near Swiftsure Bank and no vessels or fishing are allowed in interim sanctuary zones off South Pender Island and the southeast end of Saturna Island. Recreational and commercial salmon fisheries will be closed both this year and next year in the whale's key foraging areas along Swiftsure Bank from July 15 until Oct. 31 and around the mouth of the Fraser River from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30. (Canadian Press)

Quieting the Global Growl
Underwater noise from ships has gotten louder, reshaping marine ecosystems and the lives of animals that depend on sounds to eat, mate, and navigate. Can ships ever pipe down? Amorina Kingdon writes. (Hakai Magazine)

A WA tribe will get paid by a railroad that trespassed. The question is how much
A federal judge found BNSF Railway willingly, consciously and knowingly trespassed when it ran about a quarter-million cars carrying crude oil over the Swinomish Reservation beyond what was outlined in an agreement with the tribe. Now, the issue at hand is how much money the railway must pay to make it right...A bench trial is underway before U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik this week to determine the profits BNSF obtained as a result of its interference with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community’s legally protected property rights. Isabella Breda reports. (Seattle Times)

NW Indigenous people have long history of carefully managing camas crop
A prized plant for regional Native Americans has been carefully cultivated for more than 3,500 years, according to an Oregon State University study. Camas is a First Foods staple for Native Americans, who traditionally baked the bulbs in earthen ovens. Brian Bull reports. (KLCC)

Shellfish biotoxin closes entire Oregon Coast to mussel harvesting, sends some people to hospital
Oregon officials closed the state’s entire coast to mussel harvesting on Friday after an unprecedented outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning, which appears to also be affecting parts of Washington and California. April Ehrich reports. (OPB)

Bellingham issues swimming advisory for popular park after testing reveals high levels of bacteria
Swimmers are being advised to stay out of the water near Taylor Dock at the southern end of Boulevard Park due to high levels of bacteria. Whatcom County Health and Community Services issued an advisory on May 31 notifying the public to ‘Swim at your own risk,’ as measured bacteria levels in the water exceeded health standards and could cause illness. Rachel Showalter reports. (Bellingham Herald)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  202 AM PDT Tue Jun 4 2024    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON    
TODAY  SW wind 20 to 25 kt, easing to 15 to 20 kt late. Seas  5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: SW 3 ft at 5 seconds and W 7 ft at  10 seconds. Showers likely this morning. A slight chance of  tstms. A chance of showers this afternoon.  
TONIGHT  SW wind 15 to 20 kt, easing to 5 to 10 kt after  midnight. Seas 6 to 9 ft. Wave Detail: W 2 ft at 4 seconds and W  9 ft at 13 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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