8/14 Spud, eelgrass superpower, Bigg's orcas, shellfish biotoxins, OR offshore wind power, lumber duty

 

Idaho potato

Idaho potato
Russet potatoes are sometimes known as Idaho potatoes in the United States, but the name Idaho Potato is trademarked by the Idaho Potato Commission and only potatoes grown in the state of Idaho can legally be referred to by that name.

Today's top story in Salish Current: A delicate balance: the controversial plan to protect the spotted owl

Researchers discover eelgrass superpower in Puget Sound
Emerald green and resplendent with glittering baby fish and tiny crabs, eelgrass meadows are among the most productive and ecologically important places in Puget Sound. Already highly valued as nurseries for sea life, researchers have discovered a new eelgrass superpower, as living urban systems that reduce human pathogens in seafood by as much as 65%. Lynda Mapes reports. (Seattle Times)

Transient orcas thriving in Salish Sea, as southern residents continue to struggle
Bigg’s orcas are becoming so plentiful and active in the Salish Sea that hardly a day goes by without multiple sightings, according to a research group. The Orca Behavior Institute said Tuesday that the transient orcas have been spotted in local waters every day since March 12. July was particularly noteworthy, with 214 unique sightings of Bigg’s killer whales. Darron Kloster reports. (Times Colonist)

Shellfish harvesters are having to consider biotoxins later into fall and winter
It used to be the case that people who harvest shellfish could breathe a sigh of relief in late autumn. Spring, summer and even early fall have long presented the right conditions for harmful algae to grow and produce biotoxins in waters along the Washington state coast and into Puget Sound. But in recent years, recreational and commercial harvesters, state agencies and tribes are noticing biotoxin outbreaks more commonly in the winter, too. Lauren Gallup reports. (NW Public Broadcasting)

Southern Oregon floating offshore wind clears one bureaucratic hurdle in a long process
Oregon’s coast is inching closer to generating renewable electricity using floating offshore wind turbines, though any construction is still years away. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, or BOEM, announced it has finalized an environmental assessment. The assessment looked at potential impacts from issuing leases to develop floating offshore wind in the region. BOEM is the federal agency tasked with identifying, proposing and leasing the ocean areas. Monica Samayoa reports. (OPB)

U.S. nearly doubles duty on Canadian softwood lumber
The sharp increase in duty was signalled in February, but the 14.54% rate went even higher than expected. Rafferty Baker reports. (CBC)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  204 AM PDT Wed Aug 14 2024    
TODAY  W wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt late. Seas  around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 10 seconds.  
TONIGHT  W wind 10 to 15 kt, easing to 5 to 10 kt after  midnight. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 8 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 msato at salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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