12/12 Coconut crab, WA carbon auction, BC wind energy, I-2066 suit, river rights

 

Editor's note: One of the true joys over the years in curating News and Weather has been the periodic contributions by readers to the flora and fauna profile featured at the top of the blog. Today's critter feature by Gene Helfman was prompted by yesterday's hermit crab feature. I'm not only amazed by the knowledge, expertise and experience among readers but also by their willingness to share that knowledge for all to read— freely. Truth, the best truth available, is a community good that should be available to all. Please support local news and the work of the Salish Current with a donation today. Thank you! Mike Sato.

Coconut crabs with Gene Hellman's father, Sam
[Courtesy]

Coconut crab Birgus latro
Pre-eminent among the crabs that evolved from hermit crabs back into free-living species is the coconut crab, the world’s largest terrestrial arthropod and terrestrial invertebrate. I studied their behavior for my master’s thesis in Palau and on Enewetak Atoll. They’re the top predator on small islands throughout much of the tropical Pacific. They pick up a snail shell when they emerge from the water as small juveniles but soon abandon the shell, live in burrows, and grow to immense sizes (9 lbs, 3 foot leg span). Here’s a photo of my dad holding two medium-size individuals suspended via the method commonly used when several are captured (they have to be kept apart or will actively kill and eat each other). They’re delicious, have been wiped out in many places due to human predation, and are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. (Courtesy Gene Helfman)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Community members explore new Mount Vernon Library Commons

With repeal measure rejected, WA carbon auction prices surge
Prices for Washington’s air pollution allowances rebounded at an auction this month, the first sale since voters upheld the state’s cap-and-trade program. The Department of Ecology on Wednesday said allowances the state offered on Dec. 4 sold for $40.26 each. That’s about 35% higher than the $29.88 sale price in September. Allowances for 2027, sold in advance at the latest auction, fetched $26 apiece. Bill Lucia reports. (Washington State Standard)

‘At what cost?’: wind energy projects now exempt from environmental assessments in B.C.
As the Alberta government shuns wind power, British Columbia plans to welcome the industry by exempting all new wind energy projects from an environmental assessment that usually takes one to two years. Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix announced the exemption on Dec. 9 at a press conference while confirming nine new wind power projects co-owned by First Nations will receive 30-year production contracts with BC Hydro. Shannon Waters reports. (The Narwhal)

Officials plan to file lawsuit challenging constitutionality of I-2066
The coalition said Wednesday that I-2066 supporters misled Washington voters with an extensive misinformation campaign. Quixem Ramirez reports. (KING)

A river in Washington state now has enforceable legal rights
Voters in the city of Everett chose to grant the Snohomish River watershed rights to exist, regenerate and flourish as part of a November ballot initiative. Katie Surma reports. (Inside Climate News)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  326 AM PST Thu Dec 12 2024    
TODAY  SE wind around 10 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 13 seconds. A chance of rain early this morning, then  rain late this morning and afternoon.  
TONIGHT  SE wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: W  6 ft at 15 seconds. A chance of rain in the evening, then rain  after midnight.

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