2/10 Isopod, Fairhaven shipyard, herring talk, Ballard Locks, nature report, bird flu, electric ferries, Devil's Club, first 100 days

Marine isopod [Pat McMahon]

Marine isopod
Marine isopods are crustaceans and an important part of the Salish Sea ecosystem. There are about 4,500 marine isopod species worldwide. They help break down organic matter and are food for other animals. Isopods are mostly flattened dorsoventrally appearing broader than they are deep. They can be detritivores, browsers, carnivores, parasites or filter feeders and can utilize more than one of these feeding styles. Parasitic species are mostly external parasites of fish and feed on blood. The parasitic isopod pictured above was attached dorsally behind the head of a ling cod caught near Neah Bay. All isopods have two pairs of antennae and compound eyes which are easily seen in the picture. The upper pair of antennae have a chemo-sensory function while the lower antennae are used as feelers. (Courtesy Pat McMahon)

Today's top story in Salish Current: ‘End of an era' as Lynden Tribune press shuts down / From gym mats to coffee shops, third places anchor community

$27 million cleanup starts at Fairhaven shipyard
A $27 million cleanup will start later this year on contamination that dates back 100 years or more from ship-building and other marine industries at the south end of Harris Avenue in Fairhaven. Soil will be removed from a 5-acre site on land at the Harris Avenue Shipyard in the first phase of the project, according to the state Department of Ecology. A second phase, involving another 5 acres of underwater sediment, will begin in 2027. Cost of the first phase of the project is about $6.5 million, and the second phase will cost about $2.1 million. The Port of Bellingham is responsible for all costs, but it is eligible for some state reimbursement. Robert Mittendorf reports. (Bellingham Herald)

First Nations unite on the Peninsula to talk herring population restoration
First Nations and environmental organizations are gathering to discuss the restoration of the Salish Sea’s distinct herring populations on Feb. 13. The second HELIT TTE SLON,ET (Let the Herring Live) forum will highlight the need to revitalize communities where herring was a foundational species.  (Peninsula News Review)

The key to maintaining and renovating Seattle's Ballard Locks
Engineers work to replace machinery, prevent flooding and maintain antiquated equipment all while minimizing disruption at America’s busiest locks. Andrew Engelson reports. (CascadePBS)

Trump Killed a Major Report on Nature. They’re Trying to Publish It Anyway.
The first full draft of the assessment, on the state of America’s land, water and wildlife, was weeks from completion. The project leader called the study “too important to die.” Catrin Einhorn reports. (NY Times)

Why do they have to all be killed? Bird flu found at farm north of Tri-Cities, WA
About 300,000 chickens have been euthanized at a farm in Franklin County in southeast Washington state, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. They had the highly pathogenic bird flu called H5N1. Washington State Veterinarian Amber Itle said the viral load in the Northwest right now is very high and hard to fight, even with strict protocols for biosecurity. Anna King reports. (NW Public Broadcasting)

Here's the plan to run electric ferries between downtown Vancouver, Bowen Island and Gibsons
A plan to run two all-electric, 150-passenger ferries between downtown Vancouver, Bowen Island and Gibsons by 2027 is one step closer after City of Vancouver officials announced motions to expedite land use at Harbour Green Dock. On Friday, representatives from all three levels of government enthusiastically endorsed Greenline Marine Inc.'s plan, which has been in the works for two years. Chad Pawson reports. (CBC)

Noxious and irritating
Reader Forest Shomer writes that Wikipedia's description of Devil's Club as having “noxious and irritating” spines is a very subjective description of a valued medicinal native shrub. "This plant is used by diverse indigenous peoples of the region, along with Western herbal practitioners. Characterizing the species simply because it has spines (!) overlooks that it is (1) used and regarded by many as medicine; and (2) it’s native—and the mischaracterization might lead some to try to extirpate it. It belongs here. Just wear protective clothing (garden gloves are more than sufficient for handling) when working or playing in its vicinity. If someone is so motivated to try to eliminate ‘armed’ plant species…knock yourselves out contesting with Himalayan blackberry, a global invasive plant."

The First 1`00 Days
• In Super Bowl interview, Trump says he wants Canada to be 51st state (Associated Press)
• Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost (Associated Press)
• Trump says he will impose a 25% tariff on aluminum and steel imports (NPR)
• Trump dismisses archivist to the United States (Washington Post)
• Trump administration orders consumer protection agency to stop work, closes building (Associated Press)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  236 AM PST Mon Feb 10 2025    
TODAY  E wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E 4 ft  at 6 seconds and W 3 ft at 15 seconds.  
TONIGHT  E wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E

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