3/11 Air plant, SRKW in CA, BC ecosystem protection, BPA power sales, grizzly bears, Peggy Sloan, first 100 days

 

Air plant

Air plant Tillandsia argentea
Tillandsia is a genus of around 649 species of evergreen, perennial flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae, native to the forests, mountains and deserts of the Neotropics, from northern Mexico and the southeastern United States to Mesoamerica and the Caribbean to central Argentina. Their leaves, more or less silvery in color, are covered with specialized cells (trichomes) capable of rapidly absorbing water that gathers on them.

Today's top story in Salish Current: Trump administration to advisory council: ‘You’re fired’

Endangered species of killer whale makes surprise appearance on California Central Coast
A federally endangered species of killer whale was spotted in the Central Coast this week, exciting whale watching crews and spurring hope for its survival. Drone footage captured the moment a group of Southern Resident Killer Whales breached the waters of the Monterey Bay as they frolicked and searched for food. Roseann Cattani reports. (Salinas Californian)

Ecosystem Protection Took a Hit in BC’s 2025 Budget
Last month, Eby announced his plans to expedite 19 resource development projects across the province to buffer against the shock of the new trade war. While details on that fast-tracking process remain hazy, Eby has said fast-tracking won’t come at the expense of oversight. “We’re going to do it consistent with our environmental commitments, but we’re going to do it a heck of a lot faster,” he said. Zoe Yunker reports. (The Tyee)

BPA announces intention to join new Southwest energy market
BPA announces intention to split with California and join new Southwest energy market
The Northwest’s largest hydropower supplier announced it intends to join a new day-ahead energy market based in Arkansas over one based in California.  Alex Baumhardt reports. (Washington State Standard)

Could the status of grizzly bears change in the lower 48 states?
There could be updates to how grizzly bears are categorized under the Endangered Species Act. However, grizzlies would still be considered threatened in all of Washington state and parts of Idaho.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services thinks it would one day make it easier to delist grizzlies if the federal government changes things up. In its proposed status change, grizzlies would remain threatened in areas where they currently live or habitat where they could one day live. Courtney Platt reports. (NW Public Broadcasting)

Seattle Aquarium Names New CEO
Peggy Sloan, the chief animal conservation officer at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, will begin her new job in May. She replaces Bob Davidson, who will retire after 23 years as CEO. Davidson, one of Seattle magazine’s Most Influential people of 2025, is credited with reinventing the aquarium (it recently opened the Ocean Pavilion and a public rooftop) and was one of the leaders of Seattle $800 million waterfront renovation. Rob Smith reports. (Seattle Magazine)


The First 100 Days

• Musk eyes Social Security and benefit programs for cuts while claiming widespread fraud (Associated Press)
  
• Kennedy Links Measles Outbreak to Poor Diet and Health, Citing Fringe Theories (NY Times)
  
• DC begins removing 'Black Lives Matter' plaza after pressure from GOP (Associated Press)
  
• Trump doubles planned tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50% as trade war intensifies (Associated Press)
  

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  257 AM PDT Tue Mar 11 2025   TODAY  SE wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt late. Seas  4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: S 2 ft at 5 seconds and W 6 ft at  11 seconds. Showers likely early this morning, then a chance of  showers late this morning. Showers this afternoon.  
TONIGHT  SE wind 10 to 15 kt, rising to 15 to 20 kt after  midnight. Seas 5 to 7 ft. Wave Detail: SE 3 ft at 4 seconds and W  6 ft at 14 seconds. Showers.

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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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