Monday, March 23, 2026

3/23 Caspian Tern, artificial turf, BC wildfires, coal plants, microfibers, national park air, whale sounds, democracy watch

Caspian Tern [Sasha Cahill]
 

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia
The regal Caspian Tern is the largest tern in the world, easily recognized by its brilliant red fish-knife of a bill and deep, raspy call. Found all over the world, the Caspian favors both freshwater and saltwater environments. It feeds mostly on fish, captured in nimble aerial dives. (All About Birds) 

Today's top story in Salish Current:  VSED awareness continues for those unable to use state’s Death with Dignity

New study finds artificial turf fields in Metro Vancouver releasing chemicals harmful to salmon
A new study from the University of British Columbia is raising concerns about the environmental impact of artificial turf fields across Metro Vancouver, which, it says, is leaching a chemical that’s deadly to coho salmon. (CBC) 

Invasive grasses spreading after B.C. wildfires could fuel massive fires
Researchers say invasive grasses act as dry runways that spread flames at highway speed. Marissa Birnie (Canadian Press) 

WA, Trump administration standoff continues in fight over coal plant 
The U.S. Department of Energy renewed an emergency order this week directing the state’s last coal power plant to remain available for operation, continuing a legal fight between the Trump administration and state leaders. Amanda Zhou reports. (Seattle Timers)  See: Trump is forcing coal plants to stay open. It could cost customers billions (Washington State Standard) 

Rivers and tidal currents keep 80% of microfibers from reaching oceans, study suggests
New research shows that up to 80% of polyester microfibers released from wastewater treatment plants in the Salish Sea accumulate close to their sources and behind natural barriers like sills and channels, with only a tiny fraction (approximately 0.13%) escaping into the Pacific Ocean, while the rest either settle in sediments or wash up along the coastline. Hannah Bird reports. (Phys.org) 

Trump's EPA is paving the way for haze to return to national parks, conservationists warn
Conservationists are warning that the Trump administration is working state by state to undo decades of progress in clearing skies over the country's beloved national parks. (Associated Press) 

Oldest known whale recording could unlock mysteries of the ocean
A haunting whale song discovered on decades-old audio equipment could open up a new understanding of how the huge animals communicate, according to researchers who say it’s the oldest such recording known. The song is that of a humpback whale, a marine giant beloved by whale watchers for its docile nature and spectacular leaps from the water, and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda. Patrick Whittle reports. (Associated Press) 

Democracy Watch
  • Judge sides with New York Times in challenge to policy limiting reporters’ access to Pentagon (AP) 
  • Trump’s Reaction to Mueller’s Death: ‘Good, I’m Glad.’ (NY Times) 
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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  203 PM PDT Sun Mar 22 2026    
MON
 NW wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at  11 seconds.  
MON NIGHT
 NW wind 5 to 10 kt, veering to E after midnight.  Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: E 2 ft at 3 seconds and W 5 ft at  11 seconds. Rain.
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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)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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