10/9 Pika, BC pipe, pro oil-gas group, WA pipeline expansions, Delta LNG, WSF sick out, democracy watch, week in review.

 

American pika [WDFW]

American pika Ochotona princeps
American pika habitat is restricted to rocky talus slopes, primarily the talus-meadow interface. They are often found above tree lines up to the limit of vegetation, though they can also survive in rocky areas within forests or near lakes. Pikas do not dig burrows, but they may enlarge dens or nest sites under rock. They are sensitive to temperatures above 78 degrees Fahrenheit and rely on winter snowpack to insulate them from extreme cold conditions. The population size of American pika in Washington is unknown. It is a montane talus habitat specialist that may face threats from climate change. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Southern resident killer whales out, Bigg’s in, according to new data 

Water, toxic waste and opportunity: Indigenous leaders react to Carney's pipeline plan
In Sumas First Nation near Abbotsford, B.C., people have gotten used to oil spills, says Chief Dalton Silver. Crude oil has been stored, re-routed and carried through the First Nation's traditional territory for decades. Silver fought the Trans Mountain Expansion Project in 2024 — and lost. Today, he's gearing up for another fight: against the proposed Pacific Link pipeline, which will follow a similar route to Trans Mountain. Jennifer Yoon reports. (CBC) 

‘Knowing our opponents’: how a pro-oil-and-gas group tracks journalists, First Nations and environmentalists 
New research by Greenpeace Canada lays out a web of pro-oil-and-gas groups working together to influence public opinion on climate change. Carl Meyer reports. (The Narwhal)  

4 WA gas pipeline expansions are proposed. Here’s where they stand 
Compressed in steel pipes buried underground, natural gas courses down the Interstate 5 corridor from British Columbia. It flows through the Columbia River Gorge from the Rocky Mountains. The Williams Companies owns and operates the Northwest Pipeline, the main natural gas highway into the state. Williams has proposed four projects that could significantly expand the amount of gas that can be moved into Washington. Greg Kim reports. (Seattle Times) 

A Delta LNG Project Is Expected to Push Emissions Past Standards
As Fortis expands its facility along the Fraser, pollution is expected to worsen in neighbouring communities. Zoë Yunker reports. (The Tyee) 

What we know about underlying labor issues that halted WA’s ferry system 
Commuters, passengers, and crew on Washington State Ferries hit some choppy waters this week when nearly two dozen engine room workers called out in an apparent “sick out” related to labor concerns. Entire routes went out of service on Monday, with only enough staff to run six out of 18 boats. Casey Martin reports. (KUOW) 

Democracy Watch

• Japanese Americans in Seattle embark on 4-day pilgrimage to immigrant detention sites (KUOW) 
• Trump bought over $1 million in SpaceX debt days before unveiling space policy (Washington Post) 

Salish Sea News Week in Review 10/9/26: BC pipe, ocean monitoring, WSF sickout, gray whale haven, Skagit flood maps, fires and lakes, dead baby orca, green crabs, sewage nitrogen.

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Here's your weekend tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  246 AM PDT Fri Oct 9 2026    
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING    
TODAY  W wind 20 to 25 kt, becoming NW 25 to 30 kt late this  morning. Seas 5 to 7 ft, building to 7 to 10 ft this afternoon.  Wave Detail: W 10 ft at 10 seconds.  
TONIGHT  NW wind 15 to 25 kt, easing to 10 to 15 kt after  midnight. Seas 5 to 8 ft, subsiding to 4 to 6 ft after midnight.  Wave Detail: W 8 ft at 10 seconds.  
SAT  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at  10 seconds.  
SAT NIGHT  NE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W  5 ft at 10 seconds and W 2 ft at 20 seconds.  
SUN  E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: E 3 ft at  8 seconds and W 2 ft at 19 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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