Salish Sea News and Weather

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

2/11 Emerita, NOAA climate list, human flu, avian flu, crab fishery, first 100 days

Emerita

Emerita
Emerita is a small genus of decapod crustaceans, known as mole crabs, sand fiddlers, sand fleas or sand crabs. These small animals burrow in the sand in the swash zone and use their antennae for filter feeding. (Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Borderlands anxiety prompts wider reflection on bioregionalism

NOAA Is Told to Make List of Climate-Related Grants, Setting Off Fears
Staff members search for spending on “climate science,” “climate crisis” and “pollution” as one of the world’s premier climate research agencies girds for cuts. Christopher FlavelleAustyn Gaffney and Raymond Zhong report. (NY Times)

Flu levels are at a 15-year high in the U.S., but many Washington children haven't gotten their flu shot
Dr. Elizabeth Meade, a pediatrician with Seattle's Swedish Health Services said vaccination rates in the United States were previously higher, keeping many illnesses at bay. But outbreaks and high levels of illnesses (like the flu) have become more common as vaccination rates have fallen, especially among children. Patricia Murphy, Matt Martin and Dyer Oxley report. (KUOW) Flu is surging nationwide, with 24 million cases so far Sabrina Malhi reports. (Washington Post)

Rule changes proposed for commercial Dungeness crab fishery
Proposed changes for the coastal commercial crab fishery include updating gear marking requirements to improve visibility and help trace it to the fishery, and limiting surface gear length and the number of buoys allowed. Vince Richardson reports. (Skagit Valley Herald)

New strain of bird flu is detected in a Nevada dairy worker, CDC says
A dairy worker in Nevada was infected with a new type of bird flu that’s different from the version that has been spreading in U.S. herds since last year, federal health officials said Monday. The illness was considered mild. The person’s main symptom was eye redness and irritation, similar to most bird flu cases associated with dairy cows. The person wasn’t hospitalized and has recovered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mike Stobbe and Jones Aleccia report. (Associated Press)

The First 100 Days
With firings and lax enforcement, Trump moving to dismantle government's public integrity guardrails (Associated Press)
Trump steps up his 2018 tariffs on steel and aluminum, risking inflation on promise of more jobs (Associated Press)
Farmers on the hook for millions after Trump freezes USDA funds (Washington Post)
‘Back to plastic': Trump signs order for plastic straws as he declares paper ones ‘don’t work’ (Associated Press)

Have you read the Salish Current?  Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather—

West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 250 AM PST Tue Feb 11 2025
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING
TODAY E wind 15 to 25 kt, becoming SE 10 to 15 kt late. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: E 4 ft at 5 seconds and W 4 ft at 13 seconds.
TONIGHT SE wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: E 3 ft at 4 seconds and W 3 ft at 13 seconds.

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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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Monday, February 10, 2025

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)

Have you read the Salish Current?  Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

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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Friday, February 7, 2025

2/7 Steller sea lion, herring, foreign contact ban, dungeness crab, orca pregnancy, fed EV charger grants, mines, bald eagle rehab, first 100 days, week in review

Steller sea lion [NOAA]

Steller sea lion Eumetopias jubatus
The Steller (or northern) sea lion is the largest member of the family Otariidae, the “eared seals,” which includes all sea lions and fur seals. Steller sea lions are named for Georg Wilhelm Steller, the German surgeon and naturalist on the Bering expedition who first described and wrote about the species in 1742. While they are the only living member of their genus, they share parts of their range with a smaller related species, California sea lions. Steller sea lions' impressive low-frequency vocalizations sound more like roars than California sea lions’ barks. They also share parts of their range with another otariid: northern fur seal. (NOAA)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Group works to start new newspaper in La Conner

W̱SÁNEĆ Hereditary Chiefs ‘deeply frustrated’ as feds boost commercial herring catch
The chiefs have called for a moratorium to protect B.C.'s last strong herring stock. Instead, Fisheries and Oceans upped the allowable catch. Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood reports. (The Narwhal) First Nations and UVic researchers convene to raise their voices about local herring fishery ‘We’re taking this ecological lynchpin and grinding it into cat food’ Scott Van Haren reports. (The Martlet)

Scientists on alert after some NOAA staff ordered to stop talking to people overseas
Staff members at a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have been told this week to stop all contact with foreign nationals, including on international treaties and seafood catch limits, stoking confusion and fear among government scientists as the Trump administration begins to shape its vision for their work. Scott Dance reports. (Washington Post)

Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group researches dungeness crab populations and their implications on sustainable fishing in Washington
As climate change has destabilized large parts of the local fishing industry, western Washington has turned its focus to the dungeness crab, a valuable species in the state’s fishing and crabbing industry. Abigail Meyers reports. (The Daily)

Does that orca have a baby bump? Drones can tell from the air
Orcas, like humans, get baby bumps in the early months of pregnancy that grow larger as the pregnancy advances. Researchers say they can now spot those underwater baby bumps from the air and keep better tabs on whales' maternal health. John Ryan reports. (KUOW)

Trump administration tells states billions in EV charger money is on hold
Washington was in line to receive $71 million for chargers along I-5 and other roads. But the U.S. Department of Transportation says it will revamp the program. Jake Goldstein-Street reports. (Washington State Standard)

Economics, not politics, main reason mines fail to materialize in B.C., researcher suggests
Simon Fraser University research survey indicates fast-tracking of project no guarantee of success. Marcy Nicholson reports. (Canadian Press)

Rehabilitated bald eagle released at Ballinger Park
The eagle was found three weeks ago, most likely affected by pesticide. (Everett Herald)

The First 100 Days
After prayer breakfast, Trump creates task force to root out ‘anti-Christian bias’ (Associated Press)
Forced leaves start for thousands at USAID under a Trump plan to gut the foreign aid agency (Associated Press)

Salish Sea News Week in Review 2/7/25: Periodic table day, old-growth, kelp forests, Vancouver population, bald eagles, coal mine pollution, solar power grant, fed fund freeze, climate vs salmon, world climate.

Have you read the Salish Current?  Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your weekend tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 503 AM PST Fri Feb 7 2025
TODAY SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 2 ft at 12 seconds. A chance of rain and snow showers late.
TONIGHT SE wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 2 ft at 12 seconds. Rain and snow showers likely.
SAT NE wind 5 to 10 kt, backing to N in the afternoon. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 14 seconds. Rain and snow showers likely in the morning, then a chance of showers in the afternoon.
SAT NIGHT N wind around 5 kt, veering to E after midnight. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 9 seconds and W 4 ft at 16 seconds.
SUN E wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 8 seconds and W 3 ft at 15 seconds. A chance of rain and snow showers.

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Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

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Thursday, February 6, 2025

2/6 Sturgeon, fed fund blockage, protest Trump, freezing and warming, climate vs salmon, BC LNG, lumber tariffs, Cascade aquifer, paddleboarder fined, sailboat aground, first 100 days

White sturgeon

White sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus
A survivor from the age of the dinosaurs, White sturgeon can attain lengths in excess of six meters, weights of over 600 kilograms, and can live for over 150 years. The White sturgeon is the largest and longest-lived species of freshwater fish in North America. The ancient fish is at the top of the Fraser River food web, and one of the few year-round resident species of fish in the lower Fraser River. The population of White Sturgeon in the lower Fraser River (downstream of Hell’s Gate) is a fraction of its historic levels. (Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Finding stability: services for the unhoused in Bellingham

Washington leaders offer more detail on federal funding blocked by Trump
The status of more than $50 million in federal grants to Washington’s Department of Ecology remained in doubt late Tuesday, halting projects on water quality, shoreline restoration and toxic site cleanup. Jake Goldstein-Street reports. (Washington State Standard)

Hundreds gather at Washington state Capitol to protest Trump
(Washington State Standard) ‘We are all Americans’: Bellingham crowd gathers to protest Trump administration actions (Bellingham Herald)

The US is freezing and La Nina usually eases warming. Earth just set another heat record anyway
The world warmed to yet another monthly heat record in January, despite an abnormally chilly United States, a cooling La Nina and predictions of a slightly less hot 2025, according to the European climate service Copernicus. Seth Borenstein reports. (Associated Press)

Climate vs. Salmon
The salmon of the Salish Sea, long revered as keystone species and cultural icons, are facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change. As warming temperatures and erratic weather patterns disrupt the salmon life cycle, the survival of this sacred fish hangs in the balance. Max Thaysen reports. (Watershed Sentinel)

Tariff Threats Add to BC Forest Sector Woes
If U.S. President Donald Trump carries out his threat to introduce tariffs next month, expect even more forest companies to leave the province, forestry experts say. Isaac Phan Nay reports. (The Tyee)

Major B.C. LNG projects won’t have to pay for carbon emissions for 2 years, docs reveal
B.C.’s new industrial carbon pricing system gives big emitters a break on paying for emissions. That includes most new LNG export projects. Shannon Waters reports. (The Narwhal)

Aquifer discovered in the Cascades could be one of the largest in the world
Recent research reveals an aquifer in the Oregon Cascades holds a significant volume of water stored in volcanic rock, about three times the maximum capacity of Lake Mead. Lauren Paterson reports. (NW Public Broadcasting)

Paddleboarder fined $2,500 for getting too close to orcas in Ucluelet
A woman has been ordered to pay a $2,500 fine after she was found guilty of paddling too close to orcas in Ucluelet four years ago. Christie Jamieson, 40, was convicted Tuesday of breaching the federal Fisheries Act after she was filmed paddleboarding near a pod of transient killer whales in Ucluelet Harbour. The federal regulations require a 200-metre buffer. Roxanne Egan-Elliott reports. (Times Colonist)

One dead after sailboat runs aground in stormy weather
A Canadian man and woman were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after their sailboat ran aground east of Saturna, but the woman was later declared dead. Jeff Bell reports. (Times Colonist)

The First 100 Days
• DOGE broadens sweep of federal agencies, gains access to health payment systems (Washington Post)
• West Point shuts down clubs for women and students of color in response to Trump's DEI policies (Associated Press)

Have you read the Salish Current?  Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 326 AM PST Thu Feb 6 2025
TODAY E wind around 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: E 2 ft at 3 seconds, SE 2 ft at 6 seconds and W 2 ft at 14 seconds.
TONIGHT E wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: SE 2 ft at 5 seconds and W 2 ft at 13 seconds.

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Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

  Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told 

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

2/5 Bocaccio, enviro rule, Muckleshoot salmon, aquarium layoffs, coal mine pollution, Canadian oil export, WA solar power, Project 2025 protests, first 100 days

Bocaccio [NOAA]

Bocaccio Sebastes paucispinis
Bocaccio are large Pacific coast rockfish that are slow-growing, late to mature, and long-lived. They range from Punta Blanca, Baja California, to the Gulf of Alaska off Krozoff and the Kodiak Islands, but are most common between Oregon and northern Baja California. Having struggled to recover from overfishing, the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin distinct population segment of bocaccio is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Non-ESA listed populations of bocaccio are harvested in commercial and recreational fisheries off the West Coast and Alaska. (NOAA)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Lopez pool to open this year; local school kids to benefit

North Dakota federal judge axes environmental rule
A court order says a federal agency has spent decades governing review process without authority. Mary Steurer reports. (Washington State Standard)

From local waters to dinner plates: How the Muckleshoot Tribe helps feed the community
For hundreds of years, the Muckleshoot Tribe has been stewards of our local waterways and that tradition continues today. As their fishing operation has grown, they're now able to put their salmon on more people's dinner tables. Holly Menino reports.(KOMO)

Seattle Aquarium lays off staffers months after waterfront expansion
The Seattle Aquarium is laying off workers, citing redundancies and increased operating costs. The waterfront nonprofit confirmed Tuesday it is cutting 12 jobs representing 4% of its workforce in the first quarter of the year. The decision comes after the aquarium opened its new Ocean Pavilion addition on Aug. 29. Joey Thompson reports. (Business Journal)

Coal mine pollution: international inquiry details plan to investigate Canada, U.S. contamination
After decades of pollution from B.C. coal mines, an international inquiry is proposing to spotlight solutions to issues like selenium contamination. Ainslie Cruickshank reports. (The Narwhal)

Tariff Threats Spur Canada to Ramp Up Oil Shipments to China
Canada has a Trump-proof oil pipeline. Trans Mountain is Canada's only oil export link that avoids the US. Robert Tuttle reports. (Bloomberg)

$156M solar power grant for Washington in limbo after Trump order
Washington was locked out of about $150 million in federal funding for solar projects focused on low-income communities last week as the Trump administration paused clean energy grants. Jake Goldstein-Street reports. (Washington State Standard)

Protests against Trump and Project 2025 are planned in cities across the US
A movement to oppose the early actions of President Donald Trump’s administration is taking off online, with plans to protest across the U.S. on Wednesday. The movement has organized under the hashtags #buildtheresistance and #50501, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states, one day. Many of the protests are planned at state capitols, with some in other cities. (Associated Press)

The First 100 Days
• Trump picks scientist involved in ‘Sharpiegate’ scandal to lead NOAA (Washington Post)
• Trump administration pulling almost all USAID workers off the job worldwide (Associated Press)
• Trump and Musk demand termination of federal office leases through General Services Administration (Associated Press)
• Senate confirms Pam Bondi as US attorney general, putting Trump ally at Justice Department’s helm (Associated Press)
• Trump will sign an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing (Associated Press)
• Trump administration begins first detention flights to Guantanamo Bay (Washington State Standard)

Have you read the Salish Current?  Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 249 AM PST Wed Feb 5 2025 SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING
TODAY E wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: E 3 ft at 5 seconds and W 2 ft at 15 seconds. A chance of rain and snow showers early this morning, then rain and snow showers likely late this morning and afternoon.
TONIGHT E wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: E 2 ft at 4 seconds, SE 2 ft at 7 seconds and W 2 ft at 15 seconds. A chance of rain and snow showers.

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Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

  Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told 

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

2/4 Yelloweye rockfish, more winter, bald eagles, Vancouver population, feral pigs islands, first 100 days

Yelloweye rockfish [AK Fish&Game]

Yelloweye rockfish Sebastes ruberrimus
Yelloweye rockfish are among the longest lived of rockfishes, with maximum age reported to be up to 150 years. This species also is very slow growing and late to mature. Although conservation measures like fishing bans have been put in place in Puget Sound, recovery from threats such as past overfishing and continued bycatch will take many years due to the life history of yelloweye rockfish. The Puget Sound/Georgia Basin distinct population segment (DPS) in Washington State is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. (NOAA)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Honoring the voices of women: Indigenous stories in short films / ‘Shock and awe,’ in military terms, is what’s happening in America

Van Isle Violet predicts another six weeks of winter
The Vancouver Island marmot sleepily twitched a paw over a laminated card, indicating winter would stick around. Michael John Lo reports. (Times Colonist)

American bald eagles are having a moment, ecologically and culturally
Along the long road from American icon to endangered species and back again, the bald eagle — the national bird of the United States, often seen against a clear blue sky — is having a moment. Mike Catalini reports. (Associated Press)

Metro Vancouver's population now exceeds 3 million, according to StatsCan
Based on current growth rates, Surrey could eclipse Vancouver in population by 2027. Akshay Kulkarni reports. (CBC)

Islands of the Feral Pigs
In Hawai‘i, people, pigs, and ecosystems only have so much room to coexist, and the pigs exist a little too much. Brendan Borrell reports. (bioGraphic)

The First 100 Days
• Trump preps order to dismantle Education Dept. as DOGE probes data (Washington Post)
• E.P.A. Tells More Than 1,000 They Could Be Fired ‘Immediately’ (NY Times)
• Trump agrees to pause tariffs on Canada and Mexico after they pledge to boost border enforcement (Associated Press)
• B.C. pauses retaliatory measures following Trump's 30-day hold on tariff threat (CBC)
• Second federal judge issues temporary order blocking Trump spending freeze (Washington State Standard)
• Trump's sovereign wealth fund could own part of TikTok, he says (Associated Press)

Have you read the Salish Current?  Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 240 AM PST Tue Feb 4 2025
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING
TODAY E wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 4 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: E 4 ft at 5 seconds and W 3 ft at 11 seconds. Rain and snow showers likely this morning, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers early this afternoon. A chance of rain and snow showers late.
TONIGHT E wind 15 to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: E 4 ft at 5 seconds and W 2 ft at 12 seconds. A chance of rain and snow showers in the evening, then rain and snow showers likely after midnight.

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Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

  Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told 

Monday, February 3, 2025

2/3 Redbanded rockfish, weather, tree canopy, old-growth, wastewater, 'Resident Orca,' hummingbirds, first 100 days

Redbanded rockfish [Pat McMahon]

Redbanded rockfish Sebastes babcock
The Redbanded rockfish is a colorful rockfish not often seen in the Salish Sea. This may be due to its being most commonly found at water depths from 500' to 1150'. According to the NOAA publication "Fishes of the Salish Sea: a compilation and distributional analysis," the Redbanded
Rockfish has only been found in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, San Juan Islands and Hood Canal and no other parts of the Salish Sea. This rockfish is more commonly found off the coast of British Columbia where it appears as by-catch during trawl and longline fisheries. The Redbanded Rockfish can grow to 25 inches and live up to 106 years. (Courtesy Pat McMahon)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Editor joins Salish Current newsroom / Regional, state leaders push back against immigration enforcement / Whatcom READS builds a community of readers

First Alert Weather
Off-and-on snow showers fell across western Washington on Sunday and will continue in some areas into the first half of workweek, as the colder air deepens. (KING) Metro Vancouverites wake up to first widespread snowfall of the season. Snowfall warnings in place for much of the South Coast, Arctic outflow warnings on north and central coasts (CBC)

Seattle's canopy shrinks as ordinance protects the wrong trees
Since 2023, the city classified more than 2,000 trees as “protected” — without regard to whether they ever were threatened by development. Robert McClure reports. (InvestigateWest)

Environmentalists push for stronger old-growth protections in Northwest Forest Plan
Around a hundred community members showed up to the U.S. Forest Service office in Medford on Wednesday night for a public meeting about proposed amendments to the Northwest Forest Plan. Environmental activists held a rally outside the Forest Service office to push for stronger protections for old-growth ecosystems in the amendments. Roman Battaglia reports. (Jefferson Public Radio)

King County refines wastewater into fertilizer for WA crops, forests
In King County, [the] program, called Loop is one of the largest and most successful in the country, sending out thousands of tons of the stuff every year, and they’re looking to expand operations into neighborhood gardens near you. Conrad Swanson reports. (Seattle Times)

Deep dive into the underwater forest of Washington
Amid debates on school closings and budget deficits, lawmakers in Olympia are also taking a deep dive on bull kelp. While it may not be the splashiest piece of legislation, this aquatic plant has an oversized role in our water, and its at risk of disappearing. Lauren Donovan reports. (FOX 13)

‘Resident Orca’ film shows Lummi elders’ quest to bring captured whale home to the Salish Sea
The opening sequence of the movie shows some of the last footage ever of the orca the Lummi people call Sk'aliCh'ehl-tenaut. Bellamy Pailthorp reports. (KNKX)

'Metabolic knife edge': Study offers insight into hummingbirds' hibernation-like rest
Short-term hibernation, known as torpor, allows tiny birds to conserve energy between meals. Ashley Joannou reports. (Canadian Press)

The First 100 Days
• White House announces tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico, China (Washington State Standard)
• Trudeau announces 25 per cent targeted retaliatory tariffs (Times Colonist)
• Musk's DOGE commission gains access to sensitive Treasury payment systems: AP sources (Associated Press)
• Health data, entire pages wiped from federal websites as Trump officials target ‘gender ideology’ (Associate Press)
• Trump fires the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Associated Press)
• USAID notice instructs staffers to stay out of its headquarters (Associated Press)

Have you read the Salish Current?  Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca- 245 AM PST Mon Feb 3 2025
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON
TODAY E wind 10 to 15 kt, rising to 15 to 25 kt late this morning and afternoon. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: E 3 ft at 4 seconds and W 4 ft at 12 seconds. Showers likely this morning, then a chance of showers early this afternoon. Showers likely late.
TONIGHT E wind 15 to 25 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: E 3 ft at 4 seconds and W 3 ft at 11 seconds. Showers likely in the evening, then snow and rain showers after midnight.

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Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

  Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told 