Showing posts with label marine life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marine life. Show all posts

New website tracks efforts to protect Southern Resident orcas

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Graphic courtesy of Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office
On Tuesday, the governor's Salmon Recovery Office launched a new website to help track efforts for protecting the endangered Southern Resident orcas.

“The website is beautiful and chock full of information,” said Tara Galuska, the governor’s orca recovery coordinator. 
“The website is an easy way for people to see what’s being done to save the orcas and learn about our unique orca population here in Washington.”

June is Orca Action Month, and one way to participate is to visit Orca Action Month's website to learn more about events and activities across the state.

“It’s important that we save Southern Resident orcas. They are an iconic and treasured species in Washington and throughout the Pacific Northwest. They hold significant cultural value to native tribes and all Washingtonians,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. 
“If they go extinct, we would suffer an unacceptable loss to our environment, economy and culture. These animals have been sacred to countless generations of people residing here. I don’t want to imagine a state without our beloved orcas.”

Read more from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office and visit orca.wa.gov



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Critical fish habitat would receive increased oversight and protection through legislation passed today by the Senate

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline
SB 5885, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline), builds on his 2021 legislation to require friendly shoreline development by directing the state to identify illegally built docks and seawalls and to enforce laws prohibiting them.

“Illegally built docks and seawalls are unnecessarily harmful to shoreline habitat and marine life,” Salomon said. 
“They damage eelgrass habitat, disrupt salmon migration, and expose salmon to more predators.”

Salomon’s bill would direct the Department of Ecology to survey Puget Sound shorelines and identify unpermitted development. 

A large number of shoreline projects are built illegally and without required permits from local governments, presenting a glaring need to actively monitor shorelines for illegal structures, Salomon said. 

His bill was amended on the Senate floor to include derelict vessels in the surveys.

Salomon noted that bulkheads line more than 700 miles of Puget Sound shoreline and said active monitoring of shoreline conditions is the only way for the state to stay abreast of the many disruptions to habitat.

“Every time someone replaces an older dock or seawall, it’s an opportunity to incorporate techniques that will have the mildest possible impact on marine life,” Salomon said. “We can make our shorelines healthier while still allowing people to enjoy time on and near the water.”

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.



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Buoy will measure underwater noise to assess risk to orcas

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Marine mammal scientists aboard the SoundGuardian, King County’s research vessel, deployed a buoy into Puget Sound that will measure the underwater noise from commercial and recreational vessels that pose multiple risks to southern resident orcas.

The pro bono study by SMRU Consulting – which conducts marine mammal research worldwide – will help increase the frequency and quality of reports of orca sightings provided to pilots of large vessels so they can voluntarily slow down or change course, reducing the amount of underway noise and preventing collisions.

Researchers chose to deploy the buoy during winter when orcas are regularly found in Puget Sound pursuing chinook and chum salmon. Orcas rely on their use of sound to hunt, communicate, navigate, and avoid danger which can be limited by noise generated from maritime activities. 

Data on the presence of vessels and orcas will be transmitted to scientists in real time as well as recorded for future analysis.

“Our state-of-the-art research vessel is a valuable asset helping some of the world’s leading marine biologists work to protect southern resident orcas,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“The scientific research they produce will contribute to our collective mission to not only track the health of Puget Sound, but also ensure the survival of its marine life.”

Read more here



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Orca Recovery Day local events Saturday, October 16 in Kenmore and Shoreline

Friday, October 8, 2021

Saving the orcas is a matter of making sure they don't starve. 

Feeding orcas means saving the salmon. 

Saving the salmon means protecting and restoring their habitat.

Restoring salmon habitat means lots of volunteers putting in lots of hours.

On Orca Recovery Day, October 16, there are several local events.

Wallace Swamp Creek Park
photo courtesy City of Kenmore
Sno-King Watershed Council and Guardians of the Orca in partnership with the City of Kenmore, will be at Wallace Swamp Creek Park in Kenmore, WA from 11 am – 2 pm October 16, 2021.

From 1997 to 2015, volunteers with the Salmon Watcher Program recorded salmon observations at various locations in Swamp Creek. 

Volunteers consistently saw coho in the creek. Less commonly spotted were kokanee and sockeye salmon. 

We’re working on making Swamp Creek a place where salmon are again regularly spotted. We’re not working creek-side just yet, but every bit of the natural open space in the park is valuable as native habitat. 

Please bring a mask in the event that social distancing is not possible. Please also bring your own work gloves and your favorite tool for digging (both small garden shovels and large digging shovels will be handy) and/or a hand clippers. 

We will be digging knotweed, clipping blackberry canes, and digging blackberry root balls!

19851 73rd Ave NE, Kenmore WA 98028  We will be working near the parking lot. Questions? Ready to RSVP? Email Tracy at tlbanaszynski@yahoo.com

Work party at Brugger's Bog October 16.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
City of Shoreline, Bruggers Bog, October 16 from 10 am – 1 pm at Bruggers Bog Park


Join the Brugger’s Bog Park Native Plant Stewards and Shoreline Green Partnership to celebrate Orca Recovery Day as we continue to restore this important wetland habitat with native shrubs, trees and meadow.

This City of Shoreline Park is located in the Ballinger Neighborhood in the Lyons Creek Watershed which includes creeks that enter Lake Washington with this fresh water continuing to Puget Sound. 

You’ll be helping to improve this shrub and forested area by mulching and adding the start of this year’s plants which will continue into the late Fall.

Open to the public. All ages OK

Wear clothing and sturdy shoes you don't mind getting dirty and maybe a bit wet if we've had rain. This is a RAIN or SHINE event! Which is reason to celebrate since RAIN helps our watersheds! Long pants and long sleeves will protect you if we work in blackberry areas. Bring a hat if sunny and we'll provide everything else! Tools, gloves and drinking water will be provided but you may bring your own water bottle.

Meet at the Park entrance down the short gravel access road to the bridge over our stream. Look for Work Party sign to find the Stewards and our canopy just past the bridge. Stewards will wear orange vests and name tags. No need to have previous experience!


Learn more and register here

And there are more:
Keep an eye on the Green Cities Partnership page for future work parties.



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Restoration Event at Brugger’s Bog Park on October 16 to Celebrate “Orca Recovery Day”

Tuesday, October 5, 2021


Celebrate Orca Recovery Day by helping restore native habitat at Brugger's Bog Park!

Join Native Plant Stewards working with the Green Shoreline Partnership on Saturday, October 16, 2021 from 10:00am - 1:00pm to help restore this important wetland habitat with native shrubs, trees and meadow plants.

Creeks in Shoreline lead to Lake Washington and Puget Sound. Restoring native habitats along creeks and waterways is critical to salmon survival, and salmon survival is critical to orca survival! 

Volunteers will help improve this forested area by mulching and planting native plants. Volunteer events at Brugger’s Bog Park will continue into the fall for those who would like to continue volunteering.

Spots are limited and RSVP is required. Learn more and RSVP at: https://shoreline.greencitypartnerships.org/event/219/.

What is Orca Recovery Day?

With just over 70 Southern Resident Orcas remaining, we must act now if we’re going to save the most iconic species of the Pacific Northwest.

Since 2018, community groups and governments around Puget Sound have celebrated Orca Recovery Day by hosting volunteer events that support recovery for our orca and other irreplaceable marine wildlife. Learn more and find other events at betterground.org/ord/

What is the Green Shoreline Partnership?

The Green Shoreline Partnership is a unique public/private partnership between the City of Shoreline, Forterra, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, local businesses, and the Shoreline community at large that builds upon existing forest restoration efforts to establish a city-wide community-based stewardship program to support long-term restoration and maintenance of Shoreline’s parks and natural areas. 

Green Shoreline has the goal to restore 240 acres of Shoreline’s forested parks and natural areas by 2039. Find more Green Shoreline events at: shoreline.greencitypartnerships.org/event/map/.



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Adventures of an Icebreaker: Before the polar bears, there were walruses

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Walruses on ice floe. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi


We are following the progress of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy, homeported in Puget Sound.

Before the Healy reached the desolate Beaufort Sea north of Alaska, and the polar bears on ice floes, they were in the Chukchi Sea with different marine critters.

“Walruses off the port bow!”

As Coast Guard Cutter Healy transited through the marginal ice zone of the Chukchi Sea, the crew saw the first patches of ice during the second leg of Healy’s months-long Arctic deployment.

Perched upon the giant floating chunks of ice were several walruses serving as Arctic Ambassadors welcoming Healy’s crew north of the Arctic Circle! The walruses seemed just as curious as to what a gigantic red ship was doing in their ice field as the crew was of seeing them!



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Montlake Bridge to close to motor vehicles, Aug. 9 to Sept. 3 - also changes to bridge openings for boaters

Friday, July 2, 2021

Photo courtesy WSDOT

A busy summer of road construction will come to a head this August when contractor Hamilton Construction Co. begins the first of two phases to preserve the Montlake Bridge in Seattle.

The first phase of work will close the bridge to motor vehicle traffic 24 hours a day from Aug. 9, to the morning of Sept. 3, allowing the contractor to replace 84 metal grid deck panels on the bridge. The sidewalks on the bridge will remain open for bicycle and pedestrian use.

Frequent bridge users might be aware of the need for this project. The aging metal panels often break apart, requiring our maintenance crews to close lanes and weld patches onto the deck, sometimes causing backups during morning or afternoon commutes. The new panels will reduce the need for these costly and inconvenient repairs.

We need everyone’s help to keep traffic in Montlake, University District and the surrounding neighborhoods moving:
  • Walk or roll through the area. The bridge sidewalks will be open!
  • Use transit.
  • Ride Link light rail.
  • Carpool with a friend or coworker.
Photo courtesy WSDOT

Do you boat through the Montlake Cut?
If you require bridge openings, things will look different in August: on-demand openings will be single-leaf and full bridge openings will require 24-hour notice to the bridge operator. Visit our boating information page to learn more.

The second phase of work will replace the mechanisms that raise, lower and lock the bridge into place. The contractor will need up to five weekends of full bridge closures (sidewalks closed too) beginning this fall to complete the work.



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Low tide beach walks at RB Saltwater Park

Saturday, June 26, 2021

From the rock jetty at Edmonds Beach
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Saturday was a very low tide - a bit exposed on the beach for those who don't appreciate the heat - but great for the naturalist-guided beach walks at RB Saltwater Park.

The tide is still low Sunday and there are more opportunities to come through July and even one in August.

This beach is not usually exposed
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

The photos are Edmonds, but Richmond Beach Saltwater Park will be just as dramatic (2021 NW 190th St, Shoreline, WA 98177) and you will get a guided tour.

It gives "walk on to the ferry" a whole new meaning
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Explore and investigate the fascinating world of marine beaches at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park during low tides and observe sea stars, crabs and others who live in Puget Sound. Join our beach naturalists for these fun, free and informative beach walks. Waterproof footwear is recommended.

Beach naturalist explaining marine life at RB Saltwater Park
Photo by Cordell Hauglie
June
  • Sun 6/27 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
July
  • Sat 7/10 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
  • Sun 7/11 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
  • Mon 7/12 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.  (Lowest summer tide)
  • Tue 7/13 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
  • Sat 7/24 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Sun 7/25 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
August
  • Sun 8/8 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.


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Low tide beach walks Thursday through Sunday at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Wednesday in Edmonds. Photo by Lee Lageschulte

This week and weekend has the lowest tides of the month.

More than 200 local residents have volunteered to help people learn about and enjoy our shorelines. 

Beach naturalists can help you explore gently to keep animals and their homes safe; tell you what sea stars eat; explain why barnacles stand on their heads; describe how moon snails lay their eggs; and so much more.

Walks are scheduled at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park through Sunday, May 30, 2021. Address: 2021 NW 190th St, Shoreline, WA 98177


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Low tide beach walks in May

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park at low tide. Photo by s cho

Beach naturalists are local residents who care about Puget Sound beaches and want to help protect them. 

More than 200 have volunteered to help people learn about and enjoy our shorelines. Beach naturalists know their beaches: they can help you explore gently to keep animals and their homes safe; tell you what sea stars eat; explain why barnacles stand on their heads; describe how moon snails lay their eggs; and so much more.

Walks are scheduled at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Wednesday - Sunday, May 26 - 30, 2021.


Full summer schedule here


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Salomon’s bill to boost critical Orca food supply headed to governor’s desk

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Sen. Jesse Salomon
A bill aimed at restoring salmon habitat for Puget Sound orcas struggling to find enough food to survive was approved by the Senate on Wednesday and is headed to the governor’s desk for consideration.

Senate Bill 5273, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline), would require residential property owners to use an alternative that has the least amount of negative impact on marine life when replacing existing shoreline seawalls.

“Nearly one-third of Puget Sound’s shorelines are armored with structures like bulkheads and seawalls,” said Salomon. 
“These structures can be incredibly destructive to marine habitats in the area. There are several alternatives that can achieve comparable results for property owners while also having less impact on the natural environment.”

Property owners looking to replace a seawall or bulkhead can replace it with the exact same structure under current state law. Certain types of seawalls can be bad for critical nearshore habitat.

When seawalls are installed, the natural process of beach and sand erosion is disrupted. This can cause a chain reaction of negative environmental impacts, including the disruption of fish habitats in the area.

A lack of adequate salmon population has been identified as one of the factors jeopardizing the Puget Sound’s Southern Resident Orca population.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.


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Salomon's bill to protect marine life passes House

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

State Sen. Jesse Salomon D-32
OLYMPIA – A bill aimed at restoring salmon habitat for Puget Sound orcas struggling to find enough food to survive was approved by the House of Representatives on Sunday.

Senate Bill 5273, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline), would require residential property owners to use an alternative that has the least amount of negative impact on marine life when replacing existing shoreline seawalls.

“Nearly one-third of Puget Sound’s shorelines are armored with structures like bulkheads and seawalls,” said Salomon. “These structures can be incredibly destructive to marine habitats in the area. There are several alternatives that can achieve comparable results for property owners while also having less impact on the natural environment.”

Property owners looking to replace a seawall or bulkhead can replace it with the exact same structure under current state law. Certain types of seawalls can be bad for critical nearshore habitat.

When seawalls are installed, the natural process of beach and sand erosion is disrupted. This can cause a chain reaction of negative environmental impacts, including the disruption of fish habitats in the area.

A lack of adequate salmon population has been identified as one of the factors jeopardizing the Puget Sound’s Southern Resident Orca population.

SB 5273 was amended by the House, so it will return to the Senate for a concurrence vote. Salomon expects the Senate will concur with the House amendments.

The 2021 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on April 25.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.



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Montlake Bridge closed to vehicles for 26 days this summer

Friday, March 26, 2021

Montlake Bridge in Seattle. Photo from WSDOT


Beginning in August, the Montlake Bridge in Seattle will be closed to vehicles around the clock for 26 days to replace the bridge’s metal deck.

The sidewalks will stay open to pedestrians and bicyclists.

They are working with the Coast Guard to keep boat traffic moving during this work. The expected timeframe is Aug. 9 to Sept. 3, fitting this closure between the end of Seafair and the start of the Labor Day weekend.



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Salomon’s bill to boost critical Orca food supply wins Senate approval

Friday, February 19, 2021

Sen. Jesse Salomon D-32
OLYMPIA – A bill aimed at restoring salmon habitat for Puget Sound orcas struggling to find enough food to survive was approved by the Senate by a vote of 28-21 on Thursday.

Senate Bill 5273, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline), would require residential property owners to use an alternative that has the least amount of negative impact on marine life when replacing existing shoreline seawalls.

“Nearly one-third of Puget Sound’s shorelines are armored with structures like bulkheads and seawalls,” said Salomon. 
“These structures can be incredibly destructive to marine habitats in the area. There are several alternatives that can achieve comparable results for property owners while also having less impact on the natural environment.”

Property owners looking to replace a seawall or bulkhead can replace it with the exact same structure under current state law. Certain types of seawalls can be bad for critical nearshore habitat.

When seawalls are installed, the natural process of beach and sand erosion is disrupted. This can cause a chain reaction of negative environmental impacts, including the disruption of fish habitats in the area.

A lack of adequate salmon population has been identified as one of the factors jeopardizing the Puget Sound’s Southern Resident Orca population.

SB 5273 will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration. It has until April 11 to be approved by the House to be eligible to become law this year.

The 2021 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on April 25.



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Governor Inslee appoints Will Hall to the Puget Sound Partnership's Leadership Council

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Will Hall appointed to Puget Sound
Partnership's Leadership Council
Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Will Hall to the Puget Sound Partnership's Leadership Council, the governing body of the Puget Sound Partnership. Hall is the mayor of the city of Shoreline and served on the Southern Resident Orca Task Force.

“Will brings the experience, commitment and leadership we need to restore and protect Puget Sound,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. 
“With his accomplishments as a local government elected official, utility manager of stormwater discharges, and environmental planner for orca rescue, salmon recovery and watershed health, I know he will make tremendous contributions to PSP.”

Hall has been protecting and restoring Puget Sound in many roles over the years. He wrote one of the first salmon recovery plans in the state, for the Snohomish River Basin. 

He established a marine resources committee that engages hundreds of volunteers in Puget Sound recovery. 

As director of the third-largest stormwater utility in Washington, he was responsible for planning, outreach, and monitoring, and for capital projects to protect and restore water quality, salmon habitat, and marine resources across five major watersheds draining to Puget Sound.

Hall is an expert at local government planning and land use. He has served on the Shoreline City Council for 11 years, including three as mayor. 

He has been active on many boards, including The Coastal Society, the Society for Ecological Restoration, the Association of Washington Cities, the Southern Resident Orca Task Force, and the Puget Sound Partnership Ecosystem Coordination Board, which he chaired for four years.

Hall has an undergraduate degree in physics from the University of Chicago and a Master of Marine Affairs degree from the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs. Hall and his wife, Laurie, grew up near Puget Sound and enjoy many outdoor activities including hiking, biking, skiing, and scuba diving.

"Puget Sound is great source of beauty, food, commerce, and recreation," Hall said. "I am excited to have this opportunity to protect and restore it for future generations."

"Will's extensive knowledge and experience will contribute greatly to the work of the Leadership Council," said Laura Blackmore, executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership. "He has a valuable perspective on Puget Sound recovery efforts, and I am looking forward to working with him in this new capacity."

About the Leadership Council

The Leadership Council is the governing body of the Puget Sound Partnership. Its seven members are leading citizens chosen from around the Sound and appointed by the Governor to serve four-year terms. Jay Manning currently chairs the Leadership Council.

About the Puget Sound Partnership

The Puget Sound Partnership is the state agency formed to lead the region’s collective effort to restore and protect Puget Sound. Working with hundreds of government agencies, tribes, scientists, businesses, and nonprofits, the Partnership mobilizes partner action around a common agenda, advances Sound investments, and tracks progress to optimize recovery.



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If you're up early on Wednesday - Being Wise to Whales in the Salish Sea

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

If you are up early, the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park has another interesting speaker for their weekly club meeting.

Lake Forest Park Rotary Zoom Meeting
Coffee Klatch at 7:45a and Meeting from 8a to 9a

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2257977384
Meeting ID: 225 797 7384

Topic for Wednesday, January 20, 2021: 
Being Wise to Whales in the Salish Sea 

Dr. Frances Robertson is the Marine Programs Coordinator for San Juan County, where she leads the San Juan County Marine Resources Committee (MRC), a voluntary citizens advisory group to County Government, established in 1996. 

It is her responsibility to execute their mission to protect and restore the marine waters, habitats and species of the Salish Sea to achieve ecosystem health and sustainable resource use.

The San Juan County is actively engaged in Southern Resident killer whale recovery efforts. These efforts including engaging with the local community, working with scientists, and coordinating with federal, tribal, and state partners in whale recovery initiatives at the local level.

The County is also actively engaged in the Washington State Governor's Orca Task Force. 



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Scene on the Sound: Sea lion chorus

Monday, December 28, 2020

Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

Wednesday morning, December 23, 2020 Richmond Beach was awakened to the multiple chorus of two large groups of sea lions floating just south of Saltwater Park.

The barking went on for nearly 30 minutes, then they slipped away as mysteriously as they had appeared.
 
According to a local marine biologist these males are "rafting." They drift with the current, packed closely together, with one flipper in the air.

Sometimes they are completely silent and watchers are afraid that they are dead. Other times, like this, they are extremely vocal.

No one quite understands the behaviors and they're not telling. It might be a male bonding ritual or a bachelor party.

They don't come by all that often, so enjoy the spectacle.

--Marc Weinberg and Diane Hettrick



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Third and final year of international oil spill forum to go virtual and include lessons learned from Deepwater Horizon

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

The Salish Sea is a cultural and economic transboundary institution of the Pacific Northwest. The area is home to salmon, shellfish and orcas; it is a vital part of commercial and recreational marine traffic and it is a significant place to Tribes and First Nations.

An oil spill in the Salish Sea would impact all of these resources and could have devastating effects for generations.

This October, the Washington State Department of Ecology, B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and the Pacific States / British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force will host the final Salish Sea Shared Waters Forum.

The event provides a venue to exchange information on oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response measures to minimize the risk and impacts of oil spills in the Salish Sea.

The Forum is a platform for open dialogue for all levels of government from both sides of the border, Tribes and First Nations, environmental groups, and industry. It is a non-voting and non-decision-making entity.

This year representatives of the host agencies will share progress and key outcomes from the previous two Forums in 2018 and 2019.

This year also marks the 10-year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, an environmental catastrophe that resulted in many lessons that can be applied to spill response in the Salish Sea. A session will focus on how the Deepwater Horizon spill led to the enhancement of plans and relationships in the Salish Sea.

Guest presentations and panel discussions at this year’s forum will include navigational safety, data sharing, the impacts of spills on the environment, transboundary governance, Tribal and First Nation treaty rights and resources, the economy, and public health.

The Forum will occur via videoconference October 14 and 15, 2020.

The event is free and open to anyone interested. More information, and registration for this year’s forum, HERE

The Washington State Department of Ecology and the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy are founding members of the Pacific States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force, the forum’s key sponsor.



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Coast Guard seeks public information after laser strike hits Seattle boat crew near Pt. Wells

Thursday, August 20, 2020

45-foot response boat medium (RB-M) of the type used in Puget Sound by the Coast Guard.



The Coast Guard is seeking information from the public in locating a suspect or suspects who pointed a blue laser light at a Station Seattle boat crew conducting search and rescue operations Monday night near Point Wells.

The crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium initially reported they were fit to complete their assigned search and reported no immediate injuries from the laser strike. 

However, several minutes later, multiple crew members reported experiencing pain and discomfort in their eyes as a result of the exposure.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received the initial report from the Station Seattle crew that a blue laser struck the response boat's cabin. 

The laser strike reportedly came from the general vicinity of the Point Wells area.

“Laser incidents are incredibly dangerous, put the safety of our boat crews in jeopardy and degrade our ability to navigate and respond to search and rescue,” said Lt. Alex Cropley, commanding officer of Station Seattle. 
“We ask the public to understand the dangers associated with playing with lasers and how they disrupt search and rescue assets from responding to mariners in distress.”

Laser pointers can cause danger to Coast Guard air and boat crews due to glare, afterimage, flash blindness or temporary loss of night vision. If a laser is shined in the eyes of an aircrew member, Coast Guard flight rules dictate that the aircraft must abort its mission.

Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft or vessel is a felony crime under 18 U.S. Code Section 111, which states whoever forcibly assaults, resists, opposes, impedes, intimidates, or interferes with any person - a U.S. government officer - (in this case, a Coast Guard member) engaged in performance of his/her official duties, is in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 111.

Coast Guard Investigative Service agents are working with local law enforcement to investigate the incident. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact investigators at 206-220-7170 and visit their webpage

For more information about laser safety and the effects of a laser incident, visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s Laser Safety Imitative webpage here 




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Marine life: Low tide at RB Saltwater Park

Monday, July 20, 2020

Jo Simmons took advantage of another low tide to get some unusual photos at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park on Saturday.


I’m an unhappy little crab stuck on a jellyfish. Not sure how this happened.


Heron reflections.


No problems with social distancing.


Crows in a row



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