Amazing live feeds from the research vessel.
NOAA Ocean Exploration Livestream: Camera 1
Filed under: Around the Salish Sea, Environmental Science | Tagged: NOAA, Research vessel | Comments Off on Watch Live: NOAA Expedition to Explore Deep Ocean off U.S. West Coast
This is a progressive step by the Department of Natural Resources to explore the implementation of land based aquaculture. It’s been my impression following this over the years that Sustainable Blue and others like it have not yet become profitable in this industry, but I may be not informed on recent financials. They are a small company in Nova Scotia and their website does not appear to have been updated in over a year. They sell their sustainably raised salmon online and apparently in outlets in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It’s unclear of whether they have garnered support from the regional restaurant industry, as Chef Tom Douglas of Seattle has been deeply involved is supporting the Alaska salmon market. We can hope this partnership can lead to something that benefits tribes like the JamesTown S’Klallam, who are already in partnership with others on raising black cod in the area.
Note that this only is an exploration of land-based sites. There is no mention of costs to be incurred by the State or Sustainable Blue. No mention of the amount of staff to be assigned. Does Commissioner Franz expect that there will be a variety of sites selected and that then, what? Will the state build the facilities or signal it’s intent to support industry to build on these sites? If these fish are significantly more expensive, how will this succeed in the market? It is worth noting that the JamesTown have announced a lawsuit against DNR for the end of leasing fish farms in the state, this could be seen as simply a tactic in the lawsuit.
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz signed today a partnership agreement with Nova Scotia-based Sustainable Blue, a zero discharge, land-based salmon farming company, to identify opportunities for siting sustainable finfish aquaculture in Washington State.
“I’m excited to bring this partnership to Washington,” said Commissioner Franz. “This agreement represents an important step toward restoring finfish aquaculture in a sustainable, healthy way that does not pit farmed fish against the native salmon we all work so hard to sustain.”
The letter of intent launches an exploration of land-based sites managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that would be suitable for closed-containment aquaculture on state-owned lands. DNR manages 2.6 million acres of state-owned aquatic lands on behalf of the people of Washington, along with 2.1 million acres of upland public lands.
The 2017 collapse of finfish aquaculture net pens off Cypress Island made clear the dangers that open water commercial finfish aquaculture facilities pose to native salmon and their habitat. Citing this event and other operational and maintenance issues that have been documented from the four open water net pen aquaculture facilities in Washington’s waters, Commissioner Franz last year announced such commercial facilities would no longer be leased on state-owned aquatic lands.
Sustainable Blue is the longest-running commercial zero-discharge Recirculating Aquaculture System (zRASTM) in North America. The Sustainable Blue zRAS recirculates 100% of its salt water, creates zero discharge to local waterways and communities, eliminates any potential for escapes, and offers a value-added proven model for aquaculture.
“This is a different path forward, and we’re thrilled to have the State of Washington on board to chart this new path in the United States,” says Kirk Havercroft, CEO of Sustainable Blue. “What we know is that all RAS systems are not created equal; Sustainable Blue offers a proven, long-running, zero discharge system that provides food security and economic stimulation, as well as consistency in product and market supply.”
With this letter of intent, Commissioner Franz and DNR signal their continued commitment to sustainable, market-based solutions that benefit the citizens of Washington while protecting the state’s natural capital. The agreement also represents the first step in a long-term partnership to explore multiple facility locations that are not reliant on marine or watershed environments.
Commissioner Franz plans to begin site exploration later this spring. “We know finfish aquaculture can be a great source of food and employment. But we have to balance those benefits with protecting our significant investments in restoring salmon and their habitat,” said Commissioner Franz. “I’m excited by this opportunity to do both.”
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About Sustainable Blue
Founded in 2007 in Nova Scotia, Canada, Sustainable Blue is the longest-running commercial zero-discharge Recirculating Aquaculture System (zRAS) in North America. Through nearly 30 years of extensive research and development, Sustainable Blue has eliminated the need that is typical in a traditional RAS to discharge wastewater back into the ocean, making it the only land-based saltwater aquaculture facility in the world to do so. Waste solids are instead separated and used to generate electricity (with additional use cases currently being researched and developed). The wastewater is cleaned and returned back to the facility, all resulting in zero discharge back into the environment. The company’s proprietary aquaculture model was created by Dr. Jeremy Lee and is designed to mirror nature’s complex ecosystem found in oceans and waterways, but on land, protecting wild salmon populations from both disease and overfishing. Because Sustainable Blue’s system is fully self-contained, the salmon are free of sea lice and other fish diseases, meaning they require no antibiotics. Led by CEO Kirk Havercroft and Chief Sustainability Officer David Roberts, Sustainable Blue has been raising and processing salmon at its Nova Scotia headquarters for the past 15 years, supplying to the region’s restaurants, fishmongers and retailers.
Filed under: Around the Salish Sea, fisheries, Salmon | 1 Comment »
These are openings in environmental oriented boards. Here’s your opportunity to impact policies that affect your county.
• Conservation Futures Program Advisory Board: One position — a representative of commissioner District II.
The board makes annual or more frequent recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for projects to be funded as part of the conservation futures program and develops strategic, long-term plans for the program.
• Marine Resources Committee: Three positions — for a representative and an alternate representative of the Makah Tribe; and for an alternate representative of commissioner District III.
The panel advises the commissioners on marine resources within the county.
• Noxious Weed Control Board: Three positions — representatives of geographic area 1, geographic area 2 and geographic area 4.
The board oversees the control and eradication of noxious weed infestations in the county.
Permit Advisory Board: Twelve positions — Representatives of architects, building designers, building trades, certified septic designers or installers, engineer (structural/civil); Economic Development Council, environmental consultants, homebuilders association, propane and wood stove contractors, manufactured/mobile home associations, a land surveyor and an ex officio planning manager.
The panel makes recommendations to the commissioners and the director of Community Development for changes to the building code and permitting.
• Planning Commission: One position — one representative each from representative of District IIb.
The panel reviews land use policy and planning ordinances.
• Solid Waste Advisory Committee: Six positions — representative and alternate representative of West Waste Recycling and alternate representatives of tribal government, city of Forks and the business community and an alternate at-large member.
The committee assists with implementation of programs and policies concerning solid waste handling and disposal.
• Trails Advisory Committee: Four positions — representatives of Olympic National Park, a large private forest company, a commercial trail business and off-road motorized user groups.
The committee makes recommendations to the commissioners and other county bodies regarding non-motorized transportation and trail-related issues.
To apply, call 360-417-2233, download forms from www.tinyurl.com/PDN-Clallam-Volunteer or visit the county commissioners’ offices in the courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Suite 4.
Filed under: Clallam County, Government | Comments Off on Volunteer environmental opportunities in Clallam County
In case you have not signed up for their weekly updates.
Filed under: Environmental Law, legislature, Olympic Peninsula | Comments Off on Puget Sound Partnership Legislative Update
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT – Please post and distribute
April 7, 2023
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council seeks members
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for the Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC). The council ensures public participation in sanctuary management and provides advice to the sanctuary superintendent. The SAC holds meetings every two months within the regions of the Olympic Peninsula and occasionally Puget Sound.
Sanctuary staff are currently accepting applications for the Fishing: alternate, Research: alternate, and Citizen-at-Large: primary and alternate seats. Candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding the protection and management of marine resources. Applicants who are chosen should expect to serve a three-year term. Primary seats represent a certain agency, tribe, user, or stakeholder group. Alternate seats fill a particular seat in the absence of the primary seat.
Applications will be accepted through Monday, May 22, 2023.
Advisory Council Seat Application Form (pdf 402 kb)
For more information or to obtain a copy of the application package, contact Chris Butler-Minor 360-406-2079, Chris.ButlerMinor@noaa.gov.
On the Web:
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov
NOAA’s Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary: http://olympiccoast@noaa.gov
Sanctuary Advisory Council: https://olympiccoast.noaa.gov/
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Filed under: Clallam County, Environmental Activism, Government, Olympic Peninsula | Tagged: volunteer | Comments Off on Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Seeks Members
Join the Natural History Society for a hike in Miller Peninsula State Park on Wednesday, April 26. Ken Wilson will lead this 7.7 mile round-trip hike. Please RSVP (and say whether you will drive yourself or carpool), or ask Ken questions: jltnatural@saveland.org
If carpooling, meet at Haines Place Park&Ride at 9:15am. We will all meet at 10am at Miller Peninsula State Park parking area, approximately a 30-minute drive as you travel towards Sequim from Port Townsend. Expect to be back at cars by 3pm.
The park is located off highway 101: turn right at Diamond Point Road and travel 1.2 miles, then turn left to the parking area. (There’s just a tiny sign.) Print a trail map in advance, or take a photo of the map in the parking lot. The state’s newest park has a trail through the best old-growth madrone forest we’ve seen, leading to a deserted beach on a shoreline facing Protection Island. We will visit Thompson Spit, known for birding and flowers. The best description of this hike is found in Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula by Craig Romano.
Filed under: environmental education, Events | Comments Off on EVENT: NHS hike in Miller Peninsula 4/26
FRIDAY 4/21/23 – Edible and Medicinal Plants @ 2PM
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/596027262587
Location: Meet at Interpretive Trail at Fort Flagers State Park
Did you know Douglas-fir makes a tasty tea, and cottonwood can ease your aching back? Come take a walk at Fort Flagler with local herbalist J.T. and discover how people and plants help each other thrive.
Presenter: Northwest herbalist J.T. delights in connecting people with plants and watching them fall in love. She gathers herbs from mountain to city to sea and has taught hundreds of students how to identify edible and medicinal plants. J.T. likes to mix it up, incorporating her European and Chinese heritage in her herbal approaches. She teaches in both urban environments (e.g., classes at Dandelion Botanical in Seattle, plant walks with Young Women Empowered) and out in the country (workshops at the Northwest Herbal Faire near the Cascade mountains, on the San Juan islands with Earthwalk Northwest’s ethnobotany program…). Wherever you find her, a class with J.T. offers practical, joyful knowledge for all your outdoor adventures.
Friends of Fort Flagler is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoring, preserving, and protecting the natural and historic resources of Fort Flagler State Park. Please support our state park by becoming a member, volunteering or donating to our organization. To learn more, visit https://friendsoffortflagler.org/.
Filed under: education, Events | Comments Off on Class: Edible and Medicinal Plants
Birding in the Park – Fort Flagler
4/22/23 @ 8:30am
5/27/23 @ 8:30am
6/24/23 @ 8:30am
Birding and nature tours are now being held on the 4th Saturday of each month. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for changeable weather. bring binoculars and your own water.
Registration: Please send Bev an email, subject: Birdwatching Walk to Bevybirds53@gmail.com and she will plan directly with you.
Please note this program is dependent on good weather.
Presenter: Beverly McNeil, Admiralty Audubon trip leader and photographer, has been conducting bird walks at Fort Flagler. Beverly’s photographs are displayed at the Port Townsend Gallery: http://porttownsendgallery.com/artists/beverly-mcneil/.
Friends of Fort Flagler is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoring, preserving and protecting the natural and historic resources of Fort Flagler State Park. Please support our state park by becoming a member, volunteering or donating to our organization. To learn more, visit https://friendsoffortflagler.org/.
Filed under: Olympic Peninsula | Comments Off on Birding in the Park – Fort Flagler
For those wanting to closely track what’s happening in Olympia regarding environmental bills.
 March 10, 2023 Puget Sound Legislative Update Call Greetings friends of Puget Sound! The Puget Sound Partnership hopes you’ll be able to join us for our weekly Legislative Update Conference Call. Please note that we will not be sending out a recurring calendar hold, but the call-in information below will remain the same throughout session if you plan to add a recurring hold to your calendar. Here are the details: Legislative Update Conference Call Every Friday, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. From January 6 – April 28, 2023 Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 272 753 869 740 Passcode: gZYMPB Download Teams | Join on the web Or call in (audio only) +1 253-372-2181,,65255071# Phone Conference ID: 652 550 71# We will record the teleconference. Assuming the technology works as it should (and sometimes it doesn’t) the recording will be available on the Partnership’s website following the meeting. AGENDA Welcome Bill watch list What happened in week 9 Upcoming hearings and work sessions in week 10 Questions, comments, and announcements by partners (bills you are following, events scheduled) Adjourn If you have questions or concerns about the legislative priorities for the Puget Sound Partnership, please contact: Don Gourlie, Legislative Policy Director, 360.688.3253. |
Filed under: Olympic Peninsula | Comments Off on Puget Sound Partnership Bill Tracker Phone call
The pressure is building on Canada to end the use of net pens that effect wild salmon runs. A huge win for Alexandra Morton and her supporters, but more importantly, for the wild salmon runs which, as the article points out, are in serious decline.
After years of concerns over the impact of aquaculture on wild sockeye salmon, Canada’s fisheries department has decided not to renew the operating permits of 15 Atlantic salmon farms in an environmentally sensitive area of British Columbia.
Canada Shuts Down 15 Fish Farms in B.C., Citing Risks to Wild Salmon (maritime-executive.com)
Filed under: Aquaculture, Endangered Species, Environmental Law, Environmental Protection, fisheries, Government | Comments Off on Canada Shuts Down 15 Fish Farms in B.C., Citing Risks to Wild Salmon – Maritime Executive
Al Latham reports:
The NOSC spawning survey team witnessed a spectacle this year! After several years of seeing no coho in the upper reach of Chimacum Cr (Lee Miller’s old property), on a single day they counted more than 90! Total sightings for the season was probably over 200. The last few years have had dismal coho returns in Chimacum Cr, and generally throughout the region. Must have been some good ocean conditions for them plus adequate streamflows. Perhaps the Pacific decadal cycle has flipped as it’s wont to do! A tribal biologist told me years ago that due to that cycle for 10 years or so coho returns are dismal here, great in Alaska. Then the pacific decadal cycle kicks in -I n Alaska they wonder what went wrong, and here all the restoration folks are hero’s! Whatever – just glad to see good numbers for a change.
Liz Anderson from Jefferson County Health Dept. reports:
Port Townsend, WA. Recent clam samples from Discovery Bay tested negative for the biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), and Washington Department of Health has opened Discovery Bay for recreational harvesting of all shellfish species. Jefferson County Public Health has removed warning signs at public access points in Discovery Bay.
In June, 2022, Discovery Bay closed for all species due to the toxin that causes diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP). Later that month, the PSP toxin level also climbed above the safe limit. Even after toxin levels started to decline in other mollusk species, butter and varnish clams remained closed, until today. Elsewhere in Jefferson County, butter and varnish clams remain closed due to biotoxin in:
To find out which areas in Washington are safe to harvest shellfish, please check the Shellfish Safety map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632. For the latest information on regulations and seasons, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing or call the Shellfish Rule Change Hotline at 1-866-880-5431.
See the full press release on our website here: Discovery Bay Shellfish Biotoxin Warning Removed
The Narhwal reports:
The Northwest Treaty Tribes report on Dungeness work by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe:
Restoration projects increase salmon returns
Filed under: Around the Salish Sea | 1 Comment »
Filmmaker John Gussman caught two views of the new levee project on the Dungeness River recently. This is what is also known as a floodplain. By allowing the river to “breathe” and overflow it’s banks, without endangering manmade structures like homes and farms, you save the river and the ecosystem that it exists in. As you can see, this is less than one month apart. Allowing home development in such a location is asking for problems, and problems were what the Dungeness valley had for many decades after white people attempted to tame the river. This is a compromise. The river is allowed to breathe, a few farms and homes are paid to relocate, and moving forward, the likelihood of more salmon coming back to a habitat that they can survive and reproduce in is given a much higher probability of success. In addition to fish, this promotes a wide array of flora and fauna, including ducks, geese, and many others. The Dungeness River Management Team (DRMT), which includes farmers, duck hunters, and with help from the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe worked for decades to make this possible, with millions in help from the federal and state government and our State and Federal representatives. For a more detailed look at this issue, you can watch my 2010 film, “Working for the River” that covers the issues in recovering the Dungeness. https://vimeo.com/80651319
Thanks to John Gussman for use of the drone photos. John is available for video and still work. Check out Doubleclick Productions – Photography-Video Production-Stock Imagery-UAV Drone Services located on the Olympic Peninsula (dcproductions.com) for his other projects.
Filed under: Clallam County, Environmental Protection | Tagged: Clallam County, dungeness river, Dungeness River Managment Team, jamestown s'klallam tribe, Salmon, sequim | Comments Off on How a River Breathes
Oddly, Senator Kevin Van de Wege is promoting a terrible bill, (SB5517) which would dramatically alter the issue of the instream flow rule. Eastern Washington has been trying for years to get something like this through but the Dems have been not been willing to support it. Now, with Van de Wege co-sponsoring this bill, it seems possible. Below you will find a Sierra Club overview of the problems with this bill. I am surprised if the Tribes support this. My guess is that the farmers of the Dungeness valley are behind this and getting Kevin to promote it. With only two sponsors my experience tells me it’s just a straw dog that Kevin did for them. We encountered this same kind of bill a few years ago regarding gravel bed “management” by farmers down on the Chehalis River. The tribes killed the bill. But it’s not to say that there ought to be a solid showing of dislike for this.
Please contact Kevin’s office and also put your comments in down at the State web site.
. Quick action – sign in “CON”
Filed under: Environmental Activism, Environmental Law, fisheries, legislation | Tagged: Olympic Peninsula, Salmon | 5 Comments »
A new research paper out from northwest scientists.
Large and transient positive (not good! positive means increased here) temperature anomalies in Washington’s coastal nearshore waters during the 2013–2015 northeast Pacific marine heatwave.
Abstract:
The northern portion of Washington’s outer coast—known locally as the Olympic coast—is a dynamic region characterized by seasonal upwelling that predominates during summer interrupted by occasional periods of downwelling. We examined spring-to-fall water temperature records collected along this coast from 2001–2015 from April to October at four nearshore locations (Cape Elizabeth to Makah Bay) that span one degree of latitude and are located within 15 km of the shore. When compared against a long-term climatology created for 2001–2013, seven-day smoothed temperature anomalies of up to 4.5°C at 40 m depth during 2014 and 2015 show short-term warm events lasting 10–20 days. These periods of warming occurred within the well documented marine heatwave in the Northeast Pacific and were about twice the seasonal temperature range in the climatology at that depth. These warm events were strongly correlated with periods of northward long-shore winds and upper ocean currents, consistent with what is expected for the response to downwelling-favorable winds. While our focus a priori was on 2014 and 2015, we also found large positive temperature events in 2013, which were potentially related to the early stage of the marine heatwave, and in 2011, which did not have a documented marine heatwave. This indicates that near-shore short-term warm events occur during periods of large-scale offshore marine heatwave events, but also can occur in the absence of a large-scale marine heatwave event when downwelling-favorable winds occur during the summer/early fall.
Filed under: Environmental Science, Global Warming, Straits of Juan de Fuca | 3 Comments »
| From the newly named Washington Conservation Action organization. Join us at Washington Conservation Action for our first, action-packed virtual briefing of 2023! What: Insider Briefing: Legislative Priorities, Lobby Days & our New Brand When: Friday, February 10th, 1-2PM How to Join: Via Zoom RSVP here to receive Zoom meeting link and login details As of January 1st, our former organizations Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters have joined forces to become Washington Conservation Action! We’ll kick off this briefing with a short update from Communications Director Zachary Pullin, who will share the latest about our new name and brand and answer your questions. From that point, we’ll dive right in and provide you with an insider peek on the work at hand. With the 2023 legislative session in full swing, our Government Affairs Director, Darcy Nonemacher, will talk about our priorities in this long legislative session, how they build on previous environmental wins in the last few sessions and share her insights. Then they’ll provide an overview and sneak peek of Environmental Lobby Days 2023, which will be held on February 14-16th. They’ll share why this annual coming together of activists and advocates concerned about Washington’s environment is so important, provide a preview into the online sessions we’ll be offering, and offer thoughts on why you should get involved. Zachary, Darcy and I are excited to give you the inside scoop, so please join us! Kat Kat Holmes (she/her) Field Director Washington Conservation Action |
| Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters are now Washington Conservation Action. |
Filed under: Around the Salish Sea, Environmental Activism, environmental education | Comments Off on Briefing: Legislative Priorities Lobby Days
State Ecology is handing out funding to many organizations around the state for clean water initiatives. Here’s the Jefferson County proposals.
Jefferson County Public Health is proposed to receive a $500,000 grant, $7.5 million loan, and $2.5 million in forgivable-principal loans to establish a watershed-conservation fund, providing a scalable loan fund for acquisition of land critical to improving water quality in high-priority watersheds. This innovative program will provide nimble funding, so nonprofit land trusts and other public entities can purchase properties for conservation and sustainable stewardship as land becomes available, rather than being tied to the government funding cycle. This pilot project will complete a feasibility assessment, program design, and purchase of two properties to establish the program
Filed under: Around the Sound, Environmental Protection, Government, Jefferson County | Comments Off on Newest round of clean-water funding focuses on small communities including Jefferson County
The Guardian reports on a new study that shows that coal is simply far more expensive to build and maintain than solar or wind power. The end of the era of coal is in sight, and can’t come too soon. However, to maintain the grid it will require operating plants at increasing costs for at least the next decade.
Coal in the US is now being economically outmatched by renewables to such an extent that it’s more expensive for 99% of the country’s coal-fired power plants to keep running than it is to build an entirely new solar or wind energy operation nearby, a new analysis has found.
Filed under: Olympic Peninsula | Comments Off on US renewable energy farms outstrip 99% of coal plants economically – study
The transboundary SeaDoc Society is once again calling for proposals that will support improved Salish Sea health or management. This year there are two grant opportunities: an Open RFP with an initial Letter of Intent (LOI) step, and a second RFP for Tribes & First Nations that does not require an LOI (deadline . The ceiling for all awards is $50K. Open RFP LOIs due Feb 1; the full proposal deadline for both RFPs is March 15. (SeaDoc Society)
Filed under: Around the Salish Sea, Olympic Peninsula | Tagged: jobs | Comments Off on SeaDoc Society calls for proposals.
An update on the battle to remove fish farms from Canada. The industry denies it’s a problem here, 100 miles south…
Filed under: Aquaculture, Around the Salish Sea, Endangered Species, Environmental Protection, Environmental Science, First Nations, fisheries, Government | Comments Off on The battle of sea lice and salmon goes on
Northern Elephant Seals in the Pacific Northwest virtual program on January 25th@7pm
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northern-elephant-seals-in-the-pacific-northwest-tickets-483953085707
Please join the Friends of Fort Flagler to learn more about Northern elephant seal natural history and distribution. We will also discuss common causes of stranding in Northern elephant seals, field assessments and our recent hospital cases.
Presenters:
Casey Mclean has over 12 years’ experience working with marine animals, and is the Executive Director of SR3, Washington’s first dedicated marine animal hospital. SR3 is a nonprofit organization that focuses on response, rehabilitation and research of local marine wildlife. The hospital opened the summer of 2021 and immediately started helping harbor seals. is fall they will be opening a marine animal hospital in the Des Moines marina, just south of Seattle. To learn more about SR3, visit https://www.sealifer3.org/
Friends of Fort Flagler is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoring, preserving and protecting the natural and historic resources of Fort Flagler State Park. Please support our state park by becoming a member, volunteering or donating to our organization. To learn more, visithttps://friendsoffortflagler.org/.
Filed under: environmental education, Environmental Science, Events, Jefferson County, Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend | Comments Off on Event: Northern Elephant Seals in the Pacific Northwest virtual program
