Marine News - 2003 Archive
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(**Articles on the Bellingham Herald website are posted for two weeks under “news archives”. After two weeks, this link will no longer work and you will need to contact the Bellingham Herald if you would like a copy of the article.)
December
Salmon, oysters top list of good seafood:
Study cites fish with low mercury levels. December 23, 2003
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Fish are heart-healthy, and most Americans should eat
more. But fish also can contain mercury, and too much mercury can harm brain
cells, especially in the very young… Salmon and oysters top the list as
high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and very low in mercury, and there
are numerous other low-mercury choices, too."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031223/TopStories/169379.shtml
OPINION: Sandy Point homeowners seek resolution
to beach dispute: COMMUNITY: Engineer's report says pier sites interfere
with natural replenishment of beaches. December 21, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"…Construction of land masses out into the tidelands north of Sandy
Point by Mobil and Alcoa Intalco Works years ago has blocked the natural beach
replenishment of the west beach of Sandy Point over the years, thereby causing
the tideland boundary to move landward toward the bulkheads."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031221/Opinion/169170.shtml
Damage from Exxon's oil spill lingered for
decade, study says. December 19, 2003
The Seattle Times
"Hidden pools of oil left over from the Exxon Valdez spill 14 years ago
continued to damage Alaska's coastal environment for a decade, killing pink-salmon
eggs and retarding the population growth of sea otters, harlequin ducks and other
wildlife, a new study says." http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2001819119_exxon19.html
Officials, family discuss historic boat
restoration. December 18 - 31, 2003
The Northern Light
"Community development director Terry Galvin and long-time resident Jan
Hrutfiord are discussing the possibility of turning the Dakota vessel a 100-ton,
72-foot long commercial fishing boat built in Blaine in 1944 into a floating
museum detailing the fishing and nautical history of the Blaine community and
its people." http://www.thenorthernlight.com/fp2.html
News in Brief: Cherry Point terminal plan
moving forward December 18 - 31, 2003
The Northern Light
"Homeport Properties, Inc. announced this week that they had concluded the
purchase of over 3,000 feet of industrial waterfront from Puget Sound Energy
at Cherry Point. The land will be the foundation of Gateway Pacific Terminals,
a multi-user deep-water port development at Cherry Point State Aquatic Reserve."
Ruling favors orcas: Judge says earlier
decision on protection does not reflect best available science. December
18, 2003
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"SEATTLE - A federal judge Wednesday ordered the government to rethink its
finding that Washington's struggling orca population is not significant and does
not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031218/TopStories/168755.shtml
Plan for port project scrapped: DEVELOPMENT:
Designers pull out, say six-month lease isn't enough time. December
18, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"Developers of a controversial office building on Port of Bellingham waterfront
property just north of Fairhaven say they won't build the project, despite recently
redesigning it because of neighbors' concerns."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031218/LocalState/168698.shtml
Local and state briefs: Cherry Point might
get port. December 16, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"Homeport Properties Inc. has purchased more than 3,000 feet of industrial
waterfront land along Cherry Point that will be the starting point for a proposed
deep water port and pier called Gateway Pacific Terminals."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031216/LocalState/168384.shtml
On the Waterfront. December 11 - 17, 2003
The Northern Light
"Christmas is fast approaching, the short days, winds, and cold are not
the best for crab fishers... As of this writing, offshore draggers are sitting
in the harbor, shut down for conservation purposes…"
News in Brief: CWAC to meet next week, discuss
Marine Drive. December 11 - 17, 2003
The Northern Light
"The Citizens Wastewater Advisory Committee (CWAC) are scheduled to meet
Tuesday, December 16 to discuss the alternative of establishing a new wastewater
plant somewhere in the vicinity of Marine Drive. For more information about the
committee and its work, log onto www.cityofblaine.com"
Salmon farms struggle for profit: FISH PRODUCTION:
Environmental problems led to improved practices, but prices are low.
Monday, December 8, 2003
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"PORT McNEILL, B.C. - When it's feeding time at Humphrey Rock, oily brown
pellets engineered for size, sink rate, nutrition and medication spray out of
computer-controlled hoses to 600,000 swirling and jumping Atlantic salmon."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031208/Business/167469.shtml
Low prices push move to offer premium salmon.
Monday, December 8, 2003
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"With a glut of farmed salmon forcing down prices, those who fish for wild
salmon are working to make their product special."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031208/Business/167468.shtml
Local and state briefs: Locke says Hood
Canal needs help. Tuesday, December 9, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke says the state needs to take action to prevent the
Hood Canal from turning into a "dead sea."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031209/LocalState/167595.shtml
Shell to pay city, trust $5M: Bellingham
gets $4 million as a result of pipeline rupture, explosion.
Thursday, December 4, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"…Under the agreement, $4 million will be given to Bellingham and
put into a trust to fund stream and shoreline projects in the city."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031204/TopStories/166982.shtml
News in Brief. December 4 - 10, 2003
The Northern light
"Blaine boardwalk project moving forward"
"Christmas bird count set for Friday, December 19"
November
Port of Bellingham gets west coast redevelopment
award. November 13 - 19, 2003
The Northern Light
Last week the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced
that thePort of Bellingham has been selected as the best candidate on the west
coast to demonstrate NOAA’s new model for revitalizing waterfront communities.
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/inside2.html
On the waterfront. November 13 - 19, 2003
The Northern Light
"Local fishing is definitely influenced by the weather, and the weather
in October was more difficult than usual... Those who could get out for crab
during the last month found the quantities of crab to be on the low side, but
there were some very large crab to help make up for the lack of numbers… What
is a seine skiff?… There are large numbers of ducks and geese in the area
now, here for the winter."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/inside5.html
Nearly 150 people attend work party at
Terrell Creek
The Northern Light
"For those driving up Jackson Road in Birch Bay, pull over and take a look
at Terrell Creek. (And even if you’re not driving past there, then start
driving by now.) What was once an overgrown mess of weeds, is now a creek upon
its way to a full restoration."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/fp2.html
Workers cut from program helping salmon.
November 13, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"The Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association has lost 12 salmon habitat
restoration workers since September because of congressional wrangling over funding
for the AmeriCorps program."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031113/TopStories/164008.shtml
Salmon meet looks at recovery. November
13, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"More than 300 people are expected to attend an annual discussion of local
salmon recovery efforts in Bellingham today. The Salmon Summit is sponsored by
the Nooksack Recovery Team, a group of government agencies and businesses working
on salmon recovery in Whatcom County."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031113/TopStories/164011.shtml
Waterfront holds great promise, but be
patient: Redevelopment of Bellingham's industrial shoreline could take
20 years, architects say. November 10, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031110/TopStories/163531.shtml
Get your boat ready for winter. November
9, 2003
"Winterizing your boat can protect your investment and the environment at
the same time, say officials at the state Department of Ecology."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031109/LocalState/163363.shtml
Waterfront experts favor busy shoreline:
Bayside buildings should overlook people at work, consultants say.
November 8, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"Two national experts on waterfront redevelopment say Bellingham could benefit
from more windows onto its working waterfront."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031108/TopStories/163168.shtml
WATERFRONT: Effort aims at supporting projects
along the waterfront. November 7, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"Bellingham is one of three sites nationwide, and the only one on the West
Coast, where eight federal agencies will work together to restore polluted waterfronts,
the Port of Bellingham announced Thursday."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031107/TopStories/163030.shtml
State to take comment on Cherry Point tidelands:
ENVIRONMENT: Management plan to be written for 3,000 acres in aquatic
reserve. November 4, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"State Department of Natural Resources officials are asking the public what
kind of protections they want across state tidelands at Cherry Point."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031104/LocalState/162586.shtml
Waterfront development focus of presentations.
November 4, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"Two groups of waterfront experts are coming to town this week to help a
local citizen task force shift gears from gathering information to producing
concrete recommendations for Bellingham's waterfront." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031104/TopStories/162616.shtml
State proposes orca protection. November
1, 2003
The Associated Press
"OLYMPIA - Puget Sound's killer whales would gain more attention and perhaps
more protection under a state proposal to list them as an endangered species."
Citing website: www.wa.gov/wdfw
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031101/TopStories/162168.shtml
October
Luna move put off until spring: ORCA: Canadians
say chances for successful reunion with L pod are not good in winter.
October 31, 2003
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
SEATTLE - Canada is postponing until next spring the effort to return Luna
the killer whale to his home waters in Washington state, and will match the
$100,000 pledged last weekend by the U.S. government, Canadian Fisheries Minister
Robert Thibault said Thursday.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031031/LocalState/162005.shtml
Portage Bay shellfish beds reopened: Cleaner
conditions end six-year wait for 625 acres; more to come. October 28,
2003
Ericka Pizzillo, The Bellingham Herald
The state Department of Health reopened 625 acres of shellfish beds in Portage
Bay on Monday to shellfish harvest by Lummi Nation. The beds had been closed
for six years because of pollution. http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031028/TopStories/161545.shtml
Salmon fishers eligible for aid: Feds step
up assistance plan as prices continue to fall. October 28, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"The federal government is offering Washington and Alaska salmon fishers
financial assistance because foreign imports have caused Pacific salmon prices
to drop by one-third during the last five years."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031028/TopStories/161546.shtml
U.S. offers $100,000 to bring Luna home.
STRAY WHALE: Donations from Canada and private donors will still be
needed. October 27, 2003
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
SEATTLE - The U.S. government has pledged at least $100,000 to help return
killer whale Luna to American waters from Canada's Nootka Sound, where he has
been bothering boats for more than two years.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031027/LocalState/161439.shtml
Two-thirds of G-P site could be new development.
October 25, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
Georgia-Pacific West Inc. announced Friday that 92 acres of the company's waterfront
site in downtown Bellingham will be available for redevelopment. The rest will
be retained to continue operation of the company's tissue mill, which employs
325 people.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031025/TopStories/161263.shtml
Boardwalk plans moving along. October 23
- 29, 2003
The Northern Light
The final photo-realistic illustrations of the proposed $1.5 million boardwalk
were finalized last month by the city of Blaine planning department.
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/inside3.html
BBWSD requests county help in expansion
efforts. October 23 - 29, 2003
The Northern Light
The Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (BBWSD) is moving forward with a long-delayed
project after Whatcom County Council unanimously agreed to apply for a $1 million
grant to assist with funding on Tuesday night.
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/fp2.html
Discarded seafood a potential threat: Research
shows how non-native species can establish a foothold. October 23,
2003
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. - Careless fishers and discarded seafood could lead to an invasion
of shellfish species that are threats to an $89 million industry in the three
West Coast states and Alaska, according to a new study.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031023/TopStories/161025.shtml
Navy to limit controversial sonar: Defense
system that can injure marine animals will be used only in Asian waters.
October 14, 2003
Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"SANTA MONICA, Calif. - The Navy has agreed to limit its peacetime use of
a new sonar system designed to detect enemy submarines, which may also harm marine
mammals and fish, an environmentalist group said."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031014/TopStories/159510.shtml
Crews make a splash in Terrell Creek restoration:
ENVIRONMENT: Portion of waterway will be cleared of invasive reed canarygrass.
October 13, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031013/LocalState/159373.shtml
Shallow, warm Nooksack spawned troubles
for fish: ENVIRONMENT: Pink salmon have become more popular with Whatcom
anglers. October 10, 2003
Ericka Pizzillo, The Bellingham Herald
"While record numbers of pink salmon crowded into Whatcom Creek and rivers
throughout Puget Sound during the past two months, a bacterial disease stopped
many of the fish from reaching spawning grounds on the Nooksack River, state
Department of Fish and Wildlife officials said."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031010/TopStories/159009.shtml
Sport crabbing closes, steelheading opens:
OUTDOORS: Limit exceeded for recreational harvest of Dungeness crab.
October 10, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
Recreational (sport) harvest of Dungeness crab will close Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.
throughout Puget Sound including waters off Bellingham (Marine Area 7).
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031010/Sports/159044.shtml
Terrell Creek habitat work to start. October
9 -15, 2003
The Northern Light
"The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Army Corps
of Engineers recently gave the go ahead to start restoration work within Birch
Bay’s Terrell Creek."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/fp3.html
Sonar tied to whale deaths. October 9,
2003
The Bellingham herald/Seattle Post Intelligencer
"Can whales get 'the bends'? Sure they can, says a scientific report due
out today, and it appears that sonar is to blame. A research team said more care
should be taken in using powerful Navy sonar systems around marine mammals."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/143166_whales09.html
Cleaner river brings new life to shellfish.
FARMING: After 6 years, tribal shellfish beds may reopen, but changes
in state dairy inspections worry some about the future. October 5,
2003
The Bellingham Herald
"Pollution levels in the Nooksack River have dropped so significantly that
state officials are expected to soon reopen tribal shellfish beds that have been
closed for more than six years because sewage and manure fouled the water."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031005/TopStories/158396.shtml
Some coastal razor clams going toxic again.
OUTDOORS: Domoic acid levels inching above threshold for safe human
consumption. October 5, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031005/Sports/158441.shtml
Luna needs money to get home. LOST WHALE:
Activists mobilize to raise money for attempt to reunite orca with
L-pod. October 4, 2003
Bellingham Herald/Associated Press
"SEATTLE - Canada is ready to reunite Luna the killer whale with its U.S.-based
pod family, the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced Friday.
The 4-year-old whale, which wandered by himself into Nootka Sound on the west
side of British Columbia's Vancouver Island in spring 2001, must be moved because
he is getting increasingly cozy with boats - raising concerns about safety of
the whale and humans.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031004/LocalState/158295.shtml
Tidelands make aquatic reserve list October
2 - 8, 2003
The Northern Light
"Land near Cherry Point has been named one of the first aquatic reserves
in the state, according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources
(DNR). Aquatic lands next to Maury Island, Fidalgo Bay and Cypress Island also
made the list."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/fp1.html
Environmental pipeline effects summed up
for comment October 2 - 8, 2003
The Northern Light
The public is invited to review and comment on a document that provides additional
information about the possible environmental effects from a proposed natural-gas
pipeline that would run through parts of Washington, British Columbia and the
Georgia Strait. The draft SEIS for the proposed pipeline can viewed on-line
at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/gsx."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/inside5.html
On the Waterfront. October 2 - 8, 2003.
The Northern Light
"The salmon season has come and gone… Crab season started October
1 for all citizen commercial crabbing."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/inside8.html
Treatment alternatives to be presented
at open house. October 2 - 8, 2003
The Northern Light
The Citizens Wastewater Advisory Committee (CWAC) met again last week and established
three preferred alternatives that will go before the city council in a study
session next Monday and a public open house on Wednesday, October 8.
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/fp2.html
G-P names new contractor for waterfront
development. October 1, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"Georgia-Pacific Corp. has selected a Bellevue-based company as the prime
contractor to plan the redevelopment of the portion of G-P's 150-acre Bellingham
property no longer used for mill operations." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031001/LocalState/157826.shtml
September
Waterfront advisers heading in right direction,
officials say: GROWTH: Nine more months of work await citizen group.
September 30, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"Bellingham City Council members and Port of Bellingham commissioners say
they are pleased with the work of the Waterfront Futures Group, which the two
governments created in January to develop a long-term vision for Bellingham's
waterfront.
After months of study, discussion and public meetings, the group presented
its initial findings to the city and port Monday."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030930/LocalState/157734.shtml
Cherry Point tidelands on reserve list:
ENVIRONMENT: Next step is specific management plan for the reserved
area. September 27, 2003.
Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"OLYMPIA - State-owned tidelands off Cherry Point are among 15,585 acres
approved for protection as an aquatic reserve by state Commissioner of Public
Lands Doug Sutherland... The herring stock is the only spring-spawning herring
stock in the state. The herring are also a food source for chinook salmon, listed
as threatened on the federal Endangered Species List."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030927/LocalState/157449.shtml
Researchers say whaling altered the food
chain. September 25, 2003
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The killing of whales caused a collapse in the food chain, the scientists believe.
As a half-million whales were wiped out by Japanese and Russian whaling fleets
after World War II, killer whales that once preyed on the larger "great" whales
had to look for other food to eat. Without otters to eat them, sea urchins
proliferated. Urchins, in turn, hammered kelp forests just off the Alaskan
coast.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/141208_whales25.html
Contamination cleanup begins: ENVIRONMENT:
Debris, sediment at site of boatyard will be removed. September 24,
2003
The Bellingham Herald
"Work began Tuesday on a $4.1 million cleanup and environmental improvements
at Squalicum Harbor at the former Weldcraft Steel & Marine boatyard."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030924/LocalState/157034.shtml
News In Brief: Trillium files second Seagrass
Cottage application. September 25 - October 1, 2003
The Northern Light
"Trillium Corporation filed a second application for its proposed Seagrass
Cottage on Semiahmoo spit, according to community planner Russell Nelson."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/inside1.html
Birch Bay plan off to county planning commission.
September 25 - October 1, 2003
The Northern Light
"The Birch Bay Community Plan, A 2020 look to the Future, goes before the
Whatcom County planning commission tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the Whatcom County
Council chambers in Bellingham. It represents three years’ work by over
2,000 people, and built on previous planning efforts in economic development
and shoreline improvement initiated by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/fp2.html
Second abandoned fishing net kills seals.
September 22, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officers on Saturday retrieved a
derelict gill net that may have been floating unreported in Chuckanut Bay for
at least a month. http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030922/LocalState/156809.shtml
Better be a quick draw with those razor
clam guns. September 21, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"OUTDOORS: Pacific coast beaches poised for a sport razor clam opening next
Friday if marine toxin levels remain low."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030921/Sports/156754.shtml
Visions of a new waterfront. September 21,
2003
The Bellingham Herald
"We asked readers how they'd like to see the former Georgia-Pacific West
Inc. pulp and paper mill developed. Here are more suggestions… The Bellingham
Herald is asking readers to send us ideas for what they would like to see on
Bellingham's waterfront. The planning is taking place, so now is the time to
be involved and give input."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030921/Opinion/156723.shtml
Local and state briefs. September 18, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
Tribe's oyster harvest closed.
"SEQUIM - Pollution is forcing state officials to close all of the Jamestown
S'Klallam Tribe's oyster beds in Dungeness Bay during the winter, the most profitable
season."
Officials confer on killer whale
"SEATTLE - A decision on what to do with Luna the killer whale - a juvenile
from a U.S.-based pod who's been going it alone in remote Canadian waters - could
come as early as next week."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030918/LocalState/156322.shtml
Salmon linked to Alaska lake toxins: Spawning
fish die, leaving industrial pollutants behind. September 18, 2003
The Bellingham Herald/Associated Press
A new study says some of Alaska's pristine and remote lakes are getting polluted
with industrial PCBs through an unlikely source: sockeye salmon. The fish pick
up the chemicals in the northern Pacific Ocean and then return to the lakes
to spawn.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030918/TopStories/156315.shtml
Humpies make a splash in Whatcom Creek.
September 18, 2003
Bellingham Herald photo
"LAST LAP: A pink salmon, also know as a humpy, fights its way up Whatcom
Creek at Maritime Heritage Park Wednesday afternoon. Pinks, the most abundant
of Pacific salmon, spawn every other year and are used mainly for commercial
purposes such as canning. Fall chinook are running along with the pinks and will
be followed by the chum then coho"
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030918/LocalState/156318.shtml
Razor clam seasons honed, but diggers still
in suspense: OUTDOORS: Marine toxin still hovering at or above safety
threshold in clams. September 14, 2003
the Bellingham Herald
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030914/Sports/155824.shtml
Gill net fish kill leads to arrest by Lummis.
September 13, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"Lummi tribal officers arrested a tribal member Friday on suspicion of leaving
an unattended fishing net at Little Squalicum Beach earlier this week… The
arrest ends a week of speculation about the 1,000-foot gill net, which was discovered
Monday and partially hauled onto the beach by volunteers, who freed an estimated
200 crabs."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030913/LocalState/155732.shtml
Birch Bay steering plan completed. September
11 - 17, 2003
The Northern Light
"The community has been invited to learn more about The Birch Bay Community
Plan, A 2020 Look to the Future, a publication outlining the growth of Birch
Bay, and compiled by the Birch Bay community plan steering committee…The
community plan can be viewed online at www.smartgrowthbirchbay.org…In
addition to plan information, a shoreline improvement report will also be discussed
during a presentation on Saturday, September 20."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2003/sept11_17_2003/fp3.html
Untiled Oyster farm photo: September 11
- 17, 2003
The Northern Light
Caption: "Betsy Peabody, executive director of the Puget Sound Restoration
Fund, works with Chief Bernard Charles, of the Semiahmoo First Nation and his
grandson Curtis, measuring Drayton Harbor Community Oyster Farm's oysters for
both growth and mortality last Saturday. A shellfish harvest is scheduled for
next year."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2003/sept11_17_2003/sept11_2003.html
Net's owner still sought: LAW: Nontribal
fisher could face serious fines, jail time. September 10, 2003
The Bellingham Herald**
"State and Lummi tribal officials hauled the remains of a fishing net out
of Bellingham Bay late Monday but are still looking for the person responsible
for staking it out on Little Squalicum Beach."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030910/LocalState/155238.shtml
Unattended net claims hundreds of fish.
September 9, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"Local officials are looking for the owner of a fishing net that was left
anchored on Little Squalicum Beach, killing hundreds of fish, crab and sea birds
before it was discovered Monday morning." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030909/TopStories/155214.shtml
Unattended net claims hundreds of fish.
September 9, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"Local officials are looking for the owner of a fishing net that was left
anchored on Little Squalicum Beach, killing hundreds of fish, crab and sea birds
before it was discovered Monday morning." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030909/TopStories/155214.shtml
Port gets $15.5M to help clean bay. September
5, 2003
The Bellingham Herald **
"Three former Port of Bellingham insurance companies will pay the port a
combined $15.5 million for decades-old environmental damage along Bellingham
Bay and at other port properties…The cleanup sites include the Whatcom
Waterway, a shipping lane that was contaminated with mercury from G-P when environmental
laws were more lax, as well as the Cornwall Avenue Landfill, the Harris Avenue
Shipyard and the Blaine and Squalicum harbor tide grids."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030905/TopStories/154786.shtml
Communities see significant growth. September
4 - 10, 2003
The Northern Light
"Blaine and Birch Bay are growing, much in part due its natural environment
and the growth just south in Bellingham. Individuals are increasingly taking
up residence in the local communities, and developers are moving forward with
projects that will build more housing."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/fp1.html
Birding festival returns to area. September
4 - 10, 2003
The Northern Light
"More birding plans are on the table. As the Blaine-Birch Bay birding committee
has completed its report establishing plans and goals, a date has been set for
the second annual bird festival sponsored by the Brant Foundation."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/fp3.html
August
Salmon panel's future in doubt: Congress
won't pay U.S. share of $1.1 million. August 26, 2003
Bellingham Herald/The Associated Press**
"WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Pacific Salmon Commission, which manages fishing
of endangered salmon in the United States and Canada, is running out of money
and could close by the end of the year."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030826/TopStories/153291.shtml
Lummi Islanders pick up pink, reef-netters
treat. August 27, 2003
Bellingham Herald**
Photo captions: "GIVEAWAY: Fisher Bud Jewell (left) gets a freshly caught
pink salmon, also called a humpie…" http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030827/LocalState/153411.shtml
CWAC, city seek public feedback. August
21-27, 2003
The Northern Light
The Citizens Wastewater Advisory Committee (CWAC) is in the process of evaluating
alternatives and plans for Blaine’s wastewater plant, and announced they
are seeking feedback from the community and have invited a Lummi representative
to sit on the committee.
Institute seeks salmon 'basics': Scientists
study biological problems with salmon reproduction. August 25, 2003
The Bellingham Herald**/Associated Press
The Cooperative Institute for Salmon Research and Science - recently formed
among scientists from Washington State University, the University of Idaho
and the National Marine Fisheries Service - will look at basic biological problems
that could be causing dwindling populations of wild salmon. http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030825/LocalState/153201.shtml
Share your ideas for city's waterfront.
August 24, 2003
The Bellingham Herald
"The Bellingham Herald is asking its readers to send us their ideas for
what they would like to see on Bellingham's waterfront as the area is transformed.
The planning is taking place now, so now is the time to be involved and give
your input."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030824/Opinion/153064.shtml
Oysters head down the home stretch. August
20, 2003
The Bellingham Herald**
" RESOURCES: There's still no smoking gun for harbor pollution, which is
waning near oyster farm. Menzies, coordinator of the Drayton Harbor Community
Oyster Farm, said water quality tests and harbor circulation studies he has conducted
according to state Department of Health guidelines indicate a safe harvest next
spring is a distinct possibility."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030820/LocalState/152478.shtml
Waterfront developers will take neighbors
back to drawing board. August 20, 2003
The Bellingham Herald**
" GROWTH: Port officials hear concerns about keeping views, protecting habitat
along one of few undeveloped beaches on Bellingham Bay. The developers whose
proposal to put a four-story office building on Port of Bellingham waterfront
property just north of Fairhaven ran into passionate opposition are going back
to the drawing board. And they have invited neighborhood representatives to help
redesign the project."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030820/TopStories/152465.shtml
Drayton Harbor improving, 2004 harvest likely.
August 14-20, 2003
The Northern Light
"When you ask Geoff Menzies about the status of Drayton Harbor and when
the community will see the first shellfish harvest…'I think we’re
on the right track, shooting for the spring of 2004…I think it’s
realistic, but it’s going to take a lot of work.'"
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/inside3.html
Study shows declining water quality. August
14-20, 2003
The Northern Light
"The Department of Health (DOH) recently placed Birch Bay on its list of
20 threatened shellfish areas, and some in the community are wondering how this
came to be, and what they can do to stop it."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/fp1.html
Local and state briefs: Forum focuses on
fisheries. August 18, 2003
The Bellingham Herald**
"At 7 p.m. Wednesday, the Waterfront Futures Group will present a forum
on Fisheries and the Seafood Industry and Bellingham's place in the picture,
at Harbor Center Building, 1801 Roeder Ave., Bellingham."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030818/LocalState/152253.shtml
Biodiesel gaining popularity with boat
owners: Environmentally friendly fuel catching on at area marinas August
18, 2003
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/135472_biodiesel18.html
Piling by oily piling, the cleanup proceeds.
August 16, 2003
Seattle Post Intelligencer
"It is a process that will be repeated 9,000 times at the old Lockheed Shipyard
-- one of three polluted spots on Harbor Island and in West Seattle where cleanup
efforts are in full swing."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/135356_harbor16.html
Judge backs no-spray zones along streams:
Court order needed to protect salmon; cost to state's fruit farmers
could be high. August 16, 2003
The Bellingham Herald**/ Associated Press
"…Following a hearing Thursday, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour
directed the Environmental Protection Agency, environmental groups and industry
representatives to negotiate the terms of an order he expects to issue after
the end of this year's fall crop season."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030816/LocalState/152103.shtml
Section of Nooksack River closed to rafting,
boating while salmon spawn. August 15, 2003
The Bellingham Herald**
"For the fourth year, a section of the north fork of the Nooksack River
will be closed to rafting and boating temporarily to protect spawning chinook
salmon, according to a news release from the federal and state agencies."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030815/LocalState/152020.shtml
If you felt the wait for crab, here's why.
August 17, 2003
The Bellingham Herald**
"By policy guideline, 80 percent of the Dungeness crab sampled (an average
of all crabs caught) in test pot sets must be in hard-shell condition for a fishery
to open. The aim of this "threshold" rule is to reduce handling mortality
on soft-shell crabs."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030817/Sports/152211.shtml
State of the North Sound and Straits: Marine
Mammals and Birds. August 2003
Whatcom Watch Online
This publication summarizes issues concerning marine mammals and birds of our
region. It is the fourth of a multi-part series on the health of northern Puget
Sound and Georgia Strait, originally published under the title “State
of the North Sound and Straits” by RE Sources and North Sound Baykeeper
in October of 2002. http://www.whatcomwatch.org/php/WW_open.php?id=316
Waterfront Futures has Web site. August
14, 2003
The Bellingham Herald**
"Bellingham's Waterfront Futures Project launched its Web site at www.waterfrontfutures.org
on Tuesday. Project Director Patricia Decker hopes the public will submit comments
online about the future of the Bellingham waterfront."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030814/LocalState/151870.shtml
Port hopefuls tackle ethics, waterfront:
POLITICS: Several candidates say panel should add members. August 14,
2003
The Bellingham Herald**
"The five-way race for Port of Bellingham commissioner has quickly focused
on ethics, economic development and what to do with the waterfront…About
25 people attended the lunchtime Soapbox Forum in downtown Bellingham, one of
a series that will continue today and next week."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030814/LocalState/151872.shtml
Forest Service sued over Alaska oil plan.
August 13, 2003
Seattle Post -Intelligencer/The Associated Press
"The Forest Service in December approved a permit for Cassandra Energy Corp.
of Anchorage to drill at the Katalla oil field, which is on the eastern side
of Prince William Sound and near the rich Copper River salmon fishery."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apus_story.asp?category=1110&slug=Oil%20Drilling%20Lawsuit
Salmon run overwhelms fishing fleet: Returns
are 'incredible, just phenomenal' August 12, 2003
Vancouver Sun
Commercial boats are catching all they can carry in northern waters of British
Columbia and prices for the fish are dropping, the article reports.
http://www.canada.com/search/story.aspx?id=60012132-0b1c-4338-bbf1-cf2a89d6ff50
Reefnetting is hauling in some of the tastiest
sockeye salmon ever. August 6, 2003
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"…Because the fish are caught by reefnet and bled right away, the
quality is exceptional. The fish travel only a couple of hours south to Seattle,
which helps guarantee freshness… Reefnetting is unique to the Pacific Northwest
and is attributed to Native American tribes around the San Juan Islands, who
built their rigs on canoes. Starks and his team are interested in preserving
this traditional fishing method that has no bycatch mortality.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/food/133747_reefsalmon06.html
Deep-sea coral reefs at risk from trawlers:
States seek to limit commercial fishing in coastal waters. August 12,
2003
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"Vast colonies of living coral are being found in the deep ocean off the
West Coast, fragile and slow-growing habitat for sea creatures and an important
hunting ground for commercial fishing. Although definitive research has yet to
be done, it's assumed that the deep coral gardens serve as habitat and breeding
grounds for many commercially important species of fish. Going where the fish
are, deep trawlers may leave little to catch for the future."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/134585_science12.html
Iceland to begin scientific whaling. August
6, 2003
Seattle Post-Intelligencer/Associated Press
"WASHINGTON -- Iceland said in a surprise announcement Wednesday that it
plans to begin hunting whales for scientific purposes, drawing criticism from
conservation groups and many other governments. Japan, also a whaling nation,
welcomed the decision"
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apwashington_story.asp?category=1152&slug=US%20Iceland%20Whaling
Downtown boardwalk: Drawings released,
funds sought. August 7-13
The Northern Light
"The City of Blaine community development department has released photo-realistic
drawings of the downtown boardwalk and said it is now in the process of attaining
funds."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2003/aug07_13_2003/inside2.html
Weekend filled with nonstop action on Blaine's
waterfront. Aug. 6, 2003
Bellingham Herald**
Plover Days, Northwest Steamboat Society Gathering, and Dance on the Dockside
all happening Aug 8-10.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030806/LocalState/150851.shtml
Senate OKs Singapore, Chile trade deals.
August 1, 2003
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"… Alaskan senators complained that the pact with Chile failed to
take into account a surge in imports of Chilean farm-bred salmon that was threatening
the Alaskan fishing industry…"
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apwashington_story.asp?category=1153&slug=Congress%20Trade
July
Dead whale may be young
wanderer. July 31,2003
Seattle Post-Intelligencer /Associated Press
" A whale carcass found on a Skagit River sandbar north of Conway may be
that of a juvenile gray whale that kept wandering up Skagit County rivers earlier
this summer."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/133113_deadwhale31x.html
Report: Farmed salmon has more PCBs: Tests
could boost demand for wild Northwest salmon. July 31, 2003
Bellingham Herald**/The Associated Press
" PORTLAND, Ore. - Farm-raised salmon contains more cancer-causing PCBs
than wild fish and other common foods, according to a report released Wednesday
by a public health advocacy group."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030731/Business/150199.shtml
PCBs Concentrate in Farmed Salmon: New
Study Finds High Levels of PCBs in Farmed Salmon Purchased in US Grocery
Stores. July 30, 2003
Tidepool
" WASHINGTON D.C.--A study by the Environmental Working Group has found
that farmed Atlantic Salmon purchased in US grocery stores contain enough cancer-causing
toxins to raise health concerns. In fact, if wild fish contained polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) in the same concentrations, the EPA would advise consumption
to no more than one meal a month. However, because these are farmed fish -- “bought,
not caught” -- there are no such restrictions or health warnings."
http://tidepool.org/original_content.cfm?articleid=85898
Salmon protection ruling hits cranberry
growers. July 30, 2003
Bellingham Herald**/The Associated Press
SEATTLE - A federal court ruling banning pesticides near salmon streams could
cripple the cranberry industry in Pacific and Grays Harbor counties.
" It could be devastating," said Kim Patten, a Washington State University
researcher. "It's economic genocide."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030730/LocalState/150086.shtml
Proposed Fairhaven project creates concern
for trails, bay views, shoreline access. July 29, 2003
Bellingham Herald**
" A development company is proposing constructing a four-story building
with offices and work studios, plus parking for 135 vehicles… A group of
uphill neighbors and other city residents have formed an organization, Save our
Shoreline, which 'does not want to see this little stretch of irreplaceable shoreline
blocked'"
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030729/TopStories/149945.shtml
Ceremonial start kicks off Taylor Avenue
dock repairs: Fairhaven icon due for a face lift. July 26, 2003
The Bellingham Herald**
" The long-awaited renovation of the Taylor Avenue dock and construction
of a boardwalk got started Friday afternoon with the ceremonial removal of a
piece of rusty metal from the floor of Bellingham Bay. It's the first step in
removing 10 tons of old wood and steel from the sea floor, as well as almost
1,000 creosote-treated wood pilings." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030726/TopStories/149646.shtml
Salmon Enhancement Association Inspires
Passionate Involvement
Watcom Watch Online
" Editors Note: Margi Polland Fox is profiling the region’s environmental
organizations for Whatcom Watch, and this month’s article on the Nooksack
Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) is the fourth in the series. …Focused
on waterways in Whatcom County, NSEA (pronounced EN-sea) aims to restore fish
habitat, revitalize riparian areas and encourage community stewardship. Volunteers
and professional crews improve salmon habitat and water quality from the upper
watershed to Bellingham Bay."
http://www.whatcomwatch.org/php/WW_open.php?id=294
OUTDOORS: Several popular sport fisheries
start Friday, as do first hunts of summer/fall. July 27, 2003
Bellingham Herald
" Hunters and fishers, take a deep breath, summer's relaxed tempo is about
to end.
There are still a few days of deliberate prep time remaining before the August
calendar page flips over and the pace of outdoors activities quickens."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030727/Sports/149706.shtml
Judge acts against 50 pesticides to protect
Puget Sound salmon: Suggested rules could include wider stream buffers
and ban of over-the-counter chemicals. July 18, 2003
The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. - A federal judge on Thursday ordered the government to establish
temporary buffer zones for more than 50 common pesticides along salmon-bearing
streams while it creates permanent environmental regulations.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030718/TopStories/148633.shtml
Added log clusters aid chinook salmon.
July 28, 2003
Bellingham Herald
The log clusters, a project of NSEA, the U.S. Forest Service, the Washington
Department of Transportation and the National Parks Service, will improve the
stability of spawning gravel, and create rearing and holding habitat for salmon.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030718/LocalState/148638.shtml
Orca Population Officially Depleted. July,
2003
Whatcom Watch Online
Puget Sound’s killer whales officially were designated as “depleted,” requiring
the federal government to find ways to rebuild their population. http://www.whatcomwatch.org/php/WW_open.php?id=297
State of the North Sound and Straits: Bottomfish,
Salmon and Shellfish. July, 2003
Whatcom Watch Online
This publication provides summaries and ratings of issues concerning the bottomfish,
salmon and shellfish It is the third of a multi-part series on the health of
northern Puget Sound and Georgia Strait, originally published in October of
2002 by RE Sources and North Sound Baykeeper under the title, "State of
the North Sound and Straits".
http://www.whatcomwatch.org/php/WW_open.php?id=300
Porpoise exams look for cause of deaths:
Scientists hope to find out if Navy sonar is linked to spring deaths.
July 24, 2003
Bellingham Herald**/Associated Press
" SEATTLE - Scientists from around the country have begun necropsies on
the bodies of harbor porpoises found last spring, hoping to discover if Navy
sonar tests contributed to their deaths…In all, 13 dead porpoises were
found beached or floating between May 2 and May 20 - eight of them on or after
May 5."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030724/LocalState/149389.shtml
Ecologists Urge Preventive Conservation
of Coastal Areas July 23, 2003
Environmental News Service
" WASHINGTON, DC. A new report published by the Ecological Society of America
finds that marine conservation and management strategies need to address juveniles
and their habitats and should shift from mitigation and restoration measures
to more preventive conservation of key coastal areas such as seagrass meadows,
marshes, oyster reefs and kelp and mangrove forests. The concept of nursery habitat
and strategies for protecting them have been poorly defined, according to the
report, titled "The Role of Nearshore Ecosystems as Fish and Shellfish Nurseries."
http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2003/2003-07-23-09.asp#anchor3
(http://www.esa.org/sbi/sbi_issues/issues_pdfs/issue11.pdf for
the ESA report)
Birch Bay on shellfish watch list. July
24-30, 2003
" The state department of health (DOH) has identified Birch Bay as one of
20 threatened shellfish areas across the state, according to this year’s
early warning system. The system identifies areas that are on the verge of failing
public health standards or when the water quality is clearly deteriorating. This
is done so that problems can be addressed before shellfish harvesting is restricted,
according to the state department of health. The DOH lists runoff from farm animal
waste, sewage systems and wildlife as pollution sources threatening the areas."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/fp1.html
Birch Bay water sewer district lauded by
DOE. July 17-23, 2003
" Birch Bay Water and Sewer District was recognized last week by the Department
of Ecology for operating an outstanding water treatment plant. The district was
awarded with the “Outstanding Wastewater Treatment Plant” award,
for the fourth year in a row. In the award notification letter, the Department
of Ecology (DOE) states, 'Birch Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant is run by dedicated
workers…critical for successful plant operations and the protection of
our state’s water quality.'”
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2003/july17_23_2003/fp2.html
Shellfish beds on watchlist: Fecal coliform
counts rising, may threaten oyster, clam harvests: July 9, 2003
Bellingham Herald**/Associated Press
“ SEATTLE - More Washington shellfish beds are on a government pollution
watchlist this summer than at any time in the past seven years, according to
the state Department of Health. Shellfish areas in 12 counties, including Birch
Bay and Portage Bay in Whatcom County, are on the verge of not meeting water-quality
standards because of high fecal coliform counts. Fecal coliform comes from human
and animal feces, and it can indicate the presence of other, more harmful disease-causing
bacteria or viruses.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030709/LocalState/147524.shtml
Weather monitors, standby tug planned for
inland waters: July 8, 2003
Bellingham Herald**/Associated Press
“ SEATTLE - In a darkened room in a concrete building on Seattle's waterfront,
U.S. Coast Guard petty officers watch a series of full-color radar displays to
monitor ships on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound.
The system looks high-tech, but the method of monitoring ocean swell heights
and wind speeds - crucial information for vessel pilots as well as Coast Guard
rescuers - is decidedly not.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030708/LocalState/147396.shtml
June
G-P honored for logging
pond restoration project: June 28, 2003
Bellingham Herald**
“Georgia-Pacific West Inc. of Bellingham is one of seven companies in Washington
state to earn an Environmental Excellence Award from the Association of Washington
Business. G-P earned the award for successfully completing a combined environmental
capping and aquatic habitat restoration project in a former log pond at its Bellingham
waterfront facility. The finished project converted about six acres of contaminated
sediments to aquatic habitat, which supports local salmon recovery and ecosystem
restoration efforts.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030628/Business/146405.shtml
Whale seen in Skagit: June
26, 2003
Bellingham Herald** (Associated Press)
“ MOUNT VERNON - A juvenile gray whale has been sighted several miles up
the Skagit River - just south of the Samish River, where there was a similar
adventure late last week.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030626/LocalState/145935.shtml
Judge: Bulkheads on federal
land must go: June 25, 2003
Bellingham Herald**
“ LUMMI RESERVATION - A U.S. District Court judge has ordered four Sandy
Point homeowners to rip out the portions of bulkheads in front of their waterfront
houses that encroach on federal tidelands.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030625/TopStories/145717.shtml
Trillium pulls out of waterfront
project: June 20, 2003
Bellingham Herald **
“ Saying Georgia-Pacific West Inc. will not act on proposals to redevelop
its mostly shut down Bellingham waterfront pulp mill site, Trillium Corp. announced
Thursday that it will no longer work on the project.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030620/TopStories/145273.shtml
Derelict vessels pulled from Drayton Harbor:
June 19-25, 2003
Northern Light
“ The USA and Liberty, two derelict vessels abandoned in Drayton Harbor,
were removed Tuesday evening by Fairhaven Shipyards. Most of the removal funding
came from the Derelict Vessels Act, and the city of Blaine and Port of Bellingham
split the rest.”
Young gray whale wanders up Samish: June
19, 2003
Bellingham Herald **
“ Young gray whale wanders up Samish UP THE RIVER: A juvenile gray whale
surfaces next to old pilings in the Samish River Wednesday west of Burlington,
raising concerns that the huge mammal could become stranded.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030619/LocalState/145111.shtml
Nets kill 1,000 sea mammals every day:
June 12, 2003
Bellingham Herald **
“ Nearly 1,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises drown every day after becoming
tangled in fishing nets and other equipment, scientists say in what appears to
be the first global estimate of the problem. Annually, the researchers said 308,000
of the marine mammals die unintentionally in fishers' hauls.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030616/TopStories/144718.shtml
County discusses watershed protection: June
12-18, 2003
Blaine Northern Light
“ Whatcom County Council will address additional regulatory protection
for sensitive watersheds in Whatcom County at Tuesday’s council meeting.
Following a public hearing at the last council meeting on Tuesday, June 3, in
which several people voiced environmental and development concerns, the council
decided to hold off on making a decision that would put new rules and regulations
in place around county watersheds.”
(Archiving in progress, link to be updated)
New U.S. policy urged to rescue ailing oceans:
June 5, 2003
Seattle Times from Knight Ridder Newspapers
“ WASHINGTON — The oceans bordering the United States are overfished,
polluted, dotted with "dead zones" and in a state of crisis, but they
can be saved, an independent commission reported yesterday.”
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=oceans05&date=20030605&query=marine+PEW
'Aquatic reserve' reconsidered: June 4,
2003
Bellingham Herald **
“ CHERRY POINT: Current industrial use would be exempted. The public will
have a chance to tell state Department of Natural Resources officials Thursday
whether state property in the waters off Cherry Point should continue to be protected
from future development.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030604/LocalState/143335.shtml
Seagrass Cottage project put on hold: May
29-June 4, 2003
The Northern Light
“ The Seagrass Cottage project, a 62-unit residential condominium development
to be built on Semiahmoo spit by Trillium Corporation has been put on hold.”
All aboard: Plover season under way: May
29-June 4, 2003
The Northern Light
“ The Plover ferry season officially started last weekend, complete with
new crew members, the presentation of a handmade rug and a small rescue mission.”
On the water: May 29-June 4, 2003
The Northern Light
“ Local fishing has come to a stop in most instances, with a few draggers
still fishing in Puget Sound waters. The Alaska Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska
boats are shut down waiting for the next season, which is scheduled to start
June 29. Several of these large boats, the Miss Leona, Tracey Ann, and Rosella,
are now here in our harbor for repairs and/or summer fishing off the Washington
coast. It is good to see these big draggers again, and we hope that they will
soon be out fishing.”
May
Volunteers spread the word: May 28, 2003
Bellingham Herald**
“ BIRCH BAY - Two years ago, Crina Hoyer of the environmental education
group RE Sources designed and led a program that trained volunteers to spend
time on area beaches educating people on both natural history and beach etiquette.
Twenty-four volunteers completed three classroom training sessions and a field
trip, agreeing to spend two three-hour "days" at one of four Whatcom
County beaches.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030528/LocalState/142418.shtml
Local and State Briefs: Grant goes to Shannon
Point: May 23, 2003
Bellingham Herald**
“ A $164,673 National Science Foundation grant, matched with $70,754 in
university money, will enable Western Washington University's Shannon Point Marine
Center to buy highly sophisticated instruments to measure physiological and biochemical
responses of marine organisms in changing environmental conditions.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030523/LocalState/141842.shtml
City to rebid boardwalk, dock project: May
20, 2003
Bellingham Herald**
“ If all goes according to a new plan, people will be able to enjoy an
October view of Bellingham Bay from a refurbished Taylor Avenue dock near Fairhaven.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030520/TopStories/141365.shtml
The way we catch fish matters a great deal:
May 19, 2003
Seattle Times (Guest Columnist)
“ Our oceans are in trouble. Crashing populations of our Pacific rockfishes
and most of the world's large fishes are just the most visible signs of this.
As the oceans decline, everyone, from fishermen to seafood consumers, will feel
its effects.”
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=norse19&date=20030519&query=marine
Major fish populations largely gone, study
finds: May 16, 2003
Seattle Times- The Washington Post
“ Industrial fishing practices have devastated every one of the world's
biggest and most economically important species of fish, according to a detailed,
10-year global analysis that challenges current fisheries-protection policies.”
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=fewerfish150&date=20030515&query=marine
Enviro-bills gain Locke OK: May 15, 2003
Bellingham Herald**
“ Legislation aimed at curbing mercury pollution and encouraging production
of bio-diesel fuels were among environmental bills signed into law Wednesday
by Gov. Gary Locke.
Locke also signed bills that fund programs to reduce school bus emissions,
continue operation of a rescue tug in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and that
revise shoreline planning requirements and a surcharge on shellfish licenses.
The surcharge will pay for biotoxin testing and monitoring on beaches used
for recreational shell fishing.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030515/LocalState/140773.shtml
Study shows 90 percent decline in stocks
of big oceangoing fish: May 14, 2003
Seattle Times – The Associated Press
“ Scientists reported a 90 percent decline in large predatory fish in the
world’s oceans since a half century ago, a dire assessment that drew immediate
skepticism from commercial fishermen.”
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=webfish14&date=20030514&query=marine
Derelict vessels to be removed: May 15-21,
2003
Blaine Northern Light
“ The city of Blaine is forging ahead with the removal of the USA and Liberty,
the two derelict vessels stuck in Drayton Harbor.”
State holds its ground on bay cleanup plan:
May 15, 2003
Bellingham Herald **
“ WATERFRONT: Ecology officials say they don't want to hold off, as city
and port have requested. The Department of Ecology says that putting contaminated
sediments from Bellingham Bay into the Georgia-Pacific West Inc. treatment lagoon
is the best way to clean up the worst toxins in the bay.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030515/TopStories/140766.shtml
Predatory snail's diverse behavior could
affect ecosystem management: May 16,2003
Bellingham Herald **
“ PORTLAND, Ore. - Research on the eating habits of a snail that lives
on the Oregon coast and has an appetite for other shelled sea life could change
marine ecosystem management worldwide, scientists say.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030516/LocalState/140859.shtml
Salmon recovery effort becomes a numbers
game: May 12, 2003
Bellingham Herald**
“ Washington state will need healthy chinook runs throughout Puget Sound
- enough chinook for some tribal, commercial and sport fishing - before the fish
is taken off the endangered species list, federal officials said.
In Whatcom County, the Nooksack River's north and south fork spring
chinook will both likely need to be restored to healthy levels. That's
despite
the regional approach that distribute healthy chinook runs among some,
though not all, of the 22 streams with declining chinook runs in Western
Washington, according draft requirements created by state and federal officials.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030512/TopStories/140334.shtml
Hatcheries having little success at boosting
salmon populations: May 12, 2003
Bellingham Herald**
“ The state has sharply reduced a hatchery program once
hailed as a way to save the Nooksack River's north fork chinook
from extinction.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030512/LocalState/140349.shtml
Keeping Salmon in the Pink:
May 11, 2003
Bellingham Herald**
“ Efforts to restore the chinook population are focusing on habitat restoration,
rather than hatchery releases.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030511/TopStories/140260.shtml
Salmon recovery projects spawn $671,275
in grants: May 10, 2003
Bellingham Herald**
"Whatcom County tribes and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association have
received $671,275 in state grants for salmon recovery projects. The Salmon Recovery
Funding Board approved $22 million in grants for 70 projects statewide. Combined
with money from other sources, the projects' total cost is $32.7 million.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030510/LocalState/140158.shtml
Over 400 attend
second Shuckin’: May 8-14, 2003
Blaine Northern Light
"About 400 people, half of the expected turnout, attended last Saturday’s
Shuckin’ on the Spit, an event held to raise awareness and funds to clean
up Drayton Harbor for harvesting shellfish again by 2004.”
New Blaine pier, wave barrier officially
open: May 8-14, 2003
Blaine Northern Light
"A ribbon-cutting ceremony officially marked the opening of the new Blaine
pier and wave barrier last Friday.”
Blessing of the Fleet: May 8-14, 2003
Blaine Northern Light
"Many in the community gathered at the Sawtooth Dock on Sunday to remember
those lost at sea during the annual Blessing of the Fleet.”
Sound Waves Newsletter: Volume 18, Number2,
Spring 2003
Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team
http://www.psat.wa.gov/Publications/soundwaves/archive_sw/spring03_sw.pdf
April
Oysters will be ready in 2004, but will
the water? (April 30, 2003)
Bellingham Herald**
"BLAINE - Drafts of two studies delivered this week to the Whatcom County
Water Resources Division have given hope to the Drayton Harbor Community Oyster
Farm as it seeks state approval for harvest a year from now.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030430/LocalState/138694.shtml
Seeding for a Rebound: Recovery Effort Continues
for Drayton Harbor Oyster Beds (April 22, 2003)
The Peace Arch News
"Contamination in commercial areas of Drayton Harbor is five times what’s
considered acceptable.”
http://www.peacearchnews.com/ Click
on “more stories” and scroll down to story title.
Smart Growth Birch Bay launches website
(April 24-30)
Blaine Northern Light
"Smart Growth Birch Bay, a newly formed independent citizen’s organization
focusing on growth, recently launched its website www.smartgrowthbirchbay.org.”
Millennium trail signs to be posted soon
(April 24-30)
Blaine Northern Light
"The city of Blaine has received signs for its leg of the coast millennium
trail (CMT), a border-to-border multi-use trail that extends from White Rock,
British Columbia to northwestern Skagit County.”
Annual Shuckin’ on the Spit next Saturday
(April 24-30)
Blaine Northern Light
“ Join Semiahmoo Resort for the 2nd Annual Shuckin’ on the Spit on
Saturday, May 3 from noon to 7 p.m. The non-profit festival celebrates the Drayton
Harbor shellfish restoration project in its commitment to increase regional public
and private awareness of the rich array of shellfish resources in Drayton Harbor
and reach the goal of harvesting oysters in May 2004.”
First Brant Festival brings several hundred
birders(April 17-23, 2003)
Blaine Northern Light
"Amid cloudy skies and falling rain, about 500 birders ventured to Blaine
and Birch Bay to attend the first ever Brant Festival last weekend.”
Spotting scope to be erected at Marine Park,
funds still needed (April 17-23, 2003)
Blaine Northern Light
“ A new spotting scope will soon be up at Marine Park, to honor the life
of long-time resident Reg Campin, a teacher and principal at Blaine school district.
But funds are still needed.”
On the Waterfront (April 17-23, 2003)
Blaine Northern Light
"Jan Hrutfiord is back with her column, sharing information about the
blessing of the fleet, local families and watching birds.”
Northwest Birding (April 10-16, 2003)
Blaine Northern Light
"The first-ever Brant Festival is coming to Blaine and Birch Bay this
weekend.”
Birch Bay Spring Community Cleanup (April
10-16, 2003)
Blaine Northern Light
"Birch Bay will be holding its annual cleanup and Earth Day celebration
to clean up unnatural objects on the beach and road sides. Meet on April 26 at
the C-Shop at 9 a.m. for coffee, donuts, hot chocolate, area assignments and
trash bags. Bring gloves. There will be a free hot dog roast at the state park
upper picnic area from 12:30 - 2 p.m. for volunteers. This event is sponsored
by the Friends of Birch Bay State Park.”
Toxic sediment cleanup slated for boatyard
(April 4, 2003)
Bellingham Herald**
The former Weldcraft Steel & Marine boatyard at Squalicum Harbor
is first site of 13 where toxic waste will be removed from Bellingham
Bay.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030404/LocalState/135467.shtml
One man and his map mission (April 3-9,
2003)
Blaine Northern Light
"For two years, one man was on a mission to get Blaine and Birch Bay on
the map ... the Washington State birding map that is.”
Fish reserves are imperative (April 2, 2003)
Bellingham Herald**
“RESOURCES: Short-term losses to the fishing industry will be worth it.”
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030402/Opinion/135045.shtml
March
Wild
vs. Farmed Salmon- Series of Articles (March 16-17, 2003)
Bellingham Herald**
AQUACULTURE ON A GRAND SCALE http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030316/TopStories/132771.shtml
FROM RESTAURANTS TO RESEARCH LABS, AQUACULTURE IS UNDER INCREASING SCRUTINY
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030316/TopStories/132772.shtmlHEALTHY FATS, OILS VARY BY TYPE OF FISH
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030317/TopStories/132843.shtmlFISHERS BLAME LOW PRICES ON GLUT OF FARMED SALMON
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20030317/TopStories/132844.shtm
Cleaning
Up Stormwater for Shellfish Reasons (March 10, 2003)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/111832_stormwater10.shtml
Sound
Waves Newsletter: Volume 17, Number1, Winter 2003
Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team
http://www.wa.gov/puget_sound/Publications/soundwaves/soundwaves.htm
February
Bottomfish Numbers Declining in Local
Waters (February 27-March 5, 2003)
“Local fishermen and Marine Resources Council discuss decreasing numbers
of bottomfish at recent meeting.”
Groundfish
Researchers Need Input (February 15, 2003)
Bellingham Herald**
“Fishing: Community meetings will help form recommendations for fish protection.”
Meeting
Targets Forgotten Fish (February 13-19, 2003)
Blaine Northern Light
“Members of the County’s Marine Resources Committee are coming to
Blaine to teach the community about the county’s bottomfish and glean a
little local knowledge at the same time.”
January
Victoria OK to dump raw sewage
(January 29, 2003)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer- Associated Press
“Victoria and nearby municipalities may continue dumping raw sewage into
the surrounding marine waters as long as plans for future action are being developed,
a provincial official has decided.”
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/106273_sewage29.shtml
