Tag Archives: Gorge Harbour

A billion tidal creatures likely baked to death

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The ecological devastation of B.C.’s recent heat wave is just starting to be understood after record temperatures paired with low tides wreaked havoc along the West Coast.

More than one billion marine intertidal animals may have perished along the shores of the Salish Sea during the record temperatures at the end of June, said University of British Columbia researcher Chris Harley.

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Cortes Island stores celebrate Canada Day

CKTZ News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Cortes Island stores celebrated Canada Day, but not because of the nation’s Confederation 154 years ago. 

British Columbia began step three of its restart plan. Face masks are no longer mandatory. People can gather in larger numbers and go to restaurants.

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Twincomm partnering with CityWest & other internet news

Twincomm is partnering with CityWest, in their work towards bringing fibre optic to Cortes Island and the surrounding communities. They have signed an agreement in principle.  

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Sea Star Wasting Disease

Sunflower Sea Stars are one of the largest and fastest sea stars in the world’s oceans and a decade ago they were a common sight from Mexico to Alaska. Now this once abundant predator is missing from most of its range. The Global population has shrunk by over 90%, a decline that recently earned them the ICUN Red List status of “critically endangered.” 

“So what happened?”

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Cleaning up shellfish growing areas on Cortes and East Redonda Islands

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is cleaning up some of the shellfish growing areas in our area.

Erik Lyon, of Rising Tide Shellfish, believes the clean-ups may be connected to the fact aquaculture licenses in this area will come up for renewal in 2025

DFO has not yet returned Cortes Currents initial query, but Lyon is working on extensive clean-ups on Cortes and East Redonda Islands. 

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