The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently released a survey that showed the total number of marine species at risk within the Salish Sea doubled between 2002 and 2015. While the Discovery Islands are within the study area, the EPA study did not list specific locations. So Cortes Currents asked Max Thaysen, President of the Friends of Cortes Island, about the species of risk in our area.
Continue reading The accelerating pace of Species becoming ‘at Risk’A recent report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states “the total number of marine species at risk in the Salish Sea has doubled from 2002 to 2015.”
The accompanying map shows they are referring to an area that stretches from the Puget Sound to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and north beyond Cortes and Quadra Islands. Christianne Wilhelmsen executive director of the Georgia Strait Alliance, explained this is because the EPA thinks of the Salish Sea as whole entity, rather than dividing it between two nations. While a few of the entries are American, most of the species listed are accompanied by terms like ‘COSEWIC‘, ‘B.C.’ and ‘Canada,’ which shows they come from Canadian sources.
Continue reading Number of marine species at risk in Salish Sea more than doubled, report saysNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A coalition of coastal First Nations has achieved a significant step towards protecting the wild shores and waters of the Great Bear Rainforest on B.C’s central coast.
The Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’xais, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv nations signed an agreement with Ottawa and the province of B.C. to do a feasibility study for a national marine conservation area reserve encompassing a significant section of the coast and offshore marine waters alongside the Great Bear Rainforest (GBR).
Continue reading Coastal First Nations take steps to protect wild waters of Great Bear RainforestBy Quinn Bender, Prince Rupert Northern View, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Canadian Coast Guard has established a first-of-its-kind division to elevate safeguards against human-caused deaths and injuries to whales in B.C. waters.
Continue reading Coast Guard ramps up protection for whalesCanada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A putrid stink wafts across the water and engulfs the Straitwatch vessel floating off the southern end of Quadra Island.
The Zodiac’s operator, Alex Forman, wrinkles his nose at the odour that hangs in the air, strongly reminiscent of fermented garbage.
“Whale breath,” he explains. “Humpbacks don’t brush their teeth much.”
Continue reading Straitwatch: the Discovery Island’s ‘whale police’
