Orcasphere

Andrew Rosenberg from U of New Hampshire speaking on “Ecosystem-based Management:developing a framework for implementation” at 9:25am PST. Evidence for ecosystem effects: We know ecosystem-level impacts occur (from scientific and traditional knowledge) We know regine shifts occur and that our perception change with shifting baselines Keep in mind that we are approaching theoretical limits of [...]

First I’ve heard of this, but the idea of damming the Hamathko seems sacrilegious.  The heads of those distant inlets and fjords are deep wilderness in my mind, gateways to the fantastic icefields of Mount Waddington and beyond. Is there really a need for hydropower up there?! I assert that solar, tidal, and/or wind turbines [...]

The clipping below is from a Daily Astorian article on an EPA report regarding global warming’s potential influence on Northwest salmon.  Of most import for killer whale conservationists are the implications of what James Martin calls a “perfect storm” for salmon: low snow pack with low, warm flows in the summer. Martin provides a nice [...]

Notes on “Ecosystem Based Management – It’s now up to us” at the NOAA/NWFSC Monster Jam seminar.  Bill introduced the talk by discussing how 97% of Puget Sound residents feel obligated to pass on a clean marine environment to their children, but very few think there are any substantial problems with Puget Sound. 11:15 Puget [...]

Here’s my first attempt at live-blogging… 8:40-9:20 a.m. from the University of Washington’s Water Seminar. 8:40 Key findings of his and Lisa Stiffler’s investigation of the Duwamish estuary: Pollution is historic an ongoing; diversity is down; everyone is contributing to the problem (e.g. run-off) Some chemicals lethal; some not (Cu not good for young salmon; [...]

Authored by: Captain Todd Shuster and Dr. Scott Veirs A new type of boat will study the orcas and their environment this fall. The Gato Verde is a 13-meter (42-foot) sailing catamaran that recently became the first biodiesel-electric charter vessel on the West Coast. Last winter, dual 27-horsepower diesel engines were replaced with two electric [...]