THE STRUGGLE TO save orcas in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Salish Sea and Puget Sound continues with Wednesday’s release of an updated batch of draft recommendations from Gov. Jay Inslee’s Southern Resident Orca Task Force.
Initial potential recommendations were released Sept. 24, and the task force met last week to “discuss and refine” those suggested actions.
Available at tinyurl.com/PDN-OrcaUpdate1024, the recommendations are available for public comment no later than 11:59 p.m. Monday at tinyurl.com/PDN-OrcaDraft or by mailing to the Puget Sound Partnership, Attn: SRKW draft recommendations at 326 East D St., Tacoma, WA 98421.
Those comments will be given to the task force for its meeting at the Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 9th Ave. SW in Puyallup from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 6.
The final year one report and recommendations are due to Inslee on Nov. 16.
There are three overall goals — with recommendations further describing actions needed for implementation.
A summary of some of the more interesting recommendations follows:
The first goal is “Increase chinook abundance” and the main implementation points focus on significantly increasing investment in restoration and acquisition of habitat in areas where chinook stocks most benefit Southern Resident orcas.
The Elwha and Dungeness rivers are listed as possible estuaries for that type of near-term action.
Providing additional chinook through increased hatchery production “at facilities in Puget Sound, on the Washington coast and in the Columbia River basin also are recommended.
Hatchery pilot programs would begin in 2019 to test and refine methods that maximize production of chinook while minimizing competition with wild stocks.
Increased hatchery production would be coordinated beginning in fiscal year 2020 between the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and tribal co-managers.
Inslee also would be tasked with asking other agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bonneville Power Administration and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to maintain or increase hatchery chinook production levels.
Re-establishing salmon runs above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee hydropower dams on the Columbia River and a couple of Puget Sound area dams also are a priority.
And another recommendation listed for discussion at that Nov. 6 meeting is to “determine whether removal of Lower Snake River Dams would provide benefits to Southern Resident orcas commensurate with the associated costs, and implementation considerations.”
Goal two focuses on decrease disturbances of orcas from vessels and noise and increase orcas’ access to prey.
Legislation approving a statewide “Go-slow” bubble of a half mile between whales and small boats and commercial whale watchers is requested.
A limited-entry whale watching permit system for commercial vessels and kayakers in inland waters also is recommended.
The permitting system will allow for limiting by number of trips per day and length of time spent with the whales and for establishing “quiet days” of at least two days in a row where no whale-watching is allowed.
The Washington State Ferries system also will be tasked with hastening a transition to quieter, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Begin discussions with the Navy on reduction of noise and disturbance on whales from military exercises and aircraft. Hundreds of initial public comments supported engaging with the Navy going forward.
The third goal deals with reducing the exposure of whales and prey to contaminants.
Recommendations include speeding up a ban on the PCBs in state-purchased products, taking action on chemicals of emerging concern (including pharmaceuticals) and reducing stormwater threats.
Digging in the dark
A four-day razor clam opening on evening tides begins tonight on Pacific Ocean beaches.
No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.
• Today, 7:55 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
•Friday, 8:36 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Saturday, 9:19 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Sunday, 10:08 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Diggers should hit the beach about an hour or two before low tide for the best results recommends state coastal shellfish manager Dan Ayres.
And diggers should come prepared with good lighting devices and always keep an eye on the surf, particularly in the fall when the best low tides come after dark, he added.
Another dig has been tentatively scheduled for Nov. 8-11, pending results of future toxin tests.
Gear swap upcoming
Save the date and gather up winter sports items for the 2018 edition of the annual Hurricane Ridge Outdoor Gear Swap at Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth St., from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3.
Attendees can buy or sell used gear, equipment and clothing while checking out area outdoor activities, merchandise and rental info.
Admission is $5 per person, with $8 family passes also available.
Equipment drop off is slated from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with unsold gear pick up at 4 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the Hurricane Ridge Ski Team and the Hamilton Elementary PTO.
For more information, email skifox2@gmail.com.
