Herring Return to Eastsound

For the second year in a row herring have spawned on the Eastsound waterfront. Volunteers from the Indian Island Marine Health Observatory collected eggs over the Easter weekend. The herring are mainly spawnng on seaweed (sargassum) and dwarf eel grass both non-native species. Though not native to Fishing Bay these species are gradually creating dense thickets that herring find attractive. It is not known whether there is any adverse impact to native species. Russel Barsh, Kwiaht ecogolgist, told volunteers "that as the Eastsound herring appear to be recovering this is the time to go gentle with Fishing Bay and Indian Island in order to give the herring and vegetation that supports them the best chance possible".

NOAA Update on L112 and Other Projects

Below is some recent information on killer whales from NOAA Fisheries Northwest Region thought you might be interested in.     

Did you know?
A recent review of photos by DFO scientists have confirmed that Southern Resident killer whales were sighted in Chatham Strait, Southeast Alaska, back in June 2007. Southern Residents were previously thought to range as far north as the Queen Charlotte Islands, B. C. This sighting extends their known range about 200 miles to the north.

L112 stranding investigation progress report
The investigation into the death of Southern Resident killer whale L112 continues. We posted a progress report on our website at http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Marine-Mammals/Whales-Dolphins-Porpoise/Killer-Whales/upload/L112-Prgrs-Rpt.pdf. We’ll continue to provide updates as we get the results from outstanding analyses and generate a final report.

Update on satellite tagging projectThe Northwest Fisheries Science Center has updated website information on the three-day deployment of a tag on J26: http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/research/divisions/cbd/marine_mammal/satellite_tagging.cfm.

Canadian marine mammal regulations
As the federal department responsible for the protection of marine mammals, their habitats, and their migration routes in Canadian waters, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has finalized a set of proposed amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations (MMR) of the Fisheries Act. The amendments are designed to provide enhanced protection for marine mammals against human disturbances.

The proposed regulatory amendments were published on March 24, 2012, in the Canada Gazette, Part I. The Canada Gazette is the official newspaper of the Government of Canada. See it online at:  http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2012/2012-03-24/html/reg2-eng.html. The public has 60 days from the publication date to provide comments on the proposed amendments.

Procession of the Species Photos

A large group of spectacularly-garbed islanders paraded through Lopez Village last Saturday afternoon to celebrate the Island's second annual "Procession of the Species."  From toddlers in strollers to septuagenarians, participants were clad in a wide range of imaginative costumes. The event, very ably-organized by Beach Watcher Charlie Behnke and Amanda Wedow, and sponsored by the Lopez Is. Conservation Corps and Lopez Is. Prevention Coalition, perpetuates a tradition begun over a decade ago in Olympia to honor our planet and all it's diverse species.   A young turtle, who scooted the entire route on his tummy on a skateboard, some very busy bumblebees from Orcas, three different owls, a dragon, and many other feathered and furred creatures walked the parade route, accompanied by an assorted dozen percussionists, and it was fun for everyone.  Pictured here are the huge owl (created and held up by Charlie and two helpers,) two very impressive Tufted Puffins, and a GMO ear of corn.  The best moment of the afternoon happened before the parade when an invasive black slug (a.k.a. Nick Teague,) was lounging on the lawn, and a three-year-old boy sat down in front of him and began to feed him grass!

Friday Harbor Labs Open House - May 19

The public is enthusiastically invited to participate in the 2012 FHL Open House on May 19. This event offers a splendid opportunity to meet scientists and students at the Labs and check out the research and teaching facilities. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Labs will be open for self-guided tours. Scientists and students will showcase their marine science research, answer questions and provide demonstrations. There will be posters, marine plants and animals, microscopes, plankton sampling and observations, and activities for visitors of all ages. Kids are particularly encouraged to attend.

For more information, see:  http://depts.washington.edu/fhl/events.html

Rare White Orca Seen Off Russia

Researchers just released photos of an all white male orca seen in Russian waters two years ago.  This is an excellent article from the Seattle Times.  Researchers will try to locate the pod and this whale again this year.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018062072_whitewhale25m.html

In addition, for more information on the Russian orcas, see http://www.russianorca.com/index.php?lang=en

What Lives on Our Docks, SJNI Workshop for Adults

Sponsored by the San Juan Nature Institute - This workshop is for adults. Date:  Sunday, May 6, 2012, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Join Megan Dethier (FHL) in Lab 3 at Friday Harbor Labs at 10 a.m. for an introduction to the invertebrate world that lives beneath our docks. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy on the beach and then join a dive team on the lab dock at 1 p.m. to view the animals in their habitat. Divers will have cameras and audio links for an interactive exploration of life on the pilings and in the water under the dock.  Minimum attendance of 8 participants required. For more information and to sign up:  http://www.sjnature.org

Bloom Week Volunteers at American Camp

Raena Parsons, head Ranger for San Juan Island National Historical Park, is looking for volunteers for the annual Wildflower Festival, Bloom Week to help restore the prairie. This year the Park is working with EarthCorps volunteers, who will be offering local school children educational programs on the prairie.  The park has planned volunteer work parties for May 2, 3, and 4 any time between 9 a.m.-3 p.m.   If you have interest, meet outside the American Camp Visitor Center at 9 a.m.  Wear sturdy boots and bring work gloves, water and a lunch.

If you have an interest in working with the children or volunteering for the work parties and need more information, contact Raena Parsons at 360-378-2240 x2222 or raena_parsons@yahoo.com

Island Photo Contest

To all you talented photographers here is your opportunity to shine.  The San Juan Islands Museum of Art is sponsoring The "Above and Beneath the Sea" photography contest for San Juan County residents. Photos can be from anywhere in the world, in one of six categories either above or beneath the sea.

The deadline is May 7, 2012. Photos will be judged by world-renowned pioneer underwater photographer, Ernest H. Brooks II. Winning photos will be displayed along side Ernie's photos at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art in Friday Harbor.

For an application, submission requirements and forms, visit SJMOA's website:   www.sjima.org

Stewardship Lecture Series Begin This Week

The Stewardship Network of the San Juans and Still Hope Productions Inc. are presenting a series of eight lectures regarding our shared shorelines. 

Part 1: At the Water’s Edge Lecture Series

The Invisible Shoreline: A Video Tour of the Nearshore Ecosystem

Join filmmaker John F. Williams on an exploration of the shoreline from a diver’s perspective. Let the magic of video show you some of the invisible parts of the shoreline...things that are too small or too slow to see, things that are hidden in the water, or things that are hidden in plain sight. Catch glimpses of processes that go unseen from the shoreline and gain an understanding of the services that nature provides at the water’s edge.

Lopez Island, Tuesday, April 24, 7-8:30 p.m. --  The Center for Community and the Arts, 204 Village Rd., Lopez Village

Orcas Island, Wednesday, April 25, 7-8:30 p.m. --  Senior Center, 62 Henry Rd., Eastsound

San Juan Island, Thursday, April 26, 7-8:30 p.m.  -- Mullis Center, 589 Nash St., Friday Harbor

For additional information:  www.stewardshipsjc.org   and www.StillHopeProductions.org

Proposed Ban on Flame Retardants Resurfaces in Legislature

A proposed ban on chemicals known as TRIS that are used as flame retardant used in children’s products resurfaced last week when the House General Government Appropriations and Oversight committee voted 7-6 in favor of House Bill 2821. The bill, prime-sponsored by Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, D-Seattle, follows up on similar legislation that failed to pass during the regular session. Dickerson said she believes it has a chance of passing the Legislature now. However, the Association of Washington Business and other business groups continue to oppose it, arguing that a ban is premature, noting in part that one of the chemicals it seeks to ban has not been listed by officials as a chemical of “high concern to children.”

Indian Island Field Study

A presentation, titled "The Tides of March" was held on March 15th at the Orcas Fire Station to educate the public about the work being conducted on Indian Island. The presentation included original music and songs, demonstrations, displays, a slide show including a narration introducing the differenct species living in and around Indian Island. Refreshments were also provided. Questions were taken from the audience. One of the goals of the presentation was to increase the number of volunteers involved in the Indian Island field study. Additional volunteers are needed to continue this research. The 2012 Indian Island Field Schedule is below. Double click on the table to expand. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Following Varvara the Gray Whale

While "Flex's" transmitter fell off while he was along the Oregon coastline, Varvara's continues to transmit her travels. Flex managed to get as far as the Oregon coast before contact was lost in 2011. Varvara has traveled from Russia to the Baja and is now headed back to Sakhalin Is., Russia--her feeding grounds. She has not eaten in 5 months.

Click to read the story: http://www.kval.com/news/local/Varvara-hasnt-fed-since-she-basically-left-Russia-143579906.html

View Varvara's travels at http://mmi.oregonstate.edu/Sakhalin2011

What Would You Do?

On a recent trip to the San Diego area, I enjoyed watching the sea lions who regularly haul out on along the waterfront in La Jolla. All day long people watch from the boardwalk above them as they warm up in the sun, compete for the more comfortable spots on the rocks, and swim and dive off the beach. I took a few pictures, including trying out the zoom on my new camera, but didn't look at them till I got back home and downloaded. To my dismay, I realized that the guy in the middle of this picture has a bunch of netting of some kind around his head. (It's more evident if the photo is enlarged, but it's definitely there.) I couldn't tell exactly what it is, or how badly entangled he is, but he seems to be stuck with it. What do you do? I passed the picture along to the Whale Museum, hoping they might have some contacts in the La Jolla area, but is there even any way he could be helped? It's very hard to see things like this and feel like there is not much that can be done. Certainly a sad reminder to all of us that everything we put into our waters has an impact. I hope this guy has been able to extricate himself and that he'll be able to avoid similar encounters in the future! Susan

SAVE THE DATE! May 5th, Fisherman Bay MHO "Day for the Bay" Celebration

The Fisherman Bay Marine Health Observatory will celebrate the beginning of its 2012 research and monitoring season with the Second Annual "Day for the Bay" event on Saturday, May 5 from 9:30 AM till around 3 pm, at the Lopez Community Center. Everyone is invited to participate. The day will include hands-on displays and introductory remarks at the Center in the morning, followed by field trips to several locations around Fisherman Bay for talks and demonstrations on shore and seabirds, impact of climate change on the Bay, plants and animals, and invertebrates. There will be activities for adults and children, and everyone will be able to visit several of these during the morning. Everyone will regroup at the Community Center around noon for a light lunch, discussion of current research projects, and a concert by Dana Lyons. Details will follow as the day gets closer, but we hope you'll save the date and plan to attend.

People Save Beached Dolphins in Brazil

On March 6, about 30 dolphins raced into shore and beached themselves. Luckily the beach was crowded with people who pitched in and pulled the dolphins all back into deeper waters and saved them all. This video is a pleasure to view.

http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/32992/30+dolphins+rescued+by+brazilian+beach+goers/