The European green crab, a small but vicious predator, has been making its presence known on the West Coast of North America and wreaking havoc on native ecosystems. Native to the coastlines of Europe and northern Africa, the green crab has spread to coastlines around the world, from Australia to…
Articles Posted in Washington State
Coast Guard Rescues 5 from Tug Luther After Loss of Steering
A dramatic maritime rescue took place off the coast of La Push, Washington, on Friday, October 18th, 2024, as U.S. Coast Guard and commercial tug crews worked urgently to prevent the 130-foot tug LUTHER from running aground after it lost steering in stormy seas. At approximately 4:10 p.m. the tug…
Bycatch of Nearly 20,000 Chinook Salmon Shuts Down Alaska Pollock Fishery
Nearly 20,000 Chinook salmon were accidentally caught as bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska’s pollock fishery, forcing an early closure and igniting outrage among scientists studying endangered southern resident orcas and advocates for wild salmon. Chinook salmon, highly prized for their size and nutritional value, are a critical food source…
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo Approves Disaster Declarations for Alaska and Washington
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced on December 16th, 2022, the approval of multiple Alaska and Washington fishery disaster requests. This approval is based on data submitted by states and/or local tribes. “America’s fisheries are a critical part of our national economy and directly impact our local communities when…
Westport Washington Marina Ranked 11th in the Nation
In a recent report published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Westport Marina in Washington State was ranked 11th for national seafood landings in 2017. More than 250 commercial fishing vessels make use of the marina each year, landing over $64 million in seafood. This equates to roughly…
Atlantic Salmon Farming Banned in Washington State
The Washington State Senate has voted 31-16 to ban all new Atlantic salmon farming in the state and phase out net pen farming by 2025. The phasing out plan will happen gradually as existing aquatic leases expire. This is an update to a post dated August 29, 2017, when we…
Five Fishermen Rescued in Washington State
Five fishermen were rescued by the US Coast Guard after their vessel began taking on water west of Cape Alava, Washington. Watchstanders were alerted to the situation on Wednesday, January 31st at 1:15 p.m. The 87-foot F/V Sunnfjord was taking on water, however, dewatering pumps were unable to keep up…
Teen Involved with Sailing Class in Critical Condition After Boating Mishap off Magnuson Park
The Seattle Fire Department was called to Magnuson Park this morning after receiving word that a 17-year-old boy had gone underwater. Spokeswoman Kristin Tinsley reported that a water rescue team arrived at the 7800 block of 62nd Avenue Northeast around 9:33 am. Tinsley said that the teen had been taking…
Scuba Diver Who Died in Hood Canal Identified
The Mason County Coroner’s office have released the name of a scuba diver who died this past Saturday in Washington state’s Hood Canal. Joshua Michael Parke of The Balles, Oregon, was on a training dive in the Sund Rock Conservation area near Hoodsport, Washington. Officials say that Parke, age 36,…
Coast Guard Rescues 3 Fishermen at Mouth of Columbia River
The US Coast Guard rescued three commercial fishermen on Sunday morning after their fishing vessel COASTAL REIGN began taking on water. The crew reported that their vessel struck a submerged object as they navigated the mouth of the Columbia River. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia received the captain’s mayday…