Orca Update & News on the Struggling Salmon Stocks

Local orcas are having a baby boom, but will it last?

There's been a baby boom in the local orca population. Last year five orcas joined the pods that frequent Puget Sound and the waters around the San Juan and Gulf islands. And two more killer whales have been born so far in 2010.

Cascadia Research has posted a scorecard/ special series covering this topic as well as the plight of struggling salmon stocks in the region. See how closely the two are interdependent and read the rest of the story here. 

Following up on Robson Bight: Accountability at Hand

This week,  A British Columbia trucking company was found guilty of six pollution charges stemming from spilling oil into Robson Bight, BC, in August of 2007. The Ted Leroy Company was found guilty on all six charges relating to an Aug. 20, 2007, incident where a barge tipped and dumped logging equipment, along with diesel fuel and oil, into the waters surrounding Robson Bight.

The former Duncan-based logging company had contracted Gowlland to tow a barge loaded with heavy equipment from Beaver Cove to a camp in Bute Inlet, when it tipped and dumped most of the equipment into the ecological area, located about 110 kilometres north of Campbell River.  As you may recall,  the barge had been so riven with leaks that it lost its stability, pitching to one side and dumped its entire cargo into the sea.The Michael Biggs Ecological Reserve at Robson Bight is world-renowned area where northern resident orcas come to rub themselves on the smooth rocks below the water’s surface, particularly during the summer.   All but one of the 12 pieces of logging equipment, along with a cargo container, went overboard after the barge “Kathy L” took on water and tipped. Approximately 20,000 litres of petroleum products were aboard the barge, and hours after the spill, a 14-kilometre long oil slick extended from Robson Bight to Hanson Island.

Oonagh O’Connor, energy campaign manager for the Sointula, B.C.-based Living Oceans Society, said the trucking company has declared bankruptcy.

She added that the Canadian taxpayer will likely be on the hook for the spill’s $2.5-million cleanup.

O’Connor is also currently concerned over a proposed pipeline project between Alberta and Kitimat that could see 200 tankers each loaded with two million litres of crude oil travelling along B.C.’s coast. 

Puget Sound's Altered Shores

John Ryan
03/22/2010

Close to 40 percent of Puget Sound's shorelines have been covered in concrete or otherwise walled off from the tides. State officials say restoring the health of Puget Sound will require removing some of those walls. But it's local governments that control the shore, and property owners want to build more seawalls as coastal developments expand.

If you want to take a walk along the shores of Puget Sound, you've got about 2500 miles of shoreline to choose from. I'm walking along the beach beneath Magnolia Bluff, just south of Seattle's Discovery Park.

 Read the rest of the article here. 

NOAA Has Published Public Comments on Proposed Vessel Regulations

Yesterday, NOAA published the public comments received that were related to the proposed vessel regulations issued by the agency on July 29, 2009. An overview of this topic was discussed in a two part series earlier in my blog, which you can read by clicking here. (Part 1) (Part 2)

The comprehensive overview provided by NOAA yesterday allows the public to view not only every comment provided by the public on the proposed vessel regulations, but it also provides a history of the events leading up to and following the release of the regulation proposal.

NOAA's OVERVIEW

During the public comment period, 704 unique comments were submitted via letter, e- mail and the federal e-rulemaking portal. Comments were submitted by concerned citizens (570 comments); whale watch operators and naturalists (72 comments); research, conservation and education groups (23 comments); federal, state and local government entities (19 comments); and various industry and other associations (20 comments). All written comments received during the comment period are posted on the NOAA Fisheries Northwest Regional web page: http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Marine-Mammals/Whales- Dolphins-Porpoise/Killer-Whales/ESA-Status/Orca-Vessel-Regs.cfm. 

In addition to unique comments, more than 2,400 form letters were submitted. Many form letters were supportive of maintaining the current 100 yard viewing distance, and some form letters included personal comments in addition to the form letter language. The agency received five petitions that included more than 1,300 names and signatures ranging from 100 to 740 signatures for each. The petitions were split between support for the proposed regulations and opposition to the proposed regulations.

Many of the oral and written comments from individual members of the public were short general statements that: 

1) supported the proposed regulations and killer whale conservation, 

2) disagreed with the proposed regulations, or 

3) disagreed with only the proposed no-go zone. 

About 50 of the individual written public comments included substantive information, such as specific suggestions to alter the proposed regulations, new information, or additional alternatives to consider. Eighty-six of the individual written comments focused entirely on issues relating to how kayaks are considered in the proposed regulations. (You can see my comments to NOAA on page 79 of this attachment.)

NOAA Fisheries received a range of comments from the commercial whale-watching industry including owners, operators and naturalists. The commercial whale-watching community expressed a number of concerns about impacts to their businesses, from increasing the viewing distance from the current 100-yard guideline to a 200-yard regulation. The whale-watching community provided support for a “go slow zone” in lieu of the no-go zone. The most common form letters were signed by commercial whale- watch participants and supported the position of the Pacific Whale Watch Association in maintaining the current 100-yard viewing distance. Additional industry associations and groups representing fishing, boating, transportation, and petroleum interests provided detailed information on potential impacts to their groups from the proposed regulations, and suggestions for revised language in the rule and for modifications to the exceptions.

Research, education, and conservation groups generally supported the proposed regulations, and in some cases identified additional measures that could be taken to further protect the whales. Researchers provided references to scientific information, data and peer reviewed scientific papers regarding vessel impacts to whales.

The government entities commenting included federal, state, county, tribes and other local organizations. The government comments generally supported regulations to protect killer whales, including the 200 yard approach rule, and offered a number of suggestions to adjust the proposed regulations, particularly the no-go zone. The comments suggested modifications to boundaries of the zone, additional exceptions to the zone, and sources for additional information on impacts of the zone to user groups. Comments from tribes suggested wording changes to the exception for treaty Indian fishing vessels. The government comments also suggested consideration of speed restrictions, permit systems, and coordination with Canada on comparable regulations in Canadian waters.

Issues and Concerns

Similar to the initial comments submitted on the advance notice of proposed rulemaking, there was support for a range of options. The oral comments provided at the public meetings and written comments addressed many similar issues. 

Some specific comments on the three elements of the proposed rule were:

200 yard approach rule - Comments supported the current 100-yard guideline, a 100 yard approach regulation, a 150-yard approach regulation, the proposed 200-yard rule, and approach rules at greater distances (400 yards to miles from the whales).

Proposed no-go zone - A large number of comments addressed only the no-go zone and did not refer to the other parts of the proposed regulations (i.e., 200-yard approach or park in the path regulations). The majority of comments pertaining only to the no-go zone were opposed to the zone. NOAA Fisheries also received comments that supported the proposed no-go zone on the west side of San Juan Island, smaller no-go zones, and larger no-go zones that include other shoreline areas.

Parking in the path - There were fewer comments on the proposed prohibition on parking in the path of the whales. A common comment identified the challenges of boaters identifying the whale’s path and difficulties in enforcing this regulation.

NOAA Fisheries received a number of comments supporting inclusion of the speed restriction analyzed in the draft environmental assessment. There were also comments that suggested alternatives that were previously considered, but not fully analyzed in our draft, such as permits or certification programs, days off for the whales (i.e., no whale- watching Wednesdays), and noise level standards for vessels.

Some common themes throughout the oral and written comments were: 

• A need for increased enforcement to protect whales and questions about how new

regulations would be enforced 

• The importance of strong education programs to raise awareness about any new

regulations 

• Questions about the science relating to vessel impacts on the whales used to

support the regulations, particularly impacts from kayaks 

• Deficiency in the analysis of impacts on particular stakeholder groups such as the

recreational fishing community now using the proposed no-go zone, and 

• Many comments encouraged NOAA Fisheries to focus recovery efforts on other

threats such as prey availability, contaminants, and sonar, rather than using resources to address vessel effects.

Conclusion

NOAA Fisheries appreciates the thoughtful and detailed comments submitted during the public comment period and will consider these comments in moving forward with final

regulations. The comments will also be available for public review. Because of the large number of oral and detailed written comments, NOAA Fisheries will need considerable time to thoroughly review all of the comments, follow up on offers to provide additional information, incorporate new information and comments into the environmental assessment, and continue to meet with stakeholder groups in developing a final rule. NOAA Fisheries will consider how to address the contradictory and often opposite comments submitted by groups and individuals with different perspectives. Final regulations will include responses to the comments, and the final National Environmental Policy Act document will also incorporate and respond to substantive comments. In addition to final regulations, NOAA Fisheries will develop an implementation plan that will include enforcement, education and methods for evaluating effectiveness.

A Photo trip to Roche Harbor

The beautiful Roche Harbor Marina has been visited by hundreds of thousands of boats over the years - all marvelling at what this wonderful little hidden retreat has to offer. Located on the northwest side of San Juan Island, this sheltered little harbor community resort is surrounded on the east side by San Juan Island, on the north by Pearl Island and on the west and south sides by Henry Island.

The story of Roche Harbor started more than 200 years ago when Captain de Haro and his crew became the first Europeans to actually sail among the forested San Juan Islands. Over the years, the Hudson Bay Company would begin logging operations, and large lime kilning operations would be started. And that is what brought me to Roche Harbor the other day- looking for some new angles on one of the oldest industries in the islands- lime kilning. Unlike many who travel to the shores and harbor for resort stays, fine dining and shopping- I was strictly interested in the textures of its history- and textures I certainly did find. The area is rich in rust and stone, chiseled with grungy nuances of industry long since forgotten. At every corner you can find angles and perspectives just waiting to be revived by the camera. I did my best...and hope you enjoy "the other side of Roche Harbor."

A Trip to The Mainland

Made a trip to Anacortes and Mt Vernon this week, searching for the infamous flocks of snow geese. Found them---- but they were not cooperative for the photo session. Still, it always makes sense to take a look around at things other than your subject at hand. This juxtaposition of labor and beauty struck me. Hope you enjoy! I am still going through the 200+ shots of the geese, I hope to post at least a few later this week.

Postcards From Friday Harbor: Happy New Year to One And all!!

Postcards From Friday Harbor: Happy New Year to One And all!!

Happy New Year to One And all!!

Happy New Year from the San Juan Islands!!! May 2010 find you healthy, wealthy and wise in ways that revive you, fortify your soul and bring great appreciation into your life.

I have put together a little photo show of all the things for which I am thankful...have a beautiful New Year!!

Happy Holidays from The Southern Residents!!

Christmas Holiday Cards with orca Whales by sandybuckley
Browse more Orca whale cards Cards

Reasons to Love the San Juan Islands in the Winter

By now, I think just about everyone in the country understands why people choose to live on a small island in the Pacific Northwest during the summer months- there are whales, watchable wildlife, birds, cycling, sailing, eagles, sea kayaking..need I go on? Still some may wonder why locals would actually choose to remain on the island paradise long after the tourists depart and the seasons have changed. As the island breathes a sigh of relief from the burgeoning summer crowds, the heartiest islanders find themselves wallowing in the quiet aftermath and relishing in the simple life.

The cooler months beckon the return of lots of winter birds- not the least of which is the Trumpeter Swans who can often be found fishing in the roadside ponds. The Trumpeter Swan is North America's largest waterfowl and one of its rarest native birds. To many people, it is the embodiment of grace, beauty, and unspoiled wildness. We also welcome loons, thrushes, Buffleheads---and many others during the calmer, cooler months.

The Island also start hopping with holiday preparations, all of course, done "Island Style." From tree lighting ceremonies to the Annual Festival of Trees- the winter months begin to unfold as a joyous celebration of community and presence. Island Art Studios burst at the seams with shows which showcase the incredibly talented local artisans, benefit dinners become the norm and concert series begin to send lyrical melodies throughout the streets of local towns. It really has a special place, this season of seemingly bereft loneliness...Simply spend a morning watching a sunrise which is unrivaled in the summer months--and you'll know that even Mother Nature sends us silent applause for our fortitude and love of the natural beauty we call home.

New J Pod Baby!

There's a new baby in town! Yesterday members of J and K pods were spotted heading south along the west side of San Juan Island- a welcome sight to local islanders.

According to Orca Network and folks who were able to catch some photos of the new youngster, the newborn has been reported to be a member of J Pod and was seen traveling alongside Polaris (J 28)- a 16 year old orca favored by many whale lovers. The youngster will be designated J-26. You can view a photo of the new baby, who's sex has yet to be identified by visiting Jeanne Hyde's Blog- where she also provides a great article about the encounter yesterday.

The whales have been infrequently seen throughout the past month, so the news spread like wildfire along local whale enthusiasts. This appears to be the first baby born to Polaris which brings the population of J pod to 27.

I have created a little video of whale photos from the past couple of years that you might enjoy- just a fun photo montage that will help get us through the winter months!!

A Trip Through Time: Port McNeill to Friday Harbor DAYS 1-3

Last month we joined Captain Ronn Patterson of Dolphin Charters and Joe Gaydos of the SeaDoc Society for a picturesque cruise from Port McNeill to Friday Harbor through the protected waters of Vancouver Island's inside passage and beyond. Living on a small boat for 8 days with 6 other passengers, we were treated to our first glimpses of the beauty of the world that lays just beyond the San Juan Islands. This is a region with both history and a natural magnificence that is inspirational...it’s an adventure that takes you through thickly forested mountains that rise up from the sea and whose walls are almost perpendicular to the surface of the water, through inlets of historical significance and opportunities for wildlife viewing that can leave you awestruck. I kept some notes and wanted to share the adventure in photos---so here we go!

DAY 1: WE'RE OFF

Our journey begins in Friday Harbor, where we awoke to a beautiful sunrise offering a surreal pink light cloaked in fog- a fog which shrouded most of the Islands with the exception of the northernmost tip of San Juan. Our departure from Roche Harbor was uneventful, flying about 1/2 hour to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island's second largest city which sits centrally on its coastline. After a brief stop at this town which boasts residences scrolling up the hillsides and evolving across the hills greeting the lapping waters of the Straits of Georgia, we departed for Pt. McNeill. As our travels continued north, the blue green seas met the rolling hills of deforested islands, interrupted with occasional pens of salmon farms dotting the inlets. I was finally witnessing first hand the salmon farming industry's impact on the region which Alexandra Morton has spent tireless years trying to erase from this landscape. Tucked in between the islands which have not escaped the logging industry by any stretch of the imagination, the pens reminded me that our society's footprint travels into the what most consider pristine environments throughout the world.

Three hours after our original departure, we were greeted by Port McNeill, a small village on the shores of the Queen Charlotte Strait, situated on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. We were embraced by rain (and lots of it!), fog and a beatitful harbor nestled in the landscape.

Port McNeill provided us with some great hiking opportunities as we took to the trails in search of bears and wildlife. Lots of scat, no bears to be seen- although we were alert to the cougar population (once warned by locals). We toured the harbor access road watching the loons rest on the water's edge, visiting the Logging Museum for an overview of the area's logging history and made our way through the little shopping village on the waterfront.

DAY 2 PORT HARDY

The second day of our trip would convince us that our all-weather gear had been a good investment- the day began and ended with 30 knot winds and uninterrupted rains. We spent the early part of the morning hiking on a trail nestled in the southernmost side of Port McNeill, bear scat teasing us every 50 feet or so. At the end of the trail's intersect at Miner Road we headed left towards the rocky shoreline and proceeded along the beach headed back into town. Tide was rapidly changing- the exchange was amazingly fast- within 15 minutes of our venture's end, the pebbled shoreline path was no longer visible, the beach now hidden by the ocean's waves. And for the record, we were dry! On to Port Hardy.

The trip on a local bus to Port Hardy lasted about 35 minutes along Highway 19, a richly forested road heading north. The town boasts itself as "the last bastion of civilization on the north side of Vancouver Island," and true to the promise we were greeted by a bustling harbor with all the amenities- a mall, a main street, restaurants, coffee houses, bookstores and a proximity to ocean adventure on both land and sea. This sizable community is slowly moving away from the resource-based economies of fishing, forestry, and mining and the town is gradually developing an economy based on tourism. We spent the afternoon touring the town in the wind and rain- our final interaction with "civilization" for days to come.

DAY 3 THE JOURNEY BEGINS

We awoke to something we had yet to experience in our brief travels- clear skies. The rain stopped for a brief interval, just long enough to capture a beautiful sunrise along the pebbled shoreline. As you can see, fog would again eclipse the day which would take us across the Queen Charlotte Strait in just a few hours.

The water was abosolutely calm, not a ripple on the shorelines. We met the Delphinus at the harbor, boarded and headed east to Malcolm Island, destination: Sointula and a meet and greet with Alexandra Morton, Rob Williams and Erin Ashe.

Billing itself today as a "Taste of Utopia," Sointula has a rich history that began at the turn of the 20th century when a group of Finnish immigrants founded the area, beginning an experiment in cooperative living. According to history, Finnish immigrants who had long been oppressed in the Island's mining industry founded the town, naming their newfound respite "Sointula," meaning "a place of harmony." The town was designed around communal living and equality, everyone participating equally. Eventually the idealism waned and the group sold its assets to the bank. However, remaining settlers would later purchase the land and return to a fishing and logging lifestyle. Today, Sointula still attracts individualists who remain true to the original dreams.

Did I mention we had the chance to meet some of the most prolific and truly passionate people in the region? I was beside myself as Alex Morton boarded the boat- Listening to Whales was a book I read at least 5 times on our wait to finally move to the islands. The title drew me in and I found her words to be a gift- I was and still am enchanted with her creativity and stewardship and have followed her Salmon Farming mission since my arrival here. What can I say? Some people you admire, some you show respect for what they stand for and Alex, to me, is both. Rob and Erin carry on the same torch of integrity and honest regard.

We spent several hours with the group discussing Alex's most recent efforts to impact the Salmon farming industry's impact on the region and Rob and Erin's work in wildlife distribution and abundance as well as impacts of human activities on behavior and energetics of marine mammals. May sound pretty geeky to some but I was in heaven. The talk also laid a good foundation towards understanding the tenuous nature of regional sustainability for the other passengers, not all from the area.

And then we were off to Echo Bay, traveling down the Johnstone Strait to Billy Proctor's dock house by the sea, just down the island and around a cove. On our way, we passed a band of traveling sea lions, foraging and swimming alongside the boat, glancing back at us now and again to ensure our whereabouts.

Echo Bay can only be accessed by private boats. This is a world not visited by ferries, trips for supplies must be planned and expect to last all day. It is here we met Billy Proctor, who runs a small museum of beachcombing finds, has written a few books, and has lived in this area for a very long time, watching the landscape and scenery change. Billy has carved out a life of adventure on this coast as a former logger, fisherman, and do-it-himselfer and he's on the list as one of the seven wonders (people) of Canada. If you're ever in the region, stop by if you can- it will be worth the trip.

Our first day on the water was over as we moored at Billy's pier and prepared for our fist night at sea. The cove was protected and the rain was beginning to fall as a light misty fog rolled in. Next Stop: Bears and Berries in Knight Inlet. Stay tuned!

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