legacy - august 2014

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Published by:

Wild Game Fish Conservation

International

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Legacy – August 2014

Wild Game Fish Conservation International

2014 – Honoring Sacred Waters

Wild Game Fish Conservation International (WGFCI): Established to

advocate for wild game fish, their fragile ecosystems and the cultures and economies that rely on their robust populations.

LEGACY – Journal of Wild Game Fish Conservation: Complimentary, no-

nonsense, monthly publication by conservationists for conservationists

LEGACY, the WGFCI Facebook page and the WGFCI website are utilized

to better equip fellow conservationists, elected officials, business owners and others regarding wild game fish, their contributions to society and the varied and complex issues impacting them and those who rely on their sustainability.

LEGACY exposes impacts to wild game fish while featuring wild game fish

conservation projects, fishing adventures, wildlife art, accommodations, equipment and more. Your photos and articles featuring wild game fish from around planet earth are

welcome for possible inclusion in an upcoming issue of LEGACY. E-mail them with

captions and credits to Jim ([email protected]).

Successful wild game fish conservation efforts around planet earth will ensure existence of these precious natural resources and their ecosystems for future

generations to enjoy and appreciate. This is our LEGACY.

LLeeggaaccyy



Founders

Bruce Treichler Jim Wilcox

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wild-Game-Fish-Conservation-International/123459167750176

http://wgfci.blogspot.com/

mailto:%[email protected]

http://wgfci.blogspot.com/






Contents

WGFCI Outreach via Legacy and Facebook _________________________________________________________ 7

BREAKING NEWS: PROTECT WILD SALMON _______________________________________________________ 8

Peace Arch Rally Schedule _____________________________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Busted __________________________________________________________________________________________ 10

5 Wisconsin Anglers Busted for Poaching on Devils Lake _______________________________________________ 10

Wild Game Fish Economics _______________________________________________________________________ 12

Monster sockeye run starting to enter Fraser River _____________________________________________________ 12

Special Report ___________________________________________________________________________________ 15

Special Report: Southern Resident Killer Whales _______________________________________________________ 15

Conservationists Extraordinaire – Walking the Talk _________________________________________________ 16

Jim and Donna Teeny ________________________________________________________________________________ 16

Featured Fishing Adventures, Photos, “Funnies” and Not so Funny: _________________________________ 17

Fish for Peacock Bass on Brazil’s Aqua Boa River with host Camille Egdorf ______________________________ 17

Fly Gal Ventures Hosted Travel: New Zealand – December 2014 _________________________________________ 18

Brown bears fishing for returning salmon at Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park, Alaska __________________ 19

Hidden Paths - Slovenia: Sava River- fishing club Radovljica ____________________________________________ 20

The Big Halibut That Didn't Get Away! _________________________________________________________________ 21

Ling cod on light tackle _______________________________________________________________________________ 22

Blue Marlin: Released to Fight Again __________________________________________________________________ 23

Jim Wilcox with a chinook salmon _____________________________________________________________________ 26

Conservation-minded businesses – please support these fine businesses ___________________________ 28

Kingfish West Coast Adventure Tours _________________________________________________________________ 28

Dave and Kim Egdorf's Western Alaska Sport Fishing __________________________________________________ 29

UWET "STAY-DRY" UNDERWATER TOURS ____________________________________________________________ 30

EcoDepot: “Solar Saves Salmon”! _____________________________________________________________________ 31

Spirit Bear Coffee Company ___________________________________________________________________________ 32

Winsmes Fly Fishing Lodge, Norway __________________________________________________________________ 33

Congratulations to Bravo Restaurant and Lounge Management and Staff ________________________________ 34

Rhett Weber’s Charterboat “Slammer” _________________________________________________________________ 35

Riverman Guide Service – since 1969 __________________________________________________________________ 36

Learn to fish: experienced, conservation-minded professional instructors ________________________________ 37

Westcoast Fishing Adventures ________________________________________________________________________ 38

Waters West Guided Sportfishing _____________________________________________________________________ 39

Fishing Tips and Tricks ___________________________________________________________________________ 41

You May Be Killing Steelhead And Not Even Know It ____________________________________________________ 41

Wildlife Artists: __________________________________________________________________________________ 43

Artist Beau Dick with one of his creations ______________________________________________________________ 44

Diane Michelin: “Still Time” ___________________________________________________________________________ 45

Dan Wallace (Haida): Eagle Pendant (featured) _________________________________________________________ 46

New from Anissa Reed Designs and Art ________________________________________________________________ 47

The Wilds ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 48




Editorial Opinion _________________________________________________________________________________ 49

Work together for fish, or pull the recovery plug ________________________________________________________ 49

Seafood consumption: Public health risks and benefits _____________________________________________ 50

Enjoy seasonal wild salmon dinners at these fine restaurants:___________________________________________ 50

Norwegian Scientists Warn Against Eating Farmed Salmon: Everything You Need to Know About

Farmed Fish _________________________________________________________________________________________ 51

Salmon farmer signs 'fish waste to protein supplement' deal ____________________________________________ 55

WGFCI: protecting what needs protected __________________________________________________________ 57

Sam Mace: Crackdown on Deadbeat Dams _____________________________________________________________ 57

Maria Cantwell, Patty Murray, Denny Heck: Protect Wild Salmon Rally ___________________________________ 57

Preliminary examination of contaminant loadings in farmed salmon, wild salmon and commercial

salmon feed _________________________________________________________________________________________ 57

Community Activism, Education, Litigation and Outreach ___________________________________________ 58

Honoring the 47 – One year later ______________________________________________________________________ 59

2nd thoughts on 3 oil terminals _______________________________________________________________________ 62

Oil Trains in Washington: Bad for Business, Unacceptable Risk _________________________________________ 63

Millions of Americans live in the blast zone. Do you? ___________________________________________________ 64

State firefighters want Inslee to halt Bakken crude by rail till safety concerns addressed __________________ 65

Confronting Canada Day - Dan Wallace, Audrey Siegl ___________________________________________________ 69

The Answer is Still NO to Northern Gateway Pipelines __________________________________________________ 71

Enbridge and Kinder Morgan: We take offense to you ruining our land air and water ______________________ 72

Winning the farmed salmon war one battle at a time ____________________________________________________ 73

Farmed-Salmon-Boycott launches a NEW WEBSITE!! ___________________________________________________ 74

Olympia “Salmon Confidential” Premiere – October 5 ___________________________________________________ 75

Call for Action: No Salmon Farming Expansion without Wild Salmon Protection __________________________ 77

Getting Nervous? – Marine Harvest Canada presents science refuting Alexandra Morton’s lawsuit _________ 78

Wild Salmon Warrior Radio with Jay Peachy – Tuesday Mornings ________________________________________ 81

Wild Salmon Warrior Radio – Recent Archives _________________________________________________________ 82

Salmon feedlots __________________________________________________________________________________ 83

Salmon farm Production Manager to jail _______________________________________________________________ 84

Level playing field needed for aquaculture _____________________________________________________________ 85

As fish farms proliferate, diseases do too ______________________________________________________________ 87

Report slams fish farm secrecy on B.C. coast __________________________________________________________ 89

Skwah First Nation open statement in support of the “Protect Wild Salmon Rally” ________________________ 93

DFO aims to streamline fish-farm regulations __________________________________________________________ 96

Energy Generation: Oil, Coal, Geothermal, Hydropower, Natural Gas, Solar, Tidal, Wind _______________ 98

Petroleum – Drilled, Refined, Tar Sands, Fracked _________________________________________________________ 99

Petropolis - Rape and pillage of Canada and Canadians for toxic bitumen ________________________________ 99

Pacific Northwest's Salish Sea Eyed as Fossil Fuel Gateway ___________________________________________ 102

Pipeline proponents consider explosives in ocean to scare whales from potential oil slicks ______________ 108

City of Vancouver says Kinder Morgan skirting questions about Trans Mountain pipeline ________________ 111




The oil boom in one slick infographic _________________________________________________________________ 114

Chinese oil pipeline burns, thousands evacuated ______________________________________________________ 115

Officials: Oil Train Dangers Extend Past Bakken _______________________________________________________ 116

ISIS Sabotaged Oil Pipeline in Baghdad... Tigris River on fire ___________________________________________ 119

Northern Gateway is not alone - 5 more pipelines to watch _____________________________________________ 120

PIPELINE ON WHEELS ______________________________________________________________________________ 124

Oregon subsidizing Rainier rail safety project allowing 14 more oil trains a month _______________________ 130

Winnipeg derailment renews safety concerns about crude oil shipments ________________________________ 133

Oil by rail data shows 10-15 trains of Bakken crude move weekly through Thurston County, 11-16 go in

Pierce ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 135

Coal __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 138

Federal Court Halts Plans for Colorado Coal Mine Citing Climate Change Concerns ______________________ 139

Geothermal ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 142

Canada’s high temperature geothermal reserves are in British Columbia ________________________________ 142

Hydropower ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 143

“DamNation” _______________________________________________________________________________________ 143

Don't rush Site C dam, mayor urges __________________________________________________________________ 144

About 14,000 young salmon die in Elwha River release of 2.6 million fish ________________________________ 146

County Won't Intervene in Weyco Land Fees __________________________________________________________ 148

Liquefied Natural Gas __________________________________________________________________________________ 150

LNG terminals could collapse B.C. wild salmon run: SFU scientists _____________________________________ 150

Solar _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 151

30MW of solar to be built on former Notthinghamshire colliery sites ____________________________________ 153

Government action ______________________________________________________________________________ 156

B.C. First Nation evicts CN Rail, logging companies, fishermen from their lands _________________________ 157

Greenwashing __________________________________________________________________________________ 159

Rail Officials Explain Improvement Grant to Chehalis Officials __________________________________________ 159

Third-party evidence confirms Marine Harvest's healthy salmon ________________________________________ 161

Wild Game Fish Management ____________________________________________________________________ 163

Feds Quintuple Allowed Catch on Endangered Salmon Species ________________________________________ 163

Rich countries pay zombie fishing boats $5 billion a year to plunder the seas ___________________________ 166




LLeeggaaccyy

Forward The August 2014 issue of Legacy marks thirty four consecutive months of our

complimentary eMagazine; the no-holds-barred, watchdog journal published by Wild Game Fish Conservation International.

Legacy is published each month to expose risks to the future of wild game fish and

their fragile ecosystems around planet earth to our growing audience. This unique magazine also introduces leading edge alternatives to today’s unsustainable practices.

Each month Legacy selects wildlife artists to feature, several conservation-

minded businesses to promote and several fishing photos from around planet Earth.

Our hope is that those who read Legacy will come to understand that what is good for

wild game fish is also good for humans. Similarly, what is bad for our planet’s wild game fish is really bad for humans!

A growing number of recreational anglers and others around planet earth are

passionate about conserving wild game fish and their continued availability for this and future generations to enjoy and appreciate. Additionally, growing numbers of

consumers and retailers are paying close attention to the impacts each of us have on

global resources through our daily activities and purchases.

We continue to urge our readers to speak out passionately and to demonstrate

peacefully for wild game fish and their ecosystems; ecosystems that we are but one small component of.

As recreational fishermen, conservation of wild game fish is our passion. Publishing

“Legacy” each month is our self imposed responsibility to help ensure the future of these precious gifts that have been entrusted for safekeeping to our generation.

Bruce Treichler

James E. Wilcox Wild Game Fish Conservation International



2014 – Honoring Sacred Waters WGFCI Outreach via Legacy and Facebook

July issue of Legacy read in these countries




BREAKING NEWS: PROTECT WILD SALMON

Press Release

Canada Fails to Protect Wild Salmon From Industrial Salmon Farms

We call on the North American Free Trade Agreement Body (NAFTA) to investigate

this failure before it is too late!

“Protect Wild Salmon”

Peaceful Rally at Peace Arch Border Crossing

Saturday, July 19, 2014 (11:00 am – 3:00 pm )

Keynote Speakers include:

Joanne Charles, Semiahmoo First Nation Councillor Zeke Grader, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Association Ernie Crey, Cheam First Nation Fisheries Portfolio Craig Orr, Watershed Watch Salmon Society Alexandra Morton, Pacific Coast Wild Salmon Society Dr. Claudette Bethune, Clinical Scientist Chief Judy Wilson, Neskonlith First Nation and UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer BC Salmon farms are 98% owned by Norwegian companies raising Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and remain

plagued with diseases from mutating viruses and parasites that proliferate and can be passed onto wild salmon.

Ernie Crey is of the opinion that the Government of Canada dangerously increased the threats to wild salmon

survival by approving a 41% expansion plan of fish farms along the migration routes of sockeye salmon. “Instead

the Canadian Government has virtually ignored the $26 million Cohen Commission report. Justice Cohen

warned - salmon farms have the potential to do serious or irreversible harm to wild salmon, exclaimed a

disappointed Craig Orr. “The Canadian Government has no plans to view fish farm locations in relation to

inward/outward migration of wild salmon for their protection, and this irresponsible,” stated Bob Chamberlin of

UBCIC. Industrial feedlots never shovel their manure and use chemicals and antibiotics to protect farmed fish,

which pollute the environment and threaten human health. “The Canadian Government has, to date, refused to

remove the Department of Fisheries and Ocean’s conflict of interest as it continues with a mandate to promote,

support and enable salmon farm expansion, and, at the same time, regulates this industry. This is

unacceptable,” stated Chief Judy Wilson. Recently the Canadian Government removed a major part of the

Fisheries Act to allow the release of delousing drugs directly into the water that can kill wild salmon (section 56).

Dr. Alexandra Morton leveled the following sharp criticism at the Government of Canada, “The sheer

recklessness of allowing Atlantic salmon on the Fraser salmon migration route is unforgiveable and has to stop if

we expect wild salmon to deal with everything else we are throwing at them!” Alex added “We will only stop this

when everyone stands up … I think this is happening!” Astonishingly, the Canadian government is considering

an Aquaculture Act to give the industry unprecedented rights in Canada’s marine waters and fish.

The First Nations Wild Salmon Alliance, a coalition of 80 First Nations, witnessed the unacceptable, devastating

impact fish farms have on wild salmon and will look at government’s “duty to consult” before any fish farms are

sited on migration routes of wild salmon. Health experts around the world point to the health dangers of farmed

salmon consumption due to relatively high levels of contaminants such as PCBs, dioxins, pesticides, and flame-

retardants, which are proven to impair cognitive function and are known carcinogens. “Salmon are carnivores

and farms have been criticized globally for using unsustainable fishery resources,” observed Dr. Claudette

Bethune. Although there is room for some forms of aquaculture, scientists and experts conclude that a feasible

and sustainable solution lies in moving ocean fish farms onto land in containment, farming herbivore fish, and

growing the entire food chain. “Stakeholders on both sides of the border urge NAFTA to follow through with the

investigation. Wild salmon don’t recognize borders, and therefore both countries need to work together to protect

wild salmon, its habitat and the health of their citizens,” asserted Zeke Grader.

Eddie Gardner

Event Coordinator




Busted

5 Wisconsin Anglers Busted for Poaching on Devils Lake

July 6, 2014

http://www.wired2fish.com/5-wisconsin-anglers-busted-for-poaching-on-devils-lake/




Five Wisconsin anglers have been charged in Ramsey Court with exceeding their possession limit of

walleyes in excess of 100 fish on Grand Lake in North Dakota according to a report on

GrandForksHerald.com. The daily creel limit is 5 per person and 10 in possession.

Here are the charged men’s names and their hometowns. They were turned in by another concerned

angler who called the Report all Poachers hotline and tipped off North Dakota Game and Fish

authorities

Michael Wirkus, Racine Wis.

Donald Klatkiewicz, Mukwonago, Wis.

Daniel Klatkiewicz, Hales Corners,

Wis.

Robert Richer Jr., Hales Corners, Wis.

Allen Lafave, Racine, Wis.

Unnamed juvenile

Authorities caught the group on June 20, 2014 and a quick search of the vehicle resulted in 25 whole

walleyes. A search of the house they were staying in, however, resulted in another 135 walleyes

cleaned and frozen in 45 freezer bags. That put the men exactly 100 over their possession limit.

The group will appear in court August 18 and face up to $1,725 a piece

in fines.

Being over the possession limit is a Class B Misdemeanor in North Dakota.

http://www.grandforksherald.com/content/wardens-land-another-fish-bust-devils-lake-anglers-found-100-walleyes-over-their-limit

http://www.grandforksherald.com/content/wardens-land-another-fish-bust-devils-lake-anglers-found-100-walleyes-over-their-limit




Wild Game Fish Economics

Monster sockeye run starting to enter Fraser River

July 4, 2014

Sockeye by the thousands could start

swimming up the Fraser River shortly.

The prized red sockeye entering the river now

are the offspring of the 2010 run — the largest

sockeye return on the Fraser in the last 100

years.

This year is shaping up to be similar in scope,

with a mid-range forecast by Fisheries and

Oceans Canada officials set at 23 million

sockeye. The bulk of it will be in the late run

which includes the prodigious Adams River

stock.

Editorial Comment:

Canada must no longer ignore the cultural, environmental and economic benefits directly associated with robust wild salmon populations.

Canada’s expansion of ocean-based salmon feedlots, open pit mines, dilbit export, hydropower generation, floodplain development and irresponsible logging will lead to the shameful demise of British Columbia’s iconic, wild Pacific salmon and all that rely on them

http://www.theprogress.com/news/265835571.html#.U7cPLoHIbis.facebook




“The early Stuart run is just starting to enter the Fraser River,” said Jennifer Nener, DFO area director

for the Lower Fraser. There were just a handful counted since test fishing started.

“We need considerably more data before considering any openings,” she said.

They’ll know more in a few short weeks.

Fishermen are checking their gear. Guiding outfits are hiring and

booking like mad. Tackle stores are adding inventory. Many are

watching the test fishery numbers with considerable interest. The

computer modelling puts the estimated Fraser return total anywhere

between about 7 million and 70 million sockeye.

Sto:lo fisher and Grand Chief Ken Malloway said he figures the 23 million estimate is on the

conservative side.

“I say it may be closer to 30 million,” he said. “I’m getting pretty anxious.”

The FSC fishery won’t open until the numbers in the river are higher, but they might also open the dry

rack fishery at that time.

Regardless of the exact numbers, this season is going to have broad local impacts.

Aboriginal, commercial, and sport fishery opportunities for Fraser sockeye are all expected to open at

various times this season.

One concern raised by conservation groups is the that the exploitation

rate on Interior Fraser Coho will be going up to 16 per cent, from three

per cent. The “exploitation” rate is the limiting of unintentional by-

catch by commercial fishers to protect the endangered species. Coho

and sockeye tend to co-migrate through the system, and get caught in

the nets together.

It’s only for one year, said Nener, and the rationale for a higher rate is to better manage the sockeye

and the coho. Coho numbers have improved.

“I’ve never seen it that high,” said Malloway about the increased rate of allowable by-catch.

But good sockeye returns this summer also mean economic benefits for different users.

Up to 23 Sto:lo communities are in negotiations to sign an agreement under the Aboriginal Fisheries

Strategy.

“It’s going to mean that Sto:lo families should have enough fish, and also opportunities to make a

living off fishing the way we used to,” said Malloway.

Ernie Crey, fisheries adviser to the Sto:lo Tribal Council, said the Early Stuart run, one component of

the big Fraser run, could sustain aboriginal fisheries on a scale that no one has seen in a while.

Sto:lo fishing families are not only planning an earlier than usual dry-rack fishery in the Fraser

Canyon, but also a food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) fishery.

“We have not had a general opening on the Early Stuart for a long time. The run has been generally

weak,” he noted.




Economic opportunities for Sto:lo under AFS, meaning the chance to sell their catch, are likely

coming for the Early Summer run, the first of four main runs on the Fraser.

Dean Werk, president of the Fraser Valley Salmon Society predicts there will be “lots of happy

fishers” in all the user groups.

“We may never see a year like this again.”

It’s going to mean ample opportunities to get out on the river.

“People are excited to hear we are going to have some good returns,” he said. “Chilliwack and area

has the most to gain from what we’re about to see.”

Fishing is a major economic driver for Chilliwack and area.

“Even at half the number they’re predicted, it’s still going to be good.”

Guides and other tourism-related businesses are poised to do well this

season.

“This is the hub of it all,” said Werk, who also owns Great River Fishing Adventures.

He’s looking to hire more river guides.

“We’re booked solid and virtually sold out right now.”

From the Vedder Canal to Hope is where “the magic” is, he said. “People need to be in the gravel

reach.”




Special Report

Special Report: Southern Resident Killer Whales

10 Years of Research and Conservation

June 25, 2014

Today, NOAA Fisheries released a report

highlighting the accomplishments of 10 years

of dedicated research and conservation of the

endangered Southern Resident killer whale

population. With a decade of federal funding

and productive partnerships with the killer

whale community, we have taken targeted

actions, collected substantial new data, and

refined scientific techniques to protect this

listed species and ensure a strong foundation

for its recovery.

Some Findings and Milestones

Southern Residents favor Chinook

salmon as prey.

They are among the most contaminated

marine mammals in the world.

When vessels are present, they hunt

less and travel more.

NOAA established new vessel approach

regulations and oil spill contingencies to

protect the whales.

In the winter, they forage along the West Coast as far south as central California.

Looking Ahead

The population continues to struggle to recover, due in part to the influence of risk factors we have

yet to fully understand. While we have come a long way in understanding of some key aspects of

these risk factors, and have improved our ability to protect these animals, many questions still

remain.

Editorial Comment:

Amazing – Nothing new after spending

millions of taxpayer dollars the past ten

years

As with other taxpayer-funded, “cash

cows”, more time and money will be

required to resolve many questions.

In the meantime:

Chinook salmon populations continue

to plummet

Increased risks of catastrophic oil spills

Increased noise pollution (sonar,

engine noises) with increased oil and

coal tankers

Southern Resident killer whales and other

marine wildlife are doomed if society fails

to effectively protect them and their

ecosystems.

http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/news/features/killer_whale_report/index.cfm




Conservationists Extraordinaire – Walking the Talk

Jim and Donna Teeny




Featured Fishing Adventures, Photos, “Funnies” and Not so Funny:

Fish for Peacock Bass on Brazil’s Aqua Boa River with host Camille Egdorf

Base camp: Aqua Boa Amazon Lodge Dates: December 18-27. 2014 Est. cost: $4,000

Book your Peacock Bass fishing adventure with Fishing with Larry

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AAAmmmaaazzzooonnn iiinnn DDDeeeccceeemmmbbbeeerrr 222000111444!!!

WWWhhhooo wwwaaannntttsss tttooo jjjoooiiinnn mmmeee???

CCCaaammmiiilllllleee

You can land 30 to 100+ peacock bass per day. Some will be huge. The lodge has exclusive rights to over 100-miles of the Agua Boa River so you literally have an entire river to yourself.

There is a giant reserve area – birds, wildlife, no people, no mosquitoes. There is one guide per two anglers per boat.

Includes: airport reception, all transfers in Brazil, 240-mile deluxe roundtrip flight Manaus, Brazil to lodge, lodging, daily laundry service, meals, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local liquor, fishing license, free copy of Larry’s 40-page book Fly fishing for Peacock Bass. We also supply all flies, and fly patterns. Plus, courtesy of Agua Boa Amazon Lodge - Free 8-day Global Rescue Insurance, a $119.00 value.

Does not include: international airfare, Brazilian visa, satellite telephone calls, liquor, airport taxes, overnight hotel and meals in Manaus, and tackle. (Our hosted groups usually stay together at a nicer hotel in Manaus.)

http://aguaboaamazonlodge.com/

http://www.fishingwithlarry.com/




Fly Gal Ventures Hosted Travel: New Zealand – December 2014

http://www.flygal.ca/hosted-trips/




Brown bears fishing for returning salmon at Brooks Falls, Katmai National

Park, Alaska

Watch realtime bear cam HERE

http://explore.org/live-cams/player/brown-bear-salmon-cam-brooks-falls




Hidden Paths - Slovenia: Sava River- fishing club Radovljica

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hidden-paths-Slovenia/163437077096815?fref=photo




The Big Halibut That Didn't Get Away!

It was 99 inches long between 550-560 pounds! I would have released it, but it had swallowed my

Davis Spanker jig and was bleeding.

The angler who hooked into it thought he was snagged on the bottom and couldn't get it to budge so

handed me the rod and I got it coming in, then handed him his rod back and he fought it for 45

minutes and gave out from exhaustion and handed me the rod back and I finished fighting the battle

landing the GIANT!

It would be the all tackle World record, but you are instantly disqualified if anyone else touches your

rod!!! The guy standing in the photo is 6'7"

George Davis – Alaska Wild Adventures

http://www.alaskawildadventures.tv/




Ling cod on light tackle

Rhett Webber: Owner / Operator “Slammer” – Westport, Washington




Blue Marlin: Released to Fight Again

Photo credit: Frank Rodriguez – Owner: The Fa La Me

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fa-La-Me/115685871788031




Jim Wilcox with a chinook salmon

Fishing out of Westport, Washington with longtime friend Terry Turner on “Slammer”




Conservation-minded businesses – please support these fine businesses

Kingfish West Coast Adventure Tours

Trophy Salmon and Steelhead fishing on the Kitimat River with driftboat, riverraft or pontoonboat, we

offer as well remote streamside wading. We are specialized in fly-fishing and conventional fishing

techniques for silver chrome aggressive steelhead and salmon. We give our clients the opportunity to

fish our headwaters, tributaries and mainstream Kitimat River. The lower section of the Kitimat River

we target with the jet boat and is considered tidal and can offer phenomenal fishing for salmon as

they migrate upriver.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kingfish-Westcoast-Adventure-Tours/210962152332314?id=210962152332314&sk=info




Dave and Kim Egdorf's Western Alaska Sport Fishing

Booking Now for 2014

Montana: (406) 665-3489 Alaska: (907) 842-5480

https://www.facebook.com/westernalaskasportfishing




UWET "STAY-DRY" UNDERWATER TOURS

UWET "STAY-DRY" UNDERWATER TOURS

TTHHEE WWOORRLLDD''SS UULLTTIIMMAATTEE EECCOO--TTOOUURR UNDERWATER EXPLORATIONS

of

SEATTLE'S PUGET SOUND

You, Your Family, Couples, Friends, Parents/Grandparents with Children, and Groups...

Anyone can become a UWET Explorer!

Individuals (ages 6/up) seeking interactive small group experiences...

UWET Tours are very small group (4 Explorers maximum per tour)!

Travelers and Cruisers seeking pleasant low-stress tour experiences...

UWET Tours are 100% "Stay-Dry" underwater investigations (explorers do not even get their feet wet)!

Everyday People who fantasize about being a "real" explorer sharing the excitement

and glory of discovery with others... UWET Discovery Tours transform ordinary people into Genuine Underwater Eco-Explorers who have a DVD of their discoveries to share with others!

http://www.cmtravel4fun.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=318

http://www.cmtravel4fun.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=318




EcoDepot: “Solar Saves Salmon”!

EcoDepot powers up a music fest and spreads the word

http://www.ecodepotinc.com/




Spirit Bear Coffee Company

Welcome to Spirit Bear

Welcome to Spirit Bear Coffee, the home of the world's finest Organic Coffee.

Why organic coffee instead of conventional coffee? Conventional coffees are grown with herbicides, pesticides and fungicides which are extremely dangerous for the farmers, their families, and the surrounding ecosystem.

Organic coffee is grown without these chemicals and, as such, has a much gentler impact on the local environment.

Coffee trees normally do not grow in direct sunlight. Trees have now been genetically engineered to be sun-resistant. Widespread clear-cutting has been carried out to make way for these new strains of trees.

These are just two examples of why Organic Coffee is a reason, logical, and ethical alternative to mainstream sources.

http://www.spiritbearcoffeecompany.com/home.shtml




Winsmes Fly Fishing Lodge, Norway

http://www.gaulasalmon.com/




Congratulations to Bravo Restaurant and Lounge Management and Staff

http://www.bravorestaurant.ca/




Rhett Weber’s Charterboat “Slammer”

Reserve your 2014 Pacific Ocean fishing adventures on Slammer through Deep Sea

Charters – Westport, Washington

222000111444

Westport Salmon Seasons Set:

Now through September 30: one wild

or one hatchery Chinook (King) and one

hatchery Coho (Silver) OR two hatchery

Coho (Silvers).

This is the first year since 1983 that

the season has been set to go 7 days

a week for the whole year!

Large quotas of both species.

http://deepseacharters.net/reservations/NewRes.php

http://deepseacharters.net/reservations/NewRes.php




Riverman Guide Service – since 1969

Kim Malcom – Owner, Operator

Licensed and Insured Guide

Quality Float Trips – Western Washington Rivers – Steelhead, Salmon, Trout

KKKiiimmm MMMaaalllcccooommm’’’sss

RRRiiivvveeerrrmmmaaannn GGGuuuiiidddeee SSSeeerrrvvviiiccceee (((333666000))) 444555666---888444222444




Learn to fish: experienced, conservation-minded professional instructors

View our six-panel, information brochure HERE

http://issuu.com/steelhead-salmon-society/docs/kimandallen




Westcoast Fishing Adventures

We are a world class fishing destination with 17 years of guiding experience on the Skeena and

nearly all the remote systems of the North extending our boundaries as far as the head waters of the

Nass river.

Guests of Westcoast Fishing can expect a professional experience from the time you book your trip

we are licensed to guide on over 30 rivers including area lakes and Ocean fishing for halibut &

salmon. There are no extra rod days fees when fishing with our company we include them in the

package. Guests will stay at our B&B Style Lodge nested in between the mountains and the Skeena

River.

If you’re looking for a unique steelhead fly-fishing adventure — an expedition off the beaten path —

this is your trip. By truck, by boat, by helicopter (if you’re feeling rich ), or walk and wade — whatever

it takes — we’ll explore hidden valleys and fish where very few people have step foot before. Make

your reservations today or visit our guided adventures page for more information.

http://westcoastfishing.ca/

http://westcoastfishing.ca/accommodations

http://westcoastfishing.ca/guidedadventures




Waters West Guided Sportfishing

We are full time USCG/WDFW licensed Washington and

Oregon fishing guides and charters.

We fish year round for trophy Salmon, Sturgeon, Steelhead

and Trout in Washington and Oregon's rivers, lakes, and

bays.

If you are looking for a top fishing guide who is familiar with

Washington and Oregon's popular fisheries such as, Buoy 10

near Astoria, Oregon, the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, scenic

Drano Lake, or the famous Columbia, Cowlitz,

Wynoochee and Chehalis Rivers, then look no further.

I offer both full (8-9hr.) and half day (4-5hr.) fishing trips and

charters at affordable rates for any skill level.

LLeettss FFiisshh!!

http://www.fishwaterswest.com/




Fishing Tips and Tricks

You May Be Killing Steelhead And Not Even Know It

STEELHEADERS ARE GENERALLY PRETTY SERIOUS ABOUT CATCH-AND-RELEASE,

BUT IT’S LIKELY THAT MANY ARE MORTALLY WOUNDING FISH WITHOUT EVER

KNOWING IT.

There are few species of fish as vulnerable as wild steelhead.

These fish are beset on all sides by threats both natural and man-made. With their numbers

dwindling, it’s safe to say, every steelhead counts. It’s vital that those of us who fish for them practice

the best catch-and-release practices.

However, common landing practices can kill fish without the angler ever knowing. A team of

biologists studying steelhead in British Columbia discovered this problem, quite by accident. These

scientists were tagging steelhead with GPS trackers. They determined that the least intrusive way to

capture the fish was, well, the same way we do it. With a fly rod. They landed the fish, tagged them

with the GPS device and released them. When they went to their computer to track the fish’s

progress they discovered something alarming.

Within two hours many of the fish they had tagged, and released in good health, were dead. They

collected the fish and performed autopsies to determine what had gone wrong.

http://www.ginkandgasoline.com/steelhead/you-may-be-killing-steelhead-and-not-even-know-it/




In every case the cause of death was head trauma. It turns out that

‘steelhead’ is a misnomer. The fish’s head is, in fact, its most

vulnerable spot.

When landing the fish the researchers had played them into shallow water where they would be easy

to tail. As the fish came into the shallows they were no longer, fully submerged. Without the

resistance of the water surrounding them, their powerful thrashing was able to generate momentum

that is not possible underwater. The flopping fish simply hit their heads on a rock.

The fish appeared fine when released, but their injured brains began to swell and soon they were

dead.

It makes perfect sense if you think about it. Fish have evolved in an environment where hitting their

head on anything with enough force to cause damage is almost impossible. Their brains lack the

natural protection enjoyed by terrestrial species.

Luckily, this unfortunate outcome is easily avoided.

The angler has a couple of good options.

Landing fish by hand in knee deep water is a little tougher but much safer for the fish. You can

grab the leader to control the fish long enough to tail it. After a fish or two it will feel very

natural.

When possible, it’s best to use a good catch-and-release net. This is safest for the fish and

easiest for the angler. A net helps you seal the deal while the fish is still fresh and requires

little reviving.

Always control your fish once he’s landed.

Keep his gills wet and support his head in case he makes a sudden attempt to escape.

Keeping him, dorsal fin up, will keep his range of motion side-to-side, making it harder for him

to injure himself.

When possible keep him in deeper water.

Never beach a fish when landing him

Never lay him on the bank for a photo. It’s just not worth it.

Wild steelhead are precious resources.

Those of us who come to the river looking for them must lead by

example and do our best to be good stewards of these remarkable

fish.

Their future is, literally in our hands.




Wildlife Artists:




Artist Beau Dick with one of his creations

http://www.fazakasgallery.com/artists/beau-dick-kwakwakawakw/




Diane Michelin: “Still Time”

Original watercolor

10" x 8"

#2 of a series of 10

See more of Ms. Michelin’s amazing work at Fly Fishing Fine Art

Welcome to Fly Fishing Fine Art, including original paintings, limited edition prints and commissions in fly fishing and angling themes, by Canadian watercolor artist Diane Michelin. Diane is anxious to capture the essence of fly fishing and record those memories that bring us back to the river. Her art is currently on display in museums, fly shops, lodges and private collections. Browse through the gallery, and contact Diane Michelin directly to discuss your purchase of fly fishing fine art.

http://www.dianemichelin.com/




Dan Wallace (Haida): Eagle Pendant (featured)

Oxidized Silver – 1 ½”

http://www.spiritwrestler.com/catalog/index.php?artists_id=646&sort=6d




New from Anissa Reed Designs and Art

Get your WILD hippy on

From size 2T to adult XL

I dyed them myself and hand screened a new "Born TO Be W-I-L-D" version of my TM logo.

Kid sizes are $20 and adult sizes are $25. Shipping is $5 in Canada

Tell me what size and I'll let you know what I have in stock..

All tie dye have been colour set and washed in hot water and dried.

I also have ladies cuts.

http://www.anissareed.com/




The Wilds

The Wilds: Owen Owen Owen, Holly Arntzen, Wil D Silversalmon, Kevin Wright, Christine Domeij

Sinclair and Shawn Soucy.

http://www.artistresponseteam.com/

https://www.facebook.com/bassothemaestro

https://www.facebook.com/holly.arntzen

https://www.facebook.com/wil.silversalmon

https://www.facebook.com/christine.d.sinclair

https://www.facebook.com/christine.d.sinclair

https://www.facebook.com/drumsetc




Editorial Opinion

Work together for fish, or pull the recovery plug

by Jim Wilcox (Wild Game Fish Conservation International)

July 4, 2014

It’s time for our citizens to demand conservation (wise use)

of our tax dollars used to fund local, state and federal

projects. Of particular concern to me is the ongoing

expenditures of billions of dollars to recover Washington-

origin, wild Pacific salmon.

As a lifelong outdoorsman, this is truly a noble undertaking.

Unfortunately, the actions of our elected officials who react

to corporate thugs permit unwise utilization of the land and

water resources required to recover wild salmon.

From the proposed dam on the upper Chehalis River, to

steep slope clear cut logging, to ocean-based salmon

feedlots, to floodplain development, to source point and non-

source point pollution, to increased oil and coal exports - the

list of risks to Washington’s wild Pacific salmon is long and

complex.

The point being is that we all need to either work together to recover these magnificent fish and their

ecosystems or we should pull the financial plug on their recovery.

We simply cannot have robust populations of wild salmon while we

continue raping the very resources they require to thrive.

Jim Wilcox

http://www.theolympian.com/2014/07/04/3208638/work-together-for-fish-or-pull.html?sp=/99/109/208/




Seafood consumption: Public health risks and benefits

Enjoy seasonal wild salmon dinners at these fine restaurants:




Norwegian Scientists Warn Against Eating Farmed Salmon: Everything You

Need to Know About Farmed Fish

February 15, 2014

http://worldtruth.tv/norwegian-scientists-warn-against-eating-farmed-salmon-everything-you-need-to-know-about-farmed-fish/

http://worldtruth.tv/norwegian-scientists-warn-against-eating-farmed-salmon-everything-you-need-to-know-about-farmed-fish/




Women, children and adolescents should avoid eating farmed salmon,

according to Norwegian doctors and international experts. The reason

is that salmon feed contains harmful pollutants.

Talking to VG, specialist Anne-Lise Birch Monsen and Physician and professor of medicine, Bjørn

Bolann say that it is uncertain in both the amount of toxins and how they affect children, adolescents

and pregnant. They point out that the type of contaminants that have been detected in farmed

salmon have a negative effect on brain development and is associated with autism, AD / HD and

reduced IQ.

A large European study involving about 8,000 newborns, shows that pregnant women with high

levels of toxins in the body have children with lower birth weight, which may have an adverse effect

on child health.

Conservative party (Høyre) economic policy spokesman Svein Flåtten asks fisheries minister to

respond in the Parliament on whether Norwegian farmed salmon is dangerous to eat for children and

pregnant women.

I want to know what she can do to make Norwegian consumers and society sure that Norwegian

farmed salmon is a healthy and clean product. That’s what we’ve been hearing from researchers for

years, says Flåtten to NTB.

He believes there is reason to take seriously the warning raised by doctors.

- There is no doubt that such claims may have a negative effect on salmon industry. Therefore, it is

important to clarify this quickly. I expect the health authorities to look closely at the findings

discussed, he said.

If you eat seafood, unless you catch it yourself or ask the right questions, the odds are pretty good it

comes from a fish farm. The aquaculture industry is like a whale on steroids, growing faster than any

other animal agriculture segment and now accounting for half the fish eaten in the U.S.

As commercial fishing operations continue to strip the world’s oceans of life, with one-third of fishing

stocks collapsed and the rest headed there by mid-century, fish farming is seen as a way to meet the

world’s growing demand. But is it really the silver bullet to solve the Earth’s food needs? Can marine

farms reliably satisfy the seafood cravings of three billion people around the globe?

This article looks at aquaculture and its long-term effects on fish, people, and other animals. With this

industry regularly touted as a paragon of food production, whether you eat seafood or not, you should

know these nine key facts about farmed fish.

1. Farmed fish have dubious nutritional value. The Omega-3 Levels are Not What You Think

Here’s a frustrating paradox for those who eat fish for their health: the nutritional benefits of fish are

greatly decreased when it’s farmed. Take omega-3 fatty acids. Wild fish get their omega-3’s from

aquatic plants. Farmed fish, however, are often fed corn, soy, or other feedstuffs that contain little or

no omega-3’s. This unnatural, high-corn diet also means some farmed fish accumulate unhealthy

levels of the wrong fatty acids. Further, farmed fish are routinely dosed with antibiotics, which can

cause antibiotic-resistant disease in humans.

http://www.sciencemag.org/content/314/5800/787.figures-only

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/science/earth/02tilapia.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/science/earth/02tilapia.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

http://loginptr.elsevierhealth.com/PhoenixWeb/PhoenixServlet?d=http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/animalveterinary/guidancecomplianceenforcement/guidanceforindustry/ucm216936.pdf




2. The farmed fishing industry robs Peter to pay Paul. Small Prey Fish May be Driven to

Extinction

While some farmed fish can live on diets of corn or soy, others need to eat fish – and lots of it. Tuna

and salmon, for example, need to eat up to five pounds of fish for each pound of body weight. The

result is that prey (fish like anchovies and herring) are being fished to the brink of extinction to feed

the world’s fish farms.

“We have caught all the big fish and now we are going after their food,” says the non-profit Oceana,

which blames aquaculture’s voracious hunger for declines of whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, tuna,

bass, salmon, albatross, penguins, and other species.

3. Fish experience pain and stress.

Contrary to the wishful thinking of many a catch-and-release angler, the latest research shows

conclusively that fish experience pain and stress. In one study, fish injected with bee venom engaged

in rocking behavior linked to pain and, compared to control groups, reduced their swimming activity,

waited three times longer to eat, and had higher breathing rates. Farmed fish are subject to

the routine stresses of hyperconfinement throughout their lives, and are typically killed in slow, painful

ways like evisceration, starvation, or asphyxiation.

4. Farmed fish are loaded with disease, and this spreads to wild fish populations.

Farmed fish are packed as tightly as coins in a purse, with twenty-seven adult trout, for example,

typically scrunched into a bathtub-sized space. These unnatural conditions give rise to diseases and

parasites, which often migrate off the farm and infect wild fish populations. On Canada’s Pacific

coast, for example, sea lice infestations are responsible for mass kill-offs of pink salmon that have

destroyed 80% of the fish in some local populations. But the damage doesn’t end there, because

eagles, bears, orcas, and other predators depend on salmon for their existence. Drops in wild salmon

numbers cause these species to decline as well.

http://www.esa.org/esa/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/issue8.pdf

http://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/11620121/hungry-oceans-pdf-oceana

http://hermes.mbl.edu/research/services/iacuc/pdf/pain_gold_fish09.pdf

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/10698966_Do_fishes_have_nociceptors_Evidence_for_the_evolution_of_a_vertebrate_sensory_system

https://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2009a/090429GarnerPain.html

http://www.fao.org/docrep/010/a1290e/a1290e00.HTM

http://www.adopt-a-fry.org/wp-content/uploads/file/MKetal_SCIENCE07.pdf

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/science/04prof.html?_r=0&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1383768020-tsihop0SZ40Q6YdSIuQPsQ




5. Fish farms are rife with toxins, which also damage local ecosystems.

You can’t have diseases and parasites infecting your economic units, so operators fight back by

dumping concentrated antibiotics and other chemicals into the water. Such toxins damage local

ecosystems in ways we’re just beginning to understand. One study found that a drug used to combat

sea lice kills a variety of nontarget marine invertebrates, travels up to half a mile, and persists in the

water for hours.

6. Farmed fish are living in their own feces.

That’s right, fish poop too. Farmed fish waste falls as sediment to the seabed in sufficient quantities

to overwhelm and kill marine life in the immediate vicinity and for some distance beyond. It also

promotes algal growth, which reduces water’s oxygen content and makes it hard to support life.

When the Israeli government learned that algal growth driven by two fish farms in the Red Sea was

hurting nearby coral reefs, it shut them down.

7. Farmed fish are always trying to escape their unpleasant conditions, and who can blame

them?

In the North Atlantic region alone, up to two million runaway salmon escape into the wild each year.

The result is that at least 20% of supposedly wild salmon caught in the North Atlantic are of farmed

origin. Escaped fish breed with wild fish and compromise the gene pool, harming the wild population.

Embryonic hybrid salmon, for example, are far less viable than their wild counterparts, and adult

hybrid salmon routinely die earlier than their purebred relatives. This pressure on wild populations

further hurts predators who rely on fish like bears and orcas.

8. See: the Jevons Paradox.

This counterintuitive economic theory says that as production methods grow more efficient, demand

for resources actually increases – rather than decreasing, as you might expect. Accordingly, as

aquaculture makes fish production increasingly efficient, and fish become more widely available and

less expensive, demand increases across the board. This drives more fishing, which hurts wild

populations. Thus, as the construction of new salmon hatcheries from 1987 to 1999 drove lower

prices and wider availability of salmon, world demand for salmon increased more than fourfold during

the period. The net result: fish farming cranks up the pressure on already-depleted populations of

wild fish around the world.

9. When the heavy environmental damage they cause is taken into account, fish farming

operations often are found to generate more costs than revenues.

One study found that aquaculture in Sweden’s coastal waters “is not only ecologically but also

economically unsustainable.” Another report concluded that fish farming in a Chinese lake is an

“economically irrational choice from the perspective of the whole society, with an unequal tradeoff

between environmental costs and economic benefits.” Simply put, aquaculture drives heavy

ecological harms and these cost society money. In the U.S., fish farming drives hidden costs of

roughly $700 million each year – or half the annual production value of fish farming operations.

http://aquaculturereform.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/bp-lobster-or-non-target-toxic-effects.pdf

http://www.readcube.com/articles/10.1038/425753a

http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/content/56/2/200.full.pdf

http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/content/56/2/200.full.pdf

http://www.readcube.com/articles/10.1038/425753a

http://www.iser.uaa.alaska.edu/people/knapp/personal/pubs/TRAFFIC/The_Great_Salmon_Run.pdf

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479784710139

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/113852965/Fisheries-and-Aquaculture-Landings-Up-But-Farmed-Production-Revenues-Down




The new agreement has important implications for Scotland's salmon farming industry in terms of sustainability

Salmon farmer signs 'fish waste to protein supplement' deal

July 11, 2014

http://www.edie.net/news/5/Salmon-farmer-signs--fish-waste-to-protein-supplement--deal/#.U8Fr14rgjvE.facebook




Salmon waste is set to be turned into a dietary product, providing an

alternative source of protein that will help combat malnutrition.

An agreement has been signed between independent Scottish salmon farmer Loch Duart and

nutrition technology firm CellsUnited to significantly increase the value extracted from farmed

salmon.

Under the deal, Loch Duart will supply

CellsUnited with up to 450 tonnes of salmon

viscera and heads. The salmon by-product will

be used to produce Cellper, a nutritional

compound that can be given to people who

cannot otherwise digest protein.

The by-product will undergo a complex refinement process to produce the product, which can be

used in two forms - either as a dietary supplement in basic granular form that can be transported to

remote parts of the world, or as a liquid nutritional supplement for hospital patients.

The arrangement has important implications for Scotland's salmon farming industry in terms of

sustainability. Currently when salmon are prepared for customers, the guts are disposed of through

insilation and once filleted, the heads and frames are used in low-grade applications such as fertiliser

and pet food.

Important breakthrough

Loch Duart director Andy Bing says that the Cellper process is derived from technology developed for

long-distance space travel.

"The full nutritional benefit, including that of the viscera, frames and

heads, can be used to combat malnutrition in developing countries and

to speed the recovery of many categories of hospital patients in the

developed world. We are delighted to be part of this important

breakthrough," he commented.

According to CellsUnited managing director Andy Smith, the aquaculture industry represents a clear

commercial opportunity for the company's technology.

"We plan to spend the next 18 months working closely with Loch Duart before establishing volume

production, which will need a minimum of 4,500 tonnes of salmon waste a year. Our relationship with

Loch Duart will continue as part of our permanent R&D base in Dingwall," he said.

Loch Duart's farm is based in North West Scotland, where it produces around 5,000 tonnes of

salmon each year. It claims to be the first fish farm in the world to achieve RSPCA Freedom Food

approval, employing farming methods that include low density stocking farming, a rotational fallowing

system, swim-throughs and feed from sustainable sources.

Editorial Comment:

Culled, dead and dying, diseased salmon

will likely be included as waste to be

utilized in this effort to “improve nutrition”.

To what level is humanity sinking?




WGFCI: protecting what needs protected

.

Sam Mace: Crackdown on Deadbeat Dams Inland Northwest Director

Save Our Wild Salmon

Thanks to you and project partners for bringing DamNation to Olympia, Washington this evening -

further evidence of why new dams such as the one proposed for the Chehalis River should be

opposed,

Hopefully those who care about wild Snake River and Columbia River salmon and steelhead will sign

the "Crackdown on Deadbeat Dams" petition to President Obama at:

http://www.change.org/petitions/president-barack-obama-crack-down-on-deadbeat-dams.

Maria Cantwell, Patty Murray, Denny Heck: Protect Wild Salmon Rally

US Congress (Washington state)

This message was also sent to regional TV media:

KCPQ 13 (FOX), KING 5 (NBC), KIRO 7 (CBS), KOMO 4 (ABC),

We at Wild Game Fish Conservation International invite you to join a broad coalition of concerned

individuals and organizations for the the July 19, Protect Wild Salmon Rally at the International Peace

Arch border crossing between Canada and the USA.

Details of this important rally are available at:

http://issuu.com/steelhead-salmon-society/docs/protect_wild_salmon_rally

http://www.change.org/petitions/president-barack-obama-crack-down-on-deadbeat-dams

http://issuu.com/steelhead-salmon-society/docs/protect_wild_salmon_rally




Community Activism, Education, Litigation and Outreach




Honoring the 47 – One year later

No Grays Harbor Crude Oil Export – Ever!




The horrific events of July 6, 2013 when forty seven regular folks in the community of Lac Méganatic,

Quebec, Canada lost their lives were emotionally remembered today, one year later across North

America and around planet Earth.

These law-abiding citizens and their town center were “vaporized” immediately following the

derailment of several antiquated tank cars loaded with highly volatile Bakken deposit crude oil. This

Bakken crude exploded into an intense fireball that burned for more than three days – first responders

were simply overwhelmed.

The Quinault Indian Nation, Citizens for a Clean Harbor and others held a moving rally in Aberdeen,

Washington near the Port of Grays Harbor shipping terminals on this day to honor “The 47” and to

vow that the Port of Grays Harbor shipping terminals and their associated rail lines will never be used

to transport, store or export crude oil.

Editorial Comment:

The diverse history and optimistic future of Grays Harbor, its

communities and citizens are unique – they must continue to be

protected from the madness associated with the proposed storage

and export of crude oil – one single crude oil spill into the Chehalis

River, its estuary, Grays Harbor or the nearshore habitat of the

Pacific Ocean would irreversibly and irresponsibly impact this

diverse yet tight knit community and many more.

Logging Fishing

Tourism




2nd thoughts on 3 oil terminals

Grays Harbor County projects that were easily embraced last year are now challenged

July 13, 2014

The town of Westport, dotting a windswept peninsula that juts into Grays Harbor, shows off

panoramic views and offers tourists an affable collection of restaurants and stores festooned with

American flags.

Make no mistake, though, it's a flinty workplace where many jobs remain tied to natural resources in

the harbor itself. The town's expansive marina furnishes a sizable commercial fishing fleet, an

industry that rewards those who can roll with nature's ebb and flow.

"You don't always see the treasure," said Larry Thevik, who at age 66 has plied these waters for 44

years in pursuit of albacore, salmon, halibut and, nowadays, Dungeness crab. "Sometimes you see

the hardship."

It's difficult enough for Thevik and other fishermen to deal with commercial fishing's good and bad

seasons, and the uncertainties that haunt their marketplace. But another industry that sees Grays

Harbor as a gateway to the world wants to muscle into the area in a big way. Three companies are

proposing to build or expand terminal operations that would bring in crude oil by rail from the Midwest

and transfer it to ships for transport to refineries and, ultimately, consumers.

The nation's extraction of oil, the sudden growth of the commodity's movement by rail and a

corporate play to enlarge the West Coast's role in moving and refining crude has plunged Gray's

Harbor, Vancouver, and other Northwest communities into an indelible struggle over how they'll

define themselves economically, environmentally, politically.

In Washington and Oregon, at least 10 refineries and port terminals are planning, building or already

operating infrastructure to support oil-by-rail cargoes. It's highly likely that most oil trains headed from

North Dakota's Bakken oil fields to Grays Harbor County would travel through the Columbia Gorge

and Clark County.

Backers of more oil infrastructure say the industry can co-exist with others. Thevik disagrees. He

sees risks piling up. He fears the specter of unprecedented amounts of toxic crude ruining a fishing

industry, worth tens of millions of dollars annually, that depends on a sustainable ecology.

In opposing the oil industry's expansion in his community, Thevik joins with a growing number of

people along rail lines stretching from the North Dakota oil fields to the Pacific Ocean in challenging a

critical cog in the industry's wheel: getting its product to market.

READ ENTIRE COLUMBIAN ARTICLE HERE

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/jul/13/2nd-thoughts-on-3-oil-terminals/#.U8LBFsX7MGY.facebook

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/jul/13/2nd-thoughts-on-3-oil-terminals/#.U8LBFsX7MGY.facebook




Oil Trains in Washington: Bad for Business, Unacceptable Risk

July 8, 2014

There is a rapidly growing threat to Washington’s powerful mix of local economies, natural beauty,

and internationally significant tech and manufacturing sector: a massive explosion in crude oil

transport through the state. And when I write “through” the state, that’s just it: it’s not for us.

Our brand as a state (Evergreen State) is largely defined by beautiful places, wonderful creatures,

and great experiences: Orcas, salmon, crab, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, ferries and Pike Place.

Dave Matthews at the Gorge. Columbia River wineries, apples and wheat. Hiking and kayaking, or

espresso in a million different places. Craft brewing.

All those wonderful qualities are put at risk by turning Washington into a funnel for crude oil to Pacific

markets. Also at risk – by virtue of proximity to the oil train tracks through Seattle – are a few

companies with a touch of name recognition: Starbucks. Vulcan. Seattle Seahawks.

READ ENTIRE WACATALYST ARTICLE HERE

http://www.wacatalyst.org/oil-trains-in-washington-bad-for-business-unacceptable-risk/

http://www.wacatalyst.org/oil-trains-in-washington-bad-for-business-unacceptable-risk/




Millions of Americans live in the blast zone. Do you?

When oil trains derail we all pay the price. How close are you and your family to a disaster waiting to happen? Use the blast zone map HERE to find out and take action.

http://explosive-crude-by-rail.org/




State firefighters want Inslee to halt Bakken crude by rail till safety concerns addressed

Gov. Jay Inslee should to do everything in his power to halt the

movement of Bakken crude by rail through the state until a state

agency study is completed next year and measures are put into place

to make sure the oil can be transported safely.

So says a resolution passed by the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters at its annual

convention in Spokane in late June. It also asks Inslee to make sure local communities have enough

resources to combat any oil explosions, spills and derailments and says association members “will

work closely with communities it now serves to inform them of our concerns about crude by rail

transportation and engage them in discussions about maintaining a healthy and safe community

based on prevention and preparation.”

The lengthy resolution lays out concerns about the safety of the rail lines, the tanker cars, the

flammability of the crude and the ability of local communities and firefighters to handle big crude

accidents or explosions should they occur.

The resolution specifically mentions Grays Harbor as one of the areas of major concern, where oil

trains could travel “possibly through Rochester along the Chehalis River west on the Genessee

&Wyoming (railroad) lines to three proposed marine transfer terminals at the Port of Grays Harbor.”

“Our railroads do not transport any crude oil in Washington. Before we would do so, the necessary

infrastructure upgrades and operating protocols would be put in place to ensure that it was

transported safely,” said Michael E. Williams, director of corporate communications for Genessee

&Wyoming Railroad.

Plans to bring crude oil in rail tanker cars to ship by barges and tankers from Port of Grays Harbor

facilities are proposed by Imperium Renewables, Westway Terminals and U.S. Development. The

storage facilities would all be in Hoquiam, but the oil trains of up to 150 cars would travel through

Aberdeen. There were three derailments of grain cars in Grays Harbor this spring within a short time.

Genessee &Wyoming would be the carrier to handle rail shipments to Grays Harbor if those projects

are approved.

http://thedailyworld.com/news/local/state-firefighters-want-inslee-halt-bakken-crude-rail-till-safety-concerns-addressed#sthash.imXoTVY3.dpuf

http://thedailyworld.com/news/local/state-firefighters-want-inslee-halt-bakken-crude-rail-till-safety-concerns-addressed#sthash.imXoTVY3.dpuf




The council members endorsed Inslee and are strong supporters of him, said Geoff Simpson, their

legislative lobbyist. They hope to meet with him soon about concerns expressed in the resolution.

Founded in 1939, the state council is the largest group of professional unionized firefighters in the

state, with 8,000 members and 133 locals, including crews in Aberdeen and Hoquiam.

The resolution notes concerns about plans to expand rail capacity to receive the oil at four refineries

and that “newly proposed marine transfer stations at the ports of Vancouver and Grays Harbor will

greatly increase the number of oil trains traveling in our state.”

It also notes the city council of Vancouver voted to oppose the proposed oil terminal and movement

of Bakken crude through its city. The final decision on that project will rest with Inslee.

The resolution quotes concerns stated by the National Transportation Safety Board.

There is no mandate for railroads to develop comprehensive plans or to secure the availability

of necessary response resources.

The carriers have effectively placed the burden of fixing or remediating the environmental

consequences of an accident on local communities along the route.

The resolution then warns “this burden to protect is being placed on local jurisdictions — many who

are struggling to maintain their firefighters and first responders, let alone provide them with adequate

resources to respond to oil fires, explosions and derailments.”

The resolution also asks that after March 1, if Inslee and the appropriate state agencies determine

that the crude by rail is safe to move through cities and rural areas, the council “be informed as to the

existence of adequate public resources to prepare for and deal with oil fires, spills and derailments.”

The resolution also points out that the vast majority of the rail cars

that could be loaded with the crude are DOT-111s “which have been

known to puncture upon impact since 1991.” The DOT-111 cars make

up some 78,000 of 92,000 cars in service, the resolution estimates.

Locals support resolution

The council is part of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the presidents of both

locals, Dave Swinhart of Local No. 2639 in Aberdeen and Doug Stankavich of Hoquiam Local No.

315, said they support the resolution. Neither was present for the vote. Both Hoquiam delegates

voted in favor, Aberdeen’s had to leave to return to work.

“We’re fighting already to keep positions in place,” said Stankavich referring to the layoff of four

firefighters that almost came to pass in Hoquiam due to budget constraints. He is worried whether

there will be enough firefighters on duty to handle a major oil emergency with five to seven

firefighters working on a daily basis, even given mutual aid provided by other cities.

Swinhart liked the fact the resolution asks that the topic be investigated and that safety be vetted for

communities regarding potential hazards. He also worries about the aging of the rail infrastructure..




Both union leaders made a point to mention they did not want to speak against the possibility of more

family wage jobs coming to the Harbor but worried more jobs may be lost in the event of a spill or

explosion, particularly in the seafood industry.

The resolution was given a “do pass” recommendation by two committees, one on safety and health

and the other legislative matters and was passed by two-thirds of a standing vote.

The IAFF is holding its national convention in Cincinnati, Ohio from July 14-18. “I have scanned the

resolutions for the international convention and do not see any dealing with Bakken crude,” Simpson

said.

The council will meet with the governor to discuss the resolution after the IAFF national convention.




Confronting Canada Day - Dan Wallace, Audrey Siegl

Watch, Listen, Learn HERE

http://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/video/confronting-canada-day-dan-wallace-audrey-siegl/31083

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKckhL5M5f8#t=54




From the organizers:

“This year on Anti-Canada day, we come to the streets to express solidarity with people everywhere

fighting for a life worth living, specifically those who resist the reality of the Canadian state and its

ecocidal and genocidal projects in the false names of economics and progress.

This demonstration is the second in a series to build Vancouver’s energy for a frontline fight against

the industrial mega-projects which would directly affect the health and quality of our lives, and further

displace indigenous communities throughout western Canada.

Once again we come together to honour and celebrate the ongoing resistance at Unist’ot’en, an

indigenous camp set up by elders, warriors, and other community members.

Unist’ot’en camp is set up at a crucial landmark on the pathway of multiple oil and gas pipelines.

Including the recently approved Enbridge Northern Gateway Project and the Pacific Trail Pipelines

(facebook.com/Unistoten).

These industrial infrastructure projects are inextricably connected to furtherance of the highly

ecologically destructive practices, including fracking and tar sands, and the volatile tankers that bring

these toxic fluids all over the world.

For life, land and liberation. Against the pipelines and the world that needs them.”




The Answer is Still NO to Northern Gateway Pipelines




Enbridge and Kinder Morgan: We take offense to you ruining our land air and

water

“We’ll stop you. We’ll fight you. We’ll sue you.”

Watch, Listen, Learn HERE

In solidarity with protests taking place over the federal government’s decision on the Northern

Gateway pipeline, a group of Northern BC residents took action to show their opposition to all oil and

gas pipelines.

“Our community refuses to sit idle. We will take a stand for our future, the salmon, clean water, fresh

air and healthy communities!” (Chris Timms)

This evening, a large group of residents, elders and Gitxsan took over a TransCanada Open house in

Hazelton. The group walked into the open house and took part in a flashmob and banner drop. The

banner read No Pipelines, showcasing the communities angst over the litany of LNG pipelines that

threaten the Skeena river and wild salmon runs. The flash mob had community members “die in” on

the floor of the open house after someone yelled,“ gas leak!” This part of the action was in solidarity

with those suffering at the extraction sites of fracked natural gas. The actions highlight what looks to

be a growing opposition to not only oil pipelines but gas pipelines as well. Last week a direct action

workshop in the Kispiox Valley(South of Hazelton) was packed with community members promoting

these tactics.

“All angles of OIL and LNG including, pipelines, frack sites, tar sands, terminals, tankers and point of

consumption keeps us solid in our united stand against all projects contributing to pollution and

climate change.” (Mel Bazil of both Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en people)

http://vimeo.com/98668049




Winning the farmed salmon war one battle at a time

Farmed Salmon Boycott Rally at Walmart (photo credits: Chris Gadsden)

See you at the Protect Wild Salmon Rally July 19 at the International Peace Arch

PPrrooffiittiinngg ffrroomm ssaalleess ooff uunnssuussttaaiinnaabbllee,,

uunnhheeaalltthhyy,, eeccoossyysstteemm--ddeessttrrooyyiinngg,, ffeeeeddlloott

ssaallmmoonn ttoo uunnssuussppeeccttiinngg ccuussttoommeerrss..




Farmed-Salmon-Boycott launches a NEW WEBSITE!!

This is an interactive website designed to help people organize boycott rallies in their respective

locations independently, using tools that are powerful, peaceful and respectful!

Check all the tools:

Map and Gallery of boycott rallies already held and ongoing;

Calendar of rallies, and an Entry form for new ones;

Rally How-To: basics, guidelines, downloads;

Wild Salmon champions;

More.

http://www.farmed-salmon-boycott.com/




Olympia “Salmon Confidential” Premiere – October 5

Limited Seating

Admission by Donation




I am trying to protect the wild salmon of British Columbia from the impact of salmon farms.

Government refuses to acknowledge the problems. I need your help to communicate the true costs of

this industry through science, films, advertising, websites and brochures. You can read more about

my work here: alexandramorton.ca

See the documentary: Salmon Confidential

Watch 60 Minutes episode from May 11, 2014

Your greatly-appreciated donations will go to the non-profit (not a charity)

Department of Wild Salmon

DBA Pacific Coast Wild Salmon Society

Box 399

Sointula, BC V0N 3E0

You can mail a check if you prefer.

Thank you for your generous support

Alexandra Morton

http://alexandramorton.typepad.com/

http://www.salmonconfidential.ca/




Call for Action: No Salmon Farming Expansion without Wild Salmon

Protection

http://www.watershed-watch.org/cohen-petition/

http://www.watershed-watch.org/cohen-petition/




Getting Nervous? – Marine Harvest Canada presents science refuting

Alexandra Morton’s lawsuit

Following the recent hearing in Federal Court of my lawsuit over the transfer of fish carrying disease

agents into to the Ocean, Marine Harvest was quoted in two European news articles, Undercurrent

News and FIS. Their statements suggest that the science is settled with respect to PRV and the risk it

poses to wild fish in the Pacific Ocean. These statements are misleading and warrant a response.

June 9 2014, I took Canada and Marine Harvest to federal asking the court to decide if it is legal for

Canada to give salmon farming companies the power to transfer diseased salmon into net pens in the

ocean.

http://alexandramorton.typepad.com/alexandra_morton/2014/06/on-june-19-2014-marine-harvest-is-quoted-in-two-international-aquaculture-news-publications-undercurrent-news-and-fis-the.html#sthash.sgI5RL8N.dpuf

http://alexandramorton.typepad.com/alexandra_morton/2014/06/on-june-19-2014-marine-harvest-is-quoted-in-two-international-aquaculture-news-publications-undercurrent-news-and-fis-the.html#sthash.sgI5RL8N.dpuf

http://www.undercurrentnews.com/2014/06/19/marine-harvest-canada-presents-science-refuting-alexandra-mortons-lawsuit/

http://www.undercurrentnews.com/2014/06/19/marine-harvest-canada-presents-science-refuting-alexandra-mortons-lawsuit/

fis:%20http://www.fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?monthyear=6-2014&day=19&id=69349&l=e&country=&special=&ndb=1&df=1




Canada appears to have given the companies this power through the transfer conditions in their

federal aquaculture licences. Although the case was about one licence given to one company, it

appears that all federal licenses contain these transfer conditions. The farm in question is on BC's

wild salmon migration route – as are many other fish farms operating on the Pacific Coast.

Lawyers Margot Venton and Lara Tessaro with Ecojustice argued that: no, this is not consistent with

the laws of Canada. In particular the transfer conditions are contrary to s. 56 of the Fisheries Act

General Regulations which requires DFO to make the decisions about each transfer of fish and that

they may only be transferred if they are not carrying disease or disease agents that may be harmful to

the conservation and protection of fish. This case is based on one particular March 2013 transfer of

farmed Atlantic salmon infected with the piscine reovirus from a hatchery near Sayward, BC to a

salmon farm on the migration route of the Fraser sockeye – but it could set a precedent for all salmon

farms in BC.

We await Court’s the decision. This is a very important decision and could make all the difference to

how much disease BC wild salmon are exposed to and ultimately their fate as feedlot environment

viruses are known to be dangerously virulent.

Another viral Load?

Alexandra Morton:

I found the statements by Marine Harvest about me offensive, but they also deserve clarification.

Specifically Marine Harvest states they have provided “independent third party evidence that

confirms”:

1. Piscine reovirus is natural to BC and has always been here

2. It is not associated with the salmon heart disease, HSMI

3. That the disease HSMI has never been found in BC

Whoa cowboys slow that runaway pony down, aren't you are getting a little ahead of yourselves!

If Marine Harvest wants us to believe these claims are true, show us the publish peer-reviewed

scientific.




OLYMPIA CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED

JULY 23, 2014 7:00PM

NORTH OLYMPIA FIRE STATION

5046 BOSTON HARBOR ROAD NE

STEELHEAD FISHING ON

THE COWLITZ RIVER

Program:

The public is invited to the July 23, 2014 meeting of Trout Unlimited for an active and descriptive

presentation by Casey Weigel on fishing for the prized Steelhead on the Cowlitz River. He will be

covering available data regarding plants and forecasts for the upcoming seasons as well as

describing the hot spots to fish from bank or boat and cover the special disabled fisherman access.

His fishing techniques will be shared on how to catch this sought after trophy fish. He has

manufactured special lures and 'mystery' hooks (to be shown for the first time at this meeting) that

contribute to hooking and landing a prized Steelhead from the river. Be ready to have a well delivered

presentation and a “hands on” tackle discussion during the program.

Refreshments and a fishing equipment raffle will follow his presentation.

Bio: Casey Weigel

Casey Weigel grew up fishing the farm ponds of the Midwest in Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. When

he came out to Washington as a teenager he fell in love with steelhead fishing on his first guided

fishing trip on the Cowlitz River. He started guiding in Washington State on the Kalama, Wynoochee,

Humptulips and Satsop Rivers in 2003. With his wife Jessica, they operate the “Waters West Guide

Service” offering services on the Wynoochee, Columbia, Cowlitz, Satsop, Nisqually and Chehalis

rivers. They have been “doing this as a team for 10+ years and realize we wouldn't have made it this

far without each other”. Casey fishes exclusively under the Waters West Guide Service name.

Catching fish is always important but so is customer service before and after the trip.




Wild Salmon Warrior Radio with Jay Peachy – Tuesday Mornings

“Streaming like wild Pacific salmon”

CCJJSSFF 9900..11 FFMM iiss SSiimmoonn FFrraasseerr

UUnniivveerrssiittyy''ss aarrttss,, ppuubblliicc aaffffaaiirrss aanndd

iinnddiiee mmuussiicc rraaddiioo ssttaattiioonn!!

CCJJSSFF ssttrriivveess ttoo pprroovviiddee ppooiinnttss ooff vviieeww

tthhaatt aarree rraarreellyy eexxpprreesssseedd iinn mmaaiinnssttrreeaamm

mmeeddiiaa..

http://www.cjsf.ca/pguide/index.php




Wild Salmon Warrior Radio – Recent Archives

June 24, 2014: The War is On! – Heavy Crude Oil (toxic diluted bitumen)

July 1, 2014: Aboriginal title, Ocean-based salmon feedlots, Killer whale hazing, Kinder

Morgan / Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, Northern Gateway Pipeline

Approval – War is On!

July 8, 2014: Trans Canada pipeline discussion, Expected Fraser River sockeye return

July 15, 2014: First Nations litigation status update: Title and Rights, Environmental

Assessment, Consultation, Timeline of NEB hearings, Burnaby oil storage

http://www.cjsf.ca/vanilla_archives/2014_June_24_10_30.mp3

http://www.cjsf.ca/vanilla_archives/2014_July_01_10_30.mp3









Salmon feedlots




Salmon farm Production Manager to jail

The employee confessed misreporting of salmon aquaculture cages

http://www.ilaks.no/produksjonssjef-ma-i-fengsel/




Level playing field needed for aquaculture

When considering the costs of growing fish, specifically Atlantic salmon in land based

operations, it is imperative that there be a level playing field. It can easily be shown that if

ocean based open pen operations were required to be environmentally sustainable,

without government assistance and no compensation for mass mortality, these farms

would in fact be an economic disaster.

July 11, 2014

Let’s consider a three point minimum requirement for the open pen industry to continue operation.

These points could have been made several years ago, and if enforced it is likely that most ocean

pens would be shut down by now because of excessive costs or lack of technological capability.

The ocean environment and coastal communities would be far better for this eventuality.

Here are the suggested regulatory requirements.

Ocean based open pen operators MUST research, develop and install means of waste

reclamation within a specified time frame and meet a recovery efficiency of 90 per cent of waste,

or cease operations.

Use of pesticides for sea lice control that are harmful to other species must be discontinued.

There will be no compensation for mass mortality of fish, and no approval for the marketing of fish

that are infected with ISA virus or other diseases.

Why waste reclamation? Exactly 100 per cent of fecal and food waste goes directly into the ocean

rendering the area uninhabitable by any other species. No other living organism, including humans

can get away with such pollution. Waste in the outer periphery of the area is consumed by other

species, including lobster, exposing them to poisons being used in the industry.

Why a total ban of the pesticides? Cooke Aquaculture has used illegal pesticides, proven to be

lethal to lobsters. They have been caught twice, fined once, pocket change compared to their

profits. Studies in Norway have shown that accumulated toxins in fish from these farms may put

unborn babies at risk. In general, the toxins are foreign to the ocean environment and are no doubt

harmful to all living organisms in the area. Without the pesticides, sea lice would attack the caged

fish by the millions, again rendering the operation totally unviable.

Compensation for mass mortality? Roughly $120 million has been spent to compensate open pen

operators for the mortality of millions of fish over the past few years. This is beyond comprehension.

In lieu of compensation, Cooke aquaculture was approved by CFIA to market 240,000 ISA infected

fish as close to maturity as they could get before they died of the disease, as an alternative to the

compensation.

http://www.theadvance.ca/Opinion/2014-07-11/article-3795920/Letter-Level-playing-field-needed-for-aquaculture/1




Capital assistance? Cooke aquaculture was given a grant/loan combo of $25 million to expand

operations in Nova Scotia by the previous government. The whereabouts of these Nova Scotia tax

dollars has never been revealed.

Now let’s look at the economic viability of land based operations vs. ocean based in this new light.

The land based operators ensure environmental protection in the design. Ocean based are not

required to do anything about environmental protection, do not have the technology, but if developed

would be so costly as to likely result in an operating deficit. Strike one.

Land base operators do not have to use pesticides. Ocean based operators require these dangerous

chemicals to kill sea lice. Without the protection the fish would not likely survive. Strike two.

To my knowledge land based operators have not received government assistance in large numbers

and have not been compensated for mortality. Strike three.

Will the Doelle/Lahey regulatory review framework require that the open pen fish farming industry

meet the aforementioned requirements for environmental protection? If they do the industry will shut

down because of excessive costs.

More likely, compromise will allow the industry to continue to operate at a profit and pollute and

poison the ocean

.

Whatever the outcome, if the ocean based operations were to be

totally committed to protection of the environment, land based

operations would win the economic viability comparison by a

landslide.

A strong appeal to support land based operations and boycott ocean open pen products.

This will send a message that health and the environment are

important to us all. Greed of corporate giants, coupled with

government arrogance, incompetence and apathy has created this

ocean monster. As individuals we can help to bring it down.

Fred Giffin

Geographic location: Nova Scotia, Norway

http://www.theadvance.ca/?controllerName=search&action=put&searchTypesString=article&siteId=111&facetName=list_gl&facetValue=Nova%20Scotia&facetCaption=Nova%20Scotia&clearFacets=1

http://www.theadvance.ca/?controllerName=search&action=put&searchTypesString=article&siteId=111&facetName=list_gl&facetValue=Norway&facetCaption=Norway&clearFacets=1




As fish farms proliferate, diseases do too

June 26, 2014

Aquaculture has become a booming industry in Chile, with salmon and other fish farmed in floating

enclosures along the South Pacific coast. But as farmers densely pack these pens to meet demand,

diseases can easily pass between fish — for example, an outbreak of infectious salmon anemia that

emerged in 2007 caused the deaths of more than a million fish and threatened to cripple the industry.

And unsustainable aquaculture methods can have a wider impact,

spreading disease to the world’s already vulnerable ocean fisheries

and contaminating the environment.

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/as-fish-farms-proliferate-diseases-do-too/

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/topic/latin-america-and-the-caribbean/

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/topic/infectious-diseases/

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/topic/environmental-health/




Earlier this year, Tamara Awerbuch Friedlander, an instructor in the Department of Global Health and

Population at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), traveled to Chile to work with faculty

members at the University of Antofagasta to develop research and an academic curriculum focused

on preventing the spread of diseases and parasites among farmed fish, and from aquacultures to the

wild fish population, without the use of potentially harmful chemicals.

Awerbuch Friedlander uses mathematical modeling to study the complex social and biological

systems behind the spread of diseases, and has previously focused on AIDS and Lyme disease,

among others.

In Antofagasta, she taught a three-week course on mathematical modeling to students, based on the

long-running course she developed and teaches at HSPH. She described her approach as holistic. “I

teach students to look at a range of factors relevant to the spread of a disease — such as ecological

impact and human behavior — to develop a mathematical model. This can then be used to explore

the effect of each factor in the presence of the others as well as new interventions.”

She and her Chilean colleagues hope to develop a strategy for promoting sustainable aquaculture

that they can share with policy makers. Factors they are taking into account include the economic

motivations of fish farmers and consumers’ aversion to the use of insecticides and antibiotics.

Potential approaches for disease control could include keeping fewer

fish in each pen and removing them before they have had time to

become infested by potentially disease-causing insects, Awerbuch

Friedlander said.

Her work in Chile this year was funded by the Fulbright Specialist Program. Scholars accepted into

the program are added to a roster for five years and can be approached by researchers in other

countries who are interested in their work. The program is an excellent opportunity that many

researchers may not be aware of, but should be, Awerbuch Friedlander said. “For the next five years,

I can look forward to collaborations around the world.”

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/tamara-awerbuchfriedlander/

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/global-health-and-population/

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/global-health-and-population/

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/topic/hivaids/

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/kiling-deer-not-answer-reducing-lyme-disease-html/

http://www.cies.org/program/fulbright-specialist-program




A sockeye salmon is reeled in by a fisherman along the shores of the Fraser River near Chilliwack. A report by the Environmental Law Centre at the University of Victoria is concerned that a lack of information about fish-farm disease outbreaks could endanger wild B.C. salmon

Report slams fish farm secrecy on B.C. coast

July 1, 2014

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/report-slams-fish-farm-secrecy-on-b-c-coast-1.1189673




The federal government puts wild salmon stocks and research at risk

by not releasing important data about fish farms along the B.C. coast,

says a report by the Environmental Law Centre at the University of

Victoria.

The report takes issue with the lack of information available to researchers and the public about when and where disease outbreaks occur on salmon farms. Currently, when there is a disease outbreak at an aquatic animal facility — such as a fish farm — it must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

However, the federal agency only makes some of that information available to the public. For example, on March 26 a fatal virus called hemorrhagic septicemia was reported in Atlantic salmon somewhere in B.C. with no further details.

“The basic issue is that government fails to disclose exactly where diseases have broken out, and only releases such extremely generalized information when it’s too late to be useful. This needs to change,” states the report.

There are hundreds of fish farms in B.C. Dozens pepper the coastal areas of Vancouver Island. According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, farmed Atlantic salmon is the country’s top seafood export. Production has increased fourfold in the past 20 years and B.C. accounts for half of it.

“Detailed information about outbreaks should be public, especially for

scientists trying to find solutions,” said Calvin Sandborn, supervising

legal director.

The report was prepared by law student Sam Harrison on behalf of the Wuikinuxv Nation on the northwest coast. They wanted to look at the effects of salmon farms in traditional fishing territories.

Sandborn said the most shocking thing about the report is how Canada’s laws compare to other countries. He noted Norwegian fish farm owners in B.C. face fewer reporting regulations here than in their own country.

“Canada used to be seen as a leader in environmental protection law,

now we’re the laggards,” he said.

David Lane, executive director of the T. Buck Suzuki environmental foundation, said the report should be a wake-up call to the federal government.

“We have wild salmon to protect in this province and we have to know what’s going on to inform policy and respond to potential dangers,” he said, noting the costly near-collapse of the Chilean salmon farm industry in 2007 after disease spread.

He also cited the 2012, $26-million report by Justice Bruce Cohen on

the disappearance of the Fraser River sockeye. Cohen called for a

relocation of fish farms along wild salmon migration routes, such as in

and around the Discovery Islands, and warned that “devastating

disease could sweep through the wild populations, killing large

numbers of wild fish without scientists being aware of it.”

Both Lane and Sandborn said that public pressure led to better regulations and reporting on sea lice at fish farms and they hope to see the same for disease outbreaks.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Canada follows international guidelines set by the World Organization for Animal Health on reporting of animal diseases.




“The Government of Canada is committed to protecting human and animal health, and providing the public, stakeholders and trading partners with up-to-date information on reportable disease detections in Canadian livestock and aquatic animals,” said spokeswoman Lisa Murphy.

The agency said providing more details would result in the release of

information considered confidential and covered under the Privacy

Act.




Canada Fails to Protect Wild Salmon from Industrial Fish Farms -

North American Free Trade Agreement Body (NAFTA) Calls for an Investigation!

Protect Wild Salmon Rally Peace Arch Border Crossing

Saturday, July 19, 2014 (11:00 am – 3:00 pm)

Keynote Speakers Zeke Grader, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Association

Ocean Aquaculture – An Unsustainable Venture

Dr. Claudette Bethune, Clinical Scientist

Fish Farm Inability to control diseases/unsustainable feed sources

Ernie Crey, Cheam First Nation Fisheries Portfolio

Industrial Fish Farms - A Threat to First Nation Fisheries

Craig Orr, Watershed Watch Salmon Society

Lack of implementation of Cohen Commission Recommendations

Alexandra Morton, Pacific Coast Wild Salmon Society

Court Battle to Stop the Spread of Diseases

More speakers to be confirmed!

The Issues:

NAFTA: Conduct the investigation of Canada’s failure to protect wild salmon from open-net feedlots,

before it’s too late!

For More Information:

Eddie Gardner

Director of Net-Pen Farmed Salmon Boycott

[email protected]; 604-792-0867

Justice Cohen warns “…fish Farms have the potential to cause serious or irreversible harm

to wild salmon.”

Canada opens door to aggressive fish farm expansion, further endangering wild salmon!

Canadian government guts Fisheries Act, removing wild salmon protection measures from

harmful pollutants, parasites and mutating viruses from fish farm sites

mailto:[email protected]




Skwah First Nation open statement in support of the “Protect Wild Salmon

Rally”

Attn: Government of Canada

July 2, 2014

It has come to our awareness that the Secretariat for the Commission for Environmental

Cooperation, an environmental dispute body established under the North American Free Trade

Agreement (NAFTA), recommended a formal investigation be undertaken into Canada’s failure to

protect wild salmon from disease and parasites from industrial fish farms in British Columbia in

response to a petition by Pacific Coast Wild Salmon Society, Kwikwasu’tinuxw Haxwa’mis First

Nation in Canada, and the U.S.-based Center for Biological Diversity and the Pacific Coast

Federation of Fishermen’s Associations.

The Skwah First Nation supports the petitioners as it is our duty and stewardship responsibility to

help protect wild salmon, which are critical to our cultural, spiritual and physical well-being. Although

we acknowledge wild salmon are besieged with many pressures and stresses, fish farms pose a very

dangerous, yet preventable threat, a threat that could bring irreversible harm to wild salmon.

Scientists are raising concerns that fish farms are fighting a losing battle to fight off imported viruses,

and their open-net feedlots are breeding grounds for parasites that are dangerous to wild salmon and

that aid in transfer of diseases from fish farms to wild salmon.

Fisheries and Oceans, Canada continues to regulate the aquaculture industry, while at the same

time, supporting, enabling and promoting this industry. We believe it is imperative that the Canadian

Government put wild salmon first, and remove the Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s conflict of interest

as recommended by the Cohen Commission. We find it appalling that the Canadian government

recklessly and irresponsibly opened the doors to the current aggressive expansion of fish farms, all

the while virtually ignoring the $26 million dollar Cohen Commission report which makes it clear,

salmon farms do not belong on wild salmon migration routes. We call on the Canadian Government

to immediately and transparently respond to and fully implement the Cohen Commission’s

recommendations, beginning with recommendation # 15 to explicitly consider the wild salmon

migration routes when siting salmon farms.

Instead of protecting wild salmon, the Canadian Government recently removed a crucial part of the

Fisheries Act (Section 56) that would allow fish farm release of chemicals dangerous to fish, such

as, delousing drugs, into wild salmon habitat that could do great harm wild fish.

We believe that the actions of the Canadian Government pose a threat to Aboriginal Rights to a

fishery, raising a “duty” to consult with river First Nations, and that would include the Skwah First

Nation. Salmon farms sited on the migration routes of the Fraser sockeye directly impact us and yet

new sites are being proposed in complete absence of consultation with the salmon nations of the

Fraser River. We endorse the net-pen farmed salmon boycott led by Skwah First Nation elder, Eddie

Gardner, as part of our response.

We are in solidarity with all the stakeholders on both sides of the border that a full investigation into

Canada’s failure to protect wild salmon from industrial fish farms is well warranted.

Chief Bob Combes

Skwah First Nation




Seemingly the Salmon Farm in Kilkieran has got permission

to lay a pipe for 2-3 MILES across land and road and take

water from lake Loughanmore (Loch an Oir) to treat diseased

fish at Ardmore Point.

Thousands ( if not millions) of gallons water could be used Is

this true?

Is it not totally reckless to remove water needed for local

communities which has previously had issues with supply?




DFO aims to streamline fish-farm regulations

Critics say the new rules are a step backwards

June 26, 2014

Amendments to federal Fisheries Act regulations will specifically allow salmon farmers to treat their fish with pesticides and drugs as part of its effort to streamline aquaculture regulation, Fisheries Minister Gail Shea announced Thursday.

Editorial Comment:

Canada’s Fisheries Act is an ineffective shadow of what it once was. It’s been repeatedly gutted by elected thugs to benefit government-enabled corporate expansion

These amendments were recommended and endorsed by the largely foreign-owned

salmon feedlot industry

http://www.vancouversun.com/aims+streamline+fish+farm+regulations/9978961/story.html#ixzz35oT0vM00



2014 – Honoring Sacred Waters The Fisheries Act’s anti-pollution measures prohibit anyone from dumping anything that would harm fish or fish habitat, unless authorized by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Shea said the rules proposed Thursday will streamline the regulation of aquaculture — which is now governed by 10 different federal acts — within DFO and help give an industry that is worth $2 billion a year to the Canadian economy a chance to grow.

The BC Salmon Farmers Association welcomed Shea’s announcement, which it hopes will “formalize our current farming methods (and) encourage positive environmental practices,” according to a statement from the organization’s executive director Jeremy Dunn.

However, industry critics look at the proposed changes, which have not yet been spelled out in detail, as stripping away regulations without enough scientific understanding of the impact.

DFO officials said the changes will clarify how salmon farms can operate under the provisions of the Fisheries Act.

“What the new regulations do is set the conditions under which

operations can use pesticides or drugs, and be in compliance both

with the Fisheries Act and all other federal (law),” said Trevor

Swerdfager, assistant deputy minister for Fisheries and Oceans

Canada.

And the regulation will include requirements to self-report the types

and amounts of materials used, which DFO will publish annually on its

website.

The changes are also part of the federal government’s process of taking on regulatory responsibility for fish-farm licensing and control that it assumed from the B.C. provincial government in 2010 as the result of a B.C. Supreme Court decision.

To Karen Wristen, executive director of the Living Oceans Society, the changes represent steps backward.

Wristen said the former provincial regime required more frequent reporting of pesticide and drug use than Shea is proposing. She added that the Cohen Commission inquiry into the decline of sockeye salmon populations recommended that the federal government separate the responsibilities for regulating aquaculture and promoting the industry that now reside with DFO.

“This seems to be going in the wrong direction in a number of respects,” Wristen said.

Craig Orr, executive director of the Watershed Watch Salmon Society, argues that DFO doesn’t know enough about the effects of sea-lice pesticides now and should do more studies on them rather than relax regulations.

“We have a dearth of science, but we have a real zeal for reducing the few regulations we have to make it easier to pursue open net-pen aquaculture,” Orr said.

Swerdfager said the text of the new regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette in the coming weeks and the department will be open to public comment. The hope is to have them in force by the end of the year.



2014 – Honoring Sacred Waters Energy Generation: Oil, Coal, Geothermal, Hydropower, Natural Gas, Solar, Tidal, Wind



2014 – Honoring Sacred Waters Petroleum – Drilled, Refined, Tar Sands, Fracked

Petropolis - Rape and pillage of Canada and Canadians for toxic bitumen

Watch video HERE






Pacific Northwest's Salish Sea Eyed as Fossil Fuel Gateway

Proposed projects would move oil, gas, and coal through the ecologically sensitive marine area.

May 8, 2014

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2014/05/140509-pacific-northwest-salish-sea-fossil-fuel-gateway/




Trains loaded with crude oil from North Dakota's Bakken shale formation rumble past the outfield bleachers of the Seattle Mariners' baseball stadium several times a week. From there, the trains head north, their cargo destined for multiple refineries in Washington State.

The traffic is new: Just three years ago, no oil trains were coming to Washington. Bakken crude is filling a void created by dwindling shipments from aging oil fields on Alaska's North Slope, and the petroleum industry wants to bring in more. But the push to build more rail and shipping capacity in the Pacific Northwest is spurring debate over how that oil flow will affect the region—and where it should ultimately go.

The issue is particularly important for residents of the coastal towns that ring the Salish Sea, a group of waterways shared by Washington State and British Columbia that includes the Puget Sound. A region that historically has been "at the vanguard of environmental progress globally is right at the cusp of becoming one of the world's biggest fossil fuel export hubs," said Eric de Place, policy director for the Sightline Institute, a Seattle-based environmental think tank.

Gateway for Fossil Fuel Export

Speckled with emerald isles and hemmed by snow-capped peaks, the Salish Sea is an ecologically rich marine environment. The area is home to more than 100 at-risk species, a list that includes sea turtles, whales, owls, and sharks. The communities lining its shores are largely powered by clean energy. Washington State, for example, gets four-fifths of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

But the recent oil and gas boom could transform a region with nary a coal mine or oil well in its backyard into a robust fossil-fuel gateway. After all, the straightest path between these fossil fuel deposits in the interior of North America and markets overseas "goes through the Pacific Northwest," said de Place.

A number of proposed port projects along the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia seek to move not only oil from the Bakken and Canada's oil sands, but also coal from the Powder River Basin in Montana and Wyoming, and natural gas from northeastern British Columbia and the U.S. Southwest. (See related story: "North American Natural Gas Seeks Markets Overseas.")

Debate over the projects is not just about the environment—it's also about exports. None of the Bakken crude coming into the Salish Sea area is headed out unrefined to international markets, because a decades-old policy bans most U.S. exports of domestic oil (except for a small amount that goes almost entirely to Canada).

The oil industry and others argue that the ban, which dates to the oil embargo crisis in the 1970s, should be lifted so U.S. producers can benefit from prices on the international market. New capacity to move oil within the Pacific Northwest and Canada could lay the groundwork for eventual exports.

"The Pacific Northwest is going to have acute pressure to become an energy hub," said Charles Ebinger, an energy security expert at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., who has advocated lifting the export ban for economic and security reasons. "It is just a matter of how many of those projects both in the U.S. and Canada the environmental community lets get built."

Will More Trains Mean More Ships?

Editorial Comment:

This statement regarding unrefined oil export

to foreign markets is accurate

Bakken and other unrefined US-origin oil may

be exported to other US ports (ie California)

http://www.sightline.org/about/staff/#eric%20de%20place

http://www.seadocsociety.org/files/pdfs/Salish%20Sea%20Species%20of%20Concern%202011%20Final.pdf

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2014/03/140320-north-american-natural-gas-seeks-markets-overseas/

http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=10851

http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=10851

http://www.cfr.org/oil/case-allowing-us-crude-oil-exports/p31005

http://www.brookings.edu/experts/ebingerc

http://www.brookings.edu/experts/ebingerc

http://www.brookings.edu/research/papers/2014/01/lift-ban-us-oil-exports-boersma-ebinger




The first oil trains began rolling through the Pacific Northwest less than two years ago, and traffic has increased steadily since then. Refineries can currently accept about 300,000 barrels of oil per day by rail, according to a Sightline report by de Place, and they are working to boost capacity so they can take more.

If all of the planned facilities are built, Sightline estimates that the region's oil-by-rail capacity will more than triple to 962,7000 barrels per day. That's more than the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, which would carry crude from Canada's oil sands to U.S. Gulf Coast refineries.

At least for now, concerns that oil trains will necessarily lead to increased vessel traffic in the Salish Sea and elsewhere along the West Coast are unfounded, according to Frank Holmes, the Olympia, Washington-based Northwest region director for the Western States Petroleum Agency, an industry trade group that represents oil producers and refiners.

The de facto ban on domestic crude oil exports means only refined products such as diesel and jet fuel can be shipped abroad. As for the traffic of vessels carrying refined products, Holmes says it remains "fairly constant" even with the new oil, because it is replacing lost supply from Alaska. And tanker shipments of crude from Alaska's North Slope, Holmes said, have dropped from about 250 vessels a year in the 1990s to 123 in 2013.

"You're seeing Alaskan production declining and a brand new, good-quality oil being developed domestically," he said. "So, it is a nice fit."

The Tar Sands Twist

But oil trains filled with Bakken crude are not the only means by which shipping traffic in the Salish Sea could rise. After all, there is no restriction on the export of Canadian oil, and the industry is moving to open paths overseas for it.

Kinder Morgan is proposing to nearly triple the capacity of its Trans Mountain pipeline, which runs from Edmonton, Alberta, southwest to Burnaby, British Columbia, to 890,000 barrels per day. If approved, about 80,000 more barrels would flow daily to Washington's refineries, up from the current 142,000, noted Holmes. The bulk of the rest would be shipped to Asia, ramping up vessel traffic for crude oil through the Salish Sea.

To handle the additional export load, Kinder Morgan wants to expand its marine terminal for the pipeline. Under its proposal, tanker traffic would be poised to jump nearly sevenfold, from about five tankers per month to 34.

With the pressure of new oil traffic adding on to existing calls to export coal, "I think we can anticipate a massive increase in crude transport through the straits," said Matt Krogh, a campaigner for the environmental group ForestEthics who is based in Bellingham, Washington. His group is calling for a moratorium on permitting new projects in Washington until the state can decide whether all the developments are a net benefit to the region.

Editorial Comment:

Of course new storage and export

facilities will increase the number of oil

freighters and barges on Washington’s

coast!

Editorial Comment:

100% Pure Bovine Excrement!

There will be an additional 1,000+

freighters transporting condensate,

liquefied natural gas, Bakken oil, diluted

bitumen and coal via the Salish Sea to

coastal waters and beyond

http://www.sightline.org/research/the-northwests-pipeline-on-rails/

https://www.wspa.org/

https://www.wspa.org/

http://www.kindermorgan.com/business/canada/tmx_expansion.cfm

http://forestethics.org/staff/matt-krogh

http://forestethics.org/




Rail cars outside the Antelope Coal Mine in Douglas, Wyoming, the fourth largest coal mine in the U.S., are sprayed with an agent that helps suppress dust.

Caught Up by Coal

The crude-by-rail boom in the Pacific Northwest snuck up on residents who were focused on the pros and cons of several proposed coal terminals. As cheap natural gas has eroded the domestic market for coal, producers have turned to markets in Asia and Europe. But the lack of port capacity in the Pacific Northwest has constrained coal exports to Asia. (See related story: "As U.S. Cleans Energy Mix, It Ships Coal Problem Abroad.")

Boosting exports could bring thousands of jobs and millions of dollars

in tax revenue to the region, but the prospect of increased rail traffic

and ships threading tricky passages through the Salish Sea's San Juan

Islands alarms conservation groups. (See related story: "Seeking a

Pacific Northwest Gateway for Coal.")

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2013/03/130315-us-coal-exports/

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2013/03/130315-us-coal-exports/

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2011/10/111020-coal-port-pacific-northwest/

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2011/10/111020-coal-port-pacific-northwest/




The proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal north of Bellingham, for example, would have the capacity to ship 54 million metric tons of bulk commodities a year, most of that coal. At full capacity, according to the project backers, the export facility would create 1,250 jobs and pump nearly $140 million into the area economy.

Currently undergoing an environmental impact review, the terminal would also bring nine coal trains, each a mile long, through Seattle and north along the Puget Sound coast daily. It would draw 487 ships a year through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the San Juan Islands, raising concerns about traffic congestion at railroad crossings, air pollution, and the risk of fuel oil spills in the waterways.

Jack Weiss, a city council member in the coastal town of Bellingham, said the terminal played a large role in local elections last fall. "A lot of money came into the election from interests opposed to the coal terminal," he said. Now four of the seven officials elected to the county council that will evaluate the permit for the Gateway Pacific Terminal would be inclined to reject it.

Bellingham was accustomed to weighing safety concerns about increased coal train traffic, Weiss said, but oil by rail is even more worrisome. "Much of the tracks are right against the Puget Sound, the Salish Sea area," he said. "If you had an accident there, then we would have our own little personal Exxon Valdez situation."

How many of these projects eventually get approved and built remains to be seen, said Brookings Institution's Ebinger. Indeed, of six proposed coal terminals in the Northwest, three have fallen through in the past two years, stymied by siting and funding problems. And Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain expansion project is still under review.

"I don't think it is going to be a cakewalk for the energy industry, by any means," Ebinger said.

Nevertheless, factors such as the "almost insatiable" appetite for coal in Asia and growing pressure to move North American crude, Ebinger said, are strong market forces in the industry's favor.

That reality has driven the anti-fossil fuel campaigns by ForestEthics' Krogh and others. Krogh said, "My nightmare scenario is all of these terminals becoming a faucet to the world that you can't turn off."

Editorial Comment:

China’s appetite for North America’s

thermal coal is rapidly winding down

North America does not have the

capacity nor the will of the people to

transport vast stockpiles of crude oil

http://gatewaypacificterminal.com/

http://gatewaypacificterminal.com/the-project/f-a-q/

http://earthfix.opb.org/energy/article/coal-score-card/




Hey, whale friends, not to worry: if oil giant Kinder Morgan spills a little oil in your habitat, they'll drop a few bombs to warn you.

We couldn't make this stuff up if we tried.

Read all about it at Grist.org - http://bit.ly/1rYZcIs

Angela Koch:

Even though a BC judge ordered Orca habitat protection back in 2011, it seems the

opposite has been done.

This article fails to mention that fish farms are taking the food out of the mouths of the orca

as well...when our fisheries ministers order the overfishing of recovering herring stocks of

which a large portion goes on to make fish farm food, then one can easily surmise those

herring feed the bigger fish that the Orca feed on... if this isn't done intentionally then

someone in Ottawa doesn't have the first clue on how things work in our oceans....sad and

dangerous decisions being made by people sitting thousands of miles away, that only care

about their filthy fish farms and their oily pipelines....it's become easy to see that Orca and

wild salmon are in their way!

https://www.facebook.com/KinderMorganInc

https://www.facebook.com/grist.org

http://bit.ly/1rYZcIs




Pipeline proponents consider explosives in ocean to scare whales from

potential oil slicks

June 30, 2014

The proponents of two controversial pipelines to British Columbia’s

coast say they would consider deploying underwater firecrackers,

helicopters and clanging pipes, among other methods, to ensure

whales don’t swim toward any disastrous oil spill that might result

from increased tanker traffic carrying bitumen to Asia.

It’s called hazing and documents obtained by The Globe and Mail show the methods have been

studied carefully by U.S. scientists before and since the disastrous Exxon Valdez oil spill killed 22

orcas in 1989.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/us-considers-dropping-bombs-in-ocean-to-scare-whales-from-potential-oil-slicks/article19387821/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/us-considers-dropping-bombs-in-ocean-to-scare-whales-from-potential-oil-slicks/article19387821/




Last month, the Washington State Department of Ecology asked Trans Mountain to describe any

plans it might have to help whales in a spill. In the preamble to its request filed with the National

Energy Board, the department notes the proposed expanded pipeline would contribute to “potential

cumulative effects on sensory disturbance,” something that “was determined to be significant for

southern resident killer whales.”

“NOAA [National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration] identified oil

spills as an acute extinction threat to the southern resident killer

whales,” the U.S. department says in its request for information from

the pipeline project.

“Please describe any Trans Mountain plans to minimize the direct acute threat to marine mammals in

general and southern resident killer whales in particular by applying techniques such as the use of

‘hazing’ to drive the animals out of areas heavily affected by surface oil slicks,” says the request for

information.

On June 18, Trans Mountain replied that some

hazing methods “have historically worked well

with killer whales,” and it might consider

endorsing them in consultation with Canada’s

Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the lead

Canadian response agency.

“The need for and use of marine mammal

deterrence activities would be considered prior

to or during emergency response operations,”

Trans Mountain writes.

It then lists the techniques that might be

available, including fire hoses directing streams

of water at whales, boat traffic to generate

noise, helicopters to make noise and stir up

water and other acoustic deterrents.

The response notes that NOAA has approved

use of metal pipes called Oikomi pipes for

noise and a kind of low-frequency bomb in the

event of an oil spill, but Trans Mountain

cautions: “No single deterrence technique will

work in all situations.”

Northern Gateway’s submission to the National Energy Board last year discussed hazing for three

pages, adding “oil response plans (including a marine mammal hazing plan) will be developed with

DFO and certified responders before operations.”

Fisheries and Oceans did not reply to The Globe’s questions about hazing.

Editorial Comment:

Officials in Canada and in the USA are insane

if they believe these inhumane acts in the

name of corporate greed will be tolerated.

As a society that promotes animal welfare,

protection and recovery of endangered species

and desires to transition away from fossil fuels:

• Increased oil tanker traffic from North

America’s west coast to Asian markets must

be halted.

• Spilled oil impacts ecosystems for decades

(ie. Exxon Valdez, Deepwater Horizon…)

• Hazing will be ineffective in saving Killer

whales

• Hazing will further spread spilled oil

• What methods will be proposed to save other

marine life from oil spills – NONE!




If both pipelines are approved, tanker traffic

plying the B.C. coast would increase by more

than 600 ships a year, raising concerns from

aboriginals, environmentalists and U.S. officials

about the increased potential for a spill on the

Pacific coast.

U.S. authorities have closely examined hazing

for years. One 1994 study found Oikomi pipes

– 2.4-metre-long reverberant metal pipes hung

from a vessel and hit to produce a ringing

sound – could be deployed from boats spaced

180 metres apart to create an acoustic fence to

move whales away.

Underwater firecrackers, also called seal

bombs, have also been studied. They are small

explosives inside a cardboard tube. When

weighted, set with an eight-second fuse, and

tossed into the sea, they sink and explode with

an acoustic signal.

A report of 1986 said they have been used successfully in hazing non-whale marine species.

But despite all the studies, Don Noviello, an oil spill response specialist at Washington State’s

Department of Fish and Wildlife and author of reports on hazing, said it’s not clear whether the

techniques will work.

“I am unaware that any whale hazing techniques have been, or will be, scientifically tested on actual

whales,” Mr. Noviello said.

Added Vancouver Aquarium whale specialist Lance Barrett-Lennard: “I do think that hazing might be

appropriate in some circumstances.”

Did you deploy the firecrackers to frighten the whales?

Editorial Comment:

The reality is that tanker traffic along the west

coast of British Columbia and Washington

state will increase by more than 1,000. Of

course, this number is doubled because these

are round trips that also include escort

vessels.

British Columbia’s planned expansion of

Liquefied Natural Gas, shipments of

condensate from Asia to Kitimat, Bakken field

oil shipments through Washington ports to

California and shipments of thermal coal from

Wyoming and Montana to Asian markets all

contribute to a recipe for catastrophic

disaster..




Oil tanker passing through Burrard Inlet from Chevron refinery in Burnaby BC, end point for Kinder Morgan’s TransMountain pipeline, which the corporation is seeking to expand..

City of Vancouver says Kinder Morgan skirting questions about Trans

Mountain pipeline

July 4, 2014

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/City+Vancouver+says+Kinder+Morgan+skirting+questions+about/10001618/story.html#ixzz36ZBkaUkI

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/City+Vancouver+says+Kinder+Morgan+skirting+questions+about/10001618/story.html#ixzz36ZBkaUkI




VANCOUVER - Kinder Morgan has failed to answer many of the questions put to the company about its proposed Trans Mountain pipeline, the city of Vancouver charged Friday.

The city submitted 394 written questions as part of the National Energy Board's regulatory review process but said the Texas-based company did not respond to 40 per cent of them, covering everything from emergency management plans to compensation in the event of an oil spill.

"We submitted almost 400 questions and only about 248 of them were answered," said Sadhu Johnston, deputy city manager. The rest "were quite inadequate in the way they were answered, with either no answer or only partial answers."

"As interveners we are trying to assess the proposed project and are finding it quite difficult to get information on the project.

"That does make it hard for us to fully evaluate the proposal and to prepare our experts and our expert testimony to ask the right questions and formulate an opinion."

The city submitted a request to the energy board Friday asking the regulator to compel Kinder Morgan to respond to the outstanding requests.

As part of the board review of the pipeline that would link the Alberta oil sands to Port Metro Vancouver, the company had to respond to more than 10,000 questions submitted by hundreds of groups and individuals granted intervener status by the board.

Under new rules for the regulatory review, there is a strict timeline and the board decided not to allow direct oral questioning of company officials. All questions must be submitted in writing ahead of hearings set to begin in early 2015.

It's a very restrictive process, Johnston said.

"It's really become quite undemocratic, the way the NEB is running the process," he said.

The city said the responses it did receive made it clear that the

company will not cover the first responder costs incurred by

Vancouver in the event of disaster and it said the responses from

Kinder Morgan raise questions on the economic feasibility of the

project.

B.C. Green MLA Andrew Weaver has also complained about the responses provided by the company to his 500 questions.

Editorial Comment:

This corporate bullying by government-

enabled thugs comes at a time when those

along the mighty Fraser River are looking

forward to the many benefits of record runs

of returning wild sockeye salmon.

One major spill of diluted bitumen into the

Fraser River – with inadequate spill

response - will shamefully and irreversibly

impact these and other wild salmon and all

that rely on them.

The madness must be stopped!




He filed a motion with the energy board Thursday asking them to demand full and adequate responses from Kinder Morgan and to revise the review timetable to incorporate "new and reasonable" deadlines for information requests and evidence.

"Many of the answers I received are simply unacceptable," Weaver, a Nobel Prize-winning climate scientist, said earlier in a statement.

"They are refusing to consider any oil spill larger than a small fraction of a tanker's cargo, and basing their oil spill analysis on a response capacity that simply doesn't exist. The lack of substantive response shows a disregard for the essential role that interveners play in the hearing process."

He laid out his concerns in an 89-page response submitted to the board, pointing out each instance where Kinder Morgan's responses fell short.

Kinder Morgan declined a request for an interview.

Scott Stoness, vice-president of regulatory and finance for the company, said in an emailed statement that Trans Mountain believes it provided robust responses to questions "that were within the scope of the regulatory review."

Some of the information is market sensitive or would be a security risk

to release, he wrote.

"It is normal in regulatory processes that there are debates about whether questions are appropriate and/or in scope," Stoness wrote.

"We understand some interveners may not be satisfied with the answers we provided. That is why the NEB process allows for interveners to make motions on the responses we submitted," he wrote.

They will have another opportunity to question the company and to submit their own evidence later this year, he said.




The oil boom in one

slick infographic

Oil, oil everywhere! It’s coming … by sea, by rail, and by pipeline.

Over the past five years, domestic oil production has jumped by 50 percent.

The boom adds up to a mess of oil – and oil data.

Click HERE to see how much of the black stuff has been flowing domestically, and why the Northwest may be in for a crude awakening

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/26/business/energy-environment/accidents-surge-as-oil-industry-takes-the-train.html?_r=0

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/26/business/energy-environment/accidents-surge-as-oil-industry-takes-the-train.html?_r=0

http://grist.org/climate-energy/oil-boom-slick-infographic/




Chinese oil pipeline burns, thousands evacuated

July 1, 2014

BEIJING (AP) — A leaking oil pipeline caught fire in the northeastern Chinese port city of Dalian,

forcing the evacuation of nearly 20,000 residents, a government oil company said Tuesday.

The pipeline was damaged by construction work at about 6:30 p.m. on Monday, allowing oil to flow

into a sewage pipe, where it caught fire, China National Petroleum Corp. said in a statement. It said

the oil burned for 25 minutes before being extinguished.

No deaths or injuries were reported. CNPC said 20,000 nearby residents were evacuated.

Five people from the construction company blamed for damaging the pipeline were detained by

police while an investigation was underway, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

China has suffered a series of accidents involving leaking oil pipelines. In June 2013, a leaking oil

tank in Dalian caught fire, killing four people, and an explosion caused by a leaking oil pipeline last

November in the eastern port city of Qingdao killed 62 people.

Such incidents have fueled opposition to allowing oil-handling facilities in densely populated cities.

Members of the public have grown more alarmed about the proximity of oil lines to municipal utility

lines, residential neighborhoods and commercial districts.

http://newsok.com/article/feed/706252




Officials: Oil Train Dangers Extend Past Bakken

June 27, 2014

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The dangers posed by a spike in oil shipments by rail extend beyond

crude from the booming Bakken region of the Northern Plains and include oil produced elsewhere in

the U.S. and Canada, U.S. safety officials and lawmakers said.

Acting National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Christopher

Hart said all crude shipments are flammable and can damage the

environment — not just the Bakken shipments involved in a series of

fiery accidents.

Hart cited recent derailments in Mississippi, Minnesota, New Brunswick and Pennsylvania of oil

shipments from Canada. He said those cases exemplify "the risks to communities and for the

environment for accidents involving non-Bakken crude oil."

Hart's comments were contained in a letter to U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley obtained by

The Associated Press. They add to growing pressure on federal regulators to improve oil train safety

in the wake of repeated derailments, including in Lac-Magentic, Quebec, where 47 people were killed

in a massive conflagration last July.

Citing the highly volatile nature of Bakken oil, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx last month

ordered railroads to notify states of shipments from the region so firefighters and first responders can

better prepare for accidents.

But Wyden and Merkley told Foxx on Thursday that the order leaves emergency personnel in the

dark on oil shipped from outside the Bakken region.

The Oregon Democrats urged Foxx to expand his order to cover crude from all parts of the U.S. and

Canada. They also pressed for the 1 million-gallon minimum threshold in Foxx's order to be lowered

to include smaller shipments.

"With the exception of the Lac-Megantic accident, every accident

involving crude oil, ethanol and other flammable materials since 2006

has resulted in a hazardous materials release of less than 1,000,000

gallons," Wyden and Merkley wrote to Foxx in a letter.

They said the derailments cited by the transportation safety board show that trains carrying non-

Bakken crude or less than 1 million gallons pose the same "imminent hazard" that Foxx has asserted

for Bakken oil.

http://www.chronline.com/news/article_eba70ba2-fe21-11e3-a19d-001a4bcf887a.html#_=_




Bakken oil on average travels more than 1,600 miles to reach its destination, transportation officials

said. That's much further than oil from some other parts of the country.

U.S. transportation officials said the lengthier journey increases the overall risk exposure for Bakken

oil — and is one reason it's being treated differently than other hazardous cargos.

Representatives of the oil industry and officials in North Dakota also have complained about Bakken

oil being singled out by regulators — although for opposite reasons. The American Petroleum

Institute and American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers have argued Bakken oil is no more

volatile than other light, sweet crudes.

The concerns aired Thursday by the NTSB and Oregon senators

essentially flip that argument on its head, to say different types of

crude and other hazardous liquids such as ethanol also pose a

significant safety risk.

"Accidents involving crude oil or flammable liquids of any kind, especially when these liquids are

transported in large volumes, such as in unit trains or blocks of tank cars, can have disastrous

consequences," Hart said.

Association of American Railroads spokeswoman Holly Arthur said the rail industry is complying with

Foxx's original order. She said the group would have to see the specifics of any proposed changes

before commenting further.

About 700,000 barrels of oil a day — enough to fill 10 "unit trains" of 100 tank cars each — is coming

out of the Bakken by rail, according to the North Dakota Pipeline Authority. That's about 70 percent of

crude-by-rail shipments nationwide, according to federal officials.

Yet the same hydraulic fracturing — or "fracking" — technology that has helped drive the boom in the

Bakken region during the past decade is being employed on shale oil fields elsewhere. Crude from

the tar sands of western Canada is also fueling the surge in North American production.

Charles Drevna, president of American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, said he supports

getting more information on oil trains to first responders so they're ready for potential accidents.

According to an analysis done for the U.S. State Department, more than half the loading capacity of

oil train facilities built in recent years is in parts of the U.S. and Canada outside the Bakken region.

That includes loading terminals in Colorado, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah

and parts of western Canada.




ISIS terrorists sabotaged oil pipelines led to significant spill and fire in river Tigris, Tikrit, north of Baghdad in Iraq. Iraq ministry of interior claim this is "under control". See for yourself how much it is.

ISIS Sabotaged Oil Pipeline in Baghdad... Tigris River on fire

April 17, 2014

ISIS: Islamic State in Iraq and Syria

Editorial Comment:

Terrorism continues to be a global concern.

Increasing oil pipelines, oil trains, oil ships and

storage tanks is increasing all of the risks

associated with petroleum products, including the

increasing risks of terrorism as reported in this

article.

Exporting North American fossil fuels to Asian

markets is not worth these increased risks

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=0d9_1397764306#MlgTJTkypKUVUSdB.99




While all eyes are on Northern Gateway today, it is not the only big pipeline project that is promising to change the North American energy landscape. The stalled Keystone XL is just one of 5 other major projects in various stages of approval

Northern Gateway is not alone - 5 more pipelines to watch

From Keystone XL to Trans Mountain - 5 pipeline systems that could help move oil out of Alberta

June 17, 2014




It's decision day for the Northern Gateway pipeline. In Ottawa, camera positions are being marked

out, pencils sharpened and microphones tested. All eyes are fixed on the clock, waiting for markets

to close, so today's announcement doesn't ruffle any financial feathers.

Northern Gateway pipeline approved with 209 conditions

But Northern Gateway isn't the only pipeline that could remake the face of North America's energy

supply and roil the continent's political waters. Here is a list of five more — some well-known, others

not so much:

1. Keystone XL

Why it matters

If the oilsands are going to expand by two-million barrels per day in the next eight years, the industry

needs as many ways of getting it out of Alberta as possible. TransCanada's Keystone XL will be a big

part of that export plan. If it ever gets up and running, the plan is for it to carry 830,000 barrels per

day from just outside Edmonton, through the middle American states and down to the Texas

refineries on the Gulf of Mexico coast.

What's the problem?

U.S. President Barack Obama's unwillingness to make a decision on whether or not to allow the

pipeline to cross the border. The Americans tell us they want to make sure it's safe, technically and

environmentally. The truth of the matter is, it's all about politics. Obama, like politicians on both sides

of the American political divide, sees the dollar signs next to TransCanada's pipeline. But he gets a

lot of money from environmentalists and they have turned Keystone XL into the bad boy of climate

change.

Where it stands

The southern portion of the pipeline is built and working, although there were some problems with the

welds. After two U.S. State Department environmental assessments and a redrawing of the route

around an environmentally sensitive area in Nebraska, everyone is still waiting on a decision from the

White House.

2. Energy East

Why it matters

If Northern Gateway doesn't get built, this is another way to get 1.1-million barrels per day of

Canadian oil to tidewater – the long way around, mind you. The terminus for this pipeline is Saint

John, N.B. For now though, it is about breaking eastern Canada's Middle Eastern and West African

oil habits.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/northern-gateway-pipeline-approved-with-209-conditions-1.2678285




What's the problem?

The plan is to change an existing natural gas pipe into an oil pipe. That means a lot of retrofitting and

it also worries Ontario gas customers, who get 40 per cent of their home heating fuel in the winter

through that pipe. Also, the existing pipeline ends just west of Montreal. To make it to Saint John,

about 900 kilometres of new pipes need to be built.

Where it stands

TransCanada submitted a project description to the National Energy Board in March. NEB

information sessions have only just begun.

3. Line 9 reversal

Why it matters

Canadian energy independence. And another way to eventually get bitumen to tidewater. When

Enbridge built the pipeline between Sarnia, Ont., and Montreal in the 1970s, it was originally meant to

bring western oil to eastern Canada. As the global economics of oil changed, the flow was reversed

to bring Middle Eastern and African oil to Ontario. Now Enbridge wants to switch it back around.

What's the problem?

While Enbridge will initially use Line 9 to ship conventional oil, the company has left open the

possibility of switching to heavier grades (i.e., oilsands bitumen) in the future. That has many people

in the Toronto area worried since the pipe runs through important municipal water sources. There is

also a fear in the U.S. state of Maine, where the belief is that Line 9 will be hooked up to the

Montreal-Portland Pipeline sending Alberta bitumen through areas where there are many important

municipal water sources.

Where it stands

The pipeline is divided into two sections. Line 9a runs from Sarnia, Ont., to just west of Hamilton. The

regulatory process is complete and the flow has been reversed for that portion. Line 9b runs the rest

of the way to Montreal. The NEB hearings are over and in March of this year approval was granted to

reverse the flow.

4. Trans Mountain expansion

Why it matters

It's the only pipeline that brings Alberta oil to the Pacific coast. Owner Kinder Morgan wants to

expand the carrying capacity of the line by twinning the pipes. Right now, it carries about 300,000

barrels per day. If the expansion is approved, that number will bump up to 890,000 barrels a day. The

pipeline has been in operation since 1953, largely incident free.




What's the problem?

Northern Gateway. It would be fair to say that Trans Mountain's expansion application is suffering

collateral damage from the controversy farther north.

Where it stands

Kinder Morgan filed its application with the NEB in December of last year. If it makes it through the

application process, construction begins in late 2015 or early 2016, and by 2017 the company should

be pumping that extra 600,000 barrels of oil each day.

5. Flanagan South/Seaway Twin

Why it matters

This is actually two pipelines but they will work in tandem. They are both in the U.S., but they are

linked and integral to the Canadian system. Flanagan South — an Enbridge project — will move an

additional 600,000 barrels per day from Illinois to the big storage hub in Cushing, Okla. Seaway Twin,

owned by the Seaway Crude Pipeline Company, will move an additional 450,000 barrels a day out

of Cushing to the refineries on the Texas coast.

What's the problem?

None – if you're an Alberta oil guy. More bitumen flowing means more money. Plenty – if you're an

environmentalist. More bitumen flowing means more greenhouse gases.

Where it stands

Seaway will be up and running later this month. Flanagan South is built and is scheduled to start

pumping sometime later this year.




PIPELINE ON WHEELS

Railroad shipments of volatile crude oil into America's cities have dramatically increased,

with explosive results.

CRUDE-BY-RAIL ROLLS INTO AMERICA'S CITIES

In March of 2014, Andrés Soto confirmed his nagging fears: Mile-long trains loaded with highly

explosive crude oil had been rolling through his hometown of Richmond, California, unannounced,

since the previous September.

Soto, a longtime activist and organizer for Communities for a Better Environment, had previously

heard about the oil industry's push to bring crude-by-rail to the west coast. In late January, his

organization came across an industry report highlighting the local rail yard's intentions to allow the

practice.

http://earthjustice.org/features/pipeline-on-wheels

http://www.cbecal.org/




The following month, crude-by-rail popped back up on Soto's radar after a woman from La-Mégantic,

Quebec, spoke to Richmond residents about how her town was destroyed after 63 tankers filled with

explosive crude oil derailed and exploded, creating a fireball that killed 47 people.

Though the woman's eyewitness account terrified him, Soto figured he would deal with the issue if

and when it came to Richmond. He assumed, as most people would, that local residents would get

plenty of time and opportunity to weigh in on any decision to allow crude-by-rail next to their homes,

schools and businesses.

He was wrong.

A GLUT OF OIL, BROUGHT ON BY FRACKING AND TAR SANDS

Since late 2012, as hydraulic fracturing and tar sands drilling created a glut of oil, the industry has

scrambled to transport as much of it as possible from remote drill sites in North Dakota and Canada

to the east and west coasts, where it can potentially be shipped overseas to more lucrative markets.

Along the way, these trains run through many small towns and main streets, underneath large cities

and over bridges, and even along steep mountainsides and wetlands in pristine wilderness areas like

Glacier National Park. But while communities along the tracks take on the risk of these volatile

visitors, which occasionally derail and explode, they often aren't told what's in them, or even when

they'll be charging through.

"This latest betrayal is just part of a lifelong experience," says Soto, who, as a Richmond native, has

seen firsthand the many environmental injustices forced upon residents of this industrial town. The

city has around 400 pollution sites and the surrounding area has a high number of industrial

accidents, making Richmond's county, one of the most dangerous places to live." Many Richmond

residents suffer high rates of asthma, cancer and heart disease. Some of Soto's own family

members, who all grew up in Richmond, have been diagnosed with cancer and rare auto-immune

diseases.

But the threat of crude-by-rail is not unique to industrial towns like Richmond. Because trains have

played such a major role in shaping America over the past two centuries, today you can find them in

every kind of community, carrying benign goods like grain, hogs and, of course, us. But with the

growth in crude-by-rail, coupled with lax regulations, these icons of American culture are viewed

more warily as their foreboding tank cars chug by, filled with crude oil and marked with barely

perceptible warning signs.

Oil rail shipments have increased 6,000 percent from 2008 to 2014, which adds up to about 800,000

barrels of oil transported across America per day, according to the National Transportation Safety

Board. The increase in rail traffic, however, has not been met with increased regulatory scrutiny. For

example, oil trains are not subject to the same strict routing requirements placed on other hazardous

materials, so while trains carrying chlorine are barred from travel through the middle of cities, trains

carrying explosive crude oil can pass through with no problem.

In addition, over the past two decades, the National Transportation Safety Board haswarned, to no

avail, that older tank cars known as DOT-111's, which make up 69 percent of the U.S. tank car fleet,

are prone to puncturing during an accident. These so-called "soda cans on wheels" were first

designed in the 1960s to carry harmless materials like corn syrup, yet about 92,000 of them are

now used to transport hazardous chemicals (with only 14,000 of those tank cars built to the latest

safety industry standards).

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2013/07/24/world/americas/20130724QUEBEC.html

http://earthjustice.org/climate-and-energy/oil-gas-drilling/fracking

http://earthjustice.org/blog/2011-september/protecting-caribou-migratory-birds-from-tar-sands

http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/eij/article/toxic_tour/

http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/eij/article/toxic_tour/

http://www.umich.edu/~snre492/sherman.html

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2014/04/09/big-oil-railroads-keeping-first-responders-in-dark-on-volatile-cargoes/

http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/recletters/2012/R-12-005-008.pdf

http://www.ntsb.gov/news/events/2012/cherry_valley/presentations/hazardous%20materials%20board%20presentation%20508%20completed.pdf

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2014/03/30/Rail-cars-DOT-111-designed-in-60s-haul-crude-oil/stories/201403300119

https://www.aar.org/safety/Documents/Railroad%20Tank%20Cars.pdf




Also, fire departments, police and first responders often don't know basic safety information, like

whether a train passing through their town will be carrying extremely flammable Bakken shale oil

from North Dakota, or tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada, which is notoriously difficult to clean up. As

a result, many communities learn of crude by rail projects by accident—or because of one.

More crude oil was spilled in U.S. rail incidents in 2013 than was spilled in the nearly four decades

since the federal government began collecting data on such spills.

LACK OF ENVIRONMENTAL, PUBLIC REVIEW, DESPITE ACCIDENTS

Given the lack of regulations and increased rail traffic, it's not surprising that crude-by-rail accidents

have skyrocketed, spilling oil, starting fires, causing explosions and tragically costing lives. The

largest accident happened in July of 2013 in Quebec, but since then a number of derailments have

occurred, including an accident in Lynchburg, Virginia, where a train carrying crude oil derailed in the

downtown area, creating a 200-foot high fireball, prompting the evacuation of some 300 people, and

spilling crude into the nearby river.

Yet, shipping crude-by-rail has, so far, escaped significant environmental and public review. This is

partly because it is so new and partly because many of the permitting decisions—decisions that will

impact thousands of citizens—are being made at the most local of planning levels. Only recently, in

response to community outcry and litigation, have these decisions been brought to the public's

attention. And where full and complete environmental and public health reviews have begun, citizens,

officials and scientists have largely been opposed to these projects and their risks.

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-lynchburg-virginia-train-derailment-20140430-story.html




Richmond residents found out from news reports that crude-by-rail was going through their city only

after local media spotted the trains in Richmond's rail yard, about a half-mile from an elementary

school. State officials with the California Energy Commission didn't know about the project, and the

only agency that did was the local air quality district, which issued an operating permit to Kinder

Morgan in February of 2014 without any notice or public process. Though the California

Environmental Quality Act requires regulatory agencies to conduct full environmental impact

assessments of such projects, the air district avoided its responsibilities by putting the project in the

same category as vehicle registration and dog licenses.

"I was flabbergasted," Earthjustice attorney Suma Peesapati told local television station KPIX after it

broke the story. "This just happened under the cover of night."

Earthjustice quickly sued Kinder Morgan and the air district on behalf of environmental justice and

conservation groups for ignoring the well-known and potentially catastrophic risks to public health

and safety, and for turning a blind eye to permitting the project in an already polluted and

overburdened low-income community.

Similar stories of "discovering" these pipelines on wheels can be found all across the country.

In Hoquiam, Washington, a small town in Grays Harbor, people were largely unaware of plans to turn

the major estuary, which is home to commercial and tribal fishing, into an industrial crude oil zone.

Members of the Quinault Indian Nation, outraged at plans to build three crude oil shipping terminals,

which threaten the tribe's treaty-protected fishing and gathering rights, turned to Earthjustice after

local agencies permitted the projects based on the conclusion that they would have no significant

environmental impact.

An aerial view of Grays Harbor, WA, where planned crude oil terminals threaten treaty-protected

fishing and gathering rights.

http://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/files/2014-03-27-CBR-Richmond-Petition-Complaint.pdf

http://earthjustice.org/about/staff/suma-peesapati

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/03/28/lawsuit-filed-over-fracked-oil-trains-in-the-bay-area-after-kpix-5-report/




"It makes no sense whatsoever to allow Big Oil to invade our region,"

says Fawn Sharp, president of the Quinault Indian Nation. "We all have

too much at stake to place ourselves square in the path of this

onrushing deluge of pollution, to allow mile-long trains to divide our

communities and jeopardize our air, land and waters."

The Quinault and a group of conservation organizations appealed the permits. And in October of

2013, the Washington Shorelines Hearings Board agreed with the tribe, rejecting the permits for the

proposed terminals for failure to address significant public safety and environmental issues. Two of

the terminal projects have begun full environmental review processes, and the tribe and local

community are fully engaged in opposing them.

On the other side of the country, many residents of a housing project in Albany, New York,

discovered that crude-by-rail was coming only after they started seeing—and hearing—long lines of oil-

filled rail cars chugging close to their homes and the community playground. They soon found out that

in 2012 Global Companies LLC received state permits allowing it to double crude oil storage and

loading capabilities at its Port of Albany terminal.

To access the port—which adjoins low-income communities and a playground and is within blocks of

an elementary school, a senior facility and a center for the disabled—trains carrying the explosive

crude travel a rail line that passes directly through the heart of the city. Yet, the State Department of

Conservation approved the project without requiring a full environmental impact review and without

complying with its own environmental justice policy, which requires community participation and input

on such proposals.

"Some of our clients can literally stick their hand out of their kitchen window and almost touch the

trains going by," says Earthjustice attorney Christopher Amato, who, on behalf of a number of groups

sent a letter to the New York Department of Conservation, asking the agency to require a full

environmental assessment that takes into account not just the rail project but all of the impacts that

will come with turning the Port of Albany into a major oil shipping hub.

In March of 2014, Albany residents successfully convinced the county to halt the expansion plans. The

news followed pressure by a broad coalition—including community and environmental groups like

Earthjustice.

CRUDE-BY-RAIL PROPOSALS CONTINUE, AS COMMUNITIES TAKE ACTION

Despite significant pushback from communities, the oil and gas industry continues to ramp up its

crude-by-rail operations to take advantage of the current fracking boom around the country. In

Washington, Oregon, and California, there are more than a dozen known proposals for new or

expanded crude-by-rail capacity.

http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2013/grays-harbor-crude-by-rail-terminals-blocked

http://earthjustice.org/blog/2014-february/fears-ramp-up-as-oil-rolls-into-albany

http://earthjustice.org/about/staff/christopher-amato

http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2014/albany-county-halts-expansion-of-dangerous-crude-by-rail-project




In addition, certain members of Congress are calling for the lifting or loosening of the ban on crude oil

export to other countries.

"Both coasts are in the crosshairs of the oil industry," says Kristen Boyles, an Earthjustice attorney

who represents tribes and conservation groups in Washington and Oregon who are fighting crude-by-

rail.

In February of 2014, the Department of Transportation took the first initial steps to making crude-by-

rail safer now, issuing an order that requires railroads to inform state emergency management officials

about the movement of large shipments of crude oil through their states and urging shippers to avoid

using older model tanks cars that are easily ruptured in accidents.

In addition, communities, no longer content to just lie down on the tracks and hope for additional

regulations, are taking matters into their own hands. In December of 2013, two Chicago

aldermen proposed that its City Council declare the DOT-111 tank cars a "public nuisance" and ban

them from the city. And in February and March of 2014, city councils in Spokane, Seattle and

Bellingham, Washington, passed resolutions requiring greater disclosures by railroads on traffic and

routes, while Minnesota and the Washington state legislatures debated rail safety bills. Most recently,

the city of Richmond and the neighboring city of Berkeley passed resolutions demanding tighter

regulations or outright bans of the shipping of crude-by-rail through their communities.

"We didn't go looking for this fight," says Soto, who has spent much of

his life fighting social injustice and shows no signs of slowing down.

"But we're going to fight it all the same."

http://earthjustice.org/about/staff/kristen-boyles

http://www.dot.gov/briefing-room/dot-issues-emergency-order-requiring-stricter-standards-transport-crude-oil-rail

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-12-12/news/ct-railroad-tank-cars-met-20131212_1_cars-aldermen-hazardous-materials

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/04/15/business/More-Shipments-New-Accidents-and-Calls-for-Safety.html

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/03/26/berkeley-city-council-votes-to-oppose-crude-by-rail-plan/




Oregon subsidizing Rainier rail safety project allowing 14 more oil trains a month

June 19, 2014

http://thedailyworld.com/newswire/northwest/oregon-subsidizing-rainier-rail-safety-project-allowing-14-more-oil-trains-month#sthash.UFsb3R6v.dpuf

http://thedailyworld.com/newswire/northwest/oregon-subsidizing-rainier-rail-safety-project-allowing-14-more-oil-trains-month#sthash.UFsb3R6v.dpuf




In downtown Rainier, a small Columbia River town where oil trains carried more than 300 million

gallons of volatile crude last year, trains and traffic today share the road, creating a hazard the state

soon plans to fix.

An $8.9 million project would install curbs,

reconfigure parking and add designated

pedestrian and vehicle crossings on A Street,

allowing trains to speed up from 10 mph to 25

mph and blow their horns fewer times.

It has another key impact. Improvements would

allow the number of mile-long oil trains passing

through Rainier to increase from 24 monthly to

38, helping expansion plans and profits for an

oil export terminal operated near Clatskanie by

Massachusetts-based Global Partners.

Though regulators and Gov. John Kitzhaber acknowledge significant

gaps in Oregon’s readiness for oil train accidents, the state’s first

major financial commitment to safety improvements subsidizes a

project allowing more oil trains.

An ongoing boom in North Dakota is pushing unprecedented amounts of oil into the country’s rail

system, leading to a string of accidents that has raised safety concerns nationwide.

The North Dakota crude is far more flammable than traditional crude

and moves in tank cars that aren’t as safe as they could be.

Project advocates, including the governor, say improvements to crumbling A Street are overdue and

will help both safety and economic development in Columbia County, where unemployment is higher

than average and wages are below average.

“This is a longstanding project designed to increase safety by separating trains from vehicle and

pedestrian traffic,” said Rachel Wray, a spokeswoman for Kitzhaber. “No matter what companies

haul, people living along rail lines in Oregon deserve safe infrastructure in their communities.”

While the A Street project has been under consideration for years, increased oil train traffic has finally

given it momentum.

Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole said he’s pushed for the upgrade — “a huge safety concern” — since he

was elected more than a decade ago, only to see the state’s interest wax and wane. He understands

the recent urgency. “If oil trains weren’t coming through, you wouldn’t see this project on the table,”

he said.

It has attracted scrutiny from crude-by-rail opponents. If the state is

going to spend millions on oil train safety, said Brett VandenHeuvel,

executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, it should hire more rail

inspectors, prepare firefighters or plan for increased spill risks.

Editorial Comment:

A recipe for disaster

Highly explosive product

Inadequate rail cars

Under-resourced first responders

Faster moving trains

More trains

More traffic and train interactions




“There are a lot of other important gaps right now that need to be filled before helping an oil train

company expand its profits,” VandenHeuvel said.

Taxpayer watchdogs say safety improvements on Rainier’s main street could be achieved for far

less. Jody Wiser of Tax Fairness Oregon said if Rainier was concerned about safety, it long ago

could’ve changed its diagonal, head-first downtown parking into parallel parking with better views of

oncoming trains.

“There are way less elaborate methods that could increase safety dramatically,” Wiser said. “And the

community hasn’t taken those steps.”

Though no accidents between trains and cars have been reported in Rainier in the last five years,

Larry McKinley, an Oregon Department of Transportation manager, said the project would

undoubtedly increase safety. “They’re looking at it as a precaution into the future,” he said.

Construction wouldn’t start until at least late 2016, he said.

Most of the project’s funding will come from the state. Portland and Western Railroad, which operates

the line between Portland and the Clatskanie export terminal, will chip in $750,000 for rail

improvements. The city of Rainier expects to match that.

The Oregon Legislature approved $2 million earlier this year. The Oregon Department of

Transportation’s rail division will add $1.5 million for crossing improvements. And Connect Oregon, a

state lottery-funded program, is expected to contribute $2.9 million. Final cost estimates are still

being drawn up.

The Rainier project is just one part of a concerted state effort to increase economic development in

Columbia County.

Connect Oregon is also slated to spend $4 million at nearby Port

Westward to allow larger ships to access Global Partners’ oil train

terminal and a proposed coal export terminal.

Global is working on a $50 million to $70 million expansion of its facility, which ships oil to West

Coast refineries. The company wants to increase the amount of oil it moves from trains onto barges

to 1.8 billion gallons.

It’s currently limited to 50 million gallons, a cap it far exceeded last

year.

The Connect Oregon awards will be finalized in August by the state transportation commission.




Winnipeg derailment renews safety concerns about crude oil shipments

June 20, 2014

http://globalnews.ca/news/1407694/winnipeg-derailment-renews-safety-concerns-about-crude-oil-shipments/




WINNIPEG – An overnight train derailment at the Symington rail yard took all day Friday to clean up.

There were no injuries or leaks after three cars carrying crude oil jumped the tracks and remained

upright, but CN crews and heavy machinery were busy at the site near Fermor Avenue and Plessis

Road on Winnipeg’s eastern edge.

“We’re a city of railroads, we have major rail tracks running through the centre of our city, right next to

where people live,” said St. Boniface councillor Dan Vandal, who’s been outspoken on the topic of

rail safety.

The train was moving at a slow speed. Crews quickly responded to check the tanks and tracks.

The cause of the derailment is still being investigated and the Transport Safety Board was notified.

CN Rail says two of the cars were DOT-111 tankers, the same type of

crude oil carrying cars involved in the Lac-Megantic train derailment

and explosion nearly a year ago that killed 47 people.

Since then, “Transport Canada is requiring that all DOT-111 tank cars built before the January 2014

proposed standard that are used to transport crude oil and ethanol be phased out or refitted within

three years,” said Transport Canada in a statement.

“City hall has moved a motion, this is what we want, we’ve punted it up to the federal government.

The federal government is working with the railroad companies and transportation authority and they

have the authority to make the improvements,” said Vandal.

CN insists the hundreds of tanker cars that move through Winnipeg every day are safe, even if

accidents sometimes happen.

“CN has a very comprehensive emergency response plan in place for any type of incident so we

work closely with emergency responders if necessary,” said CN rep Warren Chandler over the

phone.

Transport Canada also says these tankers are being replaced with about 55,000 new tank cars,

representing nearly half of the current DOT-111 tank car fleet transporting crude oil.




Oil by rail data shows 10-15 trains of Bakken crude move weekly through Thurston County, 11-16 go in Pierce

June 24, 2014

The state Military Department has publicly released oil-trains data from four operators of rail lines that

carry the volatile Bakken crude oil from North Dakota and Montana inside Washington state.

The data released on Tuesday included an oil-traffic report from BNSF Railway that shows 10 to 15

unit trains of volatile Bakken crude oil are shipped through Thurston County every week and 11 to 16

such trains pass through Pierce County. A unit train has about 100 tanker cars each carrying about

680 barrels, which makes each train worth about 68,000 barrels of crude, according to the state

Department of Ecology.

On Monday, it was disclosed that Tacoma Rail moves three trains of 90 to 120 tanker cars per week -

all within Pierce County. The oil may go to U.S. Oil, which operates a refinery near the waterfront.

The oil-by-rail data had been considered secret until the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an

order in May for companies to release such information to emergency response personnel in each

state by June 6 - if shipments exceed 1 million gallons. Concerns over the oil’s movement have

http://www.theolympian.com/2014/06/24/3197948/oil-by-rail-data-shows-10-15-trains.html?sp=/99/101/112/123/#storylink=cpy

http://www.theolympian.com/2014/06/24/3197948/oil-by-rail-data-shows-10-15-trains.html?sp=/99/101/112/123/#storylink=cpy

http://www.emd.wa.gov/hazards/documents/BNSF6-9-2014.pdf

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/06/24/3258662/tacoma-rail-says-it-moves-3-crude.html?sp=/99/296/

http://www.emd.wa.gov/hazards/documents/TacomaRail6-4-2014.pdf

http://www.emd.wa.gov/hazards/documents/Emergency_Restriction_Prohibition_Order.pdf

http://www.emd.wa.gov/hazards/documents/Emergency_Restriction_Prohibition_Order.pdf




grown steadily after at least four incidents including the disastrous July 2013 explosions in Lac

Megantic, Canada, that killed 47 and left that community scarred.

The Military Department, which oversees the Emergency Management Division, refused to cloak the

reports in secrecy and gave railroads an opportunity to seek a court order blocking their release. It is

the agency’s typical procedure to notify third parties about an information release when potentially

proprietary information is involved, spokesman Chris Barnes said Tuesday.

But no court action was taken, and the military released details to The Olympian, News Tribune and

other news organizations that had requested the data. It also posted links to the BNSF report with

three others on its web site Tuesday afternoon.

Courtney Wallace of BNSF Railways told McClatchy Newspapers that the company changed its tune

about releasing the data once it learned from federal transportation officials that the data wasn’t

protected from disclosure.

“Once it became clear from the federal government that crude oil was not considered sensitive,

secure information, we continued on our path of simply complying” with the department’s emergency

order, spokeswoman Courtney Wallace said in an email to McClatchy for a story by reporter Curtis

Tate.

Oil by rail shipments have skyrocketed in Washington state and 17

million barrels were shipped inside the state last year, according to

state officials. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., has said that figure

could triple in the next few years.

The oil-by-rail data had been the subject of hearings in the state Legislature this year, and a bill

requiring such disclosure passed the House but was blocked in the Senate by the Republican-

dominated Majority Coalition Caucus, which sought a study instead of disclosure. BNSF officials

claimed in testimony that too much detailed disclosure would put them at odds with the Homeland

Security Department, based on terrorism concerns. The Western States Petroleum Association

testified there were proprietary concerns related to oil volumes.

BNSF is considered the nation’s largest shipper of crude by rail.

Officials with county-level emergency management organizations have been reviewing the data for a

few weeks since shortly after it was turned over to the Military Department on June 6. It remains to be

seen how well the data will satisfy the needs of emergency responders.

Kathy Estes, director of Thurston County Emergency Management, said last week that she would like

to see even more detailed information showing oil volumes. The data she received did not specify

how much oil is on a train.

“My perspective is we are getting snapshots in time. We don’t have a lot of information about historic

quantities. We are just getting familiar with the receipt of the data and how we will use it,’’ Estes said.

“This is new for us and we’re happy to know more about what is occurring here.’‘

Estes said that it is possible the county’s emergency management plans will have to change once

they get a better sense of the hazards. She said additional drills or changes in drills are quite

possible.

http://www.torontosun.com/2014/06/24/a-year-after-crash-lac-megantic-remains-in-grip-of-train-from-hell

http://www.torontosun.com/2014/06/24/a-year-after-crash-lac-megantic-remains-in-grip-of-train-from-hell

http://www.emd.wa.gov/hazards/serc_railroads1.shtml

http://www.emd.wa.gov/hazards/serc_railroads1.shtml

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2014/06/24/231342/crude-oil-rail-shipment-data-begins.html?sp=/99/200/

http://www.theolympian.com/2014/04/11/3081305/proposed-hoquiam-terminal-would.html

http://www.theolympian.com/2014/04/11/3081305/proposed-hoquiam-terminal-would.html

http://www.theolympian.com/2014/01/27/2951114/lawmakers-question-safety-of-crude.html




“It’s a logical result. Because it is a bigger hazard in our communities

we will spend more time preparing” for, Estes said.

Spokesmen for Pierce County Emergency Management have not yet responded to a reporter’s

queries last week about how it may respond to the new information.

Editorial Comment:

This article only addresses the tip of the iceberg.

The rail cars carrying the Bakken deposit oil and those carrying toxic diluted bitumen from

Alberta's tar sands are inadequate for transporting these hazardous materials. The

updated rail cars are also inadequate. The issue is that they rupture easily during

derailments resulting in catastrophic losses and risks to wild ecosystems.

Bakken oil extracted by extremely dangerous fracking practices is now understood to be

far more volatile than traditional crude oil.

At the same time toxic diluted bitumen is impossible to clean up following spills - in

addition, it sinks to the bottom of waterways, thus irreversibly risking fragile wild

ecosystems.

There is so very much to risk with so little to gain from the extraction, transportation and

burning of these petroleum products - They should be left in the ground!




Coal




Federal Court Halts Plans for Colorado Coal Mine Citing Climate Change

Concerns

July 3, 2014

The federal coal leasing program has many flaws, such as cheating

taxpayers out of billions of dollars, increasing mining that damages

nearby land and water resources, and subsidizing the coal mining

industry’s efforts to boost exports. But the biggest problem is that the

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) pays almost no attention

whatsoever to the very obvious fact that when burned, coal will

release carbon pollution and contribute to climate change.

http://ecowatch.com/2014/07/03/court-halts-coal-mine-citing-climate-change/?utm_source=EcoWatch+List&utm_campaign=b2d16cbb67-Top_News_7_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_49c7d43dc9-b2d16cbb67-85909017

http://ecowatch.com/2014/07/03/court-halts-coal-mine-citing-climate-change/?utm_source=EcoWatch+List&utm_campaign=b2d16cbb67-Top_News_7_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_49c7d43dc9-b2d16cbb67-85909017

http://ecowatch.com/news/energy-news/coal-mining-pollution/

http://www.ieefa.org/study-almost-30-billion-in-revenues-lost-to-taxpayers-by-giveaway-of-federally-owned-coal-in-powder-river-basin/

http://www.ieefa.org/study-almost-30-billion-in-revenues-lost-to-taxpayers-by-giveaway-of-federally-owned-coal-in-powder-river-basin/



http://powerpastcoal.org/

http://ecowatch.com/climate-change-news/




However, thanks to an important recent court ruling, the BLM may now have a tougher time denying

its role in unlocking huge amounts of carbon pollution. A federal court last week blocked Arch Coal’s

plans to expand a coal mine in Colorado, on the grounds that the BLM failed to consider the impacts

of climate change when it approved the mine expansion.

“This decision means that these agencies can’t bury their heads in the sand when confronting the

very real impacts of climate change,” said Ted Zukoski, an attorney with Earthjustice, which brought

the case along with WildEarth Guardians, High Country Conservation Advocates and the Sierra Club.

Jeremy Nichols, WildEarth Guardians’ Climate and Energy Program director added, “This mine

expansion was a lose-lose-lose proposition. We stood to lose our backcountry at the expense of our

climate. Thankfully, the feds will have to take into account the costs of carbon pollution before

approving more coal mining.”

One key component of the court ruling points to the BLM’s failure to

incorporate the federal government’s “social cost of carbon” in its

review. InsideClimate reports:

The decision was a significant judicial endorsement of a policy tool known as the “social cost of

carbon,” which economists and climate scientist use to put a price in today’s dollars on the damages

from drought, flood, storm, fire, disease and so forth caused by future global warming due to our

emissions from burning fossil fuels.

The BLM has tried to defend its head-in-the-sand approach to coal leasing and climate change with a

variety of excuses, and it’s worth reading through the court ruling for the judge’s rebuttals (key

sections are pages 16-32). One that deserves particular attention is the judge’s rejection of BLM’s

argument “that the same amount of coal will be burned whether or not” this particular coal lease is

approved.

This is a familiar argument from fossil fuel companies and the federal agencies that too often favor

their interests, and it has been debated at length in regard to fossil fuel projects such as the Keystone

XL pipeline and coal export proposals—check out KC Golden’s post for a good explanation of some

of the reasons why this is a weak argument, such as that it:

a.) defies basic economics

b.) ignores the x-factor: economic “lock-in” to dangerous climate disruption

c.) is morally dubious

This court ruling highlights yet another simple reason why this argument is so absurd when it comes

to federal coal leasing – coal competes with other, less polluting forms of generating electricity. The

judge writes (page 30):

The production of coal in the North Fork exemption will increase the supply of cheap,

low-sulfur coal. At some point this additional supply will impact the demand for coal

relative to other fuel sources, and coal that otherwise would have been left in the ground

will be burned.

http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2014/citing-climate-change-impacts-court-decision-protects-colorado-backcountry-from-bulldozing-mining

http://earthjustice.org/

http://www.wildearthguardians.org/site/PageServer#.U7WAD41dUa4

http://www.hccacb.org/

http://www.sierraclub.org/

http://insideclimatenews.org/carbon-copy/20140701/coal-mines-rejection-global-warming-grounds-has-major-implications

http://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/files/91%20-%20Order%20on%20Merits%20%282%29.pdf

http://ecowatch.com/news/energy-news/keystone-xl-pipeline-2/

http://ecowatch.com/news/energy-news/keystone-xl-pipeline-2/

http://griponclimate.org/2012/05/24/the-harder-they-come-a-rough-guide-to-coal-exports-effect-on-climate/

http://www.sightline.org/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2012/02/Coal-Power-White-Paper.pdf

http://griponclimate.org/2012/05/16/coal-export-violates-rule-1-for-winning-the-climate-solutions-game-dont-lose/

http://griponclimate.org/2012/05/07/does-it-matter-if-we-fight-coal-export-part-1-wrong-question/

http://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/files/91%20-%20Order%20on%20Merits%20%282%29.pdf




That gets to the core of why the federal coal leasing program is in such need of reform, and why

community, health and environmental groups have called on Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to

establish a moratorium on coal leasing. Even as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency moves

forward with rules to limit carbon pollution from power plants, the BLM is simultaneously leasing coal

at cheap rates, ignoring the enormous damage it will do to our climate and undermining progress

toward cleaner forms of energy.

President Obama knows that when it comes to fossil fuel reserves, “We’re not going to be able to

burn it all,” and it has been over a year since he reminded us that “someday, our children and our

children’s children, will look at us in the eye and they’ll ask us, did we do all that we could when we

had the chance to deal with this problem and leave them a cleaner, safer, more stable world?

Instead of heeding those words, the BLM continues to do all it can to subsidize the coal industry at

the expense of everyone else. Right after the court ruling came down, it announced plans to hold yet

another coal lease sale in Colorado, which would likely give more than 8 million tons of publicly

owned coal, at subsidized rates, to the reserves of Bowie Resource Partners—a company that

is aiming to boost coal exports from the West Coast.

http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/Global/usa/planet3/PDFs/Coal/SecJewell.pdf

http://ecowatch.com/2014/06/02/obama-epa-carbon-climate-change/

http://ecowatch.com/news/energy-news/

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-06-26/climate-change-and-the-two-thirds-imperative

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/06/25/remarks-president-climate-change

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/07/01/2014-15496/notice-of-competitive-coal-lease-sale-coc-75916-co

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/07/01/2014-15496/notice-of-competitive-coal-lease-sale-coc-75916-co

http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/media-center/news-releases/Bureau-of-Land-Management-schedules-Colorado-coal-lease-ignoring-coal-exports-and-carbon-pollution/




Geothermal

Canada’s high temperature geothermal reserves are in British Columbia




Hydropower

“DamNation”

Watch Movie Trailer HERE

2014 DamNation Screening Schedule HERE

Sign Petition to President Obama HERE: Crackdown on Deadbeat Dams

Sam Mace

Inland Northwest Director Save Our Wild Salmon

“Congratulations. I am so excited for this film!”

Editorial Comment:

Thanks to Patagonia and project partners for DamNation – with the history of failed dams in the USA, no new dams should be built.


http://www.wildsalmon.org/projects/damnation-film-tour/2014-damnation-screening-schedule.html

http://www.change.org/petitions/president-barack-obama-crack-down-on-deadbeat-dams




Don't rush Site C dam, mayor urges

July 9, 2014

http://www.thenorthernview.com/business/266508961.html




The community most affected by the proposed third dam on the Peace River is urging the B.C.

government to get more answers before going ahead.

Hudson's Hope Mayor Gwen Johansson made the rounds of Vancouver media this week, backed up

by a consultant's report that questions the need for the $8 billion project assessed by a federal-

provincial joint review panel this spring.

Energy Minister Bill Bennett has said the cabinet will consider the federal panel's report and decide

this fall whether to issue permits to allow construction to begin in 2015.

The report by planning and engineering consultants Urban Systems reinforces many of the doubts

expressed by the joint review panel, including the cost of the dam and the alternatives available to

meet anticipated power demand.

Those options include upgrading the gas-fired Burrard Thermal generating station in the Lower

Mainland. The federal review estimated that upgrade could be done for the $1 billion that BC Hydro

would pay in interest on the debt generated by the Site C dam.

Urban Systems looked at other options, including geothermal, solar, new natural gas generation and

"microgrids" with distributed power from solar or other small sources.

Johansson said the dam would flood more productive farmland in the Peace River valley, and commit

the region to another big power source for 100 years at a time when small, distributed sources are

becoming competitive.

"Hudson's Hope has done its bit," Johansson told CBC radio Wednesday. "We have suffered the

consequences of the Bennett Dam and Peace Canyon dam. If there are alternatives I think we

should have a really close look at them."

The Urban Systems report compares Site C's estimated power cost of $110 per megawatt hour with

a new gas cogeneration plant in Calgary that is expected to cost $30 per megawatt hour.

Johansson echoed the joint review panel and NDP leader John Horgan's call for Site C to be

reviewed by the B.C. Utilities Commission, to assess its cost estimates and BC Hydro's projections

for future electricity demand.

http://files.newswire.ca/1341/Hudson_s_Hope_Site_C.pdf




Water from the Elwha River flushes through rearing pens at the state Department of Fish and Wildlife's Elwha Channel fish hatchery west of Port Angeles on Wednesday.

About 14,000 young salmon die in Elwha River release of 2.6 million fish

June 19, 2014

PORT ANGELES — About 14,000 dead 6-month-old salmon were counted in the rearing ponds of

the state Department of Fish and Wildlife's Elwha River rearing facility after 2.6 million were released

Tuesday afternoon.

“That's higher than normal mortality would be at this time,” said Randy Aho, hatchery operations

manager for the Fish and Wildlife region that stretches from the Long Beach Peninsula to the Strait of

Juan de Fuca.

“I would say normal mortality [would be] a few thousand, especially with this large number.”

About 14,000 dead fish out of 2.6 million total represents a 0.5 percent mortality rate.

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20140619/NEWS/306199999/about-14000-young-salmon-die-in-elwha-river-release-of-26-million




State-run facility

Aho said the young chinook, eager to access the salt water of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, likely

injured and killed themselves banging against the sides and bottoms of the rearing ponds at the

state-run facility about 3½ miles from the mouth of the river.

The deaths had nothing to do with the amount of sediment in the river or the rearing ponds, Aho said,

nor did they involve fish disease.

“It's just an unfortunate event,” Aho said.

He estimated the 14,000 fish had eaten about $200 worth of food over their six months of life.

Last April, some hundreds of year-old chinook were found along the lower banks and mouth of the

Elwha following their release from the rearing facility into silt-choked river water.

April release

Facility staff had released 196,575 young fish April 5.

Department of Fish and Wildlife officials said then the amount of sediment in the river likely

contributed to their deaths by damaging their gills and making it harder for them to breath.

The sediment coursing down the Elwha has been freed by the removal process for the once-towering

Elwha dams, part of a $325 million river restoration project still underway.

Smolting stage

Rearing facility staff released the 2.6 million fish Tuesday afternoon once they saw that the young

salmon were throwing themselves against the sides of the rearing ponds, Aho said.

The 6-month-old chinook had reached their smolting stage, he said, meaning they were ready to

leave the river.

“When they reach that stage, they want to get the hell out of there,” he said.

“They want to get out to the salt water.

“By releasing them when they did, that eliminated higher mortality rates.”

Aho said staff members use fish activity level as a sign the fish are ready to be released.

Staff members had planned to release them later that evening to take advantage of a low tide, Aho

said, which helps the water in the rearing ponds, and the fish therein, reach the Strait more quickly.

Cover of night

The evening was also sought so the young fish could have the cover of failing light to protect them

from predators, Aho added.

The roughly pinky-finger-sized young chinook were born in Fish and Wildlife's Sol Duc hatchery in

Beaver and were trucked to the Elwha facility between March 10 and April 23, Aho said.

The 32,500 pounds of fish were transported over numerous trips, he added.

On April 5, Aho said, the Elwha River facility released 201,074 year-old chinook that experienced no

mortality. ?????




County Won't Intervene in Weyco Land Fees

No: Lewis County Commissioners Won’t Join Grays Harbor Counterparts

Weyerhaeuser's decision to charge between $150 and $250 for a limited number of access permits

has many sportsmen and government officials up in arms, but their hands are tied.

Nonetheless, some counties are trying to find a solution.

Lewis County isn’t one of them.

Officials from Grays Harbor County want to eliminate tax breaks for landowners charging for public

access. Some Cowlitz County officials like that idea as well, but others want Weyerhaeuser to reduce

or waive access fees for current and past company employees. Lewis County commissioners aren’t

going to do anything because they say it wouldn’t make much of a difference.

“One reason, it’s private property. We don’t have any control over how they use it or what their tax

rate is,” Commissioner Bill Schulte, who represents West Lewis County and lives in the Doty-Dryad

area, said. “Personally, I’m disappointed, but it’s their property and it’s legal.”

Another reason Lewis County isn’t going to get involved, Schulte said,

is because it wants to build a dam on the Chehalis River right through

Weyco property and it doesn’t want to make waves.

“They are our partners in that project and how we negotiate a

settlement will be around those lands will determine the success of

that project,” he said. “We’re going to have to negotiate and it doesn’t

work well if we start out slamming them over something that isn’t in

our jurisdiction.”

Commissioner Edna Fund agrees and said the majority of

Weyerhaeuser landholdings aren’t in Lewis County to begin with.

“(Most of it) is out of our jurisdiction, and if we pass something, it doesn’t change anything,” she said.

“At this point, it’s not on our agenda.”

“I don’t have much of a comment,” Commissioner Lee Grose said. “It’s private property.”

http://www.chronline.com/news/article_31cd39ec-f910-11e3-bb23-001a4bcf887a.html#_=_




In an email to The Chronicle, Weyerhaeuser

spokesman Anthony Chavez said the company

is, “Currently evaluating the proposed

ordinance in Grays Harbor County and

question the county's authority to tax our

timberlands in this way. Our preliminary

research suggests the ordinance is

inconsistent with state law and invalid.”

Chavez said the company enacted the permit

fees to combat the expenses of road

maintenance and illegal dumping that occurs

on their property.

Under the new permits, only the hunter, his or

her spouse and their immediate children under

18 years old will be allowed to be on the

property. Everyone else will be required to buy

a separate permit. If someone shoots an

animal, they won’t be allowed to bring

unpermitted friends onto the property to help

them drag it out.

Skeptics of the new plan say vandals will still

have from February to the end of July to

damage the property and the company should

have reached out to hunting groups who would

have helped repair the damage for free

Despite the frustrations echoed by hunters and

county officials, the permits are in high

demand.

The 800 permits available for the Vail tree farm sold out in three

minutes; Pe Ell South’s 550 available sold out in 12; as of Thursday Pe

Ell North had sold 330 of 500.

The company says it implemented the permit system to recoup some of the expenses it sees from

road wear, vandalism and illegal dumping, but many people from the public see it as a money grab.

In an earlier interview with The Chronicle, Chavez said the company wants to keep its land open to

the public but it also wants to recoup some of the damages it sees from its usage.

Editorial Comment:

Unbelievable!

Weyerhaeuser Company, the one

responsible for irresponsible logging

practices that contributed to the

catastrophic flood damage throughout the

Chehalis River basin December 3, 2007

now charges Washington taxpayers and

others to access rivers, streams and lakes

and the wildlife these public waters sustain

Outdoor recreation in Washington state is

becoming more and more a wealthy

person’s pastime.

More Washington citizens and visitors are

turning away from outdoor recreation in

Washington state – simply too costly with

greatly reduced opportunities.

Closing Big Timber lands to the public will

lead to increased poaching and damage.

Truly shameful that Lewis County

Commissioners are in bed with

Weyerhaeuser Company so as to not make

waves regarding the proposed Chehalis

River dam that will never be constructed.




Liquefied Natural Gas

Young salmon smolts use the underwater eelgrasses of Flora Banks and the surrounding shallow channels to adjust to the Pacific’s salt waters, following their outbound migration from the Skeena River watershed.

LNG terminals could collapse B.C. wild salmon run: SFU scientists

New science shows that Pacific Northwest LNG and Prince Rupert LNG are smack dab in

the most sensitive spot for millions of Skeena salmon, treasured by fisheries, anglers,

First Nations and sushi lovers.

July 9, 2014

READ ENTIRE VANCOUVER OBSERVER ARTICLE HERE

http://www.vancouverobserver.com/news/proposed-lng-terminals-could-collapse-bc-wild-salmon-run-sfu-scientists?page=0,0




Solar




Anesco is to build solar parks on three former colliery sites in Nottinghamshire

30MW of solar to be built on former Notthinghamshire colliery sites

July 1, 2014

http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/news/30mw-of-solar-to-be-built-on-former-notthinghamshire-colliery-sites-4386.aspx#.U8IeIfldWDB




Three former collieries are set to witness what is being billed as

"major regeneration" as a 30 megawatt solar array is installed across

brownfield sites in the East Midlands.

The old coal-mining land in Nottinghamshire – split over Welbeck Colliery in Mansfield, Gedling in

Lambley and a third site in Bilsthorpe – will see enough ground-mounted solar panels constructed to

provide power to around 10,000 homes.

From coal to solar

Of the three sites, the Welbeck Colliery, which was owned by UK Coal and closed in 2011, will be the

first to come online. The 32 acre, 11.2 megawatt (MW) solar farm will encompass 44,160 solar

panels mounted on approximately 15 kilometres of frames. The energy generated is predicted to

power more than 3,450 homes in the local area and lead to carbon savings of around 5.11 tonnes

each year.

Construction is being managed by renewable energy consultancy Anesco in conjunction with

landowners, Harworth Estates, who own 30,000 acres across 200 sites.

Eddie Peat, director of Natural Resources at Harworth Estates, said: "Low carbon energy projects

are an important part of Harworth Estates' commitment to the community and the environment, and

our solar projects with Anesco will deliver both energy for thousands of new homes and new jobs for

the region."

The Welbeck site will be followed by 5.74 MW installations at both Gedling and Bilsthorpe. There is

also a fourth installation currently in the planning stage for Askern, in South Yorkshire.

Anesco, which previously constructed a 30 acre, 5 MW solar farm in the New Forest and a 40 acre,

10 MW solar farm at Owls Lodge, near Andover, is aiming to commence construction on all three

sites by the end of the year.

"These sites are based in the Midlands and north of England, which is important as we believe it is

essential that solar developments are made across the UK and not just in the south west," said

Adrian Pike, CEO of Anesco.

Record-breaking

The solar industry broke records in the UK, meeting an estimated 3.9 per cent of the UK’s electricity

demand over 24 hours on Saturday June 21, according to a Guardian report.

In 2013, Anesco was named the UK's fastest growing private company in the prestigious Sunday

Times Fast Track 100.




Government action




B.C. First Nation evicts CN Rail, logging companies, fishermen from their

lands

July 10, 2014

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/First+Nation+evicts+Rail+logging+companies+fishermen+from/10018438/story.html#ixzz376Ead3BT

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/First+Nation+evicts+Rail+logging+companies+fishermen+from/10018438/story.html#ixzz376Ead3BT




VANCOUVER - Buoyed by a landmark Supreme Court of Canada

decision, hereditary chiefs of the Gitxsan (GIT-san) First Nations have

served eviction notice to CN Rail, logging companies and sport

fishermen to leave their lands.

Chief negotiator Gwaans (gwons) Bev Clifton Percival says these companies have until Aug. 4 to

cease operations and leave 33,000 square kilometres of Gitxsan territory along the Skeena River in

northwestern British Columbia.

Clifton Percival says the band has been trying to negotiate a treaty with the Crown since 2001 but

hasn't made any progress and hasn't had any negotiations for several years.

She says in 2012, some of the lands awarded to the Gitxsan in an earlier high court ruling were given

to the neighbouring Kitsumkalum (kits-um-kalem) and Kitselas (lit-sey-liss) nations in an agreement in

principle signed with the provincial and federal governments.

The Gitxsan say because of the Crown's failure to consult them, the companies are trespassing.

Clifton Percival says timber sales, fishing licenses and rail shipments can continue after the Crown

has obtained the consent of their chiefs.




Greenwashing

Rail Officials Explain Improvement Grant to Chehalis Officials

Pitch: Funds Will Improve Capacity for Current Loads, Not Oil Trains, Business Claims

June 27, 2014

Don Seil, Pacific region general manager for Genesee & Wyoming, presented the Chehalis City

Council with a plan to improve the Puget Sound and Pacific Railroad earlier this week.

The Puget Sound and Pacific is a railroad subsidiary company of Genesee & Wyoming that

interchanges to the BNSF and Union Pacific railroads. Most of its infrastructure is nearly a century old

and in need of repair. Four trains derailed from it between April and May.

The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER, Grant, is a $9 million

federal grant, which was applied on behalf of Genesee & Wyoming by the Port of Centralia. It would

improve rail infrastructure between Blakeslee Junction and Grays Harbor. If awarded, Genesee &

Wyoming will contribute $3.9 million in matching funds. No local money is required.

Last year, the company moved 36,000 car loads and employed about 40 people locally, Seil said.

According to him, the improvements are needed to keep up with growing demands on the rail line.

The grant will bolster the track’s capacity for longer and more

frequent trains hauling brewers’ grain, soybean meal and automotive

parts from the Midwest.

ed: of course this track’s renovation is being done to “grease the skids” for the proposed

Grays Harbor oil storage and export facilities.

The money would improve rails, ties and bridges, upgrade two crossings, allow trains to travel up to

20 miles per hour from the current 10 mph, make two 8,000-foot sidings for trains to pull off the main

line for others to pass and possibly create a quiet zone within Centralia.

The plan is endorsed by Gov. Jay Inslee, Sixth District Congressman Derek Kilmer, the Department

of Defense, numerous companies and several Washington cities, including the city of Centralia.

The port will benefit from the grant improvements because the trains often block truck access to some

of its property, according to Port Executive Director Kyle Heaton. The port will also receive $50,000

for handling the application.

http://www.chronline.com/news/article_9b9e26a0-fe84-11e3-a368-001a4bcf887a.html#_=_




At the end of his presentation, Seil asked the council to write a letter of support for the project, but

because Chehalis won’t be impacted by the improvements, city officials won’t write it.

“It was just information for us,” Chehalis City Manager Merlin MacReynold said. “We’re not directly

affected, so I don't see our council getting involved with stuff going on in another jurisdiction.”

Centralia would be most directly impacted since the rail line runs through town. Seil gave the same

presentation to Centralia City Council in mid-April.

The quiet zone would be created by shutting down six crossings along Sixth Street, but trains would

move through the area quicker and wouldn’t have to blow their horns at every crossing. The grant

would pay for those improvements, but only if Centralia approved.

The city drafted a letter of support for the grant and Mayor Bonnie Canaday signed it.

Although oil is mentioned nowhere in the 32-page application, nor at any point during Seil’s

presentation, the Puget Sound and Pacific could become key in moving oil to three facilities planned

for the Port of Hoquiam, if those are approved.

Oil isn’t mentioned, Seil said, because the company’s focus is on materials it is already shipping, not

potential ones.

“The reason we’re putting forth the application through the Port of Centralia is that it gives us the

opportunity to handle our current customers,” he said. “If crude comes, we’ll handle it, but there may

be needs to expand even further.”

Seil also said that Genesee & Wyoming owns only the rail line and as a common carrier it is legally

required to accept whatever materials its customers’ cars are holding, so long as they meet federal

regulations.

110000%% PPuurree

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Third-party evidence confirms Marine Harvest's healthy salmon

June 19, 2014

http://www.fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?monthyear&day=19&id=69349&l=e&special&ndb=1+target%3D




Marine Harvest Canada (MHC) has provided the Federal Court of Canada with information resulting

from significant new research confirming the company's salmon are not a risk to wild salmon or

consumers.

Responding to a legal challenge initiated by Alexandra Morton against the Minister of Fisheries and

MHC, last week the company provided the Court with evidence including fish health data, which

refuted the allegations made by the marine biologist showing them as clearly erroneous and

scientifically baseless.

The legal challenge - which questions the authority of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to allow

the company to transfer fish from its facilities - includes allegations that the piscine reovirus (PRV) is

linked to heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI), and suggests that the latter is present in

MHC's farm-raised Atlantic salmon.

MHC provided the Court with independent third party evidence that confirms PRV occurs naturally in

wild fish in the Pacific Northwest, predates the start of BC salmon farming operations, does not

compromise fish health in the farms of MHC or in farmed or wild salmon in BC in general, and is not

associated with HSMI. Furthermore, HSMI has not been found in any fish (farmed or wild) in the

Pacific Northwest despite extensive testing.

"While the court would have been within its right to dismiss this case due to lack of evidence brought

forth by the applicant, Marine Harvest wanted the case to proceed to set the record straight," says

Vincent Erenst, Managing Director at MHC. "Since these allegations were made, we've

commissioned a significant amount of independent research confirming our fish are healthy."

Proceedings were completed on 13 June. Justice Rennie will rule on the authority of the Minister of

Fisheries and Oceans to authorize BC's salmon aquaculture facilities to transfer fish from one site to

another in the coming months.

Marine Harvest Canada is British Columbia's leading aquaculture company and supplier of Sterling

brand salmon, producing 40,000 tonnes of fresh farm-raised salmon at sites on and around

Vancouver Island.

Don Staniford:

“Complete & Utter Cr*p Quote of the Week from Marine Harvest Canada's Managing

Director: "While the court would have been within its right to dismiss this case due to lack of

evidence brought forth by the applicant, Marine Harvest wanted the case to proceed to set

the record straight"”

“I guess Marine Harvest paid for the studies or even wrote a report which one of the many

prostitute rent-a-scientists signed - or even their best friends at the CFIA?”

Addie Hollingsworth:

“Who did the studies?”

“Where is the proof?”

http://fis.com/fis/companies/details.asp?l=e&filterby=companies&company=marine%20harvest&page=1&company_id=67022&country_id=

http://fis.com/fis/companies/details.asp?l=e&filterby=companies&company=fisheries%20and%20oceans&page=1&company_id=70678&country_id=




Wild Game Fish Management

Feds Quintuple Allowed Catch on Endangered Salmon Species

Expecting a huge sockeye run, DFO widens the net for coho.

June 27, 2014

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is allowing commercial fishermen to

catch five times as many endangered coho salmon in anticipation of

this year's massive sockeye run on the Fraser River.

Conservationists are outraged with the federal decision, which they say will further threaten the coho

species in the rush to allow fishermen a greater catch during the annual sockeye return. This year's

return is expected to be tremendous, as high as 70 million fish.

http://thetyee.ca/News/2014/06/27/Endangered-Salmon-Catch-Allowed/




Sockeye and coho swim together in the areas open to commercial fishing, which means coho are at

risk of getting caught in the net along with the sockeye.

The government has tried to protect coho by limiting the unintentional bycatch to three per cent since

1998. Canada's new plan quintuples that and will allow for 16 per cent bycatch.

A spokesperson for Fisheries and Oceans Canada, known as DFO, said in an email that coho stocks

were returning and could sustain the increased catch, but that claim was met with skepticism from

conservationists.

"It's confusing," said Gord Sterritt, executive director of the Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation

Alliance. "What's basically happening is that DFO is allowing open season on an endangered salmon

that has not yet been declared recovered."

More data needed

Interior Fraser coho was put on the federal list of endangered species in 2002 after stocks decreased

at an alarming rate because of overfishing in the 1990s.

Only in the past three years have coho stocks begun showing signs of recovery. According to DFO's

2014 forecast, about 50,000 of the endangered salmon will return, which exceed the department's

long-term recovery goal of 40,000.

Sterritt, who is also the fisheries resource manager for the Northern

Shuswap Tribal Council, said three years was too little recovery time

to go on. "We need more data," he said. "We could be in a position

where we're driving these stocks down again."

Aaron Hill, a biologist with Watershed Watch Salmon Society, said that the federal decision was "very

short sighted" and delaying the species' recovery.

Hill said coho catches could be significantly decreased by moving the fisheries off the coast and in-

river where the two species separate. In-river fisheries are historically run by First Nations.

Coho is 'extremely vulnerable': scientist

Dr. Patricia Gallaugher, director of the Centre for Coastal Science and Management at Simon Fraser

University, is renowned for her work and research with salmon conservation in B.C.

She said coho was an "extremely vulnerable" species that DFO was

mandated to protect and recover under the federal Wild Salmon Policy.

The increase of the bycatch rate seems to be in direct conflict with that mandate, said Gallaugher.

According to DFO, the most recent generation of coho averaged 36,000 fish.

Even if this year's returns were to reach 50,000, the scientist finds a fivefold bycatch rate "highly

surprising" as it would also imply a fivefold increase in returns, she said.

Bycatch can be prevented

Both Gallaugher and Hill said this year's massive salmon run is only due to a few strong sockeye

populations. Many other populations are still doing poorly or are classified as endangered.




Like the coho, such populations would also be hurt by this year's intensive fishing.

Gallaugher said fishermen could avoid or

manage bycatch of endangered salmon by

using special gear or placing them in recovery

boxes from which they could be released into

the ocean.

"But all of that takes time, and if you're rushing

to get as many fish as you can then it's not

going to happen," she said.

It would also require a strong DFO presence to

ensure enforcement, and Gallaugher doubts

the department has the capacity.

Editorial Comment:

These bycatch experiments have failed

miserably in Oregon and Washington for

the very reasons identified:

Time

Money

Human greed

Effective enforcement




Rich countries pay zombie fishing boats $5 billion a year to plunder the seas

June 25, 2014

The industrial fleet that now drags the high seas for fish has a combined engine power 10 times

stronger than it did in 1950. Its nets are so huge that they’re sometimes big enough to hold 12 jumbo

jets. And it is largely thanks to this all-out assault on high-seas fishing stocks that two-thirds of those

stocks (paywall) are at the brink of collapse—or well past the edge.

http://qz.com/225432/rich-countries-pay-zombie-fishing-boats-5-billion-a-year-to-plunder-the-seas/

http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21596942-new-management-needed-planets-most-important-common-resource-tragedy-high

http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21596942-new-management-needed-planets-most-important-common-resource-tragedy-high




But instead of discouraging this trend, rich countries are paying those vessels to overfish like there’s

no tomorrow. Japan, China, the US, the EU and other countries pay $27 billion to subsidize these

vessels, according to a report (pdf) by the Global Ocean Commission, an independent body of

international leaders focused on ocean conservation policy. Of that, $5 billion alone goes on fuel

subsidies from rich countries to industrial fishing fleets.

Global Ocean Commission

http://www.globaloceancommission.org/wp-content/uploads/GOC_Summary_23.6.FINAL_.ENG_.pdf




Without the subsidies, most of these businesses would fail. So thoroughly have industrial fleets

overfished the seas that they couldn’t afford the fuel to travel the ever-increasing distance needed to

catch the same amount of fish if their governments didn’t lavish public funds upon them.

In economics, you’d call these zombies — unprofitable companies that

would fail if governments didn’t prop them up.

There are two big problems with zombies. First, they take resources that could go to support new,

productive companies. And by subsidizing zombies, governments allow them to keep prices low,

driving productive companies out of business.

If industrial fleets weren’t subsidized, they’d go out of business. Small-scale fisheries that don’t need

enormous amounts of fuel to catch huge hauls of fish—i.e. the ones using sustainable fishing

practices—would then in theory thrive. Many of these fishermen are in poor countries whose

governments can’t afford to compete in the industrial looting.

Worse, there’s a double-whammy zombie effect going on in the fishing context. Government

subsidies to highly destructive industrial fleets don’t just deprive small-scale fishermen of finite

taxpayer dollars and edge them out of the market with cheap prices; they also rob them of current

and long-term fishing stocks.


http://qz.com/198458/zombies-once-destroyed-japans-economy-now-theyre-infecting-chinas/




Not all subsidies are bad. In fact, subsidies to promote fishery resource conservation and

management—things like stock assessments and stock monitoring—are exactly the kinds of things

we should be pressing our governments to foot the bill for (those are represented in blue in the chart

below). But some $16 billion in subsidies goes exclusively toward making it cheaper to catch more

fish.

That’s a problem, given that the global deepwater fleet is already 2.5

times bigger than what the GOC says is sustainable to maintain global

fish stocks.





Take, for example, the global high-seas bottom-trawl fleet. The top 12 highest-catching nations pony

up a total of $152 million a year, worth a quarter of what the fleet catches. Yet this fleet’s margins are

typically 10%. That means these highly destructive vessels couldn’t stay in business if not for

government gimmes.


Governments tend to be leery of slashing subsidies because of the

potential impact on jobs and, hence, politics.

For instance, in 2006 Spain upped its fuel subsidy 60% after fishermen blockaded Mediterranean

ports to protest oil prices. But the industrial fisheries are actually not huge employers, even within

their sector: GOC reports that the biggest vessels catch 65% of all marine fish, while employing only

4% of fishermen.

legacy - august 2014

Documents

wild salmon

conservationists legacy

legacy exposes impacts

upcoming issue of legacy

wgfci website

wgfci facebook page

planet earth

fellow conservationists