Northwest Fisheries Science Center biologist Kelly Andrews provides insights on the shark scientists call an 'enigma' Originally published by NOAA Fisheries on Sept. 28, 2026 Bluntnose sixgill sharks are something of an enigma, even to scientists who study them. Using data collected over more than 20 years, scientists have learned that the Salish Sea, including Puget Sound, comprises one of the world’s few known pupping grounds for the species.

Northwest Straits Commission Marine Resources Committee surveys show bull kelp forests 'extremely healthy' A drysuit, water shoes and a sun hat aren’t the usual garb of a detective, but they’re essential gear for the group of volunteer sleuths paddling out from Washington Park in Anacortes. The three kayakers are looking for clues — water depth, temperature, maybe a crab — to better understand what drives the health and recovery of bull kelp in the Salish Sea.

"The Mountain Runners: America's First Adventure Race, 1911-1913" released in August by Washington State University Press The Mount Baker Marathon — the most dangerous, adventure-filled competition in Whatcom County history — has at last received a book-length account, complete with photographs and maps. “The Mountain Runners: America’s First Adventure Race, 1911-1913,” by Bellingham history author and filmmaker Todd Warger, has been published by Washington State University Press.

Bellingham Circus Guild approaches 20th anniversary According to Bellingham Circus Guild performer Jules McEvoy, Bellingham may have the most circus performers per capita of any city in the United States. McEvoy, a lifelong performer, entered the realm of the Bellingham Circus Guild in the days before it had a name and a rich history. Jules "the juggler" McEvoy juggles at the Bellingham Circus Guild's Vaudevillingham show.

Mountain Huckleberry [Native Plants PNW]   Mountain Huckleberry Vaccinium membranaceum There are about 450 species of Vaccinium worldwid...

Systemic and Solutions Editor Torsheta Jackson writes that she learned about the importance of voting through showing, not telling.

'Women, Madness, Whiteness' poetry collection released Sept. 8 by Village Books and Paper Dreams I have been writing "Women, Madness, Whiteness" since I was an overwhelmed and confused teenager trying to figure out the wild ride of my mother’s madness. When I was a little girl, my mother was institutionalized and diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. While I understood that her behaviors were odd and at times scary and unsettling, I also understood that what was happening was connected in some ways to abuse and trauma.

Fifteen years ago, I was terrified of a computer monitor. All the blankness staring back at me and what it demanded: that I find something true to say, then sum

AI usage, pay raises included in new contract Skagit County journalists voted unanimously on Sept. 4 to ratify a new two-year contract, with stipulations for increased pay and AI usage. The unionized employees from the Skagit Valley Herald, Anacortes American and Stanwood Camano News went on a three-day strike at the end of July. They were prepared to strike again, indefinitely this time, if the new contract did not meet their demands.

After burial disturbances at Point Roberts, community member points to collaboration and discussion to tackle region’s biggest issues Ed.: The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the perspectives of their authors on topics of interest and importance to the community and are not intended to reflect perspectives on behalf of Salish Current. What a shock to read about the…

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Opalescent nudibranch Opalescent nudibranch Hermissenda crassicornis Also known as the thick-horned nudibranch, Herm...

Sudden Valley plans herbicide treatment for invasive waterlilies at Lake Louise They are back and spreading! The invasive fragrant waterlilies at Lake Louise in Sudden Valley cover much of the shoreline this time of the year. A bird sanctuary on the southeast end of the lake is so dense with lily pads that waterfowl commonly seen there in the cooler months are now absent.

City of Bellingham works to bolster Padden Creek habitat Drier, hotter summers are prompting new ideas for how to balance recreation and wildlife in the Padden Creek watershed. The City of Bellingham is working on a water budget that investigates the feasibility and impacts of using more water from Lake Padden to boost streamflows in the creek, Jason Porter, public works surface water manager, wrote in an email.

President Donald Trump and the Republicans keep maligning mail-in voting, saying it's slipshod and corrupt. But one such local election just got a perfect score, Danny Westneat writes.

Increasing sixgill and sevengill sightings provide new research opportunities in the Salish Sea Researchers with the Seattle Aquarium, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State University Big Fish Lab and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium have tagged eight bluntnose sixgill sharks this summer with a budget for 12-15 total through September.  Growing up to 14 feet if not bigger, sixgill sharks are some of the…

All candidates running for 42nd Legislative District representative seats will advance to general election

How a local artist creates treasure from scraps "Giraffe Ornate" by Cathie Cousineau Born in the 1950s, a middle child in a middle‐class family, I was taught to “make do with what you have.” Everyday items themselves were made to last in those days, plus the art of repair was a necessary skillset when only a few coins were given for a weekly allowance.

Donna Ladd writes about why impactful, meaningful and effective journalism is more important than publishing for awards, page views or shares.

Journalist applications are now open for WSU Murrow Fellows/Report for Washington, a new partnership between Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication and Report for Amer...

Local poet responds to proposed tree removal for facility expansion at Lopez Island's Odlin County Park Brenda Asterino stands before an old growth tree at Odlin County Park. (Courtesy Brenda Asterino) Whispers of the original Word Found within the depthsOf bark, trunk, of sap and rootsAnd nestled in cone spirals. Word made woodUnique to planet Earth. We have Irrational and…

New survey of Whatcom County’s businesses shows the toll

The Citizenship for International Adoptees Act is a dangerous and newly introduced bill. Adoptees and their allies should not support it.