This was only possible because of the orange cup coral samples taken by the R/V Albatross, whose nets and dredges caught all manner of sea life, from tiny cold water corals to enormous halibut and salmon, as the research vessel surveyed the fisheries of Alaska and the West Coast in the late 1800s.

The team’s research revealed that the increased carbon dioxide levels of deeper waters — historically thought to be more protected from anthropogenic acidification — was outpacing the increase of the greenhouse gas in the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution.

“Ocean acidification is not only impacting the health of the entire marine ecosystem, but also people,” aid Mary Margaret Stoll, the lead researcher on a paper published with @natcomms.nature.com. ”Ocean acidification is impacting commercial fisheries and cultural and recreational activities.”

Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley has launched two investigations in October, after the tort claim was filed, which was when he said he first learned of the video and allegations.

The video wasn’t an isolated incident: According to the tort claim, Robinson’s experience with the office — including her time on the county’s internet crimes against children unit — ultimately resulted in a PTSD diagnosis and the creation of a work environment so hostile she is unable to return.

Robinson, now on medical leave, was inundated by a “flood” of “hostile messages ridiculing her about the video” after it was shared with county detectives and patrol officers in April, the claim states.

“The scale and pace of change at this terminal demands a thorough, science-based review — not an MDNS shortcut,” said Lovel Pratt, the marine protection and policy director at Friends of the San Juans.

She is among the environmental advocates demanding an environmental impact statement (EIS).

Out of the more than 5,000 SEPA documents generated every year in the state, less than 1% of them end up requiring an EIS, according to the Department of Ecology.

The Canadian-based global energy company, defended the county’s SEPA process.

Randy Toone, president of midstream at AltaGas, said the MDNS determination was “entirely appropriate” as it was supported by “robust technical environmental analysis” completed by third-party experts.

The situation has also revealed a potential “failure” of county code to provide oversight and limit the expansion of fossil fuel transshipment in the county through the 2021 Cherry Point Amendments.

www.cascadiadaily.com/2025/oct/12/...

@earthjustice.org is appealing Whatcom County's decision of non-significance (MDNS) for 33 projects that have increased the volume of propane and butane throughput.

They say more train traffic and vessel visits increase the risk of spills, as well as negative impacts on fisheries and wildlife.