Ocean

Ghost Fishing Nets Being Vanquished In Puget Sound

Ashley Ahearn — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:54 +0000

Fishing nets are designed to ensnare fish. But when those nets are lost or abandoned at sea, they don’t stop catching fish. Instead, they become ghost nets – floating death traps for the marine life that continue to get trapped in their mesh.

Wash. and Ore. Get More Tsunami Debris Cleanup Money

Sara Lerner — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:48:08 +0000

Here on the western coast of the U.S., we have a special connection to Japan. The ocean between us keeps bringing remnants from the massive tsunami there. It left more than 16,000 people dead. The debris is expensive to remove and can carry invasive species with it.

Largest Underwater Observatory Preparing For Launch Off Northwest Coast

Ashley Ahearn — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:19:45 +0000

Scientists are in the final weeks of preparation for the launch of the world’s largest underwater observatory.

It’s a 239 million dollar project that was funded by the National Science Foundation to better understand and monitor the depths of the Pacific Ocean – from volcanic eruptions to deep-sea earthquakes that could lead to tsunamis.

EarthFix’s Ashley Ahearn visited with the team and has this update.

Tidal Power Project In Puget Sound One Step Closer To Approval

Ashley Ahearn — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:54:22 +0000

A proposal to generate power from Puget Sound tides moved one step closer to approval with the release of a new government review. Ashley Ahearn reports for EarthFix.

Oregon Adds Wave And Offshore Wind Zones To Its Sea Plan

Amelia Templeton — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:38:51 +0000

Oregon adopted new zoning rules for its territorial sea yesterday. The rules set aside about 2 percent of the Oregon coast for wave and offshore wind energy. Amelia Templeton from our EarthFix team reports the decision was not welcomed by some Dungeness crab fisherman.

Not Easy To Find Room For Ocean Energy

Tom Banse and Tom Banse — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:30:06 +0000

It goes without saying that the Pacific Ocean is vast. So it may come as a surprise to hear the sea described as "crowded." Perhaps even too crowded to make room for the nascent industry of wave and tidal energy. Taxpayers and investors have pumped tens of millions of dollars into finding ways to turn the ocean's power into electricity. Correspondent Tom Banse reports high stakes negotiations to identify wave energy sites on the Oregon Coast are finally getting somewhere.

Gregoire Announces 3.3 Million To Tackle Ocean Acidification

Ashley Ahearn — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:58:41 +0000

Gov. Chris Gregoire has just released a long awaited report on ocean acidification. At a public ceremony today she announced major funding for the execution of some of the report’s recommendations.

New Report Details Water Quality In Puget Sound

Ashley Ahearn — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:40:18 +0000

A new report released Thursday brings together the best data on the environmental health of Puget Sound. Ashley Ahearn reports.

Puget Sound Tidal Energy Project Challenged

Ashley Ahearn — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:08:27 +0000

The Washington coast is home to some of the strongest tidal currents in the country. Some want to harness those tides for power. Ashley Ahearn reports a proposed tidal power facility in Puget Sound is running into some trouble.

No Decision Yet On The Fate of Tsunami Debris

Virginia Alvino — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:04:22 +0000

Oregon Parks officials are still weighing their options for the giant piece of tsunami debris that washed up on the Oregon coast this week. The Japanese dock continues to draw onlookers to the beach near Newport.