| HeraldNet - Snohomish County's online news source |
 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010 12:44 am |
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Northwest 
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Hood Canal oxygen levels falling again as temperatures rise BREMERTON — The oxygen concentration in the Hood Canal was at record-high levels at the beginning of the year but has been dropping rapidly since May, increasing the risk of fish kills this fall.A researcher says last December’s cold weather may have raised the oxygen levels, and summer heat is likely responsible for their fall. Jan Newton, an oceanographer with the Hood Canal Dissolved Oxygen Program, says a number of factors are involved. At the moment, the average oxygen concentration remains in a healthy range, but the recent decline has been steep. “Some (factors) are related to ocean conditions and some are local conditions. What is interesting now is the drawdown in the 2009 data,” she said. “They have a sharper slope than any other lines on the graph.” The Kitsap Sun reported studies have shown sunny weather causes the growth of plankton, which uses oxygen as they die and decay. When oxygen levels become low, the risk of a sudden fish kill increases under certain wind conditions. In most years, the lowest average oxygen concentration is measured in early September, then gradually increases through the winter. The Hood Canal Dissolved Oxygen Program is wrapping up three years of study. Its report is due early next year. Funding for the research program will run out next year, and the Hood Canal Coordinating Council is considering steps to nurse the waterway back to health. Monitoring buoys will remain in place, except for one to be moved from an offshore location near the Hamma Hamma River into Quilcene Bay. Water quality tests will continue under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with an increased focus on ocean acidification and climate change. |
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- County archive software paid for but waiting for set-up
- Ruling expected on Sultan beating statement
- ‘Roadkill’ caucus seeks a voice for centrist Democrats
- Police seek witnesses in two accidents
- PAWS calls out for critter care-givers
- Boeing has a busy test schedule
- Ex-Boeing engineer jailed for espionage
- Morning mystery: What happened to House Bill 3181?
- State Senate votes to toss I-960's tax-raising hurdle
(9) - Lynnwood sets height limit on grass: 8 inches (9)
- School levies in Snohomish County all passing, Marysville bond failing (6)
- A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood (4)
- Vote on school levies by Tuesday (3)
- Two suspects sought in Everett shooting that injured two (3)
- County archive software paid for but waiting for set-up (3)
- Snohomish County's bargain housing won't last (2)
- Reader poll: Should the WIAA add lacrosse as a sanctioned sport? (2)
- Former Whidbey student shot (2)
- Jackson girls outlast Meadowdale owdale
- OBT raises barre in children’s program
- Junior firefighters
- School levies passing
- Mavericks topple Wolfpack
- Get a second look at Second City Feb. 13
- Sports Briefs
- Warriors advance 11 to regional meet
- Arlington's Cascade Valley Hospital celebrates expansion, national award and 100 years of service
- Business Licences Feb. 2010
- Technology tips for launching your own business
- Business Events Feb. 2010
- Tech Talk: No excuse today for going without a Web site
- State already raising fees and rates that restrict business growth
- Some legislators again targeting people’s initiative petition rights
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