Everywhere they look, Pacific Northwest scientists find teeny-tiny plastic pollution. Broken down particles are in our water, falling out of the air, in salmon, shellfish and in our own bodies. Scientists, environmental advocates and Democratic lawmakers in Olympia and Salem have seen enough to make them seek more regulations.
Everywhere they look, Pacific Northwest scientists find teeny-tiny plastic pollution. Broken down particles are in our water, falling out of the air, in salmon, shellfish and in our own bodies. Scientists, environmental advocates and Democratic lawmakers in Olympia and Salem have seen enough to make them seek more regulations.
A northern spotted owl. CREDIT: Todd Sonflieth/OPB
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BY MONICA SAMAYOA / OPB
The agency said the species’ continued decline warrants a reclassification from “threatened” to “endangered’’ but it elected against taking that step because it considers other listed species to be higher priorities. According to the service, the decision was based on a scientific report that was peer-reviewed by academic and industry experts. The service said a status change would not result in any additional regulatory restrictions under the Endangered Species Act nor would it impact the actions taken to conserve the species.
“Ongoing research tells us that northern spotted owls are in danger of disappearing in large parts of their range,” Regional Director for the Service’s Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region Robyn Thorson said.