First confirmed Pacific Northwest sighting of invasive Chinese mitten crab
The Brief
An invasive crab species has been found in Oregon waters.
The Chinese Mitten Crab has not previously been spotted in the Pacific Northwest.
They are harmful to both wildlife and infrastructure.
ASTORIA, Ore. - Wildlife officials in Oregon have confirmed the presence of a male Chinese mitten crab within their borders. They believe it was either introduced illegally or came over as a larvae through ballast water.
On Apr. 22, the large adult crab was found in the Lower Columbia River near Tongue Point in Oregon. This sits just south of the Washington border.
These crabs are defined by hairy mitten-like claws, brownish-orange to greenish-brown coloring, having four spines on each side, and a notch between their eyes.
Why you should care
The Washington Department of Wildlife released a statement with photos about the dangers and warning signs of Chinese mitten crabs. Included in the release was a reminder of past problems with the crustaceans.
"While this is a rare event in Oregon, mitten crabs caused significant infrastructure and ecological damage in and around San Francisco Bay when the population was at its height in the late 1990s."
The crabs have been known to climb over concrete structures up to 13 feet tall, according to the United States Bureau of Reclamation. In large numbers, they may also damage riverbanks, levees, damns, or ditch walls through their burrowing activities.
What's next
Columbia River users are encouraged to keep an eye out for the invasive species. If any are found, WDFW or ODFW should be notified. The two agencies are working together with the NOAA to keep an eye out for any additional spottings.
The Source
Information for this report comes from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Othello, WA woman's arrest sparks national debate on immigration enforcement
Passenger removed from Seattle plane after making 'inappropriate comment'
Jeffrey Zizz charged in kidnapping, murder of WA grandmother
How to watch, stream 2025 NFL Draft
WA caregiver charged with sexually assaulting disabled teen
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
9 hours ago
- Time Business News
Why Ruby is One of the Most Treasured Gems
Considering historical instances, rubies have enthralled humans as symbols of strength, ardour, and love. The ruby, one of the most prized gems, has a long history and profound culture. amongst treasured stones, it is distinguished via its flaming crimson color and exceptional hardness. Rubies, the primary gemstone for July children, are prized for his or her beauty, uniqueness, and association with bravery and vitality. This gemstone continues to be conventional, whether or not it is utilized in Ruby Jewelry or as a fantastic Ruby Ring. A distinguished position of a few of the July Birthstones is occupied by way of the ruby. referred to as the 'King of gemstones,' rubies have been prized for their wealthy crimson hue, which represents strength, love, and wealth, all through records. In historical cultures, rubies were thought to have shielding homes that might beat back terrible success and offer excellent fortune. wearing a ruby was once taken into consideration to enhance vigor and strength in lots of traditions, making it the appropriate stone for July children. Rubies belong to the equal circle of relatives as sapphires, the mineral corundum. The chromium protected in rubies is what gives the gemstone its bright, flaming crimson coloration. Myanmar (Burma), a good sized provider of top rate rubies for millennia, is home to the fine rubies. Madagascar, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are extra noteworthy resources. one of the most treasured and lengthy-lasting jewels, rubies are shaped through excessive heat and stress. Throughout history, rubies have been valued in lots of cultures. Rubies had been seen as the 'gem of the sun' in historic India, where they were ideal to give fighters energy and protection. Burmese soldiers made themselves indestructible by embedding rubies into their flesh. In medieval Europe, rubies were considered to be a sign of blue blood and had been believed to bestow expertise and fitness upon those who wore them. Rubies had been utilized as money in the Chinese language lifestyle and have been frequently placed below building foundations to offer wealth and precise fortune. The ruby's excessive pink hue has also been related to the heart and blood, in addition solidifying its connection to passion and existence pressure. Rubies are a number of the rarest gemstones, and when they're of gorgeous niceness, their fee regularly surpasses that of diamonds. The maximum precious rubies have a vibrant, pure purple hue that is regularly known as 'pigeon's blood' crimson. By virtue of their rarity and beauty, these rubies fetch tremendous charges within the gemstone market. due to the fact inclusions can alter a ruby's transparency and brightness, readability is likewise an indispensable consideration while assessing its fee. In comparison to different gemstones, rubies are valued not solely on clarity or carat weight however additionally at the depth of their shade. A smaller ruby with a brighter hue may be really worth extra than a bigger stone with a duller hue. As a result, both gemstone enthusiasts and collectors might also gain from buying top notch Ruby Jewelry. Ruby Jewelry has long been a famous choice, and celebrities and individuals of the royal family are regularly spotted wearing these lovely gemstones. by virtue of their rich red shade, rubies are a top notch choice for heirloom jewelry, engagement rings, and statement portions. Ruby Jewelry includes a number of the most famous portions, inclusive of The Burmese Ruby Tiara: some of the fantastic Burmese rubies are used in this notable tiara, that is owned by Queen Elizabeth II. The Graff Ruby: This diamond sold for tens of millions of dollars at public sale, making it one of the most steeply-priced rubies ever. Elizabeth Taylor's Ruby Necklace: Richard Burton gave her this necklace, which exemplifies the beauty and beauty of rubies. The Ruby Ring is one of the most valuable types of Ruby Jewelry. A Ruby Ring represents power, ardour, and love whether worn as an engagement ring, a fashion accessory, or a family historical past. so one can increase the brightness of diamonds, rubies are frequently combined with them to create beautiful designs. Reflect on consideration on the following factors at the same time as selecting a Ruby Ring: Colour: A deep, rich purple with few secondary colors is what you need. Cut: A properly-reduce ruby optimizes its beauty and intensifies its brilliance. Clarity: despite the fact that rubies frequently have a few inclusions, their value rises when those flaws are less apparent. Carat Weight: due to the fact large rubies are extra unusual, their price is lots higher. With a Mohs rating of 9, rubies are the second hardest gemstone after diamonds. However to keep their sturdiness and brilliance, adequate care is imperative. here are a few suggestions for retaining the fine feasible circumstance to your Gemstone Jewelry: Cleaning: To smooth rubies, use a gentle brush and slight soapy water. Steer clean of ultrasonic cleaners and robust chemical compounds. Storage: To keep away from scratches, maintain rubies apart from softer gemstones. Maintenance: To ensure settings stay invulnerable, get your Ruby Ring or jewelry tested and cleaned via a seasoned. By virtue of its shortage, historic significance, and breathtaking beauty, rubies remain one of the most loved gemstones. Rubies are a gorgeous gift that represent love, passion, and protection and are one of the July Birthstones. They are a wonderful option for jewelry that lasts an entire life as a result of their hanging resilience, deep red tone, and associated with energy. Rubies enchant with their traditional beauty whether or not they are worn as a Ruby Ring, necklace, or pair of earrings. Owning a lovely gemstone is solely one thing of the legacy of beauty, ardour, and history that includes making an investment in Ruby Jewelry. This gemstone remains a timeless representation of beauty and energy for July kiddies and anyone who enjoys the attraction of rubies. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
27 Gardening Must-Haves For Beginners
A pack of the 20 most popular vegetable seeds to basically turn your vegetable beds into your own organic produce market. From beets and cucumbers to cabbage and okra, there are enough seeds to grow plenty of produce year round. A seed and seedling spacer tool that'll show you exactly where to put your seeds. The color-coded square helps you space out seeds just right, so your veggies grow in neat little rows instead of chaotic clumps. Just press into the soil, poke holes with the included dibber, and plant. A galvanized steel planter bed for neatly planting all your veggies and fruits. It has an open bottom, which provides good drainage and keeps weeds away from your soil. Promising review: "This raised bed is very affordable. The bed looks thin and flimsy at first, but once it is set up, it is very sturdy, even though it is very light to carry around empty. I also appreciate that this is a foot tall and not too shallow like some other raised beds being sold. This is an excellent product." —JTGet it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in two sizes). Or a raised garden bed that removes the need for bending or kneeling, preserving your back and knees as you tend to your garden. It's made from Chinese fir, a great wood for outdoor furniture and construction because it doesn't warp out of shape when it gets damp or wet. Promising review: "My granddaughter and I started a garden in this raised bed! It's perfect for me because I don't have to bend down on my knees and high enough for her (she's 4). Now we wait for things to grow so we can eat them!!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in three sizes and three finishes). A pair of stainless-steel gardening shears for clipping cuttings and deadheading. Folks say they're lightweight and easy to use, and despite their size, can cut through really thick, tough stems. Or a seven-piece garden tool kit if you're new to gardening and want a one-stop shop for all your needs. This kit has a folding stool so you can sit comfortably while you work, and all the tools you'll need for basic gardening tasks. The seven-piece kit includes a weeding fork, cultivator, weeder, transplanter, trowel, folding stool, and tool review: "When I saw this product, I needed to purchase it for myself. I have been into gardening lately, and spend a lot of time outside. My back always hurts from bending over, or my knees ache. So having this chair low enough to the ground is so convenient! I also love that it comes with the tools and the tool bag attached to the chair. It folds flat for easy storage. I love it! —sheena bostickGet it from Amazon for $35.99. A pack of wildflower seeds to turn a sad patch of dirt into a butterfly-and-hummingbird buffet. You get over 30,000 seeds (!!!) across 23 varieties, so even if half of them ghost you, you'll still end up with a bloom-filled backyard. Seed Needs is a family-owned small business in Michigan that makes seed packets. Promising review: "I bought this package hoping to attract butterflies. It did not disappoint. I have the opposite of a green thumb, and this was super easy. I couldn't tell you the names of any flowers, but we have at least six different types. I overseeded a smaller area, so I will probably make the area larger or only do half the seeds next year. We can go outside at any time and see our beautiful flowers and SO many butterflies! 10/10" —Tesa TaylorGet it from Amazon for $5+ (available in four mixes and two sizes). A bottle of organic Joyful Dirt concentrated plant food and fertilizer for indoor or outdoor plants that you mix into either soil or the plant's water. Within a few weeks, your plants will look noticeably healthier and taller. Joyful Dirt is a small business based in Portland, Oregon making organic, all-purpose plant food since review: "I never write reviews but had to share what a great find this was! I have routinely killed every living plant I've ever brought home. Joyful Dirt has completely changed that. All my plants look full and healthy with little to no effort on my part! I am so amazed that for teacher gifts this year, I am giving terrariums and will include a shaker of Joyful Dirt to go with each. If you have any trouble keeping plants alive, this is the solution." —KB13Get it from Amazon for $19.95. A pair of breathable and absorbent bamboo gloves that keep hands cool in the hot weather. These have a textured rubber coating on the palm and fingers so that you can easily grab things — even thorny plants — without fear of hurting yourself. Or a pair of gardening gloves with extra-long sleeves so you don't have to stress about poison ivy, thorny branches, or mosquito bites while you're out there doing your thing. Bug season is no joke, so it helps to stay covered. These'll also save your arms if you accidentally brush up against something prickly. A pack of Miracle-Gro water-storing crystals for making sure you don't over or underwater your plants. You mix it in with your regular soil, and the crystals swell to absorb water and then release it later. Promising review: "I love these crystals. The heat is here, and this product keeps my plants in containers from drying out so fast and dying. With these moisture control crystals, I can even leave home for a couple of days with no worry." —Peggy RyanGet it from Amazon for $11.42. A pack of reusable Velcro garden ties that'll gently keep your plants in the right spot. Use these to secure stems to stakes, trellises, or cages without damaging anything delicate. They're soft, adjustable, and way easier to manage than twist ties or string. A vertical planter so you can grow herbs, strawberries, or flowers without giving up your whole patio. Just stack the five tiers, fill with soil, and plant up to 20 things in one tidy, compact tower. A weed killer kit that'll handle the hard stuff without making you break a sweat. Just pour the concentrate into the reusable pouch, fill it with water using your hose, attach the sprayer wand, and you're ready to go. The fast-acting formula will get to work on weeds, moss, algae, and even unwanted grass in as little as 20 minutes. Promising review: "My new flowerbed had some Bermuda grass coming up through the weed guard paper, but not anymore. I watched it wilt within 30 minutes of application. I pulled the dead grass the next morning. Other weeds I hit in the flowerbed were much easier to pull than weeds I didn't hit with the weed warrior. It worked better and faster than the other weed killers I have used. Now my flowerbeds can stay grass- and weed-free." –Neeci "This worked as advertised. Love that it's not using harsh chemicals, too. I have kids that love to play outside and wrestle and flip all over the yard, so it's nice knowing they can do so in a safe environment instead of among a ton of chemicals." —Weslee H. Get the kit from Sunday for $37.80. And with summer's heat fast approaching, consider Sunday's Heat Defense Kit. And a weed puller tool for easily removing weeds from your lawn and flowerbeds. It's the bestselling weeding tool on Amazon, and for good reason! The same family-owned small business has been making these since 1913, and 45,000+ reviewers have given the product 5 stars. But also a crack weeder tool to make your pathways, patios, and driveways aesthetically pleasing and easy to walk on. The uniquely shaped tool fits into tight cracks and grabs weeds by the roots for easy removal. A pack of five heavy-duty fabric grow bags so you can grow big plants with ease. These grow bags use a breathable material, which keeps roots and soil oxygenated and cool throughout the year. Great for developing robust, fibrous root systems that stay healthy without needing regular root pruning. Promising review: "So I'm no plant pot-biologist, but these are awesome. They're durable and strong. The handles are stitched on super well. They are also solid enough to hold the soil and plant with no problem while letting enough oxygen to the roots to create a bigger root ball, leading to bigger plants/yields. Best mesh flower pots by far." —Avraham C Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in tan or black and in 10 sizes). A 21" Ryobi self-propelling lawnmower because yard work is way more tolerable when your mower doesn't sound like a helicopter. This one's battery powered-powered (read: quiet), and the charge lasts *forever* — I did both my front and back lawn with juice left over. It's a very worthy investment if you want to maintain a pristine lawn all year long without a lot of effort on your part (self-propelling really is awesome). My house has a lot of lawn: over 3,000 square feet. When we first moved in, I bought a cheap battery-powered mower that could barely handle either the front or the back yard on a single charge. Not ideal. This Ryobi mower is the total opposite. I can mow both the front and back with charge to spare. A "command center" lets you activate turbo mode and lights, and adjust the self-propel speed right from the handle (great for slowing down when you're trying to mow a corner). Turbo mode gives you an extra boost for tough patches, and it comes with a grass catcher bag, though I always keep mine on mulch mode because it's better for the lawn. The handle folds down for easy storage. Bonus: the 40V battery works with over 85 other Ryobi tools, which I love because it means I can expand my collection without collecting a bunch of different batteries. Promising review: "I bought this mower exclusively for my front yard because I love my yard to be neat. Since my yard is on a slope, self-propelled is a must. I was really surprised by the power of the drive and the very even cut. Stores away in my garage and is always ready. Am I happy? Extremely." —Greg D. Get it from The Home Depot for $549. A potting bench so you have a designated spot to keep your gardening tools and supplies. The tabletop can hold up to 220 pounds, and the bottom shelf and cabinet can handle up to 176 pounds. There are also three metal hooks on the right side for hanging items. Promising review: "Great value for the $$ and attractive! Looks great on my back porch area and is a nice place to store all my planting supplies. The metal countertop is a nice touch, as it's easy to wipe down and gives it a bit of a rustic look. I would highly recommend and buy it again!" —Staci Evans Get it from Amazon for $108.59+ (available in three wood finishes). A pack of three rolling plant caddies to make sure you can move your heaviest plants without much effort. Each caddy can hold up to 80 pounds, too, so we're talking about some pretty big plants! A protective sunhat with a mesh net so you can garden without fear of being attacked by bugs. Try as they might, bees, mosquitos, and other insects will be no match against this. A denim apron with leather details designed specifically for gardening. Designed by plantfluencer Hilton Carter, it has leather pockets for holding heavy and sharp tools like shears and a ring for holding a towel or mister/spray bottle. An extra-thick foam kneeling pad so days spent tending to your garden won't result in excruciating knee pain. This mat measures 17.75 inches long x 11.75 inches wide x 1.5 inches review: "I'm not getting any younger. Scrubbing the floor/floorboards behind the toilet, bottom of tub, refrigerator, lower cabinets, gardening on my hands and knees kills me these days. I was skeptical that this wouldn't be thick/sturdy enough to use for all of the aforementioned tasks. Boy, am I glad I was wrong! If you're looking for a great 'kneezy,' this one is it. It's supportive, cushioned, wipes clean, and has a carrying handle. Definitely worth your time and money." —AikoGet it from Walmart for $21.48. Or a pair of knee pads if you need support but are on the move a lot. Never again will you have to cut your time outside short because your knees, hips, or back is throbbing. A set of metal hanging flower pots so you can have fresh flowers or herbs, regardless of whether you have a plot of dirt to grow them in. Each set includes 10 planters, so you can plant different types of flowers, herbs, and other greenery. A pack of four plant supporters, because some plants just need a little extra help staying upright. Bonus points because the metal is powder-coated green, so it'll camouflage really well. And a wall-mounted storage rack to organize everything from hoses to landscaping supplies. Keep your garden tools clean and accessible by hanging up the essentials instead of having them pile up in corners. Promising review: "We just put this up last week in our garage and already love how it looks and functions. We love how you can customize the different hook arrangements to fit your needs easily. Everything is included inside the box with meaty screws to hold up the bracket. We liked it so much we decided to get another set to extend it even more." —Ian Petersen Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four lengths).
2 days ago
Chinese ship runs aground off Philippines-occupied island in the disputed South China Sea
PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines -- A Chinese ship ran aground in stormy weather in shallow waters off a Philippines-occupied island in the disputed South China Sea, prompting Filipino forces to go on alert, Philippine military officials said Sunday. When Filipino forces assessed that the Chinese fishing vessel appeared to have run aground in the shallows east of Thitu Island on Saturday because of bad weather, Philippine military and coast guard personnel deployed to provide help but later saw that the ship had been extricated, regional navy spokesperson Ellaine Rose Collado said. No other details were immediately available, including if there were injuries among the crewmembers or if the ship was damaged, Collado said. Confrontations have spiked between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and navy ships in the disputed waters in recent years. "The alertness of our troops is always there,' Col. Xerxes Trinidad of the Armed Forces of the Philippines told reporters. But when they saw that a probable accident had happened, 'we tried to provide assistance as professionals' in accordance with international law on helping distressed vessels at sea. "We're always following international law,' Trinidad said. Filipino villagers living in a fishing village on Thitu, which they call Pagasa island, immediately informed the Philippine military and coast guard after seeing the Chinese ship lying in the shallows about 1.5 nautical miles (2.7 kilometers) from their village, said MP Albayda, a local Filipino official, told The Associated Press. 'They got worried because the Chinese were so close but it was really the strong wind and waves that caused the ship to run aground," said Albayda, adding that other Chinese ships pulled the stricken vessel away. The stricken ship resembled what the Philippine military had repeatedly said were suspected Chinese militia ships, which had backed the Chinese coast guard and navy in blocking and harassing Philippine coast guard and military vessels in the disputed waters, a busy conduit for global trade and commerce. Thitu Island is home to a Philippine fishing village and Filipino forces and is the largest of nine islands and islets occupied by the Philippines. It lies about 26 kilometers (16 miles) from Subi Reef, which China transformed into an island base along with six other barren reefs to reinforce its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are also involved in the long-simmering territorial standoffs, an Asian flashpoint that many fear could pit China and the United States in a major conflict. The U.S. does not lay any claim to the South China Sea but has repeatedly warned that it's obligated to defend the Philippines, it's longtime treaty ally, if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.
