Islanders occupy channel for a coal-free Salish Sea

In response to the announcement of the approval of permits for the shipment of US thermal coal through Greater Vancouver, the Fraser River, and up the Salish Sea to Texada Island, residents in the region protested by occupying the Sabine Channel on Saturday, October 4.

More than 150 people, primarily from Lasqueti Island’s 426 population, came out in 45 boats and around 60 joined them on the shoreline to object to the Salish Sea being the staging ground for the export of thermal coal from Wyoming and Montana to Asia. Several boats from Texada and Thetis islands joined the occupation.

US ports have said no to the transportation of thermal coal. The State of Oregon denied a proposed export facility and two proposals for the State of Washington are undergoing extensive public and environmental reviews amid strong elected official and citizen opposition.