The federal government is extending the public comment period for proposed critical habitat for ringed and bearded seals.
Oceans
Cleanup efforts conclude for Sitka Sound fuel spill
Impacts to the environment are unknown at this time. According to the Coast Guard, no wildlife was observed within the worksite.
Southeast Alaska streams play important role in carbon cycle, researchers find
Because forests like the Tongass hold onto carbon, they can serve as a buffer for increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Sunken fishing vessel causes fuel spill in Sitka Sound
According to a report from the Department of Environmental Conservation, the vessel owner reported 1500 gallons of diesel fuel and 55 gallons of hydraulic oil on board at the time of sinking.
Cruise ships don’t appear to be behind Ketchikan’s beach bacteria problem — so what is?
Ketchikan beaches have elevated levels of bacteria that could make people sick even without dozens of cruise ships sailing through the Inside Passage and discharging wastewater.
Low sea ice and warmer oceans impact seabird migration in Western Alaska, research suggests
Coastal seabirds have experienced die-offs in Western Alaska the past few years. But recent results from over a decade of research suggest that offshore birds are also feeling the impact of low ice and warming ocean temperatures in the Bering Sea.
Warm, wet February in the Aleutians linked to warming ocean temperatures
At Unalaska’s Tom Madsen Airport, temperatures haven’t dropped below freezing yet this month. And in Cold Bay, the average temperature is running more than eight degrees Fahrenheit above normal.
Dunleavy taps real estate executive for fisheries commission
The Governor’s office didn’t announce the appointment, nor was the vacancy advertised. Smith’s name only surfaced after it was transmitted on February 3 to the state Senate for consideration.
Genetic technique brings biologists closer to solving beluga mystery
Researchers have found a way to determine the ages of living Cook Inlet belugas using skin samples.
Study connects physical decline of Alaska seals to warming Arctic
A related study of harbor seals in the Aleutians found a similar decline over a three-year period, with an average decrease of about 10% of their weight.