For the past three summers, researchers have measured bacteria levels at Ketchikan-area beaches in an effort to prevent waterborne illness.
Oceans
Bowhead whales are changing migration patterns, researchers say
The fall whaling season in Utqiagvik didn’t happen last year — veteran whalers said they had never gone that long without seeing a bowhead whale near Point Barrow during that time.
Marine heatwaves will cripple salmon, cod and pollock at twice the rate previously predicted, study says
As these heatwaves continue, they may have far more devastating implications to fisheries than previously predicted.
Supreme Court ruling could be setback for proposed mine near Haines
The Supreme Court decision could mean stricter permitting is required for Constantine Metal Resources’ expansion plans for a mine project near Haines.
Oil is still flowing into the water at the trans-Alaska pipeline terminal in Valdez
Four birds have died in the area and crews have set up additional containment booms around a nearby hatchery and the Valdez Duck Flats.
Update: Thousands of gallons of oily water recovered from spill at trans-Alaska pipeline terminal in Valdez
Thousands of gallons of oily water have been recovered from the harbor at the end of the trans-Alaska pipeline, but officials with the Department of Environmental Conservation say that the spill is contained.
Gulf of Alaska cod loses sustainability label because of scarcity caused by climate change
After 10 years of certification, Gulf of Alaska cod will have its blue-sticker sustainability label suspended.
Dutch Harbor remains nation’s top fishing port for volume
Dutch Harbor has been named the nation’s top fishing port in terms of volume for the 22nd consecutive year. But the port dropped from second to third place in terms of value.
Endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales continue to decline, and scientists aren’t sure why
In 2008, Cook Inlet beluga whales were listed as endangered. Their numbers still continue to drop: There are fewer than 300 today, and they’re steadily declining.
A second ‘Blob’ marine heat wave has disappeared, but the warming trend will continue, scientists say
The first “Blob” decimated fisheries, caused a mass seabird die-off and spurred toxic algal blooms up and down the coast. As Alaska braced for the second heat wave, it disappeared — at least for now.