Researchers are trying to determine the cause of a gray whale die-off along the West Coast, including Alaska. And they’re looking at whether recent warming trends in the Arctic, and reduced sea ice, have affected their prey.
Science & Tech
To get a count on bowhead whales, North Slope scientists head out onto the sea ice
“They’re just so graceful and beautiful. Every time I see a whale I get excited,” says biologist Craig George. “I’ve seen thousands and thousands. It’s always like seeing a bowhead for the first time.”
Counting the hooligan swimming through Haines streams
Little is known about the long-loved, oily subsistence fish known as hooligan. The only ongoing research on Southeast Alaska hooligan is the result of a nine-year study by the Chilkoot Indian Association.
In Utqiaġvik, learning about climate change includes studying your backyard
“They get the traditional, ecological perspective on sea ice and how it’s changing and shifting from the whaling crews and whaling captains,” teacher Kevin Neyhard said. “And then … we drill cores through the ice to learn about it from that perspective.”
Court system inches forward with years-long upgrade to digital filing system
The Alaska Court System takes in and maintains hard copies of millions of pages of documents annually. It’s been trying to upgrade to an electronic, paper-on-demand system for years.
As the Lower 48 continues to dry out, Alaska could get wetter
This past winter, parts of Southeast Alaska experienced severe drought. But a new study published in the journal Nature suggests that’s probably not a preview of what’s to come in Alaska.
In death, beached Turnagain Arm humpback offers research samples, clues and food
A humpback whale that beached in Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage has died. Biologists say it is an uncommon location for a humpback, and they are now studying its death.
Southeast Alaska pilots raise concerns over Royal Princess megaship
In anticipation of the 2019 cruise season, Southeast marine pilots have been testing megaships in virtual reality. They’re concerned about one of the vessel’s maneuverability in tight spots and low speeds.
Conservation group: Chilkat and Stikine among 10 most endangered rivers in US
American Rivers, a national advocacy group opposed to mining and energy development in wilderness areas, says the two Southeast Alaska rivers are “at a crossroads.”
Juneau high schoolers headed to world robotics championship
A high school robotics team from Juneau is competing in a world championship this month. It’s the first time a team from Southeast Alaska has made it this far.