Tourism

The public is asked to stay off the beach near the necropsy site while officials collect samples.

The group is examining whether the city’s current approach to managing tourism is working and recommend big-picture changes to the Juneau Assembly. That’s as major cruise tourism developments are on the horizon in the capital city.

The port project will need approval from the city’s planning commission to move forward, which requires public comment before a vote. Juneau’s city manager said it’s hard to say how long that process will take.

MSC Cruises is partnering with ORCA, an international citizen science nonprofit, to study how large ships can maneuver around whales.

The ship began its six-day voyage in Juneau last Tuesday and traveled through several Southeast Alaska towns, including Sitka and Haines.

Officials say the delay stems from underwater piles that contractors are still working to remove.