Scientists don’t know exactly why one species is doing so well while the other is in crisis, but some clues are coming into sharper focus.
Climate Change
Southeast Alaska’s budworm infestation is declining, Forest Service says
The Forest Service estimates 685,000 acres were defoliated by insects in the last three years.
Allen Marine Tours asks visitors to consider the cost of their emissions
Sitka-based Allen Marine Tours is one of the first tour companies in the region to adopt a carbon offset program.
Southeast troll fishermen help study a warming ocean: ‘Fishermen are natural scientists’
Two new citizen science projects will help troll fishermen take the lead in gathering data about how the waters they depend on are changing.
Global heat waves show climate change and El Niño are a bad combo
Scientists say worsening heat waves have a clear link to climate change. This year, a seasonal El Niño pattern will also be adding fuel to the fire.
Crab pots ‘absolutely stuffed’ as Bering Sea Dungeness fishery breaks records
While many Bering Sea crab populations are in freefall, Dungeness crab is breaking records in regions that hardly used to see them.
Tick surveillance shows mixture of new species now in Alaska
Dogs and even people have brought non-native ticks from elsewhere — some of the new ticks could carry disease.
A shortage of heat pump installers is slowing climate action in Southeast Alaska
Swapping out oil-based heating systems for heat pumps is one of the best ways for homeowners to shrink their carbon footprints. But in communities like Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka, heat pump installers are struggling to keep up.
A high-stakes egg drop onto the Juneau Icefield could lead to better monitoring of Antarctic ice
Once the system is operational, the egg will be a very expensive seismometer.
Alaska’s spring was colder than average, while other places baked
If you’ve been grumbling about it feeling cooler than usual in Alaska this spring, you’re right.