Snails and mussels are particularly important to commercially harvested fish like halibut and yellowfin sole, along with being prey for the Pacific walruses.
Oceans
Dead bowheads in Beaufort and Chukchi point to increased killer whale presence in Arctic
Numerous studies and Indigenous whalers’ reports are documenting more killer whales spending more time and making more predation attempts in far-north waters.
Study looks at the return of tourism’s impact on whale stress levels
In 2022, tourism was almost back to pre-pandemic levels, so samples taken this year will show the difference in the whale’s stress levels when there are and aren’t boats in the water all summer.
Seal hunting regulations on St. Paul Island show a new path for federal marine mammal protection
The Tribe worked with the federal government to update local regulations so hunters could take advantage of the longer seal season.
Bering Sea king and snow crab seasons canceled amid population declines
For the first time ever, the Bering Sea snow crab fishery will not open for the upcoming season. The Bristol Bay red king crab fishery will also be closed this year — for a second year in a row.
Metlakatla is now catching dozens of invasive green crabs each day
As they trap more and more green crabs, Metlakatla is still trying to figure out how to handle the arrival of a species known to destroy fish habitat eat other shellfish.
September storm leaves behind treasured beach finds
Beachcombing offers a nice break for residents who are still cleaning up after their communities were ravaged by flooding, high winds and an historic storm surge.
Metlakatla residents and partners trying to eject invasive crabs from their first Alaska beachhead
The first discovery of destructive European green crabs at Annette Island is spurring action to prevent damage to Southeast Alaska’s natural marine ecosystem.
Rescued harbor seal pups return to Cook Inlet
The seals, named Cobalt and Admiral, spent the past two and a half months at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, gaining weight and learning to catch and eat fish.
Killer whales are ‘attacking’ sailboats near Europe’s coast. Scientists don’t know why
In recent years, orcas have been damaging the rudders of pleasure yachts, mostly along the coasts of Portugal and Spain. Scientists and sailors are struggling to understand the encounters.