Still melting – and melting fast. That’s the basic take-away from the federal government’s annual Arctic Report Card. It finds that Arctic ocean temperatures are increasing and sea ice is declining at the fastest rate in at least 1500 years.
Oceans
Marine biologists seek answers in a warmer Bering Sea
A group of marine scientists visited Western Alaska recently to discuss the results of a second bottom-trawl survey of the northern Bering Sea. This round of research comes seven years after their first survey of the area in 2010.
Alaska sockeye market shifts away from Japan
According to the McDowell Group’s 2017 fall sockeye market analysis, in 2016, “only 34 percent of Alaska sockeye production went to Japanese or canned markets.” As outlined in the same analysis, the seafood industry struggled across the board in the early 2000s.
Almost 70 mushers will compete in 2018 Iditarod
Almost 70 mushers signed up for the 2018 Iditarod sled dog race by the registration deadline on Friday.
Safety of Alaska-bound fuel barges under scrutiny
Two incidents involving Alaska-bound fuel barges transiting the Inside Passage in 13 months has renewed outcry over the hazards of shipping refined petroleum products through the narrow straits of the Inside Passage. Southeast Alaska’s fuel supply mostly runs through Canada’s territorial waters.
Blame the metric system! Conversion confusion over stalled fuel barge’s cargo
A disabled tug and barge was actually carrying 3.7 million gallons of fuel — more than three times that was initially reported by Canadian authorities. The vessels remained anchored awaiting clearance to proceed into U.S. waters.
U.S. and Canadian halibut numbers could see decline, scientists say
Scientists monitoring halibut say there could be a decline in the bottom fish along the coast of the U.S. and Canada in upcoming years if the current level of fishing continues.
Alaska-bound fuel barge runs into trouble in Canadian waters
A fuel-laden barge bound for Alaska ran broke free from its tug in stormy seas. Canadian officials say the U.S. vessel is back under control but the incident reignites a debate over petroleum shipments in the Inside Passage.
Southeast pink salmon catch could disappoint again in 2018
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is forecasting a commercial catch of 23 million pink salmon in Southeast Alaska next year. That would be down from this year but would come close to historical averages. Managers are expecting something similar to the disappointing season of 2016.
State, delegation push feds on transboundary mining
Alaska leaders want Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to push Canadian officials to better protect Southeast fisheries from British Columbia mine projects.