In the past two months, 300 dead puffins have washed up on St. Paul Island, alarming residents who had only seen six carcasses over the last decade. The die-off appears to be slowing down now, but scientists say it could be the sign of a much larger ecosystem problem.
Oceans
A surfer and his paddleboard embark on a lonely trans-Atlantic voyage
South African Chris Bertish has set out from the coast of Africa with the intent to become the first person to cross the Atlantic alone on a stand-up paddleboard — though he’s not the first to try.
Charting new courses: student mariners prepare to navigate a warmer Arctic
As temperatures rise, Arctic ice is retreating, making trips through the Northwest passage – from Alaska to Maine – a new summer reality. But until now, mariners navigating Arctic ice have had limited formal training. A professor at Maine Maritime Academy is working to change that.
State commission approves Dillingham, Manokotak annexations with ammendments
A state commission approved to petitions for Dillingham and Manokotak to annex land in the Nushagak commercial fishing district against their staff’s recommendations. The annexations will allow the two city’s to tax salmon harvested in the district.
Snagging Savings: Energy audit designed to cut costs for fishermen
Sitka fishermen volunteer to audit how much fuel they’re using in hopes of cutting expenses and boosting profits.
Princess Cruises hit with largest-ever criminal penalty for ‘deliberate pollution’
The Department of Justice says Princess Cruise Lines will pay a $40 million penalty for “deliberate pollution of the seas and intentional acts to cover it up.”
Workshop to discuss threats of ocean acidification on Alaska waters
The world’s oceans are becoming more acidic and, like climate change, it’s happening at a faster rate in the far north waters of Alaska. A workshop to be held Wednesday in Anchorage aims to bring together scientists and stakeholders to better understand the threat ocean acidification poses to the state.
Before contamination in Skagway harbor is cleaned up, some want another study
Skagway is getting closer to addressing long-standing lead contamination in the harbor. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is taking a more proactive approach to motivate clean-up of the ore basin.
Mariner safe after vessel loses power, goes aground on Cape Puget
An Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued a mariner Monday after his sail boat grounded between Seward and Chenega. The 47-foot Lieveling lost power and went aground on Cape Puget, about 210 miles north of Kodiak.
Petersburg mayor to attend arctic conference in Norway
Petersburg Mayor Mark Jensen will attend an international conference on the arctic in Norway. The conference will address questions regarding climate change and its impacts on oceans and fisheries.