Sea cucumbers sell for high prices on the Asian market and are valued for more than taste. According to some, they have cancer fighting properties and could boost fertility, among their other possible benefits. It’s common for people overseas to buy dried sea cucumber, according to one diver. Sometimes as a base for soup.
Environment
Judge overrules state, says salmon initiative can go forward
A controversial ballot initiative intended to protect salmon habitat has cleared a major hurdle, setting up what could be an intense political fight.
Coastal researchers, fishermen worried about more frequent low oxygen zones
Scientists in Oregon and Washington are noticing a disruptive ocean phenomenon is becoming more frequent and extreme. It involves a suffocating ribbon of low oxygen seawater over our continental shelf. The technical term is hypoxia, sometimes called “dead zones.”
Lt. Gov. Mallott talks Arctic policy, climate change during Nome visit
Alaska Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott and Gov. Bill Walker’s administration has taken steps recently toward a climate change action plan. Just this week, Mallott was in Nome for Kawerak’s Leadership Summit, but also, he says, to discuss Arctic policy.
New research at LeConte Glacier predicts record retreat
Glaciologists have wrapped up two years of research on LeConte glacier near Petersburg. Their preliminary findings show that the glacier could reach a record retreat by the end of the year. And it could be an indicator for what’s going to happen in Greenland.
Climate change roundtable puts Alaska contradictions on full display
The room included people who depend on oil for their livelihood, and those coping with the impacts of climate change on the ground – represented at the same table, sometimes by same person.
Anchorage’s Spanish-immersion students raise thousands for sister school in Puerto Rico
Spanish-immersion students in Anchorage are well on their way to a goal of raising $10,000 to benefit fellow students in Puerto Rico hit hard by Hurricane Maria. That includes Romig Middle School’s sister school in Puerto Rico, teacher Anaely Leon-Hernandez said.
Hikers barred from trail at the end of North Douglas Highway
A trail off North Douglas Highway has been posted with “no trespassing” signs. Goldbelt, Inc., owns the land and says the trail was never meant for public access.
Walker doubles down on opposing Pebble Mine
Tomorrow, Pebble Limited Partnership CEO Tom Collier is expected to publicly outline a plan for the proposed Pebble Mine project for the first time. But in an interview today, Governor Bill Walker said he’s against the controversial mine.
Is the Pacific walrus adapting to warming? Feds say no need for more protections
“If the Fish & Wildlife Service had protected the Pacific walrus from threats of climate change, the Trump administration would have to admit that climate change is real,” said Shaye Wolf with the Center for Biological Diversity.