When commercial fishermen spool out long lines in pursuit of sablefish— better known to consumers as black cod — seabirds looking for an easy meal dive to steal the bait off the series of hooks. Some unlucky birds get hooked and drown as the line sinks to the deep. And when the drowned bird is an endangered species such as the short-tailed albatross, it triggers scrutiny.
Wildlife
As king runs lag, fishers consider cause and prevention
Concern over poor king salmon runs across the state drew a panel of fisheries experts together at a recent meeting in Anchorage. The event focused mainly on a better understanding of the science behind population declines.
Troopers: Haines teen illegally shot black bear from boat
The boat’s owner is being charged for his alleged involvement in the illegal kill. The troopers did not name the teenager or say whether he is being charged.
Biologists spend years mapping Chilkat Valley goat and bear habitat to inform heliski decisions
Every few years, Haines officials decide whether to allow helicopter skiing in new areas of the Chilkat Valley. It’s usually a contentious process where residents debate the economic benefits of heliskiing versus impacts on residents and wildlife.
Large cat sightings reported in Ketchikan
There were a couple of reported sightings of mountain lions in Ketchikan recently. Local Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials say they’d like more evidence.
Fish and Game looks deeper into declining Cook Inlet belugas
The beluga whale population in Cook Inlet has been steadily declining since the 1970s. The number of whales in the area today is just a third of what it once was, and the Alaska Department of Fish Game wants to help belugas recover.
Commercial fishing for Southeast red king crab to open this fall after six years
Southeast Alaska will open to commercial fishing for red king crab this fall for the first time in six years. The crab population has seen a steady increase, according to state surveys.
Enviros sound the alarm on ANWR
Sen. Lisa Murkowski chairs the energy committee. Opening the refuge to drilling is a top priority for her, as it’s been for Alaska’s congressional delegation for 40 years.
Biologists investigate whale death amid Anchorage gawkers
The extraordinary sight of a 30-foot long dead humpback whale that washed up on a beach area in Anchorage has drawn dozens of onlookers, despite a NOAA warning to stay away.
Black bear found killed behind Mendenhall Mall
Alaska Wildlife Troopers are investigating the death of a black bear found behind the Mendenhall Mall. Investigators suspect the unlawful killing is related to ongoing trash issue in the area.