Virtual Small Fry School Welcome to Virtual Small Fry School - The Fun Learning Show for Kids! At Virtual Small Fry School, join us from anywhere in the world to explore the amazing underwater world of Alaska! This educational and fun kids' show is perfect for pre-k learners (ages 3-5) who love sea animals and want to learn all about them!  In each 2-5 minute episode, your little one will join Allie, Aurelia, Auntie  Carol, and more of our friends at the Alaska SeaLife Center to meet  awesome sea creatures like sea urchins, sea stars, seals, octopuses, sea lions, and more. We’ll learn new big words and practice  counting while we play, move like animals, and discover how these underwater creatures live, eat, and find their homes.  Each month, we'll explore new themes:  1. Squishy, Prickly, & Sticky – Meet squishy, prickly, and sticky animals of the sea!  2. Animals Like You & Me – See how sea animals are just like us! 3. Hide & Seek – Learn how animals use camouflage to blend into their environment!  4. ABCs of the Sea – Get to know our puffins, sea lions, diving ducks, and salmon up close! 5. Homes – Discover how sea animals find safe places to live! With fun activities, games, and amazing facts, Virtual Small Fry School makes learning about sea animals easy and exciting for little ones. Kids will be inspired to care for the ocean and explore the wonders of Alaska’s sea life. By the end of each episode, your little one will be excited to explore the natural world and understand how we all play a part in keeping our environment healthy and happy!  In the description of each episode you’ll find a link to an overview of the week's topic, as well as suggested activities and crafts. Subscribe to the Alaska SeaLife KIDS YouTube page now for more underwater adventures every week!   Why Small Fry School is Perfect for Kids:  FREE, fun, short episodes (2-5 minutes) great for preschoolers • Learn about sea animals and the ocean Fun movement activities and games for kids to do along with the show Unique learning opportunities that can only be found in Alaska A great way to start conversations about caring for our  environment   Join our Small Fry School Facebook Group to connect with other pre-k families and continue learning with activities provided by our education team!   Email smallfry@alaskasealife.org with any questions you may have.         Episodes and Activities    February: Homes Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  Borrowed Homes Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  Neighborhoods Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  Seasons Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  Working Together Don't forget to download this episode's activities!    January: The ABCs of the Seas Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  “F” is for Flying, Floating, Feathered Puffins Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  “D” is for Dancing, Diving Ducks Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  “L” is for Leaping, Listening, Learning Sea Lions Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  “S” is for Silver, Swimming Salmon Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  December: Hide and Seek Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  Hide With a Wolf Eel Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  Dress Up With Decorator Crabs Don't forget to download this episode's activities!    Change Like An Octopus Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  Blend In Like a Ringed Seal Don't forget to download this episode's activities!    November: Animals Like You and Me Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  Meet One Special Seal: Asiqtuq Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  Meet a Wildlife Veterinarian: Fingers, Flippers, and Paws Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  Move Like Our Animals Friends Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  Learn How to Do the Seal Hop with the Qutecak NAtive Youth Olympics Team Don't forget to download this episode's activities!          October: Squishy, Prickly, and Sticky!  Squishy Sea Stars Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  Prickly Urchins & Squishy Anemones Don't forget to download this episode's activities!    Sticky Octopus Don't forget to download this episode's activities!  Squishy, Prickly, and Sticky Game!  Don't forget to download this episode's activities!        November  Check back at the start of the month       December Check back at the start of the month       January Check back at the start of the month       February Check back at the start of the month           Virtual Visits for All Ages Virtual Visits bring you an inside look at the animals and staff that contribute every day to the mission of the Alaska SeaLife Center. Whether you consider yourself an ASLC amateur or an "a-fish-ionado," there is always something to discover!  Weekly Virtual Visit episodes available now on the ASLC Facebook and Youtube pages!    Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch new and previously aired episodes at any time: https://www.youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter   Virtual Visits are made possible from generous support from Royal Caribbean Group.            Both programs will be FREE on our YouTube channel. Subscribe today>>> www.youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter Teachers & Groups, please visit our Distance Learning page to find out about group programs.

Check here to learn more about the round-the-clock care provided to Tyonek while at the Alaska SeaLife Center.                     3/9/2018 It has been a long journey for Tyonek and we were happy to be a part of this young calf’s story. Tyonek is the first Cook Inlet beluga calf to ever be successfully rehabilitated. Learn more about how the Alaska SeaLife Center team worked to rehabilitate Tyonek here. 3/9/2018 Learn more about Tyonek’s transition to his new home at SeaWorld San Antonio here. 2/27/2018 One of Tyonek's favorite enrichment activities is playing with bubbles. Check out this video! 2/21/2018 Check out this KTUU Channel 2 News story on Tyonek! 2/10/2018 Tyonek is the first Cook Inlet beluga calf to ever be successfully rehabilitated. He was found stranded, high and dry on the beach in very poor condition. Six institutions from all across North America united to care for this little cetacean. He has recovered against the odds thanks to our staff here at ASLC and dedicated partners at Shedd Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld, and Vancouver Aquarium. When Tyonek first arrived at the Center, September 30th he was 64 kilos and 162 cm long. Today he is 116 kilos and 180 cm long. We are ecstatic that Tyonek continues to grow and gain strength when just over four months ago he was found stranded, malnourished, and dehydrated on a beach. Amazing the things we can do when we work together.     2/8/2018 Once NOAA Fisheries determined Tyonek was non-releasable and could not survive in the wild, the agency followed its formal procedure to place him at a permanent care facility in the United States. Based on a thorough review of the applications, NOAA Fisheries selected SeaWorld San Antonio as the location best suited for Tyonek to thrive because they have both adult females and young male calves that will be important for Tyonek’s social development. Read more about NOAA’s decision here. 1/19/2018 We, at ASLC, along with our supporters and partners, have been awaiting NOAA's decision about Tyonek's future. Since he is the first stranded Cook Inlet beluga calf to ever be successfully rehabilitated, it was a long process to determine what would be best for this young calf. NOAA Fisheries has announced Tyonek is not a candidate for release due to his young age upon arrival, health conditions, and other factors. Read more about NOAA's decision and the next steps for Tyonek here. 1/7/2018 As part of our environmental enrichment we play Cook Inlet beluga whale sounds for Tyonek twice a day in five minute intervals. Our animal caretakers notice that he is very curious about the sounds and even mimics the calls. This type of enrichment helps us assess how his vocalizations are progressing as well as his hearing. Watch this video to hear Tyonek's calls.  We receive Cook Inlet beluga whale sounds from a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) based study. Learn more about the study here.  12/22/2017 The Alaska SeaLife Center is excited to introduce Beluga Chats! What does it take to care for a baby beluga? Don't miss this opportunity to chat with Alaska SeaLife Center husbandry or vet staff caring for Tyonek, the three-month-old beluga whale. Chats will be at 12:15 PM on December 26th, 28th, 29th, and 30th. For a limited time only. Participation is free with paid admission. 12/18/2017 Similar to newborns in hospitals across the country, Tyonek had his hearing tested. Preliminary results do not indicate any significant problems and he appears to have hearing ability similar to belugas tested in Bristol Bay. 12/7/2017 Click here to watch a Q&A session and bottle feed with Tyonek, the rescued Cook Inlet beluga calf. 11/21/2017 While Tyonek's energy levels are on a positive trend, we still monitor him very closely as stranding is a traumatic experience that can cause unseen internal damage. Our team uses imaging (ultrasound, radiographs, and CT scans) to regularly monitor Tyonek's condition. For instance, we are able to track increase in blubber as he puts on weight as well as changes in his internal organs. 11/19/2017 "When it comes to helping a terribly rare Cook Inlet beluga, every day is a victory.” Check out this Washington Post article to learn a bit more about Tyonek and hear from his caretakers here.  11/17/2017 We have been getting some wonderful support from our Facebook community regarding ASLC's efforts with Tyonek and we thank you! Our Wildlife Response efforts are made possible by visitors, members, donors, and the community.  "We support your incredible efforts to save this calf! Kudos to your dedicated and hard working team. This is a round the clock effort. Incredibly proud of the work you are doing! Keep it up crew!" - Nancy C.  To support Tyonek and our other Wildlife Response patients, donate here. 11/15/2017 Tyonek is now in our outdoor pool. Only after slowly acclimating the beluga to colder water temperatures in our I.Sea.U unit, was our team able to transition him outside. He is handling the climate change well. 11/12/2017 Tyonek is now exclusively on bottles! Initially, he was not strong enough to take in the necessary daily calories through just a bottle so we had to supplement his diet with tube feedings. Thanks to the efforts of our staff and partners, this little calf has recovered enough to successfully participate in all of his bottle feedings. Georgia Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium, SeaWorld, Shedd Aquarium, Vancouver Aquarium. 11/05/2017 Marc Lester, from Alaska Dispatch News wrote this article about Tyonek, the Cook Inlet beluga calf here at ASLC. Read the story here. 11/05/2017 Tyonek's rehabilitation has progressed enough that we are introducing him to our outdoor pool in short intervals. We want to slowly acclimate him to the cooler temperatures beluga's are accustomed to. For now, his outdoor time will vary from day to day. 11/03/2017 Check out this video to learn more about how the beluga team assesses Tyonek's health!  10/26/2017 Check out this video to learn more about what goes in to caring for a stranded beluga calf. We could not do this without the help of our dedicated partners: Georgia Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium, SeaWorld, Mystic Aquarium, and Vancouver Aquarium. This little cetacean is still in our I.Sea.U and is currently not viewable to the public. We will keep you updated when this changes. Thank you for your patience and support! 10/24/2017 BELUGA UPDATE! There are various tests and check-ups our staff regularly conducts on this little beluga calf to gauge his condition. One thing we do is collect thermal imagery from a FLIR camera to keep track of any sore muscles or other soft tissue injuries. In this particular image it looks like his only current “hot spot” is from his eye, which is normal. No other sources of heat are obvious which is good since it means no infections or injured muscles are in the pictured area.      

Donate DonateDonate   Donate     BBWebsiteComponent.goalMeter('renxt', 'p-3Wba-LFiGkm-LNS_YH9QNg', '43c107a6-18e8-47dc-b15e-53f4429dbcd8', 'usa', 75)     BBDonorFormLoader.newBlackbaudDonationFormZoned('tcs', 'p-3Wba-LFiGkm-LNS_YH9QNg', '000f8ac0-36d4-4053-95a1-2fee011f4e6b', 'usa')Become a Member of the Alaska SeaLife Center and you will support research, education, and wildlife response programs Member Benefits Unlimited free admission to the Alaska SeaLife Center for a year from the day you register Digital Membership cards 20% Discount on guest admission 20% Discount on Center tours and encounters 10% Discount on retail prices in the Discovery Gift Shop Exclusive email announcements and discounts on special events Reduced admission at other zoos and aquariums through the AZA Reciporcity Program Children 2 years and younger always admitted free. Choose the membership level that fits you best! Standard Memberships, Family Memberships, or Giving Circle Memberships     Standard Memberships Individual $70 One named member Individual Plus $115 One named member and one guest per visit Dual $115 Two named members Dual Plus $160 Two named members and one guest per visit Trio $160 Three named members Join / Renew     Family Memberships* Family $175 Two named members and eligible children and/or grandchildren Family Plus $220 Two named members and eligible children and/or grandchildren and one guest per visit Family Trio $220 Three named members and eligible children and/or grandchildren Family Quad $265 Four named members and eligible children and/or grandchildren Join / Renew *Family levels include the primary member's dependent children ages 17 and younger (and/or grandchildren ages 17 and younger) Giving Circle Memberships SeaLife Associate $300-$499 Complimentary Family Membership Four one-time use guest passes Join / Renew SeaLife Advocate $500-$999 Complimentary Family Membership Eight one-time use guest passes Invitation to an annual virtual CEO update Join / Renew Steller Partner $1,000-$2,499 Complimentary Family Membership Eight one-time use guest passes Invitation to an annual virtual CEO update An exclusive VIP tour of the Center for four Join / Renew Steller Guardian $2,500-$4,999 Complimentary Family Membership Eight one-time use guest passes Invitation to an annual virtual CEO update An exclusive VIP tour of the Center for four Invitation to quarterly VIP virtual programs Join / Renew Steller Patron $5,000-$9,999 Complimentary Family Membership Eight one-time use guest passes Invitation to an annual virtual CEO update An exclusive VIP tour of the Center for four Invitation to quarterly VIP virtual programs Breakfast or lunch with the CEO Join / Renew Steller Champion $10,000+ Complimentary Family Membership Eight one-time use guest passes Invitation to an annual virtual CEO update An exclusive VIP tour of the Center for four Invitation to quarterly VIP virtual programs Breakfast or lunch with the CEO Keeper for a Day, a 5-hour program for one or two people with minimum age of 16 Join / Renew

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) announces the opening of the nomination period for the 2023 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards. ASLC established the Awards to recognize those who have made significant contributions to ocean sciences, education, and resource management in Alaska. Nominations for the 2023 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards are open now through December 12, 2022.    The award categories are as follows:   Walter J. & Ermalee Hickel Lifetime Achievement Award: Awarded to an individual or institution that has made an exceptional contribution to management of Alaska’s coastal and ocean resources over a period of 20 or more years. $1,000 cash prize. Sponsored by the late Governor Walter J. and the late Ermalee Hickel.   Stewardship & Sustainability Award: Awarded to an industry initiative that demonstrates the highest commitment to sustainability of ocean resources. Sponsored by Jason Brune.   Marine Research Award: Awarded to a scientist, team of scientists, or an institution that is acknowledged by peers to have made an original breakthrough contribution or a career spanning achievement in any field of scientific knowledge about Alaska’s oceans. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Dr. Clarence Pautzke and Dr. Maureen McCrea.   Marine Science Outreach Award: Awarded to a person, team, or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to ocean literacy via formal or informal education, media, or other communications about Alaska’s marine ecosystems. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Alaska Ocean Observing System.   Ocean Youth Award: Awarded to an individual or team of Alaskan youth up to 19 years old who has displayed dedication to promoting the understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s oceans. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Brian Pinkston.   To make a nomination for any of these awards, visit our website https://www.alaskasealife.org/alaska_ocean_leadership_awards or email oceanawards@alaskasealife.org.        

Directions & Accessibility The Alaska SeaLife Center is located at Mile 0 of the Seward Highway in Seward, Alaska, 125 miles south of Anchorage. You can reach Seward by road year-round, or via the Alaska Railroad or cruise ship during the summer season. Getting Here Car or RV: The highway to Seward is one of the most scenic byways in Alaska. We are located approximately 125 miles south of Anchorage at Mile 0 of the Seward Highway. For the most up-to-date safety, traffic, and travel information on Alaska's highways, visit Alaska 511 online.           Cruise Ship: Some cruise lines provide transfer service from the dock to the Alaska SeaLife Center as part of your tour. If you wish to visit us independently, we recommend using the shuttle or taxi services detailed below. Transportation from Anchorage: Transportation between Anchorage and Seward is available daily during the summer season through the Park Connection. Year-round transportation is available through Seward Bus Line. Local Shuttles & Taxis: There is a free shuttle offered by the Seward Chamber of Commerce during the summer season that has stops at the rail and cruise terminals. There are also several taxi services in Seward. Glacier Taxi: 907- 224-5678 Mike’s Taxi: 907- 224-2244 PJ’s Taxi: 907- 224-5555 Seward Taxi & Tours: 907- 362-8000 Parking Parking is available at no charge year-round.  Our parking lot is located adjacent to the Center. Accessibility The Alaska SeaLife Center welcomes guests of all abilities. Please contact our visitor services team if you have any questions about available accommodations and accessibility at visit@alaskasealife.org.  The Alaska SeaLife Center is wheelchair & stroller accessible. We do have a small number of wheelchairs and strollers available for use during your visit. Service Animals In compliance with the American Disabilities Act, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation standards, the Alaska SeaLife Center accommodates service animals (dogs and miniature horses) in all public areas with the exception of areas where there is concern that the service animal could affect the safety and health of collection animals, specifically the open-air aviary; and with the following understandings: • Service animals must be trained to perform specific or task directly related to a person’s disability. • Companion animals, therapy animals and comfort animals are not service animals. • Service animals must be under control and harnessed, leashed, tethered, under voice, signal or other effective control. Staff at the ASLC may ask you two questions: 1. Is the animal required because of a disability? 2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform? The ASLC retains the right to request that service animals be removed from the premises if 1) the animal is out of control and the handler does not take control, 2) the animal is not housebroken, or 3) the animal’s behavior poses a direct threat to the safety of others. Some ASLC tours include areas that are not open to service animals. ASLC security is available to briefly assist tour guests with service animals for that portion of the tour by staying with the animal in an adjacent unrestricted area. ADA Guidelines You can find information about ADA guidelines for service animals on the ADA website at https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html#exc. From the ADA “Frequently Asked Questions” site the following applies: “Exclusion of Service Animal” Q25. When can service animals be excluded? A. The ADA does not require covered entities to modify policies, practices, or procedures if it would “fundamentally alter” the nature of the goods, services, programs, or activities provided to the public. Nor does it overrule legitimate safety requirements. If admitting service animals would fundamentally alter the nature of a service or program, service animals may be prohibited. In addition, if a particular service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or if it is not housebroken, that animal may be excluded. Q.26. When might a service dog’s presence fundamentally alter the nature of a service or program provided to the public? A. In most settings, the presence of a service animal will not result in a fundamental alteration. However, there are some exceptions. For example, at a boarding school, service animals could be restricted from a specific area of a dormitory reserved specifically for students with allergies to dog dander. At a zoo, service animals can be restricted from areas where the animals on display are the natural prey or natural predators of dogs, where the presence of a dog would be disruptive, causing the displayed animals to behave aggressively or become agitated. They cannot be restricted from other areas of the zoo.   Certified Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity The Alaska SeaLife Center was the first organization in the state of Alaska to be certified Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity. Our front-line staff have been trained and equipped with the knowledge to help people with sensory disabilities if needed during their visit. Signage can be found throughout the aquarium designating where the quiet area and headphone zones are located.        Resources: View the ASLC social story to prepare for your visit and have the best experience possible. View the Headphone Zone Map to prepare for potentially loud areas Sensory Bags, provided by KultureCity, can be checked out from the admissions counter free of charge and include headphones, the ASLC headphone zone map, fidgets, verbal cue cards, and a VIP lanyard. We also have a weighted lap pad that is available on request.      Audio Tour The ASLC Audio Tour offers rich descriptions to support visitors who are blind or have low vision, providing access to information that may not be available through visual exhibits and signage. It features some unique stories and perspectives not presented in written displays. Some stories by Sugpiaq Native Elders are presented with permission through an ongoing partnership with Chugachmiut Heritage Preservation, a program of Chugachmiut, the tribal consortium dedicated to promoting the self-determination of the seven Alaska Native communities in the Chugach Region of South-Central Alaska. For the enjoyment of all guests, we ask that you use headphones or earbuds when accessing the audio tour.  This audio program and accompanying booklet were made possible through generous grants from the U.S. Department of Education’s Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds through the office of Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy with additional support from the Seward Community Foundation, recorded in partnership with Chugachmiut Heritage Preservation, a program of Chugachmiut, the Tribal consortium created to promote self-determination to the seven Native communities of the Chugach Region,  and CRIS Radio, a nonprofit 501(c)3 radio-reading service, serving people who are blind or print-challenged.     

  Recent Publications by ASLC Scientists:   Richard, J. T., Schultz, K., Goertz, C. E. C., Hobbs, R. C., Romano, T. A., and Sartini, B. L. (2022). Evaluating beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) blow samples as a potential diagnostic for immune function gene expression within the respiratory system Conservation Physiology, 10(1). doi:10.1093/conphys/coac045 Schmitt, T. L., Goertz, C. E. C., Hobbs, R. C., Osborn, S., DiRocco, S., Bissell, H., & Harris, W. S. (2022). Erythrocyte, Whole Blood, Plasma, and Blubber Fatty Acid Profiles in Oceanaria-Based versus Wild Alaskan Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas). Oceans, 3(4), 464-479. doi:10.3390/oceans3040031 Joblon, M. J., Flower, J. E., Thompson, L. A., Biddle, K. E., Burt, D. A., Zabka, T. S., Adkesson, M. J., Halaska, B., Goertz, C. E. C., Rouse, N., Cahoon, S. N., Jetzke, K., Giovanelli, R. P., and Tuttle, A. D. (2022). Investigation Of The Use Of Serum Biomarkers For The Detection Of CardiacDisease In Marine Mammals. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 53(2), 373-382 Pace, C. N., Webber, M. A., Boege Tobin, D. D., Pemberton, S., Belovarac, J., & Goertz, C. E. C. (2022). The Northernmost and Westernmost Records of the Guadalupe Fur Seal (Arctocephalus philippii townsendi). Aquatic Mammals, 48(6), 592-601. doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.6.2022.592 Thompson, L. A., Goertz, C. E. C., Quackenbush, L. T., Huntington, K. B., Suydam, R. S., Stimmelmayr, R., & Romano, T. A. (2022). Serological Detection of Marine Origin Brucella Exposure in Two Alaska Beluga Stocks. Animals, 12(15), 1932. doi.org/10.3390/ani12151932 Sills, J. M., and Reichmuth, C.,(2022) Vocal behavior in spotted seals (Phoca larcha) and implications for passive acoustic monitoring.  Fronteirs in Remote Sensing, 3:862435 Burek Huntington, K. A., Gill, V. A., Berrian, A. M., Goldstein, T., Tuomi, P., Byrne, B. A., Worman, K., and Mazet, J., (2021) Causes of Mortality of Northern Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) in Alaska from 2002 to 2012. Frontiers in Marine Science (8:630582). Coletti, H. A., Bowen, L., Ballachey, B. E., Wilson, T. L., Waters, S., Booz, M., Counihan, K. L., Hollmén, T. E., Pister, B. (2021) Gene Expression Profiles in Two Razor Clam Populations: Discerning Drivers of Population Status. Life, 11(12), 1288. https://doi.org/10.3390/life11121288. Hermann-Sorensen, H., Thometz, N., Woodie, K., Dennison-Gibby, S., & Reichmuth, C. (2021). In vivo measurements of lung volumes in ringed seals: insights from biomedical imaging. Journal of Experimental Biology, 224(2), jeb 235507. doi:10.1242/jeb.235507 Goertz, C. E. C., Woodie, K., Long, B., Hartman, L., Gaglione, E., Christen, D., Clauss, T., Flower, J. E., Tuttle, A. D., Richard, C., Romano, T. A., Schmitt, T. L., Otjen, E., Osborn, S., Aibel, S., Binder, T., Van Bonn, W., Castellote, M., Mooney, T. A., Dennison-Gibby, S., Burek Huntington, K. A., and Rowels, T. K. (2021) Stranded beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) calf response and care: reports of two cases with different outcomes: Polar Research, 40(S1). McGuire, T. L., Shelden, K. E. W., Himes Boor, G. K., Stephens, A. D., McClung, J. R., Garner, C., Goertz, C. E. C., Burek Huntington, K. A., O' Corry-Crowe, G., and Wright, B. (2021) Patterns of mortality in endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales: Insights from pairing a long-term photo-identification study with stranding records: Marine Mammal Science, v. 37, p. 492-511. Rosen, D. S., Thometz, N. M., and Reichmuth, C. (2021) Seasonal and Developmental Patterns of Energy Intake and Growth in Alaskan Ice Seals: Aquatic Mammals, v. 47, p. 559-573. Rouse, N. M., Counihan, K. L., Boege Tobin, D. D., Goertz, C. E. C., and Duddleston, K. N. (2021) Habitat associations between Streptococcus bovis/equinus complex and Streptococcus phocae, the causative agents of strep syndrome in sea otters, and the marine environment. Marine Ecology, 43, e12689. Rouse, N. M., Counihan, K. L., Goertz, C. E. C., and Duddleston, K. N. (2021) Competency of common northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) prey items to harbor Streptococcus lutetiensis and S. phocae: Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, v. 143, p. 69-78. Savage, K. N., Burek Huntington, K. A., Wright, S. K., Bryan, A., Sheffield, G., Webber, M., Stimmelmayr, R., Tuomi, P., Delaney, M. A., and Walker, W. (2021) Stejneger's beaked whale strandings in Alaska, 1995-2020, Marine Mammal Science, 37(3), 843-869. Spies, I., Orr, J. W., Stevenson, D. E., Goddard, P., Hoff, G., Guthridge, J., Hollowed, M., and Rooper, C. (2021) Skate egg nursery areas support genetic diversity of Alaska and Aleutian skates in the Bering Sea: Marine Ecology Progress Series, v. 669, p. 121-138. Spies, I., Orr, J. W., Stevenson, D. E., Goddard, P., Hoff, G. R., Guthridge, J., and Rooper, C. N. (2021) Genetic evidence from embryos suggests a new species of skate related to Bathyraja parmifera (Rajiformes: Arhynchobatidae) in the Bering Sea: Marine Ecology Progress Series, v. 670, p. 155-166. Suryan, R. M., Arimitsu, M. L., Coletti, H. A., Hopcroft, R. R., Lindeberg, M. R., Barbeaux, S. J., Batten, S. D., Burt, W. J., Bishop, M. A., Bodkin, J. L., Brenner, R., Campbell, R. W., Cushing, D. A., Danielson, S. L., Dorn, M. W., Drummond, B., Esler, D., Gelatt, T. S., Hanselman, D. H., Hatch, S. A., Haught, S., Holderied, K., Iken, K., Irons, D. B., Kettle, A. B., Kimmel, D. G., Konar, B., Kuletz, K. J., Laurel, B. J., Maniscalco, J. M., Matkin, C., McKinstry, C. A. E., Monson, D. H., Moran, J. R., Olsen, D., Palsson, W. A., Pegau, W. S., Piatt, J. F., Rogers, L. A., Rojeck, N. A., Schaefer, A., Spies, I. B., Straley, J. M., Strom, S. L., Sweeney, K. L., Szymkowiak, M., Weitzman, B. P., Yasumiishi, E. M., and Zador, S. G. (2021) Ecosystem response persists after a prolonged marine heatwave: Nature, Scientific Reports, v. 11. Tanedo, S., Hollmén, T. E., Maniscalco, J. M., and Ulman, S. E. G. (2021) Using Remote Video Technology to Study Environmental Factors Influencing Productivity of Black-Legged Kittiwakes Rissa Tridactyla: Marine Ornithology, v. 49, p. 293-299. Bishop, A., Brown, C., Sattler, R., & Horning, M. (2020). An Integrative Method for Characterizing Marine Habitat Features Associated with Predation: A Case Study on Juvenile Steller Sea Lions (Eumetopias jubatus). Frontiers in Marine Science, 7: 576716   Bowen, L., Counihan, K., Ballachey, B., Coletti, H., Hollmén, T., Pister, B., and Wilson, T. L. (2020). Monitoring nearshore ecosystem health using Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula) as an indicator species. Peer J 8:e8761   Counihan, K. L., Tuomi, P.A., and Hollmen, T.E. 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Seward, Alaska (February 8, 2018) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2018 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards. These awards are given annually to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the awareness and sustainability of the state’s marine resources. The Alaska SeaLife Center appreciates the support provided by the award sponsors and thanks the awards committee members: Jason Brune, Lisa Busch, Ian Dutton, Dale Hoffman, and Molly McCammon for their assistance in selecting the award recipients. These awards were presented at the Alaska Marine Gala on February 3, 2018 at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage, Alaska. The following are the 2018 Alaska Ocean Leadership Award winners: Mead Treadwell received the prestigious Walter J. and Ermalee Hickel Lifetime Achievement Award. The late Governor Walter J. Hickel and his wife Ermalee endowed this award for 10 years to recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the management of Alaska’s coastal and ocean resources for more than 20 years. Mead Treadwell has been one of the most influential Alaska ocean leaders of the past 30 years. From his early career experience responding to the Exxon Valdez oil spill on behalf of the City of Cordova and as Deputy Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, to his service on the boards of the Oil Spill Recovery Institute and the Prince William Sound Science Center, and to his more recent roles as Chair of the United States Arctic Research Commission, Lieutenant Governor of Alaska, and as a business leader catalyzing international fisheries partnerships, Mead has demonstrated remarkable vision and helped ensure a strong science and education base for ocean management in Alaska. He has also been a leader in Alaska’s efforts to build circumpolar cooperation through the Arctic Council and through his active involvement in numerous Arctic policy-focused organizations including the Institute of the North, the Aspen Institute, the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, the Arctic Circle, and the World Economic Forum’s Global Action Council on the Arctic. He is always open to work with diverse stakeholders and has been a proactive supporter of innovation and pan-Arctic partnerships. Mead has been a tremendous advocate for our oceans and champion for Alaska’s ocean industries, ocean dependent communities and ocean research and education institutions. Major Marine Tours received the Stewardship and Sustainability Award. This award is sponsored by Jason Brune, and honors an industry leader that demonstrates the highest commitment to sustainability of ocean resources. Major Marine Tours applies environmentally friendly practices, by using environmentally friendly cleaning solutions on their vessels and by outfitting their vessels with emission reducing and fuel saving engines. In 2016, owner Tom Tougas was awarded the Business Energy Efficiency Leader of the Year Award from the Seward Alternative Energy Group. A current member of the Board of Directors of the Alaska SeaLife Center, Tougas invites guests to donate to the ASLC at the time of booking to raise funds for their Wildlife Response Program. They also conduct other fundraisers, and have assisted the ASLC in the release of rehabilitated wildlife from their vessels. Major Marine Tours is an active participant in Whale SENSE, a voluntary education and recognition program, committed to responsible whale watching practices. Major Marine Tours also partners with the National Park Service and the National Forest Service to promote environmental education through their onboard Park Range narration and Junior Ranger Program, helping guests from all over the world learn about how to better care for our marine environment and coastlines. Kyrstyn Kelly received the Hoffman-Greene Ocean Youth Award, which is sponsored by Dale Hoffman. The award honors an individual or team of Alaskan youth ages 12-19 who has displayed a dedication to promoting the understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s oceans. As a freshman at Colony High School, Kyrstyn joined the Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA) to learn about ways to advocate for Alaska’s environment. In 2015, she was an intern for the Center for Alaska Coastal Studies in Homer, where she gained experience working in the fields of environmental education and environmental science. At the Center for Alaska Coastal Studies, she helped with research, tours, and other aspects of protecting our oceans. Kyrstyn is a member of the board of the Alaska Center Education Fund. She is a passionate advocate for research and the health of our oceans and shows an eagerness to expand her understanding of marine and environmental issues. She has attended and presented at the Alaska Forum on the Environment for three years in a row. Last summer, Kyrstyn traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with the Alaska delegation and urge funding for vital programs for our oceans and coasts including the Village Safe Water program. She has participated in the state Science Olympiad program in events such as ecology, hydrogeology, and invasive species. Kyrstyn is the Colony High School Senior Class Secretary, has been a member of the Key Club since her freshman year, and is an avid skier. Paula Cullenberg received the Marine Science Outreach Award. This award is given to a person, team or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to ocean literacy via formal or informal education, media or other communications. It is sponsored by the Alaska Ocean Observing System. Paula Cullenberg is the Director of Alaska Sea Grant, a University of Alaska Fairbanks-NOAA partnership with offices across coastal Alaska. Paula has brought over 35 years of service, vision, and skill to Alaska, its coastal communities, and the marine resources we all depend on. Paula first came to the state in the late 1970’s serving as an observer on a Russian trawler in the Bering Sea. She then traveled to villages in western Alaska as the first extension agent for the Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association. She continued her career working as an aide for interior legislator Kay Wallis, as a subsistence advocate for the Tanana Chiefs Conference and as a Sea Grant Marine Advisory agent in Bristol Bay. At the University of Alaska, Paula directed the Fishery Observer Training Center at UAA and joined Alaska Sea Grant in 2002 working as a coastal communities specialist and ultimately director of the program. Paula has provided well-respected leadership of Alaska Sea Grant, whose passionate and talented Marine Advisory faculty and staff help Alaskans understand and responsibly use our marine resources. Paula established the Alaska Sea Grant State Fellowship program which links newly completed graduate students with state and federal agencies. In 2015, Paula worked to create the Alaska Maritime Workforce Development Plan for the State of Alaska. She has also initiated an innovative school grant program that has invested more than $100,000 in marine and watershed education programming in schools around the state. She and her family fish commercially in Bristol Bay and just completed their 30th salmon season last summer. Dr. John “Craig” George was selected toreceive the Marine Research Award, sponsored by Drs. Clarence Pautzke and Maureen McCrea. This honor is given to a scientist, team of scientists, or an institution that is acknowledged by peers to have made an original breakthrough contribution to any field of scientific knowledge about Alaska’s oceans. A Senior Wildlife Biologist for the North Slope Borough, Craig George has lived in UtqiaÄ¡vik (formerly called Barrow) since the late 1970’s. His presence in the Arctic and among Iñupiat hunters and elders has given Craig a unique perspective that has been extremely helpful for wildlife conservation and for protecting subsistence hunting opportunities. Craig has helped establish a meaningful process where combining traditional knowledge and western science has improved our understanding and management of the Arctic environment. Craig’s studies, numerous publications, and technical reports have been especially helpful in managing the subsistence hunt of bowhead whales at local, national, and international levels. He has improved knowledge about many aspects of the biology of bowheads, including physiology, energetics, foraging, survival, and reproduction. Because of Craig’s commitment we know more about bowhead whales and how they use the ocean than just about any other marine mammal in the world. Craig’s most noteworthy contribution to biological science is providing evidence that bowhead whales live up to 200 years and are likely the longest-lived mammal. The son of a well-known children’s book author and a professor of Wildlife Management, Craig attributes his achievements by being persistent, working with a diverse group of people, being curious, and recognizing the value of local knowledge. V Rae is this year’s recipient of the Ocean Ambassador Award. The Ocean Ambassador Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made outstanding contributions in promoting public awareness and appreciation of Alaska’s oceans, coasts, and marine ecosystems. V Rae’s images at the Alaska SeaLife Center are not only gorgeous and captivating, they light the way for our deeper respect and love for Alaska’s marine animals. Her work adorns many homes and offices in Alaska and beyond. V’s overall impact is to inspire and excite all of us in our understanding, knowledge, and stewardship of Alaska’s living marine resources. But she is also a direct, fantastic benefactor to the Alaska SeaLife Center, by her many donations of breathtaking artwork for our Gala auction. Each year a portion of V’s work is dedicated to wildlife preservation efforts that protect and sustain the natural tension between subsistence and conservation unique to Alaska and Hawaii, as well as non-profit humanitarian outreach. About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium, with wildlife response and education programs. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.  

Seward, Alaska (January 24, 2020) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards. These awards are given annually to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the awareness and sustainability of the state’s marine resources. The Alaska SeaLife Center appreciates the support provided by the award sponsors and thanks the awards committee members (Betsy Baker, Jason Brune, Lisa Busch, Dale Hoffman, Molly McCammon, Robert Suydam) for their assistance in selecting the award recipients. These awards will be presented at the in Anchorage Alaska Marine Gala on February 8 at the Dena’ina Center and/or at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium on January 27-31. The following are the 2020 Alaska Ocean Leadership Award winners: Molly McCammon will receivethe prestigious Walter J. and Ermalee Hickel Lifetime Achievement Award. The late Governor Walter J. Hickel and his wife Ermalee endowed this award for 10 years to recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the management of Alaska’s coastal and ocean resources for more than 20 years. Molly has worked tirelessly to promote the long term sustainability of Alaska’s coastal and ocean resources, and find creative solutions to meet the needs of Alaskans. Molly came to Alaska in 1973, first as a reporter covering a variety of natural resource issues, then homesteading in the Brooks Range, and later working in various fields in state government. Her service to marine conservation began in 1984 as a legislative aide working on the wild fishery stock priority policy and the new community development quota program. At the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Molly worked on salmon management issues and on legislation strengthening Alaska’s response and prevention efforts following the Exxon Valdez oil spill. From there, Molly served as Executive Director of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council for nine years. As Executive Director, Molly managed the largest research and monitoring program in the state, with one of her many accomplishments being the installation of annual, multi-disciplinary conferences focused on marine research. These conferences were initially funded by EVOS, and over time, have evolved into the annual Alaska Marine Science Symposium that continues today. Her leadership and work for the Trustee Council directly contributed to many significant research programs that provided a comprehensive understanding of marine ecosystems of Prince William Sound, creating a baseline for evaluation of any future oil spills as well as the dramatic changes in the ocean we are seeing now. In 2003, Molly organized and launched the Alaska Ocean Observing System where she continues to serve as its Executive Director.  Molly has direct involvement in the actual development and running of regional coastal and ocean observations systems. She has taken a leading national role in developing the Integrated Ocean Observing System on a regional level and established the national IOOS Association. Throughout her career, Molly has worked effectively for positive solutions that meet the needs of Alaskans, and, at the same time, foster the conservation and wise use of Alaska’s natural resources, especially its fisheries. Her contributions have made a lasting difference for marine conservation in Alaska. Alaska Wildland Adventures will receivethe Stewardship and Sustainability Award. This award is sponsored by Jason Brune, and honors an industry leader that demonstrates the highest commitment to sustainability of ocean resources. Since 1977 and under the leadership of Kirk Hoessle, Alaska Wildland Adventures has operated natural history tours exclusively in Alaska, providing high quality, interactive experiences in wild Alaska. At the heart of this company’s culture is the strong respect for the environment and unique native heritage of Alaska. AWA recently celebrated its 10th year of operation of the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, which was born from a collaborative partnership with Port Graham Native Corporation. The lodge was created to support community goals of the corporation’s Native residents while also creating an environmentally-conscious lodge to host small groups of Alaskan tourists each summer. It is a solid example of positive stewardship and sustainability in Alaska, from its low impact construction methods, to working with local government agencies to create and maintain the Pedersen Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary that protects native flora and fauna, to supporting the local marine community of Seward. Alaska Wildland Adventures puts a strong emphasis on hiring, shopping, and transporting locally which contributes to the sustainability of the Seward community. Dr. Switgard Duesterloh will receive the Marine Science Outreach Award. This award is given to a person, team or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to ocean literacy via formal or informal education, media or other communications. It is sponsored by the Alaska Ocean Observing System. Dr. Switgard Duesterloh created the Ocean Science Discovery Lab in Kodiak in 2009 and has run several programs for students grades 3-12. She offers science summer camps in Kodiak Island villages and in the city of Kodiak. Her programs include a diverse study of marine biology from food webs to sea otter ecology to sea star experiments, dissections, oil spill history and response, various oceanography experiments, and more. Dr. Duesterloh is inclusive and creative with her students. During the past year she has partnered with the Island Trails Network, a local nonprofit that does beach cleanups throughout Kodiak. She works tirelessly to raise awareness of the problems associated with plastic pollution. Currently, she is organizing a spring Whale Festival, a program inviting the community to partake and recognize Kodiak’s unique position in whale migrations. She also writes a column in the Kodiak Daily Mirror, educating the community about life in the ocean. This year, the Awards Committee named two recipients for the Marine Research Award: Carin Ashjian and the Alaska Beluga Whale Committee.  This award issponsored by Drs. Clarence Pautzke and Maureen McCrea. This honor is given to a scientist, team of scientists, or an institution that is acknowledged by peers to have made an original breakthrough contribution to any field of scientific knowledge about Alaska’s oceans. Carin Ashjianhas contributed important insights to marine research and significantly advanced leadership in shaping marine science programs in the Arctic and Bering Sea for the past two decades. Her substantial expertise in oceanography, zooplankton ecology, and biological-physical interactions focusing on Arctic and sub-arctic regions has advanced our understanding of these systems, and how lower trophic levels respond to the physical environment and connect to higher trophic levels. One specific example of her boundary-straddling work is her decade-long work around UtqiaÄ¡vik where she and her colleagues Steve Okkonen and Bob Campbell focus on the oceanographic mechanisms that produce a favorable feeding environment for bowhead whales, a species of imminent subsistence and ecological value. Carin has worked to communicate the results of her research to Alaskan coastal communities and local hunters. Carin has been published in top-ranking journals and has made continued significant contributions to Arctic and sub-arctic marine science. That her work and expertise is well-known and important beyond regional scales is exemplified by her involvement in international programs, most recently the interdisciplinary MOSAiC program that explores Arctic processes throughout an entire year on a ship-based platform frozen into the sea ice. The Alaska Beluga Whale Committee (ABWC) serves as the co-management partner with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association for four stocks of belugas in western and northern Alaska. Since its creation in 1988, the committee has encouraged and promoted the conservation and informed, sustainable management of beluga whales through collaboration of Alaska Native subsistence hunters, biologists, and agency managers. They have initiated and continue management of this important resource and conduct scientific research on belugas to address management needs. At the time the ABWC was formed, there was little precedent for hunters and scientists working together. Now the committee brings representatives from beluga hunting communities in Alaska; local, state, tribal and federal governments; and beluga researchers together to discuss management and conservation issues, the biology of belugas, and the needs for additional information. Because of this committee, there is now information on the annual harvest of belugas since 1988, population estimates, satellite tracking of belugas, and sampling for genetics from approximately 2,500 beluga whales. The information and transparency shared by the ABWC provide assurances to Alaska, the U.S., and the international community that belugas in western and northern Alaska are being well managed.  Fran Ulmeris this year’s recipient of the Ocean Ambassador Award. The Ocean Ambassador Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made outstanding contributions in promoting public awareness and appreciation of Alaska’s oceans, coasts, and marine ecosystems. Fran Ulmer’s legacy of public service spans over 40 years and is still going strong. Her achievements reflect an exceptional contribution to management of Alaska’s coastal and ocean resources, a commitment to community, and first-hand appreciations for Alaska’s unique people and resources. Fran has had a significant impact in terms of coastal and ocean public policy. As the first director of the Alaska Coastal Policy Council, she was instrumental in the early formation and development of Alaska’s coastal management program. As a mayor, legislator, and lieutenant governor, she advocated for responsible use of the marine environment by Alaska’s growing tourism and cruise industry, as well as commercial and recreational fisheries. She was a strong voice for the careful management of Pacific Ocean fisheries as a commissioner on the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission for over a decade. Her advocacy for enhancing relevant science and policy research as Chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage continues beyond Alaska, as a Visiting Professor at Stanford and now a Senior Fellow at Harvard. As chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, she has ensured that the U.S. maintains a strong focus on marine research and has built collaborations with other nations across the Arctic to ensure that activities in the Arctic are conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner. Fran lectures internationally about the rapid changes happening in the Arctic, why people everywhere should care, and why conservation of our oceans is essential to everyone’s wellbeing. About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium, with wildlife response and education programs. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.

  Get ready for a summer of ocean discovery at the Alaska SeaLife Center! With camps designed for a range of age groups, each week blends hands-on activities, animal observations, and real science happening in our region. Campers will explore Alaska’s marine ecosystems up close through behind-the-scenes experiences, creative projects, and field-based learning connected to Resurrection Bay. Registration is open now – click below to reserve a spot     Jr. SeaLife Discovery Camp June 8 - 12 Ages 6 - 8yrs   Drop off: 8:30 am – 9:00 am Camp: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Snacks provided. Campers should bring their own lunch.   Wonder, Discover, and Explore at the Alaska SeaLife Center! This playful, discovery-filled camp sparks a love of learning through hands-on experiments, art, cultural activities, and interactive games. Campers explore Alaska’s unique ecosystems, see fascinating animals up close, and uncover the wonders of the natural world. Daily adventures include tours of the Alaska SeaLife Center, real research activities, and creative projects that build confidence, friendships, and a deeper connection to nature.       Ocean Explorers Camp June 22 - 26 Ages 9 - 11yrs   Drop off: 8:30 am – 9:00 am Camp: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Snacks provided. Campers should bring their own lunch.   Dive into an unforgettable ocean adventure at the Alaska SeaLife Center! This week-long camp brings Alaska’s marine world to life. Campers will enjoy hands-on activities, games, animal observations, SeaLife Center visits, and engaging scientific exploration. Each day offers fun, exploration, and a chance to connect with the marine environment, experience the wonders of Resurrection Bay, and dive into real science happening right here in our region.         Marine Science Camp July 20 - 24 Ages 12 - 15yrs   Drop off: 8:30 am – 9:00 am Camp: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Snacks provided. Campers should bring their own lunch.   Plunge into a world of marine science at the Alaska SeaLife Center! This week-long summer camp is perfect for ocean lovers and budding scientists. Become a junior scientist as you explore Alaska’s amazing marine animals, uncover the secrets of local ecosystems, and learn about conservation in action. Spend your days in the lab, observing marine life, doing fieldwork in Resurrection Bay, and discovering creative ways to share what you’ve learned about Alaska’s waters.    

Seward, Alaska (January 15, 2015) - Science meets art as the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) brings the Buzz Saw Sharks of Long Ago exhibit to Seward, Alaska. The exhibit is on loan from the Idaho Museum of Natural History (IMNH) and is done in collaboration with Ray Troll. Areas around the aquarium will be transformed into the Paleozoic marine world of the humongous, whorl-toothed shark.   “Summer of Sharks” at the Alaska SeaLife Center opens April 17 with fossils, sculptures, and artwork featuring the majestic Helicoprion. This prehistoric giant is the world’s only animal – past or present – with a complete 360-degree spiral of teeth. Imagine a fearsome behemoth equipped with a circular blade of teeth and strong jaws that researchers believe crimped and cut its prey.   The Buzzsaw Shark roamed the Permian Seas more than 270 million years ago. Now, it has come back to life thanks to the informed imagination of Alaskan artist Ray Troll and Idaho State University researchers.  Obsessing over this prehistoric marine species for more than 20 years, Troll is now the go-to guy for all things Helicoprion. Detailed artwork from Troll include a 17.5-foot-long by 8-foot-high mural of sharks, as well as 21 individual pieces. His colorful artwork combined with informational graphics explore a side of scientific history you have never seen before.   Sculptures by artist Gary Staab welcome visitors as they travel back in time. A hanging 15-foot shark sculpture and a giant shark head bursting through the wall watch over visitors as they are immersed in Troll’s ode to this extinct creature. The exhibit, which was previously at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, also includes four fossils of the shark’s unusual and complex whorl dentition dug from Idaho phosphate mines. Three casts of rare fossils and an interactive shark jaw showcase the power of the animal kingdom’s most unusual set of teeth.  “I’m really excited to have the ‘Buzz Saw Sharks of Long Ago’ be a big part of the Alaska SeaLife Center's ‘Summer of Sharks.’ I think visitors to this special exhibit will find the fossils, life-sized models and colorful artwork to be pretty amazing. I can guarantee that folks have never seen sharks like these ancient wonders before. It's going to be wonderful to get to share them with my fellow Alaskans,” Ray Troll said recently when asked about the exhibit. Children and adults alike will enjoy a humorous documentary film about the artist as they sit on a whorl-patterned “art couch,” activate the whorl tooth mechanism, “walk the whorl,” and ponder the incredible bite of a “large-as-life” Helicoprion head.  “This is the Alaska SeaLife Center’s first traveling exhibit, and we are thrilled to have such scientifically significant artifacts and the fantastic artwork of Ray Troll here at the Center. This is a milestone for ASLC and a major event for Alaska,” President and CEO Dr. Tara Riemer said. Buzzsaw Sharks of Long Ago explores the many ways that people have come to better understand the natural world through mysterious fossils and the quest for creatures of the deep. Troll hopes Buzzsaw Sharks will not only intrigue visitors, but also inspire them to take action and help protect all species of shark and marine life. Summer of Sharks is open April 17 through Labor Day and made possible by our presenting sponsor BP. About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium, with wildlife response and education programs. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org. About the IMNH The Idaho Museum of Natural History is home to permanent and special collections in Anthropology, Earth Sciences, and Life Sciences, a place where researchers pursue scholarly study of the collections and publish their findings in peer-reviewed and museum-sponsored publications.  

Seward, Alaska (January 31, 2017) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards. These awards are given annually to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the awareness and sustainability of the state’s marine resources. The Alaska SeaLife Center appreciates the support provided by the award sponsors and thanks the awards committee members: Betsy Baker, Molly McCammon, Lisa Busch, Ian Dutton, Jason Brune and Michael Castellini for assistance in selecting the awardees.  The awards will be presented at the Alaska Marine Gala on February 11, 2017 at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Tickets are nearly sold out.  For more information, please contact: Nancy Anderson, nancya@alaskasealife.org or 907-224-6396.   Following are the 2017 Alaska Ocean Leadership Award winners: Dorothy Childers will receive the prestigious Walter J. and Ermalee Hickel Lifetime Achievement Award. The late Governor Walter J. Hickel and his wife Ermalee endowed this award for 10 years to recognize an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the management of Alaska’s coastal and ocean resources for more than 20 years. Dorothy Childers’ contributions to the management of Alaska’s coastal and ocean resources have included tireless work of an exceptional quality as program staff, executive director, and as a Pew Marine Fellow with the Alaska Marine Conservation Council. She devoted her career to protecting the long-term health of Alaska’s oceans and to ensuring a voice for those Alaskans whose economy and culture depend on the long-term health of our ocean resources. Dorothy was instrumental in the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s promulgation of a northern bottom trawl boundary in the Bering Sea, a collaboration with Bering Sea Elders Group on the publication of “The Northern Bering Sea: Our Way of Life” to inform conservation decisions, and production of the “Faces of Climate Change” DVD featuring climate scientists and Alaska Native observers. She has been a quiet catalyst for ongoing efforts to bring together Western science and traditional knowledge for continued understanding of climate change and its consequences for marine life, ocean habitat, communities, and cultures. Special projects supporting Bristol Bay fisheries and engaging coastal Alaskans on ocean acidification are helping to safeguard marine ecosystems. She has served on the North Pacific Research Board since 2004. ConocoPhillips will receive the Stewardship and Sustainability Award. This award is sponsored by Jason Brune, and honors an industry leader that demonstrates the highest commitment to sustainability of ocean resources. The year 2016 marked the 31st year that ConocoPhillips and its predecessors have funded a collaborative program with local fishers to monitor the fall Qaaqtak (Arctic cisco, Coregonus autumnalis) subsistence fish harvest on the Nigliq Channel of the Colville River, making it one of the longest Arctic subsistence fishery datasets in the world. Qaaqtak are a highly-prized food source for Alaskan Inupiat communities and a particularly important cultural resource for the nearby community of Nuiqsut. The monitoring program incorporates local and traditional knowledge of Nuiqsut fishers and collects data on Qaaktak abundance, the effort required to catch the species throughout the harvest season, as well as age, length, and weight of the catch. The information is used to monitor overall trends in the fishery. The program concept was originally focused on monitoring fish in Prudhoe Bay, but was expanded to include the Colville River Delta based on a request from Nuiqsut residents. ConocoPhillips has continued to voluntarily support the program as a commitment to the sustainability of an important anadromous species for which little was known of its lifecycle before the monitoring program began. Cade Emory Terada will receive the Hoffman-Greene Ocean Youth Award, which is sponsored by Dale Hoffman.The award honors an individual or team of Alaskan youth ages 12-19 who has displayed a dedication to promoting the understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s oceans. Cade has dedicated the past two years to advocating for our oceans. As the son of a fisherman and an active community member in Unalaska, he has a vested interest in protecting the oceans. Cade has traveled to Washington D.C. and Juneau to meet and speak with politicians about the impacts of ocean acidification on the crabbing and commercial fishing industries. Last year he also became an Arctic Youth Ambassador, and joined in official Arctic Council meetings to talk about his community’s concerns around oceans on an international level. Cade also participated in the Students on Ice program, which last summer brought together youth from across the Arctic to Greenland and Canada to dive deeper into how communities, land, and ocean are connected to ice and warming temperatures. In August of 2016, he took part in the Aleutian Life Forum which discussed ocean acidification and strategies for building more resilient communities. Despite the jet setting lifestyle that Cade has lived for the past two years as he has traveled to advocate for our oceans, he is a committed community member and student. He maintains a high grade point average and participates in school sports and clubs. He also encourages his peers to get involved and recently helped start a chapter of Alaska Youth for Environmental Action to bring Unalaska students together. Phyllis Shoemaker will receive the Marine Science Outreach Award. This award is given to a person, team or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to ocean literacy via formal or informal education, media or other communications. It is sponsored by the Alaska Ocean Observing System. Phyllis Shoemaker coordinated and quietly led the Alaska Region National Ocean Sciences Bowl – “Tsunami Bowl” – in Seward for over 15 years. Her work make possible the development of hundreds of budding marine science high school students, many of whom have gone on to the university study of marine science and careers in the field. During her time as coordinator for the “Tsunami Bowl” it grew from about ten teams competing each year to the maximum of twenty teams, often with waiting lists, that represent schools from throughout urban and rural parts of the state, from Southeast Alaska to the Arctic. Her leadership and work in getting sponsors for the Bowl, finding housing for teams and volunteers coming from thousands of miles away, organizing a complex competition schedule and set of brackets and bringing the National Ocean Sciences Bowl final competition to Alaska, have been essential to the Bowl’s success. Dr. Stanley Rice was selected to receive the Marine Research Award, sponsored by Drs. Clarence Pautzke and Maureen McCrea. This honor is given to a scientist, team of scientists, or an institution that is acknowledged by peers to have made an original breakthrough contribution to any field of scientific knowledge about Alaska’s oceans. Following a federal career spanning more than 40 years, Dr. Stanley Rice, known to all as “Jeep,” retired as Program Manager of Habitat and Chemistry at NOAA’s Auke Bay Laboratories in 2012. Jeep and his team’s tireless efforts, including more than 150 publications, have greatly added to our understanding of the long term fate and biological effects of oil in the marine environment whether it be from spills or chronic oil pollution. The discovery of the extent to which very low concentrations of oil in the environment could damage the productivity of marine organisms and compromise their habitats culminated, after a decade of further research, in a publication in Science (2003). These findings were built upon by other scientists to extend to seabirds, marine mammals, and the intertidal biota, resulting in a major paradigm shift in the scientific view of oil spills and chronic pollution. Beyond the arena of catastrophic oil spills, Jeep’s findings have been applied by scientists in the management of very low levels of hydrocarbon pollution and the protection of ecosystems in urban estuaries. For example, Jeep’s team’s findings led to more stringent water quality standards for hydrocarbons in fish spawning habitats. Jeep’s work also had an impact on oil spill contingency planning where proactive measures such as double hulled tankers and altered shipping routes have appeared in plans that once focused solely on cleanup technologies. About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium, with wildlife response and education programs. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.

The Alaska SeaLife Center is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards. These awards are given annually to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the awareness and sustainability of the state’s marine resources. The Alaska SeaLife Center appreciates the support provided by the award sponsors and thanks the awards committee members (Jason Brune, Ginny Eckert, Dale Hoffman, Molly McCammon, Lynn Palensky, Robert Suydam) for their assistance in selecting the award recipients. These awards will be presented at a virtual event on March 31.           Dr. Robert Suydam, Ph.D., will receive the prestigious Walter J. and Ermalee Hickel Lifetime Achievement Award. The late Governor Walter J. Hickel and the late Ermalee Hickel endowed this award for 10 years to recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the management of Alaska’s coastal and ocean resources for more than 20 years. Senior Wildlife Biologist Dr. Robert Suydam’s three decades of research on bowhead and beluga whales as well as his deep involvement with co-management and Alaska Native organizations represents a truly exceptional contribution to the management and science of Alaska’s marine mammal resources. Robert has published well over 200 peer-reviewed papers and technical reports throughout his tenure at the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management on a wide range of species and topics. In addition, he has served on multiple advisory panels and boards that have greatly advanced understanding of the Arctic and Sub-Arctic marine environment, including Science Advisor to the US Marine Mammal Commission, member of the National Research Council, Fellow of the Arctic Institute of North American, member of the Alaska Beluga Whale Committee, advisor to the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, and member of the International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee. Moreover, Robert has worked closely with the oil and gas industry in Alaska to ensure that the implementation of sound science-driven policies related to offshore exploration and development facilitated the protections of the arctic environment and fauna potentially impacted by development. One of Robert’s more important and unique achievements has been his long and consistent involvement advancing the use of traditional knowledge in scientific research and management. Robert has been a strong and articulate advocate for Alaskan Native subsistence rights to harvest marine mammals and feed their communities with traditional foods and for high-quality arctic marine science and has worked with North Slope Borough, Alaskan Native, state, federal, and international organizations to ensure that sound science is used to develop marine policy.   Jim Pfeiffenberger will receive the Marine Science Outreach Award. This award is given to a person, team or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to ocean literacy via formal or informal education, media, or other communications. It is sponsored by the Alaska Ocean Observing System. National Park Service Education Coordinator Jim Pfeiffenberger has done an extraordinary job connecting students and adults of all ages to the wonders, mysteries, challenges, science, and stewardship of Alaska’s marine and coastal ecosystems. From teaching in classrooms located in remote or rural Alaska communities, in-person programs along coastlines or from ships, to virtual and online platforms when the need arose, Jim has embraced every opportunity to connect students to the marine environment, the science that helps to inform its stewardship, management and protection, as well as doing the hard work of cleaning it up. Jim has designed innovative and engaging media that has connected people to Alaska’s eleven coastal parks and their diverse and critically important resources. He has thrived working as the Education Coordinator for the Ocean Alaska Science and Learning Center, co-located at Kenai Fjords National Park. Jim has made marine science, ecosystems, and stewardship relevant, meaningful and inspiring for students from K – 12 and beyond, including mentoring college students completing media development internships focused on the work, management, and stewardship of Alaska’s coastal parks and partners. Jim’s professional delivery of education in the field of marine science and outreach has been transformational—shifting the first impressions of students, teachers, and visitors into knowledge and ultimately, into care.   Dr. Tuula Hollmén, D.V.M., Ph.D., will receive the Marine Research Award. This award is sponsored by Drs. Clarence Pautzke and Maureen McCrea. This honor is given to a scientist, team of scientists, or an institution that is acknowledged by peers to have made an original breakthrough contribution to any field of scientific knowledge about Alaska’s oceans. Dr. Hollmén’s career reflects three decades of work on seabird ecology and epidemiology, including twenty years of focus on the threatened Steller’s eider. She applies her veterinary and biology training to a broad portfolio of fieldwork, laboratory analysis, modeling, and teaching. She currently holds positions as a Senior Research Scientist at the Alaska SeaLife Center and as a Research Associate Professor at the College of Fisheries and Ocean Science and the Center for One Health Research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She served as the Science Director at the Alaska SeaLife Center (2010-2015) as well as the Eider Program Manager (2002-2020). She is a member of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Spectacled and Steller's eider recovery teams, and was the chair for the Steller’s Eider reintroduction committee. She also found time to sit on the North Pacific Research Board Science Panel from 2011 to 2019, serving as Vice Chair from 2014 to 2019. Dr. Hollmén and her team successfully established a captive breeding flock of endangered Steller's eiders at the ASLC to serve as one of the main routes for potential re-introduction of to the wild. Prior to Dr. Hollmén's research at ASLC, Steller’s eiders had never successfully bred in captivity in North America. Most recently, her research has provided groundbreaking insights to the impacts of climate change on Arctic lagoons with real-time implications for marine species conservation efforts.   Ward Cove Dock Group and Norwegian Cruise Line will jointly receivethe Stewardship and Sustainability Award. This award is sponsored by Jason Brune, and honors an industry leader that demonstrates the highest commitment to sustainability of ocean resources. The Mill at Ward Cove is a partnership between Ward Cove Dock Group, LLC and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. that has built a two-berth, floating cruise ship dock and corresponding Welcome Center and Passenger Transit Facility in Ward Cove, near Ketchikan. When the Ketchikan Pulp Mill closed, Ward Cove was found to be contaminated with fuels, paints, and heavy metals as well as large quantities of sunken longs which affected the health of all local marine life. Ward Cove was then declared a Superfund site under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act and was remediated with institutional controls under the oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Under the leadership of John Binkley and Dave Spokely, a plan was created to responsibly repurpose this area, which resulted in an innovative design and construction of the largest cruise ship dock in Alaska. This project has transitioned a decaying brownfield site into a place the community takes pride in once again. The advanced design of the dock required fewer pilings to be drilled into the ocean floor, reducing impact on the sand cap. Additionally, the unique construction techniques preserved the sensitive marine environment. Today, with ongoing monitoring, the marine life is thriving in Ward Cove, and Ward Cove Dock Group is committed to preserving this sensitive environment into the future.   Elin Antaya will receive the Hoffman-Greene Ocean Youth Award. The Ocean Youth Award is awarded to an individual or team of Alaskan youth up to 19 years old who has displayed a dedication to promoting the understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s oceans. Juneau Douglas High School Senior Elin Antaya cares about our planet and ocean. Elin is currently working in a University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) laboratory in Juneau helping to support research on harmful algal blooms and ocean acidification monitoring. Elin is a 4.0 student and has participated in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl all four years of high school. Last summer she held a Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program Internship funded by the American Fisheries Society where she worked closely with graduate students and faculty from the UAF conducting field and laboratory research. Elin collects old buoys and repurposes them with Alaskan ocean themed art, with the motivation to share Alaska’s diverse marine habitats and honor the diverse fishers and vessels who navigate and enjoy the bounty of our oceans. Elin not only expands on her own scientific knowledge, but also has a vested interest in public scientific education and shows understanding and ability to disseminate complex ecological processes. She has co-published opinion articles in the Juneau Empire and Pacific Fishing explaining the roles that sea otters play in marine ecosystems. Whether she is leading squid dissections with elementary students, saving halibut heads for otolith removal, or picking up workdays at the local oyster farm, Elin continues to share the intrigue of marine organisms with the next generation of researchers. She has applied for and been accepted to many outstanding universities including UAF, Colorado College, UC San Diego, Hawaii Pacific, Quest and Cal Poly Humboldt to study ocean and marine science to continue her desire to be find solutions for the future health of our marine environments. Elin is also an elite dancer, president of the Nordic Club, member of the National Honor Society, and an employee of Salty Lady Seafood Co.     Richard Hocking is this year’s recipient of the Ocean Ambassador Award. The Ocean Ambassador Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made outstanding contributions in promoting public awareness and appreciation of Alaska’s oceans, coasts, and marine ecosystems. Richard’s passion for the ocean defined his work and his life. He spent 45 years working in the marine science field, beginning with the Seattle Aquarium, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and the Alaska SeaLife Center. Richard served as the Center’s Aquarium Curator from 1998 until his passing in November 2021. Richard was known as one of the most hands-on curators in the building, including designing exhibits, checking water quality, managing permits, and diving for collection trips, all while leading the Aquarium Division for twenty-three years. Richard became widely known as ASLC’s resident nutritionist, and he understood the intricate diets of animals ranging from the smallest sea star to the largest Steller sea lions. His knowledge of marine animal biology and husbandry was unmatched. He co-authored papers ranging trophically from monogenean fish parasites to centuries-old elasmobranchs, and is a widely acknowledged contributor to dozens of research publications and projects. Richard sought out and promoted opportunities for ASLC staff to take part in professional growth opportunities, ensuring that ASLC’s animal care teams remained highly skilled. One of the many activities Richard led was the monitoring for marine aquatic invasive species in Resurrection Bay. Since 2009, Richard has guided ASLC staff and interns in evaluating the health of the bay by surveying the habitat year-round for European green crab, tunicates, and other invasive species and sharing these findings with the Invasive Species Program at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Richard lent his expertise to marine-oriented organizations and activities in the Seward area, including the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery and the Seward Chamber of Commerce Seward Silver Salmon Derby, where he served as the expert fish authority, placing his verification stamp on the winning salmon each year. He strived to educate and motivate the next generation of ocean stewards by assisting in the Center’s after-school Ocean Sciences Club, as a judge during the Alaska National Ocean Sciences Bowl, as a graduate committee member for Alaska Pacific University graduate students, and as an unofficial advisor for every scientist that worked at ASLC. Richard manifested a lifelong stewardship for the ocean and its inhabitants that he expressed through a lifetime of daily acts of service. Richard leaves a legacy of a life led by example, motivated by an enduring belief that ocean life could be used to convey the extraordinary richness of biological diversity, and further, that knowledge of the oceans could be used to spark wonder and inspire others to action.   Congratulations to this year's winners!   

Back-to-Back Rescues Bring Two Orphaned Sea Otter Pups to ASLC for Rehabilitation and Veterinary Treatment   Seward, Alaska (November 17, 2025): The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) recently admitted two orphaned northern sea otter pups rescued from the Homer area within a two-week span. A female, estimated to be less than two months old, was found alone and extremely malnourished on the beach. Ten days later, a male otter pup was reported in the same region after a fall storm moved through the area. The male pup is estimated to be between 4 and 6 months old and was found in a less severe emaciated state, but lethargic, alone, and in poor condition.    Reports of both otters came through ASLC’s 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline (1-888-774-7325), prompting swift responses from ASLC’s wildlife response team. Staff and volunteers observed each pup closely to ensure no adult otters were caring for the pups. When no adults were spotted, the animals were transported to Seward for urgent veterinary care at the ASLC with prior authorization from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).    The female pup is currently in critical condition and receiving intensive care after arriving at the Center on October 20, 2025, extremely malnourished, dehydrated, severely anemic, and weak.   “Usually, when an otter pup is first admitted and receiving its first veterinary exam, it will vocalize often and move around a lot. This pup was so lethargic and weak that she barely made any noise, which was immediately concerning,” said ASLC Veterinarian Dr. Emmanuelle Furst.    Since the female pup’s arrival, she has slowly started to gain weight and strength with 24-hour care and veterinary treatment. She continues to have gastrointestinal issues, which the ASLC animal care and veterinary teams are watching closely. Ten days later, an older male pup, estimated to be around 4 to 6 months old, was admitted after being found alone and resting unusually high up on the beach in Homer. He appeared weak and lethargic, and birds had begun to gather near and peck at him. The male pup is currently undergoing additional medical tests to better understand his condition and prepare targeted veterinary treatments, as he fights to overcome his health challenges.  With these two newest sea otter patients, the Alaska SeaLife Center is now caring for four orphaned sea otter pups, all of whom will be deemed non-releasable due to their young age (under six months old) and their dependence on intensive human care. The wildlife response program has seen an uptick in orphaned, injured, and deceased sea otter reports across the state this year, and the ASLC continues to run tests to better understand what is impacting the wild populations.  These young otters’ stories serve as a powerful reminder of Alaska’s unique wildlife and the ecosystems they rely on, and our shared responsibility to protect them. As the state’s only permanent marine wildlife response and rehabilitation facility, the Alaska SeaLife Center remains committed to giving every animal the best possible chance at survival while deepening understanding of the ocean we all depend on.  The ASLC Wildlife Response Program operates year-round to respond to and care for stranded and orphaned marine animals across the state. You can help make rescues like these possible by donating to support their care and by reporting animals in need. Before approaching an injured or stranded marine animal, call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL (7325). Your Support Matters  The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can only provide care for stranded and injured marine animals with help from corporate sponsors and individual donors. Supporters can help provide vital care for marine animals in need by donating at www.alaskasealife.org/donate.  The ASLC acknowledges the ongoing generous support of the Wildlife Response Program from supporters like ConocoPhillips Alaska, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, PetZoo, Partners 4 Wildlife, Matson, GCI,  and a number of individual donors, funds, and foundations such as Stanley J Williams Fund, Mesara Family Foundation, M. E. Webber Foundation, The Theresa Bannister Fund, and the NC Giving Fund.              

                          Join us for Family Ocean Adventures at the Alaska SeaLife Center! This free, family-friendly event runs every other Monday from January 6 to March 3, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Each week features a new ocean-themed adventure with engaging games, stories, and crafts for all ages:   January 6 — Story Time "Under the Sea" January 20 — Coastal Critter Quest February 3 — Seaside Sustainability February 17 — SeaLife Scavenger Hunt March 3 — Habitat Art Adventures   Each program begins at 5 p.m. with a 30-minute snack time, which is followed by an hour-long program. Don’t miss this opportunity to create lasting memories and explore the wonders of the ocean together! Registration recommended — click to sign up.  

Every Bid Supports SeaLife! Online auction to benefit the Alaska SeaLife Center February 20-23, 2025   *Preview items now! Bidding Begins February 20, 2025!*  Click here to View the Auction   Every year, the ASLC Online Auction brings together a passionate community of ocean lovers from across the country, united by a shared mission: to support the Alaska SeaLife Center’s vital work in wildlife rescue, research, and education. For four exciting days, you’ll have the chance to bid on breathtaking Alaskan getaways, handcrafted jewelry, original artwork, unique experiences, and more. With most items available for worldwide shipping, anyone can take part in this incredible event! This event has grown to be one of our most impactful fundraisers of the year, and wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of artists and businesses who donate their work to be auctioned off on our behalf to support our mission work. Now it’s your turn to be part of the impact! Get ready to bid, win, and make waves for marine life. Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and let the bidding begin!  Quick Tips: The auction will be open for bidding February 20–23, 2025 All bids are submitted online through our auction website  Most items can be shipped worldwide Every dollar raised helps protect marine life through ASLC mission work Want to donate an item to the auction or learn more? Email fundraising@alaskasealife.org      

$(document).ready(function() { var obj = document.createElement("audio"); obj.src="/uploads/vft/gulf_watch/audio/fetcheduphardaground.mp3"; obj.volume=0.10; obj.autoPlay=false; obj.preLoad=true; $(".playSound").click(function() { obj.play(); }); });     animatedcollapse.addDiv('A', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() animatedcollapse.addDiv('B', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init()         On March 24, 1989, an oil tanker leaving the port of Valdez, Alaska hit a shallow reef and spilled 11 million gallons of oil into the sea. This spill spread southwest, covering nearly 1,300 miles of coastline in thick, sticky oil. Oil was even found washed up near the village of Chignik, 470 miles away from the spill site. It is estimated that 250,000 seabirds, 2,800 sea otters, 300 harbor seals, 250 bald eagles, up to 22 orcas, and billions of salmon and herring eggs were lost in the spill. It is difficult to know how many intertidal plants and animals, such as barnacles, sea stars, and hermit crabs, were also impacted. The Gulf of Alaska is part of the North Pacific Ocean. It stretches from the Alaska Peninsula in the west to the islands of Alaska’s southeast. The coast includes mountains, glaciers, forests, towns, and cities. The waters are full of life and support one of the country’s largest fishing industries. Powerful currents circulate marine life and bring up nutrients from deep waters. Seabirds and marine mammals feed in the many bays and estuaries of the gulf. These areas also provide nursery habitats for fish. So many factors influence the Gulf of Alaska! The major factors include: Precipitation in the form of snow and rain Freshwater runoff from rivers, glaciers, and melting snow The upwelling & downwelling of water carrying nutrients that get mixed by the tides and currents Click the image below for a closer look at some of these factors. Be sure to use the vocabulary list at the right if you run into any terms you are not familiar with! Thousands of workers, volunteers, and community members worked together to clean up the spill. However, oil still remains hidden below the sand and rocks on the beaches and scientists want to know what this means for the Gulf of Alaska ecosystem. Since 1989, scientists have continued to study how the Gulf of Alaska's ecosystem is responding to the Exxon Valdez oil spill (EVOS). All of Earth’s ecosystems are affected by both natural changes and human activities. After the 1989 spill, scientists realized something important. We did not have enough data to fully understand how complex the northern Gulf of Alaska ecosystem really is. We were lacking what researchers call “baseline” data. A baseline is a measure of how things are (or were) at a particular time. Without baseline data, it is hard to understand how ecosystems respond to changes in environmental conditions, which can occur naturally or as a result of human activities. Think of a baseline like this: If you measure your heartbeat when you are resting, it’s beating regularly and probably pretty slowly. This is your baseline to measure from. If you suddenly run up a long flight of steps, your heart starts beating much faster and you are probably out of breath. If you count your heartbeat now, you can measure how much it changed from the baseline. That change is the impact caused by running up the steps. For example, in the Gulf of Alaska it is difficult to know exactly how the 1989 oil spill changed sea otter population numbers. This is hard to measure because baseline data for the number of sea otters living there before the spill doesn't exist. In order to improve our understanding of baselines and change for the entire Gulf of Alaska ecosystem, the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council created and continues to fund the work of the Gulf Watch Alaska long-term monitoring program. Gulf Watch Alaska is a team of scientists and researchers who work together to measure and monitor different parts of the ecosystem in the spill area. They compare their data to get a “bigger picture” about how the ecosystem works and how healthy it is. VIDEO: Introduction to Gulf Watch Alaska Introduction to the Gulf Watch Alaska ecosystem monitoring program. (1:14) Video Transcript On March 24, 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, spilling more than 10 million gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Alaska. Today, more than 26 years after the accident, scientists are still trying to understand the full impacts of the spill on the waters and wildlife of the Gulf. To that end, Gulf Watch Alaska has brought together twelve different organizations and over 40 scientists to study all aspects of the Gulf of Alaska and its state of recovery from the spill. Monitoring the lasting effects of the oil spill is no small task. Like a large puzzle, the Gulf of Alaska is a complex system made up of ever smaller components. The four main components being studied by Gulf Watch Alaska are the driving environmental forces of the Gulf, the pelagic ecosystem of its waters, the nearshore ecosystems of its coast, and the lingering oil that still remains from the Exxon Valdez spill. By closely monitoring these components simultaneously, the scientists of Gulf Watch Alaska hope to better understand the whole picture of the Gulf of Alaska and its continuing recovery from the spill.   The Gulf Watch Alaska monitoring program is organized into four related ecosystem monitoring components. Click below to discover each component.       Who is watching the Gulf?   Baseline data (n): a measure of normal or how things usually are before change   Carbon pump (n): the ocean's biologically-driven transfer of carbon from the atmosphere to the deep sea   Detritus (n): waste or debris of any kind, but especially organic matter produced by the decomposition of organisms   Downwelling/Upwelling (n): the downward (or upward) movement of fluid, especially in the sea   Ecosystem (n): a community of living things and its nonliving surroundings linked together by energy and nutrient exchange   Eddy (n): a circular movement of water counter to a main current   Estuary (n): where the salty ocean tide meets freshwater from the land at the mouth of a river, stream, creek, or the toe of a glacier   EVOS (n): Exxon Valdez oil spill   Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (n): organization formed after EVOS to oversee the restoration of the injured ecosystem   Habitat (n): a place that provides an animal or plant with adequate food, water, shelter, and living space to feed, breed, seek shelter, and raise young   Impact (n): a powerful or major influence or effect   Lunar forcing (n): the effect that the gravitational pull of the moon has upon the oceans, creating the tide cycles   Monitor (v): to observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time; keep under systematic review   Photic boundary (n): the depth of the ocean that indicates the division between the photic (or sunlight) zone and the aphotic zone where photosynthesis becomes impossible  

  animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init()         WELCOME TEACHERS! The Alaska SeaLife Center and COSEE-Alaska are excited to present the second in a series of virtual field trips. Meltdown is a virtual field trip (VFT) designed to immerse students in the important field of polar research as they learn about how a changing climate is impacting sea ice ecosystems in the Arctic. Educators and scientists from across Alaska have teamed up to bring you this new and innovative teaching tool. Meltdown takes students on an Arctic expedition where they'll connect with researchers studying the marine foodweb in the Bering Sea. Throughout this exploration, students will watch videos, examine images, and piece together foodwebs as they follow Dr. Rolf Gradinger and his team of real-life scientists out onto the ice. OVERVIEW FOR TEACHERS This VFT can be used in a number of ways. Teachers may facilitate a structured experience using the curriculum supplements included on this page. Alternatively, individuals may choose to navigate through the pages on their own, learning about sea ice ecosystems and why changes in arctic climate have scientists concerned. Self-guided exploration can be completed in about an hour.  GRADE LEVEL: 5th-8th TIME NEEDED:  One to eight 1-hour class periods (teachers may choose to use all or some of the supplementary lessons- see teachers guide for details). NUTSHELL: Students will learn about the role of sea ice in the Arctic ecosystem while studying the Bering Sea food web. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completing this virtual field trip, students will be able to: - Illustrate how changes in the population of one species may affect population dynamics throughout a food web. - Differentiate between the physical properties of sea ice and freshwater ice and justify the reason for these differences. - Describe the conditions necessary for sea ice algae to grow and explain the role of sea ice algae to the Bering Sea in spring. BACKGROUND: At the Northern fringe of the Pacific Ocean, along the United States’ most remote boundary, lies the Bering Sea. Covering an area more than three times the size of Texas (nearly 900,000 sq. mi.), and supporting some of the most valuable fisheries in the world, the Bering Sea’s remote waters have attracted explorers for thousands of years. Now your students can join in the process of discovery as they accompany modern-day explorers onto the ice! In this virtual field trip, students will meet Dr. Rolf Gradinger, a Sea Ice Biologist conducting research in the Bering Sea. They will follow his research team into the field as they work to answer the question 'What does sea ice mean to the Bering Sea ecosystem?' and 'What would it mean if arctic sea ice were to disappear as a result of climate change?' Their quest for answers leads the researchers to look under the ice, where they'll investigate the role of sea ice algae (tiny marine plants that grow on the bottom surface of sea ice during the spring) in the spring Bering Sea foodweb. As your class navigates through this field trip they'll be introduced to the process of science: from initial questions, through development of hypotheses, data collection and, finally, data analysis. Watch as an unfamiliar world unfolds, revealing a complex spring foodweb all stemming from the sea ice algae. The research of Drs. Rolf Gradinger, Katrin Iken and Bodil Bluhm inspired this virtual field trip. Join us as we explore how climate change may impact one of the world's most productive marine ecosystems, the Bering Sea. We also recommend listening to Encounters Radio: Ice Algae, a recorded interview in which host Elizabeth Arnold interviews Rolf Gradinger about this research project. (10 minutes) TO USE THIS VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP YOU WILL NEED: - Internet access, video-streaming capabilities - Access to Meltdown the virtual field trip - Projection system (with audio) to display VFT content or a computer lab (with headphones) - Teacher's guide and corresponding curriculum supplements (arranged as PDFs in the right hand column of this page) UNABLE TO RUN THE STREAMING VERSION? REQUEST A COPY OF ALL MATERIALS ON CD BY EMAIL: education@alaskasealife.org SPECIAL NOTES FOR TEACHERS: Guide to State & National Standards addressed in this field trip (Click to download .pdf) Using Curriculum Supplements We encourage teachers to read through all Curriculum Supplements before beginning Meltdown with your students.  Some projects, like the invertebrate research project, will be completed over the course of several sections.  Videos and weblinks Many sections of Meltdown include embedded videos and weblinks.  All weblinks require internet access.  In the CD version of the virtual field trip, all videos will play without internet, unless noted.  In the online version of Meltdown, all videos will stream from YouTube.  Each video is less than 3 minutes long (exact durations can be found in the description below each video).  Video transcripts are available for each video and can be accessed by clicking the ‘Video Transcript’ button below each clip.  Vocabulary Important vocabulary terms are included in the VOCABULARY box in the lower right-hand corner of each section.  A complete glossary of terms is included as a .pdf in the FOR TEACHERS section.  Age appropriateness This virtual field trip is designed to meet Alaska state and National science content standards for students in grades 5-8.  We understand that students in grades 5-8 may display a variety of skill sets and reading levels, therefore this grade distinction is designed only as a guideline.  The scientific process discussed in this virtual field trip is appropriate for and may be enjoyed by older students as well.  Older students may progress through this virtual field trip at a faster rate than that outlined above.  ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Resources for Invertebrate Research Project: OCEANUS: Arctic Ecosystem Interactive Arctic Ocean Diversity Project: Species Info ARKive: Marine Invertebrates Info General information about Sea Ice: National Snow and Ice Data Center NASA Earth Observatory: Sea Ice International Polar Year: Sea Ice Fact Sheet Resources highlighting Bering Sea & Arctic Ocean research and education: BEST-BSIERP-Bering Sea Project Bering Sea Project: Profile on Sea Ice Arctic Ocean Diversity Project Education Resources Related to Climate Change: NOAA Education Resources: Climate Change Impacts Contact Us: If you have any questions about this virtual field trip, please contact the Alaska SeaLife Center Education Department at education@alaskasealife.org or 907-224-6306. For more information on classes we offer, including our inquiry-based 50-minute Distance Learning programs, visit our website at www.alaskasealife.org.         CURRICULUM SUPPLEMENTS Use the .pdf links below to access classroom activities for each section of the MELTDOWN virtual field trip. Teachers Guide.pdf Introduction_Activities.pdf Background_Activities.pdf Questions_Activities.pdf Plan_Activities.pdf Action_Activities.pdf Results_Activities.pdf Glossary.pdf        

animatedcollapse.addDiv('A', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() animatedcollapse.addDiv('B', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() animatedcollapse.addDiv('C', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init()   While talking with Yosty, Sonia mentioned a lot of important processes that happen in the Gulf over the course of the year and described what was different during these strange years. During periods of warmer than average water offshore, species of phytoplankton that were indicators of lower nutrient conditions in the Gulf began to make up a large part of plankton blooms in the Gulf of Alaska. Some incidences of species of phytoplankton that can produce harmful toxins were reported in Alaska during those periods. If toxic phytoplankton were consumed by zooplankton, this could impact the higher levels of the food chain of the Gulf of Alaska. Sonia also pointed out that she expected the abnormally warm water that began at the end of 2013 to have an impact on the plankton, and did it ever! Picking up these clues, Yosty digs even deeper into the oceanic conditions in the Gulf when water temperatures were higher than average by talking to Seth Danielson, an Oceanographer with Gulf Watch Alaska. Watch the video below to hear about the ocean conditions Seth has observed in the Gulf of Alaska. VIDEO: Seth Danielson and Ocean Conditions Seth Danielson describes his observations of recent ocean conditions in the Gulf of Alaska. (4:28) Video Transcript Narrator: Okay, so clearly something was really different during these years and it affected the whole system. The clues led Yosty to talk to Seth Danielson, a Gulf Watch oceanographer with the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Yosty: Hey Seth, so what do you mean when you use the term “oceanic conditions”? Seth: As oceanographers, we can measure the temperature and the salinity of the water column, and from temperature and salinity we can compute the water density. Just like warm air rises, the ocean is layered with colder, more dense water sitting below warmer and fresher waters near the surface. Yosty: Was there anything unusual about the oceanic conditions in 2015? Seth: 2015 was one of a number of years in a row where the ocean conditions in the northern Gulf of Alaska were particularly warm. We’ve been measuring temperature and salinity at the mouth of Resurrection Bay since 1970, and over the past 45 years we’re finding the warmest temperatures that we’ve ever seen. In the winter of 2013-2014, some scientists from Canada noticed that we had extremely strong temperature anomalies in the North Pacific. These were anomalies that were three to four standard deviations away from average, which is an anomaly that would happen once every couple thousand years if it was just a random event. So we assume that this is not just a random event, it’s been forced by something in the atmosphere. And through analysis of the sea surface data and our understanding of the weather patterns, we see that the North Pacific Ocean was able to retain a lot of heat in the last few winters, and that led to the creation of this “blob”. The blob is a feature that was created, in large part, by a lack of cooling during the winter months. Yosty: Anomalies? Deviations? Blob? Wait, did he say “blob”? Seth: An anomaly is a deviation from what we consider to be normal conditions. Cool anomalies are when the water is not as warm as we expect it to be. We had a prolonged period of cool anomalies in the early 1970s and another period of cool anomalies in the first decade of the 2000s. Interspersed between this long-term trend of warming over the Gulf of Alaska, we have periods of warm anomalies and cool anomalies. Often the warm anomalies are associated with events such as El Niño. That happened in 2015 for example: there was a large El Niño event. Yosty: How could this anomaly of warmer water – this “blob” – cause problems for animals living in the Gulf of Alaska? Seth: The temperature and the salinity both help regulate the “communication” of subsurface waters to the near-surface waters, and it’s the availability of nutrients and light up near the surface that make those waters productive for phytoplankton growth. By increasing our stratification – for example during years where it’s warmer than normal near the surface layers – you can cut down the communication between the subsurface waters and the near-surface waters, and that reduces the nutrient supply to the surface layers. So an increase of stratification would tend to reduce the amount of nutrients available for phytoplankton growth, and over the course of the last three years – 2014, 2015 and 2016 – we’ve seen stronger than average stratification across the Gulf of Alaska shelf. Below are two visuals of what Seth, and the other Gulf Watch Alaska Scientists, observed happening to the ocean conditions and organisms in the Gulf of Alaska. The first of two animations depicts what a normal calendar year looks like in the Gulf, while the second portrays how the Gulf was impacted by "The Blob". VIDEO: Normal Ocean Conditions Animation of oceanographic conditions in "normal" years. (4:47) Video Transcript As Yosty learned from Seth, the processes going on in the Gulf of Alaska can be quite complex. In the Gulf of Alaska during a normal cooling season from October to March, the water column is separated into an upper and lower section with a thermocline diving the two layers. Let’s pop over to the laboratories in the Alaska SeaLife Center to discover what a thermocline is. Hi everyone, and welcome to the laboratories here at the Alaska SeaLife Center. I’ve set up a quick demonstration to show you visually what a thermocline is. Bodies of water – like oceans or lakes – are broken up into layers, and these layers are determined by two different things: temperature and salinity. Variations in the temperature and salinity create variations in the density of water, and density is what determines whether some water will sink below or rise above other layers of water. Now warm water is generally less dense than cold water, which means that warm water will actually sit above cold water. And the area where the warm water and cold water meet – that’s called the thermocline. So the thermocline is just that layer between the two different densities of water. Have any of you ever jumped into a lake? If you have, when you were diving down deep – just a little bit below the surface – did you feel a large change in the temperature of the water? If so, then you’ve felt a thermocline! Over here, I have created a little demo to show us what that looks like. On one half of this container I have cool, blue water; and on the other half I have warm, red water. Now let’s watch what happens when I remove the divider and the two waters combine. As you can see here, the two layers of water are going to start to separate. And once they are separated this will be called “stratified” water. At the top we will have the warmer, less dense water; and at the bottom we will have the colder, denser water. And that purple layer that will form right in between? That will be the thermocline. So our thermocline is just the area of rapid transition between the two different layers. Now in bodies of water, the thermocline isn’t the only cline that exists. And that’s because there are many more factors that go into determining the density of water. For instance, in the ocean, salinity – or the salt content – actually plays a much larger role in determining density than does the temperature. Now these variations in density within the ocean actually drive a global pattern of ocean water mixing. And this global pattern of ocean mixing played a vital role in the cause and effect of the “blob”. So now back to our animation to learn just exactly what is happening in the Gulf of Alaska. As we begin the fall season, storms build, bringing with them a strong easterly wind, which causes a mixing effect in the water. As we take a closer look into the upper layer, we can see that important nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are delivered from the lower layer due to this strong mixing effect. Now we see a normal warming season. After the winter, the upper water layer is now rich with nitrogen and phosphorus. Combined with the increased amount of daylight, these increased nutrient levels create a phytoplankton bloom that depletes the surface nutrients by late spring. This abundance pf phytoplankton is met by an abundance pf zooplankton. Zooplankton feed upon the phytoplankton and recycle some of the nutrients back into the ocean. The abundance of phytoplankton and zooplankton allow for other animals in the Gulf to thrive. As zooplankton abundance increases, so does the abundance of fish in the Gulf that eat the zooplankton. Predators like common murres, marine mammals, and humans are then drawn into the Gulf to catch the abundant fish. As you can see, the nutrients that allow the phytoplankton to bloom are important for the health of the entire ecosystem. The unusual warming event in the ocean first detected at the end of 2014 was very different from the seasonal weather pattern of cooling and warming considered normal for the Gulf of Alaska. Watch the next set of animations below to observe the normal pattern of seasonal changes in the ecosystem that scientists have observed and what was different about the “blob” pattern and the effects it may have had on the Gulf of Alaska. VIDEO: Anomaly "Blob" Conditions Animation of oceanographic conditions in "Blob" years. (2:10) Video Transcript In the Gulf of Alaska, during a winter season with less-than-normal cooling, the upper water layer stays warmer than average leading to stronger separation between the upper and lower layers. During this period, there is a ridge of high pressure in the atmosphere that reduces the amount of winds in the winter leading to a weaker mixing effect between the lower and upper layers. Additionally, with less cooling there is glacial melt and river input into the Gulf year-round. This means that the upper water layer receives a lot of fresh water that is less dense than the salt water. Mixing between the upper and lower water layers weakens and the thermocline stratification of the water column strengthens, reducing the transport of nutrients from the lower to upper water layer. The lack of nutrient mixing over the winter leads to a nutrient-starved upper water layer in the spring. The lack of nutrients in the upper layer greatly reduces the bloom of phytoplankton. In 2014, 2015 and 2016 much of the phytoplankton left was a smaller, thinner variety that may have been less nutritious for the animal zooplankton that fed on them. This lack of nutrition would have worked its way up the food chain, with less nutritious plankton leading to malnourished and less nutritious forage fish – typically a large food source for marine birds like the common murre. A lack of these forage fish may explain the empty stomachs found by researchers examining the dead murres and why some murres were found inland. They may have been hopelessly looking for the food they weren’t finding in the ocean. The impacts of this unusually warm "blob" of water were not limited to the Gulf of Alaska. The blob was first seen along the coasts of California and Oregon, and the entire Northeast Pacific has been subject to its impacts. The Gulf Watch Alaska team has been able to piece together the mystery of these unusual events using the power of systems thinking. The lingering oil studies occur in western Prince William Sound, which is where the oil from the Exxon Valdez oil spill landed, and actually there’s still some oil out there today – small pockets of oil that’s buried in sediments on beaches, throughout western Prince William Sound. So that’s where the lingering oil issues are still important to track. From the USGS perspective, we’re looking at effects of that lingering oil on wildlife. So considering effects of exposure to that lingering oil, and also to understand what that might mean to individuals and populations of the wildlife that live out there. The main species that we’re thinking about in terms of lingering oil are harlequin ducks and sea otters, and that’s because there’s a long history of understanding that lingering oil’s been an important constraint on population recovery of those two species, and so we’ve spent a lot of time trying to understand the timeline and the mechanisms by which those species are recovering from the oil spill. We’ve measured exposure in a number of different ways. For example, with harlequin ducks we’ve used an enzyme called cytochrome P450 1A. It’s a long word basically for an enzyme that gets induced when any vertebrate’s exposed to hydrocarbons. So if you and I were exposed to oil, we would have an induction of that enzyme that would be measurable and then could tell us whether one has been exposed to that. The enzyme itself is part of a cascade of physiological processes that any vertebrate goes through once they’ve been exposed to oil. And it could be indicative of physiological harm, or it could be indicative of just exposure without physiological harm. So we’re not inferring harm from induction of the enzyme, what we’re inferring is that they’re still exposed to oil with the potential for harm.         Who is watching the Blob?   Abundance (n): the number of individuals per population or per species   Anomaly (n): deviation from normal conditions   Density (n): measure of mass per unit of volume   Downwelling/Upwelling (n): the downward (or upward) movement of fluid, especially in the sea   El Niño (n): large climate disturbances in the tropical Pacific Ocean that occur every 3-7 years and affect ocean water temperature patterns   Inorganic (adj): not made of living matter   Near-surface (n): layer of water that lies just beneath the surface   Salinity (n): the saltiness of a body of water, usually measured in parts per thousand (ppt) by weight   Standard deviation (n): a measure of how different a set of numbers are   Stratification (n): when water masses with different properties form layers that act as barriers to water mixing   Sub-surface (n): layer of water below the surface   Thermocline (n): transition layer or boundary between two water layers of different temperatures  

  In-Person Small Fry School    Welcome to Small Fry School 2025 - 2026 The 2025 - 2026 Small Fry School sessions will be held weekly on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. starting in October.    Small Fry School is a FREE educational program at the Alaska SeaLife Center, specially designed for preschool-aged children! At Small Fry School, we invite you and your pre-K learner(s) to join us in person at the Alaska SeaLife Center for a fun and exciting adventure under the sea, where curious little explorers get to meet all kinds of amazing animals that live in our backyard. Each week, we’ll dive into the world of sea stars, sea urchins, puffins, seals, sea lions, and more— learning about their homes, behaviors, what makes them so special,  and how they aren’t so different from you and me.  Designed especially for preschoolers, Small Fry School is a FREE  educational program that combines engaging videos, hands-on activities, and interactive learning to help kids connect with their environment and its animals. From hopping like a seal to touching a sticky octopus, each episode is packed with fun, laughter, and lots of new discoveries!  At Small Fry School, your little one will be excited to explore the natural  world and understand how we all play a part in keeping our environment  healthy and happy.  So come on–gather your Small Frys and we’ll see you soon!  Join our Small Fry School Facebook Group to access Pre-K activities from our education  team and connect with other families!   Stay updated with weekly schedules, curriculum, games, and more. For additional information  email: smallfry@alaskasealife.org or call: 907-224-6306  *Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.      Exploring the Coastline  October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30* Discover what it’s like to live near the ocean! We’ll explore tidepools, meet the animals of the intertidal zone, and learn about the birds that live along the coastline. Hands-on activities and playful exploration will bring the shoreline to life!                                                                                                                                                        *Thursday, Oct. 30 - Kids are encouraged to come in costume    Amazing Alaska Animals  November 6, 13, & 20  Let’s meet some of Alaska’s coolest creatures! From clever octopuses to playful sea otters and even mysterious ice seals, we’ll discover the amazing tricks they use to live in their wild homes.                                              *Thursday, Nov. 27 - NO Small Fry School  Life in the Dark  December 4, 11 & 18  Dive into the deep sea to explore creatures who thrive without sunlight. Kids will discover ocean zones and animals with amazing adaptations—like glowing in the dark!                                                                          *Thursday, Dec. 25 - NO Small Fry School  Sunlight and Sea  January 8, 15, 22 & 29  Learn how light helps the ocean come alive! Kids will explore kelp forests, seagrass beds, and plankton, discovering how these ocean plants and tiny creatures use light to grow and thrive.                                        *Thursday, Jan. 1 - NO Small Fry School    Caring for Our Ocean  February 5, 12, 19 & 26 Let’s dive into how people and the ocean are connected! From scuba diving and fishing to learning how Alaska Native peoples care for the sea, kids will discover fun ways we can all help protect our ocean home. 

Accredited zoos and aquariums are saving more than 30 endangered species and the Alaska SeaLife Center Plays a Leading Role. Seward, Alaska (November 17, 2014) – As American families prepare for the annual ritual of giving thanks, they can add to their list of things to be thankful for a rare victory in the battle against global climate change – more than 30 endangered species brought back from the brink of extinction thanks to America’s accredited zoos and aquariums.  With climate change, population growth and deforestation, and poaching threatening species around the world, we are facing what scientists call the “Sixth Extinction.”  But the 229 accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums have built a unique infrastructure to save endangered species – breeding programs that coordinate across many institutions to ensure genetic diversity, systems so that animals can be safely moved between institutions, and partnerships with local, national, and international conservation organizations working on re-introducing these animals to their native ranges.  Because of that infrastructure, there is good news in the face of the extinction crisis:  from the Florida manatee to the California condor, the Hawaiian crow to the Puerto Rican crested toad, the Chinese alligator to the American bison, zoos and aquariums have saved more than 30 species, and are working today on dozens more. Over the next several months, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums will be celebrating these successes, and inviting the public to support efforts to save even more species.  In November, in honor of Thanksgiving, AZA is spotlighting endangered birds, including: ·         All four species of eider sea ducks saw a decline in population from the 1970s to the 1990s, and two of the species are currently listed as threatened in the U.S.: thespectacled eider and the Alaska-breeding population of Steller’s eider.  For over thirteen years, the Eider Research Program at the Alaska SeaLife Center has conducted field, laboratory, and captive studies on Steller’s and spectacled eiders in Alaska.  Currently, the Alaska SeaLife Center houses captive breeding flocks of both spectacled and Steller’s eiders, making the organization the only facility in the world to house these species for research and conservation purposes.  The Steller’s eiders at the Alaska SeaLife Center serve as a unique reservoir flock of the threatened Steller’s eiders in Alaska, and the Center works in close partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop methods to recover the threatened eiders in Alaska. ·         Bali mynah have striking white plumage with black wing tips and bright blue coloration around the eyes. The species can approach 10 inches in height.  Bali mynahs are nearly extinct in the wild because poachers collect them for the illegal pet trade, where they are valued for their striking plumage and beautiful songs. Because of this poaching, Bali mynahs are found almost exclusively in zoos.   But much has been done to help the Bali mynah's wild population recover, including protection of their native breeding grounds.  In 1987, 40 Bali mynahs from US zoos were sent to the Surbaja Zoo in Indonesia to form a breeding group, with resulting offspring released into the wild. In 2009, Bali mynahs raised in managed care were introduced to a neighboring island, Nusa Penida, and seem to be doing well so far. ·         The largest bird in North America, the California condor once dominated the western skies, able to soar to 15,000 feet and travel up to 150 miles a day in pursuit of food.  With its keen vision, the condor hunts for carcasses of dead animals, and then swoops in to feast, serving as nature’s clean-up crew.  But destruction of habitat and poaching decimated the species, and by 1982, only 22 birds remained in the wild.  The San Diego Zoo Global, the Los Angeles Zoo and 16 other AZA institutions took the lead at captive propagation, working with a network of government and non-profit partners.  Beginning in the early 1990s, zoo-bred condors began being reintroduced into the wild.  From a low of 22, there are now more than 435 condors in the world, with almost 250 free-flying in the West. ·         Prior to the 1960s, there were probably around 10,000 Guam rails living on Guam, a South Pacific island. Sometime between 1944 and 1952, brown tree snakes arrived on Guam, most likely on cargo ships. The snakes’ population rapidly increased, because there was plentiful prey (such as the Guam rails) and no natural predators. The tree snakes wiped out the native animal populations, and by the 1970s, 9 of the 11 native bird species, including the Guam rail, had disappeared.  Trying to save the species, the last few birds were removed from the island in the 1980s. In 1989, reintroduction of these birds began on the island of Rota, near Guam, as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan® (SSP) for the species. ·         The palila Hawaiian songbird is one of the endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper species and efforts to expand the palila population back to its historic range at Pu`u Mali have included experimental releases of captive-bred birds, as well as relocation of wild birds to protected areas. The palila was the first animal to have a federal circuit court case named after it, in a precedent setting case that increased protection for endangered species.  While several zoos are working to preserve the palila, they are not currently on exhibit to the public. ·         Known in Hawaii as Alala, the Hawaiian crow is the most endangered corvid in the world and is the only crow species found in Hawaii. The birds are extinct in the wild, and the remaining population is managed at zoos, where the chicks are fed and cared for by animal care staff they never see to ensure they do not imprint on humans.  The last `alalā were recorded in their natural habitat in 2002. Planning is underway to restore the `alalā to the Big Island of Hawaii beginning this year.  ·         The Waldrapp ibis, also known as the hermit ibis or the northern bald ibis, may not be viewed by some as the most attractive bird, but their strong character and bizarre appearance give them unique appeal. They look almost comical with their bald heads, long red beaks and crazy crest feathers going every which way. Their black feathers take on brilliant sheens of purple, green and orange when viewed in bright sunlight. With only about 420 wild Waldrapp ibis remaining, this is one of the world's most critically endangered avian species.  But thanks to a very successful breeding and release program, there are over 1,100 Waldrapp ibis in captivity, and offspring from zoos are being released back to the wild.  For a list of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums where you can see some of these incredible birds in person, please visit the AZA website: http://www.aza.org/SpeciesBeingSaved. About AZA Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and six other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org. About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium, with wildlife response and education departments. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems.  The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is saddened to share that Mist, a two-and-a-half-year-old Steller sea lion, unexpectedly passed away on January 23, 2023. The reason for her death is currently unclear. She appeared to experience seizure-like tremors and passed away within minutes of the episode. This is a heartbreaking loss for both the ASLC staff and the entire community.    The incident occurred January 23 while Mist and three other Steller sea lions were socializing in a new group setting. To mimic natural and social behaviors in the wild, Steller sea lion groupings change regularly at the ASLC, and staff always monitor animals in new situations closely. The introductions went well, and the animal care staff noted play and normal social behaviors throughout the morning.    Mist’s seizure-like tremors began suddenly and seemed unprompted. Due to the close monitoring protocol that day, an ASLC Mammalogist noticed the tremors as soon as they began and responded immediately. The other three Steller sea lions were shifted to another habitat so veterinary and animal care staff could tend to Mist safely. Though these staff arrived within minutes, Mist had unfortunately already become unresponsive.   A necropsy was performed the next day, but no immediate findings could explain the seizure-like tremors. Additional tissue samples were collected at the necropsy, and it could take several weeks for the samples to be processed and analyzed. Although ASLC staff are hoping for answers, the tests may never reveal the ultimate cause of her death.   Mist was born on June 26, 2020, to ASLC Steller sea lions Mara and Pilot. Mist was Mara’s first successful pup and the fifth successful Steller sea lion birth in the history of ASLC. Dr. Carrie Goertz, Director of Animal Health at the ASLC, recalls the special moments leading up to Mist’s birth in 2020, which  was featured on the second season of NatGeo WILD’s Alaska Animal Rescue.   “Waiting for Mist to be born is my most impactful memory of my time with her. It dominated my life in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. When she was born, it was such a joyous event in a crazy world and a crazy time,” said Goertz.    Many ASLC staff members watched Mist grow up, and she became an instant favorite for many guests visiting the ASLC.    “Mist was an animal who touched you immediately with her playful, clever, gregarious personality, and she was quickly a favorite for staff and guests alike. She was a bubbling force of energy and inquisitiveness with a nearly unrivaled level of potential, possessing a balance of intelligence, patience, and cleverness that was uniquely amazing to behold in one individual,” said Michelle Hanenburg, ASLC Mammal Curator.   Since the announcement of Mist’s passing, ASLC Staff members and Seward community members have offered moving tributes, memories, and condolences on a number of online platforms. ASLC Mammalogist Shelby Burman shared her own touching statement:   “I spend more time with these animals than my family, and losing one is unexplainable. I know every small child in the town of Seward will be saddened by this loss as well. To all the animal caregivers in this world, I see you and I feel you. This is the absolute worst part of this job."   The Alaska SeaLife Center is one of only three aquariums in North America that house Steller sea lions. Every Steller sea lion contributes to the understanding and knowledge base of their important species, making the loss of this two-and-a-half-year-old impactful for the entire population.    Update as of March 26, 2023: Unfortunately, a thorough necropsy did not lead to any concrete answers of what caused her seizure. A microscopic examination of Mist's tissues (known as a histopathology report) also did not reveal a cause. Not having a clear answer is incredibly hard for the ASLC staff. We will continue to explore possibilities with professional colleagues, but we may never know what caused her episode. We thank you all for your support over the past few weeks as we mourn the loss of an incredible animal.      About Steller Sea Lions Steller sea lions are the largest member of the eared seal family. The species ranges across the northern Pacific Ocean, from Japan through the Aleutian Islands and southeast Alaska to northern California. Divided into eastern and western regions, the western population is currently listed as endangered, while the eastern population was delisted in 2013 following notable recovery and significant conservation efforts.    

Seward, Alaska (March 25, 2024) – The Alaska SeaLife Center Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Dr. Wei Ying Wong has accepted the role of President and CEO. Dr. Wong is an experienced executive with a passion for marine science. She is a visionary leader who brings an array of skills and experience, from her deep roots in interdisciplinary and multicultural conservation and education to her extraordinary leadership in advancing equity in zoo and aquarium communities nationally and abroad. Dr. Wong will become President and CEO on March 31.   “I am thrilled that Dr. Wong will be leading the Alaska SeaLife Center,” said ASLC Board Chair Josie Hickel. “Dr. Wong will continue to be a champion of science and research as part of ASLC’s renewed emphasis on delivering its mission in the face of impacts to Alaska’s marine ecosystems from climate change and other environmental factors.” Dr. Wong was chosen after an extensive search that attracted a diverse field of highly qualified candidates. In making its selection, the Board cited Dr. Wong’s passion for ASLC’s mission, her strong organizational leadership experience fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture, and her depth of experience cultivating strategic partnerships that amplify mission impact. “Leading the Center in fulfilling its mission is dear to my heart,” said Dr. Wong. “I was originally attracted to the ASLC because of its reputation for groundbreaking research and the potential in the mission. Over time, my commitment to the organization has deepened as I grew to know the staff and community. The ASLC has the capacity to serve as a formidable science enterprise at the scale it promised at its founding. I truly believe we can become a new driving force for positive global change.” Dr. Wong joined ASLC and the community of Seward in December 2021 when she stepped into her role as ASLC’s Chief Science and Education Officer (CSEO). As CSEO, Dr. Wong reenergized and expanded the science and education programs, working closely with the CEO, Board, and staff to develop and implement a visionary science agenda. Dr. Wong’s efforts to amplify scientific and organizational impact through collaborative grants and fundraising, including successfully launching the Community Organized Restoration and Learning (CORaL) Network, has yielded substantial benefits for ASLC and the community.  Dr. Wong’s experience includes serving in executive roles at the Washington Sea Grant, Woodland Park Zoo, and the Philadelphia Zoo. As an industry leader, Dr. Wong has a strong record of talks, publications, and service. She has received numerous awards and fellowships and is a 2019 graduate of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium Executive Leadership Development Program. “The Board is grateful for the leadership of Dr. Tara Riemer who has served the Center for 20 years, the last 12 years as President and CEO,” Hickel said. “Under her leadership, the Center has grown and developed into a world-class organization providing education, research, and programs that have improved our knowledge of Alaska’s unique marine environment. We are confident that Dr. Wong is the right leader to continue growing ASLC’s leadership in stewarding Alaska’s marine health.” About ASLC  Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a 501(c)(3), non-profit research institution and public aquarium in Seward, Alaska. The Center generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org. 

Seward, Alaska (July 12, 2018) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is hosting the 20th Annual 5K Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk on Saturday, July 28. The family-friendly race is a fundraiser to support the Center’s Wildlife Response Program. This has been another busy year for the program, which has received 157 distressed animal calls resulting in the admission of 8 patients: 3 sea otters, 3 ringed seals, 1 spotted seal, and 1 harbor seal. Tara Riemer, ASLC President and CEO, said “Wildlife response has been a key component of our mission work since our founding twenty years ago. While rewarding, it is also very intense, requiring 24-hour care from teams of dedicated staff. Over 80 percent of funding for the program comes from charitable donations. The Wildlife Rescue Run combines family fun with an opportunity for the public to become part of the team by running and supporting our work.” This year the run also has special significance because it takes place on Ted Stevens Day. The late Senator Stevens was a huge supporter and champion of the Alaska SeaLife Center, visiting the Center whenever he was in Seward. Representatives from the Ted Stevens Foundation will be present at the Wildlife Rescue Run encouraging all Alaskans to “Get Out and Play.” The 5K race route follows a generally flat course along the scenic Seward waterfront and is open to walkers and runners of all levels. The course offers beautiful views of Seward's Resurrection Bay and its neighboring mountainous peaks, and there's a good chance of seeing marine life along the way. Race participants are invited to register online via the link found at www.alaskasealife.org. Supporters who can’t be in Seward on race day can sign up to be a virtual runner. Race bibs will be available for pickup in the Alaska SeaLife Center atrium on July 28 from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. All participants will begin the race at 12:00 p.m. The presentation of race awards and drawings for the door prizes will be held at 2:00 p.m. Race participants are eligible for an array of door prizes, for which they must be present at the drawing to win. Door prizes include:  2018 Lost Lake Run entry – Two ASLC Wildlife Rescue racers will win entry for the upcoming Lost Lake Run to be held Aug. 26. For more information about the race see www.lostlakerun.com (2 prizes drawn, $100 value each)  Alaska SeaLife Center Family Membership (2 prizes drawn, $140 value each) ï‚· Two-person ASLC admission and animal encounter (1 prize drawn, $199.80 value)  Four-person ASLC admission and animal experience (1 prize drawn, $199.60 value)  Two $50 Skinny Raven Sports gift cards  Two Alaska SeaLife Center duffle bags  Two $75 Cookery gift cards  A hat and water bottle from Salmon Sisters This year, supply donations for the Wildlife Response Program will be accepted at the Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk. Items utilized to support the rescue and rehabilitation of marine wildlife have been requested and a container will be available at the race to collect donated items. The list of items being accepted can be found at http://www.alaskasealife.org/how_you_can_help Wildlife Rescue Run & Walk program sponsors include BP, ConocoPhillips, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Silverton Mountain Guides, GCI, and Pet Zoo Alaska. Race sponsors include Alaska Serigraphics, Bright Road Wealth Management, Seward Family Dentistry – Dr. Michael Moriarty DDS, First National Bank Alaska, GraphicWorks, Nautilus Impact Investing, Metco, Petro 49, Seasalt Alaskan Grill & Bar, Seward Parks and Recreation Department, TelAlaska, Klondike Pizzeria, Kruzof, Safeway, Salmon Sisters, Seward Alehouse, Seward Properties, Skinny Raven Sports, Strabel Racing Services, Ted Stevens Foundation, The Cookery & Oyster Bar, and Woody's Thai Kitchen. About the ASLC: Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) research institution and public aquarium. We are excited to be celebrating 20 years of generating and sharing scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org or find us on Facebook. The Alaska SeaLife Center operates a 24-hour hotline for the public to report stranded marine mammals or birds, and encourages people who have found a stranded or sick marine animal to avoid touching or approaching the animal. Call first: 1-888-774-SEAL Questions and requests for high resolution photos may be directed to media@alaskasealife.org.

Online tickets also allow you to Plan Ahead & Save! Onsite ticket purchases are possible, however, if you do not book in advance, entrance times may not be available at the time you arrive, and you may not be able to start your visit immediately. Alaska Resident, Military, and Child Pricing Available. Members are guaranteed entry upon check-in, and do not need to make advance reservations. Please bring your own earbuds or headphones to enjoy our FREE audio tour.     Now through May 3, 2026 Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.   Tours & Encounters Group Rates Memberships begin at $70 The Alaska SeaLife Center does not offer luggage check.   May 4-21, 2026 Daily - 9:00am-5:00pm   May 22 - August 16, 2026 Daily - 9:00am-7:00pm   August 17 - September 14, 2026 Daily - 9:00am-5:00pm   September 15-30, 2026 Daily - 10:00am-5:00pm     Guests are welcome to take photos and/or videos for personal use when visiting Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) with general admission. By entering the ASLC and/or participating in one of our programs or experiences on-site, you grant permission for your image to be used for promotional purposes. Permission is required for commercial photo use and access. Please reach out to media@alaskasealife.org for more information.