The Alaska SeaLife Center is currently caring for a blind harbor seal. Bryce was the last harbor seal pup rescue of 2014 after being found at Land's End in Homer, AK. Because of his blindness, Bryce has been deemed non-releasable by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-National Marine Fisheries Service. Veterinary staff believe he suffered head trauma that was the likely cause of his vision loss. While harbor seals are normally quite shy and skittish, staff have been pleasantly surprised by Bryce's spirit of adventure as he quickly explores pools, enrichment items, and other changes to his environment. Staff utilize Bryce's inquisitive nature and heightened reliance on sound when teaching him husbandry behaviors, such as hand-feeding and targeting. Since he cannot see, staff rattle a "shaker" in place of a target buoy. This allows Bryce to use audio cues rather than the customary visual cue. These behaviors help Bryce in adjusting to environmental changes and make veterinary exams easier. Veterinary staff have noticed a slight improvement in his sight, however, only in one eye. His progress under human care is very encouraging, but we think Bryce's biggest accomplishment is the impressive ability to use his other senses and thrive in his environment. Bryce will stay at the Alaska SeaLife Center until a permanent home is determined.

On Monday, August 19, the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a sea otter pup to their Wildlife Response Program. ASLC was notified about the sea otter pup on Sunday afternoon, August 18, after she was found stranded against rocks by a strong current. The pup was picked up in Homer, but due to the Sterling Highway closure from the Swan Lake fire, ASLC staff were unable to access the otter by road. The community came together to transport her, including a donated flight by local pilot, Duke Marolf. The Homer Vet Clinic offered to care for the pup overnight until Marolf was able to assist with the pick-up. Air transport of animals into Seward Airport is rare. Only a few local airport drop-offs have occurred in the Center’s twenty year history.   The female pup is estimated to be 3 weeks old and weighs 5lbs. The staff are optimistic with her prognosis at this time as she arrived in stable condition. She learned to feed from a bottle quickly which is important for the care of this young pup. “We always work to get otter pups on a bottle as quickly as possible. It’s important they receive all the medications and nutrients they require, and a bottle is the most natural alternative for them,” states Wildlife Response Curator, Jane Belovarac. The arrival of this pup brings the total number of sea otters at the Center to six. Four juvenile sea otters, Bishop, Ranney, Dixon, and Riggs have all graduated from the Wildlife Response Program and are awaiting final placement. Tazlina and this new pup are the youngest otters at ASLC and require extensive care even though both are in stable condition. Young sea otters need 24/7 care for several months of their lives; in the wild, pups are dependent on their mothers for about 6 months. The Alaska SeaLife Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and the only permitted marine mammal rehabilitation center in Alaska. Over 80% of the funding for ASLC’s Wildlife Response Program comes from charitable donations. The Center is thankful for organizations like, BP Alaska, ConocoPhillips Alaska, SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, GCI and PetZoo whose generous support helps ASLC care for marine mammals like sea otters. ASLC operates a 24-hour stranding hotline where trained professionals will walk people through the proper steps to assist the animal. Call 1-888-774-SEAL if you see a marine mammal in distress.

The Alaska SeaLife Center is recruiting RV’ers for Interpretation, Ticketing, and Cafe volunteer positions for the 2016 season. An RV camping space with electric & water hook ups will be provided! Before volunteering you will participate in training and receive additional information on each position. ·         Interpretation - As an interpretation volunteer you will help the Alaska SeaLife Center guests connect with our animals and appreciate our mission. This will be accomplished by interpreting live and static exhibits for our guests. You may also have daily interaction with education, exhibits, husbandry, and research personnel. ·         Ticketing/Café Cashier – As a cashier you would be responsible for front-line customer service, ticket sales, and café duties at the Center.   Applicants must be able to provide their own camping unit. An RV site will be provided on the shores of beautiful Resurrection Bay, within walking distance of the Center. The site is in the City of Seward waterfront campground and includes water, electricity, and refuse removal (there is a $5 dump fee). In exchange the Center asks for 20 hours of volunteering per week per person for a minimum of 6 weeks. The volunteer positions are open from May through September. The position duration is based on acceptable performance and will be reviewed for renewal. Depending on the volunteer position you are appointed to you may be subject to a background check. No salary is provided. Please visit our website at www.alaskasealife.org under volunteer for a list of benefits of volunteering at the Center.    About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. ASLC's mission is to generate and share 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 (October 18, 2016)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) announces the opening of the nomination period for the 2016-17 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. All awards will be presented at the Alaska Marine Gala on February 11, 2017. Nominations for the 2017 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards are open now through December 2, 2016. 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. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Governor Walter J. and 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 McCrae. 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. Hoffman-Greene Ocean Youth Award:Awarded to an individual or team of Alaskan youth ages 12-19 who has displayed dedication to promoting the understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s oceans. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Dale Hoffman. To make a nomination for any of these awards, click here, or email oceanawards@alaskasealife.org.

Seward, Alaska (November 27, 2018) –The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a male sea otter pup on November 1, bringing the total number of sea otters currently receiving care at the Center to four. Bystanders observed the 5-week-old pup crossing a road near the Homer spit and contacted ASLC’s Wildlife Response Team. Upon arrival to the Center, the pup was determined to be dehydrated, malnourished, and suffering from gastrointestinal issues. The pup responded well to treatment and is now stable. ASLC veterinarians state he will be under 24-7 care for at least a few more months due to his young age. The three other otters in the Wildlife Response Program are doing well. Dixon, a male otter pup admitted to the Center in August from Homer, has cleared quarantine and since been introduced to female pup, Ranney, who was admitted in June from Prince William Sound. Dixon, admitted at 8 weeks, and Ranney, admitted at 1 week, are now both 6 months old and of similar size. Bishop, the eldest male otter who was rescued on New Year’s Day from Homer, just recently celebrated his first birthday in OctoberSea otter pups require the most extensive care out of any animal regularly admitted to ASLC for rehabilitation. “They depend on us for everything. Very young pups require bottle feedings every one to two hours. Between feeds, it’s our job to groom their dense fur coat in order to keep them clean and warm. Grooming can take up to an hour in itself,” states Animal Care Specialist, Halley Werner. Round-the-clock care, specialized formula, and treatments for these animals all come at a cost. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, much of the funds needed to care for animals, like sea otters, come from charitable giving like donations received from #GivingTuesday. #GivingTuesday lands on November 27 this year and is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity worldwide. Holidays like #GivingTuesday are very helpful for the Center to gather the necessary support for sea otter’s needs. ASLC President and CEO Tara Riemer explains, “We have no federal or state funding to care for sea otters, and we rely on donations to keep this program going. We are very thankful to all who donate on #GivingTuesday. Your contributions support the care of all four of these high-maintenance otter pups!” Those who are interested in supporting the Alaska SeaLife Center’s #GivingTuesday initiative can visit http://www.alaskasealife.org/donate.

Seward, Alaska (March 25, 2020) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is closed until further notice to help protect our community from the further spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). During the closure, the Center will offer free virtual visits of ASLC for the public to experience and learn more about Alaska’s marine wildlife online. Our Education Department will present daily live programs on YouTube at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm (AKDT), seven days a week. Visit our Virtual Classroom to learn about Alaska’s marine ecosystem and the Alaskan animals we house. Past programs can be accessed from ASLC’s YouTube channel. We will also stream via live webcam from one of our aquariums on YouTube from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This content will change daily, but you might have the opportunity to watch puffins swim underwater, view our seals and Steller sea lions, or relax with our moon jellies. Also, watch our website and our Facebook page for announcements of special Facebook Live events. Our staff will introduce you to resident animals, teach you about the different flora and fauna we house, and take you behind the scenes. A special announcement about one of our animals will take place via Facebook Live on Thursday March 26 at 10:00 am. While we are closed to the public, our dedicated animal caretakers, veterinarians, and researchers will continue to provide the highest standards of professional care and welfare to our animals onsite. During this difficult time the community can support our team by donating to the Center on our website at www.alaskasealife.org/donate. You can also become a member of ASLC online by visiting www.alaskasealife.org/memberships. Donations and memberships directly support our animals and staff and assist the team in accomplishing important mission work. About ASLC: Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a 501(c)(3), non-profit research institution and public aquarium. 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 (October 1, 2020)The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to be one of just fifteen recipients worldwide of the first annual Pinnacle Hall of Fame Award from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). CILC is the leading clearing house for interactive, virtual education programs for students and lifelong learners. ASLC’s education team has been recognized with CILC’s annual Pinnacle Award for outstanding virtual program content and delivery ten times since the Pinnacle Award was established in 2008. The Alaska SeaLife Center’s distance learning program has reached over 107,000 students and teachers across Alaska, the United States, and internationally since its inception in 2005. During the evaluation period for the most recent Pinnacle Award, ASLC’s virtual programs engaged approximately 7,000 participants ranging in age from pre-kindergarten to adult learners in 24 states, 6 Canadian provinces, South Korea and Australia. “We are proud to earn the Pinnacle Award because it is based on evaluations by the educators and end users who participate in the program,” said Tara Riemer, ASLC President and CEO. “We are honored to be acknowledged for years of delivering quality educational programs with the new Pinnacle Hall of Fame Award.” “While many Americans are just discovering virtual programming, our innovative and dynamic education team has delivered these types of programs for fifteen years,” said Jeff Dillon, Senior Education Manager. “Now more than ever audiences around the world see the benefit of learning remotely and are familiar with accessing online programs. We look forward to offering new ways for people of all ages to connect with the Alaska SeaLife Center.” Previous distance learning programs have been offered only for prearranged groups such as school classrooms. For the first time, ASLC is offering a virtual program for individual registration. The first Virtual Visit will be a free 30-minute program entitled “Seabird Superpowers” and will be offered three times in the coming week: Tuesday, October 6 at 3:30pm Wednesday, October 7 at 5:30pm Thursday, October 8 at 11:00am Program participants will visit the ASLC seabird aviary with an educator and an aviculturist to get an up-close look at the amazing abilities that allow our diving seabirds to explore the ocean depths, stay warm, catch fish, and dig burrows. While this program is free, registration is required and can be completed online at https://www.alaskasealife.org/virtualvisits.

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Tuula Hollmen will be stepping into an expanded role that deepens our collaboration with UAF and more directly supports the future of our strategic plan. Starting May 12, 2025, Dr. Hollmen will serve as the VP of Life Sciences, overseeing Research, Veterinary Services, and Husbandry. She will retain her faculty designation at UAF.  In addition to being a renowned researcher, Tuula had previously served as the Science Director and played a key role in shaping the “Deep Blue 2020” strategic plan. In her more than 20 years at ASLC, Tuula has made significant contributions to our success and growth. Her leadership, vision, and dedication to scientific excellence helped drive forward key initiatives and foster a culture of innovation.  Tuula’s research has centered around ecology, physiology, and health of Arctic marine species. She is also passionate about community sciences, decision science, and connecting science with everyday life. She has published over 80 scientific articles and is honored to be a recipient of research and conservation awards, including the Alaska Ocean Leadership Award for Marine Science and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Champion Award. In her free time, she loves exploring the outdoors, playing music, and hanging out with family and friends. In this expanded leadership role, Tuula will focus on increasing alignment between the Research, Veterinary Services, and Husbandry teams. Many of Tuula’s projects already leverage the multitude of assets offered by ASLC. "I cannot imagine someone more suited than Dr. Tuula Hollmen to deepen collaboration and integration across our Life Sciences teams. Her expanded role will be pivotal in aligning our efforts and advancing the goals of our upcoming strategic plan," said Dr. Wei Ying Wong, President and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center. “With Dr. Hollmen's proven leadership, scientific expertise, and passion for innovation, I am confident that ASLC will continue to expand our leadership in marine health research and animal care." Dr. Hollmen adds, “I am so excited to step into this new role and opportunity, to continue building and fostering internal and external collaborations, support our talented teams to reach their goals, and help move our strategic initiatives forward.” In the coming months, Tuula will transition into this new role with increasing responsibility.   

Join us every week on Tuesday at 11 AM for a FREE virtual program for you and your preschooler!   Explore the wonders of Alaska! Each program will feature a new topic, story time, and activities for you and your child.   Streaming live on our YouTube channel every Tuesday at 11 AM (AKDT): https://www.youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter   Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch new and previously aired episodes! Small Fry School is made possible from the generous support from Alaska 529.

Make your way around Seward and visit local businesses hosting featured artists during the Seward First Friday Art Walk! Visit the ASLC lobby from 6 - 8 PM on June 2, 2023 to see and shop with this month's featured artist: Kwangsook Park Schaefermeyer https://www.kpsfineart.com https://www.facebook.com/kpsfineart   Seward First Friday Art Walks are hosted by the Seward Chamber of Commerce and Seward Art Council.    

Seward, AK – July 24, 2015 –The Alaska SeaLife Center is hosting its 17th Annual 5K Wildlife Rescue Run/Walk on Saturday, August 1. The fundraiser supports the rescue and rehabilitation mission of the Center’s Wildlife Response Program. This has been a busy year for the program, which is currently caring for one spotted seal, one ringed seal, 6 harbor seals, and one Steller’s eider.     The 5K race route follows a generally flat course along the scenic Seward waterfront. Walkers and runners are invited to register online at www.alaskasealife.org. Race bibs and t-shirts will be available for pick up in the Alaska SeaLife Center lobby on August 1 between 9:00 am and 11: 30 am. Untimed walkers will start the course at 11:15 am, and the starting gun for the timed run goes off at noon. Awards will be presented at 2:00 pm.    Premier race sponsors include Shell and ConocoPhillips. Other sponsors include Wells Fargo; Hotel Seward; Petro 49, Inc.; J&R/Kruzof Fisheries; TelAlaska; Seward Family Dentistry; Alaska Serigraphics; First National Bank Alaska; Metco, Inc.; Skinny Raven Sports; Edward Jones; Seward Parks and Recreation Department; and Seward Chamber of Commerce.    The Alaska SeaLife Center is a private non-profit research institution and visitor attraction which generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The Alaska SeaLife Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For additional information, visit www.alaskasealife.org.   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   

Seward, Alaska (November 6, 2019) – The Alaska SeaLife Center’s (ASLC) Stranding Hotline is still only working intermittently due to technical difficulties. The team at ASLC is working quickly to solve the issues, but as of now are unsure when it will be fully operational. In the meantime, below are the ways to reach our team if you have information about a stranded or injured marine mammal.   E-mail wildliferesponse@alaskasealife.org   Call ASLC Security at (907)-224-6342 Since the Center responds to 33,904 miles of coastline, stranding partners and civilians are critical and crucial in assisting the Center with wildlife response calls. If a sick or injured animal is encountered, staff urges people to e-mail or call first, observe at a safe distance, respect the animal’s territory, and keep pets and children away. The Alaska SeaLife Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and the only permitted marine mammal rehabilitation center in Alaska. Over 80% of the funding for ASLC’s Wildlife Response Program comes from charitable donations. The Center is thankful for organizations like SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, BP Alaska, ConocoPhillips Alaska, GCI and PetZoo whose generous support helps ASLC care for marine mammals like sea otters. About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and a public aquarium. 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.                            

There's something fishy going on at the ASLC! Members of our education and aquarium teams will share an up-close look at some of the fish and invertebrates living here at the Center. Learn about the ASLC from the comfort of your own home - Virtually       For more info and to register: http://www.alaskasealife.org/virtualvisits Tuesday, December 1 - 3:00pm Episode 2: The Awesome Octopus Wednesday, December 2 - 11:00am Episode 2: The Awesome Octopus Tuesday, December 29 - 3:00pm Episode 3: Who is lurking in our Kelp Forest? Wednesday, December 30 - 11:00am Episode 3: Who is lurking in our Kelp Forest? Tuesday, January 26 - 3:00pm Episode 4: All Hail King Crabs! Wednesday, January 27 - 11:00am Episode 4: All Hail King Crabs! Tuesday, February 23 - 3:00pm Episode 5: Incredible Invertebrates! Wednesday, February 24 - 11:00am Episode 5: Incredible Invertebrates!

What makes marine mammals so marvelous? Take a Virtual Visit alongside our education and mammals teams to discover what allows Alaska's marine mammals to thrive both on land and in the sea. Learn about the ASLC from the comfort of your own home!     For more info and to register: http://www.alaskasealife.org/virtualvisits Tuesday, December 8 - 3:00pm Episode 2: Raising a Steller Sea Lion Pup Wednesday, December 9 - 11:00am Episode 2: Raising a Steller Sea Lion Pup Tuesday, January 5 - 3:00pm Episode 3: Caring for our Steller Sea Lions Wednesday, January 6 - 11:00am Episode 3: Caring for our Steller Sea Lions Tuesday, February 2 - 3:00pm Episode 4: Spot the Spotted Seal Wednesday, February 3 - 11:00am Episode 4: Spot the Spotted Seal Tuesday, March 2 - 3:00pm Episode 5: Ringed Seal Round Up Wednesday, March 3 - 11:00am Episode 5: Ringed Seal Round Up

Annual Reports 2024 Annual Report 2023 Annual Report 2022 Annual Report 2021 Annual Report 2020 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report Federal Form 990 2024 Form 990 2023 Form 990 2022 Form 990 2021 Form 990 2020 Form 990 2019 Form 990 Federal Single Audit 2024 Audit 2023 Audit 2022 Audit 2021 Audit 2020 Audit 2019 Audit State Single Audit 2024 Audit 2023 Audit Premera Transparency in Coverage Machine Readable Files Self Insured 92-0132479

Seward, Alaska (November 17, 2020) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) announces the opening of the nomination period for the 2021 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. Awards will be presented at a virtual event in March, 2021. Nominations for the 2021 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards are open now through January 15, 2021. 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. $1000 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. Hoffman-Greene Ocean Youth Award: Awarded to an individual or team of Alaskan youth up to age 19 who has displayed dedication to promoting the understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s oceans. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Dale Hoffman. To make a nomination for any of these awards, visit our website www.alaskasealife.org or email oceanawards@alaskasealife.org. 

Variety is the spice of life, especially in the sea! ASLC's award-winning education team will provide an engaging program on a topic of their choice. Topics will change monthly.  Learn about the ASLC from the comfort of your own home - Virtually       For more info and to register: http://www.alaskasealife.org/virtualvisits Tuesday, November 24 - 3:00pm Episode 2: Benthic Buddies with Special Guest: Ms. Mallory Adventures Wednesday, November 25 - 11:00am Episode 2: Benthic Buddies with Special Guest: Ms. Mallory Adventures Tuesday, December 22 - 3:00pm Episode 3: Family Game Night - Trivia Wednesday, December 23 - 11:00am Episode 3: Family Game Night - Trivia Tuesday, January 19 - 3:00pm Episode 4: Fun with Food Webs Wednesday, January 20 - 11:00am Episode 4: Fun with Food Webs Tuesday, February 16 - 3:00pm Episode 5: Dive into ASLC Wednesday, February 17 - 11:00am Episode 5: Dive into ASLC

Join the movement to reduce your single-use plastic through the month of July! We will have kids activities, resources to reduce your plastic use, and a selfie station where YOU can make a pledge to help from 10 AM - 4 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the month of July (starting July 7). All activities are included with general admission.   Want to continue learning and challenging yourself to reduce your plastic use this month? Check out these resources: https://plasticfree.ecochallenge.org/ https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/

Stranding Network The Alaska Stranding Network is a group of dedicated volunteers and organizations that help support rescue, stranding and rehabilitation efforts statewide. Participating organizations include the Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the North Slope Borough, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the University of Alaska Fairbanks and University of Alaska Southeast, as well as representatives from native communities and oil companies.   The Alaska Stranding Network works with the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (MMHSRP) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to maintain and meet the following objectives: Improve the rescue, care and treatment of stranded marine mammals. Reduce the health risk to animals, humans, and the ocean environment during response to, and rehabilitation and release of, stranded marine mammals. Collect life history, biological, and biomedical data from live and dead stranded marine mammals. Develop baseline reference data on the health of wild marine mammal populations, normal stranding rates, and causes of morbidity and mortality; improve the rapid detection of morbidity and mortality events. Collect archival samples for future retrospective studies on causes of mortality or illness, including genetics and genomics, and for placement in the National Marine Mammal Tissue (and Serum) Bank and other properly curated, professionally accredited archival facilities. Refine and/or utilize comprehensive and consistent guidance for the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals, collection of specimens, quality assurance, and analysis of tissue samples.

Sustaining donors are individuals who donate monthly. By choosing to donate each month, you give the gift of stability by ensuring a sustainable flow of resources no matter the season.  Just as a salmon smolt thrives in the community of its school, the Alaska SeaLife Center relies on the School of Sustainers, brought together by the shared value of conserving and stewarding Alaska’s marine ecosystems.      If you choose to join the School of Sustainers, please know that we keep your information secure and you have the ability to cancel your donations at any time. If you would like to cancel or alter your recurring gift, please call Laura Swihart, Development Associate, 907-224-6337 or email development@alaskasealife.org.    Your monthly gift is more than a donation – it’s a powerful current that keeps the mission in motion.       

Seward, Alaska (September 23, 2016)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to announce that it has received the Pinnacle Award for the 2015-16 school year from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). This is the sixth CILC Pinnacle Award the ASLC has received since the award was established in 2008. “The Alaska SeaLife Center’s distance learning program has reached over 72,000 students and teachers across Alaska and the United States since its inception in 2005,” said Tara Reimer, ASLC President & CEO. “We are especially proud to earn the Pinnacle Award because it is based on evaluations by the educators and end users who participate in the program.”  For the 2015-16 school year evaluation period, the ASLC Distance Learning Program worked with approximately 6,500 participants ranging in age from pre-kindergarten to senior citizen in 25 states and Puerto Rico, 5 Canadian provinces, and the Dominican Republic. ASLC Education Director Laurie Morrow said she was delighted to again receive this high level recognition. “We are thrilled to receive the Pinnacle Award from our colleagues in recognition of the team's high education standards. Our educators thoroughly enjoy engaging classrooms from around the globe in better understanding Alaska’s marine ecosystems, and that enthusiasm translates into meaningful conversations with the students.” To qualify for the award the provider must receive a minimum 2.85 average score out of a possible 3 on their program evaluations from educators during the school year. The evaluation assesses seven areas: two related to the effectiveness of the presenter and five related to the educational content of the program.   About CILC The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC), established in 1994, specializes in the access to applications and the utilization of videoconferencing for live interactive content and professional development, as well as web-based collaborative learning environments for lifelong learning. CILC serves as a program to the South Central Service Cooperative, an education service agency with its headquarters in Minnesota.

May 26, 2023 – Over the last week, the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted three harbor seal pups to the Wildlife Response Program from the Copper River area. A female harbor seal pup was admitted on Sunday, May 21, 2023, and a male and female were admitted two days later on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. All three pups were reported to the ASLC’s 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline (1-888-774-7325) by separate callers. They were all spotted in different locations along the Copper River by different fishing boats, with no adult seals seen in the area. Newborn harbor seal pups cannot survive on their own so NOAA approved ASLC to respond to the three pups. The Alaska State Wildlife Troopers were essential in transporting all three pups from the fishing boats to the Cordova Airport to be flown to Anchorage. Once the pups arrived in Anchorage, NOAA staff transported the pups to meet the ASLC Wildlife Response Team along the Seward Highway in Turnagain Pass. After transferring the patients to an ASLC response vehicle, they then completed their journey to the Alaska SeaLife Center for treatment. The main concerns found by the ASLC veterinary team upon the initial admit exams for all three pups were malnourishment and dehydration. All three pups still had umbilical cords attached, signaling that all were less than a week old. The ASLC will continue to share updates on the patients’ status on their social media pages. 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. People are encouraged to contribute to the care of rehabilitating marine animals here: www.alaskasealife.org/donate. The Center acknowledges the ongoing generous support of the Wildlife Response Program from supporters like ConocoPhillips, 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, and the NC Giving Fund. Call first! Before approaching an injured or stranded marine animal in Alaska, call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL(7325). 

Join us every week on Wednesday at 11 AM for a FREE virtual program 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 "a-fish-ionado," there is always something to discover!  Streaming live on our YouTube channel every Wednesday at 11 AM (AKDT): https://www.youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter   Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch new and previously aired episodes!   Virtual Visits are made possible from generous support from Royal Caribbean Group and ATIAF.       

                          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.