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() Meet Sonia Batten Biological Oceanographer, Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science Sonia's role in Gulf Watch Alaska: Environmental Drivers Principal Investigator Important skills for her position: Basic science training, interest in small things, interest in seeing both "big pictures" and patterns Challenges in her work: "Anything to do with studying the ocean is challenging because you can’t sample enough of it to really understand what is going on. So trying to understand what’s going on across the horizontal region, down through the water column, and through time is really hard because they all change, all of the time." Sonia's advice to young people interested in science: "If you have a questioning mind and you like looking at the way the world works, then you are a scientist.  How you use that in a career could be anything from teaching, to talking with politicians to try and get policies that will help a community - there are so many different things. I would just say that it may not be the dry and dusty thing that you think it is. You can be a scientist and have a huge range of careers. If you are interested in things like that, keep your mind open for opportunities where you can use science." Sonia Batten discusses one of the coolest things about the ocean. (0:31) Video Transcript I think the coolest thing is that you can take a bucket of seawater, you can filter out the stuff and put it under a microscope and show people and they go, “Oh my god, I didn’t know I was swimming with that!” You can look at a crab larvae, a little tiny crab before it settles out under the microscope, and it’s got, some of them have spines that are three times the length of their body sticking out, and they look like alien things, and you have no idea that you’re swimming with that kind of thing, and yeah – I think that’s cool.   Who is watching the Blob?    

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 Guaranteed entry on arrival – No Reservations Needed 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 on special events Reduced admission at other zoos and aquariums through the AZA Reciprocity Program     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

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

Seward, Alaska (April 7, 2020) – Nat Geo WILD’s new series, “Alaska Animal Rescue,” is airing April 11 at 5 p.m. Alaska time. This new show highlights three renowned animal conservation centers, the Alaska SeaLife Center, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and the Alaska Raptor Center.   The series will give viewers a unique behind the scenes look at wildlife response in action as animal care teams experience both the rewards and challenges of rescuing wildlife in various regions of Alaska. From Nat Geo WILD: “Whether caring for a stranded sea lion, an orphaned lynx or an injured eagle, these are the people on the front lines, willing to do whatever it takes to rescue and preserve Alaska’s wildlife.”   The facilities featured in “Alaska Animal Rescue” anticipate this series will help inspire people to care about wildlife and conservation. “We hope viewers of the show see how valuable all three of our facilities are not just to wildlife in the state of Alaska, but in supporting conservation work on a global scale,” said Tara Riemer, Alaska SeaLife Center President and CEO.    “We are very excited for the premiere of Alaska Animal Rescue. We hope viewers will become stewards for Alaska’s wildlife and learn how everyone around the world can help participate in wildlife conservation efforts,”  said Di Whitney, Executive Director, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.   Jennifer Cross, Executive Director, Alaska Raptor Center states, “All of us at the Alaska Raptor Center are thrilled about the show’s premiere this Saturday! Although filming was challenging at times, we are thankful for this opportunity to showcase the important work non-profits do on behalf of Alaska’s wild animals.”     The show will air on Nat Geo WILD channel April 11, at 9/8c (5 p.m. Alaska time)  Learn more about the facilities highlighted in the series here: https://alaskaanimalrescue.org/    About the Alaska SeaLife Center (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.   About the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) Founded in 1993, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals and provides them with enclosures at a 200-acre facility in Portage, Alaska. Most of the animals that arrive at AWCC become permanent residents. To learn more, visit www.alaskawildlife.org.    About the Alaska Raptor Center (ARC) Established in 1980, the Alaska Raptor Center’s mission is to promote and enhance wild populations of raptors and other avian species through rehabilitation, education, and research. ARC provides medical treatment to about 200 injured birds each year, striving to rehabilitate and release its avian patients. Some birds who are too injured to survive in the wild find sanctuary at the facility in Sitka, Alaska, providing educational opportunities to visitors. To learn more, visit www.alaskaraptor.org.      

The Alaska SeaLife Center is proud to announce that Neisha Jones has been chosen to become the Center’s first Director of People and Culture. In this newly created executive leadership position, Jones will serve as the organizational lead for all human resources and diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) functions.        “People and culture are core determinants of our success as an organization, and ASLC is committed to attracting and retaining top talent. The recruitment of Neisha Jones in the newly created position of Director of People and Culture is another significant step towards the fulfillment of this commitment,” said Tara Riemer, ASLC President and CEO. Jones is a certified professional in human resources and a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) practitioner with over 10 years of experience practicing human resources in the public, non-profit, and education industries. Jones’ extensive work with national organizations is a major asset in ASLC’s DEAI efforts and advancement of organizational environmental initiatives within Alaska and beyond.  The new director’s expertise is in labor relations, talent strategy, leadership development, and strategic planning, with an emphasis in embedding equity and inclusion into human resources strategy and implementation. Jones’ passion simultaneously entails building human resources organizational infrastructure and fostering cultures of belonging where employees feel safe and empowered to do their best work.  “With ASLC’s recent focus on integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility practices for both staff and visitors, Neisha Jones’ expertise will really help us advance our culture of equity, excellence, and belonging and help create a safe place for all to explore the wonders of Alaska’s marine ecosystems,” said Tara Riemer.  In addition to their new role at the ASLC, Jones serves as Board President for New Life Development and as a Board Member for Best Beginnings.  “I’m most looking forward to defining what it means to model a culture of belonging at ASLC where staff feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Empowered staff are productive stewards of our organization, respective communities, and ultimately great stewards of Alaska’s marine ecosystems,” said Jones.  

Seward, Alaska (October 24, 2018) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to welcome four new members to its Board of Directors, and announces the election of two new officers: Board Chair Wendy Lindskoog of  BP Alaska; and Vice Chair Terry Lauck of ConocoPhillips. Terms for new members and officers began September 28, 2018.  The new board members will serve three year terms.   Josh Howes has been the President of Premier Alaska Tours, Inc. since 2010. Josh has been instrumental in implementing and overseeing safety operations and providing ADA accessible motorcoaches to the land based tour receptive operator and charter company. He holds a Master’s of Science in Global Supply Chain Management and has studied abroad in Japan. Josh serves on various boards including the Alaska Chapter for the Red Cross, the Statewide Steering Committee for the Alaska Marine Highway Reform Project, and the Alaska Travel Industry Association.  Dr. Laura “Lu” Levoy is an emergency medicine physician in Anchorage, Alaska. She studied medicine at West Virginia University and East Tennessee State University. Lu is licensed with the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the Alaska Board of Medicine. She enjoys reading, traveling, and sea kayaking. Dr. Herb Schroeder is Vice Provost for the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) and Founder at the University of Alaska Anchorage.  He is the recipient of the White House 2004 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring for outstanding mentoring efforts and providing opportunities to the local communities of indigenous people. He is the Professor of Engineering at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Herb received his Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder.  Christy Terry is the Seward Port Manager of the Alaska Railroad Corporation.  She is a former member of the Seward Chamber of Commerce Board and a former City Council member.  Christy is a member of the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators and chairs the City of Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board.  Christy is a Certified Port Executive.  She was the recipient of Alaska’s Top 40 under 40 in 2012 and the Alaska Railroad’s Golden Spike Award in 2015.  “Josh, Lu, Herb, and Christy add to the considerable depth of experience, skill, and community engagement of the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Board of Directors. We are fortunate they are joining the team and bringing with them fresh insights, ideas, and enthusiasm for our mission of sustaining Alaska’s marine ecosystems,” said Alaska SeaLife Center Past Chair Ryan Stuart. ASLC Board of Directors: Wendy Lindskoog (Chair) Ryan Stuart (Past Chair) Terry Lauck (Vice Chair) Willard Dunham (Secretary) Rachel Bunnell (Treasurer) Ted Baran Thomas Barrett Robert Brown Jason Brune Martin Cary Bret Chambers Larry Cooper Dr. Bridget Coughlin Angel Drobnica Stephen Grabacki Dan Graham Josh Howes Josie Hickel Janet Huff Nicole Kimball Dr. Laura “Lu” Levoy Peter Micciche John Moore Dr. Bradley Moran Dr. Herb Schroeder Dr. Robert Suydam Christy Terry Tom Tougas Dr. Daniel White  

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

 

Extreme climate events are being experienced worldwide, and Alaska ecosystems, unfortunately, have a front-row seat. Heatwaves, droughts, floods, and hurricanes, are having profound environmental impacts, and are expected to continue for decades to come.One of these extreme climate events, called the Pacific marine heatwave, occurred between 2014 and 2016. During this time, water temperatures rose far above normal conditions and had expansive ecological impacts throughout the Gulf of Alaska and northeast Pacific Ocean. Luckily, the Chiswell Steller Sea Lion Remote Video Monitoring team (the ASLC Chiswell team) has been monitoring the Endangered population of Steller sea lions for nearly 25 years — long before the Pacific marine heatwave occurred. This western population of Steller sea lions was  listed as Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1997 following a major population decline. The ASLC Chiswell team has monitored this population since 1998 and has seen a general increase in the population over the years until 2016. The ASLC Chiswell team conducts multiple population surveys each year in the area around Resurrection Bay and monitors the Steller sea lion rookery called Chiswell Island through remote video cameras controlled at the Center.  The population data collected through the Pacific marine heatwave showed a continued increase in the population through 2015.  The peak impact of the heatwave occurred during the winter of 2015 and into 2016, and the Chiswell team began to see significant declines in pups and adults in the summer of 2016. Changes in food availability likely played some role in the decline. Dr. John Maniscalco, Ph. D. — a lead scientist at the ASLC — recently published a peer-reviewed article in Global Ecology and Conservation that looks at how the Pacific marine heatwave could have affected the winter diets of the Endangered population of Steller sea lions in Alaska over this time frame.  Winter is considered a critical time for Steller sea lions as it is likely the most energetically challenging time of the year. In addition to regulating their body temperatures in freezing Alaskan waters, adult female sea lions can be both lactating and pregnant with new pups, which they will birth in the coming summer. Limited food availability during the winter months could have dire outcomes for adult females, leading them to abort growing fetuses, wean their pups too early, or put their own survival at risk. Winter is also a high-risk season for scientists, as harsh and unpredictable weather at sea makes regular surveys logistically challenging, if not impossible. So how do scientists find out what sea lions are eating during this critical time period? The answer lies not in the sea lions, but in what they leave behind: scat samples.   Continue reading the full update on the ASLC blog: https://stories.alaskasealife.org/2023/05/01/changes-in-ssl-winter-diets/

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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.        

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 1, 2018)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) announces the opening of the nomination period for the 2019 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 the Alaska Marine Gala on February 16, 2019. Nominations for the 2019 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards are open now through December 3, 2018. 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, visit our website www.alaskasealife.org or email oceanawards@alaskasealife.org. About the Alaska SeaLife Center: Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, 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 10, 2019) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) announces the opening of the nomination period for the 2020 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 the Alaska Marine Gala on February 8, 2020. Nominations for the 2019 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards are open now through December 10, 2019.    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 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 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, visit our website www.alaskasealife.org or email oceanawards@alaskasealife.org.   About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.  

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. 

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) announces the opening of the nomination period for the 2022 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 2022 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards are open now through December 10, 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. $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. 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, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center website https://www.alaskasealife.org/alaska_ocean_leadership_awards or email oceanawards@alaskasealife.org. About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.

 The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a juvenile northern sea otter to the Wildlife Response Program on the evening of November 16, 2024. The 11 kg male is estimated to be between 6 and 8 months old. The otter was first reported over a month ago with significant facial trauma and head swelling in the Seward small boat harbor. Community members played a vital role in reporting sightings of the injured otter to the ASLC team. However, due to his activity level and the challenging locations of sightings, immediate intervention was not possible. After several days without sightings, the injured otter was spotted again on November 16, 2024, in an unexpected location—a sheltered outdoor hallway at the Bayside Apartment complex, blocks from the water. A concerned community member promptly contacted the ASLC’s 24-hour stranded marine animal hotline to report the sighting. Upon closer inspection, the ASLC team confirmed that it was the same otter previously spotted and that his facial trauma was significant. With approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the otter was transported to the ASLC for thorough examination and care. An initial admit exam revealed extensive trauma to his face, nose, and left eye, as well as a fracture of the nasal bone, pneumonia, and parasitism. While some superficial wounds show signs of healing, an open injury near his eye and on the top of his head remains a concern and may require additional intervention. Because of the extensive trauma to his head and face, he may have suffered a concussion, as well as damage to his sight and hearing. Veterinary staff have begun treatment, including administering antibiotics, while they await further diagnostic results.  Adult wild otters often struggle to adapt to rehabilitation environments due to stress, but the young otter has shown promising behaviors so far. He is eating well and grooming his coat, which are critical behaviors for his recovery. ASLC staff continue to provide stabilizing treatments and closely monitor his progress. The ASLC remains committed to giving this otter the best chance of recovery and will provide updates on his journey through their social media pages (@AlaskaSeaLifeCenter). For more information on the Wildlife Response Program and to support the Alaska SeaLife Center’s mission programs, visit alaskasealife.org.    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).  The Center 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, and the NC Giving Fund.

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) has admitted its first live patient of the 2025 wildlife response season: a female northern sea otter pup rescued from a beach in Homer, Alaska. Estimated to be around two months old, the pup was found alone, lethargic, and malnourished. The report came through ASLC’s 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline, prompting a swift response from ASLC wildlife response volunteers Mike Coffing and Sarah Wilhelm. After assessing the pup and confirming her critical condition, the team relayed their findings to ASLC staff in Seward, who immediately contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to authorize her transport for urgent veterinary care.  Before the journey to Seward, the pup received initial triage and stabilizing care at Kachemak Bay Animal Hospital, thanks to the support of Dr. Zach Gardenfors, ASLC Wildlife Response Staff Member Christie Hill, and the hospital team. Their rapid response helped prepare her for the next phase of treatment. With time of the essence, volunteer Mike helped get the pup to the ASLC faster by meeting the transport team en route. “It was a super quick response by our Homer team that gave this little girl a chance,” said ASLC Husbandry Coordinator Deanna Trobaugh, who fielded the original call and helped coordinate the rescue. “It’s always a race against the clock with animals this young,” Trobaugh added. “Our team in Homer responded with urgency and compassion. Everything came together quickly to get her to the ASLC, where she could get the help she needed.” Upon arrival at the Alaska SeaLife Center, the veterinary team found the pup suffering from dehydration, malnourishment, and a suspected injury to one of her front paws. She is currently receiving 24/7 care, stabilizing treatments, and additional diagnostics to better understand the severity of her condition. "Sea otter pups like this one need round-the-clock care in their earliest months of life," said Jane Belovarac, Wildlife Response Curator at ASLC. “They rely on their mothers for everything from grooming to nutrition, and when a pup is orphaned, it’s up to our team to step in. We’re doing everything we can to give this pup the best possible start.” Those interested can follow the pup’s progress with behind-the-scenes rehab stories from the ASLC’s  Instagram and Facebook pages: @AlaskaSeaLifeCenter. As the 2025 rescue season begins, the ASLC Wildlife Response Program stands ready to care for Alaska’s most vulnerable marine animals. You can help make these rescues possible by supporting the team’s work and reporting marine animals in need from across the state. Remember, before approaching an injured or stranded marine animal, call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-7325. Our staff and volunteers make handling wild animals in need look easy, but it can be extremely dangerous without proper training. The best thing you can do is call first!  The Center 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, The Theresa Bannister Fund, and the NC Giving Fund.   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.           

  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() As Yosty mentioned, during the years of 2014 and 2015 scientists with Gulf Watch Alaska began to notice multiple strange occurrences happening in the Gulf, and they wondered how these could be connected. The area of water monitored by the team of scientists at Gulf Watch Alaska is crucial for the survival of animals in and surrounding the Gulf, as well as the populations of people situated on the coast. Using the power and capabilities of the Gulf Watch Alaska team, scientists have begun to piece together the mystery of these strange events. But before figuring out how these events are connected, the scientists needed to fully understand the scope of what was happening in 2014 and 2015. Starting in the winter of 2014, residents of communities surrounding the Gulf of Alaska were witness to a very concerning phenomenon happening to one of the area’s most familiar seabirds, the common murre. Striking numbers of common murres were washing up dead along the coast, and thousands were traveling unusually far inland and away from their feeding grounds in the Gulf of Alaska. It is considered normal for common murre populations to intermittently experience large-scale die-offs, known as wrecks, but the series of die-offs beginning in the winter of 2014 and extending through 2016 were unparalleled in the historic record, both in terms of geographic area and length of time. As the initial reports of these unusual common murre deaths and migratory patterns began making their way to the scientists of Gulf Watch Alaska, there was a lot of speculation about what could be causing this event. Travel with Yosty to meet Gulf Watch Alaska Scientist Kathy Kuletz to hear her account of the common murre die-off event and how her research seeks to understand what was causing the die-off. Click the video below to hear Kathy’s experience with the common murres. VIDEO: Kathy Kuletz and the Common Murres Kathy Kuletz talks about common murre die-offs and their potential causes, and some of the challenges scientists face when trying to study these events. (3:45) Video Transcript Narrator:The first person Yosty sat down with was Kathy Kuletz, a scientist who studies birds for Gulf Watch. Yosty: Hi Kathy, you’ve been a wildlife biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife service since 1978? Kathy: Yes. Yosty: Can you tell me about what went on in 2014-2015 that was so unusual in the Gulf of Alaska? Kathy: Everyone knows, it’s been really warm, that was the main thing. And associated with that we started having reproductive failure by seabirds and large die-off events - mainly with common murres but some other species were involved as well. But the main event, which has been really noteworthy, has been the die-off of common murres. It has been unprecedented in its geographic scope, extending from southeast Alaska all the way up into the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea but mainly in the Gulf, the northern Gulf of Alaska. And it’s been unprecedented in the length of time that this has continued, we started having hints of it in 2014, it really hit heavy in the winter of 2015 and 2016 and just continued in episodes, die-offs happening throughout 2016. Yosty: So what do you think is killing the birds? Kathy: When we find them, we have looked at some carcasses on the beach and taken some back to the labs. USGS has been working with us and many other groups - COASST and Fish & Game - and they have, the birds have been empty, their stomachs have been empty and they have lost muscle mass, they have all the evidence of sort of consuming from the inside because they are starved. I know there is a lot of concern about domoic acid and saxatoxin, which is found with paralytic shellfish poisoning, and that certainly could be there, but so far we’ve only found some of the birds have trace amounts of saxatoxin. So the problem with determining if that has played a part is that they don’t keep food in their gut for very long, and because they are empty we haven’t been able to test the food that they have eaten. We do know that those kinds of toxins can change behavior of seabirds, and so it might have affected their ability to forage and find food, but it is also just as likely that there is not enough food or the food is of low quality in the areas where they normally feed. Now when it is really warm, some of these fish will go very deep in the water column, so birds like black legged kittiwakes who just feed on the surface, they can’t access the fish. Murres can dive quite deep, 100 meters, so they should be able to access fish if they go deep but the fish might also have moved far offshore if it is very warm, they are looking for colder water sometimes or more food. So it is quite likely that their food wasn’t available, or it wasn’t nutritious. Often when it is very warm the zooplankton tend to be smaller and less energy dense and up the food chain the fish will be smaller and have less energy for weight, so that affects seabirds and marine mammals that feed on them. We are continuing to collect carcasses when we find them, or people will ship them in and we’ll help get them sent to the lab. USGS now is putting together their own lab so we can do testing here in Anchorage, so that will expedite things a lot and maybe that’ll help us get better access to fresh samples that we can more accurately test for saxatoxin and other toxins. Yosty: Thank you.       Who is watching the Blob?   Carcass (n): the full skeletal and organ remains of a dead organism   Crucial (adj): very important to the success or failure of something   Data (n): values of something measured   Domoic acid (n): an acid produced by algae that accumulates in the shellfish that consume the algae, affecting the brain and nervous system of the animals that eat the shellfish   Food chain (n): the organization of organisms in an ecosystem, describing which organisms eat which   Intermittently (adv): happening in an irregular pattern   Phenomenon (n): a situation that is observed for which the cause is unknown or questioned   Saxatoxin (n): a toxin produced by algae that accumulates in the shellfish that consume the algae, causing illness in the animals that eat the shellfish   Speculation (n): a theory or idea without evidence to support it   Unparalleled (adj): having no equal or match, something that is unique   Unprecedented (adj): never seen or experienced before   Wrecks (n): large die-offs of common murres that have happened periodically throughout history    

Dive into Alaska's marine ecosystems, discover marine animals, and build a connection to nature. Learn how you can make a difference by becoming a SeaLife Conservation Agent! CLICK HERE for more information and to sign up.

Dive into Alaska’s marine ecosystems, discover marine animals, and build a connection to nature. Each day kids will engage in hands-on games and activities, explore the amazing views and wildlife within Resurrection Bay, have a snack, and tour the Alaska SeaLife Center. This a unique opportunity to learn about the wonders of Alaska in a socially interactive environment.  Each day has a theme ranging from animal metamorphosis, tide pool animals, whales, octopuses, otters, seals, Steller sea lions, puffins, and other seabirds.       Ages 8- 14 2 Camps Daily: Morning Session 8:00 am-12:00 pm Afternoon Session 1:00 pm-5:00 pm   CLICK HERE for more information

  Spring/Summer 2026 Availability March 5 - August 31: 3:00 pm Daily   Duration: Approximately 30-minute tour Maximum of 6 people per tour - Open to all ages All brain, no bones! Immerse yourself in a world of suckers and beaks. Go behind the scenes and join a member of our Aquarium Team to participate in an octopus feeding and learn more about these fascinating creatures. One Group Per Tour Group Size of 1-2 Guests: $289.95 Group Size of 3 Guests: $339.95 Group Size of 4 Guests: $389.95 Group Size of 5 Guests: $439.95 Group Size of 6 Guests: $489.95 Members get a 20% discount, buy your membership today and use the benefits immediately.  (does not include admission) *Guests under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult Tickets only valid for date selected. Online tickets must be purchased at least one day in advance.