Veterinarians at ASLC express concern heading into 2016 stranding season Seward, Alaska (March 14, 2016) - Veterinarians at the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) say there is every indication that 2016 will be another record year for their Wildlife Response Program following admission of two sea otter pups in the past month.   Already this year the non-profit organization, which is the only permitted marine mammal wildlife rehabilitation entity in Alaska, has recorded 80 reports alone involving otters, and that is before the summer stranding season has even begun. That number compares with a total 300 otters reported to the Center in 2015, 116 of which became cases the Center was directly involved in, peaking last September at a rate 16 times higher than for the same period in 2014.   Otter EL1620 was received into the Center from Cordova on March 7, following on the heels of otter EL1616, a pup stranded in the Kachemak Bay area. While sea otter EL1620 was observed to be a healthy size and weight, its stranding location and other factors raised concerns for the ASLC Wildlife Response Team who ultimately determined to admit EL1620. Pup EL1616 was observed in waters off Homer, appearing malnourished with other signs of stranding and an imminent threat of killer whales surrounding the pup.   Sea otters under six months require 24-hour watch. Typically ASLC staff expect to be on 24/7 duty during the summer stranding season; however, over the past ten month period the ASLC Wildlife Response Team has been on the mandatory 24-hour watch continuously with the exception of 21 days.   According to ASLC veterinarian Carrie Goertz, there is a general increase across all causes of otter deaths and there are some indications that something new may be exacerbating the situation.   “It’s hard to say how much impact the uptick in algal blooms or the El Nino pattern is having,” says Goertz. “However, the feeling is that it must be having some impact which is distressing since both are expected to continue this year.”   Currently the ASLC has six sea otters in residence. With the beginning of the stranding season later this spring, staff fully anticipates the trend to continue.   The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only permanent marine rehabilitation center in Alaska, responding to wildlife such as seals, walrus and sea otters. The Center’s Wildlife Response Program responds to sea otters with the authorization of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Once a sea otter is admitted to the Center, it is closely monitored by the veterinary and animal care staff at ASLC.   Alaska SeaLife Center President and CEO Tara Riemer explained, “We have no federal or state funding to care for sea otters, and we rely on donations to keep this program going. We especially thank individual Alaskans all around the state as well as Shell Exploration and Production and ConocoPhillips Alaska for their generous contributions to the Center in support of wildlife rescue and oil spill response readiness.”   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.     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. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.   High resolution photos and full story available from media@alaskasealife.org; 907-224-6397.    

Bird fans assemble! Join members of our education and avian teams to get an up-close look at the amazing abilities that allow our seabirds to explore the ocean. Learn about the ASLC from the comfort of your own home!       For more info and to register: http://www.alaskasealife.org/virtualvisits Tuesday, December 15 - 3:00pm Episode 3: Caring for our Super Seabirds Wednesday, December 16 - 11:00am Episode 3: Caring for our Super Seabirds Tuesday, January 12 - 3:00pm Episode 4: A Day in the Life of an ASLC Puffin Wednesday, January 13 - 11:00am Episode 4: A Day in the Life of an ASLC Puffin Tuesday, February 9 - 3:00pm Episode 5: Eider Natural History Wednesday, February 10 - 11:00am Episode 5: Eider Natural History

 

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single-use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for three beach cleanups in the month of July. ASLC staff will have educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption, prizes, and more at the community beach cleanups!   Thursday, July 18, 2024; 5 - 7 p.m. Meet at the tent near Branson Pavilion Park No sign-up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing stations will be provided!   Other beach clean-ups this month: Saturday, July 27, 2024; 12 - 2 p.m. Meet at the tent near Lowell Point Beach Wednesday, July 31, 2024; 5 - 7 p.m. Meet at the tent near the Seward culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge).

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single-use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for three beach cleanups in the month of July. ASLC staff will have educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption, prizes, and more at the community beach cleanups!   Saturday, July 27, 2024; 12 - 2 p.m. Meet at the tent near Lowell Point Beach No sign-up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing stations will be provided!   Other beach clean-ups this month: Saturday, July 31, 2024; 12 - 2 p.m. Meet at the tent near the Seward culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge)    

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single-use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for three beach cleanups in the month of July. ASLC staff will have educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption, prizes, and more at the community beach cleanups!   Saturday, July 31, 2024; 12 - 2 p.m. Meet at the tent near the Seward culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge) No sign-up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing stations will be provided!

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single-use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for two beach cleanups in the month of July. ASLC staff will have educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption, prizes, and more at the community beach cleanups!   Friday, July 14, 2023 4-6 PM Meet at the tent near Branson Pavillion No sign-up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing stations will be provided!   Other beach clean-ups this month: Saturday, July 22, 2022 9-11 AM Meet at the tent near the culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge)

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single-use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for beach cleanups in the month of July. ASLC staff will have prizes and educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption! Saturday, July 12, 2025; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Check in at Seward Culvert No sign-up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing stations will be provided!   Other beach clean-ups this month: Monday, July 21, 2025; 5 - 7 p.m. Check in at Branson Pavilion

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single-use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for two beach cleanups in the month of July. ASLC staff will have educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption, prizes, and more at the community beach cleanups!   Saturday, July 22, 2022 9-11 AM Meet at the tent near the culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge)   No sign-up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing stations will be provided!   Other beach clean-ups this month: Friday, July 14, 2023 4-6 PM Meet at the tent near Branson Pavillion  

It’s Plastic Free July! Join the effort to reduce your single-use plastic and help keep plastic out of Resurrection Bay by joining fellow community members and the ASLC Staff for beach cleanups in the month of July. ASLC staff will have prizes and educational resources so you can learn how to reduce your own plastic consumption! Monday, July 21, 2025; 5 - 7 p.m. Check in at Branson Pavilion No sign-up is required for participation. Guests under 18 must come with an adult or legal guardian. Gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizing stations will be provided!

      Seward, Alaska (August 5, 2020) The Seward Community Foundation (SCF) and Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) are jointly announcing a membership drive to boost ASLC’s local membership base. Starting today, SCF will contribute $25 to the Alaska SeaLife Center for each of the next 100 memberships purchased by Seward and Moose Pass residents. These memberships will also be eligible for a prize drawing. In July, the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) announced an urgent fundraising campaign to raise $2 million by September 30. Uniquely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, ASLC will not be able to maintain operations of the Center through the winter due to a lack of summer visitor revenues and faces permanent closure if these funds are not raised. SCF is responding to this call for help by motivating local residents to become supporters of the Center through a local membership campaign. “The Seward Community Foundation is pleased to help the Alaska SeaLife Center while promoting philanthropy within our local community,” said David Paperman, SCF Vice President and Grant Team Lead. “Each new membership is a way to show your support and love of what has become an essential part of the Seward community—a non-profit organization whose very existence relies on the generous support of average Sewardites. Therefore, each ASLC member has the satisfaction of becoming a philanthropist.” “While we are overwhelmed by the community support over the past three weeks, we still have not met our fundraising goal,” said ASLC President and CEO Tara Riemer. “We are thrilled to have the support of Seward Community Foundation to help reach our dual goals of 5,000 member households and $2 million of overall contributions by September 30.” ASLC and SCF thank the community members and businesses who have contributed to a prize drawing to be held at the end of the membership campaign. Prizes include: Bear Glacier iceberg kayaking trip for two with Liquid Adventures Two seats at a catered group dinner at Zudy’s with other ASLC supporters Fifteen pounds of halibut from the F/V Chandalar with fall delivery “Life After Death” 15x24 art print by Marissa Amor Art Sustainable eating kit with reusable beeswax wraps, water bottles, straws, and bag The SCF-sponsored membership campaign will continue until 100 memberships are purchased by Seward or Moose Pass residents. SCF and ASLC hope that this target is reached within two weeks. All levels of new and renewed memberships are eligible, including individual, dual, family, and giving circles. Memberships and gift memberships are available for online purchase at https://www.alaskasealife.org/memberships. About SCF Founded in 2008, the Seward Community Foundation is an Affiliate of The Alaska Community Foundation. SCF’s goal is to support projects that enhance the quality of life for Seward and Moose Pass residents, addressing immediate needs while working toward long-term improvements. To learn more, visit www.sewardcf.org. 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.      -end-

Visit local businesses hosting featured artists during Seward First Friday Art Walks! Featured artists will be on display in the ASLC lobby from 6 - 8 PM on the first Friday of each month (May to September).   Seward First Friday Art Walks are hosted by the Seward Chamber of Commerce and Seward Art Council.

Visit local businesses hosting featured artists during Seward First Friday Art Walks! Featured artists will be on display in the ASLC lobby from 6 - 8 PM on the first Friday of each month (May to September). Seward First Friday Art Walks are hosted by the Seward Chamber of Commerce and Seward Art Council.  

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 July 1, 2022 to see this month's TWO featured artists: Dreaming Bear Studio & Rabbit Creek Studio Dreaming Bear Studios will have items displayed in the ASLC Lobby for the month of July. See more of the artist's work on their websites -   Rabbit Creek Studio: https://rabbit-creek-studio.square.site/ https://www.facebook.com/kimnielsenak/ Dreaming Bear Studio: https://www.dreamingbearstudio.com/   Seward First Friday Art Walks are hosted by the Seward Chamber of Commerce and Seward Art Council.

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 3, 2022 to see this month's TWO featured artists: KC Crowley & @Love from Alaska Both artists will have items displayed in the ASLC Lobby for the month of June AND both will be attending @Seward SeaBird Festival June 10, 11 and 12! See more of the artist's work: https://www.lovefromalaska.com/ https://www.mythinkworks.com/about Seward First Friday Art Walks are hosted by the Seward Chamber of Commerce and Seward Art Council.

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 August 5, 2022 to see this month's TWO featured artists:     Laura Mendola - Kiln formed, Cast and Lamp Worked Glass This artist's work will be on display in the ASLC lobby all month long! She will be at the ASLC in person every Friday and Saturday for the month of August.    Barbara L. Brovelli-Moon - Family Field Guides of Alaska's Animals This artist will be at the ASLC all day Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6.     Seward First Friday Art Walks are hosted by the Seward Chamber of Commerce and Seward Art Council.

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 Science Symposium Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward, AK The Seward Science Symposium highlights local science and research, including Indigenous-led work, and aims to build pride, stewardship, and stronger connections between our community and the environment. Join us for a day of local science: talks by researchers, educators, and community members, a midday poster session (bring lunch or grab-and-go at The Porthole), and an evening film screening with a light-appetizer reception.  This event is free and all are welcome! Click the link below for details and registration (recommended as seating is limited). Register and Learn More Presented by Stewards of the Bay, in partnership with Chugach Regional Resources Commission, University of Alaska Fairbanks, National Park Service, and the Alaska SeaLife Center.  

  The inaugural Seward Seabird Festival is June 21, 22, and 23. All weekend long, visit Seward for events celebrating the arrival of Alaska's seabirds through education, science, and art!     Click here to purchase a space on a private photography session in the aviary.    Click on an image below to download the pdf version.   

Schedule at a Glance   Event Details    Friday, June 10, 2022    Art Vendors - 9 AM to 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza Visit Alaskan artists and vendors from 9 AM - 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza all weekend long!      Saturday, June 11, 2022    Art Vendors - 9 AM to 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza Visit Alaskan artists and vendors from 9 AM - 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza all weekend long!    Welcome Booth with Bird Information - 9 AM to 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza Visit the welcome booth for information and activities.    Meet & Greet with Bird Experts - 10 AM to 11:30 AM at the Branson Pavilion Join bird experts from Alaska and share your birding stories! This casual event connects bird enthusiasts with bird scientists. All are welcome!    Special Seabird Activities - 12 to 3 PM at the Welcome Booth Meet ASLC staff and participate in seabird activities.    Kids Activities with "Tuffy" the ASLC Mascot! - 12 to 3 PM at the Welcome Booth All ages are welcome to come and meet Tuffy the ASLC Puffin mascot! Kids activities will be provided.    Seabird Waterfront Walk with NPS Interpreter - 1 PM to 3 PM (estimated end time) Meet with an NPS interpreter at the NPS Visitor Center near the Boat Harbor (1212 4th Avenue, Seward, AK) and take a walk along the waterfront to learn about local bird species. The walking tour will end near the SeaLife Center parking lot aroudn 2:30 PM.    Tuffy's Puffling Parade - 2 PM at the ASLC Plaza Create your own puffin mask or costume and join Tuffy in a puffling parade around the ASLC Plaza! The walking parade will begin at 2 PM.    Bird Trivia Night - 7 to 9 PM at Zudy's Cafe Gather your bird-loving friends and join us for a fun night filled with bird trivia at Zudy's Cafe! Food and drink will be available for purchase.        Sunday, June 12, 2022    Art Vendors - 9 AM to 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza Visit Alaskan artists and vendors from 9 AM - 7 PM in the ASLC Plaza all weekend long!    Major Marine Special: Birding Boat Tour - 9 AM to 5:30 PM Celebrate the arrival of Alaska’s seabirds! Major Marine Tours will be hosting a special discounted cruise for festival attendees on Sunday, June 12. Explore the best seabird viewing areas in Resurrection Bay, Northwestern Fjord, and Kenai Fjords National Park on the 8.5 hour small vessel cruise. The boat departs at 9 AM and return at 5:30 PM. Reservations are required. Visit the Major Marine Website for details on how to book this special tour at a 25% discount rate for festival attendees! 

Alaskan bird enthusiasts flock to Seward this month for the annual Seward Seabird Festival! Join community partners to celebrate the rich seabird diversity of the Kenai fjords through family-friendly activities, local art, sightseeing opportunities, and chances to network with seabird researchers and professionals. From the budding birder to the seasoned seabird expert, this city-wide event has something for everyone!   Click Here to View & Download 2025 Schedule of Events           Join us for the Seward Seabird Festival Presentations on May 31, 2025 from 11 AM - 1 PM, featuring keynote speaker Dr. John F. Piatt, Ph.D., Director, World Puffin Congress. Presentations will be held at the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center, 1212 4th Ave, Seward, AK. All are welcome at this free event, and no registration is required.     Register for this year's Paint-a-Puffin Artist Workshop with Ashley Seabolt Originals! Friday, May 30 from 6-8 PM at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Open to ages 10+, children under 16 must be with an adult. There is a $15 registration fee, and space is limited! Registration: https://bit.ly/4kG1fkA   Major Marine Tours will be hosting a special discounted cruise for festival attendees on Sunday, June 1st. Explore the best seabird viewing areas in Resurrection Bay, Northwestern Fjord, and Kenai Fjords National Park on the 8.5 hour small vessel cruise. Learn more and book a spot: https://majormarine.com/seward-seabird-festival/  

The Skates of Alaska exhibit is now open at the Alaska SeaLife Center. This new tank in Underwater Viewing currently features a beautiful Bering Skate, while a small Alaska skate can be found in the microhabitat tank around the corner. These skates arrive just in time to complement our 2015 Summer of Sharks -- especially when you consider that skates could be described as sharks' "flatter" cousins!  Come learn more about why researchers are studying skate nurseries in Alaska, and discover how researchers at the Alaska SeaLife Center contributed to a greater understanding of development time in skate embryos.