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.

The Alaska SeaLife Center Soirée, the Center’s Anchorage-based fundraiser, will be held at the Anchorage Museum. This two-hour cocktail reception includes heavy appetizers and a chance for guests to mingle with other mission supporters. Sponsors get the first chance at limited tickets for this 21+ event. For more information contact Nancy Anderson: nancya@alaskasealife.org

Join the Alaska SeaLife Center for a family-friendly day of ocean-themed activities, community partnerships, and educational experiences celebrating our shared connection to the ocean. This event brings together science, culture, and conservation through engaging opportunities for all ages. More details coming soon!

All are welcome at this fun, free community event! Get in the holiday spirit with cookie decorating, crafts, and more! This event was made possible by a grant from the Seward Community Foundation, an Affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation  Check back for event details. More information coming soon.    

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.  

  A New Way to Share ASLC Stories!   The ASLC 60 North Science Blog has expanded to include even more stories highlighting the important work that happens at the ASLC!  See the new look of the blog and join our staff as they share stories fo research, education, wildlife response, and animal care. All the amazing archived science stories are still active on the blog, but the link has changed to https://stories.alaskasealife.org/                

We have a special announcement: Atty's pregnant! The Alaska SeaLife Center's 10-year-old harbor seal Atuun, "Atty," is expecting her third pup! In this ultrasound video, you can see the fetus moving around, with the spine and heart coming in and out of view. The sex of the pup remains undetermined. Veterinary staff expect the new harbor seal to arrive in June of this year. Click here for a link to the ultrasound video. Atty is the mother of Kordelia (born June 8, 2011) and Kobuk (born June 27, 2012).   

Seward, Alaska (March 18, 2015) - The Alaska SeaLife Center got a special delivery last week! Mara, an 11-year-old female, is the latest addition to ASLC's Steller sea lion family. Mara arrived on February 12 from the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. She was originally part of a research study at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Aquarium. Here at the Center, Mara will join our Steller sea lion breeding program. The study focuses on the maternal care of females, as part of the Center’s research to better understand this endangered species. ASLC Marine Mammal Scientist Dr. Lori Polasek and her team are looking at the energetic cost of raising a pup from conception to weaning through hormone levels, pregnancy detection, and pup care. So far, Mara has been exploring her new home and loves to play with her enrichment toys. Our animal care team will slowly introduce her to other resident sea lions before putting her on habitat. Dr. Polasek and her team are hoping for a successful encounter this summer with male Steller sea lion Pilot.              

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.

We are heartbroken to share that the walrus calf admitted to the ASLC Wildlife Response Program on August 1, 2023, passed away this morning after his condition took a turn for the worse. Since his arrival, he had been struggling with a number of serious health concerns on top of nutrient malabsorption, which can make treatment difficult to stay ahead of. Dr. Carrie, ASLC Director of Animal Health, explains that the calf was struggling with multiple complications, including hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal problems, in the 24 hours leading up to his passing. Though our animal care teams worked tirelessly to provide round-the-clock critical care treatments, never leaving his side, the calf ultimately succumbed to his condition. A necropsy will be conducted in the days following to further understand the cause of death. While often rewarding, wildlife rescue is inherently unpredictable and comes with it the possibility of great loss. For those that dedicate their lives to animal care, this is the hardest part of the job. We appreciate your understanding as the Center and its staff mourn, and we thank you for the outpouring of support that has come our way since this patient’s admission.   Read more infromation about his admit to the ASLC Widlife Response Program here. Read more about the ASLC's Wildilfe Response Program that made responding to this orphaned calf possible here.       

  Join us in 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 2). Hear special Conservation Chats from the ASLC team near "Ophelia" the marine debris octopus (as you exit under water viewing near the exit).    Conservation Chats: 10 AM, 12 PM, and 3 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the month of July (starting July 2). Activities: 10 AM - 4 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the month of July (starting July 2).   All activities and chats are included with general admission.    Want to continue learning and challenging yourself? Join the Plastic Free Ecochallenge and take small steps to make a big impact through out the month of July!  Sign up to compete with the ASLC team!  

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

Join us every Thursday, October 31, 2019–Feb. 27, 2020* from 11:00 am – 12:00 am. Did you know that newly hatched fish are called fry? Bring your little fry to the Alaska SeaLife Center for a free parents and preschooler adventure! Weekly activities will include crafts, stories, hands-on science-based activities games, etc. Themes will change weekly and will be specially designed for children ages 3-5 years old.  Learn more here, or call 907-224-6306 for more information.  *dates subject to change. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day Sponsored by Marjor Marine Tours, Vergeben Services, and Seward Community Foundation.

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 us for the Seward Seabird Festival! Activities will take place all around Seward June 10, 11, and 12, 2022. All weekend long, visit Seward for events celebrating the migration of Alaska's seabirds through education, science, and art!  Visit www.alaskasealife.org/sewardseabirdfestival for updates on the event!    

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

Join us for an evening of food, fine wine, and fundraising while deepening your connection to the Alaska SeaLife Center and its mission As you explore the Center after hours, you’ll hear firsthand success stories — each a testament to the groundbreaking research, rescue, and education efforts made possible through your support. Thoughtfully paired food and wine selections will accompany you, and the night will culminate in a wine pull. Don’t miss this chance to engage directly with our dedicated animal care and research staff while raising essential funds for Alaska’s marine ecosystems! Tickets are limited for this 21+ event (ID will be required at the door). Dress code is casual Alaskan cocktail!  

I received my DVM in 1992 and PhD in physiological ecology in 2002, and the same year moved to Alaska to join the UAF and ASLC. I served as the interim director of science for the ASLC during 2010-2015. My research aims to understand adaptations and responses of marine species to environmental change, from interdisciplinary and integrative perspectives, and by applying a variety of experimental and observational research methods. I mostly, but not exclusively, work with marine birds. I am interested in applied ecology and seeking to address conservation and management objectives for marine species.  I’ve served on the spectacled and Steller’s eider recovery teams since 2002. Broadly, I am interested in the interface of environmental, animal, and human health, and shared One Health approaches and ways of knowing to solve challenges. I am also enthusiastic about citizen sciences and participatory research as an approach to data collection and science education. Marine ecology, conservation biology, citizen science, decision analysis, One Health

I was born in Washington DC but grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland. At Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, I received an Air Force ROTC scholarship and obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering and thought that I was done with school. I was in the Air Force for seven years and obtained a master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton, Ohio. After I left the Air Force, I decided to pursue a veterinary degree. What intrigued me about medicine was the same thing that intrigued me about engineering, namely understanding how things worked. While I picked up required prerequisites and a second bachelor degree in Biology at the University of Massachusetts at Boston, I also volunteered at a local zoo and worked part time for the Wildlife Clinic at Tufts Veterinary School. My first blood drawing experience was in the field, sampling colonial nesting birds. I traveled across the country to attend veterinary school at Washington State University but also pursued external aquatic animal experiences, attending AquaVet at Wood’s Hole and doing an externship at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. After graduation, I moved back to the east coast and did a two year aquatic animal internship at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. At the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine I helped start a new stranding center for marine mammals and later at the University of Southern Maine I developed marine mammal cell cultures and investigated the effects of heavy metals on those cells. Wanting to return to spending more time working with whole animals and not just their cells, I crossed the country once again to accept a job at the Alaska SeaLife Center. As the Staff Veterinarian I assist with the preventative medicine program, research projects, and clinical care for birds, fish, and marine mammals including both captive and stranded animals. Marine animals as sentinels for ocean and human health, comparative beluga whale health in particular how it facilitates understanding the endangered Cook Inlet population, how information and expertise about free ranging wildlife and those housed in zoological collections help each other.

Pam received her Master ‘s of Science in Marine Science from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in 2006 and her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Iowa State University in 2000, including a year of course work in Marine Biology while on National Student Exchange at the University of Alaska Southeast.  She joined ASLC as a research intern in 1999 then continued as a Research Technician on projects with wild-caught captive animals that focused on behavioral responses, including common murre and halibut telemetry and crude oil dosing in Harlequin ducks.  In 2001, Pam’s interest in behavioral ecology led to her permanent position at ASLC on the Chiswell Island Remote Monitoring Project of Steller sea lions in Resurrection Bay, AK. Currently, Pam is a Research Associate that manages seasonal staff and is responsible for collecting daily behavioral observations focusing on maternal investment and population dynamics of sea lions in their natural environment.  Pam’s thesis investigated pupping site fidelity among individual female sea lions. Her current objectives include survival of branded animals, male reproductive success, and the effects of individual variation on maternal investment.   Behavior ecology, population dynamics, and marine conservation.

Brad Ryan joined the Alaska SeaLife Center in January 2025, bringing extensive expertise in environmental science, research, and community leadership. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Resources, with a focus on juvenile salmon vulnerability to avian predation, and spent a decade as a research scientist with NOAA, where he made impactful contributions to marine resource protection. After his tenure at NOAA, Brad moved to Haines, Alaska, collaborating with Native Tribes and watershed councils to advance watershed restoration and safeguard the state's unique ecosystems. His commitment to community development led him to serve as Director of Public Facilities and later as Borough Manager, where he applied his scientific knowledge to improve public infrastructure and services. At the Alaska SeaLife Center, Brad combines his passion for conservation, research, and community engagement to support the Center’s mission of fostering understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems.

I received my DVM in 1992 and PhD in physiological ecology in 2002, and the same year moved to Alaska to join the UAF and ASLC. I served as the interim director of science for the ASLC during 2010-2015. My research aims to understand adaptations and responses of marine species to environmental change, from interdisciplinary and integrative perspectives, and by applying a variety of experimental and observational research methods. I mostly, but not exclusively, work with marine birds. I am interested in applied ecology and seeking to address conservation and management objectives for marine species.  I’ve served on the spectacled and Steller’s eider recovery teams since 2002. Broadly, I am interested in the interface of environmental, animal, and human health, and shared One Health approaches and ways of knowing to solve challenges. I am also enthusiastic about citizen sciences and participatory research as an approach to data collection and science education. Marine ecology, conservation biology, citizen science, decision analysis, One Health

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