All are welcome at this fun, free community event! Get in the holiday spirit with cookie decorating, crafts, and a seasonal performance by the Seward Community Band! Come at 5:45 to catch Santa's special arrival outside of ASLC's front doors.  This event was made possible by a grant from the Seward Community Foundation, an Affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation 

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! Details and full schedule coming soon.  

Chip joined the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) in 2001 in the IT department, but has served the Center in many ways from daily operations to facilities to oiled wildlife response. Chip has also served at the ASLC as the Dive Safety Officer and Chief Operating Officer. In 2025, Chip has transitioned to the Chief Information Officer to the Vice President of Special Projects. 

     

                Seward, Alaska (September 1, 2016)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) announced today the new fall/winter hours for 2016-2017. Beginning Monday, September 5, the hours will be: September 5 – October 2     10:00am – 5:00pm* *(Early opening to accommodate cruise ship visitors: Sept. 8 & 12, 9:00am; Sept. 11 & 18, 8:00am) October 3 – February 26      12:00 – 5:00pm (ASLC will be closed Nov. 24 & Dec. 25) February 27 – May 25           10:00am – 5:00pm May 26 – September 3          9:00am – 9:00pm Mon-Thurs/8:00am – 9:00pm Fri – Sun The Center will continue offering guided tours on a daily basis throughout the fall and winter seasons. The tour schedule September 5 through May 25 is as follows: 1:00pm            The Marine Mammal Encounter invites guests to join the ASLC animal care team to see how they train, feed, and care for resident marine mammals. This 60-minute tour can accommodate a maximum of 5 people per tour, with a minimum age of 10 years old.** Marine Mammal Encounter tours are $74.95 per person. 1:30pm            The Octopus Experience is led by expert animal care givers and is suitable for ages 6 and up. This 30-minute tour gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the giant Pacific octopus and join animal care givers to observe a feeding.** Octopus Experience tours are $24.95 per Adult (13+), $19.95 per Child (6-12). 2:00pm            The Puffin Encounter joins birds and their keepers in the aviary to learn about ASLC research and breeding programs. This 60-minute tour can accommodate a maximum of 4 people, with a minimum age of 10 years old.** Puffin Encounter tours are $74.95 per person. 3:00pm            The Octopus Encounter invites visitors to shake “hands” with a giant Pacific octopus and learn more about these mysterious invertebrates. This 60-minute tour can accommodate a maximum of 5 people per tour, with a minimum age of 6 years old.** Octopus Encounter tours are $74.95 per person. 4:00pm            The Sea Otter Experience (offered through October only) gives visitors the opportunity to join animal caregivers to observe a feeding or animal enrichment session in the outdoor otter pool. This 30-minute tour can accommodate a maximum of 14 people, with a minimum age of 6 years old.** Sea Otter Experience tours are $24.95 per Adult (13+), $19.95 per Child (6-12). Reservations are recommended for all encounters and tours, 1-888-378-2525. Prices listed do not include tax. All tours and encounters require purchase of general admission. **All guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Chief Science and Education Officer ASLC seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as its Chief Science and Education Officer (CSEO). As a new position at ASLC, the CSEO represents an investment in the growth of the science department and the importance of collaborative science and education programs. The Chief Science and Education Officer will partner with the CEO, Board, and staff to set and execute a vision for science at ASLC, including generating funds to support ASLC’s growth. The ideal candidate will be a relationship builder with demonstrated experience cultivating and maintaining lasting collaborations and partnerships. They will not just embrace the Alaska SeaLife Center’s scientific and educational mission, but also demonstrate an ability to share that mission internally and externally, furthering the impact of ASLC.   How to Apply To learn more and to apply, read the full position profile here: https://www.forakergroup.org/site/index.cfm/cboard-view/7830  

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 different beach cleanups through 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!   Tuesday, July 12, 2022    7 - 9 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 station will be provided!     Other beach clean ups this month:  Sunday, July 24, 2022     4-6 PM  Meet at the tent near Lowell Point Beach    Saturday, July 30, 2022    9-11 AM  Meet at the tent near the culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge)      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!  

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 different beach cleanups through 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!   Sunday, July 24, 2022     4-6 PM  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 station will be provided!     Other beach clean ups this month:    Tuesday, July 12, 2022    7 - 9 PM  Meet at the tent near Branson Pavillion   Saturday, July 30, 2022    9-11 AM  Meet at the tent near the culvert (Scheffler Creek Bridge)      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!  

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 different beach cleanups through 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 30, 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 station will be provided!   Other beach clean ups this month:  Tuesday, July 12, 2022    7 - 9 PM  Meet at the tent near Branson Pavillion   Sunday, July 24, 2022     4-6 PM  Meet at the tent near Lowell Point Beach    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!

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

All are welcome at this fun, free community event – get in the holiday spirit with cookie decorating, crafts, and a visit from Santa! Show up 15 minutes early and catch Santa's arrival! DISCOVERY GIFT SHOP Special prices from 6 - 8 pm, Dec. 5, and 12 - 5 pm, Dec. 6 through Dec. 14 - ASLC Members 20% off & general public  10% off  (Regularly priced items only; VRAE inventory and metal art by Melanie Burns excluded). This event was made possible by a grant from the Seward Community Foundation, an Affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation.      

Join the Alaska SeaLife Center for a family-friendly, fun-filled day of ocean-themed activities and educational booths bringing together science and culture to celebrate and protect the world's oceans!  Explore free activities outside on the plaza hosted by local science and education organizations, participate in interactive crafts and games, and enjoy special programs inside the Center with admission throughout the day. Additional highlights include: Free tour of the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute (Limit 12 participants. Meet at CRRC tent at 1 p.m. – first come first serve) A citywide ocean explorer scavenger hunt with the Seward Mural Society A collaborative community art project Cultural crafts and demonstrations in partnership with the Qutekcak Native Tribe Bounce house Join us to celebrate our local connection to the ocean and discover ways to protect our marine ecosystems that unite communities around the world. All ages are welcome!

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!

Wei Ying has worked in interdisciplinary and multicultural conservation projects both locally and internationally for almost two decades. An experienced executive with a passion for marine science, the pursuit of studies and career has brought her to many different states and countries. Amidst snowstorms, Wei Ying joined ASLC and the community of Seward in December 2021 as the Chief Science and Education Officer (CSEO). As CSEO, Wei Ying reenergized and expanded the science and education programs to develop and implement a visionary science agenda. Wei Ying was named President and CEO on March 31, 2024. Wei Ying marries her social science training and love of strategy to build programs that engage diverse stakeholders in conservation to achieve measurable outcomes. She is committed to the establishment of inclusive discourses and socially just environmental policies, as well as dismantling the systems of power and privilege in the conservation arena. Wei Ying earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Environmental Studies at Brown University and continues to keep her fingertips in invasion ecology research. She has been the recipient of multiple research fellowships including Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental Communication and Margaret Sheridan Community Learning Award, as well as a participant of several leadership programs such as Toyota-Audubon Conservation Leader, Rhode Island Foundation Emerging Non-Profit Leader, and AZA Executive Leadership.

Neisha joined the Executive Team at Alaska Sealife Center in June 2023. She is a certified professional in Human Resources and DEIJ Practitioner with over 10 years' experience practicing human resources in the public, non-profit, and education industries.  Throughout her career, she's found her passion in building HR infrastructure while embedding equity and inclusion into people and organizational culture strategies. By starting her journey in HR compliance and facilitating resolutions to employment discrimination complaints, she brings a unique perspective as an HR and DEIJ strategist within corporate structures. Neisha serves as Board President for New Life Development and as a Board Member for Best Beginnings. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and enjoys participating in local community service activities with her daughter.