animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', '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() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', '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() Who is watching walrus? CONTINENTAL SHELF - the area of shallow ocean water around the edge of a continent before the seabed slopes down into the deep ocean HAUL OUT (v) - to leave the water and rest on land, rocks, or floating ice HAULOUT (n) - a place where marine mammals leave the water to rest STAMPEDE - a sudden rush of many individuals, usually in a panic DISTURBANCE - when an animal or group of animals changes its behavior as a result an event           In the cold northern ocean between Alaska and Russia, freezing weather is possible during any month of the year. Throughout the long winter, temperatures in the Arctic are so cold that the surface of the ocean freezes for millions of square miles! Remarkably, animals like the Pacific walrus are adapted to live in this chilly climate, and they use sea ice as part of their habitat. In recent summers, scientists and local residents have noticed less sea ice than normal in the Arctic. In September 2009, sea ice in the Chukchi Sea melted past the edge of the continental shelf. As a result, 3,500 walruses who usually rest in small groups on floating sea ice were forced to haul out together on land at Icy Cape. Something startled the walrus while they were resting there. When startled, walrus will leave their haulout and rush into the water. As the huge group of walrus at Icy Cape rushed to the water, younger and smaller animals were trampled. Alaska SeaLife Center scientists and veterinarians were on the team that was sent to Icy Cape after the stampede. They found more than 130 young walrus dead on the beach. This dramatic scene sparked their interest in studying walrus. Land-based haulouts in the Chukchi Sea were first seen in the United States less than ten years ago. A walrus's choice to haul out on land is directly linked to the availablity of sea ice. If ice is available within their range, they will haul out on it. If ice is not available, they will haul out on land. Scientists fear that, if we continue to have summers with less-than-normal sea ice, events like the stampede at Icy Cape will become more common. Scientists at the Alaska SeaLife Center want to understand how walrus use these new land haulouts. They also want to learn how walrus will respond to disturbances while they are on land. The challenge is that walrus live in isolated, wild areas spread across a huge region. To study walrus, scientists must find a way to observe them closely without causing any disturbance events themselves. How will the scientists do it? Join our team as they come up with a plan. To get started, let's learn more about the Icy Cape stampede by checking out the videos and news release below. You'll be amazed how crowded the walrus haulouts can get! VIDEO: Icy Cape Stampede 2009 When large numbers of walrus haul out together on land, a disturbance event can mean disaster. This video, including images from the 2009 Icy Cape stampede, examines what can happen when walrus haul out on land in large groups. (1 minute) Video Transcript Over the past few decades, sea ice in the Arctic has been shrinking at increasing rates. When the ice recedes past the continental shelf, walrus females and calves are forced to leave the ice and haul out on shore to stay near their feeding grounds. As you can see in this video taken near Point Lay in 2011, conditions on shore can get very crowded. If the walruses are disturbed, they may rush to the water in a massive stampede. In September 2009 scientists observed thousands of walruses hauling out together on land near Icy Cape on the shore of the Chukchi Sea. When researchers surveyed the area a few days later, they found over 130 walruses dead on the beach. Veterinarians and scientists from the Alaska SeaLife Center and other organizations investigated the event and determined that most of the fatalities were young animals that had died as a result of a stampede. Though the cause of this disturbance at Icy Cape is unknown, the number of fatalities can be attributed to the crowded conditions at the haul out.   Click here for more information on walrus haulout events in Alaska's North Slope Borough, including the 2009 Icy Cape event.   Now that we've observed the same event that sparked the interest of our Alaska SeaLife Center marine mammal research team, let's learn more about Pacific walrus and what they need to survive.      

animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', '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() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', '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() Who is watching walrus?           Meet... Dr. Lori Polasek   Marine Mammal Scientist and Assistant Research Professor for the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Dr. Polasek has studied many species of seals, sea lions, fur seals, walrus, whales and dolphins. She was an accounting major in college until she took a required biology class – then she changed her major to marine biology and never looked back! "I became interested in marine biology when I learned how to SCUBA dive when I was 12 years old. I wanted to learn more about how animals were capable of surviving in such extreme conditions without suffering the consequences humans experienced."     Hear Dr. Polasek describe her work at the Alaska SeaLife Center and how she got to this point in her career. (2.5 minutes)      

animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', '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() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', '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() Who is watching walrus?             Meet... Jill Prewitt   Research Associate Jill has worked with many species of animals, from bobcats and wolves to belugas and walrus. She worked as an animal trainer and a veterinary technician before becoming a researcher. "I love learning how these species survive in such a challenging environment."     Hear Jill describe her work at the Alaska SeaLife Center and how she got to this point in her career. (3 minutes)      

animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', '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() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', '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() Who is watching walrus? HYPOTHESIS (n) - a scientific explanation to a problem. Scientists form hypotheses to explain something that they observed. Scientists then test the hypothesis to determine how true it is.               Questions   Dr. Lori Polasek is a marine mammal scientist. When she has a scientific question, she designs a research project to help her find answers. She wants to learn how walrus use land haulouts. Dr. Polasek works together with her team to decide which specific questions they hope to answer. With this project, the team wants to learn: How many walruses are using a haulout? How long are they at the haulout? How often do the walruses use a haulout site? They already know that walruses are easily startled by things like airplanes or predators in the area, so they also want to learn more about how walrus react to disturbances while hauled out on land. Watch the videos below to learn more about the questions and hypotheses Dr. Polasek plans to look at with her study. VIDEO: DR. POLASEK'S RESEARCH Questions Learn what questions Dr. Polasek had about walrus that made her want to study them. (1 minute) Video Transcript Why did you want to study walruses? I think walruses as a whole are a very interesting species, they’re very tactile and gregarious. Why I specifically wanted to look at this particular study with walruses is because we had the mortality event that you guys heard about in 2009, where with ice loss moms and calves moved onto a land haulout, and we don’t really understand how the population will interact with humans and other species while they’re hauled out. What questions did you have? The question that I wanted to specifically look at was: what causes walruses to abandon a haulout – what disturbs them – and then how long does it take for them to come back?   VIDEO: DR. POLASEK'S Hypotheses Dr. Polasek explains four hypotheses that she will be testing in this investigation. (1 minute) Video Transcript What are your hypotheses? For this project we have four primary hypotheses specifically looking at disturbance: 1. The first hypothesis is that the new emerging haulouts will have a different reaction than the established haulouts. 2. That ice extent will impact how the two different haulouts will respond to disturbance events. 3. That mother and calves using the new haulouts will have a different reaction to disturbance events than males that are using the pre-established haulouts. 4. And lastly, that the time for recovery from a disturbance event will be different with the females and calves on the new haulouts versus the established haulouts with males. To answer these research questions, Dr. Polasek and her team needed to come up with a way to consistently observe walrus on their haulouts. Join the researchers as they develop a plan for watching walrus.        

animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', '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() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', '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() Who is watching walrus? DEPLOY (v)- to set something up so that it is ready for action BLIND SPOT (n) - an area that cannot be seen because something is blocking your view DATA SET (n)- all of the information collected UPGRADE (v) - to improve the quality of something; to buy the next version of a product             Results   Cameras at the five sites captured data during the season of May-September 2011. For each of the sites, the timeline below shows (1) when the cameras were deployed, (2) when the first walrus was spotted at that location, (3) the date when the largest number of animals were counted on that site, and (4) the date of the last image taken by the cameras. The team collected census data by examining the photos at the end of the season and counting the walruses. Below are images captured from the haulout site on Cape Seniavin on August 4th, 2011. On this day, over 1,400 male walruses were counted hauled out in this single spot. Click on the thumbnail images below to see the larger versions: Researchers decided to add more cameras at this site in 2012 to avoid blind spots like the one created by the rock in the pictures above. On Hagemeister Island, cameras recorded the disturbance event seen below. Click on the thumbnail images below to see the larger versions: In the fourth photo you can see that these walrus quickly returned to the beach. The scientists couldn't see what caused the disturbance, but they think it was likely a bear or other land-based predator nearby. With clear images like the ones above, Dr. Polasek and her team agreed that camera monitoring at these remote sites is both possible and useful for understanding Pacific walrus behavior. Unfortunately, the type of camera the Alaska SeaLife Center team installed for the 2011 season tended to fail often. Many of the cameras stopped taking pictures before the last walrus left the site at the end of the season. So the 2011 data set isn't as complete as the team had hoped. They knew camera monitoring worked, but they needed to find a better type of camera. In 2011, the scientists were able to begin establishing their baseline. In 2012, they purchased new, more reliable cameras and added more haulout sites to their study. They're continuing to work on their baseline using male walrus in Bristol Bay, but with the help of the residents of Point Lay they've also set up their first cameras along the Chukchi Sea. Check the updates section for images captured in the second season!        

animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', '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() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', '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() CURRICULUM SUPPLEMENTS Use the .pdf links below to access classroom activities for each section of the Watching Walrus virtual field trip. Teachers Guide.pdf Introduction_Activities.pdf Background_Activities.pdf Questions_Activities.pdf Plan_Activities.pdf Action_Activities.pdf Results_Activities.pdf Glossary.pdf               Welcome Teachers!   Educators and scientists at the Alaska SeaLife Center have teamed up to bring you a new and unique teaching tool. "Watching Walrus" is a virtual field trip (VFT) designed to introduce students to the process of designing a scientific research plan.  Throughout this exploration, students watch videos, examine images, and read fact sheets as they follow real-life scientists into the wilds of Alaska to study Pacific walrus populations.  This VFT can be used in a number of ways.  Individuals may choose to navigate through the slides independently, learning about Pacific walrus and why changes in Arctic climate have scientists concerned about these animals.  Self-guided exploration can be completed in under an hour.  Alternately, teachers may wish to facilitate a structured experience using the curriculum supplements.  Overview for Teachers Grade Level: 5th-8th Time needed:  6-8 one-hour class periods Nutshell: Students will gain experience designing a scientific research plan while learning about an actual research project that studies Pacific walrus in Alaska. Objectives: After completing this virtual field trip, students will be able to: - Describe how the research plan they develop meets the objectives set out by Alaska SeaLife Center scientists - Explain how Arctic animals, like Pacific walrus, may be impacted by decreased availability of sea ice - Locate geographic features of the Arctic and subarctic oceans using a world map Background: Pacific walrus are a marine mammal species native to the Bering and Chukchi Sea area between Alaska and Russia. A member of the pinniped (fin-footed) family, walrus are ocean bottom feeders that can weigh up to one and a half tons. Walrus live along the continental shelf where water is shallow and food resources are plentiful. Floating sea ice provides females and calves with access to varied food resources, protection from predators, and isolation from disease. Though walrus are a social, gregarious species (males are known to haul-out together in large numbers), females with calves usually stay separate from the herd, depending on sea ice for their haulouts. As a consequence of warming Arctic climate, scientists have observed that sea ice in the Arctic Region is shrinking. This means decreased habitat for Pacific walrus, particularly for vulnerable segments of the population like females with calves. As a result of these changes in habitat, walrus have been observed hauling out on land in numbers rarely seen before. Not only does this make populations more susceptible to disease, predation, and depletion of food resources, it also means moms and calves are living in large herds rather than in small groups or pairs. Walrus are known to abandon a haulout upon disturbance (e.g., by the presence of boats, people, predators). In such cases, walrus move quickly from land into water when they are on ice. As walrus are observed gathering in large groups (as many as 14,000 walrus have been observed hauling out together) scientists are concerned about the increased consequences of such disturbances. Instances of stampede have been recorded, including that at Icy Cape (described in Watching Walrus), leaving hundreds of animals dead. Such events led scientists at the Alaska SeaLife Center to begin research observing Pacific walrus. Their intention is to increase the understanding of what causes these animals to abandon a haulout.  They are particularly interested in how the patterns in walrus response differ between established land haulout outs and newly emergent ones. The research of lead Marine Mammal Scientist Dr. Lori Polasek, Marine Mammal Research Associate Jill Prewitt, and Research Coordinator Terril Efird inspired this virtual field trip. Join us as we explore some of Alaska’s most remote coastline and work to learn more about how sea ice loss is impacting Pacific walrus. Throughout their exploration of Watching Walrus, students will engage in discussions, make observations, complete a research ma,p and design their own research plan for observing walrus as they use land haulouts.  To use this virtual field trip you will need: - Internet access, video-streaming capabilities - Access to Watching Walrus the virtual field trip - Projection system (with audio) to display VFT content or a computer lab - Teacher guide and corresponding curriculum supplements (arranged as PDFs in the right hand column of this page) Specials Notes to Teachers: Guide to State & National Standards addressed in this field trip (Click to download .pdf) Using the Virtual Field Trip Teachers may choose to have the class navigate through Watching Walrus as one large group, using a projection system to display content, or have students work independently in a computer lab setting.  All activities included in the curriculum supplements work best in a classroom setting with tables arranged into small groups. Using Curriculum Supplements We encourage teachers to read through the Teacher’s Guide and all Curriculum Supplements before beginning Watching Walrus with your students.  Some projects, like the Research Map, will be completed over the course of this exploration.  Videos and PDFs Many sections of Watching Walrus include embedded videos and .pdf documents.  Teachers may elect to print class sets of the .pdfs or use them digitally.  All .pdf files are 1-2 pages long.  Most videos are less than 3 minutes long (exact durations can be found in the description of each video).  Video transcripts can be accessed by clicking the video transcript button below each clip.  Vocabulary Important vocabulary terms are included in the VOCABULARY box in the lower right-hand corner of each section.  A complete glossary of terms is included as a .pdf in the FOR TEACHERS section.  Age appropriateness This virtual field trip is designed to meet Alaska state and National science content for students in grades 5-8.  We understand that students in grades 5-8 may display a variety of skill sets and reading levels; therefore, this grade distinction is designed only as a guideline.  The scientific process discussed in this virtual field trip is appropriate for and may be enjoyed by older students, as well.  Older students may progress through this virtual field trip at a faster rate than that outlined above.  Additional Resources: Web Resources: Walrus Natural History Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G): Walrus Profile Walrus Information from SeaWorld/Busch Gardens National Geographic Kids Creature Features: Walrus NOVA: How to Speak Walrus USFWS Species Info: Walrus ADF&G Walrus Island, State Game Sanctuary Sea Ice National Snow and Ice Data Center NASA Earth Observatory: Sea Ice Print Resources: For an overview of Pacific walrus facts, and information on other Alaskan marine mammals: Wynne, Kate. Guide to Marine Mammals of Alaska. Fairbanks, AK: University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska Sea Grant College Program, 2007. For more information on Alaska marine invertebrates, including those predated by Pacific walrus: Field, Carmen M., and Conrad J. Field. Alaska's Seashore Creatures: a Guide to Selected Marine Invertebrates. Anchorage: Alaska Northwest, 1999. For more information about the Bering Sea region: Johnson, Terry Lee. The Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands: Region of Wonders. Fairbanks, AK: University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska Sea Grant College Program, 2003.   Contact Us: If you have any questions about this virtual field trip, please contact the Alaska SeaLife Center Education Department at education@alaskasealife.org or 907-224-6306. For more information on classes we offer, including our inquiry-based 50-minute Distance Learning programs, visit our website at www.alaskasealife.org.          

animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', '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() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', '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() Who is watching walrus? REMOTE (adj) - far from cities. In Alaska, this almost always means a place that is not on the road system and can only be reached by boat, plane, dogsled, snowmachine, or helicopter. DURATION (n) - the length of time CENSUS (n) - a count of individuals METHOD (n) - the way information is collected STILL CAMERA (n) - a camera that takes photos (not video) COST EFFECTIVE (adj) - worth the price MARITIME (adj) - related to marine (ocean) environments or conditions           The Plan Figuring out how to observe walrus at land haulouts was a challenge for the research team. Their system needed to be: Low cost Low maintenance (because sites are in remote locations) Able to measure duration (from the first walrus to arrive to the last walrus to leave) Able to visually observe the presence of walrus and allow for a census count Able to observe the cause(s) of possible disturbances Minimally disruptive to the animals While brainstorming, many methods were considered. The team thought about using airplanes to fly over haulout sites. They considered asking locals to report observations or stationing their own research staff near haulouts throughout the entire summer season. Finally, the team talked about placing remote video or still cameras at known haulout locations. The pros and cons for each method were evaluated. Flying over sites would be expensive and time consuming because the range of Pacific walruses covers thousands of miles. The sound of low flying planes might also disturb the animals. Local observations are impossible in many areas because haulouts are so remote. And stationing field researchers at known haulouts all season could prove very expensive. In the end, the team concluded that setting up remote cameras was the most cost-effective choice. They also decided that using still cameras set on timers would let them get the most data about how walrus were using land haulouts. Watch the two videos below to learn about the equipment Dr. Polasek's team used and some of the challenges they had to deal with while designing a plan to observe walrus using remote cameras. VIDEO: Equipment But won’t it get wet? Terril Efird talks about the equipment the team chose and how they keep it dry and functioning in the maritime climate. (1 minute) Video Transcript What equipment are you using to study walruses in remote areas? This is an example of one of the camera setups that we’ll have out in the field. It’s a Nikon digital camera, eight megapixel camera, and that’s wired into a 12-volt battery to keep it charged. A lot of these cameras will be going out for months at a time, so keeping the battery charged is really important, and to do that we’ll have a solar panel out there that will charge the larger battery. We’ll put the camera inside of this weatherproof and waterproof housing, and that’ll keep everything nice and dry so the electronics don’t fry while we’re out there. And we’ll have two of these at each of the sites, one looking at the haulout and then another one just looking offshore to see if we can capture any boats or predators of walrus that might be coming by and see how the walrus respond to that. VIDEO: Challenges Terril Efird describes some of the challenges involved in monitoring walrus. (35 seconds) Video Transcript What challenges did you face while planning for this project? One of the most challenges parts was picking our sites. We want to make sure that we have sites where we can go put these cameras up and we know that the walrus are going to come and be at those sites during the season. And not only have the walrus there but also have cliffs or bluffs that we can set these cameras up on top of so we can get a good vantage point, so we can get good estimates of how many walrus are hauling out and also what the immediate water access is like. With these challenges in mind, the scientists put a lot of thought into selecting the best locations to set up their cameras. Continue on to the "Action!" page to see which sites along Alaska's coastline they chose.      

animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', '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() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', '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() Who is watching walrus? DISTRIBUTION (n) - how thickly or evenly something is spread out over an area             2012 Updates from Bristol Bay In May 2012, the researchers returned to Bristol Bay. Installing cameras was again a big adventure. After their plane broke down, the team unexpectedly spent a night sleeping on the beach of a remote island! Check out some of their observations from the 2012 season! We'll continue adding data as more is analyzed over the winter. Cape Seniavin Disturbance (click to download .pdf) VIDEO: Foot Traffic Disturbance Walruses at Cape Seniavin are disturbed by people walking along the beach. (1 minute) Sometimes just the presence of people on the beach is enough to disturb walrus. These folks might not have known it, but the Marine Mammal Protection Act makes it illegal to get within 100 yards of any marine mammal. VIDEO: Airplane Disturbance Walruses at Cape Seniavin are disturbed by an airplane flying overhead. (1 minute) Just the sound of a plane flying low overhead was enough to disturb these walrus at Cape Seniavin. Scientists are curious what impact repeated disturbances (like planes flying over daily or people using the area regularly) might have on the number of walrus using a haulout. Next Steps In the summer of 2012, the scientists took a huge step. They installed their first cameras along the Chukchi Sea near the village of Point Lay, Alaska. Dr. Lori Polasek hoped that, if the season's sea ice melted past the edge of the walruses' normal range, the animals might choose to haulout on land in this area. She had good reason to expect this, because walrus had hauled out near Point Lay twice in recent summers. Since the beach in this area is so flat, the team could not rely on cliffs or other natural features to provide good vantage points for their cameras. Instead, they constructed a tower. The tower was designed so that local volunteers could rotate the camera angles depending on where along the beach the walrus had hauled out. However, the team didn't get any data from the Point Lay cameras in 2012. This time, it wasn't because the cameras failed to work. Instead, sea ice remained available in that area, so no walrus hauled out at the site this year. An organization called the National Snow and Ice Data Center works together with NASA to monitor sea ice coverage in the Arctic using satellites. Data is collected daily and is used to form models that help scientists predict how much sea ice will cover the Arctic during different times of the year. Satellite monitoring of Arctic sea ice began in 1979. When scientists compare historical data with recent ice conditions, they can say with confidence that conditions in the Arctic are changing. In fact, satellite data shows that the amount of sea ice covering the Arctic was lower in the summer of 2012 than in any other year since monitoring began! So why didn't walrus haul out on land in Alaska if there was less sea ice in the Arctic than ever before? It all comes down to the distribution of ice. Although there was less ice overall in 2012, patchy areas of ice remained floating in the Chukchi Sea. There was enough floating sea ice to allow females and calves to stay near their feeding grounds without having to move to land-based haulouts. This year's results don't mean the end of the research project and Dr. Lori Polasek isn't abandoning the idea of monitoring haulouts in the Chukchi Sea. In fact, the team hopes to add more monitoring sites along this area in upcoming years. Global climate patterns are changing and the impact is evident in the Arctic. These changes are visible in warmer-than-average annual global temperatures and in a decrease in the extent of summer sea ice in the Arctic over many decades. Climate scientists know that looking at the conditions in one year doesn't paint a clear picture of long-term conditions in the Arctic. In the same way, the walrus research team recognizes that, just because walrus did not use Alaska land-based haulouts along the Chukchi in 2012, it doesn't mean they won't rely on these areas in the future. Stay tuned for more information as this research project continues. In the mean time, educate yourself about how humans are impacting climate in the Arctic and around the globe. Do your part to help lessen our impact: learn about your carbon footprint and about what earth-friendly actions you can take in your everyday life. Dr. Lori Polasek and her team would like to thank all the sponsors and partners for this research project, including the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Defenders of Wildlife, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, SeaWorld & Busch Garden’s Conservation Fund, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2012 Updates from US Geological Survey   Walruses at Cape Seniavin are disturbed by people walking along the beach. (1 minute)      

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is proud to announce that Wei Ying Wong has been chosen to become ASLC’s first Chief Science and Education Officer. As the first executive to serve in this newly created senior leadership position, Dr. Wong will lead the team of educators and scientists in a collaborative commitment to promote ASLC’s science and education programs. Dr. Wong earned her B.A in Environmental Studies and English Literature from the University of Toronto, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Brown University. She comes to ASLC after serving as Assistant Director for Science and Technical Assistance at Washington Sea Grant in Seattle. Dr. Wong has additionally served in executive roles at the Woodland Park Zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, and The Ocean Project in Providence, Rhode Island.  “We are very fortunate to find a leader with Wei Ying’s passion for education, science and conservation,” says ASLC President and CEO Tara Riemer. “She brings to us more than 20 years of experience as a highly respected educator, speaker and scientist. Creating this new senior leadership position represents our commitment to bring our experienced educators and world class scientists even closer together to advance our mission.” Dr. Wong has a background in cultural ecology, market research, and strategic communications. “As an avid scuba diver, the marine ecosystem has special resonance for me,” says Dr. Wong. “I am excited to be part of this catalyst for growth at the Center, and the opportunity it provides to amplify our impact through integrating our scientific endeavors and educational engagements. I am excited to join with our visitors and communities in becoming wildlife advocates.” The Chief Science and Education Officer will be part of the Alaska SeaLife Center’s senior management team and serve as staff liaison to the Scientific Advisory Committee. Dr. Wong will start in her new role December 6, 2021. 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.  

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.

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.              

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

This popular mission-based event returns in April 2023. Guests will enjoy a special tour through the Center, stopping at designated locations while sampling food and wine pairings. Interact with Alaska SeaLife Center staff and learn how the Center is achieving its mission. Tickets are limited for this 21+ event. Sponsors get the first chance at limited tickets.    Click to purchase limited tickets.

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!  

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 a mystery wine auction will run throughout the night. 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! CLICK TO PURCHASE TICKETS    

Wine by the Water, a popular mission-based event returns on April 27, 2024. Guests will enjoy a special tour through the Center, stopping at designated locations while sampling food and wine pairings. Interact with Alaska SeaLife Center staff and learn how the Center is achieving its mission. Special VIP Champage Reception 5:45 pm - 6:30 pm. Event 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm.

Seward, Alaska (January 3, 2017)– The Alaska SeaLife Center is pleased to kick-off 2017 with Winter FISHtival! Each Saturday during the month of January the Center will offer special family friendly activities led by animal care experts and educators. All activities are included in the cost of admission and free to members. Winter FISHtival Saturday events include: Magnify Magic, Underwater Adventure, and a Deep Diving Seabird Scatter Feeding. Step up to the microscope for a really close look at some of the smallest and most fascinating sea animals. Join our educators in the underwater viewing area to do the seal hop and learn more about sea lions and seals! See some high-speed, deep diving seabird action and find out how these birds are specially adapted for under-sea foraging. Additionally, each week we will highlight a special marine animal or group of marine animals: Saturday, January 7: Weird fish With over 80 species of fish from Alaska in our aquariums, some of them are just bound to be a little more weird, a little more cool! Our aquarists are excited to show you some of the weirdest, coolest fish in our aquariums. You will learn more about what makes these fish special and how our team takes care of these amazing animals!   Saturday, January 14: Wolf eels Observe our dive team conduct an underwater feeding of a six foot long wolf eel! Our aquarists and educators will be on hand as we watch the dive team feed the adult wolf eel that lives in a rocky den in our two-story 95,000 gallon aquarium. Next we will head upstairs to observe a feeding of two young wolf eels living in our Kelp Forest tank. Learn about these amazing animals that have fang shaped teeth and an impressive bite force for pulverizing prey - but are typically friendly to divers and can be trained to feed on command. Saturday, January 21: Jellies, nudibranchs, sea cucumbers and other squishy things Join our aquarists and educators to explore the amazing and diverse world of invertebrates. Join the team as we look for newest arrivals in our tanks, observe a feeding and learn more about how we take care of these unique animals. Saturday, January 28: Incredible octopus Meet Gilligan, a giant Pacific octopus in our Octo Grotto and learn more about one of the most intelligent members of the marine world. Our aquarists and educators will share their knowledge about these animals and then we will head up to our research theater to observe a feeding of two younger animals. The Alaska SeaLife Center is open daily during the winter 12 noon - 5 p.m. We offer discounts for Alaska residents, seniors and U.S. military. All Winter FISHtival activities are included in the cost of admission and free to members. For more information on WinterFISHtival Saturdays, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center on Facebook or www.alaskasealife.org. Special winter hotel rates are available at Hotel 360, Breeze Inn and Hotel Seward. For additional information on hotels and restaurants in Seward, contact the Seward Chamber of Commerce at 907-224-8051 or www.seward.com. 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 art available from media@alaskasealife.org; 907-224-6334

Winter Nights Series Tuesday evenings – 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Unwind, connect, and spark your creativity at our SeaLife Winter Nights series. Designed for adults and young adults, these special evenings feature a mix of crafts, games, and interactive activities in a lively, social atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to get creative, connect with friends, or meet new people, this is your chance to experience the aquarium in a whole new way. Cost: $25 per night $175 for eight-night series package Space is limited; advanced reservation suggested – Click here to register Calendar of Events: January 13 – Paint Night: Dive into creativity and paint your own ocean-inspired masterpieces to take home. All supplies provided. January 20 – Ocean Trivia Night: Free Event - How well do you know the sea? Test your ocean IQ - top teams take home prizes. *January 27 – Craft Supply Swap & Create: Free Event - Bring your gently-used craft supplies to trade with others, and participate in a variety of ocean-themed crafts (materials provided). *This activity is open to all ages. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. February 3 – Marine Music Bingo: Free Event - Like Bingo, but with music from a live DJ and an ocean twist! Catch the right songs to win prizes (extensive music knowledge not required). February 10 – Nature Journaling:  Relax, socialize, and create a take-home nature journal as you wander the aquarium for inspiration. Supplies provided! *February 17 – Community Game Night: Free Event - Join us for an evening of friendly competition! Rotate through a variety of nature-themed games and activities and collect tickets for a chance to win prizes. *This activity is open to all ages. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. February 24 – Hand-Build Pottery: Join us for an evening of hands-on creativity! Learn basic pottery techniques and create your own masterpiece with inspiration from the aquarium’s animals. All materials provided – just bring your imagination and curiosity! March 3 – Yoga Under the Sea: Stretch your fins and join us for a serene evening of underwater-inspired yoga at the aquarium.

Winter Nights Series Tuesday evenings – 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Unwind, connect, and spark your creativity at our SeaLife Winter Nights series. Designed for adults and young adults, these special evenings feature a mix of crafts, games, and interactive activities in a lively, social atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to get creative, connect with friends, or meet new people, this is your chance to experience the aquarium in a whole new way. Cost: Events Ranging in price from FREE to $25.00 Space is limited; advanced reservation suggested – Click here to register   Calendar of Events: January 13 – Paint Night: Dive into creativity and paint your own ocean-inspired masterpieces to take home. All supplies provided. January 20 – Ocean Trivia Night: Free Event - How well do you know the sea? Test your ocean IQ - top teams take home prizes. *January 27 – Craft Supply Swap & Create: Free Event - Bring your gently-used craft supplies to trade with others, and participate in a variety of ocean-themed crafts (materials provided). *This activity is open to all ages. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. February 3 – Marine Music Bingo: Free Event - Like Bingo, but with music from a live DJ and an ocean twist! Catch the right songs to win prizes (extensive music knowledge not required). February 10 – Nature Journaling:  Relax, socialize, and create a take-home nature journal as you wander the aquarium for inspiration. Supplies provided! *February 17 – Community Game Night: Free Event - Join us for an evening of friendly competition! Rotate through a variety of nature-themed games and activities and collect tickets for a chance to win prizes. *This activity is open to all ages. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. February 24 – Hand-Build Pottery: Join us for an evening of hands-on creativity! Learn basic pottery techniques and create your own masterpiece with inspiration from the aquarium’s animals. All materials provided – just bring your imagination and curiosity! March 3 – Yoga Under the Sea: Stretch your fins and join us for a serene evening of underwater-inspired yoga at the aquarium.  

Support the Center while you Shop!  There are many ways you can support the Center and one is through purchasing an item on our Amazon Wishlist! By purchasing an item on our list you are making a difference. The items needed range from toys for Animal Enrichment to formula for our Wildlife Response Program. Please include your name, address and email when checking out so we can send you a thank-you! For tracking purposes, you are welcome to forward your purchase confirmation to development@alaskasealife.org so that we can update you on its arrival. Thank you for your support!

2025 Teacher Workshop One Ocean: The Ocean Connects Us All We are partnering with the National Park Service to host a teacher workshop at the Alaska SeaLife Center on October 24-26 for 4th through 8th grade teachers. The theme this year is One Ocean: The Ocean Connects Us All. In this workshop, we will engage in nature journaling, learn local coastal ecology, and use ocean literacy to inspire students to care for their environment. We will also include conversations about cultural connections to the ocean and the value of marine environments to local people. Please submit the following application by September 26: https://forms.gle/s6m1KTxDDbeaBa1N8 If you have any questions, please reach out to the ASLC Education Department at education@alaskasealife.org. In case you didn't already know...  Alaska teachers always receive free general admission to the Alaska SeaLife Center - just present a teacher ID or pay stub at the ticket counter!

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!

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!