Alaska relies on topographic maps that are over 50 years old. These maps, some of which were hand-drawn, are rife with inaccuracies. Rivers flow upstream, mountains are out of place and some features are missing altogether. This year, Alaska hopes to take a big leap forward by completing new maps for over half of the state.
Fisheries
More than $4,000 stolen from local fish processing plant
Sitka’s Superior Court has indicted 27-year-old Derek Daly with burglary and theft felonies for stealing more than $4,000 from a local fish processing plant.
UAS, Juneau Docks and Harbors vie for former NOAA lab on Auke Bay
At one point both the city of Juneau and University of Alaska Southeast were working on a joint plan to acquire the property but that stalled last year. Both have ambitious plans on how to develop the prime waterfront property on Auke Bay.
Evidence suggests harmful algae blooms impact species from humans to whales
There is growing evidence that harmful algae blooms have widespread health impacts on everything from humans to whales.
Former Fish Board nominee charged again with PFD fraud
Roland Maw, 73, has been charged with six felony counts of unsworn falsification and six felony counts of theft.
Alaska mariculture task force get closer to industry plan
Gov. Bill Walker signed an administrative order in early 2015, creating a mariculture task force in hopes of boosting aquatic farming and fisheries. The task force has been examining all areas of the mariculture industry and will present a comprehensive plan to Walker in 2018. The 11-member panel has split its resources into five advisory committees over the past year.