Understanding how northern fur seals respond to changes in the distribution and abundance of fish could explain the mysterious decline of fur seals in the Pribilof Islands.
Zoë Sobel, Alaska's Energy Desk
Alaska prepares for vessel disasters
Thousands of vessels move through Alaska’s waters every year. If something goes awry, their cargo and fuel could end up in the ocean. Cleanup efforts for past groundings near Unalaska have proven difficult and costly. But how ready is the state for disaster?
As waters warm, Arctic fish populations change
Researchers have been working since 2009 on an inventory of fish found in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. The compendium details 109 fish found in the area, including 20 species new to the region.
New 3-D map will help monitor climate change in Alaska
Topographic maps created from satellite imagery will enable anyone to observe and document changes such as eroding coastlines or melting glaciers.
Should Alaskans fear diseases frozen in the permafrost?
Scientists have talked about the possibility of epidemics caused by thawing permafrost, but until now, it’s only been a theory. If the Siberian anthrax outbreak is traced back to spores in the permafrost, it would be a troubling development.
Trawling the ocean floor, scientists discover new snailfish
From the Arctic to Antarctica, there are more than 350 different types of snailfish that live in a variety of environments — from shallow tide pools to the depths of the Marianas trench. But biologist Jay Orr says a lot is still unknown about the fish.