A related study of harbor seals in the Aleutians found a similar decline over a three-year period, with an average decrease of about 10% of their weight.
Arctic
US and Russia update plan to address marine pollution in Bering, Chukchi seas
One of the major new features of the latest Joint Contingency Plan is the addition of what’s called an international coordination officer.
Researchers ask for more Indigenous input in national Arctic science initiative
The National Science Foundation’s Navigating the New Arctic initiative looks at the effects of a warming climate on Arctic communities. But some in the field believe NSF isn’t doing enough to involve Indigenous people who live there.
Biden suspends new leases for oil and gas development on federal lands, including in Alaska
Biden’s order shouldn’t have an immediate impact on oil operations in Alaska because doesn’t it prohibit work on existing oil and gas leases.
Feds arrest 2 after seizing Fentanyl headed to Utqiagvik
Inspectors found 2.4 ounces of blue “M30” pills that contained fentanyl hidden in a vacuum-sealed bag inside the motor housing of an Oster blender.
Biden immediately slams brakes on oil drilling in Arctic refuge
President Joe Biden imposed a “temporary moratorium” on all oil and gas leasing activities in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge shortly after taking office on Wednesday, citing the “alleged legal deficiencies underlying the program” and the inadequacy of a required environmental review.