A Pacific Northwest industry leader says Southeast Alaska’s cluster initiative could create jobs and grow the economy.
Alaska
Popular beach may have high mercury levels
A popular Juneau recreation area is being checked for mercury contamination. Preliminary tests of Sandy Beach, on Douglas Island, show high levels, mostly likely from a long-closed mine nearby. But officials say there’s no need to stay away.
Judge shoots down Petersburg’s redistricting challenge
The decision, issued Monday, says a new district including Petersburg, part of Juneau and several other small Southeast communities meets the requirements of the Alaska Constitution.
SEARHC hires new president
Charles Clement will take over as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Ship’s return pushes million-passenger mark
Norwegian Cruise Line says it will sail another ship in Alaska waters. Company officials this week announced plans to return the Norwegian Sun to northern service two seasons from now. Its addition raises passenger counts almost to the historic million-cruiser high of the last decade.
Report says sea otters hitting dive fisheries hard
A new report says Southeast Alaska’s sea otter boom has cost the region close to $30 million. Most is income lost as otters consume shellfish and crabs that otherwise would be harvested by commercial divers and fishermen.