It’s been a relatively cool and snowy winter here in the Interior, compared with the past couple of winters. But climate experts say the Arctic has been warmer than average. They say that’s why it appears this year’s maximum Arctic sea ice cover, measured near the end of winter, is likely to set another record for the smallest maximum on record.
Oceans
Calls for Hilcorp to shut down leaking Cook Inlet gas line get louder
An ongoing natural gas leak in Cook Inlet is sparking a debate over pipeline safety. Hilcorp says it can’t shut off the flow of gas through the pipeline without risking an oil spill, but a number of environmental groups disagree.
Commercial long-line seasons to open on time
Commercial longliners in Alaska can go fishing March 11 after all. The National Marine Fisheries Service announced March 3 that the start date for halibut and black cod fishing will be March 11. March 11 is the halibut fishing start date approved by the International Pacific Halibut Commission back in January. The National Marine Fisheries Service typically…
Low salmon projections cancel popular Southeast spring king derby
Juneau’s Spring King Salmon Derby won’t happen this year, because there aren’t enough fish. State biologists predict chinook returns will be low this year.
Proper packing becomes more important as mushers kick off from Fairbanks
Mushers are on the rivers heading out of Fairbanks right now, as the 45th Iditarod starts in earnest. This is the second time in three races that the restart has been in Fairbanks. And a lot of the mushers have vivid memories of the 2015 race, so this year, they’re trying to pack accordingly.
Alaska Sea Grant program “hopeful but not confident” funding won’t be cut
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration received a surprise on Friday: The Trump administration is proposing deep cuts to the organization.