The species has been spotted in the Inside Passage before. But sightings are infrequent. A whale found recently near Juneau is thought to have died from a vessel strike.
Oceans
EPA, Alaska seek to relax water pollution rules
The EPA has revived consideration of a 2006 state proposal that would broaden exceptions to Alaska’s clean water rules. Opponents warn it could ease permitting of large-scale projects like Pebble Mine.
Judge blocks Trump administration move to undo Obama ban on Arctic oil leasing
A judge has ruled in favor of environmental groups in their effort to block the Trump administration’s push to re-open large portions of Arctic waters to oil drilling.
International study to shed light on the mysterious lives of salmon at sea
Scientists know surprisingly little about a salmon’s life outside of their freshwater and nearshore habitats. But an ambitious study is attempting to change that.
Groups say they will sue unless EPA renews effort to restrict oil spill dispersants
The plaintiffs say the federal Environmental Protection Agency is shirking its duty to update its rules so they reflect the latest science on how dispersants affect the environment.
China, Russia find common cause in the Arctic
China and Russia are teaming up to pursue their interests in the Arctic. Regional security expert Rebecca Pincus says the United States needs to pay more attention.