C-Notes
C-Notes December 1, 2025
Message from the Dean
This Thursday we will hold a monthly CFOS Advisory Council meeting to discuss ongoing goals and priorities of the college. We are grateful that Interim Chancellor Sfraga will join the meeting to share his thoughts of how CFOS fits with the vision for the future of UAF.
As part of the continued implementation of the CFOS Decadal Plan, we will host our fifth all-hands faculty retreat in Anchorage at the Hotel Captain Cook on Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2026. As with prior faculty retreats, a key goal is to establish specific actions to help advance our academic programs and research activities over the next 1–2 years. Following the retreat, we will hold a reception that will include some of our stakeholders. A detailed agenda will be forthcoming.
Please join me in thanking Ceadar Schmitz-Guy, who has staffed the front desk in the O’Neill Building for the past several years. We are grateful for all his good work and offer our congratulations upon his future graduation from UAF. I’m also pleased to welcome our new student employee, Ayla Benson, a CFOS student who will join the Fairbanks team next week.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is underway for Caitlin’s Whalen’s (University of Washington) MOTIVE 2 cruise, which is funded by the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences. The goal of this research project is to better understand the influence of internal waves on ocean mixing in tropical waters. The work has implications for understanding the El Niño Southern Oscillation and the role of tropical oceans in climate.
CFOS in the News
Schery Umanzor was quoted in a story at CleanTechnica about an effort by CFOS and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to harvest critical minerals from seaweed tissues.
The Maritime Executive and other outlets published articles about R/V Sikuliaq’s upcoming projects off the coast of Antarctica.
The Alaska Beacon published an op-ed written by Emily Seelen and others about the need to build mechanisms to govern marine carbon removal efforts.
Publications
Kotik, C., and J.R. Towers. 2025. Observations on the Death of a Northern Resident Killer Whale. Marine Mammal Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70095
Timm, L.E., S.A. Almgren, J.A. Lopez, J.R. Glass. 2025. Biogeographic structure and mitonuclear discordance reveal cryptic diversity in pacific herring. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72452
Message from the Dean
It is a pleasure to convey that the 2025 CFOS Annual Report is complete and available online. A big thank-you to Jeff Richardson for leading this effort, Putt Clark for publishing the report, and Carol Kaynor for expert editing.
As in prior years, the report captures a number of our exciting research and education programs, including another year of increased student enrollment and total revenues. In particular, since restructuring in 2016, CFOS has more than tripled undergraduate enrollment to 165 students and increased graduate enrollment by over 30% to 143 students (Fall 2025). Total revenues have doubled, making CFOS the second-largest revenue-generating college or research institute at UAF. Our faculty, staff and students can be proud of the growth, impact, and increased national recognition of the college. Thank you, CFOS!
Last week, the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) held its annual meeting in Alexandria, Virginia. As part of the agenda, Sikuliaq featured in discussions of the national need for research vessels and the requisite operation, maintenance and infrastructure support to sustain U.S. global leadership in ocean sciences. These points will be raised this week as part of my planned meetings with the Alaska delegation in Washington, D.C, organized by our government relations team, John Latini and Denai Benson.
Next week is Thanksgiving, and it is my pleasure to thank our faculty, staff and students for all their good work. Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is transiting from Dutch Harbor to Honolulu. Upon arrival, gear will be off-loaded from the Arctic Freeze-Up cruise, and the ship then mobilized for Caitlin Whalen’s (University of Washington) MOTIVE 2 cruise, which is funded by the National Science Foundation Division of Ocean Sciences.
CFOS in the News
The Seattle Times covered research by Hannah Myers that aims to help keep killer whales out of deepwater trawl nets
An opinion column in the Alaska Beacon by Gwenn Hennon, Thomas Kelly, Ana Aguilar-Islas, Seth Danielson and others highlighted the need for community education about the potential effects of marine carbon dioxide removal.
Jessica Glass was featured in a new book, "Letters from the Edge: Stories of Curiosity, Bravery and Discovery" by Jeff Wilser and The Explorers Club, in the chapter Fishing For Answers.
Publications
McTigue, N., K. Iken, [...], M. Włodarska-Kowalczuk, and K.H. Dunton. 2025 Trophic niche variation across the pan-Arctic coastal continuum. PLOS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0335406 target
Grants and Awards for October 2025
New awards for CFOS researchers
- Grant G-17037 "FY26 Support for Marine Scientist Hollmen" - Tuula Hollmen - Alaska SeaLife Center - $222,472.00 (October 1, 2025)
- Grant G-17053 "Environmental Variables and eDNA Assessment for WGOA and SBS" - Jennifer Questel - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $67,008.00 (July 1, 2025)
- Grant G-17054 "Alaska Coastal Marine Institute Administrative Award 2025" - Katrin Iken - BOEM - $67,000.00 (September 11, 2025)
- Grant G-17059 "CLRUP North - Tracking seasonal movement, habitat utilization, and predation of female snow crab in the northern Bering Sea using autonomous underwater gliders" - Andy Seitz - Pacific States Marine Fisheries - $1,423,255.00 (October 1, 2025)
- Grant G-17066 "Climate-Driven Food Web Effects on Species Distribution and Interactions in the Northern Bering Sea" - Franz Mueter - NPRB - $506,069.00 (October 1, 2025)
- Grant G-17072 "StratiFIED-NBS: Stratification and Fronts Influencing Ecosystem Dynamics in the Northern Bering Sea" - Sarah Mincks - NPRB - $2,081,237.00 (October 1, 2025)
- Grant G-17076 "Alaska Ocean Observing Infrastructure II: Moorings, Gliders, HFR" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - $420,916.00 (June 1, 2025)
- Grant G-17078 "Seward Line: Hydrographic winch replacement" - Russ Hopcroft - AOOS - $25,000.00 (June 1, 2025)
Awards controlled by another department
- Grant G-15918 "Arctic Domain Awareness Center (ADAC) - ARCTIC: A COE for Homeland Security in the Arctic" - Jessica Glass - UAA - U.S. Department of Homeland Security - $35,927.00 (September 16, 2025)
Foundation Fund Expense Accounts receiving incremental funding
- 273388 "CFOS Fish Forensics" - Jessica Glass - $950.00
- 270113 "NOSB Support" - Bradley Moran - $9,059.00
- 270704 "Dieter Family Tsunami Bowl Fund" - Bradley Moran - $9,150.00
Grants receiving incremental funding
- Grant G-13379 "NMREC Infrastructure Upgrades" - Andy Seitz - University of Washington - Mod 6 - $112,417.00 (April 7, 2020)
- Grant G-16718 "Investigating The Combined and Separate Influences Of Cloud-sst Feedback Strength and Enso On The Multi-year Predictability Of Subtropical Pacific Sst (sea surface temperature)" - Kay McMonigal - North Carolina State University - $31,592.00 (September 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16853 "2024 Cooperative Training and Research for Alaska Fisheries Science" - Curry Cunningham - NOAA/CMDL - Mod 1 - $943,865.00 (April 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16928 "FY26 Zebra and Quagga Mussel Invasive Risk Project" - Deanna Strohm - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - Mod 1 - $34,055 (July 1, 2025)
Message from the Dean
Last week, the Alaska Ocean Observing System held its fall board meeting in Anchorage, followed by an evening celebration of 21 years of productive research, education and outreach programs related to Alaska’s ocean and coastal waters. The celebratory event provided a wonderful reflection of a great organization and people and an important stakeholder of CFOS. Kudos to director Sheyna Wisdom, former director Molly McCammon, and all the great AOOS staff for making this a productive board meeting and enjoyable evening.
This week, we will hold a meeting with the CFOS Advisory Council to discuss near-term actions and goals, including a focus on increasing our development work with the UAF executive director for university advancement, Tom Hough. Seth Danielson has kindly agreed to present an overview of some of his research and collaborations. This is the first in a series of monthly touch-base (virtual) meetings with the Advisory Council and an opportunity for engagement with our faculty going forward.
As in prior years, CFOS will have a booth at the annual AGU fall meeting, which will take place December 15–19 in New Orleans. We look forward to seeing CFOS researchers present their work—and if you plan to attend, please stop by the booth!
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is in the Beaufort Sea for Maddie Smith’s (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) Arctic Freeze-Up cruise, funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs.
CFOS in the News
Alaska Native News highlighted a collaboration between Hannah Myers and a Bering Sea fishing fleet to reduce killer whale entanglements in bottom-trawl nets.
The Wildlife Society published an article covering new research by emeritus professor Jim Reynolds about the ability of northern pike to survive electrofishing.
National Fisherman highlighted research by PhD student Austin Flanigan on halibut spawning and distribution in the Bering Sea.
Publications
Cynar, H., L.W. Juranek, [...], N.M. Monacci, H.M. Tabisola, and S.E. Stalin. 2025. High-resolution primary and net community productivity estimates in the southeast Bering Sea from moored observations. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. https://doi.org/10.1029/2024JC022013
Reynolds, J.B., and S.M. Roach. 2025. Effects of electroshock-induced spinal injury on survival and growth of Northern Pike. Journal of Wildlife Management. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.70079
Seelanki, V., W. Cheng, P.J. Stabeno, A.J. Hermann, E.J. Drenkard, C.A. Stock, and K. Hedstrom. 2025. Evaluation of a coupled ocean and sea-ice model (MOM6-NEP10k) over the Bering Sea and its sensitivity to turbulence decay scales. Geoscientific Model Development. https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-7681-2025.
Message from the Dean
It is a pleasure to announce that the Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Student Association (FOSSA) is active once again. The first FOSSA meeting will be held Thursday, October 23, at 5 pm in O'Neill 201. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to join. For more information, please contact sfox30@alaska.edu.
Jeff Richardson and Putt Clark are assembling the 2025 CFOS Annual Report, which will highlight some of our cutting-edge research, education and service activities, along with some wonderful pictures of CFOS at work. We anticipate publishing the report in the coming weeks.
After what seems like endless rain this fall, some recent snow and a weekend of chilly temperatures in Fairbanks are reminding us that another Alaska winter wonderland is coming soon.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is currently transiting to the Beaufort Sea for Maddie Smith’s (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) Arctic Freeze-Up cruise, funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs.
CFOS in the News
National Fisherman and other outlets covered a joint effort by CFOS researchers and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to track king salmon smolt as they navigate the Kenai River to Cook Inlet.
The CI Compass news site highlighted the experiences of two student fellows during a recent cybersecurity cruise aboard R/V Sikuliaq.
National Fisherman covered a recent webinar by Peter Westley about the varied effects of climate change on salmon populations.
Publications
Donkersloot, R., H.J. Wayner, D.J. Ringer, A. Salmon, J. Salmon, C. Carothers, J.C. Black, and Igiugig Village Council. 2025. Immeasurable sovereignty: Indigenous well-being, fishery science, and sustainable governance. Ecology and Society. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-16492-300401
Esquible, J., A. Hoffman, D. Ropati, B. Woods, J. Black, R. Donkersloot, M. Williams, W. Justin, J. Leon, C. Stevens, C. Chythlook, T. Wagner, and C. Carothers. 2025. Bridging knowledge systems and perspectives to inform salmon management and research: A Kuskokwim River case study. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72146
Lang, S.Q., C.G. Wheat, K.L. Dickerson, et al. 2025. Hydrogen, single-carbon compounds, and thermal regime in the oceanic ultramafic-dominated lithosphere: insights from a deep borehole on the Atlantis Massif. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016703725005009
Westley, P.A.H., C.J. Cunningham, and I.A. Fleming. 2025. Adaptive morphological plasticity foreshadows local adaptation in an invasive freshwater fish (Salmo trutta): evidence from reciprocal transplants in nature. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2024-0388
Message from the Dean
CFOS benefits greatly from its stakeholders, including the North Pacific Research Board. In this regard, the recent NPRB board meeting included an update on an Arctic Science exhibit at the Anchorage Museum, to open tentatively early May 2026 and run for close to a year. The exhibit will showcase R/V Sikuliaq and a range of Arctic marine science and education projects, several of which include CFOS researchers and students. Many thanks to NPRB leadership and staff, particularly Brendan Smith, and to the Anchorage Museum for envisioning an exhibit that will raise public awareness of important Alaskan and Arctic marine scientific research.
Further, NPRB recommended funding for two large Northern Bering Sea Integrated Ecosystem Research Program projects that include significant CFOS involvement. One project will be led by Sarah Mincks and colleagues and will study lower trophic ecosystem dynamics. A second IERP project will be co-led by Franz Mueter and will focus on offshore fisheries. These two projects combined include approximately $3.5M in external funding and will utilize R/V Sikuliaq. Congratulations to all participants in successfully competing for this important NPRB research program.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq has been moored at the Seward Marine Center for maintenance and repairs, and will head to Nome this week in support of Maddie Smith’s (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) Arctic Freeze-Up cruise, funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs.
CFOS in the News
W&M News covered research by CFOS postdoc Sean Hardison about the importance of diversity in stabilizing commercial fisheries. Hardison conducted the research as a University of Virginia Ph.D. student.
The Alaska Ocean Acidification Network news site highlighted the 4-H pH Project, a joint UAF youth education program in Sitka led by Natalie Monacci.
Publications
Doherty, S.C., C.A. Choy, N.L. Paul, and H.G. Close. 2025. Microbial and metazoan activity in Monterey Bay, CA recorded in nitrogen isotope ratios of sinking and suspended particles. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JC022372
Drenkard, E.J., C.A. Stock, […], K. Hedstrom, et al. 2025. A regional physical–biogeochemical ocean model for marine resource applications in the Northeast Pacific. Geoscientific Model Development. https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-5245-2025.
Luck, E., H.J. Myers, and K.R. Criddle. 2025. A global review of operational fishery interactions with killer whales (Orcinus orca): dynamics, impacts, and management strategies. Frontiers in Marine Science. http://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1629516
Waga, H., and M.A. Johnson. 2025. Optical classification of water types in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Advances in Remote Sensing. https://doi.org/10.4236/ars.2025.143009
Grants and Awards for September 2025
New awards for CFOS researchers
- Grant G-16355 "EMBRACE-OCE Seed: Variability and trends in Agulhas Current water mass properties" - Kay McMonigal - NSF - $199,999.00 (September 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16925 "Hydrographic Monitoring and Assessment of Coastal Resources in Alaskan Parks" - Seth Danielson - NPS - $220,092.00 (September 10, 2025)
- Grant G-16957 "NSF R212: Building Climate Change Resilience Along Permafrost River Corridors in Alaska" - Emily Seelen - NSF - $50,288.00 (September 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16980 "Tamamta (All of Us): Amplifying and Sustaining Program Impact" - Courtney Carothers - Moore Foundation - $1,250,000.00 (August 15, 2025)
- Grant G-16983 "FY26 UAF Technical Support at Amchitka Island Underground Nuclear Test Sites" - Doug Dasher - Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation - $14,463.19 (July 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16990 "One Health Community-based Toxicant Assessment for Select NW Alaska Residents" - Ellen Chenoweth - Texas A&M AgriLife Research - $61,744.00 (May 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16999 "FY26 Assessment of Foraging Habitat Conditions for Steller's Eiders at Nelson Lagoon, Alaska" - Tuula Hollmen - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $71,967.00 (July 1, 2025)
Awards controlled by another department
- Grant G-15802 "NNA Collaboratory: ACTION - Alaska Coastal Cooperative for Co-producing Transformative Ideas and Opportunities in the North" - Kay McMonigal - GI - NSF - Mod 2 - $16,322.00 (October 1, 2023)
- Grant G-16180 "BII: Evolving Meta-Ecosystems in the Arctic" - Peter Westley - IARC - Woodwell Climate Research Center - Mod 3 - $100,450.00 (April 1, 2024)
Award set up on assumption
- Grant G-16982 "Killer Whale behavior around Amendment 80 trawl vessels and gear modifications to reduce bycatch risk" - Hannah Myers - Oregon State University - $25,000.00 (July 1, 2025)
Awards receiving incremental funding
- Grant G-15696 "LTER NGA Phase II: Resilience and Connectivity Across Transitions in the Northern Gulf of Alaska Ecosystem" - Russ Hopcroft - NSF - Mods 3 and 4 - $1,275,000.00 and $1,275,000.00 (October 1, 2023)
- Grant G-16570 "University of Alaska Fairbanks / Sikuliaq Ship Operations CY2025-2028" - Bradley Moran- NSF - Mod 6 - $6,719,250.00 (January 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16577 "Using Satellite-Tracked Autonomous Drifting Buoys to Advance Search and Rescue Capabilities of Yup'ik Coastal Communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta" - Thilo Klenz - AOOS - Mod 1 - $50,000.00 (September 1, 2024)
Foundation Fund Expense Account awards receiving incremental funding
- 270224 "Tamamta Fellowship" - Courtney Carothers - $14,250.00
- 270357 "Rasmuson Fisheries Research Center Fellowships" - $236,075.00
Message from the Dean
Last week, the CFOS CFOS Advisory Council held a virtual meeting that included several new members. This was largely an introductory briefing to provide an overview of the growth and breadth of our college; specifically, our faculty, staff and student numbers (now over 450), revenues (doubled since CFOS was restructured in 2016), diverse research activities, academic programs, major facilities and ship operations, and development efforts. It is a pleasure to thank the Council for their valued input, and I look forward to working together to promote greater awareness, advocacy and support for the college.
The North Pacific Research Board will hold its fall board meeting this week in Anchorage, which will include discussions of core programs, the Northern Bering Sea Integrated Ecosystem Research Program, partnerships, and other board matters. Subsequently, the Alaska SeaLife Center will hold its annual fall retreat and board meeting in Seward to discuss strategic planning, governance, finance, development and community outreach. As in prior years, I look forward to engaging with the NPRB and ASLC boards and staff to help advance their respective missions.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is moored at the UAF Seward Marine Center for a monthlong maintenance and repair period.
CFOS in the News
Several publications, including Discover Wildlife and MSN, highlighted research aboard Sikuliaq on the thriving community of diatoms that live in Arctic sea ice.
Seth Danielson was quoted in an Alaska Public Media story about a recently discovered message in a bottle that traveled from Utqiagvik to Scotland.
Accomplishments
Emily Seelen was selected to be part of the COMPASS mCRD Communications Leaders Cohort, a group of scientists working with COMPASS to serve as reliable sources of information about marine carbon dioxide removal.
Publications
Brauner, M., J. Cohen, B.R. Briggs, and G.M.M. Hennon. 2025. Identifying potential keystone microbes from co-occurrence networks in the Gulf of Alaska. Frontiers in Marine Sciences: Aquatic Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1646100
Ortega, E.L.S., A. Meier, S.L. Danielson, K. McMonigal, and A.M. Aguilar-Islas. 2025. Drivers of spatiotemporal distributions of macro- and micronutrients (Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn) in the Northern Gulf of Alaska. JGR Oceans. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JC022558
Womble, J.N., C.L. Amundson, A.K. Bliss, M.R. Bower, S.L. Danielson, D.S. Goodwin, M.G. Loso, J.M. Questel, and T.R. Ziomek. 2025. Expansion of the Southeast Alaska Network Vital Signs Monitoring Program to the Outer Coasts of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Science Report NPS/SR—2025/349, National Park Service. https://doi.org/10.36967/2315213
Message from the Dean
Last week, UAF Interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga toured our Lena Point facility. My thanks to Mike for taking time from a busy schedule to learn more about our research activities and academic programs, and to Gabrielle Hazelton for coordinating this visit.
We are actively working on the 2025 Annual Report, to be published later this semester, which will feature some of our outstanding academic and research programs, major facilities, and amazing people that help make CFOS great. Speaking of which, our fall 2025 enrollment numbers indicate increases of 8% and 14% in undergraduate and graduate students, respectively. These impressive enrollment trends, combined with a striking 33% year-over-year increase in total FY25 revenues ($71.8M), underscore the growth, breadth and depth of our diverse academic and research programs. Bravo CFOS!
We will host a Coffee with the Dean this Thursday at 9 am in the O’Neill Dean’s Office suite—hope to see you there!
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq has just completed glider recoveries for Mark Zumberge (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) and Andrew Newman (Georgia Tech) for their three-year geodetic experiment to assess tools for geophysical hazard monitoring. Their projects are funded by the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences. Sikuliaq is currently moored at the UAF Seward Marine Center for a monthlong maintenance and repair period.
CFOS in the News
Arctic Focus highlighted work by Hank Statscewich and the Oceans Glider Lab that helps the Alaska Department of Fish and Game study the struggling Bering Sea snow crab population.
Alaska Business Magazine covered research by Schery Umanzor to determine whether rare-earth elements can be extracted from seaweed in Southeast Alaska.
The Nome Nugget summarized a recent Strait Science lecture by Katrin Iken that highlighted the recent Arctic Collaborative Ecosystem cruise aboard R/V Sikuliaq.
A column by Andrés López in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner focused on work by researchers at CFOS and the University of Alaska Museum of the North on genetic variations among herring.
Publications
Kruse, G.H., R. Ruiz-Diaz, T. Loher, and B.J. Daly. 2025. Report of the 2024 snow crab workshop: Clawing Their Way Back; A comparative Newfoundland – Alaska snow crab workshop toward sustainable management in uncertain times. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Divisions of Sport Fish and Commercial Fisheries, Special Publication 25-11. http://bit.ly/3JO77ew
Lee, S.B., S.L. Dykstra, R. Gomez-Sanchez, C. Wilkenson, R. Estrada, N. McGuire, D.A. Jay, S.A. Talke. 2025. Recovery of daily water levels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, 1915-2023. Geoscience Data Journal. https://doi.org/10.1002/gdj3.70018
Veazey, L., C. Latty, Z. Chapman, and T.E. Hollmen. 2025. Applying computer vision to accelerate monitoring and analysis of bird incubation behaviors: a case study using common eider nest camera footage. Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation. http://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.70022
Westley, P.A.H., A.H. Dittman, B.W. Nelson, M.H. Bond, M. Payne, T.P. Quinn. 2025. In and out: factors influencing two decades of straying and homing by Pacific salmon within the Columbia River basin. The Royal Society. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250447
Grants and Awards for August 2025
New awards for CFOS researchers
- Grant G-16928 "FY26 Zebra and Quagga Mussel Invasive Risk Project" - Deanna Strohm - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $24,913.00 (July 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16945 "Yukon River Chinook and Chum Salmon Juvenile Abundance and Ecology 2025" - Curry Cunningham - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $23,907.00 (May 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16962 "Condition of Salmon - SPV Lipid Analysis" - Megan McPhee - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $30,000.00 (July 1, 2025)
Awards controlled by another department
- Grant G-16442 "Research Advising and Mentoring Professionals for Underrepresented Peoples (RAMP UP)" - Ellen Chenoweth - RC Center for One Health - NIH - Mod 3 - $91,960.00 (September 15, 2024)
Awards receiving incremental funding
- Grant G-14786 "Gulf Watch Alaska Long-Term Research and Monitoring Program: Nearshore Component" - Katrin Iken - AOOS - Mod 5 - $148,330.00 (February 1, 2022)
- Grant G-14930 "The Seward Line: Marine Ecosystem monitoring in the Northern Gulf of Alaska" - Russ Hopcroft - Mod 5 - $233,269.00 (June 1, 2022)
- Grant G-14947 "Oceanographic Station GAK-1 Long Term Monitoring of the Alaska Coastal Current" - Seth Danielson - Mod 5 - $187,741.00 (June 1, 2022)
- Grant G-14948 "Pacific herring and pink salmon trophic interactions in Prince William Sound, Alaska" - Kristen Gorman - Mod 5 - $51,521.00 (June 1, 2022)
- Grant G-14969 "Mariculture-Benthic Ecosystem" - Brenda Konar - Mod 6 - $157,408.00 (July 1, 2022)
- Grant G-14970 "Assessment of seeding density, pre-harvest trimming, and environmental conditions or the performance of farmed kelp" - Schery Umanzor - AOOS - Mod 5 - $98,690.00 (July 1, 2022)
- Grant G-14996 "Pelagic Interactions" - Amanda Kelley - AOOS - Mod 5 - $218,280.00 (July 1, 2022)
- Grant G-15161 "AMBON - Linking biodiversity observations in the Arctic" - Katrin Iken - NASA - Mod 3 - $210,000.00 (September 1, 2022)
- Grant G-15438 "Examine health metrics of Copper River sockeye salmon stocks to inform management decision making" - Kristen Gorman - Mod 5 - $41,712.00 (April 13, 2023)
- Grant G-16570 "University of Alaska Fairbanks/Sikuliaq Ship Operations CY2025-2028" - Bradley Moran - NSF- Mods 4 and 5 - $150,000.00 and $3,500,000.00 (January 1, 2025)
Message from the Dean
As we have now kicked off the fall semester, it is a pleasure to welcome everyone back! As always, our outstanding faculty, staff and students are working hard to advance many exciting research, academic and outreach activities. One important near-term goal is preparing to meet with the new CFOS Advisory Council in the coming weeks, which will include a discussion of priorities of the college with UAF Interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga. There are many notable aspects of our college to highlight, including new faculty and staff hires, sustained strong enrollment in our graduate and undergraduate programs, growth of our research portfolio, and outstanding operation of major facilities including R/V Sikuliaq.
Please join me in congratulating our summer 2025 graduates:
Keith Herron, M.S. Fisheries, Tamamta program; Major Advisors: Peter Westley and Jessica Black
Elizabeth Hinkle, Ph.D. Fisheries; Major Advisor: Jeff Falke
Jonah Jossart, M.S. Marine Biology; Major Advisors: Sarah Mincks, Amanda Kelley
Emily Ortega, Ph.D. Oceanography; Major Advisor: Ana Aguilar-Islas
Isaac Reister, Ph.D. Oceanography; Major Advisor: Seth Danielson
Audrey Rowe, Ph.D. Interdisciplinary; Major Advisor: Matthew Wooller
Felicia Holman, B.S. Fisheries and Marine Sciences, concentration Fisheries Science
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is underway for the Arctic Collaborative Ecosystem cruise, which is funded by the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences as part of a barter agreement with NOAA. The expedition includes several research programs: the Distributed Biological Observatory (Jackie Grebmeier, University of Maryland); NOAA Ecosystems and Fisheries Oceanographic Investigations (Phyllis Stabeno, NOAA Pacific Marine Environment Laboratory); the Arctic Marine Biodiversity Observing Network (chief scientist Katrin Iken, CFOS); and the Chukchi Ecosystem Observatory (Seth Danielson, CFOS). The 17-day cruise will collect water column, zooplankton, benthic macrofauna, sediment and epibenthic organism samples, as well as conduct mooring retrievals.
Accomplishments
CFOS students Sydney Almgren and Erica Ebert have been awarded 2025 Alaska Sea Grant State Fellowships. The new group of fellows also includes CFOS alumni Emma Luck and Emily Reynolds.
CFOS in the News
Scientific American mentioned R/V Sikuliaq’s growing role in Antarctic research in an article about NSF’s decision to stop operating the icebreaker Nathaniel B. Palmer.
Andrés López was quoted in a Northern Journal article about sculpin and their role in detecting pollution from industrial mining.
Message from the Dean
There is big news on the horizon for R/V Sikuliaq. The National Science Foundation has officially confirmed the ship will be headed south in the coming months to support three research projects off Antarctica, including work off Hawaii and Tahiti en route via Chilean waters to the Southern Ocean. The decision to use Sikuliaq reflects extremely well on our top-notch operations. Congratulations to our captain, crew, marine superintendent and the entire shoreside staff as they look forward to several months of work in the southern hemisphere. Bravo Zulu team Sikuliaq!
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is in Nome mobilizing for Jackie Grebmeier’s (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences) project, the Distributed Biological Observatory-Ecological Fisheries Oceanography Investigations/Arctic Marine Biodiversity Observation Network-Chukchi Ecosystem Observatory (DBO-EcoFOCI/AMBON-CEO). Katrin Iken is chief scientist for this cruise. Ship time is funded by the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences through a barter agreement with NOAA. The 17-day cruise will occupy DBO stations to collect water column samples, zooplankton, benthic macrofauna, sediment, and epibenthic organisms, and to conduct mooring retrievals.
CFOS in the News
Alaska Native News highlighted the Convergence Research Cruise aboard R/V Sikuliaq, which is working to help several Alaska communities respond to hazards attributed to environmental change. Kay McMonigal is one of the leaders of the project.
The Wildlife Society published a story on its website about new research by Emily Reynolds and Brenda Konar on sea otter behavior around oyster farms.
Publications
Dittrich, M.C., L.A. Meyer, M.S. Stekoll, A.L. Kelley, and S. Umanzor. 2025. Indoor cultivation protocols for Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis from Alaska: effects of temperature, light, and nutrients. Journal of Applied Phycology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-025-03594-x.
Grants and Awards for July 2025
New awards for CFOS researchers
- Grant G-16682 "Ecological interactions: Spatial and temporal distributions of Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) and pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) in Prince William Sound, Alaska" - Kristen Gorman - Oil Spill Recovery Institute - $30,000.00 (July 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16758 "Addressing the burden of parasitism in Alaska marine fishes" - Andres Lopez - NPRB - $51,920.00 (July 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16790 "Diet Assessment of Alaskan Oysters Across Age Classes using Metabarcoding and Stable isotopes" - Amanda Kelley - NPRB - $190,835.00 (July 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16839 "Quantifying effects of thiamine deficiency on marine survival of Chinook Salmon in the Gulf of Alaska" - Megan McPhee - Pacific Salmon Commission - $32,868.00 (March 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16851 "EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (EGFP): EMERGE Alaska" - Jessica Glass - NSF - $1,908,000.00 (July 15, 2025)
- Grant G-16853 "2024 Cooperative Training and Research for Alaska Fisheries Science" - Curry Cuningham - NOAA - $324,500.00 (April 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16874 "University of Alaska Fairbanks/Sikuliaq Oceanographic Instrumentation 2025" - Julian Race-Moore - NSF - $972,517.00 (July 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16875 "Second-Generation consequences of sockeye salmon enhancement in Auke Creek, Alaska Final Year" - Megan McPhee - Pacific Salmon Commission - $26,840.00 (July 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16890 "Collaborative Research: Research Infrastructure: Shared Unified Research Fleet IT Support for the ARF, Pilot Projects (SURF-IT)" - Julian Race-Moore- NSF - $103,282.00 (July 15, 2025)
Award controlled by another department
- Grant G-13850 "CICOES Year 5" - Curry Cunningham - $86,500.00 (July 1, 2020)
Awards receiving incremental funding
- FFEA 270903 "Ladd Macaulay Fisheries Endowment" - Andy Seitz - $100,000.00
- FFEA 270678 "Tsujita Seminar Series" - Katrin Iken - $2,500.00
- FFEA 270596 "Ted Stevens Distinguished Professor" - Keith Criddle - $190,930.00
- Grant G-15721 "Understanding Trophic Interactions between zooplankton and fish in the coastal Gulf of Alaska and southeastern Bering Sea" - Alexei Pinchuk - Alaska Department of Fish & Game - Mod 2 - $191,243.00 (May 1, 2023)
- Grant G-15892 "CY2023-CY2028 R/V Sikuliaq ONR Ship Days" - Doug Baird - ONR - Mod 3 - $1,663,306.40 (December 1, 2023)
- Grant G-16570 "University of Alaska Fairbanks/Sikuliaq Ship Operations CY2025-2028" - Bradley Moran - NSF - Mod 3 - $2,000,000.00 (January 1, 2025)
Award set up on assumption
- Grant G-16811 "FY26 JSAT tagging Chinook salmon smolt in Cook Inlet" - Andy Seitz - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $50,000.00 (July 1, 2025)
Foundation Fund Expense Account awards
- FFEA 273328 "Consumption indexes snow crab collapse" - Franz Mueter - $59,670.00 (July 1, 2025)
- FFEA 273329 "Herring Population genomics" - Laura Timm - $140,063.00 (July 1, 2025)
- FFEA 273330 "Chandler FY26 NGOA Award" - Scott Chandler (Peter Westley) - $10,000.00 (JUly 1, 2025)
- FFEA 273331 "Fox FY26 NGOA Award" - Sof Fox (Jessica Glass) - $10,000.00 (July 1, 2025)
- FFEA 273332 "Guo FY26 NGOA Award" - Chris Guo (Brenda Konar) - $5,000.00 (July 1, 2025)
- FFEA 273337 "Borsky FY26 NGOA Award" - Alex Borsky (Kristen Gorman) - $10,000.00 (July 1, 2025)
Message from the Dean
Last week in Seward, tours of Sikuliaq were conducted for several government officials, including Tanya Lautaret from Sen. Murkowski’s office, Elaina Spraker from Sen. Sullivan’s office, and Jill Schaefer from Gov. Dunleavy’s office. It is a pleasure to thank the captain, crew and marine superintendent for taking time to explain the ship’s capabilities while overseeing a busy mobilization for the next cruise.We have made some changes to the CFOS Advisory Council, and it is a pleasure to convey that the following individuals have agreed to each serve three-year terms; please join me in welcoming Dr. James Austin, Dr. Robert Byrd (MS, 1970), Dr. Craig Dorman and Dr. Gordon Kruse to the council.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is underway for the Alaska Coastal Cooperative Convergence cruise, which is led by UAF’s Chris Maio and Kay McMonigal and funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs. The 16-day cruise will run from Seward to Nome, making stops for research operations and community workshops along the way. Participants will include Indigenous representatives from partner communities, project scientists, students, educators, filmmakers, and publicists.
CFOS in the News
The Sacramento Bee and other publications published a story about Ellen Chenoweth’s recent paper documenting the first bowhead whale sighting in Southeast Alaska.
UAF News highlighted a new $1.9 million NSF grant through EPSCoR that will fund 12 new Ph.D. students at CFOS starting in 2026.
UAF News covered research by Brenda Konar and former CFOS grad student Emily Reynolds about sea otters’ interactions with Kachemak Bay oyster farms.
Message from the Dean
The Chancellor’s office recently charged UAF colleges and research institutes to consider the impact at the unit level of a hypothetical 20% decrease in federal grant funding and associated facilities and administration costs. As such, the Dean’s Office is preparing a response to this request with the goal of sustaining our academic and research programs and facility operations. Once we have transmitted our response to UAF leadership this week, these financial projections will be shared with the college while addressing any questions.
In the meantime, I feel confident that CFOS remains in a relatively good financial position and focused on growth of our academic and research programs. I fully appreciate your concerns in the face of possible significant reductions in federal agency research funding. Please be assured that I am committed to supporting our mission and the people that make our college proud.
On a somewhat related note, and bear in mind that I rarely call out specific PI grants, Jessica Glass’s (lead PI; co-PIs Brenda Konar, Ana Aguilar-Islas, Rich Collins) $1.9 million NSF proposal was funded through the NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (NSF EGFP). The project will provide support for 12 PhD students over three years. Congratulations to Jessica and team on this important award that will support our growing graduate academic program!
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is underway in support of Russ Hopcroft’s Northern Gulf of Alaska Long-Term Ecological Research study, funded by the National Science Foundation Division of Ocean Sciences. Following the completion of the NGA LTER cruise this coming weekend, several tours of Sikuliaq will be hosted prior to the Alaska Coastal Cooperative Convergence cruise, led by UAF faculty Chris Maio and Kay McMonigal and funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs.
Accomplishments
Incoming graduate student Willa Johnson has been awarded a 2025 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.
CFOS in the News
KDLG public media interviewed Curry Cunningham about a projected increase in the size of Bristol Bay sockeye salmon this year.
The Tamamta program and research by graduate student Eugene Peltola II were highlighted in the Juneau Empire’s “Woven Peoples and Place” column. Sonia Ibarra wrote the introduction to the column.
Publications
Breckenridge J.K., E.A. Pakhomov, B.P.V. Hunt, A.I. Pinchuk, and M. Galbraith. 2025. Basin-scale zooplankton composition in the Eastern Subarctic Pacific in the winter-spring. Progress in Oceanography. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2025.103526
Chenoweth, E.M., K.E.W. Shelden, R.M. Christianson, and W.R. Johnson. 2025. First Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus) Sighting in Southeast Alaska: An Extralimital Southern Excursion of this Arctic-Adapted Species. Aquatic Mammals. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.51.4.2025.311
Chenoweth, E.M., P. Cotter, J. Straley, K. Lanphier. 2025. Community-Based, Culturally Relevant STEM: Engaging Rural and Indigenous Students Through Partnerships, Institutional Flexibility, and One Health. Innovative Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-025-09819-8
Maliguine, A.M., T.E. Hollmen, C.L. Amundson, and B.H. Konar. 2025. Changes in benthic prey availability and quality suggest less favorable foraging conditions for Threatened Steller’s eiders (Polysticta stelleri) molting at Izembek Lagoon, Alaska. Polar Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-025-03403-8
Myers, H.J., D.W. Olsen, B.H. Konar, A. Whitney, K. Birch, P. Dugan, F.J. Mueter, R.A. Guazzo, L.A. Horstmann, and C.O. Matkin. 2025. Killer whale call detection rates vary among subspecies and populations in the North Pacific. Nature Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06041-6
Palmer, K.J., E. Cummings, M.G. Dowd, K. Frasier, [...] H. Myers, et al. 2025. A public dataset of annotated Orcinus orca acoustic signals for detection and ecotype classification. Nature Scientific Data. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05281-5
Pilcher, D. J., J.N. Cross, N. Monacci, L. Mu, Kearney, K. A., Hermann, A. J., and Cheng, W.: Amplified bottom water acidification rates on the Bering Sea shelf from 1970–2022, Biogeosciences. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-3103-2025
Reynolds, E., B.H. Konar, and L.A. Horstmann, 2025. Sea otter interactions with mariculture oyster farms. The Journal of Wildlife Management. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.70055
Seelen, E.A., S.J. Gleich, W. Kumler, H.S. Anderson, et al. 2025. Nitrogen and phosphorus differentially control marine biomass production and stoichiometry. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61061-0
Watson, J.C., Edwards, M.S. and Konar, B.H., 2025. Sea otters and rocky reef communities. Sea Otter Conservation II. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-18805-3.00011-2
Grants and Awards for June 2025
New awards for CFOS researchers:
- Grant G-16783 "Genomics for chum salmon stock identification - KRITFC" - Megan McPhee - Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission - $247,500.00 (May 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16816 "Student Training in Fisheries and Natural Resource Stewardship in Alaska" - Peter Westley - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - $20,000.00 (January 1, 2025)
Awards controlled by another department:
- Grant G-16758 "Experimental Arctic Prediction Initiative (EAPI)" - Curry Cunningham - IARC - NOAA - $121,830.00 (September 1, 2023)
Awards receiving incremental funding:
- FFEA 270224 "Tamamta Fellowship" - Courtney Carothers - $50,715.75 (July 1, 2022)
- Grant G-14399 "AccelNet-Implementation: Crustal Ocean Biosphere Research Center Accelerator (COBRA)" - Geoff Wheat - Bigelow Labs - Mod 5 - $15,000.00 (October 1, 2021)
- Grant G-15074 "AMBON - linking biodiversity observations in the Arctic" - Katrin Iken - ONR - Mod 4 - $26,757.00 (September 1, 2022)
- Grant G-16058 "Telemetry and genetic identity of Chinook salmon in Alaska (2)" - Andy Seitz - Department of the Navy - Mod 2 - $530,346.58 (April 12, 2024)
- Grant G-16258 "Characterization of water column habitats to understand potential impacts from deepwater energy and mineral development in the Pacific Ocean" - Russ Hopcroft - BOEM - Mod 1 - $173,001.00 (July 29, 2024)
- Grant G-16293 "Southeast Alaska Trolling Vessel Ocean Measurement Program" - Tyler Hennon - AOOS - Mod 2 - $87,012.00 (August 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16518 "AOOS - Alaska BOL IRA" - Natalie Monacci - AOOS - Mod 1 - $79,000.00 (August 1, 2024)
Message from the Dean
As we close out the first half of 2025, it is worth reflecting on a few important accomplishments to date. We continue to see strong enrollment in our undergraduate and graduate degree programs. We hired new faculty and staff, including Krista Oke as assistant professor of fisheries, Luke Canady as financial manager, and Makiko Shmagin as procurement technician. Our world-class research programs and major facilities are second to none, and we continue to operate Sikuliaq under a new cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. Taken together, we can be proud of our collective expertise and capabilities in delivering excellence in research, instruction and outreach. Thank you CFOS for all your good work.
We have made a great visual improvement to make our website more dynamic and attractive for recruiting, so take a look at the new home page. This will be updated with new video clips in the future, so please consider submitting a video for consideration to post.
CFOS can now claim a presence from the deep sea to the highest mountain in North America. Kudos to CFOS research staff Hank Statscewich for his successful summit of Denali last week, and waving the CFOS flag at 20,310 feet above sea level. Congrats, Hank!
Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is underway for Russ Hopcroft’s 2025 summer Northern Gulf of Alaska Long-Term Ecological Research (NGA-LTER) cruise. This research cruise is funded by the National Science Foundation.
CFOS in the News
KCAW public media published a brief summary of R/V Sikuliaq’s recent trip to the Sitka area during a science cruise.
Publications
McMonigal, K., S.M. Larson, M. Gervais, J.M. Klavans, et al. 2025. Fingerprints of AMOC decline
are sensitive to external and mechanistic forcing. Geophysical Research Letters. https://doi.org/10.1029/
Sinnott-Armstrong, N., D. Forsythe, J.M. Benoit, C.R. Chappell, [...], K. McMonigal, et al. 2025. Protect transgender scientists. Science. https://doi.org/10.1126/
Message from the Dean
It is a pleasure to convey that Dr. Krista Oke has accepted the offer for the tenure-track assistant professor position in the Department of Fisheries. Krista completed her PhD at McGill University, conducted multiple postdocs, and is currently a research assistant professor at Alaska Pacific University. Her research focuses on understanding organisms’ responses to environmental change, and she aims to advance ecosystem-based fisheries management of Alaska fisheries. Our thanks to Peter Westley for chairing this faculty search and to committee members Courtney Carothers, Kristen Gorman, Andrés López, Lindsey McCulloch and Megan McPhee. Krista will be based at our Lena Point facility with a start date of May 2026. Please join me in welcoming Krista to CFOS.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is underway in support of Drew Steen’s (University of Southern California) Enzyme Stability 2 cruise. Researchers are collecting deep sediment cores from the Gulf of Alaska to examine adaptations of microbes to low-energy environments. The project is funded by the National Science Foundation.
CFOS in the News
Gwenn Hennon was interviewed for the May 29 episode of KMXT’s Alaska Fisheries Report about a controversial plan to boost carbon intake in the Gulf of Alaska by seeding it with iron dust.
Alaska Native News covered ongoing research by Curry Cunningham and graduate student Elena Eberhardt on the environmental conditions that best support Bristol Bay sockeye populations.
UAF News published a story about a new ocean acidification education program created by Natalie Monacci and other UAF researchers for Sitka 4-H students.
IFL Science and other publications covered research by Kay McMonigal on the effects of climate change–driven winds on the North Atlantic warming hole.
Publications
Hawco, N.J, T.M. Conway, S.N. Coesel, B. Barone, E.A. Seelen, et al. 2025. Anthropogenic iron alters the spring phytoplankton bloom in the North
Pacific transition zone. PNAS. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.
Maes, S.M., A.I. Pinchuk, F. Mueter, H. Christiansen, B. Hellemans, R. ten Boer, F.A.M. Volckaert, and H. Flores. 2025.
DNA metabarcoding reveals surprisingly diverse diet in under-ice polar cod during
autumn. Polar Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/
Grants and Awards for May 2025
New awards for CFOS researchers
- Grant G-16748 "Red Ribbon seaweed as a new species for mariculture in Alaska" - Michael Stekoll - Southeast Conference - $150,000.00 (April 15, 2025)
- Grant G-16755 "Cook Inlet Pelagic Habitats: Zooplankton" - Alexei Pinchuk - USGS Alaska Climate Science Center - $5,706.00 (March 28, 2025)
- FFEA 273295 "Casual Modeling and Salmon Carrying Capacity" - Megan McPhee - PCCRC - $42,660.00 (May 1, 2025)
Awards receiving incremental funding
- Grant G-15074 "AMBON-linking biodiversity observations in the Arctic" - Katrin Iken - ONR - $25,000.00 (September 1, 2022)
Message from the Dean
Field season is now in full swing, with many of our faculty, researchers and students actively engaged in making new observations and creating new knowledge. This collective information is vital to the effective management and prediction of our marine and freshwater ecosystems. In this regard, it is worth bearing in mind the importance and legacy of work that began 65 years ago with the formation of the Institute of Marine Science. As always, please be safe in the field, and thank you for your important work, CFOS.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is underway for Dee Emrich’s (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) Ocean Observatories Initiative Station Papa 2025 cruise. Two projects are piggybacking onto the OOI Papa ship time: Andrey Sherbina’s (University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory) Waverider project and Patrick Berk’s (NOAA) Papa project. Sikuliaq will return to Seward later this week and begin preparations for Drew Steen’s (University of Southern California) Enzyme Stability 2 cruise.
Accomplishments
Graduate students Julia Matteucci and Savannah Sandy received NPRB Graduate Student Research Awards.
CFOS in the News
KCAW public radio interviewed Tyler Hennon about a citizen science partnership with Southeast Alaska trollers to gather oceanography data.
Numerous publications, including the New York Times, covered the rescue of a Seward man who became trapped under a 700-pound boulder during a hike. Sam Paperman, a temporary employee in Sikuliaq’s engineering department and a volunteer firefighter, was one of the first responders at the scene.
Publications
Ali, A.M., M.M. Nawareg, A.H. Elgetany, M.H. Bahnasawy, R.R. Hopcroft, and W.S. El-Tohamy. 2025. The seasonal evaluation of heavy metals in sardines from
the Mediterranean coast of Damietta, Egypt. Marine Pollution Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
Lefebvre, K.A., C.M. Campbell, L.M. Divine, P. Melovidov, H. Hellen, K. Burek-Huntington, et al. 2025. Saxitoxin linked to deaths of northern fur seals
in the southeast Bering Sea. Marine Mammal Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.
Message from the Dean
The UAF Arctic Research Open House was held last Thursday, providing an excellent showcase of our research and service efforts. This year’s event featured a variety of hands-on activities and demonstrations, which drew hundreds of community members to the O’Neill Building.
A big thank-you to all the volunteers who helped make the event a great success: Jeff Richardson, Brian Crandall, Putt Clark, Carol Kaynor, Steve Dykstra, Lara Horstmann, Caitlin Smoot, and Elizabeth Stockmar, as well as students Noelle Picard, Chelsea Campbell, Eli Gomez, Mary Pontbriand, Blake Brady, Rory Claussen and Coral Stellon-O’Donnell.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is underway for Dee Emrich’s (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) Ocean Observatories Initiative Station Papa cruise. This year there are two ancillary projects piggybacking onto the OOI Papa ship time: Andrey Sherbina’s (University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory) Waverider project and Patrick Berk’s (NOAA) Papa project.
Accomplishments
Graduate student Sof Fox received a 2025 NPRB Graduate Student Research Award.
A photo by Sarah Spanos inspired an illustration of R/V Sikuliaq in the new NSF Facilities Coloring Book.
Graduate student Tamsen Peeples won the first-place award for best student oral presentation at the International Seaweed Symposium in Victoria, British Columbia. Her talk covered her research on improving commercial kelp hatchery processes in Alaska.
CFOS in the News
Andrés López was quoted in an Earth.com article about the origin of salmon species during the age of dinosaurs.
Marine Technology News covered work aboard R/V Sikuliaq that led to the first-ever detection of landslide-caused tsunami waves using a ship’s satellite receiver.
Publications
Brinkman, D.B., J.A. López, G.M. Erickson, J.J. Eberle, X. Munoz, L.N. Wilson, Z.R. Perry, A.M. Murray, L. Van
Loon, N.R. Banerjee, and P.S. Druckenmiller. 2025. Fishes from the Upper Cretaceous
Prince Creek Formation, North Slope of Alaska, and their palaeobiogeographical significance.
Papers in Palaeontology. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.
Esquible, J., A. Hoffman, D. Lowrey, D. Ropati, J. Black, and C. Carothers. 2025. Remaking research relationality: Tribal and youth engagement in fisheries
research. Global Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/
McMonigal, K., S.M. Larson, and M. Gervais. 2025. Wind-driven ocean circulation changes can amplify
future cooling of the North Atlantic warming hole. Journal of Climate. https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-
Message from the Dean
As we conclude the spring 2025 semester, I would like to convey my appreciation to our dedicated students, staff and faculty for helping advance the mission of CFOS. Last Saturday was the 2025 UAF Commencement—congratulations to our graduates!
Spring graduate degree recipients:
- Anna Buettner, Master in Marine Policy. Advisors: Keith Criddle and Hannah Myers
- Kyle Dilliplaine, PhD Oceanography. Advisor: Gwenn Hennon
- Steven Gabelein, Master in Marine Policy. Advisor: Keith Criddle
- Emma Luck, Master in Marine Policy. Advisor: Keith Criddle
- Emily Mailman, MS Fisheries. Advisor: Shannon Atkinson
- Ashley Ruis, Master in Marine Policy. Advisor: Keith Criddle and Hannah Myers
Spring bachelor’s degree recipients:
- Tyra Best, BS Fisheries and Marine Sciences. Concentration: Oceanography
- Jocelyn Curry, BS Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. Concentration: Ocean Sciences
- Linnaea Doerner, BS Fisheries and Marine Sciences. No concentration
- Samantha Hoskins, BA Fisheries. Concentration: Rural and Community Development
- Maya Russin, BS Fisheries and Marine Sciences. No concentration
- Irene (Queenie) Turner, BS Fisheries and Marine Sciences. Concentration: Marine Biology
- Rheannon Williams, BS Fisheries and Marine Sciences. Concentration: Marine Sciences
It is a pleasure to convey the following faculty promotions:
- Ana Aguilar-Islas was promoted to Full Professor
- Gwenn Hennon was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure
- Lara Horstmann was promoted to Full Professor
Congratulations Ana, Gwenn and Lara!
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is underway for Russ Hopcroft’s 2025 Spring Northern Gulf of Alaska Long-Term Ecological Research cruise. The NGA LTER cruise is funded by the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences.
Accomplishments
CFOS graduate students Su Jung Chung and Thomas House were awarded Alaska EPSCoR professional development travel awards.
Brian Crandall received a University of Alaska Empower Alaska Incentive Program award in the Exceptional Student Service category for his innovative, student-centered approach to advising and recruitment.
CFOS in the News
Seth Danielson and Curry Cunningham were quoted in a KTOO story about the potential impacts of proposed NOAA cuts on Alaska research efforts.
Publications
Crimp, J., L.A. Meyer, L. Horstmann, J.A. Hollarsmith, M. Montiel, F. Lafarga-De La Cruz, A.R. Frederick, W. Licht, and S. Umanzor. 2025. Effect of macroalgal diet on growth rate and nutrition of the pinto abalone,
Haliotis kamtschatkana. Journal of Shellfish Research. https://doi.org/10.2983/035.
Maes, S.M., A.I. Pinchuk, F. Mueter, H. Christiansen, B. Hellemans, R. ten Boer, F.A.M. Volckaert, and H. Flores. 2025.
DNA metabarcoding reveals surprisingly diverse diet in under-ice polar cod during
autumn. Polar Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/
Wilson, L.I., M.D. Adkison, R.E. Brenner, E.M. Yasumiishi, and M.V. McPhee. 2025. Spatial variation in age-specific growth of female Chinook salmon. Environmental Biology of Fishes. https://doi.org/10.1007/
Grants and Awards for April 2025
New awards for CFOS researchers
- Grant G-16517 "Measuring borealization to improve short-term forecasts of fisheries responses to climate warming in the Bering Sea" - Franz Mueter - NPRB - $320,929.00 (April 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16707 "UAF/Sikuliaq Oceanographic Technical Services Year 1 of 5" - Gabe Matthias - NSF - $1,165,409.00 (April 1, 2025)
- Grant G-16718 "Investigating The Combined and Separate Influences Of Cloud-Set Feedback Strength and Enso On The Multi-year Predictability Of Subtropical Pacific Sst (sea Surface Temperature)" - Kay McMonigal - NC State University - $28,669.00 (September 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16725 "Migratory and winter movements and distribution of Pribilof Island black-legged kittiwakes and thick-billed murres" - Kristen Gorman - Oil Spill Recovery Institute - $30,000.00 (April 1, 2025)
Awards controlled by another department
- Grant G-16702 "CICOES IRA Essential Data Acquisition (EDA) Proposal" - Curry Cunningham - IARC - University of Washington - $132,570.00 (October 1, 2024)
Message from the Dean
As we near the end of the spring 2025 semester, I would like to express my appreciation to our dedicated students, staff and faculty for advancing the mission of CFOS. Please join me in congratulating the recipients of this year’s Dean’s Recognition Awards, who were recognized at the CFOS State of the College event last week.
- Outstanding Advisor: Jessica Glass
- Outstanding Instructor: Katrin Iken
- Outstanding Researcher: Kay McMonigal and Steve Dykstra
- Outstanding Staff: Pat Church
- Outstanding Research Staff: Peter Shipton
- Outstanding R/V Sikuliaq Crew Member: Alanna Trillingham
- Outstanding Graduate Student: Josianne Haag
- Outstanding Undergraduate Student: Linnaea Doerner
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is in Seward, where the ship is hosting bear-guard training for crew members. Preparations will begin later this week for Russ Hopcroft’s spring Northern Gulf of Alaska Long-Term Ecological Research cruise.
Accomplishments
CFOS student Dakota Keller was awarded an Innovative Technology and Education grant through UAF’s Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity program.
Tuula Hollmen has been appointed as vice president of life sciences at the Alaska SeaLife Center, a position that oversees research, veterinary services and husbandry. She will also continue her role as a CFOS research faculty member.
CFOS in the News
CNN’s Call to Earth featured work by CFOS PhD student Chloe Kotik using artificial intelligence to track killer whale populations and monitor their health.
Alaska Native News highlighted research by Schery Umanzor and CFOS alumna Muriel Dittrich on the growth patterns of Southeast Alaska seaweed species.
Alex Sletten was interviewed by Alaska Public Media about research she conducted as a CFOS graduate student on microplastics in spotted seals.
Publications
Almeida-Saá, A.C., S. Umanzor, J.A. Zertuche-González, […], and J.M. Sandoval-Gil. 2025. Comparative photophysiology
and respiration of kelp gametophytes reveals species-specific thermo-tolerance to
marine heatwaves. Marine Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/
Larson, S.M., and K. McMonigal. 2025. Internal wind driven ocean circulation variability delays the time of emergence
of externally forced sea surface temperature trends. Geophysical Research Letters. https://doi.org/10.1029/
Message from the Dean
Mark your calendars for the annual State of the College, which will be held in person in Fairbanks (O’Neill 201) and hosted virtually from 1–2 pm on Thursday, April 17. As in prior years, this event will highlight our progress in research, academics and service, and congratulate this year's recipients of the Dean’s Recognition Awards to our faculty, staff and students. I will also reflect on the successful implementation of the CFOS Decadal Plan over the past nine years; the plan was developed in 2016 following the restructure of our former School and Board of Regents approval of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
It is a pleasure to recognize CFOS staff members who were honored for their longevity during last week’s Staff Recognition and Development Day. Thank you for your dedication and service to CFOS and UAF.
- 5 years: Simon Boroumand, Kimberly Heine, Brian Mullaly, Shelly Song
- 10 years: Ed deCastro
- 15 years: Hank Statscewich
Finally, please join me in welcoming Makiko Schmagin, who has accepted the position as CFOS procurement technician. Makiko will be based in Fairbanks, and her first day is today. She can be reached by email at moshmagin@alaska.edu.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is in Honolulu after completing the ALOHA Cabled Observatory cruise, and will soon transit to Seward while hosting the second Cyber Training Cruise, led by Julian Race. The transit cruise will also include a group of STEMSEAS students and a MATE intern.
Accomplishments
Bradley Moran has accepted an appointment from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research to serve on the inaugural UCAR Community Advocacy Advisory Board. The advisory board will provide input to UCAR’s office of government relations to support effective and impactful advocacy efforts related to Earth systems science.
CFOS in the News
The Alaska Journal of Commerce and other publications covered the new cooperative agreement between NSF and CFOS to continue operating R/V Sikuliaq through 2028.
An Alaska Native News article highlighted new CFOS-led research on the widespread presence of microplastics in spotted seal diets in the Bering and Chukchi seas.
Publications
Jung, J.W., M. Dittrich, J.K. Kim, and S.U. Umanzor. 2025. Cost-effective nutrient supplementation strategies for land-based cultivation
of Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis. Journal of Applied Phycolology. https://doi.org/10.1007/
Questel, J.M., C.A. Smoot, A.G. Collins, D.J. Lindsay, and R.R. Hopcroft. 2025. DNA barcoding deep-water zooplankton from the Gulf of Alaska, North Pacific
Ocean. Frontiers in Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.
Thyrring, J., P. Archambault, M. Burrows, K. Iken, F.P. Lima, et al. 2025. A horizon scan for Arctic coastal biodiversity research:
understanding changes requires international collaboration. Trends in Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
Grants and Awards for March 2025
New awards for CFOS researchers
- Grant G-16687 "Assessment of foraging habitat conditions for Steller's eiders at Nelson Lagoon, Alaska" - Tuula Hollmen - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $71,967.00 (October 1, 2024)
Awards receiving incremental funding
- Grant G-16570 "University of Alaska Fairbanks/Sikuliaq Ship Operations CY2025 - 2028" - Bradley Moran - NSF - Mods 1 and 2 - $3,666,656.00 and $2,750,000.00 (January 1, 2025)
Foundation-funded project receiving incremental funding
- 270511 "Meek Lecturers" - Andy Seitz - $186,087.00
Message from the Dean
It is a great pleasure to convey that the National Science Foundation has renewed our cooperative agreement to continue operation of R/V Sikuliaq through the end of calendar year 2028. A particular point of pride is that after a rigorous review process, NSF renewed the cooperative agreement directly with UAF/CFOS, rather than competing the ship nationally with other potential operators. I wholeheartedly congratulate the captains, crew members, marine superintendents, our shoreside staff, and all of our federal agency partners for their dedication and excellent work in support of Sikuliaq ship operations over the past decade—BZ team!
Speaking of the ship, Gabe Matthias has accepted the position of science operations manager for R/V Sikuliaq. Gabe earned a Blue MBA degree from the University of Rhode Island and has considerable experience working at sea. He has worked as a marine technician for more than nine years, including time aboard R/V Savannah, Endeavor, two years in the UNOLS Tech Pool, and the past year aboard Sikuliaq. Please join me in congratulating Gabe on his new appointment.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is in Honolulu being prepared to mobilize the ROV Jason for Jim Potemra’s (University of Hawaii) ALOHA Cabled Observatory maintenance cruise. Station ALOHA comprises a 6-mile radius in the Pacific Ocean north of Hawaii where a variety of oceanographic research projects take place.
Accomplishments
Kay McMonigal was selected as a 2025 Kavli Fellow. Fellows gathered at the U.S. Kavli Frontiers of Science symposium March 6–8, bringing together a group of scientists 45 or younger who are “engaged in exceptional research in a variety of disciplines.”
Hannah Myers was awarded summer 2025 funding from the Dr. Syun-Ichi Akasofu Endowment, which supports scientific excellence and leadership in UAF faculty.
Kay McMonigal was selected as an inaugural member of the American Geophysical Union's DEIA reviewer board.
CFOS in the News
Courtney Carothers was quoted in a KTOO public media story about a push to reform regulations that limit participation in Alaska’s commercial fisheries.
Publications
Doherty, S.C., C.V. Davis, and J.F. Fehrenbacher. 2025. Planktic foraminifera record the succession
of anaerobic metabolisms in particle microenvironments across a pelagic oxygen gradient.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.
Message from the Dean
It is a pleasure to convey that Luke Canady has accepted the position of CFOS financial manager. Luke brings significant experience in financial management and accounting from the private sector and Alaska state government. Luke will be based at our Lena Point facility, and his start date is April 14. Please join me in welcoming Luke to CFOS!
On February 27-March 2, high schools from across Alaska participated in this year’s Tsunami Bowl, which was held at the Seward Marine Center. The Juneau-Douglas High School “CoastCo Guys” team won first place in the annual high school ocean sciences competition, and the Ketchikan High School “Saber-Toothed Salmon” team won the top research project award. It is a pleasure to congratulate all participants, and a special thank-you to Courtney Carothers, Pat Church, Brian Crandall, Jennifer Elhard, Josianne Haag, Maya Russin, Amanda Kelley and Nicole Webster for helping with the event.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is currently offshore of Hawaii in support of the second of two Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT) cruises this winter.
Accomplishments
Sarah Mincks was appointed to the Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry Scientific Steering Committee. The committee identifies, promotes, plans and coordinates multidisciplinary research opportunities in ocean biogeochemistry.
CFOS in the News
Research by Lara Horstmann and graduate student Chelsea Kovalcsik focusing on microplastics in spotted seals was highlighted in an article in The Cool Down.
Shannon Atkinson was quoted in a USA Today story about the impacts of the cruise ship industry on Southeast Alaska and the local environment.
Fishermen’s News covered research by Andy Seitz, Hannah Myers and Michael Courtney about salmon shark predation on Chinook salmon.
Curry Cunningham was quoted in an Anchorage Daily News article about the impacts of federal job cuts on fisheries management and weather forecasts.
Publications
Drakard, V.F., J.A. Hollarsmith, and M.S. Stekoll. 2025. Hyposaline conditions impact the early life-stages of commercially important
high-latitude kelp species. Journal of Phycology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpy.
Ortega, E.L.S., I. Reister, S.L. Danielson, and A.M. Aguilar-Islas. 2025. Surface macro- and micro-nutrients within the Copper River plume region respond
to along-shore winds. Marine Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
Sletten, A., A. Bryan, K. Iken, J. Olnes, and L. Horstmann. 2025. Microplastics in spotted seal stomachs from the Bering and Chukchi seas in
2012 and 2020. Marine Pollution Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
Grants and Awards for February 2025
New awards for CFOS researchers
- Grant G-16635 "JSAT tagging Chinook salmon smolt in Cook Inlet" - Andy Seitz - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $118,320.00 (January 1, 2025)
Awards receiving incremental funding
- Grant G-14786 "Gulf Watch Alaska Long-Term Research and Monitoring Program: Nearshore Component" - Katrin Iken - Prince William Sound Science Center - Mod 4 - $143,951.00 (February 1, 2022)
- Grant G-14930 "The Seward Line: Marine Ecosystem monitoring in the Northern Gulf of Alaska" - Russ Hopcroft - Prince William Sound Science Center - Mod 4 - $227,577.00 (June 1, 2022)
- Grant G-14947 "Oceanographic Station GAK1 Long Term Monitoring of the Alaska Coastal Current" - Seth Danielson - Prince William Sound Science Center - Mod 4 - $139,882.00 (June 1, 2022)
- Grant G-14948 "Pacific herring and pink salmon trophic interactions in Prince William Sound, Alaska" - Kristen Gorman - Prince William Sound Science Center - Mod 4 - $122,353.00 (June 1, 2022)
- Grant G-15074 "AMBON - linking biodiversity observations in the Arctic" - Katrin Iken - Office of Naval Research - Mod 2 - $20,000.00 (September 1, 2022)
PCCRC projects receiving incremental funding
- 271122 "PCCRC Fellowships" - Keith Criddle - $6,766.00
- 271220 "Yukon Chum Early Life History" - Megan McPhee - $46,774.00
- 273126 "Marine Drivers in Western Alaska Salmon" - Peter Westley - $83,476.00
Award set up on assumption
- Grant G-16634 "Developing gear modifications to reduce killer whale bycatch in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Amendment 80 groundfish trawl fishery" - Hannah Myers - NOAA (February 1, 2025)
Message from the Dean
As noted below under Accomplishments, it is a great pleasure to congratulate Stephanie Madsen for being honored with the Vera Alexander Award for Marine Science and Education. Stephanie has been an ardent supporter of Alaska’s commercial fisheries in her former role as executive director of the At-Sea Processors Association, as well as through her service with the Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center, the CFOS Advisory Council, and the UA Foundation. I am very pleased that Stephanie has expressed her interest to remain actively engaged with CFOS research and education activities, and we very much welcome her continued insight and support. Congratulations Stephanie!
In just over two weeks, the 51st annual meeting of the Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society will take place in Ketchikan. This meeting will provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase our fisheries research and education activities, and many presentations will be given by our faculty, students and collaborators. Andy Seitz recently began a four-year term on the Executive Committee of the Alaska Chapter, and is helping to organize this important meeting.
Daylight is increasing in our great state, and you can sense that spring is just around the corner—time to get that remaining seasonal skiing done.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is in port in Honolulu, Hawaii, preparing for the annual American Bureau of Shipping and U.S. Coast Guard inspections. These yearly inspections are required to maintain the Certificate of Inspection, issued once every five years, that shows vessels are seaworthy and safe for personnel.
Accomplishments
Stephanie Madsen was honored by the Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center with the Vera Alexander Award for Marine Science and Education. Madsen, a longtime PCCRC supporter and advisory board member, retired last year as executive director of the At-Sea Processors Association.
CFOS in the News
The Alaska Science Forum column, which is published in numerous outlets in the state, highlighted a 2023 cruise aboard R/V Sikuliaq that took cores from the ocean floor to learn about the Bering Land Bridge.
Publications
Ozkan-Haller, T., J. Yoder, L. Aluwhihare, [...], S.B. Moran, et al. 2025. Forecasting the Ocean: 2025-2035 Decadal Survey of Ocean Sciences. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/27846
Ozkan-Haller, T., J. Yoder, L. Aluwhihare, [...], S.B. Moran, et al. 2024. Progress and priorities in ocean drilling: In search of Earth’s past and present. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/27414
Sutton, L., B.P. Ulaski, N.C. Lundstrom, E.J. Whitney, J.B. Fellman, A.H. Beaudreau, J. Jenckes, S.S. Gabara,
and B. Konar. 2025. Seasonality and hydroclimatic variability shape the functional and taxonomic
diversity of nearshore fish communities in glacierized estuaries of Alaska. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
Veatch, J.M., M.J. Oliver, E. Fredj, H. Statscewich, K. Bernard, A.M. Hann, G. Voirol, H.L. Fuchs, W.R. Fraser, and J.T. Kohut. 2025.
Lagrangian coherent structures influence the spatial structure of marine food webs.
Communications Earth & Environment. https://doi.org/10.1038/
Message from the Dean
Hang in there, everyone—we will get through this together.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is underway for the first of two Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT) cruises this winter. For over three decades, scientists based at the University of Hawaii have conducted oceanographic studies of the “state of our sea” to establish baseline data at Station ALOHA. HOT cruises are usually conducted aboard R/V Kilo Moana; however, Sikuliaq is supporting this effort while the “KM” undergoes an extended drydock repair schedule.
Accomplishments
CFOS students swept the best student poster awards at this year’s Alaska Marine Science Symposium. Congratulations to the winners!
- Doctorate: “Getting to the Source of it: Determining the Specificity of Different Biomarkers,” Sydney Wilkinson, advisor Katrin Iken
- Master’s: “Towards Pinto Abalone Farming in Alaska,” Lindsay Meyer, advisor Schery Umanzor
- Bachelor/High School: “Feasibility of Sea Urchin Ranching in Alaska,” McKenna Shook, advisor Brenda Konar
CFOS in the News
Research by Lara Horstmann and her students on microplastics in seal fetuses was covered by the Alaska Beacon. Current and former CFOS students Chelsea Kovalcsik, Tony Blade, Noelle Picard, Linnaea Doerner and Alexandra Sletten were featured in the article.
Courtney Carothers was quoted in a Northern Journal article about the loss of fishing permits in rural Alaska.
Alaska Marine Science Symposium presentations by Hank Statscewich and Andy Seitz were mentioned in a Cordova Times story about research highlights from the conference.
Another Cordova Times article focused on research by Andy Seitz, Michael Courtney and Hannah Myers about salmon sharks’ consumption of chinook salmon in the Gulf of Alaska.
Publications
Campana, S.E., G. Hambrecht, N. Misarti, H. Moshfeka, M. Efird, S.M. Schaal, G.A. Olafsdottir, R. Edvardsson, A.D. Juliusson, E. Hjorleifsson,
F.J. Feeley, G. Cesario, and L.B. Palsdottir. 2025. Mortality drives production dynamics
of Atlantic cod through 1100 years of commercial fishing. Science Advances. https://doi.org/10.1126/
Jung, J.W., M. Dittrich, S. Umanzor, and J.K. Kim. 2025. Influence of Sargassum horneri extract (SHE) pre-treatment and nutrient availability on the thermal tolerance of
Palmaria hecatensis. Journal of Applied Phycology. https://doi.org/10.1007/
Umanzor, S., J.W. Jung, M. Dittrich, J.K. Kim, P. Tomco, Z.C. Redman, and M. Brandhuber. 2025. Divergent patterns of metabolite expression in red seaweeds
(Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis) following nitrate and
ammonium supplementation. Life. https://doi.org/10.3390/
Williams, W.J., K.A. Brown, L.M. Rotermund, B.A. Bluhm, S.L. Danielson, M. Dempsey, F.A. McLaughlin, S. Vagle, and E.C. Carmack. 2025. Processes in the
Kitikmeot Sea estuary constraining marine life. Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene. https://doi.org/10.1525/
Grants and Awards for January
New awards for CFOS researchers
- Grant G-16574 "Measuring the pulse of the Gulf of Alaska: Oceanographic observations along the Seward Line 2024-2029" - Russ Hopcroft - NPRB - $867,340.00 (July 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16577 "Using Satellite-Tracked Autonomous Drifting Buoys to Advance Search and Rescue Capabilities of Yup'ik Coastal Communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta" - Thilo Klenz - AOOS - $59,500.00 (September 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16593 "Climate Drivers of Yukon River Chinook Productivity #1" - Megan McPhee - NPRB - $35,873.17 (September 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16594 " Climate Drivers of Yukon River Chinook Productivity #2" - Megan McPhee - NPRB - $26,633.00 (September 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16605 "Marine Habitat Selection by Seabirds of the Northern Bering Sea: Physical Processes, Movements, Foraging, and Modeling" - Kristen Gorman - NPRB - $9,980.00 (October 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16609 "StratiFIED-Stratification and Fronts Influencing Ecosystem Dynamics in the Northern Bering Sea" - Sarah Mincks - NPRB - $10,000.00 (October 1, 2024)
Awards receiving incremental funding
- Grant G-14032 "Material and Cost Efficient Modular Riverine Hydrokinetic Energy System" - Andy Seitz - ACEP - Mod 3 - $60,681.00 (April 12, 2021)
- Grant G-15802 "NNA Collaboratory: ACTION - Alaska Coastal Cooperative for Co-producing Transformative Ideas and Opportunities in the North" - Kay McMonigal - GI - Mod 2 - $142,208.00 (October 1, 2023)
- Grant G-15892 "CY2023-CY2028 R/V Sikuliaq ONR Ship Days" - Doug Baird - Mod 2 - $518,405.00 (December 1, 2023)
Message from the Dean
It is my pleasure to convey that Dr. Thilo Klenz has been appointed Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Oceanography. A CFOS alum (Ph.D., 2023), Thilo is known to many in the college as a seagoing physical oceanographer who has participated in research cruises in the tropical Atlantic and Pacific, the subpolar North Atlantic, the Arctic Ocean, the Gulf of Alaska, and off Antarctica. His research focuses on the physics of ocean circulation and turbulent mixing, using a combination of ocean drifters and related observation platforms and modeling approaches. Please join me in congratulating Thilo!
This week the North Pacific Research Board and partners will host the 2025 Alaska Marine Science Symposium in Anchorage. As in past years, CFOS researchers and students will have a major presence at this meeting. CFOS will host a booth, so please stop by during the poster sessions if you plan to attend. As part of AMSS, the annual Coastal Marine Institute symposium will be held Friday morning, and presentations by researchers supported by the Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center will run concurrently.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is moored at the University of Hawaii Marine Center pier in Honolulu, Hawaii. After unloading science gear from the Jurassic Quiet Zone seismic survey, Sikuliaq will be prepared for four research cruises and three short repair periods over the next few months.
Accomplishments
Tamamta fellow Natasha Hayden was given an Environmental Leader Award by the Center for Rural Affairs for her advocacy for Indigenous fishing rights.
CFOS in the News
The Nature Conservancy highlighted a new report by Courtney Carothers about financial damage caused by Alaska’s commercial fisheries permit system.
Alaska Beacon and other outlets covered new research by Matthew Wooller and Peter Westley about northern pike using saltwater corridors to colonize freshwater lakes.
Publications
Lindley, E.D., K.M. Dunmall, and P.A.H. Westley. 2025. Assessing the role of incubation temperature as a barrier to successful establishment
of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in a rapidly warming Arctic. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.
Lindley, E.D., and P.A.H. Westley. 2025. Methods and approach to the interdisciplinary and cross-cultural Arctic Alaska
Salmon Workshop: critical self-reflections from fisheries scientists. Arctic Science. https://doi.org/10.1139/as-
McMahon, J., S.A. May, P.S. Rand, K.B. Gorman, M.V. McPhee, and P.A.H. Westley. 2025. Phenotypic sorting of pink salmon hatchery strays may alleviate adverse impacts
of reduced variation in fitness-associated traits. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.
Sullaway, G.H., C. Cunningham, D.G. Kimmel, J.M. Nielsen, D. Pilcher, A.I. Pinchuk, and P.J. Stabeno. 2025. Impacts of climate change on Bering Sea copepod phenology
and reproductive strategy. Marine Ecology Progress Series. https://doi.org/10.3354/
Message from the Dean
As we kick off the spring 2025 semester, it is a pleasure to wish everyone a belated happy New Year and a warm welcome to our returning and new CFOS students. Our faculty and staff are here to support you, and we wish you great success.
Congratulations to our fall 2024 graduates:
Jonah Bacon, M.S. Fisheries. Major advisor: Trent Sutton
Lok Hei (Matt) Cheng, Ph.D. Fisheries. Major advisor: Curry Cunningham
Muriel Dittrich, M.S. Marine Biology. Major advisor: Schery Umanzor
Janessa Esquible, Ph.D. Fisheries. Major advisor: Courtney Carothers
Cameron Jardell, M.S. Marine Biology. Major advisor: Schery Umanzor
Hannah Kepner, M.S. Oceanography. Major advisor: Russ Hopcroft
Kimberly Pikok, M.S. Interdisciplinary. Major advisor: Courtney Carothers
Lindsay Turner, M.S. Fisheries. Major advisor: Curry Cunningham
Sierra Lloyd, B.S. Fisheries and Marine Sciences. Concentration: Oceanography
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is transiting from Pohnpei, Micronesia, to Honolulu, Hawaii. At the University of Hawaii Marine Center in Honolulu, Sikuliaq will prepare for four research cruises and three short repair periods over the next few months.
Accomplishments
Courtney Carothers was appointed to the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee.
CFOS graduate student Sujung Chung was selected as a 2025 USDA NextGen Scholar for UAF.
CFOS in the News
An Inside Unmanned Technology story about UAF scientists’ use of drones and gliders included ecosystem research by Hank Statscewich and Seth Danielson from the CFOS glider lab.
Peter Westley was interviewed on the Fish of the Week podcast about expanding salmon migrations into the Arctic.
Sea Technology published a short item about a kelp farming toolkit created by a group of elementary school students in Washington. Schery Umanzor helped with their project.
Alaska Sea Grant highlighted pink salmon research by Peter Westley and Ph.D. student Elizabeth Lindley on its news website.
Publications
Oke, K.B., M.A. Litzow, and F. Mueter. 2024. Shifting temperature-abundance relationship for Bering Sea walleye pollock
consistent with northward expansion during exceptionally warm conditions. Marine Ecology Progress Series. https://doi.org/10.3354/
Oswalt, H.E., M.O. Amsler, C.D. Amsler, K. Iken, J.B. McClintock, A.G. Klein, A.W.G. Galloway. 2025. Nutritional consistency of macroalgae
across a sea ice cover gradient along the Western Antarctic Peninsula. Journal of Phycology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpy.
Wooller, M.J., P. Bradley, K.J. Spaleta, R.L. Massengill, K. Dunker, and P.A.H. Westley. 2024. Estuarine dispersal of an invasive Holarctic predator (Esox lucius) confirmed in North America. PLOS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/
Grants and Awards for December 2024
New awards for CFOS researchers
- Grant G-16520 "Chukchi Ecosystem Observatory: Monitoring and detection of wind and ice-mediated changes using year-round moorings in the Northeast Chukchi Sea" - Seth Danielson - NPRB - $306,209.00 (December 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16553 "Developing Pacific Dulse as a valuable USDA specialty crop for sustainable nutrition and coastal economy" - Schery Umanzor - Oregon State University - $83,950.00 (September 30, 2024)
- Grant G-16570 "University of Alaska Fairbanks/Sikuliaq Ship Operations CY2025 - 2028" - Bradley Moran - NSF - $5,000,000.00 (January 1, 2025)
Awards receiving incremental funding
- Grant G-14380 "Arctic High-Frequency Radar Operations and Maintenance (Arctic HFR)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 4 - $156,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14451 "Seward Line Monitoring (Seward Line)" - Russ Hopcroft - AOOS - Mod 4- $116,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14471 "Alaska Ecosystem Observatory Network Build-Out, Operations and Maintenance (Eco-Moorings)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 4 - $85,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14472 "Measuring Ocean Currents in Bering Strait with High Frequency Radars (Bering Strait HFR)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 4 - $115,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14473 "Alaska Region Glider Missions Supporting an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM Gliders)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 4 - $240,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14482 "An Arctic Marine Mammal Observing System (Chukchi Glider)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 4 - $65,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14484 "Time-Series Monitoring of Ocean Acidification in Alaska (OA Timeseries)" - Natalie Monacci - AOOS - Mod 4 - $29,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14485 "National Ocean Acidification Observing Network (NOA-ON) Stations: Gulf of Alaska (GAKOA) and Bering Sea (M2) moorings (M2 and GAK Moorings)" - Natalie Monacci - AOOS - Mod 4 - $168,972.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-15157 "Arctic High-Frequency Radar FCC Compliance (HFR Operators)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 3 - $19,048.00 (July 1, 2022)
- Grant G-15438 "Examine health metrics of Copper River sockeye salmon stocks to inform management decision making" - Kristen Gorman - NPS - Mod 4 - $419,000.00 (April 13, 2023)
- Grant G-15870 "LTER: Seasonal controls and emergent effects of changing land-ice-ocean interactions on the Arctic coastal ecosystems (BLE II)" - Katrin Iken - University of Texas at Austin - Mod 1 - $139,994.00 (September 1, 2023)