News Archives
For current news and feature stories, please visit the CFOS Newsroom.
Archives January 2013 to October 2016
5 November 2012
KSMSC— UA President Gamble tours CFOS Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center during
visit to Kodiak. Gamble toured sites and met with various groups to gather information
relevant to the UA Fisheries, Seafood and Maritime Initiative (FSMI).
16 October 2012
CFOS— Fairbanks, Alaska—The University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences will host
a community event celebrating the recent launch of the Research Vessel Sikuliaq Saturday, Oct. 20.
The reception will start at 4:30 pm at the Great Hall and Davis Concert Hall on the
UAF campus.
A video recording of the Oct. 13 ceremony and launch of the ship will be presented.
The celebration will also feature a video of the Arctic Chamber Orchestra performing
the “Song of the Sikuliaq,” composed by Emerson Eads, graduate student in the UAF
music department. Refreshments will be served.
Please join us in celebrating this exciting milestone!
13 October 2012
CFOS— Hundreds of people endured wind and rain Saturday morning to attend the christening
and launch ceremony for the 261-foot Research Vessel Sikuliaq, the first built for the National Science Foundation in more than three decades.
The crowd cheered as the Sikuliaq slid into the Menominee River, sending an impressive spray of water over the dock.
The R/V Sikuliaq is owned by the NSF and will be operated by the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean
Sciences.
4 October 2012
CFOS— Ray RaLonde, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program aquaculture specialist,
received the Superior Outreach Program Award, presented by the Sea Grant Extension
Assembly.
21 September 2012
CFOS— Marinette, WI—The R/V Sikuliaq was rolled out into the open today. The ship has outgrown the building that housed
it during construction over the last few years. Several components will be installed
that continue to add to the vessel’s height. Christening and launch of the R/V Sikuliaq is scheduled for Oct. 13, 2012. More photos of the roll out are available on the
Facebook page for the UAF College of Fisheries & Ocean Sciences: www.facebook.com/UAFCFOS
Research teams embark on Chukchi Sea projects - ADN
14 August 2012
CFOS— The first comprehensive oceanographic and fisheries survey of the Chukchi Sea
is under way, with the first of two vessels being used for the survey about to head
north from Dutch Harbor, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced
Aug. 3.
Fisheries faculty Courtney Carothers featured on Kodiak KMXT-FM Alaska Fisheries Report
1 June 2012
Fisheries— Fisheries faculty Courtney Carothers was interviewed May 31 for The Alaska
Fisheries Report with Jay Barrett on Kodiak KMXT-FM. Carothers will be conducting
a survey among 700 Kodiak fishermen.
Kodiak, Alaska—If you had your life to live over would you become a fisherman again?
This is one of the questions Courtney Carothers, Assistant Professor of Fisheries
at University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, will be
asking about 700 Kodiak fishermen in an upcoming survey. Carothers is studying social
and cultural shifts linked to the privatization of fishing rights in Kodiak, Alaska,
a 2-year project funded by the National Science Foundation. She was interviewed for
The Alaska Fisheries Report with Jay Barrett on May 31st.
Listen to the interview on Kodiak KMXT-FM here:
KMXT website
Carothers will be visiting Kodiak June 5 – 12 during the North Pacific Fishery Management
Council meeting and July 14 - August 1. .
Contact
Courtney Carothers, assistant professor, 907-474-5329
19 April 2012
ASG— The University of Alaska, together with partners including CFOS, Alaska Sea Grant,
and the Marine Advisory Program, is developing an initiative to deliver specialized
workplace training programs for Alaskans involved in fisheries, seafood, and maritime
industries. Learn more at the UA Fisheries, Seafood and Maritime Initiative.
23 March 2012
ASG— Red and blue king crab from waters around the Kodiak and the Pribilof islands,
seals and king salmon in Bristol Bay, and sea otters in Southeast are the subjects
of more than $1 million in research being funded by Alaska Sea Grant during the next
two years.
MAP shares Alaska Forum award for Aleutian toxin monitoring
22 March 2012
MAP— Researchers Bruce Wright, senior scientist with the Aleutian Pribilof Islands
Association, and Ray RaLonde, aquaculture specialist with the Alaska Sea Grant Marine
Advisory Program are the recipients of the 2012 Outstanding Achievement Award presented
by the Alaska Forum on the Environment.
5 March 2012
ASG— A training workshop aimed at helping fishermen understand, troubleshoot and maintain
their onboard refrigeration systems will take place in Homer on March 27, 2012, beginning
at 8:30 a.m. at Kachemak Gear Shed/Redden Marine, located on East End Road.
1 March 2012
ASG— The 15th annual Alaska Tsunami Ocean Sciences Bowl comes to Seward; and MAP's
popular fishing vessel refrigeration workshop happens in Homer. These events and more
happening in March around coastal Alaska.
24 February 2012
ASG— Imam Cimiucia: Our Changing Sea, a richly illustrated hardcover book published
last year by the Alaska Sea Grant Program, has won the 2012 Alaskana Award from the
Alaska Library Association.
23 February 2012
ASG— Anchorage, Alaska—Alaska Sea Grant's Education Services staff received the 2012 Ocean Literacy Award
at the Alaska Marine Gala in Anchorage on Feb. 18. The award recognizes Alaska Sea
Grant’s national award-winning communications efforts in ocean resource book publishing
and marketing, science writing and media relations, and education outreach to the
marine industry and Alaska coastal communities. The award is cosponsored by the Centers
of Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) Alaska and the Alaska Ocean Observing
System (AOOS).
Deborah Mercy, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program Media Specialist, received
the Ocean Media Award at the gala for excellence in journalism that raised public
awareness of Alaska’s oceans. Mercy has been a commercial fishermen, an Anchorage
television reporter and, for the last 25 years, video producer for Alaska Sea Grant.
The award is sponsored by the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
The Alaska Marine Gala is an annual event sponsored by the Alaska SeaLife Center that
celebrates Alaska's oceans and recognizes people who played important roles in scientific
discovery, education, management, and stewardship. Learn more about the 2012 Alaska Marine Gala Ocean Leadership Awards..
17 February 2012
ASG— Juneau, Alaska—The 2012 Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit was a great success, with some 50 people meeting in Juneau Feb 13-14 to talk abut
a wide rage of issues affecting the state's commercial fishing industry. The Alaska
Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program sponsored the event, aimed at helping new and young
fishermen take leadership roles in their industry. KTOO-FM in Juneau filed this report.
13 January 2012
CFOS— Kodiak, Alaska—After three decades as the Fisheries Industrial Technology Center,
the University of Alaska Fairbanks facility in Kodiak will now be called the Kodiak
Seafood and Marine Science Center.
University of Alaska Board of Regents approved the change at their December meeting,
with the support of UA President Pat Gamble, UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers and College
of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Dean Michael Castellini.
“The name change doesn’t imply a change in mission, rather it describes the work being
done there more fully,” said Paula Cullenberg, co-director of the Kodiak center and
leader of the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program.
A task force appointed last year by Chancellor Rogers to conduct a program review
recommended the name change. The group included members of Kodiak and other coastal
Alaska communities, statesmen, commercial fish processors, Kodiak College and UAF
faculty and staff.
The Fishery Industrial Technology Center was created in 1981 by the Alaska Legislature
to provide research support for Alaska’s seafood industry. The program was one of
several grouped together to create the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
in 1987.
“We are committed to continued support for important research, outreach, and training
programs,” said Keith Criddle, co-director of the Kodiak center and director of CFOS
Fisheries division.
12 January 2012
ASG— Fairbanks, Alaska—CFOS researchers and Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program agents and specialists
have made news lately on a several subjects.
* Unalaska MAP agent Reid Brewer spoke to KUCB-FM about local birds he found coated
in ice and unable to fly, following stormy weather in the region. Listen to the story.
* MAP marine mammal specialist Kate Wynne was instrumental in identifying an endangered
northern right whale in waters off Kodiak Island. Learn more.
* Dillingham MAP agent Izetta Chambers discussed her new Sea Gram publication, Safe and Legal Fish Waste Composting in Alaska with KDLG-FM. Listen to the story.
* Courtney Carothers, CFOS assistant professor of fisheries, describes her Individual
Fishery Quota (IFQ) research findings during the Alaska Sea Grant–sponsored 27th Lowell
Wakefield Fisheries Symposium. Listen to the story.
* Ketchikan MAP agent Gary Freitag spoke with KRBD radio about the Fukushima tsunami
debris that may show up in Southeast Alaska, and his concerns that the debris field
may carry invasive species to Alaska and the U.S. West Coast. Listen to the story.
Fishermen to meet in Juneau for Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit
10 January 2012
ASG— The fourth Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit is set for February 13–14 in Juneau
and registration is open. Like the three previous Alaska Young Fishermen's Summits
next month's event will provide crucial training and networking opportunities for
fishermen entering the business or wishing to take a leadership role in their industry.
10 January 2012
ASG— For Alaska college students, one path to gainful employment is the prestigious
National Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. Alaska Sea Grant is currently
recruiting exceptional students from around the state to apply for the 2013 Knauss
Marine Policy Fellowship
1 January 2012
CFOS— With more than 135 dead and diseased ringed seals found off the Alaskan coast
since July 2011, CFOS Professor Emeritus Dr. John Kelley is leading efforts to test
ringed seals for radiation stemming from the March 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear
disaster in Japan.
News stories about the testing have been running around the world, including the
Alaska Dispatch / MSNBC / Greater Kashmir website
Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service have been seeking the cause of the diseased seals for weeks,
but have so far found no answers.
December 22, 2011
Application deadline is February 17, 2012
Fairbanks, Alaska—The official announcement is out! Graduate students interested in marine resources
and their management can now apply for the 2013 National Sea Grant John A. Knauss
Marine Policy Fellowship.
This unique national fellowship provides eligible graduate students from any discipline
with one year of paid experience (valued at $52,000) in Washington, D.C., working
on ocean issues with a U.S. Congressional staff or with an executive branch resource
management agency.
The fellowship has proven to be a great launching pad to exciting careers in government,
education, business, and non-profit enterprises.
The fellowship is open to any student enrolled in a graduate or professional program
of a U.S.-accredited institution of higher education in the United States or U.S.
Territories, and who has an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and
in the national policy decisions affecting those resources.
Included in the 2012 group of fellows are students completing degrees in law, agriculture,
public administration, geology, and geophysics, as well as fisheries, oceanography,
zoology, biology, economics, policy, and other fields.
Not sure this fellowship is for you? Check the fellowship details and the YouTube
video that features testimonials from former Knauss Fellows:
http://seagrant.uaf.edu/research/knauss.html
The application deadline is February 17, 2012, so now is the time to act on this amazing
opportunity. Alaska graduate students considering applying for the fellowship or seeking
more information should immediately contact Dr. David Christie, Director, Alaska Sea
Grant Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, david.christie@alaska.edu, 907-474-7949.
December 22, 2011
Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit makes newsFairbanks, Alaska—Alaska Public Radio stations in Dillingham and Kodiak aired interviews with Alaska
Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program agents Sunny Rice and Torie Baker, highlighting
the 2012 Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit (AYFS), upcoming Feb. 13-14 in Juneau, Alaska.
AYFS Dillingham KDLG-FM (MP3 audio file
More about the Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit
22 November 2011
ASG— Alaska Sea Grant will host its annual open house and holiday sale Thursday, December
1, 2011, from 2–6 p.m in the Wells Fargo Bank Building just off campus. Save 25% on
all Alaska Sea Grant and UA Press products and publications!
21 November 2011
ASG— Ben Daly, Alaska Sea Grant research biologist with the Alaska King Crab Research,
Rehabilitation and Biology (AKCRRAB) program, recently spoke to KMXT radio's Jay Barrett
in Kodiak about the success of Kodiak's blue king crab rearing program.
20 November 2011
MAP— Saving Fuel on Your Recreational or Charter Boat is the latest in the Alaska Sea Grant Sea Gram series of informative bulletins about
Alaska marine and coastal topics. Learn how to calculate fuel consumption and range;
minimize inefficiencies in boat fuel use; choose, set up, and operate a boat engine
for best fuel economy; and operate a boat for peak efficiency.
31 October 2011
ASG— The Marine Advisory Program (MAP) and Integrated Marine Systems will bring their
popular fishing vessel refrigeration training workshop to Kodiak November 29 at the
UAF Fisheries Industrial Technology Center.
19 October 2011
CFOS— UAF associate professor Reid Brewer presents lecture: "Octopus and other creatures
run wild" during National Wildlife Refuge Week at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor
Center in Homer
19 October 2011
ASG— A select group of teenagers, representing 20 high schools across the state, recently
declared their intent to compete in the Alaska Region National Ocean Sciences Bowl.
Fishing People of the North symposium to discuss social, environmental change
6 September 2011
ASG— An international symposium will bring together fishery and social scientists,
indigenous people, fishermen, community activists, and others to explore ways fisheries
managers can incorporate social and environmental change into resource management
decisions.
16 August 2011
KSMSC— KMXT public radio in Kodiak - FITC scientists study the potential of freeze-dried
sockeye salmon as astronaut food. (3 min. MP3)
11 August 2011
KSMSC— KMXT public radio in Kodiak reports on the politics surrounding genetically
modified salmon in Alaska. 15 minute MP3.
9 August 2011
ASG— Alaska commercial fishing groups have donated $25,000 to support research at
the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences to grow
king crab in hatcheries.
9 August 2011
CFOS— After months of review, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Fishery Industrial
Technology Center is taking steps to reinvent itself to better serve the state.
August 9, 2011
Kodiak, Alaska—Chuck Crapo, Alaska Sea Grant seafood quality specialist, together with colleagues
Alexandra Oliveira, associate professor of seafood chemistry at the CFOS Kodiak Center;
Duy Nguyen, University of Nha Trang in Vietnam, and Peter Bechtel, USDA Subarctic
Agricultural Research Unit; developed a new freeze-drying process that is making the
news. Follow these links for more information.
Alaska Dispatch
Read article here
USDA Agricultural Research Service
Read USDA article here
17 July 2011
CFOS— CFOS student Charlotte Regula-Whitefield achieves breakthrough spawning sea
cucumbers in captivity.
28 May 2011
ASG— Ocean conditions that last year triggered algal blooms and outbreaks of paralytic
shellfish poisoning (PSP) appear to be present again this summer.
27 May 2011
ASG— MAP unveils a new website that offers resources to help individuals and communities
cope with climate change.
May 19, 2011
Juneau, Alaska—Seventeen Thunder Mountain High School students in a University of Alaska Fairbanks
marine science class will unveil the reassembled skeleton of a sea otter this Friday,
May 20, at the Thunder Mountain High School library, at noon.
The class is taught by UAF Professor Shannon Atkinson. Atkinson is an expert in marine
mammals at the UAF Juneau Center of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. The
class is called DEM BONES, which stands for “Distinctive Education in Motion, Biodiversity
of Nature and Environmental Stewardship”.
“I think we motivated students in so many ways,” said Atkinson. “It has been really
rewarding.”
She adds that she hopes the students will continue their studies in science or math
in college.
The course is worth two college credits at UAF. Subjects covered in the class range
from biology and physiology to marine policy.
“I just can’t wait to see everyone’s face when they see what we have been working
on all semester,” said student Kylee Henderson. “I am very proud of our class for
accomplishing something we have never done before.”
The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Contact
Carin Stephens, public information officer, 907-322-8730 OR
Shannon Atkinson, professor, 907-796-5453
May 13, 2011
Fairbanks, Alaska—Rolf Gradinger, associate professor of biological oceanography, has been appointed
to the role of associate dean for the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
As associate dean, Gradinger will oversee all of CFOS academics, which include the
Graduate Program in Marine Science and Limnology and the Fisheries program. He also
serves on the UAF accreditation team and as the UAF chair for the faculty program
review of all UAF academic programs.
“Rolf has a long history of teaching and service for our academic programs and I am
looking forward to having him work on our current and future teaching, advising and
academic needs,” said Michael Castellini, CFOS dean.
Gradinger joined CFOS in 2001 as an assistant professor. He has served as an associate
professor since 2007. He received his Ph.D. in marine biology and his M.S. in biology
from the University of Kiel, Germany.
His current research focuses on sea ice ecosystems in the Bering Sea.
He previously served as co-chair of the CFOS GPMSL program and was editor of the journal
Polar Biology. He has also been a leader of the Arctic Ocean Diversity project, which was part of the broad Census of Marine Life initiative.
His current service contributions outside UAF include being vice-chair of the International
Arctic Science Committee Marine Working Group as one of two U.S. representatives.
In total he has participated in more than 20 ice-breaker expeditions into Arctic and
Antarctic Seas, which has led to more than 40 peer-reviewed publications.
May 11, 2011
Seward, Alaska—A new set of buoys in Alaska waters will help scientists understand how climate change
may be affecting the pH level of northern seas. Researchers placed the first buoy
last month.
“This is the first dedicated ocean acidification mooring to be deployed in a high
latitude coastal sea,” said Jeremy Mathis, principal investigator for the project
and an assistant professor of chemical oceanography at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
“Other moorings have been deployed with ocean acidification sensors, but this is the
first complete package in Alaska.”
The first buoy is at the mouth of Resurrection Bay, near Seward. It was assembled
at UAF’s Seward Marine Center with the help of Chris Sabine, a senior scientist and
co-principal investigator at NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory.
A second buoy will be deployed in the Bering Sea this month, and a third in the Chukchi
Sea in October. The data collected by the buoys will be sent to scientists in real
time via satellite.
The top of each buoy floats at the ocean’s surface and the bottom is anchored to the
seafloor. Each buoy contains two sets of instruments. The first set, at the water’s
surface, measures the water’s acidity or alkalinity, or pH, as well as water temperature,
carbon dioxide levels and other data. The second set of instruments, near the bottom,
collects data on pH, carbon dioxide, temperature, salinity and other information.
Ocean acidification is the term used to describe increasing acidity in the world’s
oceans. As carbon dioxide levels rise in the atmosphere, the ocean absorbs it like
a sponge, making seawater more acidic. Scientists estimate that the ocean is 25 percent
more acidic today than it was 300 years ago.
According to Mathis, the coastal seas around Alaska are more susceptible to ocean
acidification because of unique circulation patterns and colder temperatures. These
factors increase the transport of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into surface
waters.
Mathis adds that the buoy will also help scientists determine how seawater pH changes
throughout the seasons.
“We know that there is quite a bit of variability in the water throughout the year
and right now all we have are snapshots from our cruises. Sometimes we find water
that is acidic enough to potentially be harmful to certain organisms, but we don’t
know how long it persists or how extensive it is,” he said.
With support from the North Pacific Research Board and NOAA, Mathis and Sabine have
built systems that can begin to close the information gap on ocean acidification in
Alaska’s commercially important coastal regions.
“These buoys are really going to provide some new insights and understanding for ocean
acidification in the Pacific-Arctic region,” said Mathis. “We know that these areas
are going to experience a dramatic change in pH over the coming decades and, given
the importance of the fisheries, we have to stay out in front of any potential disruptions
that could be caused by rising carbon dioxide levels.”
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Stephens, CFOS public information officer, 907-322-8730, OR
Jeremy Mathis, assistant professor of chemical oceanography, 907-474-5926
May 6, 2011
Marinette, Wisconsin—About 40 scientists and agency representatives will gather in Marinette, Wisconsin
for an early briefing on the science capabilities of the University of Alaska Fairbanks
research vessel Sikuliaq on May 10-11. The ship, which is being constructed at Marinette
Marine Corporation, will be 261 feet long and the most capable vessel in the United
States academic fleet.
Scientists attending the workshop will discuss the science that will be done using
the ship. The visiting scientists will also tour full-scale models of parts of the
ship, including mock-ups of several laboratories, the bridge and a control room. Members
of the Sikuliaq construction team will be there to answer questions about the vessel.
“This meeting is designed with two objectives: to acquaint the science community with
the capabilities of the Sikuliaq, and for scientists to discuss among themselves possible
research that would be conducted on the ship,” said Terry Whitledge, professor of
oceanography and the ship project’s principal investigator.
Another workshop is being planned for February 2012 in Salt Lake City.
The keel-laying for the ship was held last month at the shipyard in Marinette, WI.
A keel-laying is a traditional milestone in the construction of a ship, and comparable
to a ground-breaking for the construction of a building. At the keel-laying, the ship’s
co-sponsors, Vera Alexander and Bob Elsner, had their initials welded onto a steel
plate that will be affixed to the keel for the ship’s working life.
May 4, 2011
Fairbanks, Alaska—Catherine Chambers, a doctoral student in the University of Alaska Fairbanks fisheries
program, has received a Fulbright scholarship to study northern fishing communities
and how they adapt to change.
Chambers will study in Iceland from September 2011 to May 2012. She will compare how
people involved in fishing in both Kodiak and Iceland experience environmental, social,
economic and political change.
“Catherine is a highly qualified student and engaged citizen poised to make a significant
contribution to interdisciplinary and international fisheries social science and resource
management,” said assistant fisheries professor Courtney Carothers, Chambers’ advisor.
Chambers began her doctoral studies at UAF in 2009 as one of only four graduate fellows
in the interdisciplinary Marine Ecosystem Sustainability in the Arctic and Subarctic
program. The MESAS program is a National Science Foundation-funded Integrative Graduate
Education and Research Traineeship program, also known as an IGERT.
The Fulbright Program was founded by U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946 and
is a highly competitive, merit-based grants program for international educational
exchange. Forty-three Fulbright alumni have won Nobel Prizes and 78 have won Pulitzer
Prizes. According to the Fulbright Program website, more Nobel laureates have received
Fulbright awards than any other award program.
The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Stephens, senior information officer, UAF CFOS, 907-322-8730
Catherine Chambers at 907-474-5863
Courtney Carothers, assistant professor of fisheries, 907-474-5329
May 4, 2011
Galveston, Texas—A team of five Juneau-Douglas High School students won the policy briefing section
of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl held April 29 to May 1 in Galveston, Texas.
The policy briefing component of the competition was added in 2011 so that students
can gain a broader understanding of ocean science, law and public policy. As part
of the competition, the students identified potential stakeholders impacted by aquaculture
and presented an analytical report on how congressional legislation on aquaculture
would affect these stakeholders.
The team interviewed UAF Marine Advisory Program agents, legislators, individuals
from non-governmental organizations, and individuals involved in the aquaculture industry.
The students also wrote recommendations on what they believed should be included in
an aquaculture bill.
The Juneau team-- Tyler Houseweart (team captain), Seth Brickey, Martina Miller, Elise
Christey and Sam Kurland-- won the regional NOSB competition, the Tsunami Bowl, in
Seward in February. As first-place winners of the Tsunami Bowl, they received an all-expenses
paid trip to the national competition in Galveston.
“I think that many people were blown away at how well the students from
Alaska did in this event,” said Dean Stockwell, a research associate professor of
biological oceanography at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and the
science judge for the Tsunami Bowl.
“Their poise, maturity, work ethic and ability to orally communicate their policy
was outstanding. This was truly an impressive effort,” added Stockwell.
The winners of the policy briefing section received a paid three-day trip to Washington
and Oregon to meet with stakeholders involved in the West Coast shellfish industry.
The National Ocean Sciences Bowl was established in 1998 to encourage learning about
the oceans and increase the teaching of ocean sciences in high schools. The Consortium
for Ocean Leadership supports the NOSB. Several sponsors support the Tsunami Bowl,
including the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and Alaska Sea Grant.
April 22, 2011
Fairbanks, Alaska—It took 26 years for marine invertebrates living on the Port Valdez seafloor to stabilize
after Alaska's Great Earthquake of 1964, according to a scientist at the University
of Alaska Fairbanks.
"The earthquake, which measured 9.2 on the Richter scale, and the tsunami waves that
followed, impacted every marine community in Prince William Sound," said Arny Blanchard,,
a research assistant professor at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
Four decades of monitoring, including samples collected last year, have confirmed
that the seafloor now resembles that of an undisturbed glacial fjord.
Blanchard’s findings, along with those of Howard Feder, UAF professor emeritus, and
Max Hoberg, UAF researcher, were published in the journal Marine Environmental Research. The findings shed light on how long it takes for seafloor ecosystems to recover
after earthquakes.
The 1964 earthquake and resulting tsunami wreaked havoc on intertidal beaches and
seafloor of Port Valdez, according to Feder, the leader of the biological component
of the project from 1971 to 1990. Marine plants and animals on Port Valdez beaches
were destroyed by the tsunami while the earthquake deposited massive amounts of sediment
on the seafloor. This caused the whole community of bottom-dwelling marine invertebrates--
such as sea worms, snails and clams-- to change.
Some seafloor invertebrates usually found in glacial fjords like Port Valdez, such
as the sea worms Terebellides stroemi and Galathowenia oculata, virtually disappeared. Other animals took advantage of the disturbance and colonized
the area. One of those animals is a family of sea worms called Capitellidae. They became unusually dominant in the region for a few years. According to Blanchard,
Capitellidae are known for being highly opportunistic and tolerant of disturbance.
The diversity and abundance of marine invertebrates in Port Valdez was highly variable
from 1971 to 1989 compared to other glacial fjords, primarily as a result of the earthquake.
Over time, the community of animals stabilized. Today, the balance of bottom-dwelling
animals looks more like an undisturbed glacial fjord.
"The ecosystem was in such flux that responses by seafloor communities to regional
climatic variability were masked by the recovery process," said Blanchard.
Samples collected in 2010 marked the fourth decade of sampling in Port Valdez, making
it one of the longest-running research projects at the UAF College of Fisheries and
Ocean Sciences. The Port Valdez study resulted in numerous scientific publications,
including three books, and provided research opportunities for more than 50 undergraduate
and graduate students.
The project began as an investigation of the Port Valdez ecosystem prior to the construction
of the Port Valdez marine oil terminal. The study is multidisciplinary, with Blanchard
currently leading the biological component. An important part of the project includes
looking at the potential effects on seafloor animals of wastewater and treated ballast
water discharges at the terminal. David Shaw, professor emeritus at UAF, has been
the leader of the hydrocarbon chemistry component of the project since 1976. Scientists
say that effects on animals on intertidal beaches and the seafloor from wastewater
discharged by the terminal have been minor.
The Port Valdez project is funded by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company.
The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
April 13, 2011
Marinette, Wisconsin—The keel-laying ceremony for the R/V Sikuliaq was held on Monday, Apr. 11, in Marinette,
WI. More than 80 people attended the ceremony. Vera Alexander and Bob Elsner served
as co-sponsors for the Sikuliaq, and their initials were welded into a steel plate
that will be affixed to the Sikuliaq's keel for its working life.
Both Alexander and Elsner have been involved with the planning and development of
the ship for several decades.
Participants in the ceremony included UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers, Marinette Marine
Corporation CEO Richard McCreary, U.S. Congressman Reid Ribble (Wisconsin), Wisconsin
state Senator Dave Hansen and NSF Ocean Sciences Division Director David Conover.
April 7, 2011
Marinette, Wisconsin—The University of Alaska Fairbanks and Marinette Marine Corporation will host a keel-laying
ceremony for the R/V Sikuliaq at 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 11, at Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette, Wis.
The 261-foot oceanographic research ship, formerly known as the Alaska Region Research
Vessel, will be owned by the National Science Foundation and operated by UAF.
The ceremony will include an invocation for the ship and remarks by Chancellor Brian
Rogers for UAF and president and CEO Richard McCreary for Marinette Marine Corporation.
Other speakers will include a representative from the National Science Foundation
and legislators from the region.
A keel-laying ceremony is a traditional milestone in the construction of a ship. When
the keel is laid, the initials of the ship’s sponsors are welded into the keel. The
Sikuliaq’s sponsors are Vera Alexander and Bob Elsner. Alexander is the former dean
of the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and Elsner has been a professor
of marine science at UAF since 1973. Alexander and Elsner have been involved with
the planning for the Sikuliaq for more than three decades.
The launch of the ship is scheduled for mid-2012 and the ship will be ready for full
science operations in 2014. The Sikuliaq will be headquartered at the UAF Seward Marine
Center in Seward, Alaska. The name of the vessel, Sikuliaq, is pronounced [see-KOO-lee-auk]
and is an Inupiaq word meaning “young sea ice.”
Contact
Carin Stephens
Senior Information Officer
907-322-8730
April 5, 2011
Story provided by Jenn Wagaman, UAF research information officer
Fairbanks, Alaska—For the first time, an ice-strengthened ship in the national research fleet will be
dedicated for use by scientists to study the Arctic Ocean and its creatures.
On April 6 at 7 p.m., Michael Castellini will discuss how scientists get into polar
regions to study and will give an up-to-the-minute status of the construction of the
261-foot research vessel Sikuliaq. Castellini, dean of the UAF College of Fisheries
and Ocean Sciences, has spent his career studying marine mammals in both the Arctic
and the Antarctic.
His lecture, “Sikuliaq: The Future of Polar Marine Research in Alaska” will be held
at the Anchorage Museum. The lecture is the third and final installment of the Anchorage
portion of the 2011 Science for Alaska Lecture Series.
Science for Alaska is sponsored by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, IDeA Network
for Biomedical Research Excellence and Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. The Anchorage
Museum will provide family-friendly activities beginning at 6 p.m., prior to the lecture.
The event is free to the public.
March 9, 2011
Fairbanks, Alaska—Michael Castellini has been selected as the dean of the College of Fisheries and Ocean
Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Castellini has served as interim dean
since last June.
Supporting research and professional service in fisheries and marine science across
Alaska will be an integral part of his work for the school, he said.
"CFOS has a strong mission of teaching, research and service, and because of our facilities
throughout the state, we can readily work on a broad and diverse range of topics relevant
to the state of Alaska."
A marine biologist who specializes in marine mammal physiology, Castellini has been
a faculty member at CFOS for 22 years. He has published more than 100 scientific journal
articles and book chapters, served on more than 40 graduate student committees and
participated in more than 20 scientific field expeditions on land, sea and ice.
“The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences is a great unit within UAF and it has
been a pleasure to work in the school for all these years,” he said.
Castellini has served in a variety of administrative roles including founding scientific
director of the Alaska SeaLife Center, the director of the Institute of Marine Science,
director of the Coastal Marine Institute and the associate dean of CFOS.
One focus of Castellini’s work has been on public outreach. He has participated in
many public outreach programs discussing climate change, the Arctic and Antarctic
and how animals at those locations are critically dependent on sea ice.
Castellini holds a doctorate in marine biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
"I’m looking forward to this role within the school and to working with the faculty,
staff and students as we explore new ideas, share discoveries and help create and
motivate the next generation of CFOS students and scientists," he said.
3 March 2011
ASG— Julie Matweyou, a Kodiak fisherman and environmental scientist, has been hired
to fill the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program position in Kodiak.
March 1, 2011
Kodiak, Alaska—Two interdisciplinary master’s degree students at the UAF Fishery Industrial Technology
Center earned awards at the 62nd annual Pacific Fisheries Technologists Conference
held February 13-16 in Vancouver, B.C.
Katie Brenner won third place in the student competition for her oral presentation
called “Quality Assessment of Commercially Harvested Weathervane Scallops (Patinopecten
caurinus) from Alaska.” This was Brenner’s first oral presentation as a graduate student.
Brenner is advised by Alexandra de Oliveira.
Lale Gurer earned third place in the student competition for her poster on “Development
of Flavored Freeze-Dried Cubes from Wild-Caught Pacific Pink Salmon.” She is advised
by Quentin Fong.
Brenner also received the Matt Myers Travel Award Scholarship, which she says made
her trip to Vancouver possible.
The Pacific Fisheries Technologists Conference provides a forum for fisheries technologists
to broaden professional networks, discuss current issues, and exchange information
on current research in seafood technology.
February 16, 2011
Fairbanks, Alaska—A book by the Census of Marine Life, with chapters by CFOS scientists, has won two
national awards. The book, Life in the World’s Ocean: Diversity, Distribution, and Abundance, by Alasdair McIntyre, won two American Publishers Awards for Professional and Scholarly
Excellence (PROSE) awards. One of the awards was for excellence in physical sciences
and mathematics. The second award was for excellence in earth sciences. The book features
two chapters written by CFOS scientists.
One chapter, written by Katrin Iken, Brenda Konar, Ann Knowlton and others is called
“Surveying Nearshore Biodiversity” and features information on the CoML Natural Geography
in Shore Areas (NaGISA) project. NaGISA is a collaborative effort to inventory and
monitor coastal biodiversity.
The other chapter, written by Rolf Gradinger, Bodil Bluhm, Russ Hopcroft and others,
called “Marine Life in the Arctic,” highlights work done by the Arctic Ocean Diversity
project. The ArcOD project is an international effort to inventory biodiversity in
the Arctic.
The PROSE award is given annually to books in major categories by the Association
of American Publishers, a national trade association of the U.S. book publishing industry.
11 February 2011
ASG— Alaska Sea Grant is asking Alaska coastal community residents and the fishing
industry whether a fisherman training program should be established at the University
of Alaska Fairbanks.
February 9, 2011
Seward, Alaska—Can you name the chemical that is the principal source of energy at many of Earth’s
hydrothermal vents?
Seth Brickey can tell you: The answer is “hydrogen sulfide.”
Brickey was named MVP for the Juneau-Douglas High School team, Absolute Vorticity,
which took first place in last weekend’s Tsunami Bowl, the Alaska Region National Ocean Sciences Bowl. This is the fifth year in a row that a Juneau high school team has won the Tsunami Bowl.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Seward Marine Center hosted the competition Feb.
4-6 in Seward. The competition consists of two equally weighted parts: a quiz bowl
academic competition designed to challenge students' knowledge of ocean sciences and
a research project that has both written and public speaking components. This year,
the research project focused on human responses to oceanic events.
Ben Carney, Absolute Vorticity coach and a teacher at Juneau-Douglas High School,
said his team worked hard for their win.
“Absolute Vorticity won because they put in a tremendous amount of effort toward all
aspects of the competition in a coordinated manner, set high expectations of themselves
and functioned as a complete team at competition with a single goal,” he said.
Students on the team included Brickey, team captain Tyler Houseweart, Elise Christey,
Sam Kurland and Martina Miller.
“I am proud of all the Juneau participants for putting in the level of work that they
did,” added Carney.
The Tiger Sharks from Mat-Su Career and Technical High School took second place. Members
included team captain Jonah Jeffries, Alonzo Gage, Chris Erickson, Aspen Melton and
Shayla Jordan. The coach was Tim Lundt. The third-place team was from Cordova High
School.
Twenty teams from 15 high schools across Alaska, from Unalaska to Ketchikan, competed
in the Tsunami Bowl. This year, teams from Dillingham, Sitka, Kotlik and Scammon Bay
competed for the first time.
The first-place team won a free trip to compete against other regional teams in the
NOSB finals in Galveston, Texas in April. The top two teams won scholarships to the
University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Southeast.
The National Ocean Sciences Bowl was established in 1998 to encourage learning about
the oceans and increase the teaching of ocean sciences in high schools. The Consortium
for Ocean Leadership supports the NOSB. Several sponsors support the regional competition,
including the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and Alaska Sea Grant.
The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
February 8, 2011
Fairbanks, Alaska—We learned today that Laura Fenton passed away this last weekend. Laura worked for us at CFOS here in Fairbanks from 1996 until 2004 and I still remember her great laugh and attitude. She started with us as a Fiscal Tech, became our Financial Officer and ultimately our Executive Officer. Her "blue hair" period certainly was a remarkable event (for her 50th birthday year) and she was always ready to help us with the financial side of keeping up with work. We still have many of her bright pink sticky-notes and pink highlighter markups on documents from her office. I was in the middle of many research projects when Laura started for us and she was there to help me and all the CFOS scientists work through our budgets. Our condolences to her family everywhere. From all of us and our memories of a wonderful person who was a part of our lives.
February 8, 2011
Kodiak, Alaska—Beginning today, February 8, the Fishery Industrial Technology Center will be offering
a Brown Bag Lunch Seminar Series on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.
Today's seminar is called "Using Fish Guts: An Update on Seafood Byproduct Research"
and is presented by Scott Smiley. The next seminar is on "Eating Safe Seafood: Avoiding
the Botulism Toxin" by Chuck Crapo.
View the whole seminar series on the newly revamped FITC website or download the flyer
here (700KB PDF).
Each seminar begins at noon, and is free and open to the public.
February 3, 2011
Nome, Alaska—Nome resident and state marine mammal biologist Gay Sheffield has been hired as the
new Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program (MAP) agent for the Bering Strait region.
She will be based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest Campus in Nome.
Sheffield has been a marine mammal biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game since 1997, and has been assigned to the ADFG regional office in Nome for the
past three years.
“She’s been working with residents of the villages in the region for more than a decade,
and has a great rapport with people there,” said Chuck Crapo, seafood scientist with
Alaska Sea Grant and chair of the hiring committee. “Her experience with local issues,
her science and biology background, and her connections to the region are what swayed
the hiring committee. We are looking forward to her joining our team on Feb. 28.”
Sheffield’s work in the Bering Strait began in 1992, working with residents and researchers
on studies of walruses, ice seals, belugas, and bowhead whales. Most recently, her
work with Saint Lawrence Island residents documented the ongoing range extension of
Steller sea lions into the Bering Strait, as well as the diet and feeding behavior
of bowhead whales during the spring and late fall in the Bering Sea.
“Among its many great qualities, the Marine Advisory Program provides technical assistance,
educational and economic opportunities to coastal communities,” said Sheffield. “I
look forward to being part of MAP here in the Bering Strait region, and working with
our coastal communities on important issues including marine safety, subsistence,
marine mammals, fisheries, and community economic development.”
Sheffield holds a master’s degree in marine biology from the University of Alaska
Fairbanks, and is a UAF affiliate research associate of mammalogy.
The Nome MAP office has been without an agent since March 2010, when start-up funding
from the Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC) ended. The Alaska Legislature
authorized $300,000 in 2010 to fill vacant MAP positions in Nome and Kodiak, and to
make permanent the existing positions in Unalaska, Cordova, Dillingham and Petersburg.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks reprogrammed an additional $300,000 to support
these positions.
“The people of the Bering Strait region and NSEDC need to be thanked for their support
of this position,” said Paula Cullenberg, leader of the Marine Advisory Program. “I
share their interest and concern for the Alaska’s Bering Strait and Arctic regions.
Gay has the background and expertise to make sure the residents of the region are
involved in the research and decision-making process in this important part of the
state.”
February 1, 2011
Alaska Marine Science Symposium talks available as podcasts
Fairbanks, Alaska—www.alaskamarinescience.org for all podcasts.
January 31, 2011
Seward, Alaska—The 14th annual Alaska Region National Ocean Sciences Bowl, also called the Tsunami
Bowl, will be held in Seward this weekend, Feb. 4-6. The competition is hosted by
the UAF Seward Marine Center.
Twenty teams from 15 high schools across Alaska, from Unalaska to Ketchikan, will
compete in the Jeopardy-style quiz bowl. This year, teams from Dillingham, Sitka,
Kotlik and Scammon Bay will compete for the first time.
The competition consists of two equally weighted parts: a tournament-style academic
competition designed to challenge students' knowledge of ocean sciences; and a research
project that has both written and public speaking components. This year, the research
project focused on human responses to oceanic events.
“The competition and related activities during the three-day event encourage students
to continue to study fisheries and marine science during their postsecondary education,
and to consider a career in a marine-related occupation,” said Phyllis Shoemaker,
longtime Tsunami Bowl organizer.
The National Ocean Sciences Bowl was established in 1998 to encourage learning about
the oceans and increase the teaching of ocean sciences in high schools. The Consortium
for Ocean Leadership supports the NOSB. Several sponsors support the regional competition,
including the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and Alaska Sea Grant.
The winner of the Alaska Region NOSB competition will compete in the NOSB finals,
scheduled to take place in Galveston, Texas, in April 2011.
Carin Stephens
Public Information Officer
Phone: (907) 322-8730
Phyllis Shoemaker
Tsunami Bowl Organizer
Phone: (907) 224-4312
January 31, 2011
by Michael Castellini, Interim Dean
Fairbanks, Alaska—As many of you know, we heard the sad news this last week that Kevin Engle, one of
our past CFOS students, passed away last week. The Chancellor’s note about Kevin to
the UAF community told Kevin’s recent history as a staff member with the Geophysical
Institute, but many at CFOS also remember when Kevin was a student with us.
Kevin was a master's degree student in biological oceanography and took his first
classes with us in the fall of 1989, and it was in that semester when I first met
him. He wanted to work on how satellite derived sea surface temperatures varied in
time and space in Prince William Sound and the Gulf of Alaska.
While he did not complete his degree with us, he stayed close to us both as a friend
and in his work interests.
Kevin came to us with a bachelor of arts in biology from Penn State and in one of
his reference letters it was stated that: "Kevin is very friendly, cooperative and
trustworthy. He is a good conversationalist and he is broadly educated." I last talked
with Kevin at a Christmas party in December and what about this description, written
22 years ago, would not have still been accurate?
In his own application to us, Kevin wrote: "I am especially interested in high-latitude
ocean circulation patterns and marginal ice zone air-sea-ice interactions and I would
like to apply remote sensing as a research tool in studying these systems." Rarely
do we see such an early connection at the MS level with what a student sees as their
future.
For the last many years, each and every time that I would notice the large antennae
on the GI building being moved to better locate a satellite feed, I knew that Kevin
was sitting at the controls driving that system... it's going to be very hard to see
that system move and know that he is not there at those controls.
January 24, 2011
CFOS students win best poster awards at Alaska Marine Science Symposium
Editor's Note: A webpage about CFOS participation in the Alaska Marine Science Symposium.
Anchorage, Alaska—
CFOS students Mandy Keogh, Shiway Wang and Wesley Strasburger won the best student
poster awards at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium last week in Anchorage. CFOS
students earned three out of the four awards.
Mandy Keogh is a Ph.D. student studying marine biology with Shannon Atkinson. Her
poster was called “Body condition and endocrine profiles of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups
during the early postnatal period” (906KB PDF).
Shiway Wang is also a Ph.D. student in marine biology. Her advisor is Matthew Wooller.
Her poster was on "Compound-specific stable isotope analyses of fatty acids in primary
production from the Bering Sea: a foundation for food web biomarker studies." (E-mail
Shiway Wang at shiway@gmail.com for a PDF of her poster.)
Wesley Strasburger is a master’s degree student studying fisheries with former CFOS
faculty member Nicola Hillgruber. His poster was “A comparison of feeding patterns between larval and juvenile walleye pollock and Pacific
cod in the eastern Bering Sea" (300KB PDF).
The North Pacific Research Board sponsored the four poster awards, two for master’s level students and two for Ph.D.
students. The winning students earned a $250 cash award.
Several College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences faculty and staff presented at the
Alaska Marine Science Symposium. Russ Andrews presented a keynote speech on “Steller’s
curse: the unfortunate fate of Alaska’s first naturalist and the marine mammals that
bear his name.” Other CFOS faculty and staff presenters included Arny Blanchard, Rachel
Potter, Peter Winsor, Bodil Bluhm, Brenda Norcross, Seth Danielson and Franz Mueter.
Related Links
Mathis wins Alaska Ocean Leadership Award
Anchorage, Alaska—Jeremy Mathis, assistant professor of chemical oceanography, has received the Alaska
Ocean Leadership Award for Marine Research. The award was given by the Alaska SeaLife Center at the Alaska Marine Gala on Sunday, Jan. 16.
According to the Alaska SeaLife Center, Mathis earned the award for his work on carbon
cycling and ocean acidification in northern waters.
“His groundbreaking contributions to marine research and communication about ocean
acidification are remarkable,” said Ian Dutton, president and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife
Center. “His credentials and commitment to research have greatly enhanced the profile
of ocean acidification research in Alaska.”
Mathis joined the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences in 2007. He earned his
Ph.D. in 2006 in marine chemistry from the University of Miami.
"It is a tremendous honor to be recognized for this award given the diverse and outstanding
research that is being done around the state by hundreds of dedicated scientists,”
said Mathis. “I could not have done this work without the support of my lab manager
Natalie Monacci and my graduate students Jessica Cross, Kristen Shake, Elena Fernandez
and Fletcher Sewall.
Mathis says his research on ocean acidification will continue in the coming years.
“Ocean acidification could present a major challenge for the ecosystems of Alaska,
but we plan to work even harder in the coming years to better understand the controls
and potential impacts of this process,” he said.
The first Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards were given out in January 2010. The awards
were established to encourage and give recognition to outstanding achievements related
to ocean sciences, education and resource management in Alaska. Award categories include
marine research, lifetime achievement, stewardship and sustainability, ocean media
and ocean literacy.
January 13, 2011
Fairbanks, Alaska—Elizaveta Ershova, a Ph.D. student in marine biology at the UAF College of Fisheries
and Ocean Sciences, has been selected as an Encyclopedia of Life Rubenstein Fellow.
The EOL Rubenstein Fellows Program provides partial stipend or salary support for
early-career scientists to serve information about the organisms they study through
the Encyclopedia of Life. Ershova is one of sixteen fellows selected worldwide. Her
advisor is Russell Hopcroft, professor of biological oceanography.
Ershova works with the ecology of zooplankton communities in the Arctic. She has a
master’s degree at the Moscow State University Shirshov Institute of Oceanology.
“Elizaveta came in knowing exactly what she was doing. Because of her training, she
really has a higher appreciation of the taxonomic hierarchy and morphology of the
animals,” said Hopcroft.
Ershova will work with Hopcroft to continue to expand information on arctic and subarctic
zooplankton species.
13 January 2011
CFOS— A record-breaking 840 marine scientists, fisheries experts, oceanographers and
graduate students from around the world will converge in Anchorage next week for the
2011 Alaska Marine Science Symposium.
Contribute information to this webpage by e-mailing cbstephens@alaska.edu.
From CFOS Dean Michael Castellini, December 23, 2010:
We are saddened by the news that Andrea Ruby, one of our fisheries undergraduates,
was killed in an automobile accident near Ester late Tuesday evening. Andrea was from
Dillingham, but living in Ester and was in her senior year here with us at CFOS.
Because many of us are away from UAF at the moment, we have set up this webpage so
that you can contribute your messages about Andrea here. You can also post your messages
at our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/UAF-School-of-Fisheries-Ocean-Sciences/134979445591. When we return in January, we will let
everyone know about further gatherings to remember Andrea.
With sympathy to friends and family,
Michael Castellini, Interim Dean, CFOS
Send your fond memories and/or photographs of Andrea Ruby for posting on this webpage to cbstephens@alaska.edu.
Andrea Ruby (center). Photo courtesy of Jessica Bartman.
Andrea will be missed by all her friends and family. She was so passionate about life and had such a creative mind unlike any other. The best memories I have with her are growing up at fish camp Igushik together. Andrea, Holly (her sister), and I (cousin) were always attached at the hip. We built clubhouses, played cook, swam, fished, played on the beach, rode four-wheelers and so many other activities we have done together while in Igushik. In Dillingham we built fort-cities, dog mushed and spent a lot of time playing at the "shop." I will cherish all the memories forever. Rest in peace my wonderful cousin, I love you always and you will always be in my heart. -- Jessica Bartman
As a 20+ year resident of Dillingham, an alumnus of UAF Fisheries ('77), a retired ADFG career fisheries biologist (22+ yrs), and now lab/ field helper at UAF BBC, I am very very sad to know Andrea is gone. A member of a prominent local family, she was a lively resident of Dillingham. I worked with her briefly last summer and was pleased, even inspired, to learn she was pursuing a fisheries career. It was fun to have a couple opportunities to encourage her and to discuss school and careers with her. I loved her energy and enthusiasm and had high hopes for her to have a successful fisheries career. It is some consolation to know that in her brief time, Andrea was busy making a positive impact to many of those around her. My condolences to her extended family and her many friends. She was such a dynamo! --Dan Dunaway
Andrea Ruby joined the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences in 2009 in her own quiet, unassuming way. For those who know Andrea well, you know she had a tendency to sit quietly in a classroom, not allowing herself to stick out too much in the crowd. However, she had much to share; her knowledge and background were so valuable to our program. Her friendly smile, easy demeanor, independence, and determination were among the many things that made it a joy to have Andrea with us. One of the great tragedies of losing someone young is that you lose that potential they represent, and Andrea had that potential. She was realizing that potential.
Andrea understood quite well that the lifeblood of her community and the state was in its fisheries. Dillingham boasts one of the last great and healthy fisheries in the world, and she felt her role was to protect that health, thereby protecting her family and her home. With the looming threat of the Pebble Mine, many would choose the path of activism - speaking loudly to their communities, to their legislature, or to the world. Andrea knew that the path of a loud-spoken activist was not for her; she instead decided to arm herself with knowledge and with the larger perspective that comes with a college education. She was determined to have an influence by attaining a graduate degree and using her skills in Dillingham to make a difference.
Some students come to school with these sorts of lofty goals, only to abandon them for better-paying jobs elsewhere, or, perhaps, easier majors that do not require Calculus. Others fall under the influence of the town atmosphere and its many temptations. Andrea never, in her years of school, in her struggles with math classes, and with her circle of friends, lost sight of her goals. Two years after her arrival, her term project for her Fish Ecology class was on the potential effects of open-pit mining on landscape dynamics of Pacific salmon. Everything she learned, every project she took on, tied back to her long-term goals.
Andrea was also determined to learn the techniques and scientific basis of fisheries management – tools she could bring back to her community. She successfully obtained a position in Brenda Norcross’s Fisheries Oceanography lab, and it is there where she truly blossomed. She started slowly, as a ‘lab grunt,’ sometimes showing up a bit late for work. When told she must be on time, she rose to the occasion and quickly gained the respect of her fellow lab members. This respect was accompanied by larger responsibilities and more complex tasks – challenges that she took on with relish and eager enthusiasm. When she saw something needing to be done or someone in need of help, she gave it her all, going out of her way to get the job done - sharing a few laughs and stories along the way. One long day preparing seal teeth to send off to the lab for aging, her lab partner mentioned she was very skilled at cleaning the teeth. This is when she smiled and mentioned that at home she was known to be a great pukuk-er. She said, “If I am good at cleaning all the meat off of a bone, then I guess that could translate to teeth as well.” Her kind-hearted and spirited personality made a big impression on her coworkers, even if they had known her only a few months.
Andrea’s quiet determination to be the best student, the best research laboratory member, and the best person she could be is among the many reasons she will be greatly missed. For those of us at the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, we want to convey how her deep fondness for her community, family, and home transferred to everything she accomplished with us in Fairbanks. These accomplishments will not be forgotten.-- Amanda Rosenberger, Assistant Professor of Fisheries, CFOS; Brenda Norcross, Professor of Fisheries, CFOS; Brenda Holladay, Lorena Edenfield, Sara Carroll, Fisheries Oceanography Lab, CFOS
Andrea was my niece and I'm still grieving her death. But I love to remember that despite the life-challenges she faced over the past few years, she hung in there and continued to pursue a degree in a field that she felt very passionate about. Some of the early part of her educational efforts were via the Bristol Bay Campus. With that in mind I would offer the attached form for anyone that would like to donate to the future University of Alaska Fairbanks Bristol Bay Campus Sciences Center in her memory. The Center will be located at the Bristol Bay Campus here in Dillingham. I hope (and I think she would also hope) that the Center will make it possible for other resident students to also recognize their potential and their passion for science, wildlife, the environment and the Bristol Bay Region. I wanted to share the forms with others that might be interested. -- Alice Ruby
I had the privilege of working with Andrea as part of my Biology 271 study group for the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) this past fall. Often, Andrea and I would meet one on one to spend extra time reviewing lecture material in preparation for exams. During these meetings, I came to know Andrea well enough to see her concern for her community and understand how that drove her dedication to her chosen field. We discussed the proposed Pebble Mine more than once, and she even pointed out a photograph of a relative in a related National Geographic article during one of our last meetings. In studying ecology, we tried to relate concepts to fish and fisheries every chance we could, because she wanted to understand how to apply the knowledge to her future work. If we could not find a good aquatics application, then we would try thinking in terms of her hamster or her dog. There were times in which we laughed, wishing we could just stay home all day, every day, and eat and sleep and wander the house as our pets did. But that was one quality I admired about Andrea. Not only was she eager to learn the material and perform her best on all assignments, but she did not give up when things got hard. If anything, she seemed to redouble her efforts when the stress increased, and this last semester was not easy for her. That her efforts ended as they did was tragic, indeed, for I wanted nothing more than to see her graduate, return to Dillingham to help save the salmon, and write her children's books, as planned. Just when I was beginning to know and love her as a friend, she was gone, but I will ever be grateful for the time I had to spend with her. She was open, honest, warm-hearted, hard-working, conscientious of others, and determined to meet her goals. Of a certainty, I will not be alone in missing her presence here at UAF. My heart goes out to Andrea`'s family, as well. She was one to be appreciated and enjoyed, to say the least! --Lisa Stephens, ANSEP Study Group Leader.
December 16, 2010
Juneau, Alaska—Terrance Quinn, professor of fisheries at the UAF Juneau Center of the College of
Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, was the co-author of a paper called "Relationship of
farm salmon, sea lice, and wild salmon populations" published in the Proceedings of
the National Academy of Sciences on December 13, 2010. The paper's findings have been
featured in dozens of national and international news outlets, including USA Today
and BBC News.
In the article, authors Gary Marty, Sonja Saksida and Quinn say that sea lice from
farmed salmon were not the cause of the 2002 decline of wild pink salmon.
- Farmed salmon may not hurt wild salmon, USA Today, Dec. 14, 2010
- Sea lice 'not responsible' for 2002 loss of pink salmon, Vancouver Sun, Dec. 13, 2010
9 December 2010
ASG— To learn more about how Alaska communities view their food security, UAF’s Cooperative
Extension Service and the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program are asking Southeast
Alaskans to complete an online survey. UAF’s goals are to better understand the region’s
food security concerns and identify how the university can help communities address
them.
9 December 2010
ASG— Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program specialists and agents will conduct
job training workshops for Southeast Alaska commercial shrimp fishermen, as part of
a federal program that will provide shrimp fishermen suffering from unfair foreign
competition with up to $12,000.
8 December 2010
ASG— Biologists developing the science and technology to raise wild red and blue king
crab in hatcheries as a way to rebuild collapsed stocks in parts of Alaska have received
$460,000 in grants and support to assess how the crab may fare in the wild.
December 8, 2010
Seward, Alaska—Despite a 30-year warming trend, the last three years in the Bering Sea have been the coldest on record. A University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist says that the cold temperatures have helped produce larger zooplankton in the Bering Sea, which may be changing the way Walleye pollock are feeding.
Alexei Pinchuk, research professional at the UAF Seward Marine Center, has spent the
last three years gathering zooplankton samples in the Bering Sea. He and his colleagues
have been looking at how changes in temperature in the Bering Sea affect resident
zooplankton, and in turn how those zooplankton shifts may affect the diet of Walleye
pollock.
During colder years, like the last three, pollock tend to eat the larger zooplankton,
like copepods and krill, which flourish in chillier temperatures. Pinchuk has also
found that the recent cold temperatures have brought an arctic “sand-flea”, the amphipod
Themisto libellula, south into Bering Sea waters. Young salmon and pollock seem to prefer to eat these
amphipods over other, smaller zooplankton.
In warmer years, which include the record-setting high temperatures of 2001 to 2005,
smaller zooplankton tend to thrive. According to Pinchuk and his colleagues, younger
pollock tend to eat the smaller plankton, while larger pollock favor the larger plankton
found in colder waters. This causes younger pollock to start out doing well in warmer
temperatures, but as the pollock grow bigger, they may not be able to find the larger
zooplankton prey they need to produce enough fat for overwintering.
“The larger pollock may then eat their smaller cousins instead,” said Pinchuk.
Pinchuk conducted his research on board the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy, R/V Knorr
and R/V Thomas G. Thompson. He collected his zooplankton samples using multiple collecting
nets.
Although the last few years have been cold, scientists predict that the warming trend
in the Bering Sea will continue.
Pinchuk’s findings were recently featured in the Nov. 4 issue of Nature magazine.
His work is part of the broad Bering Sea Project, a six-year, $52 million integrated
ecosystem study of the Bering Sea. The Bering Sea Project" is funded by both the National Science Foundation and the North Pacific Research Board.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Stephens
Senior Information Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Phone: 907-322-8730
E-mail: cbstephens@alaska.edu
Alexei Pinchuk
Research Professional
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Seward Marine Center
Phone: 907-224-4313
E-mail: aipinchuk@alaska.edu
November 19, 2010
Juneau, Alaska—Two CFOS graduate students won best student paper and best student poster awards at
the American Fisheries Society Alaska Chapter meeting held in Juneau November 3-5.
Jason Neuswanger, advised by Mark Wipfli and Amanda Rosenberger, won the best student
paper award. He gave a talk on "The roles of territoriality and detritus in wild juvenile
Chinook salmon drift-feeding behavior".
Jamie McKellar presented a poster called "Population structure and reproductive status
of razor clams, Siliqua patula, in eastern Cook Inlet". McKellar is advised by Katrin Iken and Trent Sutton.
Three other CFOS students also won awards at the AFS Alaska meeting.
Casey McConnell, a bachelor of science student in fisheries, received the 2010 Molly
Ahlgren Scholarship Award. The award provides a $2,000 scholarship to an undergraduate
student entering his or her senior year of studies. In addition to the scholarship
funds, the award also covers the travel and meeting expenses for the recipient to
attend the AFS Alaska meeting. The award was presented to McConnell at the AFS Alaska
meeting.
Ernestine Ahgeak, a bachelor of science in fisheries student, and Elena Fernandez,
a master’s degree student in oceanography with advisor Jeremy Mathis, both won the
Cultural Diversity Travel Award. The Cultural Diversity Travel Award covered the travel
expenses for Ahgeak and Fernandez to attend the AFS Alaska meeting.
November 9, 2010
Juneau, Alaska—Graduate students from CFOS presented in large numbers at last week’s American Fisheries Society Alaska Chapter annual meeting in Juneau. CFOS graduate students presented 26 of the 98 talks given
at the meeting, and 11 out of 30 posters.
“I don’t remember the last time we’ve had so many of our graduate students at the
AFS Alaska meeting,” said Terry Quinn, professor of fisheries at the CFOS Juneau Center.
According to Trent Sutton, associate professor of fisheries and the interim academic
fisheries director, there was a heavy CFOS presence at the meeting.
When asked why there were so many CFOS graduate students at the meeting, Sutton said
“We have more graduate students now, because we have more faculty. As we’ve hired
new faculty, they have taken on students, and now it is all starting to materialize
with those students now ready to present data from their research.”
Sutton will be AFS Alaska’s next president and will serve 2011-2012. His duties will
include planning the next AFS Alaska meeting, to be held in Anchorage or Girdwood
next November.
Plenary speakers at the meeting included Gordon Kruse, professor of fisheries, and
Keith Criddle, professor of fisheries and interim administrative director of the CFOS
fisheries division. Kruse presented a talk called “Climate Change and the Future of
Alaska’s Fisheries” and Criddle gave a presentation called “The Global Economy and
its Impact on Alaskan Fisheries.”
Other CFOS faculty presenters included Andrew Seitz, Mark Wipfli and Franz Mueter.
Session chairs included Courtney Carothers, Ginny Eckert, Kruse, Seitz and Megan McPhee.
Sutton and Milo Adkison both presented posters.
AFS Alaska is the local organization in Alaska for the American Fisheries Society.
The chapter has more than 400 members.
CFOS student oral presenters:
Greg Albrecht
Brittany Blain
Parker Bradley
Catherine Chambers (MESAS)
Dean Courtney
Elena Fernandez
Zachary Hoyt
Peter-John Hulson
Kay Larson-Blair
Emily Lescak
Laurinda Marcello
Jennifer Marsh
Sara Miller
Katie Moerlein
Julie Nielsen
Veronica Padula
Megan Peterson (MESAS)
Jodi Pirtle
Jonathan Richar
Suzanne Teerlink
Kray Van Kirk
Scott Vulstek
Joel Webb
Miranda Westphal
Shelley Woods
Marilyn Zaleski
CFOS student poster presenters:
Greg Albrecht
Jesse Coleman and Christine Woll
Terril Efird
Chris Manhard
Jamie McKellar
Jonathan Richar
Heather Scannell
Nicholas Smith
Jason Stolarski
Jennifer Stoutamore
James Swingle
3 November 2010
ASG— The 26th Lowell Wakefield Fisheries Symposium (Ecosystems 2010: Global Progress
on Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management) will bring together international fishery
scientists, managers, and stakeholders to share insights into the current status and
future prospects on ecosystem-based fisheries management.
October 20, 2010
Juneau, Alaska—Senator Mark Begich, Juneau Mayor Bruce Botelho and their staff visited the Lena Point
Fisheries Building on Tuesday, October 19. They toured the building and spoke with
faculty, staff and graduate students.
Fisheries Division Interim Administrative Director Keith Criddle says that the visit
went well and that Lena Point staff expressed their satisfaction with the new building
and gratitude to the state for funding it.
“We mentioned our success with the National Science Foundation and other federal grants,
such as MESAS, SELMR and the Sikuliaq,” said Criddle. “We also talked about the demand
for our graduates in state and federal agencies, and of our recognition as a leader
in providing stock assessment scientists.”
The visit was initiated by contact between Shannon Atkinson, professor of marine biology,
and Mayor Bruce Botelho. Atkinson sent Botelho a letter in August with several development
ideas for Lena Point.
20 October 2010
CFOS— Explaining the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)NEPA is the goal of a
series of educational training workshops being organized by Izetta Chambers, the Alaska
Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program agent based in Dillingham.
October 15, 2010
Homer, Alaska—The Kasitsna Bay Laboratory has received a group award from the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Association’s National Ocean Service for supporting and encouraging diversity
through science education for minority groups.
Kris Holderied, NOAA director of the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory, was notified of the
award last month and laboratory employees Michael and Connie Geagel accepted the award
for the laboratory at a ceremony held in Silver Spring, Maryland, on September 30.
“Although the award technically can only list NOAA employees by name, I would like
to emphasize that this truly is a team effort with both the NOAA and University of
Alaska partners at the laboratory,” said Holderied.
“Mike Geagel and Dominic Hondolero with NOAA and Connie Geagel, Hans Pederson, Layla
Pedersen, Dave Christie and Heather Wells with UAF equally deserve credit for our
accomplishments. Plus, all our education efforts involve partners such as local schools,
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve, Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Project GRAD, and
the Kachemak Bay Campus of UAA,” added Holderied.
The National Ocean Service Diversity award recognizes Kasitsna Bay Laboratory staff
for supporting a science literacy program that included Alaska Natives and women in
coastal field science training and education. The laboratory also provides field science
camps for K-12 students from across Alaska, with an emphasis on students from small
Alaska Native and Russian Old Believer communities. In 2009, the lab hosted 20 science
camps with more than 600 students. Seven of these camps were primarily focused on
minority students.
Michael Geagel, the site manager at the Laboratory, also received a National Ocean
Service Employee of the Year Award. According to the National Ocean Service, this
award recognizes employees who have made significant contributions to NOS programs
and demonstrate exceptional and sustained effort toward the accomplishment of NOS
missions. Geagel was recognized for his exceptional contributions to facility operations
and customer service over the past four years. It is the National Ocean Service’s
highest award.
The Kasitsna Bay Laboratory is located in Kasitsna Bay across Kachemak Bay from Homer.
The laboratory’s primary mission is to provide coastal science to help Alaska coastal
communities understand and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
The Laboratory is part of the Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research under
the NOAA’s National Ocean Service National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science. The
lab operates under a joint agreement for collaborative research and education between
the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and the University of Alaska Fairbanks
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
13 October 2010
CFOS— A new Alaska Sea Grant field guide to Alaska seaweeds is written by a federal
marine biologist who always knew what she wanted to do when she grew up.
October 4, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—The Census of Marine Life, a ten-year initiative to describe the distribution and diversity of ocean life,
draws to a close today with a celebration, symposium and press conference in London.
At the press conference, scientists revealed the results of the census, including
the discovery of new species, new patterns of biodiversity and more. Scientists at
the University of Alaska Fairbanks have played a major role in what the census calls
its “decade of discovery.”
UAF scientists have led two multi-year projects as part of the census. Both projects--
the Arctic Ocean Diversity project and the Natural Geography in Shore Areas project-- are dedicated to explaining
the biodiversity of different areas in the world's ocean. Between them, the projects
identified dozens of new species and cataloged nearshore organisms at more than 200
sites worldwide.
The Arctic Ocean Diversity project, also called ArcOD, is an international effort
to identify the number and variety of marine creatures living in the Arctic. The project
looks at organisms that live in arctic sea ice, the water column and on the seafloor,
from microscopic plankton to fishes and birds.
Bodil Bluhm, associate professor of marine biology, Rolf Gradinger, associate professor
of oceanography, and Russ Hopcroft, professor of oceanography, are leading the project.
The scientists are using historical data as well as new findings to create a broad
inventory of arctic species. The project operates as an umbrella program under which
independently funded arctic projects join together to compile a species database.
Currently, the database contains 250,000 records. The database is available online
through www.iobis.org, the censuswide data portal.
“What we are also trying to do is fill in the geographic and taxonomic gaps in our
knowledge of arctic species with new expeditions and improved taxonomic resolution,”
said Bluhm.
During their research, the scientists discovered 71 species that Bluhm says are new
to science. They say the research is particularly important because the Arctic is
showing the effects of climate change.
“The Arctic Ocean is the region where the impacts of climate change are strongest
expressed,” said Hopcroft. “Ongoing climate warming and reduction in sea ice makes
the effort to identify the diversity of its life an urgent issue.”
An important part of the project is the distribution of knowledge to the public through
educational outreach and publications. Gradinger, Bluhm, Hopcroft and the ArcOD team
of nearly 100 scientists have published multiple book chapters, books and articles
on arctic biodiversity.
Natural Geography in Shore Areas is a Census of Marine Life project that describes
the biodiversity in the world’s coastal regions. The project is also called “NaGISA,”
a Japanese word for the area where the ocean meets the shore. The effort will produce
the world’s first nearshore global census.
This international project is headquartered at both UAF and Kyoto University and led
by UAF scientists. The principal investigator is Katrin Iken, associate professor
of marine biology and the co-principal investigator is Brenda Konar, a professor of
marine biology. The project is managed by postdoctoral researcher Ann Knowlton and
assisted by research technician Heloise Chenelot.
NaGISA scientists developed standardized sampling techniques that have been used by
a global network of scientists at more than 240 sites along the shores of 28 countries.
The sites include rocky shore areas and seagrass beds in the intertidal zone out to
a depth of 20 meters.
“The advantages of a standardized protocol are that global quantitative data is comparable
over large spatial scales,” said Iken. “Also, the hierarchical design allows us to
analyze data from local to regional to global scales.”
The data gathered by NaGISA can be used as a baseline to determine changes in biodiversity
over latitude, longitude and time. All NaGISA data has been submitted to www.iobis.org.
To date, 54,666 entries have been contributed. Along with this database, many scientific
and outreach publications have been produced using the NaGISA data.
NaGISA scientists say an important goal of the program has been to involve local communities
in the sampling and increase coastal residents’ awareness of local marine habitat.
According to Knowlton, one of the project’s greatest legacies is the continued and
future use of the NaGISA sampling protocol by both K-12 and university students.
With more than 2,700 scientists from 670 institutions, census leaders say that the
Census of Marine Life is one of the largest scientific collaborations ever conducted.
The Census of Marine Life is primarily funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Scientists from each of the projects will present at the census finale. Although the
Census of Marine Life ends today, scientists from both the ArcOD and NaGISA projects
say that they will continue their efforts to explore biodiversity in the sea.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
October 1, 2010
Juneau, Alaska—A paper written by Jennifer Stahl while she was a graduate student working with advisor
Gordon Kruse has been awarded the W.F. Thompson Best Student Paper published in 2008
by the American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists. The Institute announced the award at their annual meeting this month in Pittsburgh.
Stahl received her master’s degree in fisheries in 2004. The paper was called "Spatial
and temporal variability in size of maturity of walleye pollock in the eastern Bering
Sea" and was published in the Transactions of the American Fisheries Society (volume 137, pp. 1543-1557). The paper was co-authored by Kruse, the President’s
Professor of Fisheries at UAF.
"The W.F. Thompson Best Student Paper award is probably the most prestigious student
award for our profession," said Kruse.
"As Jenny’s major professor, it is really quite an honor that Jenny’s hard work and
dedication to publishing has earned such international recognition. Her paper was
selected from a highly competitive field of papers published by outstanding students
from top fishery programs across North America," added Kruse.
The W. F. Thompson Best Student Paper is awarded annually by the AIFRB to recognize
excellence in research, as well as to encourage student professionalism in fisheries
and aquatic sciences and publication of research results.
The research for the paper was funded by the Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research
Center at UAF.
Both Stahl and Kruse will receive a certificate from the President of AIFRB commemorating
this award, and Stahl will receive a cash award of $1,000.
The American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists is a professional organization
established to promote conservation and proper utilization of fishery resources through
the use of fishery and related sciences. The role of the Institute is the professional
development and performance of its members, and the recognition of their achievements.
Since graduating from CFOS, Stahl has been working as a groundfish fisheries biologist
for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries, in the Southeast Regional Office in Douglas, Alaska.
30 September 2010
ASG— Three federal and state grants totaling over $1 million will be used by Alaska
Sea Grant to establish a statewide network of citizen scientists to track the spread
of marine invasive species; conduct an instruction and training program aimed at jump-starting
the shellfish farming industry; and launch an effort to collect better information
about marine mammals that strand on the state’s coast.
Alaska crab research nets donation from major California seafood retailer
30 September 2010
ASG— The largest seafood retailer in the U.S. Southwest has set its sights on Alaska
king crab.
September 14, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—David Conover, director of the Division of Ocean Sciences at the National Science Foundation, will visit Alaska during the week of September 20 to present two seminars on the
responses of fish populations to climate change and size-selective fishing practices.
The first seminar will be on Wednesday, September 22, at 1:00 p.m. in 201 O'Neill
on the UAF campus. Conover will present a talk entitled "Countergradient variation:
an evolutionary response to climate change."
On Friday, September 24, at 3:30 p.m. in room 101 of the new College of Fisheries
and Ocean Sciences building at Lena Point in Juneau, Conover will give a seminar called
"Spatial and temporal scales of adaptive divergence in the ocean: lessons from silverside
fishes."
Receptions to follow both seminars.
Conover is also a professor of marine science at Stony Brook University in New York.
He served as dean of the Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric
Sciences from 2003-2010. He is a world-renowned expert on the ecology of marine fishes
and fisheries sciences. He has authored more than 100 papers including many in leading
journals such as Nature and Science.
The lectures are supported by the Frank and Marjorie Meek Endowment at the University
of Alaska Foundation.
September 3, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—A pair of autonomous underwater gliders recently tested in the waters of southeast
Alaska just finished cruising the Chukchi Sea for the past month.
"This is really exciting because this is the first time gliders have operated in the
Chukchi Sea," said Peter Winsor, associate professor of oceanography at the University
of Alaska Fairbanks. Winsor and Tom Weingartner, professor of oceanography, are the
principal investigators for the project.
Two gliders were deployed a month ago from outside of Wainwright, on the northern
coast of Alaska. Both gliders have been recovered.
Each glider is about five feet long and flies like an airplane through the water in
an up-and-down motion. It is propelled using an internal bladder that works much like
a fish’s swim bladder. When the bladder expands, the glider moves toward the surface.
When it contracts, it moves toward the seafloor. At the surface, the glider transmits
data to scientists at UAF via satellite.
Despite a series of challenges, including strong currents, closeness to sea ice and
bad weather, Winsor says the gliders have collected vast amounts of data, including
water temperature, salinity and the speed and direction of ocean currents. He says
the quantity of data gathered by the gliders is unprecedented.
"We are collecting more information over the course of a couple of weeks than you
could during several long cruises on a research ship," said Winsor.
The project was jointly funded by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation,
and Enforcement, Shell and Conoco-Phillips.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
August 30, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—A University of Alaska Fairbanks fisheries scientist has teamed up with Alaska Power
and Telephone to study how a new power-generating turbine affects fish in the Yukon
River.
So far, the news looks good for the fish.
"In the brief testing that we have been able to accomplish, we have no indication
that the turbine has killed or even injured any fish," said Andrew Seitz, project
leader and assistant professor of fisheries.
Alaska Power and Telephone installed the in-stream river turbine near Eagle, Alaska,
this summer. They are testing its effectiveness as a power source for the village.
A parallel project led by Seitz is studying the devices’ potential effects on fish
moving through the river channel. Graduate student Parker Bradley and research technician
Mark Evans have been in Eagle conducting the fisheries research since May.
The turbine is 16 feet wide and 8 feet tall. It’s suspended from an anchored pontoon
barge in the deepest and fastest part of the river. The turbine has four blades that
spin at about 22 revolutions per minute.
"The community of Eagle, residents along the Yukon River and Alaska Power and Telephone
have all been very supportive of the fish studies," said Seitz. "Everyone’s biggest
consideration is the fish."
Seitz and Bradley are using nets to capture fish at the turbine site and near the
shore. The captured fish are identified, counted, measured and released alive back
into the river. This information allows the scientists to determine the path downstream-migrating
fish-- such as juvenile salmon-- take through the river channel. It also allows them
to determine how many of the different fish species are in the channel and when they
migrate.
"This data allows us to determine the relative likelihood of a fish to pass through
the turbine," said Seitz.
If a fish does pass through the turbine, Seitz and Bradley examine it for general
health and indication of injury. Seitz says that preliminary results show that very
few fish are passing through the turbine and those that do are not showing any signs
of injury.
The project was funded by UAF and Alaska Power and Telephone via grant funding secured
through Alaska’s Denali Commission.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
August 27, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—On Thursday, CFOS Interim Dean Michael Castellini contributed to a forum held in Anchorage
by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and
Enforcement.
The forum is one in a series of eight being held by BOEMRE Director Michael Bromwich
in coastal communities across the U.S. According to BOEMRE, the purpose of the forums
is to collect input on issues surrounding deepwater oil drilling.
Castellini was a member of one of three panels that addressed issues concerning Alaska
oil exploration and spill response in light of the drilling moratorium following the
Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Horizon spill.
The Anchorage forum consisted of three panels. The first panel was made up of NGO
and university experts, the second panel offered industry input and the third panel
included opinions from political figures, including Sen. Murkowski and Sen. Begich.
Castellini presented CFOS research on how an oil spill would be tracked and how to
measure its impacts. He focused on CFOS oceanographic current monitoring research
by the Tom Weingartner team, the autonomous glider work by Peter Winsor and the environmental
assessment work by a suite of CFOS biological oceanographers and marine biologists.
In his final recommendations to Director Bromwich, Castellini noted that research
on these issues should be driven more by scientific design than by the potential of
future litigation against BOEM, that the agency has the opportunity to support long
term monitoring that would aid "before and after" studies of ecosystems. He also said
that social studies on the impact of oil spills on communities, such as the work that
the Marine Advisory Program conducts, should be enhanced.
August 27, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—The University of Alaska Fairbanks has created a new research center dedicated to
studying ocean acidification in Alaska.
Jeremy Mathis, assistant professor of chemical oceanography and an ocean acidification
expert, will be the director of the center.
Ocean acidification is a term to describe increasing acidity in the world’s oceans.
The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide,
seawater becomes more acidic. Scientists estimate that the ocean is 25 percent more
acidic today than it was 300 years ago. According to Mathis, ocean acidification is
happening more rapidly, and more severely, in Alaska waters.
"The Ocean Acidification Research Center will provide a unique opportunity to collect
an unprecedented dataset in a vulnerable region," said Mathis.
According to Mathis, the research will focus on three areas: long-term monitoring
and modeling, field observations in sensitive areas and the physiological responses
of at-risk and commercially valuable marine organisms.
"Alaska communities need viable strategies to anticipate and respond to future changes
brought on by ocean acidification," said Mathis.
Current research associated with the center include projects that will deploy several
monitoring stations to measure changes in ocean chemistry in the Gulf of Alaska and
Alaska’s arctic waters, and a study of how juvenile walleye pollock may respond to
changing acidity levels. The center will also serve as a central repository for information
about ocean acidification in Alaska.
Mathis will work with state and federal officials to secure partial funding for the
center. Most of the center’s resources will come from competitive-funding opportunities
within agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Bureau of Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement.
August 16, 2010
by Michael Castellini, Interim DeanFairbanks, Alaska—We at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences were saddened to learn of the
death of former Senator Ted Stevens earlier this week. It is difficult to enumerate
the many contributions Senator Stevens has made over the years to fisheries and fisheries
science in Alaska. He was instrumental in creating and implementing legislation that
ensured the sustainability of our marine resources, while also maximizing the economic
benefit of our fisheries. He was devoted to increasing the role of science in the
management of Alaska’s fisheries.
Vera Alexander, dean emerita of CFOS (1989-2004), recalls that she had many positive
interactions with Senator Stevens through the years.
“Senator Stevens was really concerned with the research, management and conservation
of our marine resources. He introduced the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which was hugely
important for Alaska’s fisheries. He created an endowment for the North Pacific Research
Board, which provides funding every year for marine science projects. Senator Stevens
also supported the project to build the Alaska Region Research Vessel, now known as
the R/V Sikuliaq.”
Our former dean, Denis Wiesenburg (2004-2010) adds:
“Senator Stevens was a great advocate for the ocean and American fisheries. His steadfast
support for the proper management of our valuable marine resources helped ensure the
robust fishery we have today. At CFOS, we were pleased to be able to honor his legacy
with the Ted Stevens Distinguished Professorship in Marine Policy.”
The impact of the many years of work that Senator Stevens dedicated to marine policy,
science and management will continue far into the future for our School and the University
of Alaska. From issues on streamlining permit processes for our research teams to
supporting major funding initiatives, he was always there to listen and help. He was
instrumental in bringing marine fisheries issues to the forefront in Alaska and our
School’s future will continue to move along a path that he envisioned.
As a lifelong champion of Alaska and its vibrant fishing industry, Senator Stevens
touched the lives of all Alaskans. We at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
offer our sincere condolences to Senator Stevens’ family and friends.
August 5, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—Crowley Maritime Corporation has donated $20,000 to the University of Alaska Foundation
for four $5,000 scholarships. Two of the scholarships will be for students in the
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and the other two will be for those studying
in other schools and departments at UAF.
According to the Crowley press release, the scholarships will be "geared toward advancing
educational opportunities for students from rural communities where Crowley operates."
Read the entire Crowley press release
August 4, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—The seventh International Conference on Applications of Stable Isotope Techniques to Ecological
Studies will be held Monday, August 9, through Friday, August 13, in the Davis Concert Hall
at the UAF campus.
According to conference organizers, the meeting “aims to assemble an international
group of isotope scientists engaged in ecological research, to share advances and
to identify gaps in our knowledge.”
Matthew Wooller, director of the Alaska Stable Isotope Facility and associate professor of oceanography at CFOS, is the conference co-chair.
The conference will include both oral and poster presentations on topics varying from
plant and soil ecology to marine foodwebs. About 150 scientists from around the world
have registered for the conference.
Past conferences have been held in Germany, Northern Ireland, Hawaii and New Zealand.
July 16, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—John Kelley, professor of chemical oceanography at the UAF College of Fisheries and
Ocean Sciences, has retired after 40 years of teaching, research and service at the
University of Alaska.
Kelley first came to Alaska in 1959. He started working at UAF in 1968 with Donald
Hood, the first director of the Institute of Marine Science. Kelley holds a bachelor's
degree from Pennsylvania State University and a doctorate from the University of Nagoya
in Japan.
His research over the years has focused on geophysics and geochemistry in the polar
regions. His many projects include studies of trace metals, atmospheric gases and
contaminants in marine environments, marine acoustics, environmental radioactivity
and carbon dioxide exchange process research in the Arctic. He has authored or co-authored
nearly 150 publications.
Since joining the faculty at the Institute of Marine Science in 1974, Kelley has served
in a variety of research and service roles. He was the director of the Naval Arctic
Research Laboratory in Barrow from 1977 to 1980. From 1989 to 1995, Kelley was the
director of the National Science Foundation Polar Ice Coring Office at UAF.
He has also served as the chairman of the North Slope Borough Science Advisory Committee
for the last thirty years.
Kelley's many awards include the prestigious Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award,
which he received in 2008. In 2007, the Arctic Division of the American Association
for the Advancement of Science presented Kelley with an award for 50 years of advancing
science in the far north. He is also an AAAS fellow.
He has also developed a program to encourage Alaska Native undergraduates to pursue
careers in science. Kelley is currently working on expanding distance delivery opportunities
for students interested in marine science.
Kelley was granted emeritus status at the 2010 UAF commencement ceremony. At the ceremony,
Chancellor Rogers said that Kelley "has dedicated much of his career to the education
and mentoring of students" and that he has been "deeply involved in research and policy
matters of particular interest to Alaska and the North."
He says that although he is retired, he will continue working on his many scientific
and educational projects.
A retirement celebration will be held Tuesday, July 20, in room 501 of the International
Arctic Research Center, at 3:00 p.m.
An interview with John Kelley
What first brought you to Alaska?
I first came to Alaska in late 1959 to go to Point Barrow to work with the University
of Washington on a project called Project Husky. It was a micro-meteorological project,
which means that we were looking at the transfer of mass and momentum in the climate
near the ground, under Arctic conditions, and over sea ice.
I met my wife on that first flight to Barrow. In 1959, the airways up there were quite
primitive compared to today. I was the only passenger on a passenger/cargo plane,
and she was the flight attendant. We hit it off, and corresponded for a while, and
then eventually got married.
What made you stay in Alaska?
I had been in correspondence with Charles Keeling from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. I wanted to start studying carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and oceans and land.
That led to collaboration and the first carbon dioxide measurements at Point Barrow.
We had a station at Point Barrow from 1960 to 1967. In 1968, I started working at
the University of Alaska with Don Hood.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
The project that was most pleasing to me and I would say my greatest accomplishment
was the polar ice core drilling in Greenland. We drilled through the Greenland ice
sheet to get a climate history from the present back to a couple of hundred thousands
of years ago. It was called the GISP2 program.
There was a competition between the Americans and the Europeans to get that ice core.
I was the director of the National Science Foundation Polar Ice Coring Office. The
Europeans were also drilling. They got started well before us. We had to institute
new ideas. One idea was that we did not want to drill through that pristine environment
using diesel fuel and perchlorethylene. We wanted to use a hydrocarbon that was safe,
and we developed that here, and it turned out to be quite good. I guess you could
say that fate intervened-- even though the rabbit had sprung ahead-- the rabbit being
Europe-the tortoise won because the rabbit got stuck down the hole.
What have you enjoyed most about your time at UAF?
It's always the people. I'm a people person and I enjoy working with all of them.
I extend that to the whole University of Alaska. I've had nothing but good feelings
and good experiences with folks not only here at UAF, but also at UAS and UAA.
What will you do now that you are retired?
One area I would like to pioneer is the distance delivery, of science courses, particularly
marine science courses. At present, I'm well into my second year of working with the
American Meteorological Society and teaching a fully online course on the oceans. It's the same course roughly as
the MSL 111, although it is beefed up and instead of a hands-on lab we have a virtual
lab. Students can get practical experience with the computer end of oceanography.
I'm now teaching this course three semesters a year. I'm also working on a new course
with the American Meteorological Society called Climate Studies. We will launch that
in September 2011.
July 15, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—After two years of design and development, oceanographers at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks are installing a new alternative energy device along the arctic coast of
Alaska.
The device will provide power to scientific instruments in remote areas, where sources
of electricity are often scarce.
"In principle, the device means that we can deploy the radar systems anywhere along
Alaska’s coast," said Tom Weingartner, professor of physical oceanography and the
principal investigator for the project.
The device, called a remote power module, is equipped with four wind turbines, a solar
array and a backup generator. The wind and solar energy provide five days' worth of
battery charge. If the batteries get low, the module recharges using a biodiesel generator.
Scientists will install the module in Barrow this month and test it from July to November.
It will power high-frequency radars that map sea surface currents along the coast
of the Beaufort Sea. The radars send signals over the water's surface, where they
are reflected off the top of the waves. The radar signals are bounced back to the
antennae and the data is transmitted to scientists in Fairbanks in real-time.
"The radar and remote power module allows us to better understand marine ecosystems
processes, inform engineering designs for offshore activities, assist in search and
rescue operations, and, in the event of a marine spill, assist in clean-up response,"
added Weingartner.
The radars typically are powered by shore-based power sources, such as those available
in homes or commercial buildings, he said. "Power sources are few and far between
in Alaska and, where available, are not necessarily ideally suited for sampling."
The module is also equipped to collect meteorological and oceanographic data and houses
communications equipment that allows researchers in Fairbanks to configure the device
via satellite. The module weighs about 6000 pounds and is about 16 by 20 feet wide.
A key design feature of the unit is that it breaks down into modular components weighing
less than 120 pounds each, so that two people can deploy, service or relocate the
device.
"We made the decision to utilize renewable energy technology due to our requirements
for a relatively maintenance-free, lightweight and autonomous power supply," said
Hank Statscewich, researcher at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and
the project lead.
"The hybrid combination of solar, wind, batteries and a small backup generator meets
the load demands of the equipment while maintaining a compact footprint," added Statscewich.
The $890,000 project is funded by the Department of Homeland Security.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Photo of the remote power module by Hank Statscewich.
Carin Stephens
Information Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
907-322-8730
cbstephens@alaska.edu
July 10, 2010
Seward, Alaska—Tuula Hollmen, research associate professor at CFOS, has been appointed the interim
science director for the Alaska SeaLife Center. Hollmen has worked as a UAF College
of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences faculty member at the Alaska SeaLife Center for eight years.
"Tuula is a globally recognized science leader – her work on sea ducks and other species
is at the cutting edge of arctic wildlife biology, conservation and climate science,"
said Ian Dutton, President and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Hollmen's research focuses on threatened eider populations in Alaska. She received
her Ph.D. from the University of Helsinki. She will serve as the science director
from August 2010 through October 2011, when a permanent science director will be appointed.
7 July 2010
CFOS— Read about CFOS students on a cruise in the Bering Sea on the R/V Thompson.
July 2, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—Yesterday, the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences celebrated a ribbon-cutting for a new fisheries laboratory complex in the west wing of the Arctic Health Research Building.
This will be the first CFOS fisheries teaching laboratory on the UAF campus. The new
space includes the teaching lab, two research labs, an ichthyology specimen collection
room, prep areas and cold and warm storage.
The teaching lab includes videoconferencing equipment so that students in other locations
can participate in classes held in the lab.
The research labs are equipped with a circulating water system that chills and filters
water for holding live fish. One of the research labs has 24 tanks for fisheries experiments
and the other has tanks for hatching and rearing fish.
Trent Sutton, associate professor of fisheries, says that the first organisms to arrive
at the complex will be Chinook salmon eggs that will be hatched and reared in one
of the research labs.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
11 June 2010
CFOS— Exploring Kachemak Bay's underwater forests
9 June 2010
ASG— Alaska Sea Grant will provide $1 million during the next two years to support
marine research.
June 9, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—Tracking fish across Alaska's vast continental shelves can present a challenge to
any fisheries or marine scientist studying Alaska's seas. Scientists at the University
of Alaska Fairbanks have successfully tested a possible solution in the form of underwater
gliders.
Last month, Peter Winsor, associate professor of physical oceanography, and Andrew
Seitz, assistant professor of fisheries, successfully tested the use of autonomous
underwater vehicles, called gliders, for tracking tagged fish. Winsor and Seitz suspended
acoustic tags, usually implanted in fish, at different depths along a buoy line near
Juneau. They then deployed two gliders fitted with an acoustic listening device to
"hear" the signals from the tags.
Winsor and Seitz say these are the first gliders to be deployed in Alaska with an
acoustic monitoring device to track tagged fish.
Each glider is about five feet long and flies like an airplane through the water in
an up-and-down motion. It is propelled using an internal bladder that works much like
a fish’s swim bladder. When the bladder expands, the glider moves toward the surface.
When it contracts, it moves toward the seafloor.
"They convert changes in water depth into forward movement," said Seitz.
The gliders move at a speed of nearly one mile per hour and can operate for up to
3 months. According to Winsor, the gliders can cover thousands of miles of ocean.
At the surface, the glider transmits data, including its location and oceanographic
readings, via satellite directly to scientists.
"With the gliders, we not only learn about where the fish go, but we can also measure
the physical, chemical and biological environment of the ocean at the same time,"
said Winsor.
Traditional methods of tracking tagged fish include using a ship equipped with an
acoustic listening device, or by what scientists call a "listening line," which is
a series of hydrophones attached to the seafloor.
"The problem with using hydrophones is that they stay in one place, and the tagged
fish have to move near enough to the hydrophones to be detected," said Seitz. "This
can create big geographic gaps in your data, especially in the vast oceans surrounding
Alaska."
Seitz and Winsor say that the gliders can be programmed to follow tagged fish. They
say the technology is ideal for Alaska waters because the gliders can cover large
distances and are much less expensive than using a ship or sets of hydrophones.
The gliders will be used next to gather oceanographic information in the Chukchi Sea.
This project was funded by the West Coast and Polar Regions Undersea Research Center,
a regional center in NOAA's Undersea Research Program (NURP). The Center is located
at the
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Stephens, public information officer, 907-322-8730 or via e-mail at cbstephens@alaska.edu
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Andrew Seitz, assistant professor of fisheries, 907-474-5254,
acseitz@alaska.edu, Peter Winsor, associate professor of oceanography, 907-474-7740,
pwinsor@sfos.uaf.edu
June 8, 2010
Homer, Alaska—A group of Nanwalek middle school students recently participated in a biodiversity
monitoring program along the southern shore of Kachemak Bay. The students identified
and inventoried marine invertebrates such as sea snails, crabs, sponges, urchins and
macroalgae, such as kelp, that live in the intertidal region of the Nanwalek coast.
The monitoring program is part of the Natural Geography in Shore Areas (NaGISA) project.
NaGISA is a Census of Marine Life project with 128 sampling sites along the shores
of 51 countries. The effort will produce the world’s first nearshore global census.
The students used standardized sampling techniques established by NaGISA. The data
collected by the students will be entered into the NaGISA worldwide database. The
students were trained in sampling techniques at the NOAA Kasitsna Bay Laboratory in
September. The students will conduct the monitoring program every year.
Related Links
- Homer Tribune article
4 June 2010
ASG— Alaska governor signs bill providing funds for Marine Advisory Program positions.
June 2, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—Humpback whitefish in the Chatanika River are recovering from a population crash in
the 1980s, according to a scientist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
In the early 1980s, the Chatanika River supported a popular, sport spear fishery for
humpback whitefish and least cisco. In 1987, the fishery peaked when fishermen caught
more than 25,000 fish during the fall spawning season. The Alaska Department of Fish
and Game placed limits on the fishery but population studies showed that the high
harvest rates were unsustainable. The fishery was closed from 1994 to 2007, when it
was reopened on a limited, personal use permit-only basis.
Trent Sutton, associate professor of fisheries at the UAF College of Fisheries and
Ocean Sciences, is leading studies of both humpback whitefish and least cisco in the
Chatanika River. The two-year studies began in 2008.
The first study, led by Sutton’s graduate student, Lorena Edenfield, focused on the
population dynamics of humpback whitefish and least cisco. They checked length, weight
and age of the fish and compared those measurements to data collected before and after
the fishery collapse.
"What we found is that when you compare size, age, and growth and mortality rates,
humpback whitefish appear to have recovered," said Sutton. "If you look at size structure
now, you will find full distribution out there of all sizes."
The data on the least cisco tells a different story. Their population suffered the
most when the fishery collapsed, Sutton said. "We are being cautious about the least
cisco. They don’t seem to have recovered yet."
The second study, led by Sutton's graduate student, Aaron Dupuis, looked at the humpback
whitefish's movement patterns and spawning habitat use. Humpback whitefish historically
spawned near the Elliott Highway bridge. In June 2008, Dupuis collected and tagged
60 humpback whitefish in the lower Chatanika. He then used radio telemetry to track
their movement. The population split into two groups: one group moved towards the
Elliott Highway to spawn, and the second group stayed downriver.
In 2009, Dupuis tagged an additional 100 fish in Minto Flats. Of those, 61 went up
the Chatanika River and split into two groups. One group went to the Elliott Highway
bridge to spawn at their traditional spawning grounds. The second group stayed downriver.
"The really interesting thing is that the other 39 fish disappeared, for a while,"
said Sutton.
Using aerial surveys, Dupuis found them. They had left Minto Flats, and entered the
Tanana River, where they spawned between Fairbanks and the mouth of the Salcha River.
Dupuis and Sutton say this is a previously unknown spawning area for humpback whitefish.
"It’s really a new discovery," said Sutton. "It raises all sorts of questions. Are
the fish in the newly discovered spawning area genetically different from those that
spawn in the Chatanika River? A separate spawning stock could have implications for
management of the subsistence, sport and personal use fisheries."
Both projects are supported by the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences with
field support from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
June 2, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—Michael Castellini, former associate dean of CFOS, is the new interim dean of CFOS.
Castellini will serve for up to one year, or until the new dean is selected.
Castellini has been a faculty member at CFOS since 1989. His research focus is on
marine mammal physiology. He has chaired or co-chaired 16 PhD or MS students, been
a committee member on dozens of others and taught core classes in marine physiology
to graduate students for 20 years.
He has published more than 100 scientific journals articles or book chapters and has
participated in over 20 scientific field expeditions on land, sea and ice. He serves
on multiple scientific agency committees and journal editorial boards.
Castellini says:
"To new CFOS students, welcome to our program and I hope that your time with us will
be both successful and enjoyable. To our current students, please continue with your
hard work and I look forward to personally attending your graduation and defenses.
To staff, I hope that your careers here at CFOS continue to succeed and I have enjoyed,
and will continue to enjoy, working with all of you. For faculty, here's to an exciting
year of new classes, projects and ideas as we expand our teaching and research programs."
26 May 2010
MAP— In a series of audio clips, Torie Baker, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
agent in Cordova, describes her experiences speaking with people being affected by
the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
May 25, 2010
Juneau, Alaska—Two fisheries graduate students won awards at the Western Groundfish Conference held in Juneau in late April. Elizabeth Siddon, a Ph.D student, earned the best student oral presentation award for her talk titled, "Community-level response of ichthyoplankton to environmental variability in the eastern Bering Sea." The best student poster presentation award was given to Laurinda Marcello, a master’s student, for her poster titled, "The effects of gadoid fishes and the environment on snow crab recruitment." Both students are advised by Franz Mueter.
May 5, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—Scientists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks will spend two years studying declines
and variability in Western Alaska king salmon runs thanks to a grant from the Pollock
Conservation Cooperative Research Center.
The $435,000 project, led by professor Milo Adkison and assistant professor Larissa
Dehn, includes a consortium of UAF fisheries faculty members from both Fairbanks and
Juneau. Assistant professor Megan McPhee also received $180,000 in matching funds
from the Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund to augment the study.
The project contains multiple components, all focused on the health and ecology of
freshwater king salmon runs and how these factors affect annual returns. One aspect
will examine how king salmon grow during their freshwater phase and how growth affects
survival to the age of reproduction. Another component will study how infection by
a parasite called “Ichthyophonus” affects the health of freshwater-run king salmon.
Although not harmful to humans, Ichthyophonus attacks the organs of the fish and causes
reduced endurance and ability to spawn.
"The fishing industry is greatly concerned about recent declines in Western Alaska
salmon abundance,' said Denis Wiesenburg, UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
dean and director of the research center. "As a result, the PCCRC decided to direct
significant funding this year to meaningful, focused research into the causes of these
declines."
The Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center is part of the UAF College of
Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and is funded by the Pollock Conservation Cooperative,
a group of Bering Sea pollock catcher/processor companies. Each year, the center awards
grants to University of Alaska faculty members and other scientists to study North
Pacific marine and coastal ecosystems, fisheries and marine mammals. This year, the
center requested that proposals address issues of salmon health, ecology and migration.
"Through this funding, the PCC hopes to contribute to a better understanding of the
causes of king salmon problems in the Yukon and Kuskokwim River systems," said Jan
Jacobs of American Seafoods and co-chair of the PCCRC Advisory Board. "Salmon declines
cause hardships to the people in the region, and all fishermen who depend on this
resource.
The PCC has donated more than $10 million to UAF over the last ten years. PCC companies
include American Seafoods Company, Arctic Storm, Glacier Fish Company, Starbound and
Trident Seafoods Corporation.
Other scientists involved in the project include Trent Sutton, Amanda Rosenberger
and Shannon Atkinson.
Carin Stephens
907-322-8730
cbstephens@alaska.edu
5 May 2010
CFOS— Oil spill resources for the media
April 30, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—The University of Alaska Fairbanks has announced recipients of the 2010 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching, Research and Public Service Awards.
Thomas Weingartner, professor of oceanography at CFOS, received the Usibelli Distinguished
Research Award.
Weingartner’s first experience at UAF was as a student, first in a master’s program
and then, from 1988 to 1991, as a postdoctoral fellow. He joined the UAF faculty as
a research associate in 1991 and in 1993 accepted a position as an assistant professor
in the Institute of Marine Science. Weingartner’s work during the last two decades
is characterized by both depth and breadth.
“Whereas many physical oceanographers spend entire careers working on one system,
Dr. Weingartner is a major contributor to our understanding of physical oceanography
in four large marine ecosystems: Gulf of Alaska, eastern Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea and
Beaufort Sea,” his colleagues wrote in their nomination letter.
Weingartner’s research focuses on understanding the processes that control ocean circulation
and temperature and salinity changes in Alaska’s continental shelves.
“This knowledge is relevant to comprehending marine ecosystems, including fisheries,
climate variability and the impacts of offshore industrial development,” he said.
“My research funding reflects, and has been relevant to, all three of these concerns.”
In multiple nomination letters, fellow scientists reference Weingartner’s work as
foundational to understanding Alaska’s oceans and laud his ability to both conduct
solid research and make it accessible to the public. State, national and international
agencies and companies, along with scientists in a variety of disciplines, rely on
his work to guide their own.
“I wish I had the capability to write a letter that would adequately describe Dr.
Weingartner’s significant contributions to the UAF research effort and the ocean science
community,” said CFOS dean Denis Wiesenburg. “The research of Dr. Weingartner and
his students brings distinction to our program and the university.”
The Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award went to Rich Boone, professor and biology
and wildlife department chairman. The Usibelli Distinguished Public Service Award
went to Kara Nance, a computer science professor and head of the Advanced System Security
Education, Research and Training center.
The Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching, Research and Public Service Awards are considered
one of the university’s most prestigious awards. They represent UAF’s tripartite mission
and are funded annually from a $600,000 endowment established by Usibelli Coal Mine
in 1992.
Each year, a committee that includes members from the faculty, the student body and
a member of the UA Foundation Board of Trustees evaluates the nominees. Each of the
winners receives a cash award of $10,000.
April 21, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—Two students from CFOS earned awards at the first-ever UAF Campus Research Day on April 9. Melissa Rhodes-Reese, an undergraduate fisheries student in Juneau, tied
for third place for her presentation at the Campus Research Day’s Undergraduate Research
Symposium. Sara Carroll, a master’s degree student in marine biology, won second place
in the graduate student poster competition.
In fall 2009, Rhodes-Reese received $2500 from the UAF Center for Research Services
to fund her project. As a third-place winner at the symposium, she also earned a $1000
scholarship. Rhodes-Reese presented her research on how habitat and diet affects the
color of hatchery-raised juvenile king crab. Rhodes-Reese works in Ginny Eckert’s
laboratory at the CFOS Fisheries Division Juneau Center.
Sara Carroll presented a poster called "Declawed – Foraging records from stable isotope
signatures within ice-seal claws." Carroll received a $500 tuition award. Carroll’s
advisors are Larissa Dehn and Brenda Norcross.
Rhodes-Reese's abstract:
Camouflage is an essential component to the cryptic behavior of juvenile red king
crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus). Since coloration is the key factor in camouflage, understanding the effects of
diet and habitat on their coloration is vital. I hypothesized that a diet composed
mainly of Euphausiid krill along with a “natural” habitat would have a significant
effect on the coloration of hatchery-reared juvenile king crab in comparison to a
control diet lacking carotenoids and a plain plastic habitat. I took photographs and
measured color values with image analysis software to determine color change over
26 days. The crabs that did not go through a molt cycle showed no significant color
change, but the two that successfully completed the molt cycle showed color change,
specifically in their RGB color values.
Download Rhodes-Reese's presentation as a PDF (1MB PDF).
Carroll’s abstract:
Long-term and seasonal feeding records and potential prey switching in marine mammals
can be determined from keratinized structures (e.g., baleen, whiskers). Ice-seal claws
display distinct growth layers that alternate in pattern based on the season (spring/summer
and fall/winter) similar to growth annuli observed in teeth. As claws grow continuously,
the growth layers can capture dietary records for up to 10 years; thereafter the claws
start to wear at the distal ends. This unique glimpse into the feeding history of
individual pinnipeds can help document seasonal importance of prey and reveal key
seasons or years (such as unusual ice years) that may have crucial impact on the individual.
Long-term feeding data will give critical insight into the current status of ice seals
against which to measure effects of climate change and alteration of habitat in the
Bering, Beaufort, and Chukchi seas. Claws were collected from bearded (Erignathus barbatus) and ringed seals (Pusa hispida) harvested for subsistence use in June and July of 2000, 2001, and 2002 in Barrow,
Alaska. Analyses of stable nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios within these seal claw
layers display times of migration and prey switching. In addition, development stages
of juvenile seals can be differentiated, including in utero and lactation. Stable
isotope analysis of seal claws will be incorporated into a more extensive study of
trophic links between forage fishes, their prey, and ice seals within the Northeastern
Chukchi Sea.
Click here to view Carroll's poster.
20 April 2010
ASG— National Sea Grant announces aquaculture research grant competition.
April 12, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—Six students at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences have been awarded
Rasmuson Fisheries Research Center Fellowships for the 2010-2011 academic year. Three
students received renewals of existing fellowships and three received new fellowships.
Renewed Fellowships:
Christine Gleason, M.S. Oceanography Candidate: Otolith chemistry of
Arctic cod and Arctic staghorn sculpin in the Chukchi Sea (Advisor: Brenda Norcross)
Elena Fernandez, M.S. Oceanography Candidate: The effects of ocean acidification on walleye Pollock
(Theragra Chalcogramma) early life history stages using bioindicators of stress and cytotoxicity (Advisors:
Jeremy Mathis and Lara Dehn)
Laurinda Marcello, M.S. Fisheries Candidate: Effects of climate variability and fishing on Gadoid-Crustacean
interactions in subarctic ecosystems (Advisor: Franz Mueter)
New Fellowships:
Greg Albrecht, M.S. Marine Biology Candidate: Defining genetic population structure in the snow
crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort seas (Advisor: Sarah Mincks Hardy)
Julie Nielsen, Ph.D. Fisheries Candidate: New methods for characterizing spatial dynamics of Pacific
cod and Pacific halibut in Alaska (Advisor: Andrew Seitz)
Michael Garvin, Ph.D. Fisheries Candidate: A molecular genetic analysis of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) populations: mixed stock analysis and population structure (Advisor: Anthony Gharrett)
Each fellow receives a stipend and paid tuition for the school year.
The research center’s mission is to promote excellence in research related to fisheries
and to develop young fisheries scientists. The center was founded in 1994 by Elmer
E. Rasmuson through an endowment to UAF. A second major endowment in support of the
center was created through a bequest from Elmer E. Rasmuson’s estate in 2001. The
endowments are managed by the University of Alaska Foundation, and interest on the
principal is used to support the research of graduate students that contributes toward
the scientific or applied knowledge base of Alaska’s marine waters and resources.
9 April 2010
ASG— The Alaska Sea Grant College Program will undergo a scheduled four-year review
May 18–19, 2010. A federal Site Review Team will review and discuss the Alaska Sea
Grant Program’s management and organization, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative
network/NOAA activities.
8 April 2010
MAP— The Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program will conduct workshops in Southeast
Alaska beginning later this month to teach commercial fishermen how to maintain, troubleshoot
and better understand onboard refrigeration equipment.
April 2, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—Read about the many achievements of our faculty, staff and students in the new newsletter.
www.sfos.uaf.edu/newsletter
February 26, 2010
Juneau, Alaska—On February 15, Gordon Kruse, President's Professor of Fisheries at the CFOS Juneau
Center, testified before the Alaska legislature's House Finance Subcommittee on Fisheries.
Kruse's testimony and presentation provided an overview of UAF's activities in fisheries
and marine mammal research, as well as CFOS' partnerships with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Download Kruse's testimony here (106KB PDF)
Download Kruse's presentation here (2.32MB PDF)
UA seeks state funding for marine extension in six coastal communities
23 February 2010
CFOS— The University of Alaska’s 2011 operating budget request to the Alaska Legislature
includes $614,000 to permanently fund MAP positions in the six communities.
February 17, 2010
Seward, Alaska—For the fourth year in a row, high school students from Juneau took first place in
the 13th annual Alaska Region National Ocean Sciences Bowl, also known as the Tsunami Bowl. South Anchorage High School’s Team Starfish won
second place.
The competition was held Feb. 5-7 in Seward. The competition consists of two equally
weighted parts: a tournament-style academic competition designed to challenge students'
knowledge of ocean sciences; and a research project that has both written and public
speaking components. This year the research project focused on receding sea ice and
Alaska's coasts.
“It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic students who are knowledgeable about
the ocean and the important role it plays in so many aspects of our lives,” said Phyllis
Shoemaker, the organizer for the Tsunami Bowl.
This year’s Tsunami Bowl broke several new records with 22 teams from 15 high schools
and a total of 105 students participating. Teams came from all over Alaska, from Petersburg
to Anchorage to Mountain Village.
“There are so many social and economic issues that are affected by the ocean,” said
Shoemaker. “Through the Tsunami Bowl research project and quiz competition, these
students are developing important skills that will enable them to be the informed
citizenry that must deal with these issues in the future.”
The Juneau team consists of students from both Juneau-Douglas High School and Thunder
Mountain High School. The team included team captain Andrew Gregovich, Sarah Donohoe,
Seth Brickey, Sam Kurland, Martina Miller and longtime Tsunami Bowl coach Ben Carney.
Brickey was voted most valuable player on the team.
The winning team from Juneau, called “Hot Tropic,” won a free trip to compete against
other regional teams in the NOSB finals in Florida in April. Other prizes included
scholarships to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Southeast.
4 February 2010
CFOS— Some 105 students representing 22 high school science teams from around the
state will face off this week during the annual Alaska Tsunami Ocean Sciences Bowl.
4 February 2010
ASG— A UAF study partially funded by Alaska Sea Grant examines the economic impact
of fishery quota shares on Alaska coastal communities.
2 February 2010
ASG— Jim Swingle joins Alaska Sea Grant to continue work on the Alaska King Crab Research,
Rehabilitation and Biology Program (AKCRRAB)
February 1, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—The University of Alaska Fairbanks and Marinette Marine Corporation will host a ceremonial
signing of the shipyard contract for the R/V Sikuliaq in Marinette, Wis. Friday, Feb.
5, at Marinette Marine Corporation. The signing ceremony will include a shipyard tour
at 1 p.m., ceremonial signing at 3 p.m. and a reception at 5 p.m.
The $123 million construction contract for the Sikuliaq was awarded last month to
Marinette Marine Corporation. The ship, formerly known as the Alaska Region Research
Vessel, will be a 254-foot oceanographic research vessel. UAF announced the name of
the new vessel this month. Sikuliaq, pronounced [see-KOO-lee-auk], is an Inupiaq word
meaning “young sea ice.”
Construction of the Sikuliaq will be completed in 2013 and the ship will be science-ready
in 2014. The vessel will be owned by the National Science Foundation and operated
by UAF. The Sikuliaq will be headquartered out of the UAF Seward Marine Center in
Seward, Alaska.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
February 1, 2010
Anchorage, Alaska—UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences students have won four out of the six student awards for best posters and presentations at the 2010 Alaska Marine Science Symposium.
Two awards were given for the best poster award. Jill-Marie Seymour, master’s student
in marine biology, won best poster award for a master’s degree student. Nathan Stewart,
Ph.D. student in marine biology, received the best poster award for a Ph.D. student.
Mayumi Arimitsu, master’s degree student in fisheries, won a best oral presentation
award for a master’s degree student and Elizabeth Siddon, Ph.D. student in fisheries,
won best oral presentation for a Ph.D. student.
The Alaska Marine Science Symposium is held every January in Anchorage. This year’s
symposium included about 700 participants.
1 February 2010
MAP— Recent news highlights from the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
February 1, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—Martin Schuster, a master's degree student in marine biology, is spending January
and February in Antarctica as part of an NSF-funded photography expedition.
View photographs and read Schuster's blog here.
Expedition photographs include images of Antarctic marine life both above and below
the water. The expedition is headquartered at Palmer Station and is led by wildlife
photographer Norbert Wu. Schuster's advisor is Brenda Konar.
January 28, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—Two professors at the University of Alaska Fairbanks were recently recognized for
their contributions to ocean science and sustainability in Alaska.
Vera Alexander, former College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences dean and professor
emeritus, and Gordon Kruse, professor of fisheries, received the Alaska Ocean Leadership
Awards during at the first Alaska Marine Gala held last week in Anchorage. The awards
were established by the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Awards were presented in the following categories: media, industry, research, outreach
and lifetime achievement.
Alexander earned the lifetime achievement award. Her career has spanned more than
four decades and she was the first woman to receive her Ph.D. at the University of
Alaska. Former Gov. Walter Hickel and his wife, Ermalee, sponsored the lifetime achievement
award.
Kruse received the research award. Kruse is a professor of fisheries at the CFOS Juneau
Center. The awards committee recognized his work on mathematical models and fisheries
data analysis. The Alaska SeaLife Center sponsored the research award.
“We were delighted to be able to help recognize the great work being undertaken by
these ocean heroes,” said Ian Dutton, CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center.
A plaque recognizing all award winners will be displayed at the Alaska SeaLife Center.
The call for nominations for the next round of awards will be made in mid-2010.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
January 13, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—The University of Alaska Fairbanks has chosen a name for the 254-foot Alaska Region
Research Vessel. The vessel will be called the R/V ‘Sikuliaq,’ pronounced [see-KOO-lee-auk.]
Sikuliaq is an Inupiaq word meaning “young sea ice.”
The Sikuliaq will be an oceanographic research vessel capable of breaking ice up to
2.5 feet thick. Last month, the university chose Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette,
Wis. to build the Sikuliaq. When completed in 2013, the ship will be one of the most
technologically advanced oceanographic vessels in the world.
“The name ‘Sikuliaq’ reflects both our Alaska heritage as well as our focus on arctic
research,” said UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers. “As Alaska’s first university in a relatively
young and growing state, we are proud of our role in bringing to fruition this vital
addition to the American research fleet.”
A committee of scientists and university staff members chose the name after receiving
more than 150 suggestions from the public. After consulting with the UAF Alaska Native
Language Center, the committee recommended the name “Sikuliaq.”
“Naming the ARRV ‘Sikuliaq’ is a tribute to the Native people of the Arctic who know
so much about sea ice,” said Craig George, senior wildlife biologist for the North
Slope Borough. “’Sikuliaq’ is a name everyone can enjoy and be proud of--scientists
and Native people alike.”
The Sikuliaq’s home port will be at the UAF Seward Marine Center. The vessel will
be owned by the National Science Foundation and operated by UAF as part of the U.S.
academic research fleet. Scientists in the U.S. and international oceanographic community
will use the vessel through the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System.
John Kelley, a UAF professor of oceanography and longtime arctic researcher, says
the name is appropriate.
“The name ‘Sikuliaq’ reminds me of my first experience in 1960 on young sea ice when
I went on a seal hunt with Pete Sovalik, an extraordinary Native naturalist from the
village of Barrow. Fear of the thin ice set in at first, but my companion’s reassuring
example strengthened my desire to explore more of this ice-covered ocean,” said Kelley.
In addition to its ice-breaking capabilities, the ARRV will allow researchers to collect
sediment samples directly from the seafloor, host remotely operated vehicles, use
a flexible suite of winches to raise and lower scientific equipment, and conduct surveys
throughout the water column and sea bottom using an extensive set of research instrumentation.
“The Sikuliaq will carry many young scientists as well as old veterans of arctic research
into this polar sea for many years of exploration and discovery,” said Kelley.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
CONTACT: Carin Stephens, public information officer, UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, 907-322-8730 or cbstephens@alaska.edu. Denis Wiesenburg, dean, UAF CFOS, 907-474-7210 or wiesenburg@sfos.uaf.edu.
January 13, 2010
Fairbanks, Alaska—A group of pollock catcher-processor companies have donated more than $10 million
to the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences during the last decade.
The donations place the Pollock Conservation Cooperative among the largest private
contributors to the University of Alaska since its inception in 1917. Donations fund
ongoing marine research through the Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center,
as well as the Ted Stevens Distinguished Professor of Marine Policy Professorship,
graduate student fellowships, and the preservation of Ted Stevens’ historical ocean
policy-related papers. The research center was founded in 2000 and has received about
$1 million annually.
“By giving in support of ocean science, the PCC doesn’t just benefit from the bounty
of the sea, but also gives back to ensure the sustainability of our fisheries for
future generations,” said Denis Wiesenburg, dean of the UAF College of Fisheries and
Ocean Sciences. “Their funding of our center allows us to jump-start research projects
whose results are important to understanding and managing Alaska’s robust fisheries.”
The center provides grants to University of Alaska faculty members and other scientists
to study North Pacific marine and coastal ecosystems, fisheries and marine mammals.
Recent projects include studies of Steller sea lion pups, DNA analysis of salmon,
possible causes of the northern fur seal population decline,and the effects of ocean
acidification on juvenile walleye pollock. The members of the Pollock Conservation
Cooperative are American Seafoods Company, Arctic Storm, Glacier Fish Company, Starbound
and Trident Seafoods Corporation.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 60 faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Stephens, public information officer, UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, 907-322-8730 or cbstephens@alaska.edu. Denis Wiesenburg, dean, UAF CFOS, 907-474-7210 or wiesenburg@sfos.uaf.edu.
18 December 2009
ASG— Scientists studying how to hatch and raise large numbers of larval king crab
recently received wild adult king crab broodstock for another year of research.
December 17, 2009
Seward, Alaska—High school students preparing for the 2010 Alaska Region National Ocean Sciences Bowl will not only have to answer dozens of questions about ocean science, but also one
big one: how will shrinking sea ice affect Alaska’s coastal communities?
A record 21 teams from all over Alaska will converge on Seward Feb. 5-7 for the Alaska
Region NOSB, also called the Tsunami Bowl.
The competition consists of two equally weighted parts: a tournament-style academic
competition designed to challenge students' knowledge of ocean sciences; and a research
project that has both written and public speaking components. This year the research
project focuses on receding sea ice and Alaska's coasts.
Many of the teams are looking at how specific communities will be affected by shrinking
sea ice. For example, the team from Cordova High is researching the problems facing
Barrow as a result of thinning sea ice, while a team from Mountain Village is looking
at the ways receding ice is affecting subsistence in their village.
Other teams are taking a broader approach to the research project. Soldotna High School
is studying how reduced sea ice impacts polar bears, and the Kotzebue team is looking
at how global warming may affect shipping.
"We are very excited about this year’s research project. Each of the teams has picked
a unique way of looking at how thinning and receding sea ice may affect Alaska's coastal
residents," says organizer Phyllis Shoemaker of the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean
Sciences.
"We are looking forward to hearing each team's oral presentation when they come to
Seward in February, as well as having a spirited competition in the quiz bowl."
Up to 21 teams representing 16 Alaska high schools plan to compete in the 2010 Alaska
Region NOSB. New schools include Hoonah High School and Ketchikan High School.
"This year's Tsunami Bowl will have lots of new blood, with two new schools and several
new coaches joining us for the first time. This is the first year of participation
for about two thirds of the students," says Shoemaker.
The winner of the Alaska Region NOSB competition will compete in the NOSB finals,
scheduled to take place in Florida in April 2010.
2010 Alaska NOSB Teams
- Anchorage; South Anchorage High School
- Copper Center; Kenny Lake High School
- Cordova; Cordova High School (two teams)
- Eagle River; Eagle River High School
- Hoonah; Hoonah High School
- Juneau; Juneau-Douglas High School (two teams)
- Ketchikan; Ketchikan High School
- Kodiak; Kodiak High School
- Kotzebue; Kotzebue High School
- Mountain Village; Ignatius Beans Memorial School Complex (two teams)
- Petersburg; Petersburg High School
- Seward; Seward High School
- Soldotna; Soldotna High School
- Unalaska; Unalaska City School (two teams)
- Wasilla; Mat-Su Career and Technical High School (two teams) and Wasilla High School
Sponsors of the 2010 Alaska Tsunami Bowl include the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and Seward Marine Center, Dolly Dieter, The Glosten Associates, Prince William Sound Science Center, Norseman Maritime Charters, Seward Fisheries/Icicle Seafoods, Kenai Fjord Tours, Kenai Fjords National Park, Ocean Alaska Science and Learning Center, Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Aurora Energy Services.
ContactPhyllis Shoemaker, UAF CFOS Seward Marine Center, by phone at 907-224-4312 or via e-mail at phyllis.shoemaker@alaska.edu OR Carin Stephens, public information officer, by phone at 907-322-8730 or via e-mail at cbstephens@alaska.edu.
December 15, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—Donald Schell, former director of the Institute of Marine Science and professor emeritus
at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, died last weekend at his home
in Australia. Schell was a chemical oceanographer specializing in stable isotopes
in oceanographic and biologic systems.
Schell served as the director of IMS from 1994 to 2002. He was a student, researcher
and faculty member at the University of Alaska for 40 years, from 1962 – 2002.
After receiving his B.S. in chemistry from the University of Massachusetts in 1962,
Schell came to Alaska and earned his master’s degree, also in chemistry, from the
University of Alaska in 1964. He received a Ph.D. in chemical oceanography from the
University of Alaska in 1971. His advisor was John Goering.
When Schell was conferred professor emeritus status in 2002, the UAF chancellor said:
"Dr. Schell has earned an international reputation for his work in stable isotope
patterns in oceanographic and biological systems; and has conducted research in areas
of particular interest to Alaskans, including arctic trophic dynamics, marine mammal
migrations, and carbon accumulation and cycling in arctic tundra; and whose work in
these areas has led to improved knowledge of the critical habitat and life cycle of
bowhead whales, the provenance of polar bears and changes in the productivity of Bering
Sea fisheries, all of which have had a direct bearing on the use and management of
these resources; and Dr. Schell's discoveries from his studies of stable isotopes
have been applied by scientists around the globe to improve their knowledge of food
webs in ecosystems ranging from forest to ocean, one of the results having led to
a revised understanding of bowhead whale populations and harvesting practices; and
whose techniques in managing marine mammal populations have spread around the world
as far as Australia and South Africa".
Schell was 69 years old.
Post your memories or comments about Don Schell on this webpage by e-mailing cbstephens@alaska.edu.
December 8, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—More than three decades ago, marine scientists in the United States first identified
the need for a research vessel capable of bringing scientists to Alaska’s icy northern
waters.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has announced its intent to award a $123 million
contract that will meet that need. The university has selected Marinette Marine Corporation
of Marinette, Wis. to build the 254-foot Alaska Region Research Vessel.
When complete, the vessel will be one of the most advanced university research vessels
in the world and will be capable of breaking ice up to 2.5 feet thick. According to
project leaders, the ARRV’s home port will be in Alaska, most likely at UAF's Seward
Marine Center.
"Ocean scientists need this ice-capable vessel now, more than ever before, to study
the changes occurring in arctic waters," says Denis Wiesenburg, a co-principal investigator
on the project and the dean of the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
The $123 million for the ship construction contract is funded entirely by the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The total cost for the project is $200 million.
"In the short term, constructing this world-class research vessel will create American
jobs to help our nation pull out of the current recession," said Sen. Mark Begich.
"The University of Alaska has dreamed of having a new research vessel for decades
and I am thrilled to see work will soon get underway through the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act. Once complete, the ARRV will be a state-of-the-art platform
to conduct the scientific research necessary for Alaskans to understand the challenges
we’re feeling from climate change and its implications on the changing arctic environment."
The vessel will be owned by the National Science Foundation and operated by UAF as
part of the U.S. academic research fleet. It will be used by scientists in the U.S.
and international oceanographic community through the University-National Oceanographic
Laboratory System. The vessel was designed by The Glosten Associates, a marine architecture
firm in Seattle.
After the ship has been completed, the crew will take the vessel from the shipyard
through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway transit system and the Panama Canal to
Alaska in 2013. While in transit, scientists and crewmembers will test the scientific
components of the ship in preparation for unrestricted science operations beginning
in 2014.
"I have been working on the Alaska Region Research Vessel project for quite a while
and am pleased to see it advance to the next phase with the shipyard contract," said
Sen. Lisa Murkowski. "This world-class ice-capable research ship will support critical
science in the Arctic as well as the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska, where the marine
ecosystems support the nation's most productive fisheries. I commend the National
Science Foundation and the University of Alaska Fairbanks for their efforts to make
this project a reality."
In addition to its ice-breaking capabilities, the ARRV will allow researchers to collect
sediment samples directly from the seafloor, host remotely operated vehicles, use
a flexible suite of winches to raise and lower scientific equipment, and conduct surveys
throughout the water column and sea bottom using an extensive set of research instrumentation.
The ship will be able to transmit real-time information directly to classrooms all
over the world. The vessel design strives to have the lowest possible environmental
impact, including a low underwater-radiated noise signature for marine mammal and
fisheries work. The ARRV will have accommodations for up to 26 scientists and students
at a time, including those with disabilities.
"This project is something I have worked on for many years with Sen. Stevens," said
Rep. Don Young. "It is an extremely important vessel for Alaska, not only because
of the jobs it will create, but because of the opportunity that will come from it.
The United States is an arctic nation because of Alaska and Alaska will provide the
gateway to our nation's future. We have the opportunity now to address the prospects
of industry years down the road and how we can use changing arctic conditions to our
advantage, and the Alaska Region Research Vessel is going to help put us at the forefront
of those changes."
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Stephens, public information officer, at 907-322-8730, or via e-mail at cbstephens@alaska.edu.
Denis Wiesenburg, CFOS dean, at 907-474-7210
December 6, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—Terrance Quinn, professor of fisheries at CFOS in Juneau, has won the Wally Noerenberg
Award for Fishery Excellence, the highest award given by the American Fisheries Society’s
Alaska Chapter. The award was presented to Quinn via the Internet at the AFS Alaska
Chapter meeting in November 2009.
The Noerenberg award was first presented in 1982. During the past 27 years, there
have only been 15 recipients. Previous recipients include Ole Mathisen, Jim Reynolds
and Clem Tillion.
Quinn specializes in fisheries population and biometrics. He received his Ph.D. at
the University of Washington in 1980 and joined the University of Alaska as a faculty
member in 1985.
According to Ted Otis, award committee chair and the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game’s finfish area biologist in Homer, Quinn has a long and distinguished career
contributing to fisheries science in Alaska.
"As a professor at UAF CFOS, Terry continues to educate and mentor a long line of
graduate students who excel at developing innovative methods for advanced theoretical
and computational population assessment," said Otis. "Terry’s leadership in the field
of quantitative fish dynamics extends well beyond Alaska’s borders."
Quinn has served on numerous regional, national, and international scientific advisory
committees, including 25 years on the Statistical and Scientific Committee of the
North Pacific Fishery Management Council. He is currently on sabbatical in South Africa.
The Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society is a professional organization
of individuals interested in maintaining high standards for the fisheries profession
and ensuring conservation of Alaska's fisheries. CFOS fisheries faculty and students
in Juneau and Fairbanks play a major role in the AFS Alaska Chapter.
October 29, 2009
Alaska’s young fishermen to gather to become savvy businessmen, chart industry futureCordova, Alaska—Eric Lian was 12 years old when he began commercial salmon fishing on his dad’s purse
seiner in Prince William Sound, Alaska. His dad, Phil, now a veteran of 50 fishing
seasons on the sound, urged him not to take up fishing as a livelihood. Working at
sea is dangerous, and unpredictable salmon prices make it a boom and bust industry,
he said. Those warnings grew especially strong in the years after the 1989 Exxon Valdez
Oil Spill.
“My father started fishing on the sound when he was just a young boy,” recounted Lian.
“He went through the good times and the bad times; he saw it all. Then the spill happened,
and what Exxon did to fishermen really took the wind out of his sails. He was really
pessimistic about me getting into fishing after that.”
So Lian went to college, and in 2007 he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s
degree in political science from Washington State University. He also learned to weld
at Bellingham Technical College, a skill he knew would come in handy back home in
Cordova.
After school, he did a number of jobs around the sound. But none lasted. Salmon fishing
also was in the midst of one of its bust cycles; prices were way down and the runs
were weak. But it also was a great time to buy into the fishery, as permit prices
were the lowest in decades. So he bought himself a boat and a limited-entry salmon
gillnet permit for Prince William Sound and Copper River Delta.
Lian knew how to catch fish, thanks to a childhood spent on his dad’s seiner, but
there were aspects of the industry he realized he needed to know more about if he
was to be successful in the long term.
“There's a lot to know about running a business, there are more regulations on running
and operating a boat now,” said Lian. “Just getting into the fisheries, buying a boat
and a permit, is really expensive. And then there are the fisheries regulations, the
management, and the politics. It’s just so much more than netting fish and selling
them to the processor.”
The Cordova District Fishermen United (CDFU), the local fisherman’s association, recognized
Lian as an up and coming leader in the industry. In 2007, CDFU sponsored Lian’s participation
in the Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit. Organized by the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory
Program, the two-day summit brings young fishermen together with leading experts in
business management and finance, marketing and fisheries management.
“It was an eye-opener,” Lian said. “I had just graduated from college, and so this
was a great opportunity to see what was going on in the industry. I am glad I did,
I really am, because you have to understand the fisheries on business terms. My favorite
part of it was learning how to acquire loans, who to talk to about financing, and
how to structure a business.”
For other young fishermen like Lian, the next Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit will
be held in Anchorage, December 7–9.
The 2009 summit is the third in the series for people just getting started in commercial
fishing, and who want to take leadership roles in the industry. The summit is designed
to help fishermen improve their business management and marketing skills and decision
making; understand the global seafood marketplace; broaden their understanding of
marine and fisheries sciences; and become effective participants in state and federal
fisheries management processes. Small group sessions are designed to directly link
attendees with industry experts in policy, science, marketing and business.
“We started the Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit with the realization that it’s getting
more complicated to enter into the fisheries,” said Sunny Rice, summit coordinator
and Marine Advisory Program agent based in Petersburg. "So this is an attempt to help
fishermen understand and deal with these changes in ways that can help them be successful.”
Lian said the summit also gives fishermen, traditionally an independent, keep-to-yourself-lot,
the chance to network, develop friendships and share experiences.
“As a fisherman, you have this distance relationship with fishermen who are involved
in other fisheries around the state,” said Lian. “But at the summit you all come together,
and you have the opportunity to establish some common ground, which is rather nice.
You gain an appreciation and respect for one another.”
More than 130 fishermen participated in the previous two summits. Past summit attendees
adopted new quality and handling procedures aboard their vessels as a result of the
training they received. Others were elected to the boards of fishermen’s associations
and have testified before the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and the Alaska
Board of Fisheries. Lian said the help and hands-on training he received at the fishermen’s
summit has inspired him to become more active and outspoken as he seeks to make changes
to keep fishing a viable career in Alaska.
“It’s a cliche , but it’s up to us as the younger fishermen to take up the torch and
bear the responsibility for the future of our industry and our communities; to step
up and give back,” Lian said. “So I’ve been participating in my local fishing association
and talking to other fishermen about ways to make fishing better.”
Last year, Lian was elected to the CDFU Board of Directors, where he serves as a cochair
of the driftnet division. There, Lian has the chance to speak with fishermen, politicians,
and resource managers about ways to make his local fishery more sustainable for himself,
his fellow fishermen and his community.
“Eric has really stepped up in his role as cochair of our gillnet division. We are
definitely getting back our investment in sending Eric and other younger fishermen
to the AYFS training," said Rochelle Van den Broek, CDFU executive director.
This year’s Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit will coincide with Alaska Board of Fisheries
and North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) meetings in Anchorage. A joint
reception with summit attendees and the NPFMC is scheduled for December 8.
Optional post-conference workshops include training to serve on fisheries and other
nonprofit boards, starting a direct marketing operation, and an Alaska Marine Safety
Education Association drill conductor safety certification course.
AYFS keynote speakers this year include Al Burch, a 40-year veteran of Alaska fishing
and Executive Director of the Alaska Whitefish Trawlers Association, a nonprofit group
representing approximately 40 vessels that fish out of Kodiak; and Linda Behnken,
Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, a Sitka-based nonprofit
association of independent commercial longline vessel owners and crewmembers. Other
speakers include world seafood market experts, tax advisors from the Internal Revenue
Service, financial advisors, maritime attorneys, state and University of Alaska Fairbanks
marine scientists, and state and federal fishery managers.
November 30 is the deadline for signing up to participate in the 2009 Alaska Young
Fishermen’s Summit.
The Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit is sponsored by the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory
Program, through a federal Fisheries Extension Education grant and the United States
Department of Agriculture’s Intensive Technical Assistance program. Additional support
comes from the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, the Marine Conservation Alliance,
United Fishermen of Alaska, United Catcher Boats and Northwest Farm Credit Services.
As for Eric Lian, he believes Alaska’s best fishing days are ahead. He’s so optimistic
that he was recently in Blaine, Washington, talking to boat builders about buying
a new purse seiner to go with the seine permit he hopes to buy one day soon.
October 19, 2009
Fall 2009 CFOS Newsletter onlineClick on the image to download the Fall 2009 newsletter (5.6 MB PDF).
The Fall 2009 CFOS Newsletter is now online. View it here.
October 9, 2009
Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program agent receives Earl P. McFee award for commitment to seafood industryKodiak, Alaska—A career spent gutting, grinding, mincing and preparing all manner of seafood in a
quest to help the Alaska seafood industry develop innovative new seafood products
and healthier, more efficient processing methods, would seem a thankless task.
For Chuck Crapo, an Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program seafood scientist at
the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences,
those decades of toil and commitment were recently rewarded.
Crapo’s peers from around the world recently named him recipient of the 2009 Earl
P. McFee award, given by the Atlantic Fisheries Technology Conference. The award was
bestowed recently in Copenhagen, Denmark, during the 3rd Joint Trans-Atlantic Fisheries
Technology Conference. Crapo did not attend the ceremony, but was given the award
last week in Bethel during the Marine Advisory Program’s annual meeting.
"The selection of Dr. Crapo was unanimous, and given for his commitment to seafood
science and technology transfer to the public and industry, and for his dedication
to the industry that shined above the rest of this year's nominees," said Pamela Tom,
a seafood scientist at the University of California Davis, and director of the Seafood
Network Information Center at the California Sea Grant Extension Program.
The Earl P. McFee award was established in 1971 and is presented annually at the Atlantic
Fisheries Technology Conference. The award is presented to the person who has demonstrated
outstanding and extraordinary qualifications, experience and contributions in the
field of seafood science and technology.
"I'm really happy to have this award,” said Crapo from his office at the UAF Fishery
Industrial Technology Center in Kodiak. “It’s truly an honor to be recognized by my
peers for the work I do with the Alaska fishing and seafood industry."
A former seafood product quality control manager, Crapo joined the university in 1983.
He has helped the industry develop new products and improve quality standards for
Alaska-caught seafood. He also trained thousands of seafood workers to meet state
and federal standards for seafood safety and quality.
Earl P. McFee was vice president and director of research and development at Gorton’s
Corporation at the time of his retirement in 1968, after 30 years of service. He is
credited with standardizing the frozen fish block; developing techniques in tempering,
slicing and thawing of fish blocks; and development of the breaded fish portions and
fish sticks. He also worked to improve quality and sanitation practices for the seafood
industry.
View Alaska Sea Grant News Release
Editor's Note: Crapo was honored with an additional award, this one from the International Association of Fish Inspectors. The Special Recognition award was given to Crapo for his “career contributions to
the profession of seafood inspection, science and technology, and related fields,
in industry, academia, and government." The award was given during the World Seafood
Congress, held in Agadir, Morocco, October 3-7, 2009. Crapo did not travel to Morocco
to receive the award.
October 8, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—A scholarship has been named in honor of an undergraduate fisheries student, Blake
Nunemann, who died September 30. The Blake Nunemann Memorial Scholarship has been
set up at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
The scholarship fund was set up to celebrate Blake's life and his love for fisheries,
as well as encourage young scientists to broaden their understanding of the field.
Recipients will be selected to receive the annual scholarship based on academic record
and financial need. Recipients will be chosen by an awards committee consisting of
his parents, fisheries faculty and staff.
To contribute to the Blake Nunemann Memorial Scholarship, log onto the UAF Development
website at www.uaf.edu/giving/gift or mail your gift to:
Teresa Thompson
Development Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
P.O. Box 757220
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7220.
Please specify that you are making the contribution to the Blake Nunemann Memorial
Scholarship fund. By making this contribution you are paying tribute to Blake and
helping another young student gain an education in the field that Blake was so excited
to enter into and be a part of.
Teresa Thompson
Development Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
P.O. Box 757220
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7220
Tel: 907-474-1867
E-mail: teresa@sfos.uaf.edu
October 1, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—CoastWise Alaska is a new, free, audio news and feature service that spotlights stories
about coastal Alaska science, business, and the environment.
“CoastWise Alaska is a way to bring useful information and news about the seafood
industry, coastal tourism, scientific research, marine conservation, and economic
development to residents and visitors alike,” according to writer and host Doug Schneider.
Produced by the Alaska Sea Grant College Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks,
CoastWise Alaska stories feature experts from the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory
Program and researchers from the University of Alaska.
CoastWise Alaska stories, together with links to additional information, are available
as text and MP3 audio on the web.
The CoastWise Alaska website currently features stories on how fishermen can save
money on fuel, tips for caring for sport-caught fish, research to rebuild red and
blue king crab stocks off Kodiak and in the Bering Sea, the potential dangers posed
by invasive marine species, and responsible marine wildlife viewing. New stories are
regularly added to the site.
Producer Doug Schneider is an award-winning writer and former host of Arctic Science
Journeys Radio, a news and feature series on science, culture and the environment
of the circumpolar north, produced by Alaska Sea Grant. The program ran for eight
years on many Alaska Public Radio Network stations, as well as several national and
international science and environmental web sites and other outlets.
For more information, please visit the CoastWise Alaska Web site.
Doug Schneider, Information Officer, Alaska Sea Grant, 907-474-7449, doug.schneider@alaska.edu
September 30, 2009
26th Lowell Wakefield Fisheries SymposiumAnchorage, Alaska—Alaska Sea Grant is pleased to announce the 26th Lowell Wakefield Fisheries Symposium, Ecosystems 2010: Global Progress on Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management. This international meeting will take place November 8–11, 2010, in Anchorage, Alaska.
Ecosystems 2010 will bring together international fishery scientists, managers, and stakeholders to share insights into the current status and future prospects of ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM). After achieving general international consensus on the need for EBFM in the 1990s, to what extent is it being successfully implemented? This symposium builds on the 16th Lowell Wakefield Fisheries Symposium, Ecosystem Approaches for Fisheries Management, held in 1998, as well as international symposia held in France, Iceland, and Norway in the last decade.
Oral presentations and posters addressing the Ecosystems 2010 symposium theme are sought covering the following topics:
- Progress on regional applications of ecosystem-based management and fishery ecosystem plans, including identification of operational objectives (conservation, social, economic), and eco-regions.
- New analytical tools (strategic vs. tactical models, risk assessment, integrated ecosystem assessments).
- Evaluations of the utility of ecosystem indicators and empirical information needed to support EBFM.
- Human dimensions of EBFM, including successful stakeholder processes and different perspectives on ecosystem approaches.
- Successful case studies and practical solutions (e.g., zoning, marine protected areas).
- Necessary steps for future progress. What’s next?
To submit an abstract for consideration, fill out the online submission form, available through the symposium Web site. The deadline for submissions is June 4, 2010. The symposium Web site will also provide current information such as location, registration, and the meeting agenda.
Sponsors include the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Sea Grant, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), North Pacific Fishery Management Council, North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES), and U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service.
ContactSherri Pristash, Meetings Coordinator, Alaska Sea Grant, 907-474-6701
September 8, 2009
Dillingham, Alaska—Bristol Bay, home to Alaska’s largest wild commercial salmon fishery, once again has
an Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program (MAP) agent to help fishermen, seafood
processors and marketers, and other marine resource users.
Bay resident Izetta Chambers was hired by MAP to fill the vacant agent position in
Bristol Bay. Chambers will be based in Dillingham at the UAF Bristol Bay campus, and
serve the Bristol Bay, Eastern Aleutians, and Alaska Peninsula region. A longtime
resident of the community of Naknek, an important fishing and seafood processing town
on the east side of Bristol Bay, Chambers recently returned with a law degree from
the University of Arizona.
“I am so glad to be back in my home region, and to be on site to help people with
their ideas,” Chambers said. “I am especially interested in helping people start or
even improve seafood processing or seafood marketing businesses.”
The Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program is a statewide extension and technical
assistance program that helps Alaskans wisely use, conserve and enjoy the state’s
marine and coastal resources. Alaska Sea Grant is a state-federal research, education
and outreach partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). Alaska Sea Grant and MAP are
based at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. MAP has offices in 10 coastal
towns across the state.
Chambers and her family operate Naknek Family Fisheries, a seafood direct marketing
business that processes and sells about 40,000 pounds of premium-quality, quick-frozen
salmon fillets each year. Chambers said involvement in the family business has given
her first-hand experience she’ll use to help others improve their fishing business
savvy and help entrepreneurs get started in their own businesses.
“I have gone through the processes with venturing into direct marketing, helping my
mom get on board with direct marketing and then delving into it further with the fish
processing business,” Chambers said. “I would really like to bring that real life
practical experience to work for people of the Bristol Bay Region who want to add
more value to their products.”
Together with helping diversify the bay’s fisheries, Chambers wants to help seafood
processors reduce or even eliminate the practice of grinding up fish waste and dumping
it into the region’s rivers and the bay.
“One of my big long term goals is to move the entire Alaska seafood industry from
very wasteful to zero waste,” said Chambers.
To do that, Chambers plans to bring seafood scientists, biologists, economists and
other specialists together to find better uses for the waste products, ranging from
high-tech fish oils to low-tech garden fertilizer that bay residents can use to grow
their own food.
“If you go to a store in the bay region you are likely to pay $2.49 a pound for potatoes.
Now is that crazy?” said Chambers. “My step-dad has a real green thumb and from an
8x10 plot they have enough potatoes to feed two households. If we can just improve
our soil conditions, we would not have to import soil. If you have to buy a bag of
soil, it’s like $36 dollars. If we can produce these things locally, imagine the economic
benefit.”
It’s likely that Chambers’ law degree will help her with more controversial issues
being debated in the Bay. Both the proposed Pebble hardrock mine and offshore gas
and oil development are expected to continue to inflame passions in the region.
“Our role is not to be advocates for or against any issue, or to take a position on
any issue, but I certainly see a role in getting information out there and stimulating
discussion, and educating the people on some of the issues, especially concerning
water quality,” Chambers said. “In the short term I’ll probably be organizing conferences
and putting on workshops, and inviting people from both sides to state their positions
and present data.”
Chambers said she also wants to explore the causes of outmigration of people from
the region to urban areas in search of jobs and higher education.
“In the village of Naknek, so many people have moved away,” Chambers said. “When I
graduated in 1993 from high school, there were 282 students,” explained Chambers.
“ I think this last year it was down to 144. The high cost of fuel has really put
a damper on the economy.”
Prior to leaving the state to pursue her law degree, Chambers managed economic development
projects for the Lake & Peninsula Business Development Center in King Salmon, and
was a general manager with Paug-Vik Inc. Ltd. in Naknek, the local Native corporation.
Chambers also holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University
of Arizona.
In 2009, Chambers was one of nine winners in the Alaska Marketplace competition, sponsored
by the Alaska Federation of Natives, for her new business that makes plant food from
compost derived from salmon processing waste.
The Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program also recently filled vacant and new MAP
agent positions in Nome and Ketchikan. MAP leader Paula Cullenberg said hiring people
with a wealth of local knowledge has been the highest priority.
“We now have MAP positions filled with local residents who understand what we are
trying to do with the program,” said Cullenberg.
Izetta Chambers began her job in mid-August. Chambers can be reached at 907-842-8323
August 14, 2009
Press release courtesy of Kerynn Fisher, communications coordinator, UA Museum of the NorthFairbanks, Alaska—When Alaska’s Kasatochi Volcano erupted on Aug. 7, 2008, it virtually sterilized Kasatochi
Island.
The eruption covered the small Aleutian island with a layer of ash and other volcanic
material several meters thick. It also provided a rare research opportunity: the chance
to see how an ecosystem develops from the very first species to colonize an area.
Next week, a team of researchers organized by the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service will visit Kasatochi to look for signs of life on the island.
The interdisciplinary research team, including two scientists from the University
of Alaska Fairbanks, will spend four days surveying the island, using the USFWS research
vessel Tiglax as an operational base for the on-site research. The team leaves Sunday.
“Since volcanism plays such a big role in shaping the Aleutians, we hope to end up
with a better understanding of how disturbances such as volcanic eruptions shape the
ecology of these islands,” says Tony DeGange, a USGS biologist and one of the research
team coordinators. “There hasn't been a study quite like this done in Alaska where
scientists are taking such a comprehensive ecological view of the impact of an eruption
and its resulting response and recovery.”
Researchers expect that insects and birds will be the first animal species that recolonize
the island. In preparation for the August survey, biologists set up monitoring and
sampling equipment on Kasatochi earlier this summer, including insect traps for Derek
Sikes, curator of insects at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. Sikes visited
Kasatochi in June 2008 for a one-day survey of the insect fauna on the island before
the eruption. He will be part of the research team that visits the island next week.
“Work in similar systems shows that flying and wind-borne insects and spiders form
a fairly constant rain during the summer months,” says Sikes, adding that some of
these species survive by preying or scavenging on other arthropods. “We’ll be looking
for spiders, which are all predators, and ground beetles, which are mostly predators,
as well as other species associated with bird droppings or vertebrate carrion.”
An opportunity like this is extremely rare, according to Sikes. The most comparable
example is the emergence of Surtsey Island off the coast of Iceland in 1963, when
undersea volcanic eruptions reached the surface. That island was declared a United
Nations World Heritage Site for its role as a pristine natural laboratory. Even today,
access to Surtsey remains restricted to a small number of researchers each year who
study the species that have colonized the island over the past 40 years.
Stephen Jewett, a research professor at UAF’s College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, is also part
of the research team. Jewett is a scientific diver and ecologist whose research focuses
on organisms that live on or near the seafloor.
Jewett’s role in the project is to assess the damage to the near-shore marine community
and its recovery. He said that preliminary assessments by scuba divers in June found
little marine life to depths of 10 meters.
“The circumference of the island grew substantially because of the eruption. Dense
and diverse kelp beds were wiped out,” Jewett said. “We have been given a unique opportunity
not only to measure the degree of destruction, but to also begin long-term monitoring
of the recovery of the near-shore marine environment.”
According to the USFWS, the Kasatochi study is unique in that it takes place in an
isolated ecosystem and can draw on pre-eruption ecological data dating from the mid-1990s
for the island and its nearby marine waters.
This summer’s work is funded by the North Pacific Research Board, USGS and USFWS.
According to DeGange, it is expected to be the first phase of a long-term ecological
study.
August 11, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—The same things that make Alaska's marine waters among the most productive in the world may also make them the most vulnerable to ocean acidification. According to new findings by a University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist, Alaska's oceans are becoming increasingly acidic, which could damage Alaska's king crab and salmon fisheries.
This spring, chemical oceanographer Jeremy Mathis returned from a cruise armed with
seawater samples collected from the depths of the Gulf of Alaska. When he tested the
samples’ acidity in his lab, the results were higher than expected. They show that
ocean acidification is likely more severe and is happening more rapidly in Alaska
than in tropical waters. The results also matched his recent findings in the Chukchi
and Bering Seas.
"It seems like everywhere we look in Alaska’s coastal oceans, we see signs of increased
ocean acidification," said Mathis.
Often referred to as the "sister problem to climate change," ocean acidification is
a term to describe increasing acidity in the world’s oceans. The ocean absorbs carbon
dioxide from the air. As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide, seawater becomes more
acidic. Scientists estimate that the ocean is 25 percent more acidic today than it
was 300 years ago.
"The increasing acidification of Alaska waters could have a destructive effect on
all of our commercial fisheries. This is a problem that we have to think about in
terms of the next decade instead of the next century," said Mathis.
The ocean contains minerals that organisms like oysters and crabs use to build their
shells. Ocean acidification makes it more difficult to build shells, and in some cases
the water can become acidic enough to break down existing shells. Mathis’ recent research
in the Gulf of Alaska uncovered multiple sites where the concentrations of shell-building
minerals were so low that shellfish and other organisms in the region would be unable
to build strong shells.
"We’re not saying that crab shells are going to start dissolving, but these organisms
have adapted their physiology to a certain range of acidity. Early results have shown
that when some species of crabs and fish are exposed to more acidic water, certain
stress hormones increase and their metabolism slows down. If they are spending energy
responding to acidity changes, then that energy is diverted away from growth, foraging
and reproduction," said Mathis.
Another organism that could be affected by ocean acidification is the tiny pteropod,
also known as a sea butterfly or swimming sea snail. The pteropod is at the base of
the food chain and makes up nearly half of the pink salmon’s diet. A 10 percent decrease
in the population of pteropods could mean a 20 percent decrease in an adult salmon’s
body weight.
"This is a case where we see ocean acidification having an indirect effect on a commercially
viable species by reducing its food supply," said Mathis.
The cold waters and broad, shallow continental shelves around Alaska's coast could
be accelerating the process of ocean acidification in the North, Mathis said. Cold
water can hold more gas than warmer water, which means that the frigid waters off
Alaska's coasts can absorb more carbon dioxide. The shallow waters of Alaska's continental
shelves also retain more carbon dioxide because there is less mixing of seawater from
deeper ocean waters.
Ask any coastal Alaskan and they will tell you that Alaska's waters are teeming with
biological life, from tiny plankton to humpback whales. All of these animals use oxygen
and emit carbon dioxide. Mathis and other scientists call this the "biological pump."
"We are blessed with highly productive coastal areas that support vast commercial
fisheries, but this productivity acts like a pump, absorbing more and more carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere," said Mathis. "Because of this, the acidity of Alaska’s
coastal seas will continue to increase, and likely accelerate, over the next decade."
Mathis said that it is still unclear what the full range of effects of ocean acidification
will be, but that it is a clear threat to Alaska's commercial fisheries and subsistence
communities.
"We need to give our policy makers and industry managers information and forecasts
on ocean acidification in Alaska so they can make decisions that will keep our fisheries
viable," said Mathis. "Ecosystems in Alaska are going to take a hit from ocean acidification.
Right now, we don’t know how they are going to respond."
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Contact
Carin Stephens
Public Information Officer
Phone: 907-322-8730
E-mail: stephens@sfos.uaf.edu
Jeremy Mathis
Assistant Professor of Oceanography
Phone: 907-474-5926
E-mail: jmathis@sfos.uaf.edu
July 24, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—When completed in 2014, the Alaska Region Research Vesselwill be one of the most technologically advanced oceanographic vessels in the world.
But, it is missing something: a name.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is asking the public to submit ideas for the name
of the research vessel. Please send your name ideas to shipname@sfos.uaf.edu by September
1, 2009.
The ARRV will be a 242-foot research vessel capable of breaking ice up to 2.5 feet
and is designed for scientific research in arctic and subarctic waters. Once completed,
the university hopes to dock the ARRV in Seward.
The ARRV name selection committee asks that names be appropriate for a ship dedicated
to marine science in Alaska. Terry Whitledge, principal investigator for the ARRV
project, suggests that name ideas could "reflect something evocative of the polar
regions, Alaskana, an outstanding marine scientist, or some oceanographic feature."
The name committee will meet regularly to consider potential names for the vessel.
The final name recommendation will be approved by the dean of the UAF College of Fisheries
and Ocean Sciences, the UAF chancellor and the National Science Foundation.
Whitledge says he hopes a name will be selected and approved by October.
Although the committee will consider all submissions, the name selection process is
not a contest.
For more information on the ARRV, please visit R/V Sikuliaq.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. Sixty faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Contact
E-mail shipname@sfos.uaf.edu to submit your name ideas.
July 23, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—President Obama recently awarded CFOS alumnus Dana Hanselman the 2008 Presidential
Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). According to a NOAA press release, the award is "the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on outstanding
scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers."
Hanselman currently works as a stock assessment scientist at the
NOAA Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute. He produces assessments and reports on Alaska sablefish and rockfish.
He received a Ph.D. in fisheries from the UAF CFOS Fisheries Division in Juneau in
2004. His advisor was Terry Quinn. He also received his master’s degree from CFOS
in 2000. As a graduate student at CFOS, Hanselman was supported as a National Sea
Grant Fellow.
Read more about Hanselman as a graduate student:
July 23, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—The University of Alaska Fairbanks has appointed David Christie as the director of
the Alaska Sea Grant College Program.
"For me, the opportunity to put science to work in ways that directly benefit coastal
Alaskans is a great new challenge," says Christie. "I'm looking forward to continuing
the excellent work that Sea Grant does for the state of Alaska."
Alaska Sea Grant is a state-federal marine research, education, and advisory program
based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
The program has an annual budget of about $6 million, with funding from the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, UAF and external grants. An integral part of
Sea Grant is the Marine Advisory Program, an outreach network of extension agents
who live and work in ten coastal communities across Alaska.
Christie says that Alaska Sea Grant offers an important bridge connecting scientists
who study Alaska’s marine resources with the Alaskans who use those resources.
Since coming to UAF from Oregon State University in 2006, Christie has served as director
of the UAF/NOAA West Coast and Polar Regions Undersea Research Center and as UAF director
of the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory near Seldovia.
Christie is a marine geologist whose research focuses on tectonic forces and volcanic
processes in the deep ocean. He received his doctorate from the University of Hawaii
in geology and geophysics in 1984.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
David Christie
Director, Alaska Sea Grant
Phone: 907-474-7836
E-mail: dchristie@guru.uaf.edu
June 15, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—Gerald Wasserburg, an American Geophysical Union Bowie medalist, space rock expert
and authority on the evolution of the solar system, will speak Wednesday, June 17,
at CFOS.
Wasserburg's talk is called "Imagination, Pulp Fiction, Science and Exploration" and
will be held on Wednesday, June 17, at 3:30 p.m. in the Vera Alexander Learning Center
in 201 O'Neill.
The talk is on the past and future of scientific exploration of the universe. According
to Wasserburg, popular culture and its representation of space exploration "both stimulates
and confuses real exploration" and "may lead nations astray in wild 'star wars' enterprises
that are not really exploration."
Wasserburg is a geologist at the California Institute of Technology. He was awarded the 2008 AGU William Bowie medal for his pioneering work in isotope geochemistry. Wasserburg was also awarded the
Crafoord Prize of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences from the King of Sweden in 1986 and the
NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 1970.
The talk will be oriented to both scientists and the general public.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. Sixty faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
June 4, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—This spring, fisheries senior Shelley Woods received the Outstanding Student Award
for the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. She was recognized at the UAF annual student awards breakfast in late April and at an American Fisheries Society Fairbanks Sub-Unit barbecue in
May.
Woods also received a $2,000 scholarship from CFOS as the outstanding senior in the
fisheries undergraduate program. She plans to graduate this fall with a B.S. in fisheries
and then continue on to graduate studies in fisheries at CFOS.
Other scholarship winners for the fisheries program include outstanding junior Keegan
Birchfield ($2,000), sophomore Chris Oliver ($1,500) and freshman Mark Setzer ($1,500).
May 27, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—The National Science Foundation has announced that the Alaska Region Research Vessel will be the first major project
funded from NSF's portion of the nation's economic stimulus funds, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The research vessel is a 242-foot, ice-capable vessel to support scientific research
in high-latitude waters. The vessel will be owned by NSF and operated by the University
of Alaska Fairbanks on behalf of the entire ocean sciences community, through the
University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System. Bids for shipyard construction are due this September. The vessel is expected to
be ready for use in 2014.
"Ocean scientists have been seeking a high-latitude research vessel for over 30 years,"
said Denis Wiesenburg, dean of the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. "We
are delighted that the increased emphasis now being placed on science by the new administration
has allowed funding of this research platform as part of the economic stimulus funding.
UAF has a welder-ready project that will benefit both the economy and the ocean science
community."
As the first vessel in the U.S. academic research fleet capable of breaking ice up
to 2.5 feet thick, the new ship will open up the ice-choked waters of the Alaska region
to scientists from all over the world.
In addition to its ice-breaking capabilities, the ARRV will allow researchers to collect
sediment samples directly from the seafloor, host remotely operated vehicles and use
a suite of flexible winches to raise and lower testing equipment throughout the water
column. The ship will also be able to transmit real-time information directly to classrooms
all over the world. The ARRV will accommodate 26 scientists and students at a time,
including those with disabilities.
With its ability to penetrate the polar and sub-polar regions, the ARRV will allow
scientists and graduate students to study global issues, such as sea-level rise and
climate change and the effects of both on the coastal and arctic ecosystems. The vessel
will be designed to serve scientists in different disciplines, such as those in fisheries,
geology, marine biology, meteorology and oceanography.
Research in this region is particularly important because of the high productivity
of Alaska's continental shelves and the livelihood of thousands of Alaskans directly
connected with the health of Alaska's fisheries.
"The ARRV will greatly expand the nation's capability to understand the nature of
climate change at high latitudes and how the marine environment and its important
fisheries resources are affected," said Buck Sharpton, vice chancellor for research
at UAF.
According to UAF's proposal, the ship will be headquartered out of the Seward Marine
Center. The vessel's size will require a new, all-weather dock and additional support
facilities at the marine center.
The Alaska Region Research Vessel was designed in 2004 by The Glosten Associates,
a group of marine architects located in Seattle. It was developed as a replacement
for the R/V Alpha Helix, a 133-foot research vessel that was built in 1966 and retired
and sold in 2007.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. Sixty faculty
scientists and 150 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
May 26, 2009
Seward, Alaska—The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Seward Marine Center hosted an international conference last week on marine law and public policy. The
conference was the 33rd annual Center for Oceans Law and Policy meeting and was called "Changes in the Arctic Environment and the Law of the Sea."
A major topic at the meeting included climate change issues in the Arctic, such as
the acidification of the ocean and the possible movement of fish species northward.
Subjects discussed also included the Law of the Sea, national security, polar bears, shipping routes, oil and gas development and more.
Mead Treadwell of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission was the keynote speaker, and other speakers included officials from the U.S. Department
of State and scientists from around the world.
The annual meeting is organized by the Center for Oceans Law and Policy at the University of Virginia. Last year the conference was held in Singapore. Previous
meetings were held in Germany, Ireland, China and Russia.
The Center for Oceans Law and Policy supports research, education and discussion on
legal and public policy issues relating to the oceans. The Seward Marine Center is
a major marine experimental facility operated by the College of Fisheries and Ocean
Sciences. SMC's mission is to support research vessel operations, shore-based fishery
and marine science research and educational resources for our scientists.
May 15, 2009
Anchorage, Alaska—During the coming weeks, thousands of commercial salmon fishermen will wet their nets
and pull in wild salmon, as Alaska's most anticipated fishing season gets underway.
Amid a global economic recession and lingering high fuel prices, fishermen will have
to catch and deliver the highest quality fish possible if they want to make money.
To help both veteran fishermen and greenhorns alike, the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory
Program has released a series of nine videos on improving salmon quality. The videos
were produced with gillnet fishermen in mind, but much of the information will be
valuable to all gear types.
The videos cover topics including quality, boat setup, fishing practices, product
handling, chilling, dressing and pressure bleeding, unloading product, and cleaning
and sanitizing.
All of the videos are available free online at www.MarineAdvisory.org. Single copies
of the videos on DVD are free for as long as the supply lasts. For more information,
contact the Marine Advisory Program at 907-274-9691, or visit the video's web site
on the
Alaska Sea Grant Bookstore
April 23, 2009
Juneau, Alaska—The University of Alaska Fairbanks will dedicate the new Lena Point Fisheries Building
in Juneau on Tuesday, April 28. Construction on the building was completed in October
2008.
Governor Sarah Palin will speak at the ceremony, along with University of Alaska President
Mark Hamilton and Representative Beth Kerttula. Walter Soboleff, a Tlingit scholar
and leader, will lead the invocation.
At about 30,000 square feet, the three-story building offers the UAF College of Fisheries
and Ocean Sciences much needed space, vital for program accreditation and expansion.
The building accommodates ten fisheries faculty, 27 graduate students and nine administrative
and research staff.
The Lena Point Fisheries Building also provides two classrooms, a teaching lab and
11 laboratories, including computer labs for statistical analysis to wet labs with
a running seawater system and saltwater tanks for studying live marine organisms.
The building is located at Lena Point, along the coast of Lena Cove, about nine miles
from downtown Juneau. Located next to the new NOAA Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute, Alaska's largest fisheries research facility, UAF scientists and students can continue
and expand a long collaborative relationship with NOAA.
UAF offers the only graduate-level degrees in fisheries in Alaska and has awarded
more than 150 such degrees. Many of UAF's fisheries graduates go on to work for the
Alaska Department of Fish and Game or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Photograph by Todd Paris, UAF Marketing and Communication
Carin Stephens
Public Information Officer
907-322-8730
April 23, 2009
Alaska Sea Grant and MAP now on YouTubeFairbanks, Alaska—Alaska Sea Grant and the Marine Advisory Program are now on YouTube, where clips of many of their award-winning videos and DVDs on subjects ranging from seafood quality and sea safety to beach walking, marine debris, crab research and others can be viewed. Visit the Alaska Sea Grant YouTube Channel
April 16, 2009
Anchorage, Alaska—The Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, in partnership with Integrated Marine
Systems and the Alaska Vocational Technical Center, is offering marine refrigeration
workshops for commercial fishermen.
The one-day workshops will cover maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs on vessel
refrigeration equipment. Additional topics include refrigeration theory, system winterization,
controller programming, refrigeration safety and Freon handling and charging, system
sizing, and thermal expansion valve adjustment. A refrigerated seawater system will
be used for training activities at each location.
Workshops will be held April 23 in Kodiak; May 7 in Homer; and May 9 in Anchorage.
The workshop fee is $100 and includes the course manual. Space is limited and pre-registration
is advised. To register or for more information, please contact Torie Baker, Alaska
Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program in Cordova at 907-424-7542 or email torie@sfos.uaf.edu.
Participants may also register for the workshops online.
The Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program is a statewide university extension and technical assistance program that helps Alaskans
wisely use, conserve, and enjoy Alaska's marine and coastal resources.
March 26, 2009
Anchorage, Alaska—Marilyn Sigman, a respected marine science educator from Homer, has been named education
specialist for the recently established Alaska Center for Ocean Science Education
Excellence (COSEE Alaska) in Anchorage.
Funding for COSEE Alaska comes from the National Science Foundation. The goal of the
program is to increase ocean and climate change literacy by linking scientists with
formal and informal audiences, particularly educators. A central focus of COSEE Alaska
is to heighten public understanding of climate change occurring in Alaska and the
circumpolar north.
In her new position, Sigman will serve as the marine education specialist for the
Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, and oversee development of marine education
initiatives for COSEE Alaska.
Sigman will engage ocean scientists, teachers, informal educators and community members
in the region in a broad range of programs, including statewide ocean science fairs,
teacher workshops, expanded Communicating Ocean Science Workshops and hands-on sessions
for scientists at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium, plus distance learning and
virtual field trips through the COSEE Alaska web site.
“We are thrilled to have Marilyn join our program,” said Paula Cullenberg, Interim
Director of Alaska Sea Grant
“Her skills and years of experience as a marine educator is a perfect fit to develop
this new and long-needed initiative in Alaska. Marilyn will be the first faculty member
at any of the University of Alaska campuses to focus specifically on ocean and marine
education at the K-12 level.”
Sigman’s roots in environmental education run deep in Alaska. Since 1998, Sigman has
been the executive director of the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies. Based in Homer,
the center promotes environmental understanding and appreciation through school field
trips, nature hikes, beach walks, and programs for teachers and parents, community
members and visitors that make use of Kachemak Bay’s many educational resources and
facilities.
Sigman has created and conducted numerous marine education and outreach programs,
and is the recipient of several awards for her environmental stewardship and educational
work, including the Alaska Conservation Foundation’s 2008 Jerry S. Dixon Award for
Excellence in Environmental Education.
There are 12 COSEE programs across the country. COSEE Alaska is a partnership between
the Alaska Ocean Observing System, the Alaska SeaLife Center, the University of Alaska
Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, the UAF Center for Cross-Cultural
Studies, the Anchorage School District, and the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program.
Sigman began her new job March 16.
Paula Cullenberg, Interim Director, Alaska Sea Grant, 907-274-9691, pcullenberg@uaa.alaska.edu; or Marilyn Sigman, Marine Education Specialist, 907- 274-9612, marilyn.sigman@uaf.edu
March 25, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—Proceedings from a statewide workshop on offshore oil and gas development near the
Aleutian Islands and Bristol Bay is now available from the Alaska Sea Grant College
Program.
The proceedings stem from a March 2008 meeting in Anchorage called the North Aleutian Basin Energy-Fisheries Workshop.
The workshop gathered Aleutian stakeholders—fishermen, community leaders and residents,
state and federal officials, Alaska Natives, environmentalists, and oil-gas industry
proponents—to discuss the potential impacts of federally planned offshore oil and
gas lease sales. The goal of the workshop was to exchange information and gain a better
understanding of the possible impacts of oil and gas exploration and development.
“We wanted to get out ahead of the proposed development schedule and bring people
together to identify the possible risks and impacts, both positive and negative,”
said Denis Wiesenburg, Dean of the UAF
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, one of the major sponsors of the workshop.
“The workshop accomplished this objective.”
But the gathering became controversial when Bristol Bay community groups and environmentalists
sought to characterize the meeting as pro-development. The groups chided Alaska Sea
Grant and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, two key organizers of the meeting, for
accepting $25,000 from Shell, an energy company with a large stake in Aleutian oil
and gas exploration.
“A meeting of this size is expensive to put on,” said Wiesenburg. “We sought financial
support from the region’s stakeholders. Fishermen’s groups contributed, as did local
and federal entities, Alaska Native groups, and Shell, which is also a stakeholder.
Environmental groups did not offer financial support.”
Alaska Sea Grant, a federal marine research, education and outreach program at UAF,
hired a court reporter to produce transcripts of the meeting. The raw transcripts
have been publically available on the Alaska Sea Grant web site since shortly after
the meeting. The just released proceedings is an edited and formatted compilation
of all of the presentations, illustrations, question and answer sessions, and public
comments, assembled and published in a bound 200-page book.
More than 30 stakeholder groups participated in the two-day meeting, including the
Alaska Crab Coalition, Alaska Marine Conservation Council, Aleut Corporation, Aleutians
East Borough, At-sea Processors, Bristol Bay Borough, Bristol Bay Native Corporation,
City of Dillingham, City of Unalaska, Cook Inlet Keeper, Curyung Tribal Council, Kenai
Peninsula Borough, Nelson Lagoon Village, North Pacific Fishery Management Council,
Peter Pan Seafoods, United Catcher Boats, United Fishermen of Alaska, Shell, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Minerals Management Service, the World Wildlife
Fund, and others.
The workshop presented a broad spectrum of viewpoints, both for and against offshore
oil and gas development. Participants heard from people and groups opposed to energy
development, saying oil and gas development would damage the region’s large and lucrative
commercial and subsistence fisheries. Others spoke in favor of development, arguing
that commercial fishing jobs are fast disappearing, leaving the region’s younger people
without employment and causing them to leave for urban areas like Anchorage. Still
others said that not enough was known about the intentions of energy companies to
make an informed decision about development. City leaders expressed concern that rural
infrastructure needed significant improvements to support the influx of people, equipment
and services that would come from large-scale development, and that jobs and job training
be part of any development plan.
While residents of Aleutian communities such as Unalaska were cautiously supportive
of development, residents of Bristol Bay were largely against development, citing
the dangers of oil and gas development near the bay and the environmental damages
they expect to see from the proposed Pebble Mine at the headwaters of the region’s
commercial salmon fishery.
In all, 240 people attended the workshop. Some 80 percent of attendees who completed
evaluations said the workshop was effective at helping energy and fishing interests
understand each other. Survey responders were unanimous in their desire to see dialogue
continue through additional workshops.
The proceedings is available online as a free PDF. Bound copies are available for $15 plus postage either online or by calling 1-888-789-0090,
or by visiting Alaska Sea Grant.
For more about the workshop, please visit the North Aleutian Energy-Fisheries initiative
web site.
Contact
Denis Wiesenburg, Dean, UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, (907) 474-7210,
wiesenburg@sfos.uaf.edu
Paula Cullenberg, Interim Director, Alaska Sea Grant College Program, 907-274-9692,
pcullenberg@uaa.alaska.edu
March 18, 2009
Events in Fairbanks and Anchorage center around improving oil transportation and citizen involvementAnchorage, Alaska—Alaska Sea Grant legal scholars who successfully encouraged the state to establish
citizen advisory councils, conduct scientific studies, develop oil spill contingency
plans, and enact other oversight and safeguard measures in the wake of the 1989 Exxon
Valdez oil spill (EVOS) will reunite in Alaska to mark the spill’s 20th anniversary
and discuss steps still needed to protect Alaska's coast.
Alaska Sea Grant is a statewide marine research, education, and advisory program funded
by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the State of Alaska. The
program is based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean
Sciences.
Following the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, Alaska Sea Grant convened a four-person
legal research team that made a series of recommendations to the Alaska Oil Spill
Commission (AOSC) aimed at helping the state exercise greater regulatory authority
and influence the content of the landmark federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
“The legal team worked closely with the oil spill commission to frame the debate and
craft the final report on many specific sectors of policy and law,” said Zygmunt Plater,
legal team member and professor at Boston College Law School. “Some specific ideas
recommended by the Sea Grant team and the Commission have been judicially or legislatively
adopted, such as the establishment of regional citizen advisory councils, the state's
Citizens' Advisory Commission on Hazardous Substances, legal preemption advisory,
tank farm management reforms, and provisions in the federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990.”
The Alaska Sea Grant Legal Team recommendations were delivered to the Alaska Oil Spill
Commission; and ultimately, these recommendations influenced new state and federal
laws. For example, the Prince William Sound Citizens’ Advisory Council and the Cook
Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council can find their roots in the legal team and
oil spill commission findings. Oil spill contingency plans are also part of the current
state and federal regulatory process, thanks in part to the Alaska Sea Grant Legal
Team recommendations.
Four public events, three in Anchorage and one in Fairbanks, will reunite members
of legal team and others who played critical roles that helped Alaska strengthen its
marine transportation standards.
The Alaska Sea Grant College Program and the National Sea Grant Law Center at the
University of Mississippi are sponsoring the events in cooperation with the Prince
William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council (PWSRCAC).
In Fairbanks on March 19 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), legal scholars
Zygmunt Plater from Boston College Law School; Harry Bader from the Betula Group,
a private consulting firm specializing in international resource management issues
in physically and socially challenging environments and former UAF professor; and
Charlie Cole, former Alaska attorney general, will present a special seminar on citizen
involvement in marine transportation safety.
On March 24 in Anchorage, legal team members Plater, Bader, and Alison Rieser, from
the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, together with former Alaska attorneys general
Walt Parker, John Havelock, and Charlie Cole, will recount their 1990 recommendations
and how they were adopted by the Alaska Oil Spill Commission, and ultimately by the
State of Alaska, to improve the safety and reliability of marine transport of crude
oil and other hazardous substances.
Also on March 24, at the University of Alaska Anchorage, Alaska Sea Grant and the
PWSRCAC will show a new retrospective video about the Exxon spill, titled "Then and
Now: The Alaska Oil Spill at 20." The half-hour video showing will be followed by
discussion with PWSRCAC officials and ASG Legal Research Team members Zygmunt Plater
and Harry Bader, focusing on citizen oversight and other regulatory aspects of marine
transport of hazardous substances and high latitude shipping safety.
Public events in Fairbanks:
Through the Lens of EVOS: The Unpredictable and Critical Role of Citizen Input in
Environmental Crisis Management
Thursday, March 19 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Vera Alexander Learning Center,
O'Neill Building, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
This special seminar on citizen involvement in Alaska marine transportation safety
will be videoconferenced to Juneau, Kodiak, and Seward.
Public events in Anchorage:
Spills in the North Pacific and Arctic 1989-2008
Monday, March 23, at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center, Anchorage.
Members of the Alaska Sea Grant Legal Research team will participate in a daylong
seminar sponsored by Pacific Environment and led by former Alaska Oil Spill Commission
chair, Walt Parker, on shipping safety in the arctic and subarctic.
EVOS: A Time of Creative Opportunities
Tuesday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention
Center, Anchorage.
This panel discussion will be videoconferenced to Kodiak, Seward, Kenai, Valdez, and
Homer. A discussion of the 1990 Alaska Sea Grant Legal Research Team recommendations
and how they were adopted by the Alaska Oil Spill Commission, and ultimately by the
State of Alaska, to improve the safety and reliability of marine transport of crude
oil and other hazardous substances.
Then and Now: The Alaska Oil Spill at 20
Tuesday, March 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Rasmussen Hall, University of Alaska
Anchorage.
The showing of a new retrospective video about the Exxon spill, followed by discussion
with PWSRCAC officials and ASG Legal Research Team members, focusing on citizen oversight
and other regulatory aspects of marine transport of hazardous substances and high
latitude shipping safety.
March 6, 2009
Alaska, SC marine extension programs pool resources to helpPetersburg, Alaska—While Americans consume ever-increasing quantities of imported farmed shrimp, shrimp
fishermen in places like South Carolina—who have for generations relied on wild shrimp
harvests—are finding themselves locked out of markets and undercut in price.
“Shrimpers all over the country have felt the same financial strain from cheaper shrimp
imports that fishermen here in Alaska have felt from farmed salmon coming into the
country,” said Glenn Haight, fisheries business specialist with the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program.
But Alaska fishermen have fought back. And some are winning. The solution, they say,
is becoming more knowledgeable and efficient business people. Some have taken this
to an extreme, diving into direct marketing as a way to stay in business. Such fishermen
catch, process, market and sell their catch directly to tightly held lists of clients
that include local restaurants, food services, and individuals. This Alaskan approach
can work elsewhere, they say, even in places like South Carolina.
Later this month, six shrimp fishermen from South Carolina will come to Alaska to
take part in a unique exchange with Alaska fishermen, biologists, and fisheries business
experts. The March 18-22 event in Juneau and Petersburg is aimed at showing South
Carolina fishermen how Alaska’s fisheries work, and sharing with them strategies to
improve their bottom line.
The South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium and the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
offices in Juneau and Petersburg are organizing the event.
“It’s a full agenda that will help our South Carolina fishermen understand how some
Alaska fishermen are forging a new way of doing business,” said Amber Von Harten,
fisheries specialist with the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium. “There are aspects
of Alaska’s seafood industry that we may want to emulate in South Carolina.”
The fisheries exchange includes a tour of Alaska commercial fishing operations and
participation in a range of workshops on topics including direct marketing, fisheries
cooperatives, and building leadership skills, among others. Fishermen will learn about
state and federal programs that help fishermen improve their business practices, and
meet with state fishery officials.
The USDA Trade Adjustment Assistance program is funding the exchange through a grant
to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service and the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium.
March 3, 2009
Seward, Alaska—Juneau high school students have done it again.
For the third year in a row, high school students from Juneau have won first and second
place in the Tsunami Bowl, Alaska's regional version of the National Ocean Sciences
Bowl, a three-day-long, rapid-fire competition about the ocean, complete with jeopardy-style
buzzer sessions, written questions and team research projects. The Tsunami Bowl was
held February 6-8 in Seward.
The winning team, the Juneau-Douglas High School "Naughty Nautili," will travel to
the NOSB finals in April in Washington, D.C., at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural
History's Sant Ocean Hall. Last year, the NOSB finals were held in Seward. At the
finals, the winning teams from 25 regions across the U.S. compete for the national
title.
This year's second place team is a combined team from Thunder Mountain High School,
a new high school in Juneau, and Juneau-Douglas High School. The Juneau teams worked
closely throughout the school year, spending several hours per week studying together
and competing in practice buzzer sessions.
The Juneau-Douglas team was coached by Ben Carney, a three-year NOSB veteran, and
the combined Thunder Mountain/Juneau-Douglas team was coached by Jake Jacoby, a newcomer
to the competition. Juneau high school students have dominated the Tsunami Bowl since
it began in 1998, with nine first place wins in the past 12 years.
"When people congratulate me on our performance, I say: 'The kids did it. It is easy
to look good when surrounded by talent,'" says Carney.
The Juneau teams edged out a third place team from Cordova High School for the overall
win. Although the Cordova team won the quiz portion of the competition, the Juneau
students excelled in the research project portion of the Bowl.
Both first and second place teams won scholarships to their choice of either the University
of Alaska Fairbanks or the University of Alaska Southeast.
The first place team members include Kayla Harrison, Molly Emerson, Stephen Kubota,
Jacob Pernula and Tyler Houseweart.
The National Ocean Sciences Bowl was established in 1998 to encourage learning about
the oceans and increase the teaching of ocean sciences in high schools. Support for
NOSB is provided by the Consortium for Ocean Leadership. The regional competition
is supported by several generous sponsors including the UAF College of Fisheries and
Ocean Sciences and Alaska Sea Grant.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
- Download 2009 Tsunami Bowl event program (2MB PDF)
- Download 2009 complete Tsunami Bowl results (29KB PDF)
Every year, the winning team from Alaska receives an all-expenses paid trip to the
NOSB finals. Last year, the finals were held for the first time in Alaska. To reward
the 2008 Tsunami Bowl winning team from Alaska (the Juneau-Douglas "Naughty Nautili"),
the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences arranged an all-expenses paid marine
education trip for the team to travel to San Francisco and Monterey Bay, California,
last May. Funding for the trip was provided by the donors who supported the 2008 NOSB
finals in Seward.
The students started their journey in San Francisco, where they visited Fisherman's
Wharf and the Exploratorium. During their travels down the California coast, they
had behind-the-scenes tours of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Research Institute and the Moss Landing Institute. The behind-the-scenes tours were
arranged by CFOS Dean Denis Wiesenburg.
February 26, 2009
Knauss Fellow shares experiences onlineWashington, D.C.—One of three 2009 Alaska Knauss Fellows is blogging about her
exciting and sometimes surreal experiences in the nation's capital. Follow Knauss
Fellow Celeste Leroux's trials and travails at: Celeste Leroux blog
Learn more about the 2009 Knauss Fellows
Learn more about being the next Knauss Fellow
February 22, 2009
Researchers find species that live in both polar seasFairbanks, Alaska—
Last Monday, the Census of Marine Life released a press release announcing that the waters of the Arctic and Antarctic share
235 marine species. CoML also documented the existence of 5,500 marine species in
the Arctic and 7,500 in the Antarctic.
CFOS scientists Russ Hopcroft, Bodil Bluhm and Rolf Gradinger are leading CoML's effort
to catalog the diversity of sea creatures in the Arctic through the Arctic Ocean Biodiversity program.
Hopcroft, Bluhm and Gradinger's work has been featured in hundreds of national and
international news outlets, including USA Today, Reuters, ABC News and Scientific
American.
Photographs by Hopcroft and CFOS graduate student Shawn Harper have also appeared
in hundreds of news outlets including the National Geographic website.
Hopcroft, Bluhm and Gradinger completed 14 expeditions as part of the International
Polar Year. The Census of Marine Life is a ten-year, 70-nation initiative to assess
and explain the diversity, distribution and abundance of marine life in the world's
oceans.
Selected news stories:
- ABC News slide show of images from the project "Hundreds of
'bipolar' species live at both ends of Earth," ABC News. Photographs are by Shawn Harper and Russ Hopcroft.
- Associated Press: "Study: 'Astonishing richness' in polar sea species"
- Reuters: "Antarctic ice fish redefines 'cold-blooded'"
- National Geographic: "PHOTOS: Odd, identical species found at both poles"
- KTUU Channel 2 (Alaska): "Recent discoveries show same species live in Arctic and Antarctic"
- Anchorage Daily News: "Long-lost relatives: Discovery of common species baffles scientists" (Download PDF)
February 10, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—Princess Cruises & Tours has donated $100,000 to the University of Alaska Fairbanks for the support of the
Marine Advisory Program. The gift will provide salary and administrative support for
MAP agents in several Alaska coastal communities over the course of three years.
The UAF Marine Advisory Program is a statewide marine extension service comprised
of advisory agents who live and work in nine coastal communities across Alaska. MAP
agents help coastal residents use, conserve and manage the ocean resources that often
provide the economic backbone of Alaska's coastal towns and villages.
"This outstanding gift highlights Princess Cruises & Tours' commitment as stewards
of our ocean environment," said UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers. "With their high-profile
presence in Alaska waters, Princess Cruises & Tours is a strong leader and a prime
example of a private company teaming up with the university and Alaska communities
to help preserve the things that makes this great state so unique."
Because MAP agents are dependent on external funding for a portion of their salaries,
this support from Princess will allow MAP agents to continue working in their communities,
despite the current economic climate. MAP agents are currently located in Petersburg,
Ketchikan, Juneau, Unalaska, Cordova, Anchorage, Bethel, Kodiak and Nome. In each
community, the local MAP agent works to bolster local economies, conserve marine resources
and market fisheries and marine businesses.
Princess first approached UAF last year to find a way to support and promote marine
conservation in Alaska. When informed about MAP, they decided it was the best way
for Princess to directly improve the lives of everyday coastal Alaskans.
"Princess is dedicated to environmental stewardship worldwide - it is the right thing
to do and our visitors expect us to protect the land and sea we share with them,"
said Bruce Bustamante, vice president of community & public affairs for Princess Tours.
"Marine and coastal areas are especially important to us. This investment in Alaska
simply reflects how important protecting marine waters is to our company."
The donation builds on the company's long tradition of generosity and support for
Alaska's university system. Princess Tours supports UAF athletic teams, the University
of Alaska Anchorage Culinary Arts Program and other programs.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Stephens
Public Information Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Phone: 907-322-8730
February 3, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska—Three CFOS graduate students took home prizes for an outstanding poster or oral presentation
at the 2009 Alaska Marine Science Symposium held in Anchorage the week of January
19. More than 600 scientists attended the conference and many of the attendees were
CFOS faculty, students or staff.
All student posters and presentations were entered into a Symposium-wide contest for
the best student presentation and best student poster. Alaska Sea Grant provided $250 each for the winning master's student and Ph.D. student poster. The
North Pacific Research Board offered $250 each for the best two master's level and best two Ph.D. level oral presentations.
Markus Janout won an award for best oral presentation by a Ph.D. student for his talk on "Temperature
controlling processes and the recent cooling of the northern Gulf of Alaska." Janout's
advisor is Tom Weingartner.
Mayumi Arimitsu won the best M.S. student poster for her work on " The influence of glacial features on oceanographic gradients in Kenai Fjords, Alaska: A closer look at Kittlitz's murrelet foraging habitat." Arimitsu's advisor is Nicola Hillgruber. View her abstract and poster here.
Nathan Stewart, a Ph.D. student studying sea otters with advisor Brenda Konar won the best Ph.D.
student poster award for "Patterns in sea otter resource selection in Kachemak Bay,
Alaska." Last fall, Stewart completed a professional development course taught by
Konar on creating professional posters and presentations. Konar says she plans to
teach the course every fall. View Stewart's winning poster and abstract here.
Many CFOS faculty, staff and students presented talks and posters.
Oral Presentations: CFOS Faculty and Staff
Courtney Carothers, Privatizing the right to fish: Challenges to livelihood and community
in Kodiak, Alaska
Russell Hopcroft, Oceanographic conditions along the northern Gulf of Alaska's Seward
Line, 1997-2008
Arny Blanchard, Long-term investigation of benthic communities in Port Valdez, Alaska
1971-2007
Terrance Quinn, Failure of Population Recovery in Relation to Disease for Pacific
Herring in Prince William Sound
Sarah Mincks, Epibenthic megafauna in the Northern Bering and Chukchi Seas: Environmental
influences on community structure
Andrew Seitz, Behavior of satellite tagged Pacific halibut in the Bering Sea/Aleutian
Islands region and its biological implications
Oral Presentations: CFOS Students
Seth Danielson (for Thomas Weingartner), A satellite-tracked drifter perspective of
the nearshore Bering Sea: science and outreach
Peter-John Hulson, Comparison of Pacific herring in Prince William Sound and Sitka
Sound
Kelly Newman, Temporal and spatial vocal patterns of killer whales at the Pribilof
Islands
Posters: CFOS Faculty and Staff
Maggie Castellini, Mercury levels in Steller sea lion pups in Alaska
Ginny Eckert, Marine Ecosystem Sustainability in Alaska, A new interdisciplinary graduate
study program
Georgina Gibson, Modeling processes controlling the on-shelf transport of oceanic
mesozooplankton populations in the Gulf of Alaska and SE Bering Sea
Georgina Gibson, Collaborative research: Downscaling global climate projections to
the ecosystems of the Bering Sea with nested biophysical models, the NPZ Model
Stephen Okkonen, Upwelling and aggregation of zooplankton on the western Beaufort
shelf as inferred from moored acoustic Doppler current profiler measurements
Jennifer Reynolds, Marine habitat mapping technology for Alaska: Workshop report and
published monograph
Posters: CFOS Students
Mayumi Arimitsu, The influence of glacial features on oceanographic gradients in Kenai
Fjords, Alaska: A closer look at Kittlitz's murrelet foraging habitat (winner)
Mandy Keogh, Impact of health and maternal investment on survival of endangered Steller
sea lion pups
Brooke McFarland, Black oystercatcher breeding territories: biotic and abiotic habitat
characteristics
Megan Murphy, Larval transport of Tanner (Chionoecetes bairdi) and Dungeness (Cancer magister) crab across Kachemak Bay's inner/outer bay boundary
Elizabeth Siddon, Seasonal bioenergetics of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) in the southeastern Bering Sea
Ashwin Sreenivasan, Differences between observed growth and a physiological growth
index (RNA/DNA ratio) in larval Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) at different temperatures
Nathan Stewart, Patterns in sea otter resource selection in Kachemak Bay, Alaska (winner)
Amy Tippery, Three decades of change in a far north eelgrass food web
Joel Webb, Variability in egg quality for eastern Bering Sea snow crab, Chionoecetes opilio
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. More than
55 faculty scientists and 135 graduate and undergraduate students are engaged in building
knowledge about Alaska and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located
in Seward, Juneau, Anchorage and Kodiak.
January 14, 2009
Juneau, Alaska—Helping Alaska's commercial fishermen become business savvy is the aim of a new eleven-week
course called The Business of Fish, offered by the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program.
The best part about the course is that you don't need to leave home to take it.
The class begins January 20 and will be broadcast through the University of Alaska
Television Network (UATV). Most Alaskans can view UATV programming through their local
cable network. The course also is offered online, and in person if you are in Juneau.
Workshops may be taken during actual workshop times or later in recorded versions
at your own convenience. There is no charge for the class but registration is required.
For more information, or to register, go to: The Business of Fish website
The course will cover the basics of business financial management, as well as topics
such as direct marketing, starting seafood cooperatives, transferring your fishing
license, and other topics.
The class is part of the Spring 2009 FishBiz Workshop Series, a University of Alaska
distance delivery business management course targeting the Alaska seafood sector.
Course Schedule:
January 20 Intro and Building Blocks of Financial Management
January 27 Determining Fishing Profits and Valuing Investments
February 3 Is Direct Marketing Right For You?
February 10 Starting a Seafood Cooperative
February 17 Seafood Markets: Alaska’s Place in the Big Picture
March 3 Transferring Your Fishing Business
March 24 Lowering Your Fishing Fuel Bill
March 31 Tapping into RSDAs
April 7 Tracking Shellfish Farm Profits and Production
April 14 Risk Management for a Fishing Operation
April 28 Alternative Fishing Technologies
Glenn Haight, Fisheries Business Specialist, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program,
907-796-6046, ffgeh1@uaf.edu
The Business of Fish website
December 22, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—Three University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers are among 486 nationwide to be named
fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
John Kelley and Michael Castellini of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
and John Walsh of the International Arctic Research Center will be honored with other
fellows during a ceremony at the AAAS Annual Meeting in Chicago in February. The names
of this year’s fellows will be published in the Dec. 19 edition of Science.
AAAS fellows are selected by their peers for their efforts to advance science and
its applications.
"This very selective honor by the leading national scientific association illustrates
the strengths of UAF's research in environmental and marine sciences," said Larry
Duffy, interim dean of the UAF graduate school and executive secretary for the AAAS
Arctic Division. "Along with their outstanding contributions to understanding the
role of arctic influences in the global atmospheric and marine systems, these scientists
have have been leaders in policy development and the education of the next generation
of arctic scientists."
John Kelley
John Kelley was selected for his "lifetime dedication as a mentor and teacher and
for outstanding service to Alaskan, arctic and national organizations." He is a professor
of chemical oceanography. At last year’s AAAS Arctic Division meeting, Kelley received
an award for 50 years of advancing science in the far north. He also earned one of
the university's most prestigious awards this spring--the Emil Usibelli Distinguished
Service Award.
Kelley’s research focuses on trace metals, atmospheric gases and contaminants in the
ocean, including the study of radioactive materials in the region of Alaska’s Amchitka
Island. He received his bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University and his
doctorate from the University of Nagoya, Japan. He has also served as the director
of the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory, headquartered in Barrow, Alaska.
Michael Castellini
Michael Castellini was selected for his "distinguished contributions as a marine biologist
and as an outstanding mentor of young scientists." He is the CFOS associate dean and
a professor of marine biology. His research focus is on the health of marine mammal
populations, including studies of Weddell seals, harbor seals and Steller sea lions.
Castellini is one of 36 polar scientists participating in Polar-Palooza, a nationwide
International Polar Year public education initiative about the Arctic and Antarctic.
An Antarctic marine mammal expert, Castellini has been to Antarctica 13 times since
1977 and has spent a total of three and a half years there. Castellini's contributions
to Antarctic science resulted in his name being give to Castellini Bluff on the western
side of White Island in the Ross Archipelago. Before joining UAF, Castellini served
as the director of the Alaska SeaLife Center. He received his doctorate in marine
biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
John Walsh
John Walsh was selected for his "fundamental contributions toward understanding feedback
and effects of climate change, particularly modeling of Arctic systems and for his
leadership of the Fourth IPCC Assessment Report." Walsh, President’s Professor of
Climate Change and chief scientist at the International Arctic Research Center, has
studied recent climatic change in the polar regions, particularly the interactions
between sea ice and the atmosphere. He has synthesized several decades of sea ice
data to evaluate trends of ice coverage. More recently, he worked on the synthesis
of climate model output to obtain projections of climate change in the Alaska region.
Walsh’s other scientific interests include the hydrologic cycle in polar regions,
large-scale snow variability and the arctic performance of global climate models.
Walsh also is an advisor and mentor to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
at UAF and is a scientist mentor to K-12 students participating in the Arctic Climate
Modeling Program, a research-based weather and climate curriculum developed by staff
at the UAF Geophysical Institute. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College
and his doctorate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
December 16, 2008
Kodiak, Alaska—Kodiak's immigrant community plays a pivotal role in the local economy. They work
as carpenters and electricians, and in the town's seafood processing plants, stores
and supermarkets.
According to Sister Barbara Harrington, coordinator of the Marian Center in Kodiak,
many local immigrants, especially Hispanic women, wish to be business owners.
“Our immigrants here in Kodiak have dreams and great potential for business, but they
are perhaps unsure of how to get started” explained Harrington. “We want to give people
an idea of what the right path is to a successful business.”
With that goal in mind, Harrington joined with several local organizations and the
University of Alaska Fairbanks to organize a Spanish-language workshop aimed at helping
Hispanic women launch businesses.
The workshop will be held December 16 beginning at 7pm at the Marian Center in Kodiak.
For more information, contact Sister Barbara Harrington at 907-486-5214.
“The workshop is basically a primer, or a road map, to help local Hispanic women plan
and start new businesses,” said Quentin Fong, a longtime Kodiak resident and seafood
marketing specialist with the university's Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program.
“We also hope to put together a roundtable discussion among successful business women
that can serve to inspire women new to business.”
The workshop is a collaborative effort between St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Marian
Center, the Alaska Hispanic Women's Association, the Alaska Cooperative Extension
Service, and the Alaska Sea Grant College Program.
Tony Gasbarro is a professor with the Alaska Cooperative Extension Service headquartered
in Fairbanks. He will deliver the presentation in Spanish.
“I guess you can say I am the facilitator,” said Gasbarro. “ "I am not a businessperson,
but being fluent in Spanish, I was asked to help out. I am looking forward to working
with the Kodiak community."
Sister Barbara Harrington, Parish Administrator, St. Mary's Catholic Church, 907-486-5214, cell - 907-539-6237,
Quentin Fong, Seafood Marketing Specialist, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, 907-486-1516;
Tony Gasbarro, Emeritus Professor, Alaska Cooperative Extension Service, 907-474-5190,
December 12, 2008
Seward, Alaska—If the numbers hold up, this small coastal community will host the largest number of Alaska high school teams in the event's history when the annual Alaska Region National Ocean Sciences Bowl takes place in February.
Some 17 teams representing 13 Alaska high schools plan to compete in the Alaska Region
NOSB competition in Seward February 6-8, 2009. The schools represent both large and
small communities, both urban and rural, from Southeast Alaska to the Arctic Circle.
"Last year we had 15 teams, and this year we have 17 signed up," said organizer Phyllis
Shoemaker of the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. "If no team drops out,
we'll beat last year's record, so we are going in the right direction."
The winner of the Alaska Region NOSB competition will compete in the NOSB finals,
scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. April 25-27, 2009.
The Alaska Region NOSB, also called the Tsunami Bowl, consists of two equally weighted
parts: a tournament-style academic competition designed to challenge students' knowledge
of ocean sciences; and a research project that has both written and public speaking
components. This year students must identify the impacts of ocean acidification on
Alaska communities, considering the atmosphere, ice, ocean, and land. Teams must then
propose policy changes or actions to deal with the specific problem or hazard the
team identifies as most critical.
2009 Alaska NOSB Teams:
- Anchorage; South Anchorage High School (two teams)
- Copper Center; Kenny Lake High School
- Cordova; Cordova High School (two teams)
- Eagle River; Eagle River High School (two teams)
- Juneau; Juneau-Douglas High School and Thunder Mountain (two teams)
- Kodiak; Kodiak High School
- Mountain Village; Ignatius Beans Memorial School Complex (two teams)
- Petersburg; Petersburg High School
- Seward, Seward High School
- Wasilla; Mat-Su Career and Technical High School and Wasilla High School (two teams)
- White Mountain; White Mountain School
Sponsors of the Alaska competition include the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean
Sciences, Alaska Sea Grant, the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, the University of
Alaska Southeast, Alaska SeaLife Center, Prince William Sound Science Center, the
Unalaska Divers Association and more.
Phyllis Shoemaker, UAF CFOS Seward Marine Center, by phone at 907-224-4312 OR Carin Stephens, public information officer, by phone at 907-322-8730
December 11, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—Thanks to a five-year, $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation, the
University of Alaska Fairbanks will soon offer an interdisciplinary graduate program
in marine ecosystem sustainability.
The Marine Ecosystem Sustainability in the Arctic and Subarctic program will provide
graduate students with a broad education in all aspects of marine ecosystems, including
the biological, chemical, physical and human factors that affect ocean life. The program
will train students in ecosystem-based approaches to the sustainable use of marine
resources.
"Alaska's northern coasts are suffering from rapid and often damaging changes as a
result of global warming and other human influences," said Bill Smoker, principal
investigator for the grant and the director of UAF's fisheries program. "These changes
are affecting Alaska's marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them."
According to Smoker, the new interdisciplinary program will prepare marine scientists
that can address climate change and other important issues like fishing pressure,
habitat loss and pollution.
By transcending traditional boundaries between the natural and social sciences, the
MESAS program will train students in ecosystem-based management, a holistic approach
in natural resource management that considers the entire ecosystem. The academic program
will include courses and case studies in anthropology, ecology, economics, fisheries
science and management, marine policy and oceanography.
Ginny Eckert, program co-director and an associate professor of fisheries, says that
traditional graduate education does not prepare students to be versatile in both the
human and natural components of marine systems.
"That is why we created this program: to provide a new generation of scientists with
a broader background in marine issues," Eckert adds.
The program begins in the fall semester of 2009 and will continue until 2012. MESAS
will support 19 Ph.D. candidates for two years each and UAF will guarantee a third
year of support through teaching assistantships and fellowships. Applications for
MESAS must be submitted by February 15, 2009.
Major participants in the MESAS program include the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean
Sciences, School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, College of Business
and Security Management and the College of Liberal Arts. MESAS is one of over 120
programs that are part of NSF's Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship
program, which promotes innovative, problem-centered, collaborative training to prepare
scientists and engineers to address the global questions of the future.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Ginny Eckert, associate professor of fisheries, at 907-796-5450 or Carin Stephens, public information officer, at 907-322-8730
December 10, 2008
John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship applications being acceptedFairbanks, Alaska—Hoping to extend their winning streak to a third year, the Alaska Sea Grant College
Program is looking for a few good men and women currently enrolled in higher education
to apply for a paid Washington, D.C., fellowship in marine policy.
Each year, Alaska Sea Grant recruits exemplary students to compete nationally for
the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. The prestigious fellowship provides eligible students a year of paid experience
working on marine issues with a congressional staff or with an executive branch resource
management agency.
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2010 fellowship. The deadline for
applying is February 20, 2009. The fellowship is open to all students enrolled in
a graduate or professional program in a marine- or aquatic-related field at a U.S.–accredited
institution of higher learning.
“For Alaska’s college and university students interested in marine and aquatic sciences
and policy, the Knauss Fellowship can be a springboard to an exciting career in resource
policy, biology, and management,” said Paula Cullenberg, Interim Director of the Alaska
Sea Grant College Program, based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of
Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
During 2009, three UAF students were among 51 people chosen in the national competition.
Celeste Leroux, Erin Steiner, and Mary Bozza, all graduate students at the UAF College
of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, will travel to Washington, D.C., in January to begin
their fellowships.
Former UAF graduate student Seanbob Kelly was named a Knauss Fellow in 2008. He currently
is completing his fellowship with the National Marine Fisheries Service. Much of his
work centers on the implementation of congressional reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Other past Knauss Fellows from Alaska were Jill Brady and Ashley Evans (1991), Carl
Rebstock and William S. Robie (1992), Erika Feller (1995), and Nina Mollett (1996).
The Knauss fellowship began in 1979 and is run by the National Sea Grant College Program.
Since then, more than 600 Knauss Fellows have worked in the executive and legislative
branches of the federal government.
To learn more or to apply, please visit the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship;
Also on the web:
UAF students named (2009) Dean John A. Knauss Fellows
UAF fisheries graduate student chosen as 2008 National Sea Grant Knauss Fellow
December 10, 2008
Fairbanks—The Alaska Sea Grant College Program is looking for creative research proposals that will help the state address the impacts
of environmental change on coastal communities and increase the value of its coastal
and ocean resources.
Preliminary proposals that meet the program’s criteria will be accepted for consideration
until 5:00 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2009.
Pre-proposals will be accepted from qualified investigators at universities, federal,
state, local, and tribal government entities, and approved nonprofit organizations.
Alaska Sea Grant encourages participation from the broad research community and welcomes
proposals from investigators new to the Alaska Sea Grant proposal application process.
Alaska Sea Grant is a marine research, education, and advisory program headquartered
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. Every
two years, the program solicits research proposals. The program is currently taking
pre-proposals for research projects for the 2010–2012 biennium.
Alaska Sea Grant’s interim director Paula Cullenberg said that for this biennium Alaska
Sea Grant sponsored research will emphasize impacts on and adaptation strategies for
coastal ecosystems and coastal communities from environmental change, both human caused
and natural.
We're looking for proposals that improve the economic viability of Alaska coastal
communities through innovations in marketing, processing and other means that add
value to local resources," said Cullenberg. “We are looking for projects that engage
stakeholders or user groups on issues of importance to our coastal communities.”
To learn more about this pre-proposal funding opportunity and how to apply, please
review the Announcement of Research Funding Opportunity for 2010–2012
November 19, 2008
Juneau, Alaska—The members of the Juneau Center of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences' Fisheries Division have moved into the brand new, 30,000 square foot Lena Point Fisheries Facility.
The new building is located about five miles north of the Juneau Center's previous
facility at Auke Bay. The three-story facility houses nine laboratories, three classrooms,
a teaching lab and large saltwater tanks for studying live sea creatures.
The Lena Point Fisheries Facility is co-located with the NOAA Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute, continuing a long tradition of collaboration between NOAA Fisheries and the Juneau
Center.
The new address for the Juneau Center of the Fisheries Division is:
UAF CFOS Fisheries Division
17101 Point Lena Loop Rd.
Juneau, AK 99801
Lena Point Fisheries Facility
The new main phone number is 907-796-5441. All e-mail addresses remain the same.
A ribbon-cutting and building dedication is planned for April 2009.
November 17, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—Princess Tours Vice President of Community and Public Affairs Bruce Bustamante has
joined the Alaska Sea Grant College Program Advisory Committee.
The 28-person advisory committee—comprised of marine and coastal community leaders,
policy makers, and stakeholders—guides the program's statewide mission of marine,
coastal and fisheries, research, education, and Marine Advisory Program extension
services.
“Bruce Bustamante’s participation on our advisory committee allows Alaska Sea Grant
and its Marine Advisory Program to engage a major industry in projects and activities
that will help coastal Alaskans,” said Paula Cullenberg, interim director of the program.
Bustamante fills the seat left by John Shively, who until earlier this year was the
vice president of government and community relations for Holland American Line. Now
the executive director of the Pebble Partnership, Shively remains on the advisory
committee, representing the Resource Development Council.
Bustamante has been an Alaska resident since 1992, and holds a degree from UAA in
business administration and marketing. Prior to joining Princess Tours in 2007, Bustamante
spent seven years as head of the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also
served 17 years with Alaska Airlines, most recently as the company’s regional director
of sales in Alaska.
While with the Anchorage CVB, Bustamante won support for raising the city's hotel
tax to pay for a new convention center. The $108 million Dena'ina Civic and Convention
Center opened downtown Anchorage in September 2008.
According to Princess Tours, Bustamante has served on the boards of a number of regional
organizations, including the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA), Anchorage
Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Wildlife
Conservation Center, the Western Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (WACVB),
and the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.
The Alaska Sea Grant Advisory Committee will hold its annual meeting November 20-21
in Anchorage.
Paula Cullenberg, Interim Director, Alaska Sea Grant College Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 907-274-9692
November 17, 2008
Fishermen netted by high fuel costs take steps both easy and drasticAnchorage, Alaska—When Alaska diesel fuel prices surged passed $5 a gallon this past summer, commercial
fishermen fished less, skipped openings, fished closer to home, and in some cases
quit fishing before the season ended, all in an effort to save money on fuel.
By far the most common belt-tightening step was to simply slow down.
“Cutting back a little bit on the throttle is the easiest and most immediate way to
conserve fuel, and that’s what fishermen did in the short term,” said Mark Vinsel,
president of United Fishermen of Alaska, an umbrella group representing 37 Alaska
fishing organizations.
Some 126 fishermen from across the state responded to an unscientific survey conducted
during September and October by the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program and UFA.
The survey explored the impacts of high vessel fuel prices on Alaska commercial fishermen
during the past summer.
Fuel survey results
“The responses from commercial fishermen across a broad cross-section of the industry
confirm that high fuel costs had a significant impact on how fishermen do business,”
said Glenn Haight, fisheries business management specialist with the Alaska Sea Grant
Marine Advisory Program.
Among the survey’s findings:
• 63 percent of respondents said their fuel expenses more than doubled during the
past five years. Forty-three percent said that between ten and 20 percent of their
gross income was spent on fuel during the past year.
• Among the most popular techniques fishermen reported using to save fuel were (many
fishermen had more than one answer):
Throttling back (76%)
Maintaining engine and fuel systems (77%)
Good route planning and timing (68%)
Keeping a clean hull to reduce drag (56%)
Properly tuned propeller (53%)
• Nearly 62 percent said the high price of fuel impacted the crew. The biggest impact
was that fewer or no crew were hired, and crew shares were lower.
• While 62 percent said they believed fishery management decisions affected their
fuel consumption, nearly 52 percent said managers should not make resource decisions
based on the price of fuel. Thirty-seven percent said they believed fishery managers
should consider fuel costs in their decisions.
Some fishermen received help on their fuel costs. Several fishermen reported buying
fuel from seafood processors, who bought fuel in bulk and passed the savings on to
fishermen. The practice is not unusual, according to Cordova MAP agent Torie Baker.
“Fishermen routinely buy fuel from processor’s and their tenders,” said Baker. “Processors,
especially if they are a larger company in a remote location like the Aleutians or
Bristol Bay, are in many cases bringing in barged fuel purchased at bulk rates.”
Alaska Sea Grant interim director Paula Cullenberg said she believes the value of
the survey will be in helping policy makers and lawmakers design programs to help
fishermen weather tough economic times.
“This survey provides them with insights into what fishermen may need, such as loan
programs and tax breaks that enable fishermen to upgrade their engines,” said Cullenberg.
Cullenberg said the survey provides Alaska Sea Grant with information to develop training
workshops, publications, and other tools aimed at helping fishermen save money and
improve efficiencies. Sunny Rice, the Marine Advisory Program agent in Petersburg,
said the survey has given her some good ideas.
“Many fishermen expressed an interest in getting help to compare different engines
and how to effectively use energy saving devices like flow meters,” Rice said. “We
will be looking at developing ways to give fishermen answers to their questions through
new publications and workshops in their communities.”
But perhaps the most important finding of the survey is that fuel efficiency is now
clearly on the radar of most fishermen. And that, said Sea Grant’s Glenn Haight, is
probably a good thing.
“Fuel consumption in the production of food is an increasingly important issue,” said
Haight. “It’s easy to see as an environmental issue, through such things as the carbon
footprint of the fishing industry, but also through the competitiveness of Alaska
as a seafood producer. Bringing down the cost of Alaska seafood production will make
our products more attractive around the world.”
Fuel survey results
Sunny Rice, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program agent, Petersburg, Alaska, 907-772-3381
October 11, 2008
Provided by Debra Carter, Cooperative Extension ServiceFairbanks, Alaska—Do you want to eat salmon and crackers and further the cause of science?
More than 200 volunteers who like to eat fish are needed for canned salmon taste tests
Oct. 13-17 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Wood Center. Participants will be
asked to rate the salmon’s appearance, taste and texture on tests conducted by the
UAF Fishery Industrial Technology Center in Kodiak with the assistance of UAF Cooperative Extension Service.
Sampling will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. each day in Wood Center Conference Rooms C &
D. The taste test will take 10-15 minutes and cookies will be provided afterward.
Participants must be at least 18.
October 1, 2008
Local painter inspired by CFOS researchersFairbanks, Alaska—This Friday a local art gallery will feature paintings inspired by the arctic research
and photographs of University of Alaska Fairbanks scientists.
Susan Farnham, a Fairbanks artist, has been working with Bodil Bluhm and Rolf Gradinger,
biological oceanographers at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, to create
artwork that celebrates the northern creatures they study.
The exhibit is based on the findings of the Arctic Ocean Diversity project, an international effort to catalog life in arctic seas and sea ice. The
project is led by Bluhm, Gradinger and Russ Hopcroft, another biological oceanographer
at UAF.
The exhibit will be held this Friday, Oct. 3, at the Well Street Art Center gallery.
The show will feature paintings by Farnham as well as 19 photographs by Bluhm, Gradinger
and other scientists. The painter and photographers will be at the exhibit's opening
ceremony.
"We are very excited about this unique opportunity to connect science and art," said
Bluhm. "In a time of climate change, we see this exhibition as a way to attract people
that may not otherwise think or care about the Arctic and the life within it."
Farnham's paintings range from representational to abstract and feature richly colored
arctic sea creatures, including sea stars, jellyfish, amphipods (tiny shrimp-like
animals) and plankton.
According to Farnham, the exhibit commemorates International Polar Year, a global
initiative among scientists to better understand the polar regions of the Arctic and
Antarctic.
The ArcOD project is part of the global Census of Marine Life, which seeks to assess and explain the diversity, distribution and abundance of life
in the world's oceans.
The paintings and photographs will be on display until Nov. 4. After being displayed
in Fairbanks, the exhibit may travel to other venues in Alaska and Canada.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
September 30, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—On Monday evening's Alaska News Nightly program, Emily Schwing, a reporter from KBBI
in Homer, reported on the shortage of fisheries and marine scientists in Alaska.
Steve Murawski, the director of scientific programs at NOAA's National Fisheries Service
comments on the lack of scientists trained in the marine sciences but says that "the
University of Alaska Fairbanks is at the head of the pack when it comes to training
NOAA's future marine scientists.".
September 26, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—Atmospheric scientist and climate change expert Michael Schlesinger will visit Fairbanks
and present a free public lecture next week.
The lecture is entitled "Climate Change 101: Some Hard Truths You Should Know" and
will be held at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m.
Schlesinger will discuss the emission of greenhouse gases and how humans have contributed
to global climate change. According to Schlesinger, reducing the emission of greenhouse
gases is a "geopolitical problem of unprecedented scope."
Schlesinger is a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. An expert in climate change modeling and simulation, Schlesinger was a member of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which received the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. He is the editor of four books, most
recently Human-Induced Climate Change: An Interdisciplinary Assessment.
The lecture is sponsored by the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and the
Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Stephens
CFOS Public Information Officer
Phone: 907-322-8730
September 24, 2008
Editor's Note: High-resolution photos and video of the buoy drops are available by contacting Carin Stephens, public information officer, at 907-322-8730 or via e-mail at stephens@sfos.uaf.edu.
Quinhagak, Alaska—Schoolchildren from a village on the west coast of Alaska are helping University of
Alaska Fairbanks scientists learn where young salmon go when they enter the ocean.
Since June, students from Quinhagak, Alaska, have been sending out buoys that track
ocean currents into Kuskokwim Bay. Led by Terry Reeve, UAF's Marine Advisory Program
agent in Bethel, the students have already released 28 buoys and will release four
more before the end of September.
The buoys float at the sea's surface and transmit location information via satellite
to oceanographers on the UAF campus. By recording location data every 30 minutes,
the buoys help oceanographers determine the ocean currents that carry juvenile salmon
from the Kuskokwim River into the coastal waters of the eastern Bering Sea. (Track current buoy data here.)
Reeve says that the students and administrators at Quinhagak School have been eager
to help with the project.
Led by Reeve and Quinhagak resident Warren Jones, the students travel by boat about
fifteen miles offshore from Quinhagak, where they release the buoys. The students
are also learning about the project in the classrooms at Quinhagak School, where they
disassemble sample buoys and learn about marine science.
According to Tom Weingartner, principal investigator for the project, many studies
of ocean currents have been conducted in the deeper waters of the Bering Sea, but
scientists lack information about the shallower waters off Alaska's west coast.
Weingartner says that ocean currents, tidal motion and winds at the ocean’s surface
are critical factors in controlling the currents that may affect the survival of young
salmon. By tracking the paths of the drifting buoys, scientists hope to better understand
the marine habitat that may influence the highly variable runs of chinook and chum
salmon in the Yukon and Kuskokwim River drainages.
The project is funded by the Arctic Yukon Kuskokwim Sustainable Salmon Initiative and will be continued through the summer of 2009.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Stephens
CFOS Public Information Officer
E-mail: stephens@sfos.uaf.edu
Phone: 907-322-8730
Tom Weingartner
E-mail: weingart@sfos.uaf.edu
Phone: 907-474-7993
Terry Reeve
Marine Advisory Program
E-mail: terry.reeve@uaf.edu
Phone: 907-543-4560
September 18, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—One of the world's preeminent experts on ocean acidification will visit Fairbanks
next week and hold a public lecture on the effects of rising carbon dioxide levels
in the ocean.
Richard Feely is an oceanographer at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s
Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle.
The public lecture will be held at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, September 24, at the Princess
Riverside Lodge in Fairbanks.
According to Jeremy Mathis, a chemical oceanographer at UAF's College of Fisheries
and Ocean Sciences, Feely has been a leading expert on ocean acidification for at
least twenty years.
In his abstract for the talk, Feely says that today's record high carbon dioxide levels
in the atmosphere are the "direct result of the industrial and agricultural activities
of humans over the past two centuries."
Feely adds that carbon dioxide levels are "now higher than experienced on Earth for
at least the last 800,000 years." Feely believes that these levels will continue to
rise.
Feely will discuss the short and long term implications of ocean acidification on
marine mammals, fish species and the economies that depend on the world’s marine resources.
"Ocean acidification is probably the most imminent threat to the oceans today," said
Mathis. He adds that ocean acidification is particularly harmful in Alaska, where
cooler waters can speed up the rate of acidification.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Stephens
Public Information Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Phone: 907-322-8730
E-mail: stephens@sfos.uaf.edu
Jeremy Mathis
Assistant Professor of Chemical Oceanography
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Phone: 907-474-5926
September 18, 2008
Anchorage, Alaska—Alaska fishermen facing record high fuel prices for their boats are taking steps both
large and small to improve their bottom line.
To learn how high fuel costs have affected fishermen, and to help fishermen exchange
ideas about ways to improve efficiencies, the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program has joined with the United Fishermen of Alaska to launch an online survey of fishermen across the state.
Take the survey.
The brief, unscientific survey, asks fishermen how high fuel prices have affected
their business, and what steps they have taken to combat the high costs of fishing
this year.
“Fuel costs dominated dock talk all summer,” said Mark Vinsel, executive director
of United Fishermen of Alaska. “I encourage all fishermen to complete the survey,
so that we can use the results to find ways to help fishermen reduce the impact of
high fuel prices.”
Paula Cullenberg is leader of the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, which
has extension agents in 11 Alaska coastal communities. Cullenberg, who also is a Bristol
Bay setnetter, said high fuel prices have hit Alaska fishermen especially hard this
year.
"Necessity is the mother of invention," said Cullenberg. "Alaska fishermen are very
good at reacting to all sorts of unexpected challenges with creative solutions. Our
hope is that through this survey, we can offer these solutions to others.
Contact: Sunny Rice, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, Petersburg, Alaska, 907-772-3381
September 17, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—The new UAF magazine, the Aurora, features a cover story on the CFOS divers who discovered new species during their work in the Aleutian Islands in the summers of 2006 and 2007. Read the story here.
September 8, 2008
Anchorage, Alaska—A consortium of state marine research organizations will use a $2.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to foster awareness of ocean issues amid a changing Alaska climate.
The award establishes Alaska as a Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE),
one of twelve such centers nationwide, created by NSF in recent years, with a theme
of People, Oceans and Climate Change.
COSEE Alaska is a partnership between the Alaska Ocean Observing System, the Alaska
SeaLife Center, the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean
Sciences, the UAF Center for Cross-Cultural Studies, the
Anchorage School District, and the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program.
COSEE organizers said the purpose of the NSF grant is to increase ocean literacy both
within and outside Alaska and to weave together western science and traditional knowledge
about ocean climate change to share with the nation.
The COSEE designation is especially timely, given the rapidly changing Arctic climate
being blamed for storms that are eroding the seacoast, altering fisheries, thawing
permafrost, and melting sea that ice polar bears, walrus and seals need for survival.
“This program provides a great opportunity to share with the world the dramatic changes
we're experiencing in our region due to climate change and to help the Arctic research
community connect directly with Alaskans, from fishermen, boaters, teachers and students
to other marine stakeholders and the public,” said Molly McCammon. McCammon is the
director of the Alaska Ocean Observing System, and led the COSEE planning efforts.
The NSF funding covers five years of COSEE Alaska outreach activities that will include
workshops among scientists, teachers, and students, real and virtual field trips,
the creation of statewide Ocean Science Fairs, and expansion of the annual Communicating
Ocean Science workshop at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium. The grant also will
enable the Marine Advisory Program to hire an education specialist based in Anchorage.
In addition, the funding will be used to develop a program called SEANET, a formal
network of ocean scientists, marine educators, students, and community members involved
in communicating about research in Alaska's seas. The goal of SEANET is to establish
long-lasting collaborations among these interest groups and strengthen communication
among scientists and informal and formal educators and the public. The grant culminates
in a national ocean education and communication conference to be held in Alaska in
2012.
COSEE Alaska will be based in Anchorage. An advisory board made up of representatives
of the academic community, industry, rural communities, and state and federal agencies
will provide input as the program develops.
Nora Deans, Director, COSEE Alaska, 907-644-6707
(National) Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE)
September 3, 2008
Juneau, Alaska—Each year, more than $65 billion worth of seafood is harvested from the world's oceans and grown on high-tech farms. Alaska’s share of that fortune is about $2 billion, claimed mostly by large factory ships and trawlers that harvest pollock and other groundfish, and mom-and-pop fishermen who live in the state's many small coastal communities.
Helping Alaska's mom-and-pop commercial fishermen become more savvy about their business,
and maybe claim a larger slice of the world seafood pie, is the aim of a new course,
"The Business of Fish," being offered by the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The best part about the course: you won't need to leave home to take it.
The free class begins September 16 and is offered through the University of Alaska
Television Network. There is no charge for the class and registration is not required.
Most Alaskans can view UATV programming through their local cable network. The course also is offered online.
The six-week course will cover the basics of business financial management: accounting,
income tax, business organization, writing a business plan, financing, vessel and
crew insurance, as well as state and federal fisheries regulations. Several subjects
will feature guest lecturers.
A separate course on fishermen direct marketing will air beginning October 22. Instructors
will cover practical considerations to seafood marketing such as regulations, marketing
strategy, and financial management.
To learn more about these distance delivery courses, contact Glenn Haight, Fisheries
Business Specialist, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, 907-796-6046, ffgeh1@uaf.edu,
or visit Glenn Haight's MAP Web site.
Glenn Haight, Fisheries Business Specialist, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, 907-796-6046,
June 20, 2008
Homer, Alaska—Whether you are a commercial or sport fisherman, recreational boater, charter skipper,
water taxi or tour operator, saving money on your vessel fuel bill can be as easy
as slowing down.
It can also be as complicated as deciding whether to replace that tired old fuel-guzzling
engine, or even the entire vessel.
“How much a boater saves on fuel is determined by many factors,” said Terry Johnson,
a Marine Advisory Program agent and boat owner based in Homer. He also has written
articles on fishing vessel maintenance for a popular trade magazine.
“While there are some general steps all boaters can take, maximizing fuel savings
comes down to a number of personal decisions about a specific vessel. No two vessels
will be exactly alike.”
To help boaters weigh their options, Johnson recently prepared a list of steps that
can help lessen the impact of high fuel costs.
First on his list is simply slow down. Seems obvious, but the savings can be dramatic.
For vessels that plow through the water—that is, they displace water rather than skim
over the top—even a small decrease in boat speed will save fuel on most boats. Johnson
said published data indicate that reducing power as little as 10 percent from full
throttle will lessen fuel consumption by 20 percent. Back off the throttle to the
point where the stern wave starts to flatten out and the savings will be greater.
Reducing speed by just one or two knots can cut fuel consumption by 30 percent to
50 percent.
Running your diesel engine at its most efficient rating also will save fuel. Johnson
said diesel engines are most efficient at 80 percent of maximum continuous rating
(MCR). That means they produce the most power for the fuel consumed. But be careful,
most fishing vessels are over-powered and achieve their most efficient vessel speed
at a power setting well below optimum engine speed and load. To get the most nautical
miles per gallon you'll probably have to run your engine at a speed slower than its
most efficient setting. Running too slow for too long, however, could damage your
engine.
Things get a bit more complicated for vessels that plane or displace little water.
These boats rely on skimming the surface; slowing too much causes the vessel to ride
lower in the water, lowering fuel efficiency. Johnson suggests using a fuel flow meter,
or keeping accurate records of gallons burned divided by miles traveled at different
revolutions-per-minute (rpm) until you find your vessel's most efficient engine and
boat speed.
Other tips to beat the fuel crunch:
* Exhaust. Exhaust from a well-maintained diesel engine is virtually invisible. Black
exhaust means the engine is overloaded, starved for combustion air, or has worn injectors.
If the exhaust is white, there is an injector or valve timing problem, burnt valves,
or bad gaskets allowing coolant into the cylinders. Blue exhaust indicates oil in
the combustion chambers from worn rings or valve guides, or a turbo seal failure.
All of these problems decrease engine efficiency and increase fuel consumption.
* Prop. When the boat is out of the water, check the prop for bent blades, dings,
or eroded edges that cause fuel-robbing cavitation. While underway, check the propwash
for excess turbulence and bubbles that suggest a prop that's too small or has too
little pitch. And check your exhaust stack for black smoke that would suggest overloading.
Use your tachometer and pyrometer to ensure you have the right prop. This can change
as the use of the boat changes or it gains weight or resistance from additional equipment
or modifications. The engine should quickly reach rated rpm and exhaust temperature
should be within manufacturer's specs; if not, the prop is too big or has too much
pitch. If the engine exceeds rated speed or exhaust temperature is too low, you may
not be wasting fuel but you could be causing long-term harm to the engine due to carbon
buildup and cylinder glazing. Use a computer prop sizing service to ensure you have
the right diameter, pitch, blade area, and prop configuration.
* Hull. Marine growth on the bottom of a boat saps power and wastes fuel. Get the
weeds and barnacles off and keep them off with proper antifouling paint. The smoother
the paint, the less friction, so find the right paint for your hull. Sponsons, struts,
sea chests, keel coolers, transducers, and stabilizers all increase hull drag. You
probably need those more than an extra fraction of a mile per gallon, but if there's
something below the waterline you don't need, get rid of it.
* Electrical system. Do you need to run a diesel genset around the clock or can you
use batteries and an inverter for your “hotel” power? A larger alternator on an underloaded
main engine may produce electricity more efficiently than a standalone generator.
Can you cook on an oil or propane range rather than an electric one? Consider adding
a wind charger or solar panels to reduce the fuel cost of electricity.
* Steering. You burn fuel to push your boat through the water, but if it's not going
the shortest distance to your destination you may be wasting fuel. If there's play
in your steering, adjust it to eliminate as much as possible. A good autopilot can
steer straighter than any helmsman. Even if you have a great autopilot, watch your
wake and you may see that you're zigzagging through the water. The pilot's control
head probably has adjustments that change steering parameters and allow you to minimize
delayed or oversteering in calm conditions. Modern units even have a no-drift mode
that compensates for wind and current.
* Plan your trip. Remember when vessels used to depart on the tide? It was not so
necessary with big engines and cheap fuel, but now routing to take advantage of tides,
currents, and predicted winds can save money. Remember, the shortest distance between
two points on the water is not necessarily a straight line. Tide and current tables,
and oceanographic current charts, can indicate ways to get a boost from nature. Good
weather forecasts help you avoid headwinds or delaying sea conditions, and also suggest
chances to get a boost from tailwinds.
* Vessel weight. More important on a planing or semi-displacement vessel, weight control
reduces the amount of power needed to achieve a given speed. Boats quickly fill up
with supplies, gear, and spare parts. On short trips, it may not be necessary to run
with full fuel and water tanks. Use trim tabs or shift passengers, gear, and ballast
to achieve proper vessel trim. On displacement boats, additional weight may improve
seakeeping and in some cases may actually improve fuel efficiency by helping the boat
proceed more directly through the water.
* Keep good records. You only know whether you're making an improvement (or making
things worse) if you have good numbers on vessel performance, both before and after
changes. At every fuel-up you should record fuel replaced, operating hours (from your
hour meter or engine hour logbook), and if possible, distance traveled. Other observations
such as changes in coolant and exhaust temperatures, oil temperatures and pressures,
and speed over the ground (as indicated by GPS or LORAN readings) should be logged.
* Do the math. Fuel is only one of the costs of your operation. Capital expenditure
(the price of new equipment), and the value of your time and that of your crew, are
also costs. The cost of a solution, such as buying a new engine or even a new vessel,
may be greater than the savings that could be realized. As fish prices, fuel costs,
regulations, and other factors change, it is important to recalculate the trade-offs.
For more information, visit the Marine Advisory Program's Alaska Boating Fuel Efficiency Resources Web site.
Greg Fisk, fishing consultant, 907-586-4090, prawns@alaska.net.
June 20, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—The University of Alaska Board of Regents this week approved a new bachelor of arts
in fisheries and a minor in fisheries. The degree and minor will be offered at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The new bachelor's degree program is part of a multimillion-dollar expansion of the
UAF fisheries program thanks to a grant from the Rasmuson Foundation. The degree will prepare students for careers in fisheries business, policy, anthropology
or rural community development. According to Trent Sutton, associate professor of
fisheries and the coordinator for the undergraduate fisheries program, the program
will train students in the social, economic and business aspects of fisheries.
"Our students will learn not only how to work with fish, but how to work with the
diverse users of this vast natural resource," said Sutton. "Alaska needs more fisheries
experts, especially those trained in Alaska, and we intend to fill that need."
The new program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and undergraduate
research. Students will work directly with fisheries experts in the workplace, the
laboratory and in the field. The program was created using input from members of Alaska's
fishing industry, including seafood processors, fishing companies and Alaska Native
groups.
Another priority of the program is to increase the number of Alaska Native and rural
Alaska students in fisheries. As part of this effort, classrooms have been equipped
with technology for distance delivery of classes. Students will also be able to begin
their studies at UAF, UAA or UAS and complete their degree through UAF in either Fairbanks
or Juneau.
UAF already offers a Bachelor of Science in fisheries, which prepares students for
more traditional careers in fisheries biology and management. As part of the UAF fisheries
expansion, the Bachelor of Science curriculum is being updated and revitalized to
include more opportunities for hands-on learning.
The minor in fisheries will allow students in other majors to gain a solid introductory
background in fisheries. Both the new bachelor's degree and the minor become officially
available in January 2009.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Stephens, public information officer, at 907-322-8730 or via e-mail at stephens@sfos.uaf.edu OR Trent Sutton at 907-474-7285 or via e-mail at tsutton@sfos.uaf.edu
June 20, 2008
Fellows will spend a year in D.C. learning how federal marine policy is madeFairbanks—Three University of Alaska Fairbanks graduate students have been named Dean John A.
Knauss Fellows. The fellows will spend a year in Washington, D.C., learning how the
federal government makes national marine environmental policy.
Celeste Leroux, Erin Steiner, and Mary Bozza, all graduate students at the UAF College
of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, were among 51 students chosen in the national competition.
The fellowship, begun in 1979 and run by the National Sea Grant College Program, has
introduced hundreds of budding scientists to the complexities of federal environmental
law and policy. In many cases, the fellowships have served as a springboard to related
careers.
"We are extremely proud of UAF's ability to compete with highly ranked universities
across the country," said Brian Allee, who recently retired as director of the Alaska
Sea Grant College Program. "Last year, we had one exceptional student chosen for this
prestigious fellowship. To have three exemplary students chosen this year is wonderful."
Celeste Leroux is completing research aimed at obtaining her master's degree in marine
biology. In 2007, she joined the university, federal, and industry–run Alaska King
Crab Research, Rehabilitation and Biology Program (AKCRRAB), and began studies of
how to culture and raise red and blue king crab in large-scale hatcheries. The overall
goal is to learn whether hatcheries may be a feasible tool to rebuild low populations
of wild king crab in parts of the state.
Leroux said working with the NOAA Aquaculture Program would be a good fit with her
current research. "But I want to keep my options open," said Leroux. "Opportunities
will come up during placement week that I don't know about yet."
Erin Steiner is a master's degree student on the Alaska Sea Grant research project
titled "A Global Analysis of Salmon Prices: How Low Can They Go?" Her economic study
of alternative harvesting strategies is aimed at helping Bristol Bay sockeye salmon
fishermen cope with changing global seafood markets.
Steiner previously worked as a research assistant on arctic stream studies on Alaska's
North Slope, and spent a year as a groundfish fisheries observer in the Bering Sea.
Steiner is fluent in Spanish, and served two years in the Peace Corps in Bolivia.
As a Knauss Fellow, Steiner hopes to work on offshore fisheries issues with NOAA Fisheries.
Mary Bozza is a master's degree student studying immune function in Alaska sea ducks.
Her research on the immune response to viral infection in Steller's eiders seeks to
improve scientific understanding of disease impacts on population ecology. Bozza has
requested placement within the executive branch.
"I'm pretty open-minded as to placement, and I'm excited to see what projects are
offered," said Bozza. "There are many international issues related to climate change
and diseases, and I'm sure there will be many interesting opportunities. There will
be a new administration next year, and so Washington, D.C., will be a very exciting
place to be."
Former UAF graduate student Seanbob Kelly is currently serving as a Knauss Fellow
with NOAA Fisheries. He said Alaska's 2009 fellows will have opportunities and challenges
in the nation's capital.
"I'm excited that Alaska will be represented next year and hopefully in coming years,"
said Kelly. "My experience has been tremendously rewarding in terms of learning about
the many facets of how scientific information is used to make decisions about our
resources and shape overall policy."
In December, Alaska's Knauss Fellows will travel to Washington, D.C, for orientation
and placement interviews with federal legislative and executive branch agencies and
committees. They begin their formal service as Knauss Fellows in February 2009. Each
fellow receives a $34,000 stipend, as well as health benefits and a moving allowance.
Download high-res photos
Doug Schneider, Information Officer, Alaska Sea Grant College Program, 907-474-7449;
fndgs@uaf.edu
Mary Bozza, 907-491-0567; ftmb@uaf.edu
Celeste Leroux, 415-306-2457; scjl4@uaf.edu
Erin Steiner, 978-394-2085; e.steiner@uaf.edu
June 19, 2008
Dillingham, Alaska—The University of Alaska Fairbanks will soon begin a search for a Marine Advisory Program agent for its Dillingham office. MAP is the statewide community extension arm of
the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
The MAP agent in Dillingham will provide fisheries and marine technical assistance
to commercial and subsistence fishermen in more than 30 communities across southwest
Alaska.
"The university recognizes the importance of the fishery in the Bristol Bay region
to the state of Alaska," said Denis Wiesenburg, dean of the UAF College of Fisheries
and Ocean Sciences. "We are committed to providing the support needed by Dillingham’s
fishermen."
The search committee for the position includes both local residents and university
faculty members. Cordova MAP agent and salmon fisherman Torie Baker will chair the
committee. Three of the five committee members are Dillingham residents.
The position was vacated when previous MAP agent Elizabeth Brown took a position with
Georgia Sea Grant last year. Earlier plans to replace the position were put on hold
because of budget constraints within CFOS.
The job will be advertised later this summer.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Stephens, CFOS public information officer, at 907-322-8730 or via e-mail at stephens@sfos.uaf.edu, OR Paula Cullenberg, Marine Advisory Program Leader and Alaska Sea Grant interim director, via e-mail at anpjc@uaa.alaska.edu.
June 11, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—While many high school students enjoy their long summer vacation, West Valley sophomore Shamariah Hale will be hard at work. Selected as a Hutton Junior Fisheries Scholar, Hale will spend the next two months gaining hands-on experience as a young fisheries scientist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Hale is one of 36 students across the nation who will participate in the 2008 Hutton
Junior Fisheries Biology Program. Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, the program works to increase the number of women and minorities in fisheries careers.
Students are paired with a mentor in fisheries and receive a $3,000 scholarship.
Hale will be working with Trent Sutton, an associate professor of fisheries at the
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
Under Sutton's guidance, Hale will study the health and abundance of humpback whitefish
and least cisco in the Chatanika River. Once a productive whitefish fishery, the Chatanika
historically accounted for nearly half of Alaska's whitefish harvest. After fish numbers
decreased dramatically, the fishery was closed in 1994 and reopened last year.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska and the
world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
For more information, contact Trent Sutton, tsutton@sfos.uaf.edu, 907-474-7285, or Carin Bailey Stephens, stephens@sfos.uaf.edu, 907-322-8730.
June 1, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—In 1965, Vera Alexander became the first woman to receive a doctorate at the University
of Alaska. Four decades later, after serving as a professor of marine science, a director
and as a dean, Alexander has been honored with the dedication of a new smart classroom
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The classroom, room 201 in the O'Neill building on UAF's West Ridge, was renamed the
Vera Alexander Learning Center during a dedication ceremony held on Wednesday, May
28. At the ceremony, UAF chancellor Steve Jones and College of Fisheries and Ocean
Sciences dean Denis Wiesenburg thanked Alexander for more than forty years of service
and unveiled the room's dedication plaque.
The recently completed Vera Alexander Learning Center is the most technologically
advanced classroom on the UAF campus. Equipped with complete videoconferencing capabilities,
widescreen plasma displays and an interactive dry erase board called a smart board,
the classroom connects the five major locations of the UAF College of Fisheries and
Ocean Sciences.
The classroom is used to broadcast courses to students at any of the school's five
divisions in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau, Kodiak and Seward. The room will also be
used for thesis and dissertation defenses, seminars and lectures. Funding for the
building of the learning center was provided in part by the Rasmuson Foundation, as
part of a multi-million dollar expansion of UAF's fisheries program.
After receiving her Ph.D. in marine science at the University of Alaska in 1965, Alexander
became an associate professor at the fledgling Institute of Marine Science on the
Fairbanks campus. In 1980, she became the director of IMS. When the UAF College of
Fisheries and Ocean Sciences was formed in 1987, Alexander became its first dean and
served for nearly twenty years, until 2004.
Alexander is currently a professor emeritus and is on the advisory board for the UAF
Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center. She is part of various scientific
steering committees, including those for the international Census of Marine Life,
the North Pacific Research Board and NOAA Ocean Explorations. Alexander is the president
of the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 graduate students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska
and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University
of Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
May 22, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—A research institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks has received an award from
the U.S. Department of the Interior for outstanding conservation through collaboration.
The award is called the Cooperative Conservation Award and was presented last month
in Washington, D.C.
The award recognizes the partnership between UAF's Coastal Marine Institute and the
U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service. Founded fifteen years
ago, CMI is managed through the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. The institute
works directly with the Minerals Management Service and the state of Alaska to study
marine issues associated with the development of oil, gas and minerals in Alaska’s
outer continental shelf.
According to the Department of the Interior, CMI and MMS made "outstanding contributions
to collecting and disseminating environmental information for use in key decisions
in oil and gas exploration and development" in Alaska's coastal regions.
By partnering with 49 different organizations from Alaska and around the world, CMI
and MMS have raised millions of dollars, as well as in-kind contributions, to fund
marine-based research into the potential effects of oil and gas development in Alaska's
coastal regions. Research projects are selected based on the recommendations and reviews
of a committee made up of UAF, state and MMS members.
The award notes that the CMI/MMS partnership "strengthens research in the areas of
fisheries protection, biomonitoring, physical oceanography and the fate of oil in
the marine environment."
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne presented the award to Vera Alexander, longtime
former director of CMI and former dean of the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences,
and to Cleveland Cowles of MMS. CMI is currently directed for UAF by Michael Castellini,
Associate Dean of CFOS, and for MMS Alaska by Kate Wedemeyer.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 graduate students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska
and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University
of Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Vera Alexander, 907-474-5071, vera@sfos.uaf.edu, or Carin Bailey Stephens, public information officer, 907-322-8730, stephens@sfos.uaf.edu.
May 21, 2008
Marine research, education, and advisory efforts receive fundsFAIRBANKS, Alaska—Improving fisheries management models, increasing the size of farm-raised oysters,
and learning how to raise red and blue king crab in large-scale hatcheries are among
the $1.5 million in new projects, activities, and administration of the Alaska Sea
Grant College Program over the next two years, the program announced today.
Read News Release
May 21, 2008
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—Alaska Sea Grant Director Brian Allee announced his retirement from the University
of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS), effective May
30, 2008.
Read News Release
May 15, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—CFOS faculty members Nicola Hillgruber, Murat Balaban, Alexandra de Oliveira, Alan
Springer, Dean Stockwell and Trent Sutton were recently promoted or received tenure,
effective beginning July 1, 2008.
Hillgruber, a fisheries ecology expert at the CFOS Juneau Center, will be promoted
to Associate Professor.
Balaban, director of the Fishery Industrial Technology Center, will be tenured.
Oliveira, a seafood scientist and fisheries chemist, has been tenured and promoted
to Associate Professor.
Springer, a biological oceanographer and seabird specialist, will be promoted to Research
Professor.
Stockwell, a taxonomist and biological oceanographer, will be promoted to Research
Associate Professor.
Sutton, undergraduate fisheries coordinator and fisheries scientists, will receive
tenure.
Congratulations to this year's CFOS promotion and tenure recipients!
May 12, 2008
High school marine science competition scores a series of firstsSeward, Alaska—Top-notch high school students from around the nation gathered in Seward at the end
of April for the finals of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl. It was the first time
in the eleven-year history of the NOSB competition that the finals were held in Alaska.
The students enjoyed a long weekend of adventure and tough competition.
Students and coaches enjoyed a naturalist-guided trip from Anchorage to Portage on
the Alaska Railroad and a Kenai Fjords tour of Resurrection Bay donated by Renown
Tours.
The students hailed from Florida to New Hampshire, and from Hawaii to the Midwest.
A frequent exclamation on the train ride to Portage was "this is the first time I've
ever seen snow!"
In fact, there was so much snow, the train could not continue on its planned trip
to Seward because of an avalanche in the rugged mountains between Portage and Seward.
On the Kenai Fjords tour, many students saw their first bald eagles, puffins, Steller
sea lions and humpback whales. Some also saw their first glaciers. Despite the cold
and rainy weather, students crowded the outside decks to see a sampling of Alaska's
coastline.
Students also enjoyed dinner at the Alaska SeaLife Center, and a barbeque dinner on
Saturday night featuring fresh wild Alaska halibut and salmon. Many of the students
at the barbecue enjoyed their first taste of fresh Alaska halibut and salmon.
On Saturday and Sunday, the students engaged in head-to-head combat over tough questions
about the world's oceans. On the final day of the competition, Sunday, April 27, the
top two teams, Mission San Jose High School and Lincoln-Sudbury High School, faced
off for the first and second place title. Both the first and second place teams won
trips to Costa Rica.
Competition Results:
1st place: Lincoln-Sudbury High School, Sudbury, Massachusetts
2nd place: Mission San Jose High School, Fremont, California
3rd place: Santa Monica High School, Santa Monica, California
4th place: Dexter High School, Dexter, Michigan
5th place: La Jolla High School, San Diego, California
6th place: ExCEL Academic League, Vancouver, Washington
7th place: Poudre High School, Fort Collins, Colorado
8th place: East Carteret High School, Beaufort, North Carolina
More about the NOSB finals in Alaska:
April 25 Seward Phoenix Log story: The sea geeks are coming
May 2 Seward Phoenix Log story: Sea-savvy students lock brains in Seward classrooms
Post-competition press release from the Consortium for Ocean Leadership (Download
292 KB PDF)
Visit the NOSB donors webpage for a list of the donors whose generous donations made
the event possible.
Photo slide shows coming soon!
April 29, 2008
Biologists hope raising king crab will lead to wild stock recoverySEWARD, Alaska—A baby boom of sorts has wrapped up in Seward.
The baby boom was the result of the hatch of several million red king crab larvae
at the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery. The twelve egg-bearing adult king crab that
were collected from Bristol Bay last fall began releasing their larvae in mid-March.
The hatch is part of a research program, now in its second year, designed to help
scientists and policy makers decide if large-scale hatcheries can be used to rebuild
collapsed king crab populations in places like Kodiak and the Pribilof Islands.
The federal, state and industry–supported research program is called the Alaska King
Crab Research, Rehabilitation and Biology (AKCRRAB) Program, and is run by the Alaska
Sea Grant College Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Read News Release
April 29, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—UAF announced today that CFOS faculty member John Kelley earned this year's Emil Usibelli
Distinguished Public Service Award.
The Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching, Research and Public Service are considered
one of the university’s most prestigious awards. They represent UAF’s tripartite mission
and are funded annually from a $600,000 endowment established by Usibelli Coal Mine
in 1992.
Each year, a committee that includes members from the faculty, the student body and
a member of the UA Foundation Board of Trustees evaluates the nominees. Each of the
winners receives a cash award of $10,000.
Marsha Sousa, an associated professor of allied health, will receive the teaching
award and Gerald Mohatt, professor of psychology and director of the Center for Alaska
Native Health Research, will receive the research award.
Kelley joined the UAF faculty in 1974 as an assistant professor with the Institute
of Marine Science. Since then, he has served in a variety of research and service
roles, including four years as the director of the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory
in Barrow, where he gained the trust of the communities in the North Slope Borough.
Kelley has continued to serve the region as chairman of the NSB Science Advisory Committee
since 1981.
Kelley also served as director of the National Science Foundation’s Polar Ice Coring
Office at UAF, commissioner on the Fairbanks North Star Borough’s Mombetsu (Japan)
Sister City Commission and member of the Planning Committee for the National Academies
of Science, International Polar Year. Kelley holds a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania
State University and a doctorate from University of Nagoya in Japan.
Kelley has mentored junior faculty and students, keeping the "best of the university
and its associated community in mind," said Debasmita Misra, associate professor in
UAF’s College of Engineering and Mines, who nominated him.
"Despite all the important service activities that John has performed, his humility
and compassion has always left others seeking his support time and again."
Kelley is credited for working with UAF’s Rural Student Services and the American
Indian Science and Engineering Society to develop a program to encourage Alaska Native
undergraduates to pursue careers in science. The NEWNET/ORION program, created in
1997 with support from the U.S. Department of Energy, was designed to involve Alaska
Native college students in monitoring atmospheric radioactivity in Alaska.
Kelley and the other recipients will be honored at a reception May 5 at 3:30 p.m.
in Wood Center Conference Rooms C & D.
Portions of this story are courtesy of a press release written by Carla Browning,
University Marketing and Communications
Carin Bailey Stephens
Public Information Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Phone: 907-322-8730
April 21, 2008
Seward, Alaska—Later this week, up to 125 marine science experts will converge in Seward to share
their knowledge of the world's oceans.
These experts aren't professors or graduate students. They're teenagers, and they
could challenge any oceanographer in a trivia game about ocean science.
The National Ocean Sciences Bowl, a rigorous high school marine science competition,
will be held in Seward April 25-27. For the first time in competition history, the
NOSB will bring twenty-five teams from high schools around the country to Alaska.
To compete in the national finals of NOSB, high school students compete in regional
competitions across the United States, including Alaska. The winning five-member team
from each region earns a free trip to the finals. Last year, the finals were held
in Stony Brook, New York.
This year's high school teams hail from as far away as Florida, New Hampshire and
Texas. Other regions that will be represented in Seward include Kona, Hawaii; Long
Beach, Mississippi; Cranston, Rhode Island; Dexter, Michigan; Sandy Hook, New Jersey;
and more.
Alaska's own winning team from Juneau-Douglas High School will compete in Seward for
the national title. Team members include Ross Douglas, Stephen Kubota, Kayla Harrison,
Molly Emerson and Trentyn Days. The team is coached by Ben Carney.
Since other regional teams won a trip to Alaska, UAF is sending the Juneau-Douglas
team to California in late May for visits to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Moss Landing
Marine Laboratories and the Exploratorium in San Francisco. The team will receive
the trip as a reward for winning Alaska’s regional NOSB competition.
NOSB organizers estimate that the national event will bring more than 250 students,
volunteers, judges and family members to Seward. Among the activities planned for
the students include a naturalist-guided trip on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage
to Seward, tours of the Alaska SeaLife Center and a Kenai Fjords cruise in Resurrection
Bay donated by Renown Tours.
This year marks the eleventh year of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl. This event
is supported by multiple sponsors from within Alaska and around the nation.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 graduate students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska
and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University
of Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Contact
Carin Bailey Stephens
Public Information Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Tel: (907) 322-8730
April 16, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—Several CFOS faculty and students are currently in the Bering Sea, on board the USCG
icebreaker Healy as part of the Bering Sea Integrated Ecosystem Research Program/Bering Ecosystem
Study. The cruise began March 29 and will continue until May 6.
Among the scientists are Rolf Gradinger, Katrin Iken, intern Rebecca Neumann, and
alumnus Alexei Pinchuk.
Follow them on the cruise by visiting the expedition's online "logbook".
The cruise is part of a six-year study of the Bering Sea ecosystem jointly funded
by the National Science Foundation and the North Pacific Research Board.
Carin Bailey Stephens
CFOS Public Information Officer
Phone: 907-322-8730
April 8, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—The Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
has funded more than $500,000 for the study of Alaska's marine ecosystems.
The eight projects funded by the center this year include scientific studies of Alaska's
fish species, educational support for fisheries students, an investigation into how
scientists tag Steller sea lions and an analysis of the marine food chain in the Bering
Sea.
Administered through the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, the PCCRC provides
funding for peer-reviewed research of North Pacific fisheries, marine mammals and
coastal ecosystem issues, as well as for training and education in issues important
in Alaska's fisheries.
Nearly $85,000 was awarded to a scientist at the Fishery Industrial Technology Center
to study the development of pollock liver oil as a nutritional supplement. If successful,
pollock oil could join cod liver oil, salmon oil and other fish oils on supermarket
shelves as a source of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.
Another project includes more than $50,000 to increase field research, internship
and on-the-job training opportunities for UAF’s fisheries undergraduates. A major
component of the current expansion of the UAF fisheries program, project leaders say
that training outside the classroom will help prepare students for jobs.
One project funded by the center includes sending data-gathering floats out into the
fishing grounds of the Bering Sea to measure water temperatures. Information gathered
from the instruments will be transmitted to scientists on a weekly basis and then
posted on the Alaska Ocean Observing System website. The temperature data will provide
important information on temperature changes as well as help Alaska’s fishermen and
fisheries managers determine fishing locations.
The research center was founded in 2000 with a donation from the Pollock Conservation
Cooperative. The cooperative is composed of North Pacific pollock fishing companies
of the At-sea Processors Association. These companies, Alaska Ocean Seafood, American
Seafoods Company, Arctic Storm Management Group, Glacier Fish Company, Highland Light,
Starbound LLC and Trident Seafoods, have funded 55 research projects and contributed
more than $8.5 million to UAF for marine research and education. The group also provides
funding for the Ted Stevens Distinguished Professor of Marine Policy.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. 55 faculty
scientists and 135 graduate students are engaged in building knowledge about Alaska
and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered at the University
of Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located in Seward, Juneau,
Anchorage and Kodiak.
Contact
Denis Wiesenburg
Dean, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Director, PCCRC
Phone: 907-474-7210
Carin Bailey Stephens
Public Information Officer
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Phone: 907-322-8730
February 18, 2008
Castellini to lecture tomorrow at the WestmarkFairbanks, Alaska—Changes in the sea ice at the north and south poles have an immediate effect on the
animals that live there. On Tuesday, Feb. 19, Mike Castellini will describe how disappearing
sea ice affects the breeding, hunting, resting and social systems of polar bears,
seals, penguins and more in his lecture, "On Thin Ice: Marine Mammals Challenged by
Climate Change." The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in the Westmark Gold Room and all
ages are welcome to attend the free event.
Castellini will use a combination of video and still photographs to share current
research on ice-dependent mammals, and explain how such work contributes to the overall
implications of climate change on the planet in his lecture.
Associate Dean of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Mike Castellini has
spent a cumulative total of three and half years on the Antarctic ice working with
ice-dependent mammals.
"On Thin Ice: Marine Mammals Challenged by Climate Change" will be the sixth and final
lecture in the 2008 Science for Alaska Lecture Series, presented by the Geophysical Institute at UAF.
The Fairbanks arm of Science for Alaska has welcomed more than 1,400 people to lectures
this year. The popular series includes presenters from each major University of Alaska
campus and is held in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau. The series is sponsored by
the Geophysical Institute, UAF, and Alyeska Pipeline Service Company.
Press release courtesy of Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute
February 15, 2008
Seward, Alaska—Phil Moser may not know where he wants to go to college yet, but he knows what he
is going to study.
"Anything related to the ocean," says Moser, with a winning smile.
Moser was a competitor in last weekend's Tsunami Bowl, Alaska’s regional version of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, a day-long, rapid-fire competition, complete with jeopardy-style questions and team
challenge written questions. Moser's team, Team Megatron from Juneau-Douglas High
School, took second place in the competition.
The first place winners were the Naughty Nautili, also from Juneau-Douglas. Composed
of sophomores and juniors, the Naughty Nautili were first-time competitors in the
Tsunami Bowl, while Team Megatron was made up of seniors and competition veterans.
Ben Carney, a teacher at Juneau-Douglas and the coach for both teams, says this isn't
the first time the Naughty Nautili has surprised him.
"They edged out a third team led by the captain of last year’s Tsunami Bowl winning
team to earn the right to get to Seward," said Carney. "And then they edged out Team
Megatron."
"They are talented and motivated-- a powerful combination," adds Carney.
The first and second place winners each won a one-year scholarship to the University of Alaska Fairbanks or the University of Alaska Southeast. The winning team will also get to compete in the national finals of the National
Ocean Sciences Bowl, to be held in Seward in April.
This year’s Tsunami Bowl drew a record fifteen teams from across Alaska, including
teams from Unalaska, Cordova, Soldotna, Anchorage, Kenny Lake, Wasilla and White Mountain
in northwest Alaska.
Last year, Juneau-Douglas swept first, second and third place at the Tsunami Bowl.
One team to watch out for in 2009 is this year’s third place winner, Team Visceral
Mass from Cordova. Visceral Mass had the best overall team record for the competition,
winning seven games and only losing one. The team also beat the first and second place
teams during matches earlier on in the competition. Composed of three juniors and
one sophomore, the team says it will be back for next year’s competition.
Cordova team coach Lindsay Butters of the Prince William Sound Science Center says
that Visceral Mass was "super motivated."
"These kids were at practice every day, asking good questions," she added.
Butters said that it helped that Cordova High School started offering a marine biology
course last fall. That course, and frequent interaction with guest scientists from
the Prince William Sound Science Center, helped the students prepare for the competition.
In April, the national finals will be held in Alaska for the first time in NOSB history.
Hosted by the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, the finals will take place
in Seward April 25-27, 2008. The event will bring 25 teams of high school students
and 250 volunteers, students, judges and family members from across the U.S. to Alaska.
The Naughty Nautili will be there, ready to compete against winning teams from around
the nation.
The National Ocean Sciences Bowl was established in 1998 to encourage learning about
the oceans and increase the teaching of ocean sciences in high schools. Support for
NOSB is provided by the Consortium for Ocean Leadership. The regional competition is supported by the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean
Sciences, Alaska Sea Grant and the North Pacific Research Board.
February 14, 2008
Kodiak, Alaska—When Murat Balaban took over as director of the Fishery Industrial Technology Center
in Kodiak last month, he immediately went to work publicizing the important work being
done at the research center.
"Fish Tech has excellent faculty and staff, and world-class facilities and capabilities,"
said Balaban. "I’m enjoying spreading the word about the amazing work we do here."
The Fishery Industrial Technology Center is a unit of the UAF College of Fisheries
and Ocean Sciences. Located in Kodiak, at the center of Alaska's fishing industry,
FITC scientists look for new ways to increase the value of Alaska’s seafood products.
Scientists at the center work on developing technologies to help improve the quality
and safety of Alaska seafood, such as a machine that automatically removes pinbones
from fish, an electronic 'nose' to detect quality issues in seafood and net pens to
deliver live salmon to processors.
Other research at the center includes finding new ways to use the more than one million
metric tons of seafood by-products-- fish heads, tails and viscera-- that are annually
dumped or minimally used by Alaska’s fishing industry.
Fish Tech staff also educate members of the fishing industry in seafood quality, marketing
and business practices. The center works closely with the Marine Advisory Program,
another unit in the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, to provide education
and guidance to Alaska’s commercial and subsistence fishermen.
For the past twenty years, Balaban served on the faculty of the University of Florida
in Gainesville as a professor of food processing and engineering. Originally from
Turkey, Balaban received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Middle
East Technical University. He earned a doctorate in food science from the University
of Washington. Balaban also holds five patents as a food processing engineer.
"We were looking for a director who could really expand on our mission of service
to the state of Alaska and the fishing industry," said Denis Wiesenburg, dean of the
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
"We found that person in Murat Balaban," added Wiesenburg.
Balaban has already begun revamping the FITC website and building bridges between
the center and the community of Kodiak and the state of Alaska. FITC will play a central
role in ComFish, Alaska’s annual commercial fishing conference and trade show held
in Kodiak in March.
Balaban also wants to reinvigorate the academic curriculum at Fish Tech and attract
more high-quality students to the sustainable seafood science and utilization program.
"All we have to do now is keep proving that we are the best in the world," Balaban
added.
The mission of the UAF Fishery Industrial Technology Center is to increase the value
of Alaska's fishing industry and marine resources through research, technological
development, education and service.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. More than
55 faculty scientists and 135 graduate students are engaged in building knowledge
about Alaska and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located
in Seward, Juneau, Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Bailey Stephens
Public Information Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Phone: 907-322-8730
February 14, 2008
Fairbanks, Alaska—CFOS graduate student Seanbob Kelly is working in Washington, D.C., as the 2008 Alaska
Sea Grant Knauss Fellow. Seanbob is sharing his experiences and adventures through
his new blog. Learn more about the exciting opportunities available to UAF graduate
students as a Knauss Fellow, and read his blog at:
Seanbob's blog
or visit Alaska Sea Grant
February 8, 2008
Seward, Alaska—Every year, a rigorous high school marine science competition in Seward draws dozens
of high school students from across Alaska to answer hundreds of questions about the
ocean. This year, with fifteen teams and 70 competitors, the Tsunami Bowl will set a new record.
The Tsunami Bowl is Alaska's regional version of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl. The bowl is a day-long, rapid-fire quiz style competition, complete with jeopardy-style
questions and team challenge written questions. The bowl will be held next Friday,
February 8, and Saturday, February 9.
Last year, nine teams and 41 students competed in the Tsunami Bowl. Juneau-Douglas
High School swept the competition, with three teams that took first, second and third
place.
"We are thrilled to have so many participants and especially to see new coaches and
students from all across the state," says Phyllis Shoemaker, Alaska regional coordinator
for NOSB.
With team names like the "Tentacular Nematocysts" from Unalaska, the "Sea Geeks" from
Kenny Lake and the "Odd Pisces" from Soldotna, Shoemaker says this year's competition
may be the most exciting Tsunami Bowl yet.
This year's teams hail from Cordova, Anchorage, Wasilla, Soldotna, Unalaska, Kenny
Lake, Seward and White Mountain, a small village on the Seward Peninsula.
"We are always looking for more high schools and communities to get involved," said
Shoemaker. "This is really a wonderful way to encourage marine science education at
the high school level in Alaska."
The winning team will compete in the national finals of the NOSB. Another first for
this year will be the coming of the national finals of NOSB to Alaska. Hosted by the
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, the NOSB finals will take place in Seward
April 25-27, 2008. The event will bring 25 teams of high school students and 250 volunteers,
students, judges and family members from across the U.S. to Alaska.
The National Ocean Sciences Bowl was established in 1998 to encourage learning about
the oceans and increase the teaching of ocean sciences in high schools. Support for
NOSB is provided by the Consortium for Ocean Leadership. The regional competition
is supported by the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Alaska Sea Grant
and the North Pacific Research Board.
Carin Bailey Stephens
Public Information Officer
Phone: 907-322-8730
Phyllis Shoemaker
NOSB Alaska Regional Coordinator
Phone: 907-224-4312
January 28, 2008
Anchorage—At last week's Alaska Marine Science Symposium in Anchorage, more than 600 state, national and international scientists gathered
to share their knowledge of marine issues in Alaska waters. There were nearly 100
presentations given at the Symposium, with sixteen given by students.
All student presentations and posters were entered into a Symposium-wide contest for
the best student presentation and best student poster. Alaska Sea Grant provided $250 each for the winning master's student and Ph.D. student poster. The
North Pacific Research Board offered $250 each for the best two master's level and best two Ph.D. level oral presentations.
Four of the six award winners are graduate students studying fisheries at the UAF
CFOS Juneau Center.
Katie Palof, a master's degree student studying the genetics of Pacific Ocean perch with Tony
Gharrett, received an award for her presentation on her thesis work.
Lisa Kamin is also a master's degree student studying the genetics of Pacific Ocean perch with
Tony Gharrett. Kamin earned the award for best poster for a master's level student.
Joel Webb earned an award for his poster on developing biological reference points for eastern
Bering Sea crab. Webb is a Ph.D. student working with Ginny Eckert and Gordon Kruse.
Cindy Tribuzio is working on her Ph.D. with Gordon Kruse. She is studying spiny dogfish and received
an award for Ph.D. level oral presentation.
One of the remaining awards was received by Steffen Oppel, a Ph.D. student in UAF's Department of Biology and Wildlife.
Many CFOS faculty, staff and students participated in the Symposium, as attendees,
presenters or as poster presenters. CFOS presenters at the Symposium included:
Oral Presentations- CFOS Faculty and Staff
Stephen Jewett
Tom Weingartner
Jeremy Mathis
Lisa Eisner
David Tallmon
Georgina Gibson
Oral Presentations- CFOS Students
Tracie Merrill
Erin Steiner
Gayle Neufeld
Sue Hazlett
Jenefer Bell
Cindy Tribuzio
Alexander Andrews
Katie Palof
Posters- CFOS Faculty and Staff
Bodil Bluhm (2)
Stephen Okkonen
Alan Springer
Arny Blanchard
Kenneth Coyle
Brian Himelbloom
Russ Hopcroft
Mark Johnson
Brenda Konar
Trent Sutton
David Tallmon
Patricia Rivera
Posters- CFOS Students
Markus Janout
Jennifer Marsh
Lisa Kamin
Melissa Deiman
Caroline Jezierski
Paige Drobny
Seth Danielson (2)
Ed Farley
Jeremy Mull
Rebekka Federer
Haixue Shen
Joel Webb
William Bechtol
Jamie Womble (2)
Gayle Neufeld
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. More than
60 faculty scientists and 160 graduate and undergraduate students are engaged in building
knowledge about Alaska and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located
in Seward, Juneau, Anchorage and Kodiak.
January 24, 2008
Anchorage, Alaska—Fishermen, community leaders, Alaska Natives, scientists, government officials, environmental
groups, and representatives from energy companies will meet in Anchorage to discuss
what’s needed to safely develop oil and gas in the North Aleutian Basin, a sprawling
region that includes part of the salmon-rich Bristol Bay.
The North Aleutians Basin Energy-Fisheries Workshop, scheduled for March 18–19 at the Anchorage Marriot Downtown Hotel, is aimed at continuing
a dialogue that began last October, when key stakeholders outlined their positions
on development and organized the agenda for the March 2008 meeting.
The meeting seeks insights into the economic, social, and environmental questions
that must be addressed to make energy development environmentally safe as well as
socially and economically beneficial for the region’s residents. It also offers a
chance for energy and fisheries industries to learn about each other’s operations.
The Alaska Sea Grant College Program, a marine research, information, and advisory program headquartered at the University
of Alaska Fairbanks, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, is coordinating the
meetings. Funding for the meeting comes from grants from Shell, Aleutians East Borough,
the Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation, Peter Pan Seafoods, and others.
In 2007, the U.S. Minerals Management Service announced proposed plans to sell oil
and gas exploration leases in a part of the North Aleutian Basin beginning in 2011.
That announcement came as welcome news to some in the region, such as Stanley Mack,
mayor of the Aleutians East Borough.
“We have seen a lot of outmigration because of the lack of jobs,” said Mack. ”I see
my role as providing jobs and economic stability, making sure our communities survive
and that our schools stay open.”
At stake is the potential revenue energy development might bring to the region. If
developed, North Aleutian Basin oil and gas could be worth $3 to $6 billion per year
for the next 25 to 40 years, according to the U.S. Minerals Management Service. MMS
estimates that region contains 8.6 trillion cubic feet of gas and 750 million barrels
of oil or condensate. Shell, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, expressed
interest in developing the energy deposits believed to exist beneath the seafloor.
But of concern to Mack and many others is the impact on the region’s abundant salmon,
crab, halibut, pollock and cod fisheries, worth more than $2 billion each year. Possible
impacts include oil spills and navigation hazards, as well as competition for limited
dock space and loss of jobs as deckhands and others take higher-paying energy jobs.
“We are guarded about fisheries,” said Justine Gundersen, administrator for the Nelson
Lagoon Tribal Council. “Fishing is a way of life in our area. But we are open—we will
not fight oil development. Fishing is not as prosperous as before. We want diversification.
These meetings are so important for learning. We want to protect everything we have,
and so we must be at the table.”
Also of concern are issues such as harbors, roads, and other infrastructure, and the
social impacts of population growth and cash that would flow into the region.
In offshore oil and gas proposals elsewhere in Alaska, forces pro and con have lined
up to voice their views, and opposition has led to litigation. In the case of the
North Aleutian Basin, meeting organizer and Alaska Sea Grant director Brian Allee
said the goal of the North Aleutian Basin meetings is to find common ground and build
cordial, working relationships.
“Alaska Sea Grant is convening these meetings both to help people understand the issues
and find ways to work together,” said Allee. “We are doing this years ahead of the
actual lease sales, so everyone can have a voice in how the region plans for the expected
impacts.”
Allee said he hopes the meetings will evolve into a regular forum for discussion about
the research needed to ensure safe development of the region’s resources, and a place
for people to find solutions to their concerns. Over time, Allee said the forum might
evolve into a citizens oversight council, such as those already in place for Cook
Inlet and Prince William Sound. At the very least, Marilyn Crockett, executive director
of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association, said the meetings would help the fishing and
energy industries get to know each other.
“There's a lot that we in the oil industry simply do not know about the fishing industry,”
said Crockett. “As well, there is a lot that people outside our industry do not know
about the oil and gas industry. This forum provides an opportunity for all of us to
better understand each other and build a trust that we all need.”
Following the Anchorage gathering, Alaska Sea Grant is planning a meeting in Kodiak
to explain the lease sale and gather input from local residents. That meeting is scheduled
for March 21 from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the Kodiak High School, in conjunction with
the Kodiak ComFish trade show. The meeting will include a panel of Kodiak residents
discussing the North Aleutian Basin lease sale impacts on Kodiak, and speakers explaining
development issues in the region.
“Kodiak is a place that might not directly benefit from the economic activity associated
with oil and gas production in the basin,” said Allee, “but Kodiak commercial fishermen
would be impacted by a spill or just the presence of the industry. We might expect
a different sentiment there.”
Community meetings also are being planned in the North Aleutian Basin/Bristol Bay
region itself. Those meetings will be announced as details are finalized.
Alaska Sea Grant's Role:
Alaska Sea Grant was asked by members of the energy and fisheries industries, and
coastal community leaders, to facilitate a forum through which interested groups can
discuss possible future energy development North Aleutian Basin. Key to these discussions
is the goal of identifying potential environmental, economic, social, and other impacts--and
research needed to address these impacts--to fisheries and fisheries-dependent coastal
communities that may result from energy development.
In keeping with our national mandate, Alaska Sea Grant does not take a position on
whether to develop the energy resources of the North Aleutian Basin. As is the case
in all our activities, Alaska Sea Grant's policy is to remain impartial while seeking
to deliver unbiased information and knowledge to Alaska residents, stakeholders, and
policy makers.
In this initiative, Alaska Sea Grant seeks to create a forum for interaction and communication
about the potential impacts of possible future energy development. Our overall objective
is to identify the possible impacts and research needs of the region, several years
ahead of lease sales planned by the federal Minerals Management Service.
January 24, 2008
Anchorage, Alaska—Alaska has a reputation for clean waters and pristine vistas. But anyone who has walked
Alaska’s rocky beaches knows that parts of the state’s vast coastline are far from
pristine.
Fishing nets, rope, totes, six-pack rings, bottles, drums, and myriad other trash—much
of it plastic—litter Alaska’s shores. It’s a vexing mess made by both humans and nature.
Humans dump trash into the sea—often thousands of miles away—and ocean currents carry
it onto the state’s rugged and mostly remote Alaskan coast.
Annual beach cleanups and federal laws aimed at ending the coastal carnage have done
little to stem the waves of trash washing onto Alaska’s shores.
At next month’s Alaska Forum on the Environment, concerned residents will regroup
in their war on the trash that fouls Alaska beaches.
The Marine Debris in Alaska Workshop will take place February 14–15 at the Egan Convention Center in Anchorage. Organizers
said the workshop is needed to coordinate and prioritize statewide marine debris removal,
education, and outreach, and to map a strategy for future prevention and cleanup efforts.
Alaska has more than 34,000 miles of mostly uninhabited coastline that lacks significant
road access. The state’s oceans support the largest array of commercial fisheries
in North America, and they serve as major international and intra-state cargo transportation
routes, coastal community transportation, and tourist destinations.
Much of the debris on Alaska’s beaches comes from as far away as Asia, carried on
ocean currents to the far reaches of the state’s vast coast. In addition, inadequate
disposal of waste from Alaska coastal communities also enters the marine environment.
While various groups remove tons of debris from Alaska’s shoreline each year, the
efforts of government agencies, recreational and environmental groups, the private
sector, landowners and tribes operate with few resources and limited coordination.
As a result regional debris removal programs are often spotty and opportunistic, operate
in isolation, and are modestly funded. Complicating cleanup efforts has been the high
cost of removal, difficult access to remote beaches, safety and weather considerations,
and limited landfill sites and recycling options. Effective outreach and education
is challenging because debris sources are often unknown.
The Marine Debris in Alaska Workshop is sponsored by the NOAA Marine Debris Program,
the NOAA/CFOS Alaska Sea Grant College Program, and the Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation.
January 9, 2008
Nome, Alaska—As part of International Polar Year (IPY) 2007–2009, the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program and University of Alaska Fairbanks, Northwest campus, have launched a speaker series in Nome, Alaska. This series is meant to facilitate discussions of current polar issues between local residents and academic experts.
Topics include the effects of climate change on fisheries and the sea ice pack, storm
systems and coastal erosion, and preservation of Native languages and art. Despite
the importance of many of these topics to the northwest Alaska region, experts rarely
have the opportunity to interact with local residents because of the remote location
of these communities and limited communication systems.
The series is being videoconferenced to reach rural communities and schools of northwest
Alaska through the Bering Strait School District.
Series speakers include:
Amber Lincoln, “Bering Strait Artifacts, European Museums, and World History,” January
15, 2008
David Atkinson, “Bering Sea Storms: Not Just Leftover Typhoons,” January 29, 2008
Igor Krupnik, “The Changing Arctic: IPY and Northern Residents,” February (day to
be announced)
Terrence Cole, “Mutiny, Murder and Cannibalism: The Tragic Tale of A.W. Greely,” February
29, 2008
Gay Salisbury, “Inspiration for the Iditarod: Leonhard Seppala, Nome and the 1925
Serum Run,” March 1, 2008
Larry Kaplan, “Eskimo Languages of the Bering Strait and Beyond,” April 15, 2008
Jean Carlo, “Arctic Voices: Contemporary Art from the Circumpolar North,” April 29,
2008
Each speaker event will take place at 7 p.m. at the Nome Elementary School.
For more information, contact Heidi Herter, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program,
University of Alaska Fairbanks, 907-443-2201.
Watch video clips of the MAP-IPY Nome Speaker Series on the Bering Strait School District
Web site.
December 7, 2007
CFOS researchers begin second year of studies aimed at understanding how to hatch and raise king crab in captivityKodiak, Alaska—Fishermen last month harvested boatloads of giant red king crab from Bristol Bay,
where stocks of the tasty crustacean have been increasing. Eighteen crabs harvested
by fishermen aboard the FV Stormbird will end up not on the dinner table, but in research labs in Kodiak and Seward.
The crabs, all females, each bearing hundreds of thousands of eggs in clutches beneath
a hard flap on their underside, will participate in the second year of a UAF-led research
effort aimed at understanding the scientific and technical complexities of hatching
and raising large numbers of red king crab in a hatchery. The knowledge scientists
gain will help policymakers decide whether to use hatcheries to rebuild red king crab
in waters elsewhere in the state, where natural events have not succeeded in rebuilding
king crab populations. Key among those places are the waters around Kodiak Island,
once the scene of the state's largest red king crab harvests. Fishermen there have
not had a commercial red king crab harvest in the last 25 years.
“Six crabs were shipped alive from Bristol Bay to the NOAA Kodiak Laboratory, and
12 crabs were delivered to UAF's marine research lab in Seward,” said Ginny Eckert,
UAF associate professor and lead scientist. “Over the coming months we and our partners
in Kodiak and the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery in Seward will learn more about
how to keep adults alive and healthy as they progress toward hatching their eggs in
the spring. Once the eggs hatch, we'll study the diet and environmental needs of crab
growing from larval up through to the juvenile stages.”
The efforts are part of a unique federal, state, university, coastal community, Alaska
Native, and fishing industry partnership called the Alaska King Crab Research, Rehabilitation
and Biology (AKCRRAB) program. The program is led by the NOAA Alaska Sea Grant College Program headquartered at UAF.
“It's a big group of diverse people from Kodiak to the Pribilof Islands concerned
about the fate of our red and blue king crab fisheries,” said Jeff Stephan, manager
of the Kodiak-based United Fishermen's Marketing Association and member of the AKCRRAB
steering committee. “We all have banded together to see what we can do to help the
fisheries recover, and that means first obtaining the biological knowledge we need
about these species.”
For a time during the 1960s, Kodiak Island waters teemed with red king crab. Kodiak
itself became the center of the state's crab fishing bonanza. At its peak in 1965,
fishermen harvested more than 94 million pounds of crab worth about $12 million. Fortunes
were made, but the boom soon went bust. By the early 1980s, Kodiak red king crab stocks
had collapsed and the fishery all but disappeared. Decades of fishing restrictions
since have failed to rebuild these populations. Brian Allee, director of the Alaska
Sea Grant College Program, said the time is right to try something new.
“These are the first steps toward what will be a sustained research effort to gain
the body of knowledge we need to make wise choices about how to rebuild these fisheries,”
said Allee.
AKCRRAB scientists launched their research efforts in 2006 with the successful collection
of 16 egg-bearing adults and subsequent hatch of millions of red and blue king crab
larvae. Researchers also plan to continue efforts to understand the hatchery needs
of blue king crab. In March 2008, scientists with the help of subsistence fishermen
from the Norton Sound region plan to collect crabs for similar studies aimed at one
day rebuilding collapsed blue king crab stocks around the Pribilof Islands in the
central Bering Sea.
Alaska Sea Grant's Allee said several years of laboratory and field studies are needed
before the king crab research program can seek state approval to conduct a pilot release
of juvenile crab into Alaska waters.
Alaska King Crab Research, Rehabilitation and Biology (AKCRRAB) Program
Contacts:
Jeff Stephan, AKCRRAB Steering Committee and Manager, United Fishermen's Marketing Association,
cell: 907-350-2088,
Ginny Eckert, AKCRRAB Science Team Leader and Associate Professor, University of Alaska Fairbanks
and UA Southeast, 907-796-6450,
Brian Allee, Director, Alaska Sea Grant College Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 907-474-7949,
November 21, 2007
Talks scheduled for Monday in Juneau and Friday in FairbanksJuneau and Fairbanks—Jeffrey Polovina, a marine scientist with NOAA's Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center in Hawaii, will visit Alaska next week to present two lectures on marine creatures
in the tropics.
The first lecture will be on Monday, November 26, at 7:00 pm at the Egan Library on
the UAS campus in Juneau. Polovina will present a talk entitled "An overview of the
Hawaii longline fishery and our research on the habitat of large pelagic fishes".
On Friday, November 30, at 10:00 am in 214 O'Neill on the UAF campus, Polovina will
give a lecture called "The habitat and migration of loggerhead sea turtles and whale
sharks". Receptions to follow both seminars.
Polovina is the chief of the Ecosystem and Oceanography Division at the PIFSC. His
research focuses on climate and marine ecosystems and the movement and habitat of
large pelagic animals, including turtles, tunas, whale sharks, and whales. He studies
the movement patterns of these animals using satellite telemetry and remotely-sensed
oceanographic data.
The lectures are supported by the Frank and Marjorie Meek Endowment at the University
of Alaska Foundation.
November 5, 2007
Fairbanks, Alaska—Interested energy companies, fishermen, Alaska Natives, community leaders, environmentalists
and others met October 19, 2007, to begin a dialogue on energy development in the
North Aleutian Basin off Alaska. The meeting was aimed at developing an agenda for
a larger public meeting scheduled for March 2008 in Anchorage.
Read Sea Grant News Release
October 30, 2007
Fairbanks, Alaska—There are unknown creatures lurking under the windswept islands of the Aleutians,
according to a team of scientific divers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
This summer, while completing the second phase of a two-year broad scientific survey
of the waters around the Aleutian Islands, scientists have discovered what may be
three new marine organisms. This year's dives surveyed the western region of the Aleutians,
from Attu to Amila Island, while last year's assessment covered the eastern region.
During the dives, two potentially new species of sea anemones have been discovered.
Stephen Jewett, a professor of marine biology and the dive leader on the expedition,
says that these are "walking" or "swimming" anemones because they move across the
seafloor as they feed. While most sea anemones are anchored to the seabed, a "swimming"
anemone can detach and drift with ocean currents. The size of these anemones ranges
from the size of a softball to the size of a basketball.
Another new species is a kelp or brown algae that scientists have named the "Golden
V Kelp" or Aureophycus aleuticus. According to Mandy Lindeberg, an algae expert with NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service and a member of the expedition, the kelp may represent a new genus, or even family,
of the seaweed. Up to ten feet long, the kelp was discovered near thermal vents in
the region of the Islands of the Four Mountains.
"Since the underwater world of the Aleutian Islands has been studied so little, new
species are being discovered, even today," said Jewett. He adds that even more new
species may be revealed as samples collected during the dives continue to be analyzed.
The organisms were found while surveying more than 1000 miles of rarely-explored coastline,
from Attu to the Tigalda Islands. Logging more than 300 hours underwater, the divers
collected hundreds of water, biological and chemical samples during 440 dives. Armed
with underwater cameras and video cameras, the divers took hundreds of photographs
and dozens of short movies of the creatures that inhabit the coast of the Aleutians.
According to Jewett, the scientists are reasonably sure that the kelp is a new species,
but more work is being done to confirm that the sea anemone species are completely
new to science. Correspondence with anemone experts has so far shown the anemones
to be new species, but the analysis is ongoing.
During both years, the chief scientist on the project was Douglas Dasher, a water
quality expert from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. The scientific team operated from the R/V NORSEMAN, a 108-foot vessel originally
designed for crab fishing in the Bering Sea.
The dives were part of a broad health assessment of the Aleutian Islands and were
sponsored by the Alaska Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program, also referred
to as AKMAP. The program is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and managed
through a joint agreement between the ADEC and UAF.
Samples from the dives are being used to catalog biodiversity in the region, assess
water quality and potential contaminants. According to Jewett, this is the first time
the remote nearshore region of the Aleutian Chain has undergone an in-depth marine
assessment.
Not immune from human impacts
The rugged and remote islands of the Aleutians are not immune to the reach of human
activity, say scientists leading the expedition.
"Pollutants traveling through air and water pathways from temperate latitudes have
been showing up in the area," says Jewett. "Debris and spills from World War II in
the Aleutians have left their mark behind in unexploded ordinance and local sources
of pollutants."
Scientists on the project are using water and tissue samples collected during the
dives to gauge the impacts of human activity in the area. Samples are being tested
for nutrient and oxygen levels in the water, acidity, temperature and radioactive
chemicals left over from the underwater nuclear tests conducted at Amchitka Island
between 1965 and 1971.
"Climate change, with changes in water temperature, wind patterns and currents may
impact the region's biological life," added Jewett. "It is important that we collect
this information before any major changes occur."
Jewett, Dasher and the other scientists on the expedition hope that this assessment
will help scientists gauge the overall health of the Aleutian Islands, both to provide
a baseline for future comparison and to provide a general evaluation of the region's
marine conditions.
A unique diving experience
Diving to a maximum depth of 60 feet along 1000 miles of mostly uninhabited coastline
is an extraordinary experience, says Jewett.
"This is my fourth diving mission in the Aleutians," said Jewett. "In my view, it's
the best cold-water diving experience in the Northern Hemisphere, because of the outstanding
visibility, coupled with the diverse and colorful marine life."
UAF divers on the expedition included Reid Brewer, marine advisory program agent in
Unalaska; Max Hoberg, marine taxonomist; Heloise Chenelot, research technician; and
Shawn Harper, a graduate student studying marine biology. ADEC scientists included
Jim Gendron, Terri Lomax and Nic Dallman. Other members of the scientific team included
Roger Clark, a marine taxonomist with NOAA, and Roger Deffendall, a volunteer diver
from Unalaska.
The Aleutian Islands dives support the National Coastal Assessment Program, a nation-wide
project to characterize the U.S. nearshore coastline. AKMAP methods provide a practical,
cost-effective system to characterize Alaska's coastal and surface waters. The AKMAP
team has already sampled the marine waters off of Alaska's southcentral and southeastern
coasts. The western Aleutians section of the program is the fourth of five planned
surveys to assess Alaska's entire coastline.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. More than
60 faculty scientists and 160 graduate and undergraduate students are engaged in building
knowledge about Alaska and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located
in Seward, Juneau, Anchorage and Kodiak.
October 29, 2007
Endowment helps students learn about Alaska’s marine resourcesFairbanks, Alaska—Throughout his life, John Doyle worked hard to make the world a better place. After
his death last year, his commitment to improving fisheries education continues in
the form of a yearly scholarship to women pursuing careers in science.
Doyle, a fisheries expert who made seminal improvements to Alaska's fishing industry,
endowed the scholarship in 2005 after his wife, Katherine, died. When Doyle passed
away in 2006, his family added his name to the scholarship, making it the Kathryn
'K.' E. and John P. Doyle Scholarship. Each year, two female students studying science
at UAF receive the award.
"Their goal in life was always continuing education, no matter what your age," said
Douglas Doyle, John and Kathryn Doyle's son. "They would be pleased at what this gift
is doing for women at UAF."
Douglas adds that his father was continually concerned with how he could work to "make
things better."
The Doyle Scholarship has certainly made things better for two students at the UAF
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. This year's recipients were Christine Peterson,
an undergraduate fisheries student, and Kelly Newman, a doctoral student in marine
biology.
Peterson is a senior in the UAF fisheries program. She is particularly interested
in studying salmon and would like to pursue a career in fisheries management. Last
year, she completed a semester abroad studying fisheries in Australia, where she joined
a diving club and learned about aquaculture and wild fisheries stocks. Peterson will
begin her master’s degree in fisheries at UAF next fall.
Newman is studying the feeding behavior and the sounds made by killer whales in the
Pribilof Island region. Newman uses a hydrophone, an underwater listening device,
to record killer whale noises as they kill and eat their prey. She is particularly
interested in finding out whether killer whales in the area are eating northern fur
seals. After Newman finishes her Ph.D., she plans on continuing her research and possibly
teaching.
At a reception held recently to honor the donors and scholarship recipients, Douglas
Doyle said that his stepmother, Kathryn, would be proud of this year's scholarship
recipients.
"She was a woman ahead of her time," he said. "She was just always interested in learning."
Douglas Doyle adds that his stepmother flew airplanes loaded with supplies to and
from Russia during World War II, and that she took courses at UAF until the end of
her life.
John Doyle was instrumental in establishing the Marine Advisory Program, the marine
extension arm of CFOS with advisory agents in twelve coastal communities across Alaska.
Doyle served as the leader of the Marine Advisory Program from the mid-1960s until
1987. He continued his work at UAF as a professor until 1996 and became a professor
emeritus in 2003. He also helped establish the UAF Fishery Industrial Technology Center
in Kodiak, Alaska.
Doyle's son, Douglas, told stories at the reception about his father’s lifelong commitment
to improving Alaska's seafood products.
"I would shop with him, and he would point at a fillet and say, 'see that mark on
that fish-- that is because somebody grabbed it by the tail,'" said Douglas Doyle.
"He always wanted to make a better product for consumers."
Judyth Wier, UAF's associate vice chancellor of development, gave a speech at the
reception honoring the Doyle family’s educational legacy.
"This is what it is really all about—it's about the impact of the gift," said Wier.
"The legacy of commitment to the fisheries program that Doug's father has passed down
to his son, who has helped make the education of these two students possible."
The Kathryn 'K.' E. and John P. Doyle Scholarship is available every year to two female
students studying science at UAF. For more information about the scholarship, please
visit the UAF Scholarships website.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. More than
60 faculty scientists and 160 graduate and undergraduate students are engaged in building
knowledge about Alaska and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located
in Seward, Juneau, Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Bailey
Public Information Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Phone: 907-322-8730
October 24, 2007
Fairbanks, Alaska—Michael Castellini, the associate dean of the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences,
departed this week for the beginning of an International Polar Year public education
initiative about Earth’s polar regions.
The initiative, called Polar-Palooza, includes a tour of various locations in the United States by polar scientists and
arctic residents. Funded by the National Science Foundation and NASA as an official
IPY activity, Polar-Palooza’s mission is to educate Americans about the Arctic and
Antarctic.
"It’s really an amazing program, different than anything I’ve done before," said Castellini.
"It’s 100 percent public outreach."
Polar-Palooza presenters tell personal stories of their work at the poles. Presentations
also include high-definition video of polar life and props such as caribou hides and
sea ice cores. The presentation portion of the tour is supported by online resources,
including blogs, video-logs and podcasts.
Unlike many of the presenters, Castellini has experience conducting research at both
poles. He has spent the equivalent of three and a half years studying Weddell seals
in Antarctica and has also researched Steller sea lions and harbor seals in Alaska.
"Next week, I will be talking to a group of third graders in California about penguins.
It's important to start them off early with these sorts of things,” said Castellini.
"How long can penguins hold their breath underwater? It’s fun."
The associate dean began his participation in the tour in Albuquerque, New Mexico,
on Monday, October 22, at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. His next stop is in San Francisco.
Polar-Palooza will come to Alaska in the spring with presentations in Barrow, Anchorage
and Fairbanks. The University of Alaska Museum will host Polar-Palooza May 8-10, 2008.
Follow Castellini and the Polar-Palooza tour by visiting the Polar-Palooza website.
Contact
Carin Bailey
CFOS Public Information Officer
Phone: 907-322-8730
October 10, 2007
Fairbanks—The University of Alaska Fairbanks and Norway's Bod University announced today an
initiative to open a dialogue between offshore oil and gas interests and fisheries
stakeholders in Alaska's North Aleutian Basin Planning Area, a 5.6-million-acre region
that encompasses most of the southeastern Bering Sea continental shelf and Bristol
Bay.
The effort at dialogue comes in advance of a proposed federal offshore oil and gas
lease sale in the southwest corner of the North Aleutian Basin scheduled for 2011.
The North Aleutian Basin Energy and Fisheries Workshop is being planned as a public
event March 18–19, 2008, in Anchorage, Alaska. Setting the agenda is a 23-member steering
committee consisting of the region's fishermen and seafood processors, Native and
community leaders, energy and fishery regulators, environmentalists, and energy industry
representatives. The initial meeting of the steering committee is scheduled for October
19, 2007, in Anchorage.
Read entire news release
North Aleutian Basin Energy and Fisheries Initiative
September 26, 2007
Fairbanks, Alaska—As an undergraduate studying geophysics in Philadelphia in the 1950s, John Kelley
knew he wanted to learn more about the far north.
Fifty years later, Kelley has been recognized for helping countless scientists and
members of the public learn about Alaska and the polar regions. Yesterday, he was
presented with an award for advancing science in the Arctic at the American Association for the Advancement of Science's Arctic Division annual meeting, also known as the Arctic Science Conference.
A professor of chemical oceanography in UAF's College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences,
Kelley's research focuses on trace metals, atmospheric gases and contaminants in marine
environments, including the study of residual radioactive materials in the region
of Alaska's Amchitka Island, where underground nuclear tests were conducted in the
1960s. He also studies marine acoustics and teaches a course on marine mammals and
underwater noise. Kelley joined UAF in 1968.
"John has had so much impact across the board, especially on science education and
the inclusion of more Alaska Natives in marine science," said Lawrence Duffy, executive
secretary of the Arctic Division AAAS and the interim dean of the UAF Graduate School.
For the past 25 years, Kelley has encouraged minority and especially Alaska Native
students to pursue careers in science, math and engineering.
The award also recognizes Kelley's long-time service as a member of multiple professional
societies. He is the president of the AAAS Arctic Division and the chair of the planning
committee for this year's Arctic Science Conference. Kelley is a regional director
and a former president of Sigma Xi, a scientific research society with more than 60,000 members worldwide.
"He is remarkably dedicated to his convictions of service to others," said Gary Laursen,
the master of ceremonies for the Arctic Science Conference and an instructor in UAF's Biology and Wildlife Department.
Kelley received his bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University and his Ph.D.
from the University of Nagoya, Japan. He has also served as the director of the Naval
Arctic Research Laboratory, headquartered in Barrow, Alaska. From 1989 to 1995, Kelley
was the director of the National Science Foundation's Polar Ice Coring Office. He
has also chaired the North Slope Borough Science Advisory Committee since its founding
in 1980.
"John has become an important mentor to so many, including myself," added Laursen.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. More than
60 faculty scientists and 160 graduate and undergraduate students are engaged in building
knowledge about Alaska and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located
in Seward, Juneau, Anchorage and Kodiak.
September 16, 2007
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta high school students learned about fisheriesFairbanks, Alaska—This June, eleven high school students from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta learned fisheries
science and techniques at a special summer camp on Nunivak Island in the eastern Bering
Sea.
Students at the summer camp learned about the anatomy and life history of fishes,
proper fish handling, and fisheries sampling and study techniques. The course included
classroom instruction as well as field trips to nearby watersheds to learn different
fish capture methods. Students also learned how to identify fish and aquatic invertebrates
in the field using scientific keys.
The camp was led by Nicola Hillgruber, assistant professor of fisheries at UAF’s College
of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, and Eva Patton, a biologist with the Association of Village Council Presidents in Bethel.
Funded by the National Science Foundation, students who attended the summer camp earned credit toward an undergraduate degree
at UAF.
"It is anticipated that this field-based fisheries course will increase the enrollment
of Y-K Delta students in the fisheries undergraduate program at UAF," said Hillgruber.
Field surveys conducted during the camp will provide the basis for the collection
of several data sets, including measurements of water temperature, smolt outmigration
and hydrology.
September 4, 2007
UAF's Tuula Hollmen leads successful breeding programSeward, Alaska—The Alaska SeaLife Center has successfully bred threatened Steller’s eiders in captivity for what appears to
be the first time in North America.
The Alaska breeding population of Steller’s eiders is listed as threatened under the
U.S. Endangered Species Act due to significant reductions in nesting range. On the
Arctic Coastal Plain near Barrow where the population is most plentiful, Steller’s
eiders probably number in the hundreds; on their other traditional home in the Yukon
Delta, possibly in the tens.
"This successful event shows that we have the capability of breeding Steller’s eiders
in captivity at the SeaLife Center facility," says University of Alaska Fairbanks/Alaska
SeaLife Center Eider Program Manager, Dr. Tuula Hollmen. "We have taken one big step
forward in developing methods and capacity to support recovery efforts for this species,"
adds Hollmen.
Partners in the eider studies and captive breeding program include the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Dry Creek Waterfowl of Washington, and the North Slope Borough of
Alaska.
Steller’s eiders face multiple threats in the wild including predation of eggs and
ducklings, contaminant exposure, ingestion of lead shot left over from hunting, habitat
changes, harvesting, food limitations, and collision with human made structures.
Steller’s eiders have also met with poor breeding success in Alaska over several years.
Even in Barrow, the core breeding area for the Alaska breeding population, the eiders
have not been found to nest every year. Since 2005 the Center has been learning how
to increase success in wild nests through captive breeding experiments.
Knowledge gained through successful breeding at the Center may aid in captive breeding
and in planning for establishing genetic reservoirs of birds. Knowledge derived from
breeding also will help researchers better pinpoint the most pressing threats to wild
eiders.
A Patient Journey to Egg and Duckling
Mike Grue, aviculturist at the Alaska SeaLife Center was performing his daily checks
on the Steller’s eiders on the morning of June 6th when he discovered the olive-green
eider egg in one of the breeding pens for the eiders. Soon he was asking fellow aviculturists
if someone was trying to play tricks on him.
While the finding of the eider egg was surprising for caretakers, it also was expected
after years of patient day to day testing of hypotheses and methods for breeding.
"After four years of professional work, we knew the viable egg would come someday,"
says Hollmen. "But the day the egg came was still a welcome, happy day."
Steller’s eiders eggs are approximately the size and weight of an extra-large chicken
egg. There are few established protocols for captive health care, husbandry or breeding
in regard to Steller’s eiders.
Center staff attempted a variety of techniques to breed the eiders including providing
space to single pairs, encouraging flock environments, mimicking a spring migration
by moving birds at particular times, and providing a variety of nest materials similar
to those found on the eiders’ tundra home.
Researchers at the Center worked with both wild and captive birds. Solo’s mother was
raised in captivity at the center, which may have made it easier for her to breed
in the familiar captive surroundings. By providing nest areas about 8 inches off the
ground, avian staff mimicked the raised ridges of tundra on which the ducks sometimes
breed.
The mother eider is only two years old. She met the male bird only 30 days before
laying her first egg.
Surprisingly, she laid 23 eggs total – one clutch of 15 and one of eight. The maximum
known number of eggs found in one clutch in the wild is nine. The high productivity
of the mother duck is welcome news for eider researchers as they work to discover
ways to conserve wild populations.
Center researchers also discovered that foster care was viable. The mother duck did
not demonstrate an inclination to care for the duckling, and the duckling was fostered
to an adult female that was willing to adopt her.
"It was one of our research goals to determine whether a duckling could be fostered
to non-laying females," says Cline. "This was an unknown."
"We have been thrilled about the successful fostering," says Hollmen. "As far as we
know, it has not been done before with eiders, and the success holds promise for adding
methods to our tool box."
Steller’s eiders typically weigh under 2 pounds, or between 600 and 900 grams. Males
have white heads with greenish tufts and small black eye patches, a black back, and
white shoulders. Females are mottled dark brown.
This release was written by Jason Wettstein and is provided courtesy of the Alaska
SeaLife Center. All photos taken by Jason Wettstein.
Jason Wettstein
Public Relations Manager
Alaska SeaLife Center
Tel: (907) 362-2263
Carin Bailey
Public Information Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Tel: (907) 322-8730
September 3, 2007
Fairbanks, Alaska—The West Coast & Polar Regions Undersea Research Center of NOAA's Undersea Research Program invites pre-proposals for research and technological
innovation beginning in FY 2008. Particular foci for this period will be (1) the International
Polar Year and (2) technological innovation in marine ecosystem and fisheries research.
This departure from the Center's traditional call for full proposals has been developed
in response to ongoing budget uncertainties. It is anticipated that a limited number
of full proposals will be requested from those submitting pre-proposals in the Fall
2007, with funding decisions early in 2008.
Pre-Proposals are due by October 19, 2007.
August 23, 2007
Fairbanks, Alaska—After 30 years of planning and development, the University of Alaska Fairbanks has
been awarded the first phase of funding for the construction of the Alaska Region Research Vessel, a 236-foot*, $123-million ice-capable vessel to support research in high latitudes.
The National Science Foundation announced the $2.5 million award in early August. It will fund the first of four
phases of construction of the research vessel. The ARRV will be owned by NSF and operated
by UAF on behalf of the entire ocean sciences community, through the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System. Funding for the remaining phases is contingent upon UAF satisfactorily meeting designated
milestones. The estimated completion date for the vessel is 2011.
The new vessel will open up the ice-choked waters of the Alaska region to scientists
from all over the world, said Terry Whitledge, director of the Institute of Marine
Science at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and the project leader.
"The ARRV will be the first vessel in the U.S. academic research fleet capable of
breaking ice up to 2.5 ft thick. With this level of ice-breaking technology, it will
literally allow us to go where we haven't been able to go before."
In addition to its ice-breaking capabilities, the ARRV will allow researchers to collect
sediment samples directly from the seafloor, host remotely operated vehicles and use
a suite of flexible winches to raise and lower testing equipment throughout the water
column. The ship will also be able to transmit real-time information directly to classrooms
all over the world. The ARRV will accommodate 26 scientists and students at a time,
including those with disabilities.
With its ability to penetrate the polar and sub-polar regions, the ARRV will allow
scientists and graduate students to study global issues, such as sea-level rise and
climate change and the effects of both on the coastal and arctic ecosystems.
"Scientists today need to be able to take a big-picture look at all factors affecting
an ocean ecosystem," said Whitledge. "With its ability to accommodate scientists from
different disciplines-such as fisheries, geology, marine biology, meteorology and
oceanography-the ARRV will let researchers take an integrated approach to understanding
the entire system."
Research in this region is particularly important because of the high productivity
of Alaska's continental shelves and the livelihood of thousands of Alaskans directly
connected with the health of Alaska's fisheries, he said.
According to UAF's proposal, the ship will be headquartered out of the Seward Marine
Center. The vessel's size will require the university to build a new, all-weather
dock and additional support facilities at the marine center.
The Alaska Region Research Vessel was designed in 2004 by The Glosten Associates,
a group of marine architects located in Seattle. It was developed as a replacement
for the R/V Alpha Helix, a 133-foot research vessel that was built in 1966 and officially
retired last year.
"This is a huge accomplishment for the entire U.S. oceanographic community," said
Whitledge. "The scientific value of this vessel is a large step upward in the new
and exciting capabilities that it brings to researchers in the North Pacific, Bering
and Beaufort Seas."
Mike Prince, executive secretary for the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory
System, an organization of academic institutions that oversee the national academic
fleet of research vessels, says that the ARRV is like "a field of dreams."
"The ARRV will provide new opportunities for U.S. scientists and their colleagues
worldwide to work in the rich and varied waters of Alaska without having to bring
a ship from elsewhere at great expense," said Prince. "The academic research fleet
has long been missing a fully capable year-round vessel in Alaska waters, which has
made the scheduling of research and educational projects difficult and has limited
the ability of scientists to request field work in Alaska."
UAF Chancellor Steve Jones sees the award as an important accomplishment for UAF during
the International Polar Year, a major global initiative among scientists to better
understand the polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctic.
"An award of this magnitude signals that the National Science Foundation recognizes
the extraordinary stature of our university as well as our outstanding College of
Fisheries and Ocean Sciences faculty and staff," said Jones. "The ARRV will stand
as an IPY legacy for UAF, America's Arctic University."
Learn more about the ARRV at /cfos/sikuliaq/index.php
ARRV Quick Facts
Overall length: 236 feet
Draft: 18 feet
Beam: 52 feet
Speed, calm open water: 14.2 knots
Endurance: 45 days
Icebreaking: 2.5 feet at 2 knots
Scientist berths: 26
Crew berths: 17-20
Science labs: 2100 square feet
Deck working area: 3,690 square feet
Freshwater storage: 13,400 gallons
Water-making capacity: 6,000 gallons per day
Fuel capacity: 179,000 gallons
Disability accommodations: Yes, labs, galleys, staterooms
*Editor's Note: As of 2008, the ARRV is now 242 feet long and the cost of the ship
is currently being determined.
Terry Whitledge, Director
Institute of Marine Science
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Tel: (907) 474-7229
Carin Bailey
Public Information Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Tel: (907) 322-8730
June 29, 2007
Climate change the theme of 2008 Alaska Coastal CalendarFairbanks, Alaska—Across the state, bookstores and gift shops showcase Alaska-themed calendars filled
with postcard-perfect images of wild landscapes and charismatic animals. At less than
20 bucks, an Alaska calendar is just the sort of memento tourists are eager to take
home.
But one Alaska calendar pushes the envelope when it comes to value. Beyond its stunning
images, the 2008 Alaska Coastal Calendar offers Alaskans and visitors alike a chance
to actually learn something—in this case about the impacts of a warmer climate on
the Last Frontier.
Climate change in Alaska is the theme of the 2008 International Polar Year (IPY) edition
of the award-winning Alaska Coastal Calendar, available directly from Alaska Sea Grant
and from outlets across the state.
read entire article
go directly to 2008 Alaska Coastal Calendar
June 26, 2007
Juneau native heads to D.C. to learn how marine resources are managed, policies madeFairbanks, Alaska—Seanbob Kelly, a University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
graduate student, will soon work in the nation's capital as a 2008 National Sea Grant
Knauss Fellow.
"We are proud that Seanbob Kelly completed both his undergraduate and graduate degrees
at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences," said Dean Denis Wiesenburg. "I
know that this background and his interest in fisheries policy issues provide a solid
foundation for his tenure as a Knauss Fellow."
The prestigious fellowship was established in 1979 to provide insight and training
to graduate-level university students interested in how the nation's marine resources
are managed and how marine policies are made.
Knauss Fellows receive a year's stipend to work in Washington, D.C., either within
marine resource agencies of the federal executive branch or in Congressional and Senate
committees that help set the nation's marine policies. The fellowship is widely viewed
as a key step in the career path of scientists and managers.
"I can't imagine a nicer end to my college life or a better beginning to my professional
career," said Kelly. "The fellowship will be a lot of work, with many challenges,
but it will offer opportunities as well. I want to bring back to Alaska as much knowledge
and experience as I can."
read entire article
June 20, 2007
Fairbanks, Alaska—The University of Alaska Fairbanks has launched a new website to help bring more rural Alaskans and Alaska Natives into fisheries and marine science
careers.
The Future Alaskans in Fisheries and Marine Sciences website, provides listings of
scholarships, degree programs, and internship and summer opportunities. The site also
offers links to employers and contact information for fisheries and marine scientists
in various communities around Alaska.
"Alaska is a big state and fisheries and marine science are critical to our economy
and well-being as Alaskans," said Paula Cullenberg, leader of the Marine Advisory Program in Anchorage.
"Unfortunately, Alaska Natives and other rural Alaskans are often not employed as
professionals in these fields in any number. We are working together to change that."
The Future Alaskans website is the result of a collaborative effort between UAF and multiple organizations across Alaska. Partners include the Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Sheldon Jackson College, the Rasmuson Foundation, NOAA Fisheries, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. The site was created and is hosted by the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
"The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is very interested in attracting young Alaskans
to the many career opportunities we provide in fisheries and marine science," said
Deborah Hart, coordinator of the Fish and Wildlife Careers for Alaskans program at
Fish & Game.
"This new website is an excellent portal and provides our agency with a direct link
to young Alaskans across the state," added Hart.
The new website also includes curriculum resources and grant opportunities for K-12
teachers in Alaska, as well as pre-college preparation programs for high school students.
Future plans for the website include the development of success stories to highlight
the accomplishments of homegrown fisheries and marine scientists.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. More than
60 faculty scientists and 160 graduate and undergraduate students are engaged in building
knowledge about Alaska and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located
in Seward, Juneau, Anchorage and Kodiak.
Paula Cullenberg
Marine Advisory Program Leader
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Tel: (907) 274-9692
E-mail: anpjc@uaa.alaska.edu
Faculty webpage: http://seagrant.uaf.edu/map/staff/cullenberg.html
May 16, 2007
Scientist testifies to U.S. Senate about global warming and Alaska’s fisheriesWashington, D.C.—Gordon Kruse, a professor of fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, testified
before the U.S. Senate last week on how climate change is affecting Alaska’s fisheries.
Citing his own and others’ research, Kruse testified that rising ocean temperatures
in the Alaska region are causing a dramatic shift in species distribution and a restructuring
of Alaska’s marine ecosystems.
With nearly 60 percent of the U.S. total fish catch and some of the most productive
marine ecosystems in the world, Kruse claims that higher temperatures in Alaska’s
waters will have a profound effect on the globe’s most valuable marine resources.
"Alaska has seven of the top twenty U.S. seafood ports, including the highest seafood
producing port-- Dutch Harbor-Unalaska," said Kruse. "Our waters also support thousands
of marine mammals, millions of seabirds, and trillions of fish and shellfish that
belong to hundreds of species.”
Kruse cautions that Bering Sea crabs may fare poorly under global warming. Red king
crab and snow crab in the eastern Bering Sea have shifted north since the early 1970s
because of a preference for cooler water. This shift is reducing the survival of crab
larvae because they are often too far north of productive nursery areas.
On the other hand, warming water temperatures are creating favorable conditions for
some species of groundfish, such as pollock and Pacific cod.
"Unfortunately, some of the species that are responding well to global warming, such
as arrowtooth flounder, spiny dogfish and Pacific and Jack mackerel, are species that
prey on species that are highly valuable for Alaska’s commercial fishermen," said
Kruse.
“Arrowtooth flounder not only eat our high-value species, but they are also species
that have a low market value."
Kruse said that the warming trend in Alaska waters are also punctuated by temperature
spikes from more intense and more frequent El Ni os that may provide windows into
Alaska's warmer future.
"Sightings of ocean sunfish and albacore tuna may become much more common in the future,"
Kruse said.
Rising water temperatures may also favor some commercial fishermen over others. For
example, during last fall’s Bering Sea pollock fishing season, pollock were found
farther north and west than usual. The larger, at-sea pollock fleet was better able
to travel to the fish than smaller, shore-based fishing vessels.
Kruse also referred to recent research naming global warming as the cause of melting
sea ice in the waters around Alaska.
“The loss of sea ice will have serious impacts on ice-dependent marine mammals, like
polar bears, ring seals, bearded seals and walruses,” said Kruse.
According to Kruse, one consequence of global warming will be greater uncertainty
about future productivity of fish stocks.
“Under science-based management, increasing uncertainty translates into more precaution,
which means more conservative fish harvests in Alaska.”
Kruse’s testimony concluded with a recommendation for more research to better forecast
and address likely changes in Alaska’s marine ecosystems. Among his recommendations
were suggestions for improved ecosystem monitoring, more process-oriented studies,
increased climate-fisheries modeling and the expansion of ecosystem-based fisheries
management.
Other members of the witness panel included Admiral James Watkins, co-chair of the
Joint Ocean Commission Initiative; Lara Hansen of the World Wildlife Fund; David Conover,
dean of Stony Brook University’s marine research center; Richard Feely, an oceanographer
at NOAA; and Scott Doney, a senior scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
After the panel’s testimony, Senator Ted Stevens issued a press release encouraging
increased research into the impact of global warming on fisheries. He also thanked
panel witnesses.
“I would also like to thank our panelists and, in particular, Dr. Gordon Kruse, who
has traveled all the way from Juneau, Alaska to participate in today’s hearing. Dr.
Kruse has studied fisheries in Alaska for decades, most recently serving as chair
of the Scientific and Statistical Committee of the North Pacific Fishery Management
Council. Their committee plays a vital role in what the Pew Commission has stated
is `the best managed fishery in the world,'” said Stevens.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. More than
60 faculty scientists and 135 graduate students are engaged in building knowledge
about Alaska and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located
in Seward, Juneau, Anchorage and Kodiak.
Download Gordon Kruse's entire testimony here (98KB PDF).
Gordon Kruse
President's Professor of Fisheries
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Tel: (907) 796-2052
E-mail: gordon.kruse@uaf.edu
Faculty webpage
Carin Bailey
Public Information Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Tel: (907) 322-8730
E-mail: bailey@sfos.uaf.edu
May 14, 2007
Fairbanks, Alaska—When Frankie Wakefield, the widow of Lowell Wakefield, died last fall, she left a
gift of over $857,000 to the University of Alaska Fairbanks to continue her husband's
longtime commitment to the wise management of Alaska's fisheries.
Her gift will be used to memorialize Lowell Wakefield's contributions to Alaska's
fishing industry, expand fisheries educational opportunities for Alaskans and continue
the annual Lowell Wakefield Fisheries Symposium Series, which has been hosted by Alaska Sea Grant since 1982.
Widely considered to be the founder of Alaska's modern king crab industry, Lowell
Wakefield believed that a high quality product and a well-managed fishery were key
to the healthy development of Alaska's king crab fishery. Wakefield and his company,
Wakefield Seafoods, played a prominent role in the development of quality control
legislation, fishing regulations and international agreements for the high seas. In
the 1950s, Wakefield struggled against a well-established Japanese canned king crab
industry. According to a TIME magazine interview in 1967, Wakefield claimed that "when
you are so far from the market that your costs are relatively high, your only hope
is a product of the highest quality."
His solution, freezing the king crab at sea, revolutionized the industry. From 1956
to 1967, the sale of Alaska king crab rose from 9 million pounds per year to 150 million
pounds per year.
He also served as an adjunct professor of fisheries at the University of Alaska in
the 1960s. During his time with the university, Wakefield helped develop the Law of
the Sea, an international treaty administered by the United Nations that provided
new legal controls for ocean pollution and marine resource management.
The Lowell Wakefield Fisheries Symposium Series is held every fall. Each symposium focuses on a different fisheries-related topic,
including the biology, ecology and economics of Alaska's crab, herring, flatfish,
pollock and rockfish fisheries.
Gordon Kruse, a professor of fisheries at UAF and longtime organizer of the Wakefield
Symposia, calls it a "world-class series."
"It focuses the attention of leading national and international experts on important
and timely fisheries topics of great interest to Alaska. Many of the findings reported
in these symposia have greatly contributed to fishery conservation and management
in Alaska and elsewhere," added Kruse.
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences conducts world-class marine and fisheries
research, education and outreach across Alaska, the Arctic and Antarctic. More than
60 faculty scientists and 135 graduate students are engaged in building knowledge
about Alaska and the world's coastal and marine ecosystems. CFOS is headquartered
at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and serves the state from facilities located
in Seward, Juneau, Anchorage and Kodiak.
Carin Bailey
Public Information Officer
UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Tel: (907) 322-8730
April 21, 2007
Fairbanks, Alaska—Last Wednesday, UAF Chancellor Steve Jones, Provost Paul Reichardt and Vice Provost
Susan Henrichs toured the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory during their visit to Homer for
the UA Board of Regents meeting.
The Kasitsna Bay Laboratory is owned by NOAA and operated in cooperation with CFOS.
The lab is located across Kachemak Bay from Homer and is the staging point for UAF's
Scientific Diving Program.
The NOAA Kasitsna Bay Laboratory director, Kris Holderied, and CFOS graduate student,
Joel Markis, guided the UAF administrators through the laboratory facilities. Carin
Bailey, CFOS public information officer, also attended the tour.
The visit to the lab included a tour of Kasitsna Bay's running seawater lab, SCUBA
dive facilities, dormitories and dry lab areas.