The Arctic is experiencing some of the world’s most dramatic and rapidly evolving effects from climate change. Increasing air and ocean temperatures, thawing permafrost, loss of sea ice, and shifts in ecosystems are evidence of widespread and dramatic ongoing change. Critical environmental, economic, and national security issues are emerging that affect lives and livelihoods in coastal communities and inland areas across the region. NOAA’s diverse capabilities to address these emerging issues are the backbone of the strategy.
“As part of the Administration commitment to ensuring that offshore oil and gas decisions are based on science and sound information, the U.S. Geological Survey will examine and summarize what information is available about the Arctic and what knowledge gaps may exist regarding environmental sensitivities, including impending climate change, and other factors that would be considered in decisions about potential future development in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas.”
Organizations interested in keeping Alaska’s harbors clean and protecting the environment have crafted a guide for harbormasters and boaters to help keep things green.
Boats can and do discharge a variety of substances into the marine environment. Among these discharges are effluent from engine operations, liquid graywater wastes generated by laundry, galley and shower use, and washdown water from cleaning decks, bilges and fish holds.
Fresh Alaska seafood is probably one of the best reasons to live in the Great Land and Pacific halibut is a regional favorite. Locals become especially spoiled with the availability of fresh caught fish and the remarkable difference it holds over the frozen product. There are many ways to prepare halibut. Throwing a thick steak [...]
Wild seafood and fish are staples of the diet in Alaska. Thousands come to the Great Land to pursue the State’s plentiful halibut, shrimp, and salmon. Fish stocks in Alaska are managed on a sustainable basis and make for healthy fare. Here are a few suggestions for preparing wild Alaska seafood in your own home [...]
It seems the land of Polar bears is rich in acronyms. Initial efforts to better understand the bears had a formal start in Fairbanks, Alaska with the establishment of the Polar Bear Specialist Group (PBSG) by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in 1965.
Several Alaska fisheries, like those directed at the five species of Pacific salmon are certified as sustainable by a group known as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and bear an ecolabel that can easily be recognized by seafood consumers.
Time is Short to Comment on Proposed NOAA Arctic Vision and Strategy
The Arctic is experiencing some of the world’s most dramatic and rapidly evolving effects from climate change. Increasing air and ocean temperatures, thawing permafrost, loss of sea ice, and shifts in ecosystems are evidence of widespread and dramatic ongoing change. Critical environmental, economic, and national security issues are emerging that affect lives and livelihoods in coastal communities and inland areas across the region. NOAA’s diverse capabilities to address these emerging issues are the backbone of the strategy.