Category Archives: Marine Ecosystems

Arctic Region Underprepared for Maritime Accidents

With the seasonal transit of the Northwest Passage becoming a reality, an increase in Arctic shipping traffic is inevitable. The energy, shipping and cruise industry all see opportunities for their operations in the Arctic Ocean.

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A Review of Wild Seafood Sustainability Certification Programs

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.

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Alaska Ocean Observing System (AOOS): Integrated Ocean and Coastal Observation in Alaska

Boaters can look forward to having valuable oceanographic data available to them from multiple sources, in real-time on a single website. It is called AOOS. Mariners like commercial fishermen and recreational boaters need to sift through a great deal of data from many different sites to track the weather environment, visual conditions, and wave states [...]

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EPA Studies Waste Discharges Generated by Smaller Non-Recreational Vessels

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.

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Coastal Erosion Rate Doubles Along Beaufort Seashore

The rapidly advancing erosion of shoreline is an obvious threat the existence of coastal villages in Alaska. This threat effects both wildlife habitat and culturally important sites.

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A Report on the 20th Anniversary of the Good Friday Spill from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (EVOSTC)

In this report to the public, the Trustees detail the status of restoration work, ongoing research efforts, strategies for wildlife habitat protection, and the effect of the spill on people. This report is unique because the Council has made an effort to discuss the impacts of the spill on people linked to the region, and improvements made in oil spill prevention and response technology since the spill.

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Sustaining Alaska’s Fisheries: Fifty Years of Statehood

Fisheries management in Alaska is renowned as the best in the world and its wild fish stocks are a sustainable resource that benefits many people. The state can maintain its leadership if a commitment is made to continue investing in its fisheries.

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Valdez – Gateway to Prince William Sound

Those interested in outdoor recreational pursuits will find Valdez, Alaska a destination for all seasons. This community is located on the northern shore of Port Valdez in northeastern Prince William Sound and backs against the rugged coastal Chugash Mountains. Port Valdez is the closest saltwater accessible by residents of interior Alaska living along the Richardson [...]

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