Climate & Environment/Science
Sikuliaq research cruise gets rare chance to study Bering & Chukchi Seas in November
The final research cruise of 2021 came through the region in November. Scientists onboard observed a variety of marine mammals, saw sea ice growth in real time, and found evidence of a healthy ecosystem.
Read MoreWhite, wet Christmas for Western Alaska during exceptionally cold, stormy winter
Nome and Western Alaska are on track to break a few climate records this winter. Following one of the top five coldest Novembers in climate history, the region is now facing its wettest December in decades.
Read MoreBowhead pod visits Savoonga with ice conditions unsuitable for hunting
Earlier this week, a pod of about nine Bowhead whales were seen off the northern coast of Savoonga.
Read MoreNOAA’s Surface Trawl Survey reports extended low salmon population
Salmon abundance is down and population distributions have changed, according to NOAA’s 2021 surface trawl survey. Besides focusing on salmon, the survey also examined aspects of Bering Sea life such as zooplankton, sediment, sharks, marine birds, pacific herring, capelin and saffron cod.
Read MoreNovember sea ice extent best in Northern Bering since 2012
As of today, sea ice in the Bering Sea has covered much of the Eastern Norton Sound, along the coastline of the Seward Peninsula except for an area in front of Nome, and started forming on the southern edge of St. Lawrence Island.
Read MoreNOAA Bottom Trawl Survey finds warmer waters and declining fish populations
Multiple fish populations in the Bering Sea have experienced a slight decline, according to the 2021 Bottom Trawl survey.
Read MoreColder, Potentially Snowier Than Average Winter Expected for Western Alaska Following a Record Wet Summer
This summer also featured variable temperatures with record heat in some communities in August, high water levels causing coastal erosion and even snow in early June.
Read MoreBeluga from Beaufort Sea Spotted Unusually Far South in Washington State
A Beluga whale found unusually far south in Puget Sound earlier this month is believed to have come from a pod in the Beaufort Sea. NOAA Fisheries made the announcement this week.
Read MoreLatest research from Woods Hole finds HABs growing locally in Northern waters
Scientists have documented an increase in abundance of harmful algal blooms in the Northern Bering and Chukchi Seas. These HABs carry toxins, but scientists still aren’t sure what effect this will have on marine mammals.
Read MoreBering Strait shores collect more foreign marine debris but still no solution
For the second year in a row, Bering Strait residents are finding foreign debris on their shores — and are still looking for the source.
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