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Research investigates toxins in Arctic food webs and marine mammals
A new bulletin published by Alaska Sea Grant summarizes research to inform the public and help them understand the risk of paralytic shellfish toxins in Arctic Alaska food webs and marine mammals. Paralytic shellfish toxins—also called saxitoxins—are produced by microscopic marine algae and can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) when people consume shellfish or marine…
Read MoreRemembering Arliss Sturgulewski
Arliss Sturgulewski, prominent Alaskan leader and long-time supporter of Alaska Sea Grant, died on April 7. Sturgulewski was active on the boards and committees of many nonprofits and educational institutions in Alaska, including the advisory council of the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and Alaska Sea Grant’s advisory committee from 2003 to 2015.…
Read MoreKachemak Bay monitoring efforts contribute important data about ocean acidification in nearshore ecosystems
Alaska’s coastal waters are some of the most commercially valuable and productive ecosystems on the planet. Ocean acidification—a decrease in ocean pH caused by increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide—is expected to impact these ecosystems, but very little is known about how it could alter nearshore environments. Nearshore ecosystems provide habitat and serve as a nursery…
Read MoreState Fellow Spotlight — Kyle Neumann
Jesse Gordon contributed to this story Kyle Neumann is an Alaska Sea Grant State Fellow with the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center Genetics Program in Juneau. He is working to develop new technologies that will allow for autonomous collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) samples. Kyle explained that the genetics lab is developing “eDNA sampling robots…
Read MoreAlaska Sea Grant hires new Dillingham agent
Alaska Sea Grant announces Tav Ammu as the newest Marine Advisory Program extension agent. Tav will be based in Dillingham at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Bristol Bay Campus starting in August 2022. “Alaska Sea Grant is committed to outreach, education, and extension in Bristol Bay communities” said Alaska Sea Grant director, Ginny Eckert. “Our…
Read MoreWestern Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference
Alaska Sea Grant and the UAF Bristol Bay Campus are hosting the 14th annual Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference (WAISC) April 21–22. Registration is now open and abstracts are being accepted for the online conference. WAISC focuses on scientific research and knowledge relevant to Western Alaska and brings together local and indigenous knowledge of economic,…
Read MoreBuilding diversity, equity and inclusion
Alaska Sea Grant is committed to deepening understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion and how social justice intersects with our work. We continue to explore how to integrate DEI in all that we do, including learning, acknowledging and incorporating multiple ways of knowing into more aspects of our work. Recently, our staff and faculty gathered…
Read MoreInternational seaweed processors visit Kodiak
On October 29, a group of international seaweed processors visited Kodiak and the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center (KSMSC). The delegation stopped in Kodiak as part of a tour of coastal Alaska that included Ketchikan, Juneau, Cordova, and Dutch Harbor. The event was organized by Julie Decker and the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation. The…
Read MoreNew SkipperScience app in development engages fishermen to report observations
As part of her Alaska Sea Grant State Fellowship working with the Alaska Conservation Foundation, Hannah-Marie Garcia is contributing to the development of a mobile app called SkipperScience. The app is part of a project by the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island, the St. George Traditional Council and Community, and Ecology Resources, LLC, to…
Read MoreResearch informs where and when harmful algal blooms may occur
Julie Matweyou and Jesse Gordon contributed to this story Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when certain species of algae become abundant and produce toxins. Forecasting these blooms could help mitigate human and wildlife health risks. Alexandrium catenella is an alga capable of producing powerful neurotoxins that can accumulate in shellfish and cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning…
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