Jellyfish Numbers Rising in Bering Sea; Scientists Studying Potential Impacts

According to researcher Mary Beth Decker, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has been recording jellyfish numbers in the Bering Sea for the last 40 years using their trawls. In recent years, the population has spiked, and researchers know that they have impacts on the ecosystem, because they feed on things that fish eat. But the question is: what is the extent of their impact?

Scientists Study Spring Transition in Bering Strait Waters

The Bering Sea is getting warmer, and sea ice coverage is more unreliable. A team of scientists is trying to understand the details of how that affects the diverse marine life in these waters.

Listening to the Bering Sea

A new scientific study happening along Western Alaska’s coasts is all about listening — to the sounds of the sea, and to how those sounds are clues for long-term changes in the region. Your support brought to KNOM listeners the news of this fascinating undertaking.

Now in the Forecast: Sea Ice

Information on the extent of ocean ice, especially close to shore, is essential for Western Alaska residents during the cold months. Thanks to you, listeners now hear this information as part of KNOM’s weather forecasts.

Marine Biologists Seek Answers in a Warmer Bering Sea

A group of marine scientists is visiting Western Alaska this week to discuss the results of a second bottom-trawl survey of the northern Bering Sea.

Climate and Weather Data Show Significant Changes In Nome, Bering Sea, and Alaska

National Weather Service observations show that, since 1900, water temperatures in the Bering Sea between June and August have been gradually rising. With that in mind, NWS says a weak to moderate La Niña is possible in Alaskan waters this winter.

Ecological Atlas of Beaufort, Bering, and Chukchi Seas Conveys Years’ Worth of Data

Audubon Alaska has released a new, free and publicly-accessible ecological atlas of the Beaufort, Bering, and Chukchi Seas. It’s driven by years of careful measurements: “we… let the data do the talking,” says an Audubon representative who visited Nome last week.

Crystal’s “Serenity” Will Not Return to Nome for Years, If Ever; Locals Weigh Its Impact

The luxury cruise liner “Crystal Serenity,” which stopped in Nome last month, won’t be coming around to Alaska again for at least two years, if ever.

Nome’s Rescued Walrus Calf Transitioning Away from SeaLife Center, Possibly in Near Future

“Walrus calves typically spend one to two years with Mom, learning to be a walrus, and we can’t possibly replicate that,” Dr. Carrie Goertz with SeaLife said of Aku, the young 180-pound walrus calf being cared for at the Center.

NOAA To Consider Bowhead Whale Catch Limits

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced it intends to formally assess the impacts of issuing annual catch limits for the subsistence harvest of bowhead whales. Any changes would go into effect in 2019.