The 2025 Alaska Marine Science Symposium (AMSS) showcased a variety of scientific studies focused on climate, oceanography, marine life, and human impacts on the environment. One of the key presenters was Raven Cunningham, the tribal fish and wildlife director at the Chugach Regional Resources Commission in Cordova. This was her second appearance at the symposium, having last spoken in 2023.
During her presentation, Cunningham discussed the Chugach Imaq Initiative, which aims to manage the harvest of marine mammals like harbor seals, sea otters, and Steller sea lions. This collaborative effort involves support from several organizations, including the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Marine Fisheries Service, along with various Tribes from the Chugach region.
Another interesting presentation came from Hank Statscewich, a researcher at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He shared insights about a study that improved an active acoustic sonar system for better data collection. Their research used autonomous underwater vehicles, equipped with advanced sensors, to monitor ecosystems more effectively than traditional survey vessels. For example, one deployment featured a camera system that captured high-resolution images of zooplankton, while another project in Resurrection Bay combined acoustic and optical data.
Gary Shigenaka from NOAA discussed his nine-year study of aquatic animals living in sediments at the bottom of water bodies. His team’s findings showed that the high-pressure and heated water techniques used during the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill cleanup did not significantly harm these animals, and species diversity returned to normal within three years after treatment. This research offers valuable insights for future spill responses and restoration efforts.
A team from the University of British Columbia, led by Szymon Surma, reported on the ecological interactions of Pacific salmon during their pelagic phase. Their research highlights the complex relationships among salmon, their predators, and other marine life in the Pacific Ocean.
Finally, Andrew Seltz from the University of Alaska Fairbanks spoke about the decline of Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon. His ongoing research is aimed at understanding late-stage mortality in these salmon, particularly as a petition to list them as an endangered species is currently under review.
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