The mission of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center is to generate the scientific information necessary for the conservation, management, and utilization of the region's living marine resources.

NEWS AND RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

A Field Guide to Alaskan Corals

This guide presents updated keys to genera and species of corals known from Alaskan waters. Photographs of representatives of each genus are used to assist in identification. Where possible, photographs of fresh specimens are included. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-146. Abstract or View Online.  (.pdf 2.6MB).

Electronic Monitoring of Seabird Interactions With Trawl Third-Wire Cables

This pilot study tested electronic monitoring equipment for possible use to examine seabird interactions with trawl third-wire cables on trawl vessels. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-147.  Abstract or View Online.  (.pdf, 1.06MB).
 

Aerial Surveys of Beluga Whales in Cook Inlet, June 2001-June 2002

The National Marine Fisheries Service conducted aerial surveys of the beluga whale population in Cook Inlet, Alaska, almost monthly between June 2001 and June 2002. This study provides evidence of the presence of belugas in upper Cook Inlet in nearly every month of the year, but it is not clear what proportion of the population remains in the upper inlet year-round. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-145. Abstract or View Online.  (.pdf, 579KB).

2004 Northern Fur Seal Pup Counts

Pup counts for northern fur seals born on St. George and St Paul Islands, Alaska, in 2004 are posted on the National Marine Mammal Lab website. These numbers reflect mixed populations trends for marine mammals in Alaska.
 

Scientists Tag Right Whales in Bering Sea

Scientists with the National Marine Mammal Laboratory's Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program and colleagues recently tagged two North Pacific right whales in the Bering Sea. They are now tracking the animals by satellite. The North Pacific right whale is one of the most endangered species of whales in the world. Later  sightings from the NOAA Research Vessel McArthur II expand the record of known right whales in the eastern North Pacific from 13 to at least 25 individuals.
 

Research Program Reports and Activities

• Auke Bay Laboratory
• National Marine Mammal Laboratory
• Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering Division
• Resource Ecology and Fisheries Management Division
   

Social Science Research at the AFSC

The AFSC is involved in a nationwide effort to profile fishing communities for the purpose of expanding baseline knowledge of people who may be affected by changes in fishery regulations.  This research article features information on the compilation of community profiles for 130 Alaskan fishing communities. Read the summary or download the complete article (pdf; 600KB)

2004 EBS Crab Distribution Charts and Bottom Temperatures

2004 eastern Bering Sea crab survey distribution charts for commercial male blue king crab, red king crab, Tanner crab, snow crab, and hair crab are available on the Kodiak Laboratory web pages.
 

Marine Mammal Stock Assessments, 2003

Final 2003 Alaska Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports are now available on the NMFS Protected Resources website. (Large files; PDF) 
 

Fishery Observer Fall Schedule

Fishery observer groundfish training and briefing schedules for Seattle and Anchorage September through November 2004 are available on the Observer Program web pages.
 

Historical North Pacific Groundfish Estimates Updated

Historical estimates of biomass, recruitment, catch, and weights-at-age for North Pacific groundfish have been updated based on November 2003 assessments.
 

Students Report on Summer Internships   

Each summer successful student internship candidates receive 10 weeks of hands-on experience in the AFSC workplace, ranging from computer programming to laboratory and field research. Learn about some of their experiences and insights posted on the AFSC Diversity website.

This is an official United States Government web site produced by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Department of Commerce. 
Last updated 05 October 2004.