Bon Voyage and Thank You

At the end of October I passed the baton of leadership of the Alaska SeaLife Center to Dr Tara Riemer Jones, the Chief Operating Officer of the Center for the past 18 months.  Tara was formally appointed interim President and CEO by the ASLC Board after I announced my retirement in September.  I could not be more pleased to see Tara take on this new role as she is of the most outstanding professionals I have had the pleasure to work with - I know that she will do a tremendous job.

As I noted in my speech at the annual staff awards dinner, we have come along way as an organization in the past three years.  We made major gains improving our relationship with such key partners as the State of Alaska, the City of Seward and urban and rural coastal communities throughout Alaska.  We established one of the premier fundraising events on the Anchorage social calendar in the Alaska Marine Gala.  We significantly diversified our funding base and created many new opportunities for more effective partnership with industry.  Our Board diversity and network grew dramatically, and our Board is now more engaged than ever in linking our programs to the many stakeholders in Alaska's oceans. We have a roadmap for organizational development through 2020 (Deep Blue) with much sharper mission focus and tighter integration between science, education and stewardship.  We achieved the gold standard in professional accreditation under the AZA umbrella.  We have also installed some of Alaska's most energy efficient renewable energy systems and made major gains in upgraded building infrastructure such as the newly pigged saltwater intake system.  We have installed world class exhibitry and have firm plans for systematic upgrades to our visitor experience each year.  Membership doubled and our Facebook following went from 0 to more than 5,000!!  All those achievements are more fully described in the 136 blogs preceding this last post...

But all those achievements pale when one considers the amazing staff and volunteer capacity that we developed, maintained and mentored in both Seward and Anchorage during the toughest economic conditions since the great depression.  As most who know me appreciate, I'm a big fan of Peter Drucker whose definition of management is "the art of getting things done with and through people".  Ultimately any non-profit organization depends on people who are committed to the mission.  I could not be more proud of the people who make the SeaLife Center tick each and every day - their depth of character and resilience shine through as they overcome the diverse challenges imposed by our rural Alaskan location.

I am moving on to a new role with the Rasmuson Foundation based in Anchorage.  Going forward, I shall continue to serve on the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Center and the Annual Gala Committee.  Please join me in continuing to support North America's northern most aquarium, Alaska's premier non-profit marine research and education organization and the Arctic Coastal Ecosystem and Learning Center... tickets for the 2012 Gala are already on sale at http://www.alaskasealife.org/.

Thanks again to everyone who helped us during these past three years. 

Please note that this blog will now be "on hold" until the new ASLC website is launched in 2012.

Alaska SeaLife Center Awards 2011: Recognizing our Exceptional Staff, Partners and Volunteers

Rocky Coast Gallery looking elegantly casual thanks to some amazing decorating by

our talented volunteer team who put together another fantastic event!

(photo = Monica Cooper)

Last Thursday we held our annual staff and community awards event. Each year we bring together our Board members, members of our Scientific Advisory Committee, staff, volunteers and community partners to celebrate their outstanding service and provide the all too rare opportunity for volunteers and staff to chat informally over dinner.

This year was another wonderful event, with more than 70 attendees. The program provided an opportunity for ASLC Board Chair, Stephen Grabacki, to farewell outgoing CEO, Ian Dutton and for Ian to provide an overview of the current status and trajectory of Center operations.
But most of all, the evening was all about our remarkable staff, volunters and partners.

Awards were presented to:
5 Year Anniversary:

Ann Riddle
Brett Long
10 Year Anniversary:

Chip Arnold

JoAnn Mellish

Tim Lebling

15 Year Anniversary:

Darryl Schaefermeyer

ASLC “Planet Blue” Award(s) for Exceptional Staff Contribution to science, education or stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems:

Dr Lori Polasek

ASLC “Planet Blue” Award for Outstanding Partner Contribution(s):

Dr Dirk Derksen USGS

ASLC “Volunteer of the Year” Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service

Kendra Bauer

ASLC “Unsung Hero” Award for making a consistently important contribution to our day-to-day operational effectiveness

Dustin Phillips

Ned Smith Award for Outstanding Team Work – successfully completed a task that is a mission critical priority for the Alaska SeaLife Center

Life Support and Facilities Team

President’s Award for Outstanding Individual Staff Contribution to the Mission of the ASLC

Lisa Hartman

Laurie Morrow

Congratulations to all our awardees and thank you again to everyone who contributed to a most enjoyable and memorable evening!

Alaska SeaLife Center Makes the Global Top 10 Virtual Field Trips List!!

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Holocaust Museum

OK... so what does the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Ohio and the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington DC have to do with the Alaska SeaLife Center??

We were all just listed on the Core BTS, top 10 virtual must see list! (see http://www.itnewsonline.com/news/--------Top-10-Virtual-Field-Trips-for-the-2011-School-Year/25035/8/3 for full details of this listing).  Core BTS is a leading administrator for Cisco TelePresence equipment.

"A virtual field trip is an innovative way for educators to broaden horizons and introduce students to completely new experiences," says Andrea Moreland, an education focused Account Manager with Core BTS.  "Perhaps the biggest advantage is not only seeing these incredible places, but it may be the interaction with the experts."  Moreland adds that high quality virtual experiences are not meant to completely replace outside learning opportunities, but rather supplement that curriculum. With more and more engaging content available, students can dramatically expand their knowledge and experiences without leaving the classroom, which provides a huge monetary and logistical incentive to teachers and administrations.

The Core BTS 2011 virtual field trip "must see" list includes:
-- Ellis Island Immigration Museum (New Jersey)

-- Museum of Television and Radio (New York, New York)

-- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (Washington, D.C.)

-- Globe Theatre (London, England)

-- Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum (New York, New York)

-- NASA Glenn Research Center (Cleveland, Ohio)

-- Alaska SeaLife Center (Seward, Alaska)

-- Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton, Ohio)

-- Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland, Ohio)

-- Great Barrier Reef HQ Aquarium ( Townsville- Queensland, Australia)

Interestingly, my first experience working with aquaria was to serve as project manager for the design of the Great Barrier Reef HQ Aquarium - to see two of my professional passions listed in this top 10 is very satisfying....but even more satisfying is the recognition that this listing confers our amazing Distance Education learning team led by Laurie Morrow Stuart, our Education Manager.  You may note that we are relative minnows in this growing pond and yet our distance learning programs rank at the highest level with these national/international whales!!! 

Way to go team....

Thank you to everyone who contributes "Behind the Scenes"

As we prepare for our annual Scientific Advisory Committee and Board meetings later this week, I have been working with our COO Dr Tara Riemer Jones, Board Treasurer, Tom Tougas and Board Chair, Stephen Grabacki on an analysis of what we are doing well and where we need to increase focus.  One conclusion that will not surprise anyone is the incredible amount of work done by staff and volunteers "behind the scenes".  
From staff who help prepare for visitor and staff events to volunteers who help make sure that fundraising events like our Annual Marine Gala (next is set for February 18th, 2012) run smoothly, there is a constant need to set up and support events, activities and projects in ways that the public rarely sees and yet which are critical to the successful delivery of those programs.  Our analysis suggests that we could significantly expand volunteer efforts if we can make it easier for volunteers to join us from Anchorage and other communities outside Seward -- one of our legislative priorities this year will be to seek support to build dedicated volunteer accommodation.

In honor of all who contribute to our work behind the scenes, now and in the future, I have copied a poem from my favorite antipodean poet, A.B. "Banjo" Paterson.  Banjo is best known for another of his poems that was set to music... I hope you agree with me that his words below still resonate today.

"Behind the Scenes"

The actor struts his little hour,

Between the limelight and the band;

The public feel the actor’s power,

Yet nothing do they understand

Of all the touches here and there

That make or mar the actor’s part,

They never see, beneath the glare,

The artist striving after art.

To them it seems a labour slight

Where nought of study intervenes;

You see it in another light

When once you’ve been behind the scenes.

For though the actor at his best

Is, like a poet, born not made,

He still must study with a zest

And practise hard to learn his trade.

So, whether on the actor’s form

The stately robes of Hamlet sit,

Or as Macbeth he rave and storm,

Or plays burlesque to please the pit,

‘Tis each and all a work of art,

That constant care and practice means–

The actor who creates a part

Has done his work behind the scenes.

Somewhat remarkably, this poem first appeared in The Bulletin on April 8, 1893

Turnagain Turns on Another Spectacular Sunrise!

There is an old saying about weather in coastal Alaska -- if you don't like the weather, just wait 20 minutes... That same philosophy could be applied to a morning drive south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm.  With later and slower dawns at this time of the year, fall season visitors have the chance to truly appreciate one of the greatest drives in North America in a very different light.

I have found that the most spectacular vistas are often associated with changing seasonal light and changing weather fronts.  Both can cause the view around each bend to change in the 20 minutes time frame referenced above... perhaps even faster...yesterday morning was a great example... halfway to Girdwood, almost none of the Arm was visible.  Within the next 20 minutes light began to flood the upper Arm, causing the most amazing interplay of light and cloud.



I hope that one day a photographer with equipment a little more capable than my "digital box brownie" will capture the many moods of Turnagain Arm throughout the year, highlighting the incredible vistas that are normally reserved for year round travelers... such a book might convince more folks to make the trip south along the Seward Highway in all seasons and not try to pack their sightseeing into the 100 days a year when everyone else is on the road!

Witnesses to History - Documenting the Amazing Stories of Beluga and Human Interactions in Cook Inlet over the Last 100 Years

A beluga whale swimming in the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta

Last month during a visit to the Georgia aquarium I joined hundreds of visitors pressed up against the acrylic windows to watch belugas play with their food.  They would take their fish morsels and play with them much the same way a cat plays with a mouse - constantly in control but delighting in being able to place the food in novel situations so it could be regurgitated and regathered.  It was a captivating spectacle, particularly as the GA aquarium provides such an amazing viewpoint - only rarely do humans get to see what happens underwater - much of our inferences about marine animal behavior are made from vantage points above the waterline...

Last week we met with some folks who have lived with belugas all of their lives in the Cook Inlet region of Alaska.  Some had memories of belugas dating back 50 years; other were more recent.  As we described in a  subsequent interview with the Peninsula Clarion (see http://peninsulaclarion.com/news/2011-10-01/beluga-dialogue), every person we met with demonstrated the same remarkable level of curiosity about belugas as the visitors to the Georgia aquarium - they really are compelling creatures!

Cook Inlet Beluga Whales in Kenai Waters Oral History Project Team

(l-r. Ian Dutton, Janet Klein, Karen Cain, Ricky Deel, Casey Schulke, Hillary Lebail, Joseph Hunt, Rebekka Federer)

Over the past 4 months, our team has been gathering stories about human interactions with, and observations of, belugas in the Waters of Cook Inlet contained wthin the Kenai Peninsula Borough.  The Borough is the sponsor of the project and covers the majority of Cook Inlet waters.

Map showing Kenai Peninsula Borough boundaries

Our project seeks to address a critical gap in knowledge about the historical distribution and use of habitat by Cook Inlet Beluga Whales (CIBW) in waters of the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB).  The project involves obtaining the best available historical information on CIBW range and habitat use from “eye witnesses.”  Very little is known about historical patterns of habitat use by CIBW since settlement of the Inlet, particularly in waters of the Kenai Peninsula Borough prior to 1994 when systematic scientific surveys began.  Because there are few alternate ways to obtain such historical data, oral history projects provide important insights. 

The rapid decline in Cook Inlet Beluga Population over the past 20 years

(Source: National Marine Fisheries Service)

As the graph above indicates, the rapid decline in beluga populations and their lack of recovery since protection measures have been put in place may result in the loss of this charismatic species from Cook Inlet within our lifetime.  Our project will provide both information that may be otherwise unavailable to those involved in planning for CIBW recovery that may help identify factors involved in population decline, as well as insights into habitat use and human interactions that may help with conservation and education efforts.  Results will be shared online (via a report) and through an exhibit at the SeaLife Center by early 2012.

To date we have interviewed more than 100 residents and visitors who have observations of CIBW from before 1994.  If you know anyone who might have information or stories to share, please ask them  to contact Casey Schulke at the Alaska SeaLife Center on (907) 224-7903 or by email caseys@alaskasealife.org. 

If you would prefer to provide information via an online survey, please log onto http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BelugaSightingsinKenaiWaters

Winter driving demands extra care... but is well worth the effort!

First snowfall of winter on the Seward Hwy near Canyon Creek this week

The late fall is one of Alaska's best kept secrets.  Beautiful weather, long daylight and uncrowded roads and restaurants make for some local magic.  This week in Seward has been particularly beautiful, with warm sunny days and bright white capped mountains appearing each morning with a few more inches of "termination dust" somehow deposited invisbly overnight.

The slow, almost languid, shift from summer to winter tends to lull one into a false sense of comfort.  As the frenetic pace of the summer tourism season eases off, its easy to lose sight of the need for ongoing vigilance on, off and near the road. While there are nowhere near as many RVs and cars to contend with at this time of the year, the nature of road use changes dramatically with the seasons. Many late season photographers seem to think nothing of pulling up without warning to get that once in a lifetime shot of a sleeping trumpeter swan or wandering across the road laden down with a massive SLR and tripod that somehow makes them oblivious to traffic...
Equally importantly, the nature of the road itself is changing.  Rain is now ice and slush, snow is beginning to creep down to the road verge and mornings are darker... soon we'll be in full winter driving mode.
In preparation for that transition, the center requires all staff to undertake a winter driving course and test.  Over the past two years that has had the very positive effect of promoting safer winter driving of ASLC and personal vehicles.  For any staff members who have not yet undertaken the test, please check in with Jon Gage.  For our volunteers and visitors, the Alaska Department of Public safety (see http://www.dps.alaska.gov/PIO/TrooperTimes/ArchiveStories/12.06.07%20Winter%20Driving.pdf) and the Municipality of Anchorage offers some great guidance (see http://www.muni.org/Departments/police/traffic/Pages/WinterSafeDriving.aspx).

Snowmobile skiing on Summit Lake - Winter 2011

Few people I talk with in Anchorage seem to appreciate just how beautiful the drive down to Seward in winter can be or even the amazing recreation opportunities available along the way.  I strongly encourage visitors to make the trip down and experience a journey that is so very different to the summer drive.... but I also urge all winter travelers to take the time to prepare for the trip and drive carefully as the above websites recommend.  Safe travels!

NPRBs Historic Arctic Meeting in Barrow

Dr Glenn Sheehan (Senior Scientist, Barrow Arctic Science Consortium, BASC) showing NPRB members around the excellent new science facilities at BASC (photo courtesy of Eric Olsen)

Last week, I participated in an historic meeting of the North Pacific Research Board in Barrow.  This was the first time that the Board has meet in a  rural location in Alaska and only the second time the Board had met outside Anchorage.  Barrow was an ideal location for the meeting as one of the key topics discussed during the meeting was the development of a new Arctic research initiative in partnership with Arctic industries, communities and other research organizations such as the National Science Foundation.

Dr Cynthia Suchman, NPRB Executive Director, welcoming community participants in an evening meeting with the NPRB

(photo courtesy of Eric Olsen)

In addition to the usual Board business, we were also able to engage with a  diverse group of stakeholders in Arctic research and education.  One of the most memorable presentations we received was from the North Slope Borough School District Superintendent, Peggy Cowan, who outlined the remarkable steps the District is taking to link science literacy with Inupiat culture.  While in Barrow, NPRB staff also presented a series of lessons to local students.

Board members inspecting coastal erosion at Point Barrow  - the rate of change in the Barrow coastline is accelerating (photo courtesy of Eric Olsen)

Overall, Board members greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn from Barrow residents and to assess first hand what is happening in the Arctic - it was pleasing to see how that meeting immediately informed Board decisions on Arctic research (see http://www.nprb.org/).  It will be fascinating to observe the impact of NPRB research on Arctic science and on resource use in the Arctic in the decades ahead.

Alaska SeaLife Center Accredited by AZA - We're In!

Once again I'm being a tad lazy by just reposting a press release that we issued today - couldn't share this news any better by rewriting... this was a TERRIFIC week for the Center and we are now very proud to be part of the AZA communty of practice...

With Brett Long and Lisa Hartman outside the AZA Accreditation Hearing in the CNN complex in Atlanta, GA - as you can tell, we were pretty happy with the outcome!!

Seward, AK – September 16, 2011 – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) this week was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.  “By meeting the high accreditation standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alaska SeaLife Center has demonstrated its national leadership among zoos and aquariums,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “Only the best of the best rise to this level, and we congratulate the professionals at ASLC for their hard work.”

To be accredited, the Alaska SeaLife Center underwent a thorough two year process to ensure it meets ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association. Less than 5% of the nation’s 6,000 zoos and aquaria currently have this gold standard certification.

“The Alaska SeaLife Center is a great place for people to connect with the natural world and each other,” Maddy added. “Members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, including ASLC, support their communities with affordable family recreation and science-based education programs.”

The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution’s operation in areas such as animal care; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and other areas. The inspection team prepares an extensive written report for AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal Commission hearing, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied.

Alaska SeaLife Center CEO, Dr. Ian Dutton was in Atlanta this week to attend the AZA accreditation hearing and is delighted that the Center has received this level of formal recognition. “AZA accreditation means three things to the Center. Firstly it helps us ensure that we are meeting industry benchmarks and so enables our government, industry and community partners to be sure that that we are capable of providing the best in animal care and public education. Secondly, it provides our staff and volunteers with access to the knowledge and training in this sector. Thirdly it opens up a whole new array of funding and partnership possibilities – many zoos and aquaria now look to the SeaLife Center as their primary Arctic marine life partner.” Dutton paid credit to ASLC staff and Board members who have worked so hard to ensure we meet AZA and maintain standards. “Like all nonprofits, our staff and volunteers are our greatest asset, and this accreditation is a wonderful recognition of their professionalism.”
About AZA

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit http://www.aza.org/.

A Whale of a View!

Opening of the new whale mural opposite ASLC on August 26th

Just last week, artists Justine Pechuzal and Liza McElroy completed the magnificent new whale mural on once drab walls opposite the Alaska SeaLife Center... and as these photos attest, the instant improvement in visual amenity was stunning! 
Many thanks to these wonderfully talented artists for their hard work, to the City of Seward (particularly Assistant City Manager, Michelle Weston) for supporting the project, to the landowners who granted permission for the mural and to all those staff and visitors who have encouraged us to keep improving the Seward waterfront through this kind of community art!

One of my favorite images of Seward's newest resident whales -

many thanks to our photographer Chip Arnold

Lost and Muddy for a Great Cause!

The hauntingly beautiful Lost Lake alpine area

OK, so I'm the first to admit I'm no longer much of a runner.  But I am a glutton for good causes and always up for a challenge... and so this year when Karla and I  saw the Lost Lake run for Cystic Fibrosis advertized (http://www.lostlakerun.org/), and we saw that it was possible to join the event as walkers, it seemed only logical that we would enter a 16 mile race and pay for the privilege!  That was back in April and we had all summer to train for the event... plenty of time... we'll start next week...

We were ruminating about our lack of training as the bus conveyed us from the Bear Creek Fire Station to the starting line at Primrose campground at 0630 Saturday morning in a light drizzle... as we descended from the bus to join 175 other walkers, I had a sinking feeling that weather conditions would only get worse.  As it turned out, that was remarkably prescient...

Lost Lake is one of those legendary alpine walks that we had managed to avoid doing for too many years and so it as with a  mixture of anticipation and apprehension that we set off up the trail 2 hours ahead of the main pack of runners.

Enjoying a stroll across the alpine meadows of Lost Lake  - what race?

After a long gradual ascent, it was wonderful to be above it all, walking through the Lilliputian plant meadows around Lost Lake... this truly is one of the most serene and spectacular vistas in Alaska.  And it was (mostly) flat!

One of the great features of the Lost Lake Run is the regular reminder of why you are there - each half mile there is a poster reminding you of the personal challenges posed by Cystic Fibrosis and inspiring you to reflect on what you can do to help with research and treatment

Just as we passed the half way point (feeling great), two things changed.  The weather quickly deteriorated (i.e. gusting sleet) and there was an increasing onslaught of runners who has started 2 hours behind us, but who now seemed to be somehow "motor powered" as the gunned their way across the moors. How else can you explain people running uphill at 10mph+?  I did make a mental note that they did not stop to take any photographs...

Needless to say it was all downhill from there - old mud and new mud, getting off the trail to allow more and more of the 500+ runners to pass, and yet more rain... and yes, the lack of training was starting to become evident, with increasingly heavy legs...

But as we crossed the line back at Bear Creek to the encouragement of a great group of race supporters, it was uplifting to realize that we were now enmeshed in the fellowship of a unique event.  Now in its 20th year, the Lost Lake run has become an Alaskan tradition -- inspiring, rewarding and tanatalizing --and it soon dawned on us that we now have a full 12 months to train for next years race!

Center’s Distance Learning Program Wins National Education Award

ASLC acting Education Director and Distance Learning guru, Laurie Stuart-Morrow doing what she does so very well - sharing knowledge about Alaska's marine ecosystems with the world!

I don't normally post our press releases verbatim, but this one says it all!!  What a tremendous accomplishment by our Distance Learning team - this award again demonstrates the power and quality of the education programs delivered by ASLC staff - we are actively building new parrtnerships with industry and communities in Alaska and globally to share these great programs even further!

Please  contact the ASLC education team to learn more about these amazing programs - or go one better and buy one for a school near you - they are terrific value and highly ranked by our peers! 

For immediate release

Seward, AK – August 26, 2011 – The Alaska SeaLife Center has just received a 2010-2011 CILC National Pinnacle Award from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). The award is presented annually to organizations posting outstanding K-12 standards-based interactive videoconferencing education programs.
To qualify for the award the provider must receive a minimum 2.85 average score out of a possible 3 on their program evaluations from educators during the school year. The evaluation assesses seven areas: two related to the effectiveness of the presenter and five related to the educational content of the program.


This is the second time in four years that the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) has received the CILC Pinnacle Award. ASLC Education Manager and leader of the distance learning unit, Laurie Stuart-Morrow said she was delighted to again receive this high level recognition. “Each year the Center provides more than 300 distance education programs to students throughout Alaska, across the lower 48 and increasingly around the world – this past year the Center has begun a major partnership with Australian schools. We are very pleased to be formally recognized by industry leaders for our high education standards and to be able to promote improved understanding of Alaska’s marine ecosystems to such a vast and engaging audience”.


About CILC
The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC), established in 1994, is a not-for-profit specializing in access to applications and the utilization of videoconferencing for live interactive content and professional development, as well as web-based collaborative learning environments for K-12.


About ASLC
The Alaska SeaLife Center is a private non-profit research institution and visitor attraction which generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. For more information regarding the Distance Learning program or other ASLC information please reference the Alaska SeaLife Center website at www.alaskasealife.org.

Fish On - another wonderful ASLC Invitational

Our catch after an action-filled day of fishing out of Seward on the F/V Huntress

The 12th Alaska SeaLife Center Invitational lived up to all expectations, with a sensational day of fishing and a throroughly entertaining and enjoyable evening banquet.  While it is always fun to go fishing with friends, this years event was notable for three reasons.  Firstly, our patron, Alaska's Lt Governor Mead Treadwell, bought his family to Seward and as the photo above attests, they all share his great fishing talent!  It was great to out on a boat with the Lt Governor, and to see the next generation of Alaskans appreciate first hand the amazing richness and diversity of marine life that Seward has to offer.  Our organizational vision is for future generations of Alaskans to continue to enjoy the bounty of Alaska's oceans - there is no better way to invest them in that vision that to engage the next generation in understanding what we have and what it takes to sustain that fishery.

ASLC Board member Jason Brune demonstrating the strong competition between tables that was a fun feature of the SeaLife Trivia game!

Secondly, we had a very enthusiastic group of sponsors and supporters this year who really went the extra yard to make the event fun.  One example of that was the SeaLife trivia game during the banquet that was designed and led in their inimitable manner by ASLC Educators Darin Trobaugh and Laurie Morrow.  The game provided a unique opportunity to feature ASLC distance education programs that we now deliver more than 300 times each year globally!  The general level of knowledge of our oceans among guests was impressive and ultimately the winning table made a "well educated" guess to secure the prize!

Banquet guests enjoying the opportunity to catch up and share some wonderful desserts courtesy of our multi-talented staff and volunteer chefs!

Thanks again to all of our sponsors, guests, staff and volunteers who helped make this such a wonderful event.  We raised nearly $20,000 for the Center's research and education programs and equally importantly strengthened many longstanding friendships!...
Oh, and in case you didn't get the chance to go fishing with us, make sure you get out there during the Seward Silver Salmon Derby - there is a very strong run of silvers this year!

A beaming Mrs Dutton showing off her first silver of the day!

Time for Greater Attention to Alaska's Islands??

Much of my career has involved working on islands systems.  From my early work on islands and cays of the Great Barrier Reef to my later research in Japan, various Pacific islands and Indonesia, islands have long held a special fascination for me.  That may be due to their unique characateristsics (e.g. many islands such as Sulawesi have high levels of endemicity).  It may be due to their often convenient scale - you can usually observe ecological and social processes more easily at island scale, particularly in isolated islands.  It may also be due to their pressing management needs - for example, islands are particularly vulnerable to change as a result of introduced species - Guam and other islands affected by introduced wildlife are poster childs for those types of impacts.  Those effects are not just confined to ecological impacts - consider, for example, the catastrophic losses and ongoing social disruption caused by the introduction of diseases to many Pacific islands by early explorers.
Maybe my fascination with islands is simply because they are typically beautful and unique places to work!  There are often a few perks involved in being one of the first researchers able to access remote islands and survey their ecology or cultures!  There are also a few down sides - in the mid 90s, I was part of a small team to undertake the first comprehensive survey  of the reefs around the Karimunjawa islands (just off the coast of central Java in Indonesia) - about 6 hours into our overnight small boat trip out there, the crew lost the boat propeller in about 40 feet of muddy water... fortunately they found it after just a  few hours of diving...

Photo of one of the Karimunjawa Islands courtesy of Central Java Tourism Office - more details available from

http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/central-java/karimunjawa.html

Even in the face of those types of tribulations, islands have proven to be rich natural laboratories - consider their influence on the work of Darwin, Wallace and other bio-geographers from the 19th century...

We have learned so much from islands and yet there is still so much to learn.
 

With increasing globalization, islands have come under severe pressure - there are many islands in the world where resources and cultures have been destroyed or severely degraded as a consequence of unsustainable exploitation of their resources.  Jared Diamond's book "Collapse" contains numerous examples of catastrophic change when resources and society are not 'in balance' - his work suggests that islands provide great insights into the the indivisibility of cultural and ecological sustainability.  Marcus Stepehen, the president of Nauru (an 8 square mile island in the Pacific) recently published an equally eloquent tale about what has happened to his country as a result of that lack of balance - http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/opinion/19stephen.html.

There are several global efforts underway to promote a greater understanding of islands and the challenges they face as well as to promote a more sustainable approach to island development. Notable among those is the Global Islands Partnership (GLISPA) that was launched in 2006.  GLISPA seeks to conserve and sustainably utilize the invaluable island natural resources that support people, cultures, and livelihoods in their island homes around the world. It brings together island nations and nations with islands — small and large, developing and developed — to mobilize leadership, increase resources and share skills, knowledge, technologies and innovations in a cost-effective and sustainable way that will catalyze action for conservation and sustainable livelihoods on islands. (see http://www.cbd.int/island/glispa.shtml).

Analysis of Mexico's islands in the Gulf of California - details available at

http://conserveonline.org/workspaces/islandsmexico/documents/islas-de-mexico-un-recurso-estrategico/view.html

Among the many exciting GLISPA initiatives underway globally, I was particularly impressed with a recent publication on the islands of Mexico.  The book (in spanish only) is beautifully produced and systematically evaluates threats to islands as well as priorities for action.  It is the sort of book that decision makers can easily understand...

I began searching for a comparable book about Alaska's islands.  Sure there are a lot of books and reports about various islands and island groups within Alaska, but nothing that systematically addresses the status and needs of our islands - that is pretty surprising given that Alaska is the most island rich state in the USA.  Alaska has 38 islands larger than 100 square miles (see http://www.worldislandinfo.com/US/AK/AKlargest.htm for the list - it would make a great local geography quiz question!). 

As far as I can tell, there is no complete inventory of Alaska's islands and no "big picture" assessment of their status, threats or management needs. 

A book like the Mexican islands report could play a valuable role in promoting awareness of Alaska's islands and would draw attention to the many key "known unknowns" that researchers and others might begin to focus on.  Anyone interested in working on this?

ASLC Interns Rock!

ASLC-NPS Interns Abe Hartsell (l.) and Ninan Rosen (r.) with Cindy Ecklund (ASLC HR Manager) and Seasonal Interpreter Ben Gilles sharing novel approaches to marine interpretation

Many science institutions tend to think of Interns as young professionals in training.  While that may be true in a strictly HR development sense, at the Alaska SeaLife Center, we have learned that Internships are actually one of our most  powerful ways to generate innovation! 

ASLC Avian Intern Ali Rinaldi (r.) shares the results of her experiments on habitat structure with ASLC staff and volunteers

Aquarium intern, Anna Hildebrandt with her new photo database of microscopic animal and plant life that is such a key part of the marine food chains!

With  more than 300 Internships now completed at the Alaska SeaLife Center over the past 13 years, we have come to appreciate the tremendous value of "learning by doing".  This year was no exception.  Our 2011 Intern Fair - held earlier this week - provided the opportunity for our incredibly talented interns to share their work with staff, volunteers, visitors and their peers.

Marine mammal interns Courtney Schuert (l.) and Kelsey Thompson (back r. facing) sharing results of their projects on Steller Sea Lions

Each intern provided both an overview of that they have been doing and how that work will contribute to the longer term effectiveness of ASLC research, education and stewardship programs.  Many projects generated materials that visitors wills ee in the 2012 ASLC exhibit and education programs.  All projects have generated new data and tools that will enhance our existing science and outreach programs, and many of them will also be featured in upcoming presentations at the 2012 Alaska Marine Science Symposium and similar scientific meetings.

ASLC Intern of the year Krystal Fales explaining her work on DNA of Eider Eggs

This year some 27 interns from around the country are engaged in a diverse range of science and education projects - as the 2011 Intern Fair demonstrated, there was a remarkable level of innovation evident in their work.  Walking around the Fair reminded all staff of the value that these young scientists and educators bring to our mission - each of them found creative ways to demonstrate often complex scientific and education concepts and so enable us to promote ocean literacy among our visitors.

Intern Jo-Anne Siskidis sharing her project on Harbor Seals with ASLC Internship Program Coordinator, Daniel Barth

Climate change interns Hillary LeBail (r.) and Joseph Hunt (l.) conducting climate change jeopardy - a game to evaluate understanding of climate change attitudes.

Not only did the interns demonstrate their scientific and communication abilities, they also helped inspire ASLC staff to think about our work differently!  Thanks again to all of our interns and their partners/supervisors for the great work underway this summer.
I encourage you all to keep an eye out for these future rock stars of global marine science and education! 
We are planning to seek further corporate support in the coming year to expand this program - having been involved in marine science and education for some 30 years, I have not seen any better program to build the vital science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) capability that sustainable use and management of our global oceans demands.

Your Invite to the 2011 Invitational!

On 13th of August we will again host the Alaska SeaLife Center Invitational - the event is now well established as a feature of the Seward social calendar and coincides with the first day of the famous Seward Silver Salmon Derby - this is our 12th successive invitational!!  You can obtain full details and register directly on the ASLC website - http://www.alasksealife.org/.

So whats new and different this year?
First up, the event has a new patron.  Alaska's Lt. Governor, Mead Treadwell has kindly agreed to serve as the event patron and will be bringing several family members with him this year to help us sample the first day of the famous Silver Silver Salmon Derby!
Next up, we have arranged a bountiful banquet and several fun activities (no boring speeches - promise) - similar to the Fish for the Future dinner in 2009, but with a greater family emphasis.  This year we will also feature some very engaging entertainment, including well known Alaskan singer and songwriter, Amy Hettinger (see http://www.amyloumusic.com/) and have planned various facility tours and interactive dinner activities that should prove entertaining for all ages!
Finally, we have an amazing array of auction items and prizes that highlight the unique role that the Alaska SeaLife Center plays in helping Alaskans understand the marine ecosystems of the North Pacific.
To secure your sponsorship, your fishing spot or your table please contact Lexie Mizeras at (907) 644-6717 or lexiem@alaskasealife.org. 

I really hope you can join us for this premier event.

Highlights of Coastal America's 20th Anniversary in Chicago

The Coastal America partnership brings together people and resources from federal agencies, state and local governments, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to collaboratively address our nation's coastal environmental challenges. 

The Alaska SeaLife Center is one of 24 Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers (CELCs) who parter with government agencies, the community and the private sector on science programs and who provide education, outreach and community engagement opportunities.  CELCs are located throughout the US and in Canada and Mexico, thus enabling a continental approach to coastal and marine programs.

The beautiful Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan waterfront from the Shedd Aquarium
The Coastal America partnership celebrated its 20th anniversary last week in conjunction with the biennial Coastal Zone 2011 Conference in Chicago.  I had the privilege to represent the ASLC and participated in several partnership discussions, culminating in a family day and conference dinner at the  magnificent Shedd aquarium (another CELC).  One of the highlights of the day was a live broadcast by the Jason Project who bought together various Coastal America partners as well as three student groups who participated in last years National Student Summit in DC.  You can catch a replay of the broadcast on the Jason project website (which is also linked with another CELC, the Mystic Aquarium):
http://www.jason.org/science/Live/coastal2/jason/event.aspx.

Despite the oppressive heat in Chicago, it was truly inspirational to spend time with other CELC colleagues and partners in this very successful venture and reflect both on where we have been over the past 20 years and, more importantly, to consider where we are going.  Not surprisingly, the new National Ocean Policy was  dominant theme of those discussions.  Clearly CELCs can and should play a key role in helping the public at large to understand and contribute to new oceans initiatives and to the implementation of new policy and science activities.  Already, the Centers are proposing to initiate a series of quarterly national coastal conversations around key issues such as ocean acidification... those efforts will be key to improving ocean literacy and developing a stronger national oceans constituency.

As I flew back to Alaska, and reflected on the conference, I wondered what the 2031 Coastal America video might look like.  The answer to that question seems to depend pretty much on our ability to inspire the interest of the American people in our oceans... the good news is that we at the Alaska SeaLife Center are uniquely placed to do that and our efforts are strengthened by linking arms with our peers and partners through ventures such as Coastal America!

A New World Arctic

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure to join one of those meetings that makes you pause and rethink your view of the world.  The Arctic Imperative Summit, held in Girdwood attracted an amazing array of political military, science, financial, indigenous, industrial, academic and community leaders.  Organized by Alice Rogoff from the Alaska Dispatch with support from industry, native corporations and non profit think tanks, the event attracted more than 200 Arctic experts.

The event was a timely opportunity to reconsider the special role of Alaska in the Arctic.  Many speakers described Alaska as the last US emerging market, but also lamented how little known the US Arctic is and how poorly prepared we are as a nation to take advantage of development opportunities in the Arctic.  Much of the conference focused on oil and gas, transportation and infrastructure and related development issues, but there was substantial discussion in every session about common issues such as impacts of development on native subsistence, about climate change impacts (notably ice retreat), about the importance of science and research to development and about increasing opportunities, conflicts and risks associated with the "high arctic" (above the Bering Strait) opening up.

There was also much discussion about the importance of international collaboration, with the Arctic Council emerging as an increasingly significant forum for collaboration – the active engagement of Sec. Clinton in the most recent Council meeting has raised expectations for a stronger US presence.
Perhaps the most surprising piece of information came from Maersk Shipping who stated categorically that there will not be a transit shipping route developing in the Arctic this century – even though the great polar route is about half the distance from Asia to Europe through Panama, it is not commercially viable and thus is not likely to be exploited by the big shippers.

Four high priority needs identified included:
o Ratification of Law of the Sea (which would provide the US with a legal basis to extend its offshore jurisdiction to cover significant OCS resources)
o Establishment of an increased Arctic icebreaker capacity – State Senator Lesil McGuire went as far as to suggest in her summation speech that the State of AK should invest in its own icebreaker ship to support Arctic research and development
o Development of a “proven” arctic oil spill response capacity – many presenters emphasized the challenges of arctic spill response and the importance of being prepared for the many potential scenarios that entails (ship and platform based)
o The importance of promoting a greater understanding of what it means to be an arctic nation both in Alaska and in the US generally – there was a strong undercurrent of sentiment that most Americans are not sufficiently aware of what it means to be an Arctic nation.
Understanding how the Arctic is changing, developing wildlife response protocols and promoting "Arctic literacy" are increasingly imporant roles that the Alaska SeaLife Center can and will play going forward.  I encourage all with an interest in the Arctic to visit the Arctic Imperative Summit website to review the presentations and reports made - http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/live-arctic-imperative-summit.

Celebrating World Oceans Day 2011 in Seward

Seward Artist, Dot Bardarson introducing the Homer-based artist Brad Hughes' powerful Sculpture "Salmon"

In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to formally establish June 8th as World Oceans Day. Last year we held a small staff BBQ to mark the day, but, given the significance of oceans to Alaska, we began to plan a much bigger event this year!

Juneau-based Artist Lisa Ricky unveiling her kinetic creation "Bull Kelp"

That planning began with a Statewide art contest in 2010 that led to the commissioning of two sculptures. The Art Jury for that contest comprised Dot Bardarson (ASLC Community Relations Board member + Seward Artist), Christy Terry (former City Community Development Director), Annette Bellamy (Alaska Artist – Halibut Cove, Justine Pechusal (Seward Community & Mural Artist), Joseph Abegg (Livingston Slone, AIA, Associate), Howard Ferren (ASLC Director of Conservation), Steve Carrick (former ASLC Director of Operations and Facilities) and Laura Tauke (former ASLC Graphic Designer). Both sculptures were installed on June 6th after much great work by our facilities team and now occupy prominent knolls outside the front door of the Center. They have already received much critical acclaim and form a stunning addition to the ocean art precinct now developing in the downtown area!

Tyson Fick from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute with ASLC CEO Ian Dutton (l) and ASLC Board Chair Steve Grabacki (r) opening the new seafood exhibit.

We then opened two new exhibits inside the Center. The new Alaska Sustainable Seafood exhibit supported by the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute provides a stunning reminder of just how important seafood is to the State economy and provides visitors with information on how to make wise seafood choices.

Seward Mayor, Willard Dunham congratulating Bret Chambers from BP Alaska on the opening of the new North to the Future Theater.

The second exhibit is the new “North to the Future Theater” sponsored by BP Alaska. Located on the lower level at the end of the visitor path, the theater provides an opportunity to learn about the US Arctic, the changes being experienced there and some of the science work underway to better understand Arctic resources.

The final part of the evening's program was our first great culinary challenge – an amazing array of appetizers courtesy of talented local chefs Monica Cooper (Alaskan Dermish Deserts), Kevin Lane (AVTEC), Erik Slater (Resurrection Roadhouse). Kevin’s creations were voted most popular by participants in a photo-finish and he received a prize donated by the Inn at Tern Lake.
However, the real winners on the evening were our 80 guests who not only got to learn a little more about Alaska’s oceans, but also had fun being serenaded by Marian Call (http://www.mariancall.com/), the incredibly talented Alaskan singer and song writer.

Mark your calendars – we have already begun planning for World Oceans Day on June 8th, 2012… and June 8th, 2013 and…. You get the idea!