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