Rapid and reliable age estimation is crucial for effectively and efficiently managing fish stocks. Scientists successfully used a novel technology, Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR)and artificial intelligence (AI), in combination, to more quickly produce reliable estimates of fish age. Otoliths are small calcified structures in the inner ear of a fish, also known as ear stones. […]
JUNEAU, Alaska — The size of Alaska’s population remained essentially unchanged from July 2021 to July 2022, based on population estimates released today by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The state grew by an estimated 451 people — 0.06 percent — the second consecutive year of small increase. Despite slight overall growth, […]
JUNEAU – An inquiry into the family history of Benny Benson, the winner of the 1927 Alaska flag contest and creator of the Alaska flag, has yielded a correction to Alaska history. Contrary to the long-standing belief that Mr. Benson was 13 years old when he won the flag contest, he was in fact 14 […]
NEWPORT, Ore. – Researchers can now determine the age and sex of living beluga whales in Alaska’s Cook Inlet thanks to a new DNA-based technique that uses information from small samples of skin tissue. Accurate age estimates are vital to conservation efforts for Cook Inlet belugas, which were listed as endangered following a significant population decline in […]