A new bulletin published by Alaska Sea Grant summarizes research to inform the public and help them understand the risk of paralytic shellfish toxins in Arctic Alaska food webs and marine mammals. Paralytic shellfish toxins—also called saxitoxins—are produced by microscopic marine algae and can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) when people consume shellfish or marine […]
The innovative Saildrones, developed by Saildrone Inc, have once again been deployed to the Bering Sea, taking the place of manned vessels to gather information from areas that are generally inaccessible to full-sized research vessels, and are able to operate in a more cost-effective way. With the generous support of the Marine Mammal Commission, NOAA, […]
A little known permitting requirement uncovered by a coalition of 10 environmental organizations and revealed by the San Francisco-based EarthJustice, that requires that a “letter of authorization” allowing companies drilling to disturb walruses and other marine mammals, precludes drilling within 15 miles of each other. According to Shell’s drilling plans, the two drill rigs would […]
NOAA Fisheries is seeking comments for a proposed rule requiring the United States Navy to implement protective measures during activities at their Northwest training and testing study area in the state waters off Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and northern California to reduce the chances of harming marine mammals. The Navy has requested an authorization under the […]