Background Articles

Sea ice loss, warming waters and the northward expansion of fish species like pollock are all contributing to a pattern in the Bering Strait region known as “borealization.” That means the Arctic ecosystem is becoming more like the boreal region to the south.

Rep. Mary Peltola discusses the challenges facing Alaska's fisheries, including declining salmon populations and the impact on subsistence and commercial fishing, during her visit to Bethel for the Cama-i Dance Festival.

The Alaska Arctic Observatory and Knowledge Hub and the Native Village of Kotzebue deployed an under-ice oceanographic instrument to monitor ice thickness and snow depth at a site offshore of town.

Indigenous communities in the Bering Strait region advocate for maintaining federal protections on D-1 lands to safeguard their subsistence lifestyle and cultural heritage from the impacts of state management and resource extraction.

Scientists are investigating the widespread presence of paralytic shellfish toxins in Alaska's marine food chain, which may explain recent species die-offs.

Subsistence hunters living in Northwest Alaska and parts of the North Slope are now only allowed to hunt up to 15 animals a year, only one of which can be a cow. This is a considerable change from five caribou a day, and it goes into effect on state-managed lands on July 1.

The new children's book combines traditional knowledge and scientific research to tell the story of a ringed seal pup in Kotzebue, Alaska, with a focus on the impact of climate change.

Scientists have tracked the life journey of a mammoth named Elma across ancient Alaska, revealing her path overlapped with human hunter camps, using chemical analysis of her tusk as a "chemical GPS."

A study reveals that North Slope caribou are significantly more sensitive to oil field road traffic than previously thought, with disruptions occurring at traffic volumes as low as five vehicles per hour.

Peter Pan's King Cove plant closure during the winter will impact local revenue and fishermen, amid industry-wide financial struggles and delayed payments.

Tribes from Teller, Brevig Mission, and Mary's Igloo are urging the U.S. Department of Defense to consult with them after a $37.5 million grant was awarded to Graphite One without their input, impacting local ecosystems and subsistence practices.

Experts discuss strategies for ensuring the health and sustainability of Alaska's caribou amidst environmental and developmental challenges.

Two local governments have retracted their criticism of Conoco's Willow project, now focusing on protecting subsistence resources and leveraging project opportunities.

Alaska's predator control measures and wildlife management strategies are under scrutiny as tensions rise over state and federal jurisdiction, with calls for more inclusive decision-making and realistic goals amidst rapid climate change.

A comprehensive analysis of over 200 studies reveals that fish hatchery programs have predominantly negative impacts on wild salmon populations, reducing genetic diversity and overall health.

Kotzebue Elder Gladys I’yiiqpak Pungowiyi said that over the years, many skilled hunters were lost when they went out hunting and fell through the ice. I’ve been called to pray for people that are affected mentally.”

The Western Arctic Caribou Herd continues to decline, now at about a third of its 2003 population, with hunting restrictions likely as part of conservation efforts.

Experts argue that transforming food systems through structural changes, Indigenous knowledge, and data sharing is essential for long-term food security and sustainable development.

The Little Diomede school is closed indefinitely after a collapsing city building, with rotted stilts, leaned on it, causing no injuries but prompting a switch to video conference classes and relocation of teachers.

Residents in Western Alaska are experiencing a salmon crisis that is not only affecting their physical health due to the lack of exercise from salmon harvesting, but also their mental health and cultural well-being, as salmon harvesting is seen as a vital part of their way of life and recovery from substance abuse.