LEO Network

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The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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After flood, Kotzebue residents take stock of damaged homes and property, and take care of one another
At least 30 houses still needed repairs, cleanup was ongoing, and the city’s residents grappled with the need to fix snowmachines, keep their soaked houses warm and prepare for future emergencies.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Red king crab harvest looking ‘very good’ so far for Bristol Bay fleet
“Fishing has been very good for the [Bristol Bay red king crab] fleet this season and the crab delivered so far has been of high quality — new shell, large size, good meat-fill,” said Alaska Department of Fish and Game Area Management Biologist Ethan Nichols.
Unalaska, Alaska, United States
KUCB

At the floating nuclear power plant, one of the reactors was automatically turned off
One of the reactors at a floating nuclear power plant in Pevek, Russia, was automatically shut down due to an unspecified issue.
Pevek, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia

Power supply was restored in the village of Rytkuchi, flooded by the storm
Power was restored in Rytkuchi, Chukotka after a storm caused village-wide flooding.
Рыткучи, Чаунский район, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia

For more than a century, a fish plant fueled King Cove’s economy. Without it, can the community survive?
The seafood industry around the world has faced market turmoil. Few Alaska communities have been hit harder than King Cove.
King Cove, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

In the Northwest Arctic, damaging late-season storms could also be delaying sea ice formation
Kotzebue Sound is freezing 45 days later than historical averages, with climatologists attributing the delay to more intense fall storms linked to climate change.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Helicopter rescue, washed-out roads: After flooding displaces 80 people, Kotzebue begins recovery
A severe storm in Kotzebue, Alaska, caused significant flooding, displacing 80 people and damaging critical infrastructure, including roads and the airport.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

North Atlantic right whales should live past 100 years old. They're dying around 22
North Atlantic right whales, which should naturally live over 100 years, are currently dying at an average age of 22 due to vessel strikes, fishing gear entanglements, and climate change. This highlights the severe threats faced by the critically endangered species.
Nova Scotia, Canada
CBC News

'The Russians are compromising security on Northern Sea Route'
Despite rapidly freezing Arctic waters, Moscow continues to send more than 20 years old ships without ice class to the Northern Sea Route. 'They are compromising security,' a Norwegian professor in ice navigation says.
Bering Strait

Northern lights go south: Effect might last several more years, expert says
The aurora borealis has been visible in southern Canada due to peak solar activity, a phenomenon that might continue for several more years.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Zone for eastern Hudson Bay beluga protection shrinks, Inukjuak now outside it
The boundary for the beluga protection zone in eastern Hudson Bay has been reduced, placing Inukjuak outside the protected area, allowing unlimited beluga harvesting near the community.
Inukjuak, Quebec, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

September was unusually warm
There were a total of eight days when the temperature nudged over 25 degrees, which is regarded in Finland as the threshold for "hot" weather. The sunny weather brought many warm early autumn days.
Finland
News

US Fish and Wildlife Service takes action to combat the spread of invasive species in Bristol Bay
The South-central Invasive Species Strike Team is actively working in Bristol Bay to manage and control the spread of invasive species, such as Bird Vetch, which threaten local ecosystems essential for subsistence in Alaska.
Bristol Bay, Alaska, United States

Floods in Spain impact Icelandic Christmas tradition
Flooding in Valencia, Spain, has significantly decreased the supply of clementines to Iceland for Christmas, as only a quarter of the usual volume is expected this year.
Valencia, Spain
Vísir

Dunleavy declares emergency as erosion threatens Noatak's drinking water
The erosion that prompted Gov. Mike Dunleavy's action is advancing on the Northwest Alaska community's water lines.
Noatak, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Magnet fishing catches on with a group of Bethel high school students
Bethel high school students in the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program have taken up magnet fishing, retrieving over 50 bikes and various other items from Brown's Slough.
Bethel, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

In Canada's boreal forests, the heat goes on — long after the wildfire is gone
A study reveals that large wildfires in Canada's boreal forests cause prolonged ground warming for over a decade, with implications for climate change feedback loops.
Canada
CBC

Why an Alaska island is using peanut butter and black lights to find a rat that might not exist
The purported sighting caused a stir on St. Paul Island, a birding haven sometimes called the "Galapagos of the North" for its diversity of life. That's because stowaway rats can quickly populate and overrun remote islands, devastating bird populations.
Saint Paul, Alaska, United States
CBC

Climate change makes farming easier in Alaska. Indigenous growers hope to lead the way
First frosts are already arriving later in some parts of the state, allowing growers to keep their crops in the field longer. Research done at the University of Alaska Fairbanks predicts the growing season could be weeks or even months longer by 2100. A new training program in the Interior aims to help Alaska Native communities grow more of their own food.
Nenana, Alaska, United States
KTOO

New study warns permafrost thaw along Yukon River could release high levels of mercury
Researchers believe that if permafrost thaw continues at its current rate and mercury keeps being released, it could pose a real threat to many communities throughout northern and western Alaska.
Huslia, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Marquee Alaska sockeye run was bigger than expected, but the individual fish were small
Alaska's largest sockeye salmon run exceeded expectations in numbers but featured the smallest fish on record, posing challenges for commercial harvest.
Bristol Bay, Alaska, United States

Permafrost thaw is an existential threat for Alaska communities. This nonprofit helps monitor it
Permafrost Pathways started two years ago with the goal of mapping the permafrost thaw and putting that data into the hands of the communities themselves. As human-caused climate change continues to warm the region and the permafrost melts more and more, the project is expanding.
Akiak, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Moose hunting closed for 22C and 22D
Moose hunting in Alaska's Game Units 22C and 22D was closed after hunters quickly reached the quota, with a record 40 moose harvested in 22C in just two days.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Hunting area expands for this years caribou season
The caribou population on the Nushagak Peninsula is thriving, with an estimated 600 caribou in the herd.
Togiak, Alaska, United States
KDLG

Arctic residents face high risk from toxic effects of plastics, ACAT report finds
The ACAT report reveals that the Arctic Ocean Basin has the highest global concentration of microplastics, posing significant health risks to local wildlife and residents.
Arctic

New research uses 130 years of historic flood observations to help identify future risks
This research compiles over a century of local flood data in Alaska to improve future flood risk prediction and planning, addressing the lack of accessible historic flood information for community and regional use.
Western and Northern, Alaska, United States

‘Just terrifying’: As Ketchikan residents take stock after fatal landslide, geologists assess stability
The slide Sunday afternoon just above the Southeast Alaska city’s downtown sent tons of debris and mud onto a half-dozen homes, killing one person and injuring three.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States

Timeline: A decade of deadly and destructive Alaska landslides
Landslides have killed at least 12 Alaskans in the past decade and destroyed homes and critical infrastructure.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Trying to escape sea-level rise, Northwest coastal tribes are drowning in paperwork
A new study shows how federal grant funding has actually become an obstacle to climate adaptation.
Tokeland, Washington, United States
High Country News

Anchorage sees one of wettest summers on record
An additional half an inch of rain could fall through the end of the week as Anchorage is seeing one of its wettest summers on record.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Tularemia Associated with Harbor Seal Necropsy
In 2023, tularemia occurred in a wildlife volunteer after exposure to a deceased, infected harbor seal, the first known report of tularemia acquired through contact with a marine mammal, and the first detection of F. tularensis in a marine mammal.
Enetai, Washington, United States
CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Where mosquito season is getting longer
The Northeast, which has warmed faster than the rest of the country, saw the biggest jump in mosquito days. Look up how mosquito season has changed in your town.
Houston, Texas, United States
Washington Post

Methane coming from unknown source under Kluane glaciers
Findings from European scientists were published in a journal late last year.
Kluane National Park
Yukon News

Satellite images reveal worrying scale of Svalbard glaciers loss
During this summer, the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard has been melting five times faster than normal. "Svalbard is a hotspot for Arctic warming", experts warn.
Nordaustlandet
The Independent Barents Observer

Setting nets for 70 years in Anchorage’s shadow, a family witnessed major shifts in Cook Inlet salmon
A family with a 70-year history of setting nets in Cook Inlet has observed significant changes in salmon size and population, with a notable decrease in average earnings for fishermen.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Juneau glacier flooding leaves residents looking for long-term solutions
Floodwaters from the Mendenhall River rushed under Sam and Amanda Hatch’s home last August at then record-levels. After the water receded, their house sank several inches into the saturated soil, shifting its foundations. As they rebuilt, the Hatch family decided to elevate their house by four feet on piers to avoid flooding in the future. Scraping together deals and favors, Sam Hatch said the whole process cost around $135,000. It was completed a month ago, he said.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

EPA says Red Dog Mine failed to identify hazardous waste for over 4 years
The EPA settled with Red Dog Mine for failing to identify hazardous waste for over four years, marking the mine's largest violation in its 30-year operation.
Red Dog Mine, Alaska

Bird flu cases are going undetected, new study suggests. It’s a problem for all of us
As bird flu cases go underreported, health officials risk being slow to notice if the virus were to become more contagious. A large surge of infections outside of farmworker communities would trigger the government’s flu surveillance system, but by then it might be too late to contain.
Texas, United States

NOAA selects Alaska projects for funding from its climate-resilience program
Federal officials have recommended that Alaska get $78.9 million for projects to make coastal communities better prepared to address climate change.
Alaska, United States
KYUK

As the Great Salt Lake dries up, it's also emitting millions of tons of CO2
A new study found that the drying Great Salt Lake in Utah is now a major source of the gas emissions that are causing the climate to warm.
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Bristol Bay sees smallest sockeye sizes on record, despite large run
Sockeye salmon returning to Bristol Bay this year were, on average, the smallest the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has ever seen. So far, the average weight of Bristol Bay sockeye was 4.2 pounds this year. Fish and Game biologist Stacy Vega said that’s the smallest average weight on record.
Dillingham, Alaska, United States

Climate change affecting life in Alaska
Climate change is affecting nearly every aspect of life, said Gwich’in Council International board member Evon Taa’ąįį Peter, who is Neetsaii Gwich’in and Koyukon Athabascan. For one thing, he told ICT, more than 60% of the forest lands of the Alaskan Gwich’in nation have burned in wildfires in the past 10 years. As of July 10, 582,000 acres had burned this year in 328 wildfires in Alaska. “I couldn’t open the windows of my house for seven days straight, I think, because it would just let smoke billow into my home, which was already too unhealthy for us to be outside. So most of us just had to remain indoors…so there’s definitely very real dramatic and in-our-face impacts from climate change across the state, even in (an urban area like) Fairbanks,” Peter said.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Alaska Beacon

Fire numbers fall in B.C. as fire near Golden destroys structures, spurs evacuation
Despite a general decrease in wildfires across B.C., the Dogtooth fire near Golden has destroyed structures and prompted evacuations, contrasting with the province's improving situation.
Golden, British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia

How blue-green algae blooms are threatening the Great Lakes
Blue-green algae blooms, exacerbated by climate change and nutrient runoff, are increasingly appearing in the Great Lakes, posing risks to human and environmental health.
Erie, Michigan, United States
CBC

The large ice carries polar bears to South Greenland
Unusually large amounts of sea ice have brought more polar bears from Northeast to South Greenland, with many unable to return due to currents.
Southern Greenland

Bat from Grey-Bruce tests positive for rabies
A bat in Grey-Bruce, Ontario, has tested positive for rabies, marking the first local animal case this year and prompting public health warnings.
Ontario, Canada
London

Seismic activity cause for 'Level of Danger' declaration on Reykjanes Peninsula
According to a new hazard assessment from the Met Office, the risk of a magma flow or eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula has increased and is likely to occur in the next three or four weeks. This time, there is a high risk of eruption in Grindavík.
Reykjanesbær, Southern Peninsula, Iceland
RÚV

German scientists get bird's-eye view of permafrost thaw in Northwest Arctic
German scientists from Alfred Wegener Institute are using classic planes to map and document the accelerating permafrost thaw in Northwest Alaska.
Northwest Arctic, Alaska

Victory no to larger facilities: "Unacceptable risk of infection for wild cod"
Mattilsynet has rejected Ode's request to double the size of their cod farming facility due to unacceptable infection risks to wild cod populations.
Norway
NRK

Studies show there are likely more ‘sushi worms’ in Alaska salmon and other fish than there used to be
These worms, present in halibut, cod, salmon and other saltwater fish, are increasing. If the worms are well frozen or cooked, they don’t pose a health threat.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Climate change could be worsening the northern housing crunch
Climate change is affecting all aspects of the northern housing industry, from the structures themselves to the transportation of materials. One way to fix the issue is to put more reliance on northern community-based knowledge..
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Why melting ice sheets are making our days longer
The melting of polar ice sheets due to climate change is causing Earth's rotation to slow down and its axis to shift, potentially surpassing the moon's influence on these dynamics and affecting technologies like GPS.
Earth
Washington Post

She died from a tick-spread illness most Canadians have never heard of. Why more people could be at risk
The article discusses the rise in tick-borne illnesses in Canada, highlighting a case of Powassan virus and the challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to limited awareness among healthcare providers.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Rabies could become a disease of the past. Here's what it would take.
The article discusses the high fatality rate of rabies and its impact on poorer regions, emphasizing the need for accessible vaccinations and refrigeration for prevention.
Earth

CDC's new rules for dogs entering the U.S. will have unique impacts in Alaska
The CDC's new dog entry rules, including a microchip requirement and stricter vaccination protocols, will uniquely affect Alaska, especially for those traveling with dogs under six months or through Canada.
Alaska, United States

Rare genetic mutation turns green frog blue
A rare genetic mutation has resulted in a blue magnificent tree frog, a normally green species, spotted in Western Australia.
Australia
CTVNews

Dozens of heat-related emergency calls in B.C. as more temperature records fall and wildfire risk rises
British Columbia faces a surge in heat-related emergencies and wildfire risks as temperatures soar, breaking records and prompting heat warnings and a campfire ban.
British Columbia, Canada

New federal program aims to speed restoration of damaged Alaska streams and rivers
A new federal program expedites the repair of Alaska's mining-damaged waterways, incorporating a streamlined environmental assessment process to restore up to 5 miles of habitat annually over 25 years.
Alaska, United States

The fastest warming of the Russian Arctic was detected in spring
Earlier this year, the spring of 2024 in the Russian North was registered as the warmest in the history of weather observations, the Hydrometeorological Centre of Russia reported.
Russian Arctic
The Independent Barents Observer

City of Port Alberni to ban all outdoor fires amid heat wave
Port Alberni bans all outdoor fires due to a heatwave and high fire risk, with fines for non-compliance until October 31, 2024.
Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada
Alberni Valley News

Ban sale of puffin meat, says expert
The long-term decline is believed to be due to the accumulated effects of fishing and unfavourable environmental conditions, such as high sea temperatures, according to the findings of independent experts based on Erpur Snær's data, who has been monitoring puffins for a long time.
Iceland
RÚV

Clean-up in the Russian Arctic
The project to clean the area around Khatanga started in 2023. The participants report that last year volunteers cleaned more than 200 tons of man-made waste along the 3 km of the coastline, the RGS website reports. The waste has been accumulating there since the Soviet times.
Khatanga, Krasnoyarskiy, Russia
The Independent Barents Observer

Inside a company’s bid to make Alaska’s next big oil field lower-carbon
With the future of fossil fuels in question, an Australian oil company is branding its new Arctic development as climate-friendly.
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, United States

This Italian vacation hotspot is turning tourists away as it runs out of water
Agrigento, a tourist destination in Sicily, is facing severe water shortages, leading to rationing and the turning away of tourists, impacting the local economy reliant on tourism and agriculture.
Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
CTVNews

Extreme heat grips much of Western Canada
Western Canada is experiencing extreme heat, prompting health warnings and wildfire concerns, with measures in place to protect vulnerable populations.
Alberta, Canada

Moscow Region Officials Warn of Invasive Species Due to Hot Weather
The unusually hot summer weather in the Moscow region this year may trigger an increase in populations of invertebrate species, the regional Environmental Ministry said this week.
Moscow, Moscow, Russia
The Moscow Times

National Park Service bans sport hunters from baiting bears
The National Park Service has banned sport hunters from baiting bears in Alaska's National Park Service-managed Preserves, citing safety and wildlife conservation concerns.

Another new horizon for wood bison in Alaska
After a steep population drop in Western Alaska’s reintroduced wood bison herd, a state biologist sees a plan for a new herd in the Interior as promising. But two tribal groups oppose it.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States

ADF&G confirms verified expansion of invasive European green crab
ADF&G has confirmed the spread of the invasive European green crab in Alaska, urging increased monitoring and public awareness to mitigate its destructive impact on local ecosystems.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

No clamming in Ninilchik or Clam Gulch this year
Adult abundance “well below” fishery thresholds on both beaches. This outcome was not unanticipated, as the department said when opening the fishery in Ninilchik last year that adult abundance met necessary thresholds for allowing harvest — at least meeting or exceeding 50% of the historical average — but juvenile abundance was low, meaning there would likely not be enough adult clams this year or next.
Homer, Alaska, United States
Homer News

Nome welcomes 1,800 cruise ship visitors to town
Nome experienced a record-breaking influx of 1,800 cruise ship passengers from the MS Westerdam, enjoying a variety of local tours, cultural presentations, and the Berry Festival during their full-day port of call visit.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Possible rat sighting on remote St. Paul Island raises alarm
A potential rat sighting on St. Paul Island, which has maintained a rat-free status for over two decades, prompts urgent conservation efforts to protect local seabirds and wildlife.
Saint Paul, Alaska, United States

Relief applications open for Alaska's 2019 and 2020 crab fisheries disasters
Applications for relief funds from Alaska's 2019 and 2020 crab fisheries disasters are now open, with $13 million allocated for the Bering Sea Tanner crab fishery.
Bering Sea, Alaska, United States

Much of Juneau's king salmon fishery will close this summer, because of a 2020 landslide
Juneau's king salmon fishery will be closed this summer due to low hatchery returns caused by a 2020 landslide that disrupted the freshwater supply and forced premature salmon release.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Yukon First Nation calls for audit of government response to mine disaster
The First Nation of Na Cho Nyäk Dun has requested an audit by Canada's auditor general of the Yukon government's handling of the Victoria Gold mine landslide.
Yukon, Canada
Yukon News

Millions in the US prepare for more sweltering heat as floodwaters inundate parts of the Midwest
As the US grapples with extreme heat, floodwaters force evacuations in the Midwest, including a submerged Iowa town.
Brandon, South Dakota, United States
Anchorage Daily News- The Associated Press

City investigating water outflow as Yellowknife forced to draw from bay to replenish reservoir
Yellowknife is using water from Yellowknife Bay to refill its reservoirs due to unusually high outflow rates at a pumphouse, the cause of which is under investigation.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

New Alaska water quality rules are coming. Here's what that could mean for wastewater systems.
Alaska's impending water quality regulations may necessitate advanced treatment for contaminants like phthalates in wastewater, posing challenges for local systems to comply with stricter EPA standards.

Yukon fire season 'normal' so far, with major fires unlikely in coming weeks, officials say
Yukon likely won't see any major wildfires for at least the next month, emergency officials said at a briefing on Thursday.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

NOAA researchers study sea ice retreat, link to harmful algal blooms
NOAA researchers are studying the connection between sea ice retreat and harmful algal blooms in the Bering Sea, aiming to improve prediction and monitoring tools for these events that pose risks to public health and marine ecosystems.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

An influx of chum salmon in the Canadian Arctic could be the same fish missing from Western Alaska
An increase in chum salmon in the Canadian Arctic, potentially linked to climate change, may be the same fish missing from Western Alaska, raising ecological concerns.
Aklavik, Northwest Territories, Canada

Reported trawling too close to Kuskokwim Bay draws industry response
Industry representatives assert that trawling near Kuskokwim Bay complies with regulations and does not impact salmon, despite local concerns about habitat damage and fish migration.
Kuskokwim, Alaska, United States

Green crabs to choke cherry trees, invasive species infesting Alaska
Invasive species like green crabs and choke cherry trees are causing environmental and economic harm in Alaska.

A petition to put king salmon on the endangered species list is raising alarm across Alaska
A petition to list king salmon as endangered in Alaska faces opposition due to concerns about its impact on local fisheries and management practices.

Syke: Finland's sea areas at 'significant risk' for toxic blue-green algae blooms
The institute started monitoring the cyanobacteria situation at the beginning of June and will continue until the end of September.
Finland
News

How much fish do Alaskans eat? Enough to require new water pollution rules, EPA says
The EPA is pushing Alaska to update water pollution rules due to Alaskans' high seafood consumption, with state officials acknowledging the need for revised standards.

Last year’s record outburst flood took Juneau by surprise. As Suicide Basin refills, scientists are working to improve their forecasts.
Scientists are enhancing flood forecasts in Juneau as Suicide Basin refills, following an unexpected record flood last year caused by rapid drainage.

An Alaska wildlife refuge is changing its wildfire strategy to limit carbon emissions
If blazes break out in parts of the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge, firefighters will protect the layers of forest floor and permafrost that hold carbon.
Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge

Permafrost thaw impacts are wide, but not climate tipping point: study
A study finds that while permafrost thaw in the North is causing local and regional changes, it is not a global climate tipping point.
Newtok, Alaska, United States
Eye on the Arctic

In Northwest Alaska, an economic engine runs low on ore
In Northwest Alaska, the Red Dog mine faces potential delays in expansion, risking future revenue and jobs for the local community, amid environmental and cultural impact concerns.
Ambler, Alaska, United States

Why Bird Flu Is Infecting People’s Eyes
In recent weeks, three human infections with the virus have been confirmed—all in dairy workers who had contact with sick cows. All three developed symptoms of eye infections known as conjunctivitis. The latest case, reported in Michigan this week, also involved respiratory symptoms more typical of a flu infection.
Michigan, United States
Scientific American

Anchorage stretch of sub-60 degree days was third longest
Anchorage experienced its third-longest streak of sub-60 degree days, despite Alaska's spring temperatures being normal by recent standards but cooler than historical averages.

Bird flu can infect cats. What does that mean for their people?
The article discusses the potential for bird flu to mutate and spread to humans through domestic cats, highlighting unusual cases of cat infections and the risks posed by raw diets and unpasteurized milk.
Science News

Rivers in Alaska are turning orange. The reason surprised even scientists
Rivers and streams in Alaska are changing color – from a clean, clear blue to a rusty orange – because of the toxic metals released by thawing permafrost, according to a new study.
Kutuk River
CNN

Qawalangin Tribe works to reintroduce blue mussels as safe local food source
While blue mussels are a traditional source of subsistence food in Unalaska, in recent years, reduced numbers and concerns about paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, have limited the amount locals can safely harvest.
Unalaska, Alaska, United States
KUCB

Federal bill would add veterinary care to IHS duties to address rabies, other risks in rural Alaska
A federal bill aims to expand IHS duties to include veterinary care in rural Alaska, addressing the scarcity of such services and the risk of rabies from wildlife.

Record salmon harvest closures in Chukotka
Experts decided that during the fishing season, red fish in the water area of the Anadyr estuary can be caught only two days a week. It was decided to introduce a large number of passing days to preserve the chum salmon population spawning in this basin.
Anadyr, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia
Prochukotku.ru

Whale surveys planned for eastern Bering Sea this summer
This summer, NOAA and the International Whaling Commission will conduct aerial and ship-based surveys in the eastern Bering Sea to monitor beluga and large baleen whale populations, employing new methods and expanding survey areas based on previous findings.
Eastern Bering Sea

Metal mobilization from thawing permafrost to aquatic ecosystems is driving rusting of Arctic streams
Recent discoloration of 75 streams in Arctic Alaska reflects increased iron and trace metal loading following climate-driven permafrost thaw. These findings have considerable implications for drinking water supplies and subsistence fisheries.
Noatak, Alaska, United States
Nature

Yukon's Grey-headed Chickadee now considered endangered
The Grey-headed chickadee found in the far north of Yukon and Alaska was listed as endangered this month, and experts say the bird is so rare that it's hard to estimate its numbers. The decline might be related to competition as Boreal Chickadees are moving north because of climate change.
Old Crow, Yukon, Canada

Need to evacuate this summer? NWT says you're getting $800
The GNWT says it's earmarked $800 per resident age 18 or over and $400 for each dependent under 18. Applicants may be required to provide proof of residency in the community they live in, such as a utility bill, proof of dependents such as birth certificates, and identification like a driver's license — so if you are ordered to evacuate make sure you pack those along.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
NNSL Media

Bill to ban toxic 'forever chemicals' in firefighting foams passes Alaska House and Senate
Alaska's legislature has passed a bill to ban PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams, addressing the contamination of drinking water.

Hawaii study shows almost 75% of Maui wildfire survey participants have respiratory issues
A University of Hawaii study examining the health effects of last year’s deadly wildfires on Maui has found that up to 74% of participants may have difficulty breathing and otherwise have poor respiratory health.
Lahaina, Hawaii, United States
AP News

Low water in N.W.T. means cargo heading to northern communities via Tuk, not Hay River
Low water levels on the Mackenzie River are causing cargo shipments to use a different route to access northern communities, beginning in the Arctic Ocean.
Ulukhaktok, NWT

Alaska Native corporation ending involvement in controversial Ambler road project
An Alaska Native corporation is withdrawing from the Ambler road project due to concerns over environmental impact and subsistence practices, despite economic potential.
Ambler, Alaska, United States

Japan to start hunting fin whales after five years of commercial whaling
Japan plans to expand its commercial whaling to include fin whales, five years after resuming whaling and leaving the IWC.
Japan
The Japan Times

Whale fight: Right-wing leader wants to shoot more and market whales abroad
A right-wing leader advocates for increased whale hunting and international marketing of whale meat, despite global regulations and declining participation in the industry.
Norway
NRK

Dogs entering US must be 6 months old and microchipped to prevent spread of rabies, new rules say
New U.S. regulations require all dogs entering from abroad to be at least 6 months old and microchipped to mitigate rabies risks.
United States
AP News

'Unprecedented': How bird flu became an animal pandemic
This article examines the unique spread of bird flu across multiple animal species, marking an unusual animal pandemic.
Earth

Feds give Whitehorse $45M for 'permanent' solution to escarpment landslides
The article discusses a $45M federal investment in Whitehorse for a permanent solution to recurring escarpment landslides, highlighting the increasing threat of such events due to climate change.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

The governor has a big decision to make about the Eklutna River and hydro project. Here’s what to know.
The article discusses a contentious proposal for new fish passage infrastructure at the Eklutna River dam, with differing plans and potential legal challenges as stakeholders await the governor's decision.
Eagle River, Alaska, United States

Canada is 'missing the mark' on remediation and reconciliation, says Yellowknives Dene chief
The Yellowknives Dene Chief criticizes Canada's handling of contaminated sites in the North, highlighting a lack of reconciliation and proper management, as an auditor's report calls for better inclusion of Indigenous peoples and long-term care plans.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Sea levels are likely to rise throughout Norway as a result of climate change
The sea level will probably rise along the entire coast of Norway. Stavanger is among the most vulnerable places.
Norway
NRK

King Cove braces for salmon season with no seafood processor amid historic price slump
The plant, formerly owned by Peter Pan Seafood Company, is the economic engine for the Alaska Peninsula community.
King Cove, Alaska, United States
KTOO

How do chum salmon spend the winter?
Recent surveys reveal that chum salmon face challenges during winter in the Gulf of Alaska, with conditions like marine heatwaves affecting their diet and survival, leading to increased mortality rates.
Gulf of Alaska

Toxic: How the search for the origins of COVID-19 turned politically poisonous
An AP investigation reveals that political disputes and blame fears halted the search for COVID-19's origins in China, contradicting public claims of ongoing efforts.
Wuhan, Hubei, China
AP News

Caribou herds in B.C. and Alberta have grown nearly 50%, mostly due to wolf culls, study finds
A study attributes the nearly 50% growth of caribou herds in B.C. and Alberta to controversial wolf culls, which may need to continue for decades.
British Columbia, Canada

Biden administration blocks Ambler Road, strengthens protections for NPR-A
The Biden administration has halted the Ambler Road project to protect wildlife and strengthen environmental safeguards in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, sparking mixed reactions.
Upper Kobuk River, Alaska, United States

What's Causing Russia's Record Floods?
This region endured similar major floods in 1922, 1942 and 1957 though the current disaster was "extraordinary and all previous 'records' have been surpassed," she added.The Ural River flooded Russia's Orenburg region in particular, while the Ishim — which feeds the Siberian regions of Tyumen and Omsk, and northern Kazakhstan — also burst its banks.
Orenburg, Orenburg, Russia
The Moscow Times

Scientists, Alaska Native leaders say the Arctic faces a growing crisis from plastic waste
Arctic communities and scientists report a crisis from increasing plastic waste, which contaminates traditional food sources and threatens the health of Alaska Native populations.
Bering Sea, Alaska

Canada's 2024 wildfire season expected to be even worse than last year's
Due to a mild winter and warmer year, this wildfire season is looking to be worse, not better, than the last
Canada
nationalpost

WA declares statewide drought emergency following poor snowpack
Washington State declares a statewide drought emergency due to significantly low snowpack levels, with expectations of less than 75% of the normal water supply.
Washington, United States
The Seattle Times

Anchorage winter ties for second snowiest on record but hitting all-time mark unlikely
A whopping 132.6 inches of snow -- more than 11 feet -- fell on the city this winter, as of the latest measurement Friday.

Federal regulators cut Western Arctic caribou harvest limit to 15 animals a year
Federal regulators have significantly reduced the Western Arctic caribou harvest limit for local subsistence hunters from five animals per day to 15 per year, with only one cow allowed, due to the herd's continued decline and low cow survival rates. Non-local hunting is banned until the herd recovers.
Northwest Arctic, Alaska, United States

Seabird demonstration: Eider populations continue to decline along the coast – scientists don't know why
Eider populations along the Norwegian coast have declined by up to 80%, with a nationwide decrease of 35-40%, and the reasons remain unknown.

Russian objection to U.S. territorial claims off Alaska complicates maritime relationship
Russia's objection to U.S. claims off Alaska highlights tensions in maritime relations and underscores the U.S. disadvantage in territorial disputes due to its non-ratification of the Law of the Sea treaty.
Arctic Ocean

Schools closed, safe rooms open for severe weather
Ahead of Wednesday’s anticipated severe weather, county officials are making some important announcements.
McLain, Mississippi, United States

1 dead, 126 homes damaged or destroyed due to severe weather in Mississippi
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has issued an updated damage report from Tuesday and Wednesday’s severe weather. According to MEMA, one person in Grenada County died. Six were injured, two of which were in Scott County. Details regarding where the other four injuries took place have not been released...
Grenada, Mississippi, United States
SuperTalk Mississippi Media

Juneau had a record-breaking cruise season last year. This year should be about the same.
Juneau implements a new daily limit of five large cruise ships to manage record-breaking tourism and address local concerns about traffic and quality of life.

Tsunami program that informs Alaskans of the danger is itself at risk
It funds maps, sirens and education. "Losing this program, really, at the end of the day could mean deaths in Alaska," says a state official.
Cordova, Alaska, United States

Western Alaska tribes, outraged by bycatch, turn up the heat on fishery managers and trawlers
The years-long debate is taking on increasing urgency as subsistence harvesting bans continue and the policy responses under consideration threaten to impose steep costs on the industry.
Nulato, Alaska, United States

New work season opens for Denali Park Road bridge
The $100 million Pretty Rocks Bridge will cross the site of a landslide that has closed the road at Mile 45 since 2021.
Denali Park

Canada's wildfires blamed for rise in global loss of tree cover outside of tropics
Canada's record wildfires contribute significantly to global non-tropical tree cover loss, with implications for climate change and biodiversity.
Canada

Canada, Alaska suspend fishing of Yukon River chinook salmon for 7 years
Canada and Alaska have agreed to a seven-year fishing moratorium on Yukon River chinook salmon to aid the species' recovery, following years of declining numbers.
Yukon River, Alaska

Canada's mild winter disrupts key ice road to remote Arctic diamond mines
Canada's mild winter has caused the longest recent delay in opening the Arctic ice road, essential for diamond mine access and goods transport, highlighting climate change impacts on infrastructure.
ArcticToday

Landslide-triggered tsunamis can strike without warning. Alaska researchers are trying to change that.
Alaska researchers are developing a method to detect landslide-triggered tsunamis, aiming to provide early warnings for such unpredictable events.

Commercial fisheries may soon be at the Bering Strait’s doorstep
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.

Nine water lines and six sewer lines remain frozen after Swan lake Loop failed last month
Emergency measures are in place in Kotzebue after a failure in the Swan Lake Loop left 74 households without water, prompting local and state officials to declare an emergency and take action to provide services and repair infrastructure.

Alaska creates climate plan to reduce statewide emissions and fund a wide range of sustainable energy projects
Alaska's new Sustainable Energy Action Plan aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy, excluding oil industry cuts.

Peltola has fish on her mind during Cama-i trip to Bethel
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.
Bethel, Alaska, United States

Amid salmon crash, Alaska’s Yukon River residents say a new pact with Canada leaves them behind
Alaska's Yukon River residents feel neglected by a new Canada-U.S. agreement aimed at rebuilding salmon stocks, as the pact requires a seven-year fishing halt that exacerbates their economic and cultural struggles.
Yukon River, Alaska, United States

Technology that detects volcanoes and nuclear explosions will listen for avalanches in Juneau
An infrasound avalanche detection system, previously used for monitoring volcanoes and nuclear tests, is being installed in Juneau to improve avalanche mitigation and road safety.

Beaver expansion into Alaska’s Arctic tundra presents problems for people – and opportunities
Beavers are transforming Alaska's Arctic tundra, creating both challenges for local communities and ecological opportunities, as their population and dam-building activities alter landscapes and affect permafrost.
The Arctic
Alaska Beacon

Arctic rivers face big changes with warming climate, permafrost thaw and accelerating water cycle
Arctic rivers are undergoing significant changes due to a warming climate, with increased precipitation and permafrost thaw leading to stronger flows and altered chemical compositions.
The Arctic
Alaska Beacon

Ice measuring in Kotzebue can help snowmachiners and scientists alike
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.

Norway need more ammunition, the Chemring Nobel explosive plant increases its emissions fivefold
The Chemring Nobel explosive plant in Norway is increasing its emissions fivefold, raising concerns about worsening nitrogen pollution in the Oslo fjord.
Oslo, Oslo, Norway

Federal grant to bring heat pumps to households, solar energy to villages in Northwest Arctic
A federal grant will provide heat pumps to households and solar energy systems to villages in the Northwest Arctic, aiming to reduce energy costs and reliance on diesel, with an expected annual revenue of nearly $1 million for the region.
Northwest Arctic, Alaska, United States

In this drought year, Alberta's water allocation is under the microscope. Here's what the data says
Alberta's water allocation data reveals regional disparities in usage and availability, with agriculture dominating in the south and oil and gas in the north, amidst concerns of overuse and drought.
Alberta, Canada

Alaska will receive $2.6M towards small scale food production
Alaska receives $2.6M from the USDA to enhance local food production, aiming to bolster food security in a state where 95% of food is imported.

Study tracks calls used by endangered Cook Inlet belugas, and human-made noise in their habitat
The article discusses concerns over the impact of human-made noise on endangered Cook Inlet belugas and the debate over noise mitigation measures.
Cook Inlet, Alaska

Over 20 Alaska villages on tap for $125M in federal funds for solar and hydroelectric projects
Alaska is set to receive $125M in federal funds for renewable energy projects, benefiting over 20 villages with solar, hydroelectric, and storage initiatives.

Alaskapox death brings attention to small animal virus
For nine years, Alaska health officials have been aware of an unusual virus causing rare, relatively mild illnesses in the Fairbanks area. But a recent case in another part of the state — this one resulting in a man's death — has brought new attention to the Alaskapox virus.

What is causing the rusting of northern Alaska streams?
The oranging of northern rivers seems to be related to recent permafrost thaw that has allowed streams to release previously captive iron, trace metals and acid.
Kougarok, River

Conservationists ask feds to protect rare Kigluaik buttercup flower
Conservationists petition for federal protection of the rare Kigluaik buttercup, threatened by climate change and proposed mining activities.
Kigluaik Mountains, Alaska

BLM hears pleas for retaining protections on D-1 lands
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 investigate paralytic shellfish poisoning as possible factor in large marine die offs
Scientists are investigating the widespread presence of paralytic shellfish toxins in Alaska's marine food chain, which may explain recent species die-offs.
Kavitha George, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Chugach forecasters warn of dangerous avalanche conditions after 1 death, 2 close calls
Chugach forecasters issue warnings of high avalanche danger following a fatal incident and two non-fatal close calls in the mountains.
Girdwood, Alaska, United States
Chris Klint, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Alaska state geologists’ report on fatal landslide in Wrangell cites heavy rainfall as trigger
The state is seeking new support from FEMA and other partners to expand studies of landslide risks on Wrangell Island and elsewhere in Alaska.
Wrangell, Alaska, United States

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