Science & Data

We have successfully completed Day 2 of surveying Glacier Bay National Park for some of the northern headlands in the bay. Today’s survey included imaging of Reid Glacier (see image below), the first of many tidewater glaciers to come. So far, the flight crew has been able to generally stick to their flight plan. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve 2018 facts (National Park Service): Two hundred and fifty years ago a single, large tidewater glacier covered all of Glacier Bay. By 1750 the glacier began to retreat and has now retreated 60 miles to the head of the bay. At last count there were 1, 045 glaciers in the Park. There are over 50 named glaciers, seven of which are active tidewater glaciers that calve icebergs into the sea. In general, tidewater and terrestrial glaciers in the Park have been thinning and receding over the last several decades. Exceptions include the Johns Hopkins and Margerie glaciers.

The Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Marine Mammal Laboratory conducts research to manage and conserve gray whale populations in Alaska. 

These reports were contracted and created by the Arctic Whale Ecology Study (ARCWEST).

Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Marine Mammal Laboratory conducts research to manage and conserve Bowhead whale populations in Alaska.

Presents a baseline map of fishing impact in U.S. Territories and other Micronesian localities.

Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Marine Mammal Laboratory conducts research to manage and recover this population otherwise headed toward extinction.

We conduct a variety of genetic research on Pacific salmon, groundfish, and forage fish species to comply with regional, national, and international agreements and treaties for managing marine resources.

Pacific salmon play an important role in Alaska’s marine ecosystems and are a valuable commercial, recreational, and subsistence resource. NOAA Fisheries scientists forecast salmon harvests, assess the impact of commercial fisheries on salmon, and evaluate how salmon populations respond to environmental changes. The information we provide helps managers make science-based decisions to ensure sustainable fish populations, fisheries, and fishing communities.

Decades after the end of commercial whaling, humpback whales are playing an increasingly important role in Alaska’s ecosystem and economics. Whale watching is a multimillion dollar industry in Alaska and humpbacks are the main attraction.

Alaska Fisheries Science Center research of the Dall's porpoise.