Yereth Rosen, Alaska Beacon
Dire condition of Alaska’s seafood industry has many causes and no easy fixes, experts say
A legislative task force is considering many responses to rescue the industry and communities that depend on it.
Sexually transmitted infections top Alaska’s annual disease list, reflecting high rates
Alaska has some of the nation's highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea, according to the state's annual infectious disease report.
Biden administration gives support to controversial land trade in Alaska wildlife refuge
A land swap would allow for a road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge that supporters say King Cove needs; opponents say it would be ecologically ruinous.
Chukchi Sea polar bears are increasingly exposed to disease-causing pathogens
A new study signals potential future stress for bears already coping with a warming environment in Alaska and Siberia.
Strong sockeye salmon return expected next year in Alaska’s Bristol Bay region, biologists say
The size of the famous Bristol Bay run is forecasted to be above the long-term average, but the economic outlook is unclear.
Scientists discover volcano-like structure in Arctic Ocean off Alaska
The discovery came as scientists from different organizations were aboard the Healy, one of two polar-class Coast Guard icebreaking cutters.
Biden administration plans new limits on oil leasing in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
A new environmental study recommends additional protections for wildlife, waterways and permafrost, with new rules for a legally mandated lease sale.
Alaskans charged $5.78B for hospital stays last year, state report says
Being a newborn baby was the top reason for hospitalizations, while childbirth complications ranked third on the list, the report says.
Alaska births and deaths both declined in 2023, and population total held steady, state says
Alaska’s population total remained almost unchanged in 2023 at 736,812, an increase of 304 from 2022.
Chronic disease report reflects some unhealthy habits among Alaskans
Most Alaska adults are overweight or obese, and many are missing recommended screenings for cancer and other diseases, says the state’s annual report.
Bering Sea snow crab fishing to resume, but at an ultra-low level to encourage repopulation
After a two-year hiatus forced by low stocks, the Bering Sea snow crab harvest is back on.
Alaska’s seafood industry lost $1.8 billion last year, NOAA report says
Glutted seafood markets, low prices, high costs and reduced catches caused pain that swept through Alaska and beyond, the report says.
Yukon River salmon runs remain low, but glimmers of improvement emerge
The fall run of chum salmon is the third lowest in a record that goes back to the 1970s. But there were some positive signs.
Alaska’s life-expectancy drop was biggest among all states in 2021, CDC says
Alaska’s life expectancy in 2021 was 74.5 years, down from the average of 76.6 years in 2020.
Marquee Alaska sockeye run was bigger than expected, but the individual fish were small
Bristol Bay’s sockeye salmon have been shrinking over past decades, and this year’s average fish size was the smallest on record.
Alaska House race in South Anchorage presents contrasts, despite common party affiliation
Both candidates are Republicans, but they differ in their ideas about bipartisan caucuses, state employee retirement benefits and other issues.
Visitors to Alaska’s national parklands pumped $2.3B into the state’s economy, report says
Tourism to national parks in Alaska has rebounded from pre-pandemic levels after three years of lower numbers.
Study gives updated estimate for wolverine population on Alaska’s North Slope
The population is healthy despite apparent decline, but the species can get overlooked when development is planned, scientists say.
Alaska schools to be stocked with anti-overdose kits under new law
Hundreds of overdose-reversal kits are headed to schools as part of a strategy to combat Alaska’s high rate of opioid deaths.
Alaska judge strikes down requirement that only licensed physicians provide abortions
A judge agreed with Planned Parenthood that barring clinicians from providing services violates the state's constitution.