Yereth Rosen, Alaska Beacon
Settlement requires corrective actions at 2 Alaska plants formerly operated by Peter Pan Seafood
Plants in King Cove and Valdez had longstanding waste violations, and Peter Pan's successors must take compliance measures.
Renewed Southeast Alaska wastewater discharge permits require better bacteria controls
The six affected communities have exemptions allowing them to perform only rudimentary "primary" wastewater treatment.
Record-low Bering Sea ice conditions of 2018 expected to be repeated in coming years
As the Northern Bering Sea ecosystem emerges from extraordinary warmth, a study warns of likely future occurrences.
Slight increase in Alaska’s minimum wage coming ahead of larger, voter-approved increase
The state’s minimum wage will increase by 18 cents to $11.91 an hour at the start of the new year.
Less-reliable fall snow makes Alaska moose population surveys more difficult
A study projects early season snow will be too paltry for biologists to spot moose from the air in most of the animals’ Alaska habitat.
Recently unionized home care workers in Alaska approve first contracts
Home care workers, whose services are needed more as Alaska's population ages, have negotiated for better pay and other benefits.
Alaska’s total commercial salmon harvest this year was ultra-low in both quantity and value
The total number of fish harvested was the third lowest since 1985, and the value to fishers was the third lowest since 1975.
Alaska seafood processing workers made more money in 2023, but there were fewer of them
The processing employment data, which also shows a higher percentage of nonresident hire, points to difficulties with worker shortages.
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.