From the Field: Erosion and Permafrost Melt
Since returning to One Ocean, one thing has become impossible to ignore. At nearly every stop, we are seeing widespread coastal erosion and visible effects of permafrost melt. These are not subtle changes. They are dramatic shifts in the Arctic landscape, and they are happening fast. What is more
From the Field: Belugas at the Ice Edge of the Arctic Sea
Beluga whales ( Delphinapterus leucas), often called “sea canaries” for their rich vocalizations, are among the most iconic marine mammals of the Arctic. Intelligent, social, and uniquely adapted to extreme environments, they offer an important lens into the rapidly changing northern ecosystem
From the Field: Sailing Through Change: Witnessing the Melting Arctic
Hello All, The Northwest Passage, an impressive Arctic sea route connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, has long captivated the imagination of sailors and explorers. Now, One Ocean has departed Nome, Alaska and is heading toward this daunting and thrilling route, one that many around the world
From the Field: Restoring Sockeye Salmon in Unalaska, A Fight for the Future
While in Unalaska, Alaska, we met two individuals quietly carrying out some of the most important environmental work in the Aleutians. After coming across our podcast, they approached our boat and invited us to see their work the next day. What followed was an eye-opening look into the underfunded
From the Field: Pinto Abalone Cultivation Research
Hello All, While in Juneau, Alaska, we had the wonderful opportunity to meet Dr. Schery Umanzor, a professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a passionate marine ecologist. Thanks to our friends Theresa and Jeff, we were invited into her marine research lab to learn firsthand about the
From the Field: What the Fluke!
Hello All, The whale activity during our recent research days has been nothing short of extraordinary. In just two days, we’ve documented 19 identifiable humpback whales and one pod of orcas, and that doesn’t even include the many others spotted in the distance, too far for clear photos. Not even
From the Field: Day 26
Hello all, Today marks Day 26 of the expedition, and it’s been an incredible journey so far—busy, productive, and full of new discoveries. We’ve now had two whale encounters, the most recent being a solo humpback as we entered Blackfish Sound. To date, we’ve studied 11 kelp sites along the east
Kelp and Orcas: First Days in the Field
Hello, We’ve just completed two official kelp site studies and had our first whale encounter while underway. I’m happy to report that we’re settling into a good rhythm with data collection. There are still some rough patches I’m working on to improve efficiency, but I’m proud of what we’ve