Environment

Since 2000, the Bristol Bay Native Association has offered annual internship opportunities for Native students with a focus on biological and social sciences. The experience provides a unique learning opportunity, and a window into scientific research.  

Erosion research goes one step further in Dillingham. A permanent tide gauge will be instilled at the city dock. 

Ekuk operates differently than other set net beaches in the bay; fishers rely on trucks to carry their catch to the local processor. As fishing in the village evolved with technology and product demands, so has the coastline. Rapid erosion threatens structures and setnet sites across the beach.

Researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks will travel to Dillingham this week to continue erosion research in 11 of Bristol Bay’s coastal communities.

Larry Van Daele was named chair in January.  His membership on the board expires this summer, and he won't be reappointed. Van Daele talks about his time in Southwest Alaska and the history of a crucial caribou hunt.

Reiley brings experience as a biologist and technician in several states researching birds, grizzlies and black bears. He recently received his PhD in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Illinois.

When Pebble’s federal permit proposal was rejected last year, several of Bristol Bay’s Tribal and regional entities renewed calls for permanent protections at the region’s headwaters. Earlier this month, those groups introduced a two-step plan, or “The Call,” to do just that. 

Bear 747 was named the winner of Katmai National Park's Fat Bear Week competition, defeating 32 Chunk in the finals.

It’s a huge election year … for bears. Katmai National Park’s Fat Bear Week is underway, and the competition is bigger than ever. That’s in part to large sockeye salmon runs in Bristol Bay. 

A muskox was recently spotted in Manokotak. This is highly unusual — these animals normally range further north and west, across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. But in recent years, state biologists and Bristol Bay residents have noticed these stocky, furry fellas stepping out of their home turf.