C-Notes
C-Notes March 25, 2025
Message from the Dean
It is a great pleasure to convey that the National Science Foundation has renewed our cooperative agreement to continue operation of R/V Sikuliaq through the end of calendar year 2028. A particular point of pride is that after a rigorous review process, NSF renewed the cooperative agreement directly with UAF/CFOS, rather than competing the ship nationally with other potential operators. I wholeheartedly congratulate the captains, crew members, marine superintendents, our shoreside staff, and all of our federal agency partners for their dedication and excellent work in support of Sikuliaq ship operations over the past decade—BZ team!
Speaking of the ship, Gabe Matthias has accepted the position of science operations manager for R/V Sikuliaq. Gabe earned a Blue MBA degree from the University of Rhode Island and has considerable experience working at sea. He has worked as a marine technician for more than nine years, including time aboard R/V Savannah, Endeavor, two years in the UNOLS Tech Pool, and the past year aboard Sikuliaq. Please join me in congratulating Gabe on his new appointment.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is in Honolulu being prepared to mobilize the ROV Jason for Jim Potemra’s (University of Hawaii) ALOHA Cabled Observatory maintenance cruise. Station ALOHA comprises a 6-mile radius in the Pacific Ocean north of Hawaii where a variety of oceanographic research projects take place.
Accomplishments
Kay McMonigal was selected as a 2025 Kavli Fellow. Fellows gathered at the U.S. Kavli Frontiers of Science symposium March 6–8, bringing together a group of scientists 45 or younger who are “engaged in exceptional research in a variety of disciplines.”
Hannah Myers was awarded summer 2025 funding from the Dr. Syun-Ichi Akasofu Endowment, which supports scientific excellence and leadership in UAF faculty.
Kay McMonigal was selected as an inaugural member of the American Geophysical Union's DEIA reviewer board.
CFOS in the News
Courtney Carothers was quoted in a KTOO public media story about a push to reform regulations that limit participation in Alaska’s commercial fisheries.
Publications
Doherty, S.C., C.V. Davis, and J.F. Fehrenbacher. 2025. Planktic foraminifera record the succession
of anaerobic metabolisms in particle microenvironments across a pelagic oxygen gradient.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.
Message from the Dean
It is a pleasure to convey that Luke Canady has accepted the position of CFOS financial manager. Luke brings significant experience in financial management and accounting from the private sector and Alaska state government. Luke will be based at our Lena Point facility, and his start date is April 14. Please join me in welcoming Luke to CFOS!
On February 27-March 2, high schools from across Alaska participated in this year’s Tsunami Bowl, which was held at the Seward Marine Center. The Juneau-Douglas High School “CoastCo Guys” team won first place in the annual high school ocean sciences competition, and the Ketchikan High School “Saber-Toothed Salmon” team won the top research project award. It is a pleasure to congratulate all participants, and a special thank-you to Courtney Carothers, Pat Church, Brian Crandall, Jennifer Elhard, Josianne Haag, Maya Russin, Amanda Kelley and Nicole Webster for helping with the event.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is currently offshore of Hawaii in support of the second of two Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT) cruises this winter.
Accomplishments
Sarah Mincks was appointed to the Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry Scientific Steering Committee. The committee identifies, promotes, plans and coordinates multidisciplinary research opportunities in ocean biogeochemistry.
CFOS in the News
Research by Lara Horstmann and graduate student Chelsea Kovalcsik focusing on microplastics in spotted seals was highlighted in an article in The Cool Down.
Shannon Atkinson was quoted in a USA Today story about the impacts of the cruise ship industry on Southeast Alaska and the local environment.
Fishermen’s News covered research by Andy Seitz, Hannah Myers and Michael Courtney about salmon shark predation on Chinook salmon.
Curry Cunningham was quoted in an Anchorage Daily News article about the impacts of federal job cuts on fisheries management and weather forecasts.
Publications
Drakard, V.F., J.A. Hollarsmith, and M.S. Stekoll. 2025. Hyposaline conditions impact the early life-stages of commercially important
high-latitude kelp species. Journal of Phycology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpy.
Ortega, E.L.S., I. Reister, S.L. Danielson, and A.M. Aguilar-Islas. 2025. Surface macro- and micro-nutrients within the Copper River plume region respond
to along-shore winds. Marine Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
Sletten, A., A. Bryan, K. Iken, J. Olnes, and L. Horstmann. 2025. Microplastics in spotted seal stomachs from the Bering and Chukchi seas in
2012 and 2020. Marine Pollution Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
Grants and Awards for February 2025
New awards for CFOS researchers
- Grant G-16635 "JSAT tagging Chinook salmon smolt in Cook Inlet" - Andy Seitz - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $118,320.00 (January 1, 2025)
Awards receiving incremental funding
- Grant G-14786 "Gulf Watch Alaska Long-Term Research and Monitoring Program: Nearshore Component" - Katrin Iken - Prince William Sound Science Center - Mod 4 - $143,951.00 (February 1, 2022)
- Grant G-14930 "The Seward Line: Marine Ecosystem monitoring in the Northern Gulf of Alaska" - Russ Hopcroft - Prince William Sound Science Center - Mod 4 - $227,577.00 (June 1, 2022)
- Grant G-14947 "Oceanographic Station GAK1 Long Term Monitoring of the Alaska Coastal Current" - Seth Danielson - Prince William Sound Science Center - Mod 4 - $139,882.00 (June 1, 2022)
- Grant G-14948 "Pacific herring and pink salmon trophic interactions in Prince William Sound, Alaska" - Kristen Gorman - Prince William Sound Science Center - Mod 4 - $122,353.00 (June 1, 2022)
- Grant G-15074 "AMBON - linking biodiversity observations in the Arctic" - Katrin Iken - Office of Naval Research - Mod 2 - $20,000.00 (September 1, 2022)
PCCRC projects receiving incremental funding
- 271122 "PCCRC Fellowships" - Keith Criddle - $6,766.00
- 271220 "Yukon Chum Early Life History" - Megan McPhee - $46,774.00
- 273126 "Marine Drivers in Western Alaska Salmon" - Peter Westley - $83,476.00
Award set up on assumption
- Grant G-16634 "Developing gear modifications to reduce killer whale bycatch in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Amendment 80 groundfish trawl fishery" - Hannah Myers - NOAA (February 1, 2025)
Message from the Dean
As noted below under Accomplishments, it is a great pleasure to congratulate Stephanie Madsen for being honored with the Vera Alexander Award for Marine Science and Education. Stephanie has been an ardent supporter of Alaska’s commercial fisheries in her former role as executive director of the At-Sea Processors Association, as well as through her service with the Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center, the CFOS Advisory Council, and the UA Foundation. I am very pleased that Stephanie has expressed her interest to remain actively engaged with CFOS research and education activities, and we very much welcome her continued insight and support. Congratulations Stephanie!
In just over two weeks, the 51st annual meeting of the Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society will take place in Ketchikan. This meeting will provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase our fisheries research and education activities, and many presentations will be given by our faculty, students and collaborators. Andy Seitz recently began a four-year term on the Executive Committee of the Alaska Chapter, and is helping to organize this important meeting.
Daylight is increasing in our great state, and you can sense that spring is just around the corner—time to get that remaining seasonal skiing done.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is in port in Honolulu, Hawaii, preparing for the annual American Bureau of Shipping and U.S. Coast Guard inspections. These yearly inspections are required to maintain the Certificate of Inspection, issued once every five years, that shows vessels are seaworthy and safe for personnel.
Accomplishments
Stephanie Madsen was honored by the Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center with the Vera Alexander Award for Marine Science and Education. Madsen, a longtime PCCRC supporter and advisory board member, retired last year as executive director of the At-Sea Processors Association.
CFOS in the News
The Alaska Science Forum column, which is published in numerous outlets in the state, highlighted a 2023 cruise aboard R/V Sikuliaq that took cores from the ocean floor to learn about the Bering Land Bridge.
Publications
Ozkan-Haller, T., J. Yoder, L. Aluwhihare, [...], S.B. Moran, et al. 2025. Forecasting the Ocean: 2025-2035 Decadal Survey of Ocean Sciences. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/27846
Ozkan-Haller, T., J. Yoder, L. Aluwhihare, [...], S.B. Moran, et al. 2024. Progress and priorities in ocean drilling: In search of Earth’s past and present. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/27414
Sutton, L., B.P. Ulaski, N.C. Lundstrom, E.J. Whitney, J.B. Fellman, A.H. Beaudreau, J. Jenckes, S.S. Gabara,
and B. Konar. 2025. Seasonality and hydroclimatic variability shape the functional and taxonomic
diversity of nearshore fish communities in glacierized estuaries of Alaska. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
Veatch, J.M., M.J. Oliver, E. Fredj, H. Statscewich, K. Bernard, A.M. Hann, G. Voirol, H.L. Fuchs, W.R. Fraser, and J.T. Kohut. 2025.
Lagrangian coherent structures influence the spatial structure of marine food webs.
Communications Earth & Environment. https://doi.org/10.1038/
Message from the Dean
Hang in there, everyone—we will get through this together.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is underway for the first of two Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT) cruises this winter. For over three decades, scientists based at the University of Hawaii have conducted oceanographic studies of the “state of our sea” to establish baseline data at Station ALOHA. HOT cruises are usually conducted aboard R/V Kilo Moana; however, Sikuliaq is supporting this effort while the “KM” undergoes an extended drydock repair schedule.
Accomplishments
CFOS students swept the best student poster awards at this year’s Alaska Marine Science Symposium. Congratulations to the winners!
- Doctorate: “Getting to the Source of it: Determining the Specificity of Different Biomarkers,” Sydney Wilkinson, advisor Katrin Iken
- Master’s: “Towards Pinto Abalone Farming in Alaska,” Lindsay Meyer, advisor Schery Umanzor
- Bachelor/High School: “Feasibility of Sea Urchin Ranching in Alaska,” McKenna Shook, advisor Brenda Konar
CFOS in the News
Research by Lara Horstmann and her students on microplastics in seal fetuses was covered by the Alaska Beacon. Current and former CFOS students Chelsea Kovalcsik, Tony Blade, Noelle Picard, Linnaea Doerner and Alexandra Sletten were featured in the article.
Courtney Carothers was quoted in a Northern Journal article about the loss of fishing permits in rural Alaska.
Alaska Marine Science Symposium presentations by Hank Statscewich and Andy Seitz were mentioned in a Cordova Times story about research highlights from the conference.
Another Cordova Times article focused on research by Andy Seitz, Michael Courtney and Hannah Myers about salmon sharks’ consumption of chinook salmon in the Gulf of Alaska.
Publications
Campana, S.E., G. Hambrecht, N. Misarti, H. Moshfeka, M. Efird, S.M. Schaal, G.A. Olafsdottir, R. Edvardsson, A.D. Juliusson, E. Hjorleifsson,
F.J. Feeley, G. Cesario, and L.B. Palsdottir. 2025. Mortality drives production dynamics
of Atlantic cod through 1100 years of commercial fishing. Science Advances. https://doi.org/10.1126/
Jung, J.W., M. Dittrich, S. Umanzor, and J.K. Kim. 2025. Influence of Sargassum horneri extract (SHE) pre-treatment and nutrient availability on the thermal tolerance of
Palmaria hecatensis. Journal of Applied Phycology. https://doi.org/10.1007/
Umanzor, S., J.W. Jung, M. Dittrich, J.K. Kim, P. Tomco, Z.C. Redman, and M. Brandhuber. 2025. Divergent patterns of metabolite expression in red seaweeds
(Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis) following nitrate and
ammonium supplementation. Life. https://doi.org/10.3390/
Williams, W.J., K.A. Brown, L.M. Rotermund, B.A. Bluhm, S.L. Danielson, M. Dempsey, F.A. McLaughlin, S. Vagle, and E.C. Carmack. 2025. Processes in the
Kitikmeot Sea estuary constraining marine life. Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene. https://doi.org/10.1525/
Grants and Awards for January
New awards for CFOS researchers
- Grant G-16574 "Measuring the pulse of the Gulf of Alaska: Oceanographic observations along the Seward Line 2024-2029" - Russ Hopcroft - NPRB - $867,340.00 (July 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16577 "Using Satellite-Tracked Autonomous Drifting Buoys to Advance Search and Rescue Capabilities of Yup'ik Coastal Communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta" - Thilo Klenz - AOOS - $59,500.00 (September 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16593 "Climate Drivers of Yukon River Chinook Productivity #1" - Megan McPhee - NPRB - $35,873.17 (September 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16594 " Climate Drivers of Yukon River Chinook Productivity #2" - Megan McPhee - NPRB - $26,633.00 (September 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16605 "Marine Habitat Selection by Seabirds of the Northern Bering Sea: Physical Processes, Movements, Foraging, and Modeling" - Kristen Gorman - NPRB - $9,980.00 (October 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16609 "StratiFIED-Stratification and Fronts Influencing Ecosystem Dynamics in the Northern Bering Sea" - Sarah Mincks - NPRB - $10,000.00 (October 1, 2024)
Awards receiving incremental funding
- Grant G-14032 "Material and Cost Efficient Modular Riverine Hydrokinetic Energy System" - Andy Seitz - ACEP - Mod 3 - $60,681.00 (April 12, 2021)
- Grant G-15802 "NNA Collaboratory: ACTION - Alaska Coastal Cooperative for Co-producing Transformative Ideas and Opportunities in the North" - Kay McMonigal - GI - Mod 2 - $142,208.00 (October 1, 2023)
- Grant G-15892 "CY2023-CY2028 R/V Sikuliaq ONR Ship Days" - Doug Baird - Mod 2 - $518,405.00 (December 1, 2023)
Message from the Dean
It is my pleasure to convey that Dr. Thilo Klenz has been appointed Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Oceanography. A CFOS alum (Ph.D., 2023), Thilo is known to many in the college as a seagoing physical oceanographer who has participated in research cruises in the tropical Atlantic and Pacific, the subpolar North Atlantic, the Arctic Ocean, the Gulf of Alaska, and off Antarctica. His research focuses on the physics of ocean circulation and turbulent mixing, using a combination of ocean drifters and related observation platforms and modeling approaches. Please join me in congratulating Thilo!
This week the North Pacific Research Board and partners will host the 2025 Alaska Marine Science Symposium in Anchorage. As in past years, CFOS researchers and students will have a major presence at this meeting. CFOS will host a booth, so please stop by during the poster sessions if you plan to attend. As part of AMSS, the annual Coastal Marine Institute symposium will be held Friday morning, and presentations by researchers supported by the Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center will run concurrently.
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is moored at the University of Hawaii Marine Center pier in Honolulu, Hawaii. After unloading science gear from the Jurassic Quiet Zone seismic survey, Sikuliaq will be prepared for four research cruises and three short repair periods over the next few months.
Accomplishments
Tamamta fellow Natasha Hayden was given an Environmental Leader Award by the Center for Rural Affairs for her advocacy for Indigenous fishing rights.
CFOS in the News
The Nature Conservancy highlighted a new report by Courtney Carothers about financial damage caused by Alaska’s commercial fisheries permit system.
Alaska Beacon and other outlets covered new research by Matthew Wooller and Peter Westley about northern pike using saltwater corridors to colonize freshwater lakes.
Publications
Lindley, E.D., K.M. Dunmall, and P.A.H. Westley. 2025. Assessing the role of incubation temperature as a barrier to successful establishment
of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in a rapidly warming Arctic. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.
Lindley, E.D., and P.A.H. Westley. 2025. Methods and approach to the interdisciplinary and cross-cultural Arctic Alaska
Salmon Workshop: critical self-reflections from fisheries scientists. Arctic Science. https://doi.org/10.1139/as-
McMahon, J., S.A. May, P.S. Rand, K.B. Gorman, M.V. McPhee, and P.A.H. Westley. 2025. Phenotypic sorting of pink salmon hatchery strays may alleviate adverse impacts
of reduced variation in fitness-associated traits. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.
Sullaway, G.H., C. Cunningham, D.G. Kimmel, J.M. Nielsen, D. Pilcher, A.I. Pinchuk, and P.J. Stabeno. 2025. Impacts of climate change on Bering Sea copepod phenology
and reproductive strategy. Marine Ecology Progress Series. https://doi.org/10.3354/
Message from the Dean
As we kick off the spring 2025 semester, it is a pleasure to wish everyone a belated happy New Year and a warm welcome to our returning and new CFOS students. Our faculty and staff are here to support you, and we wish you great success.
Congratulations to our fall 2024 graduates:
Jonah Bacon, M.S. Fisheries. Major advisor: Trent Sutton
Lok Hei (Matt) Cheng, Ph.D. Fisheries. Major advisor: Curry Cunningham
Muriel Dittrich, M.S. Marine Biology. Major advisor: Schery Umanzor
Janessa Esquible, Ph.D. Fisheries. Major advisor: Courtney Carothers
Cameron Jardell, M.S. Marine Biology. Major advisor: Schery Umanzor
Hannah Kepner, M.S. Oceanography. Major advisor: Russ Hopcroft
Kimberly Pikok, M.S. Interdisciplinary. Major advisor: Courtney Carothers
Lindsay Turner, M.S. Fisheries. Major advisor: Curry Cunningham
Sierra Lloyd, B.S. Fisheries and Marine Sciences. Concentration: Oceanography
R/V Sikuliaq
Sikuliaq is transiting from Pohnpei, Micronesia, to Honolulu, Hawaii. At the University of Hawaii Marine Center in Honolulu, Sikuliaq will prepare for four research cruises and three short repair periods over the next few months.
Accomplishments
Courtney Carothers was appointed to the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee.
CFOS graduate student Sujung Chung was selected as a 2025 USDA NextGen Scholar for UAF.
CFOS in the News
An Inside Unmanned Technology story about UAF scientists’ use of drones and gliders included ecosystem research by Hank Statscewich and Seth Danielson from the CFOS glider lab.
Peter Westley was interviewed on the Fish of the Week podcast about expanding salmon migrations into the Arctic.
Sea Technology published a short item about a kelp farming toolkit created by a group of elementary school students in Washington. Schery Umanzor helped with their project.
Alaska Sea Grant highlighted pink salmon research by Peter Westley and Ph.D. student Elizabeth Lindley on its news website.
Publications
Oke, K.B., M.A. Litzow, and F. Mueter. 2024. Shifting temperature-abundance relationship for Bering Sea walleye pollock
consistent with northward expansion during exceptionally warm conditions. Marine Ecology Progress Series. https://doi.org/10.3354/
Oswalt, H.E., M.O. Amsler, C.D. Amsler, K. Iken, J.B. McClintock, A.G. Klein, A.W.G. Galloway. 2025. Nutritional consistency of macroalgae
across a sea ice cover gradient along the Western Antarctic Peninsula. Journal of Phycology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpy.
Wooller, M.J., P. Bradley, K.J. Spaleta, R.L. Massengill, K. Dunker, and P.A.H. Westley. 2024. Estuarine dispersal of an invasive Holarctic predator (Esox lucius) confirmed in North America. PLOS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/
Grants and Awards for December 2024
New awards for CFOS researchers
- Grant G-16520 "Chukchi Ecosystem Observatory: Monitoring and detection of wind and ice-mediated changes using year-round moorings in the Northeast Chukchi Sea" - Seth Danielson - NPRB - $306,209.00 (December 1, 2024)
- Grant G-16553 "Developing Pacific Dulse as a valuable USDA specialty crop for sustainable nutrition and coastal economy" - Schery Umanzor - Oregon State University - $83,950.00 (September 30, 2024)
- Grant G-16570 "University of Alaska Fairbanks/Sikuliaq Ship Operations CY2025 - 2028" - Bradley Moran - NSF - $5,000,000.00 (January 1, 2025)
Awards receiving incremental funding
- Grant G-14380 "Arctic High-Frequency Radar Operations and Maintenance (Arctic HFR)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 4 - $156,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14451 "Seward Line Monitoring (Seward Line)" - Russ Hopcroft - AOOS - Mod 4- $116,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14471 "Alaska Ecosystem Observatory Network Build-Out, Operations and Maintenance (Eco-Moorings)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 4 - $85,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14472 "Measuring Ocean Currents in Bering Strait with High Frequency Radars (Bering Strait HFR)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 4 - $115,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14473 "Alaska Region Glider Missions Supporting an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM Gliders)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 4 - $240,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14482 "An Arctic Marine Mammal Observing System (Chukchi Glider)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 4 - $65,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14484 "Time-Series Monitoring of Ocean Acidification in Alaska (OA Timeseries)" - Natalie Monacci - AOOS - Mod 4 - $29,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-14485 "National Ocean Acidification Observing Network (NOA-ON) Stations: Gulf of Alaska (GAKOA) and Bering Sea (M2) moorings (M2 and GAK Moorings)" - Natalie Monacci - AOOS - Mod 4 - $168,972.00 (July 1, 2021)
- Grant G-15157 "Arctic High-Frequency Radar FCC Compliance (HFR Operators)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 3 - $19,048.00 (July 1, 2022)
- Grant G-15438 "Examine health metrics of Copper River sockeye salmon stocks to inform management decision making" - Kristen Gorman - NPS - Mod 4 - $419,000.00 (April 13, 2023)
- Grant G-15870 "LTER: Seasonal controls and emergent effects of changing land-ice-ocean interactions on the Arctic coastal ecosystems (BLE II)" - Katrin Iken - University of Texas at Austin - Mod 1 - $139,994.00 (September 1, 2023)
