C-Notes

Message from the Dean

This month marks the ten-year anniversary for R/V Sikuliaq becoming fully operational. While there were ice trials and shakedown cruises in 2015, the ship became part of UNOLS and was available for full science operations in March 2016. Congratulations to the captains, crew and shoreside support staff on this milestone! 

Speaking of the ship, the website for the Arctic Marine Science exhibit that will feature Sikuliaq at the Anchorage Museum is now live and the official opening will take place on May 15, 2026. My great thanks to the North Pacific Research Board, the Anchorage Museum, and all supporters for leading this wonderful exhibit.

For the first time, the Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society is hosting its annual meeting this week in Fairbanks at the Westmark Hotel. Meetings will take place today through Thursday, including a tradeshow/poster session/film festival on Tuesday evening at the Museum of the North. Andy Seitz currently serves as president-elect and will assume the president role at the conclusion of the meeting. CFOS is a key sponsor of this important conference, which will be a great showcase for our fisheries research and education activities.

Remember to please mark your calendars for the 2026 State of the College on April 16 at 1-2 pm, and to submit your nominations for the Dean's Recognition Awards by the March 27 deadline. This hybrid event will be a fun moment to reflect on our accomplishments and our future.

Finally, tomorrow will mark the start of Giving Day, a 49-hour University of Alaska fundraising event. We are inviting CFOS alumni and friends to make a gift to the CFOS Graduate Student Support Fund. Once 25 donors participate, a $25,000 commitment from the Advisory Council will be unlocked, providing immediate momentum toward a year-long philanthropic effort to support the fund.

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq crossed the Antarctic Circle for the first time on March 15. Many scientists and crew members aboard the ship joined the Order of the Red Nose, a maritime tradition for sailors who haven’t crossed the Antarctic Circle before.

Sikuliaq is currently transiting from the Antarctic Peninsula to Punta Arenas, Chile, to demobilize from the second of two Antarctic research cruises. Later this week the ship will begin a journey north to Alameda, California, where it will undergo a monthlong dry-dock period. 

Accomplishments

PhD student Nicole Webster served as a visual notetaker for the inaugural Cordova Science Gathering, providing illustrations of speakers, workshops, panel discussions and more. Her artwork from the gathering can be seen on the event website.

CFOS in the news

A Fairbanks Daily News-Miner story highlighted research by Peter Westley and CFOS alumnus Benjamin Rich that showed northern pike in the Deshka River are eating more fish as the river warms. Rich worked on the project as a CFOS graduate student.

The Alaska Mariculture Research and Training Center newsletter highlighted new research by Josianne Haag, Alorah Bliese, Sarah Mincks and Amanda Kelly that compared oyster and mussel diets.

Publications

Firth, L., A. Desiderato, A. Knights, [...] K. Iken, S.B. Jethva, J.H. Kim, K. Kon, B. Konar, et al. 2026. Micro-refuges or ecological traps: Evaluating the role of rock pools in sustaining intertidal biodiversity across latitudes. Global Ecology and Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.70208

Huang, R., K. McMonigal, F. Liao, and J. Hu. 2026. Disentangling wind‐ and buoyancy‐driven changes in Pacific barotropic circulation and regional sea level during 1960–2014. Geophysical Research Letters. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GL119899

Waite, A.M., A. Lane, E. Carmack, S.L. Danielson, et al. 2026. A quantitative comparison of the physical supply and biological uptake of new nitrogen in the Arctic Ocean. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-026-00769-z

Message from the Dean

It is a great pleasure to convey that Vera Metcalf has been selected to receive an honorary Doctor of Science from UAF. Vera has extensive leadership experience, including as director of the Eskimo Walrus Commission, former member of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, and a member of the CFOS Advisory Council. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Metcalf!

As Ana Aguilar-Islas informed our faculty last week, through a strategic investment by Provost Stern combined with our resources, CFOS graduate student support will increase significantly starting this fall semester. In particular, we are positioned to recruit more PhD candidates to help UAF achieve its goal of Carnegie R1 status. Details will be forthcoming this week, and now is the time to start working on recruiting the best and brightest graduate students in fisheries, marine biology and oceanography. On behalf of CFOS, my great thanks to Provost Stern and all of our dedicated faculty advisors!

For the history buffs, a new addition to our website is a timeline of CFOS, beginning in 1960 with the Alaska legislative mandate to establish the Institute of Marine Science. This is a work in progress, however the timeline provides key milestones in the growth of IMS, the former School, and, since 2016, the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. A big thanks to Putt Clark and Jeff Richardson for building the timeline to provide a better appreciation of the over sixty-year legacy of CFOS.

Last, it is a pleasure to convey that Mica VanBuskirk has joined the Seward Marine Center as Marine Operations Procurement Specialist, supporting both vessel and shoreside operations. Mica brings extensive marine operations experience, having managed procurement, vendors, inventory, and shipping logistics for a marine services business. Her email address is mvanbuskirk@alaska.edu. Please join me in welcoming Mica to CFOS!

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway for the second of two Antarctic research cruises, Alison Murray’s (Desert Research Institute) “Life in Antarctica: Diving into the ecology of an Antarctic ascidian-microbiome-palmerolide association using a multi-mic and functional approach” project. PALA2024 is funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs. Katrin Iken is aboard Sikuliaq as part of a dive team collecting invertebrate samples.

Accomplishments

The 29th Annual CFOS Student Symposium took place on February 27, providing undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. students with an opportunity to share their research. Award recipients included Elena Eberhart (Best Long Talk and Most Creative), Willa Johnson (Best Short Talk), and Lauren Yancy (People’s Choice).

Kristen Gorman co-led the two-day Copper River Salmon 2125 workshop in Cordova on Feb. 10-11. The National Park Service–funded project focused on better understanding the future of salmon harvest opportunities in the Copper River.

CFOS in the news

Oceanographic and other outlets covered new research by Hannah Myers on the diverse diets of Southern Alaska killer whales.

Hannah Myers was quoted in a CBC story about research showing that killer whale mothers with more offspring struggle to maintain their body fat.

Publications

Barst, B.D., J. Jenckes, K.A. Capistrant-Fossa, K. Iken, et al. 2026. Determinants of mercury accumulation and risk for Pacific blue mussels (Mytilus trossulus) sampled along a gradient of glacial coverage. Chemosphere. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.144868

Jiang, L.-Q., A. Fay, J.D. Müller, [...] N.M. Monacci, et al. 2026. Synthesis of data products for ocean carbonate chemistry. Earth System Science Data. https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-1405-2026

Jingyuan Li, Yuan Zhao, Li Zhao, Yi Dong, Russell R Hopcroft, and Wuchang Zhang. 2026. Transition of neritic and oceanic tintinnid communities in the Northern Gulf of Alaska. Journal of Plankton. https://doi.org/10.1093/plankt/fbag005

Zahner, J.A., D.R. Goethel, C.J. Cunningham, M.L.H. Cheng, B.C. Williams, M.S. Kapur, and C. Lunsford. 2025. Comparing alternative harvest strategies to address robustness to recruitment variability and uncertainty: implications for Alaska sablefish tested with management strategy evaluation. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2025-0115

Grants and Awards for February 2026

New awards for CFOS researchers

• Grant G-17157 "Global Experiment for Marine Biomass Regeneration in Tonga" - Emily Seelen - AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles - $30,000.00 (November 1, 2025)
• Grant G-17167 "Tracking the fate of farmed kelp dissolved organic carbon" - Amanda Kelley - Southeast Conference - $98,500.00 (October 1, 2025)
• Grant G-17190 "Gulf Watch Alaska - Predator Respon" - Russ Hopcroft (Uma Bhatt) - University of Washington - $59,154.00 (July 1, 2025)
• Grant G-17204 "Pacific Cod Temperature Movement and Mortality" - Curry Cunningham - Pacific States Marine Fisheries - $229,360.00 (January 1, 2026)
• Grant G-17211 "Pcod Adaptive Genetic Diversity" - Laura Timm - Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission - $401,452.00 (January 1, 2026)

Foundation Fund Expense Accounts receiving incremental funding

• 270511 "Meek Lecturers" - Andy Seitz - $75,000.00
• 273126 "PCCRC Marine Drivers in Western Alaska Salmon" - Peter Westley - $11,885.00
• 273295 "PCCRC Modeling and Salmon Carrying Capacity" - Megan McPhee - $47,146.00
• 270595 "PCCRC Administration" - Keith Criddle - $44,000.00
• 273329 "Herring Population genomics" - Laura Timm - $2,961.00
• 270113 "NOSB Support" - Bradley Moran - $5,510.00

Award receiving incremental funding

• Grant G-16258 "Characterization of water column habitats to understand potential impacts from deepwater energy and mineral development in the Pacific Ocean (BOEM NE Pacific)" - Russ Hopcroft - BOEM - Mod 3 - $172,996.00 (July 29, 2024)

Message from the Dean

Last Friday, I visited the State Capitol to accept the Alaska legislative citation honoring the 65th anniversary of CFOS. Beginning in 1960 as the legislatively mandated Institute of Marine Science, the college has grown to be one of the largest and most geographically diverse units in the UA system, with locations in Fairbanks, Juneau, Sitka, Kasitsna Bay, Seward and Anchorage. This is a well-deserved recognition of decades of hard work by numerous faculty, staff and students who collectively have advanced our mission. My sincere appreciation to Rep. Ashley Carrick and her staff for sponsoring this recognition, and to Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, Senate President Gary Stevens and UA Director of State Relations Chad Hutchison for their collective support and valued assistance. Congratulations, CFOS!

As discussed at our recent faculty meeting, through a strategic reinvestment the dean’s office will double our current four full academic year graduate student TAs to eight full academic year TAs, beginning this Fall semester. These TAs are in addition to the CFOS Dean’s RA full-year fellowship for an outstanding PhD candidate, which we initiated in 2021. This will help support our graduate student recruitment, and it demonstrates CFOS’ commitment to our fully integrated academic and research mission. Details will be forthcoming by Ana Aguilar-Islas, associate dean for academic programs.

Plans are underway for some members of the CFOS Advisory Council to visit our locations in Juneau, Anchorage, Seward and Fairbanks from May 19-24. This is an important opportunity to showcase our many research activities, academic programs and facilities. We will also visit the new NPRB-supported Anchorage Museum exhibit that features a number of our research programs, including an amazing Sikuliaq simulation designed to provide a sense of conducting research at sea.

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway for the second of two Antarctic research cruises, Alison Murray’s (Desert Research Institute) “Life in Antarctica: Diving into the ecology of an Antarctic ascidian-microbiome-palmerolide association using a multi-mic and functional approach” project, aka PALA2024. The PALA2024 project is funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs. Katrin Iken is aboard Sikuliaq as part of a dive team collecting invertebrate samples.

Accomplishments

CFOS student Dorka Dancsok won the 400-yard individual medley at the Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference Championships on February 12. Dancsok’s time of 4 minutes and 23.31 seconds was the fastest ever by a UAF swimmer in the event.

Gwenn Hennon helped lead a discussion about marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) at a session in Anchorage with the Alaska Forum, a gathering of leaders addressing projects, challenges and ideas shaping the state’s future. 

CFOS in the news

KTOO Public Media highlighted the Lena Point mariculture research hatchery in a story about the growth potential of oyster farming in Southeast Alaska.

Publications

Farrugia Drakard, V., M. Fester, and M.S. Stekoll. 2026. An investigation into the efficacy of Biokos® in controlling ciliates in laboratory cultures of Saccharina latissima gametophytes. Journal of Phycology. http://doi.org/10.1111/jpy.70136

Rich, B.A., A. Sepulveda, D. Rinella, J. Falke, E. Schoen, and P. Westley. 2026. Warming causes modest increase in the consumptive demands of invasive Northern Pike (Esox lucius) in Alaska freshwaters. Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-025-03746-7

Message from the Dean

Last week, we held our monthly meeting with the CFOS Advisory Council and UAF Development executives Theresa Bakker and Megan Bean. A key outcome of that meeting was to develop a plan to increase graduate student support from our many generous donors and stakeholders, including from council members. We plan to kick off 2026 giving through the UAF Giving Day event, which will take place March 24–26. Stay tuned for our Giving Day goal, and please consider participating for this worthy cause—supporting CFOS graduate student success.

It is a pleasure to convey that Katie Hume has accepted the position of Assistant to the Dean. Katie brings significant work experience at UAF, having worked with Financial Aid and most recently with the Center for Teaching and Learning. A key focus of her work will be supporting all aspects of CFOS faculty services. Katie starts work at CFOS today. Her office is located in the Dean’s suite and she can be reached by email at kjhume2@alaska.edu. Please join me in welcoming Katie to CFOS!

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is scheduled to arrive at Punta Arenas, Chile, later this week to offload personnel and gear from two Weddell Sea projects led by Tom Tobin (University of Alabama) and Maggi Mars-Brisbin (University of South Florida). Sikuliaq’s crew will then load personnel and gear for Alison Murray’s (Desert Research Institute) project. All three projects are funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs.

Accomplishments

CFOS students Maranda Peterson-Lopshire and Chelsea Campbell were recognized at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium for best student poster for a MS degree candidate and best oral presentation for a MS or BS degree candidate, respectively.

Publications

Luck, E., I.M. Reeves, M. Terrapon, R. Wellard, et al. 2026. A global image-based data repository of killer whale interactions with elasmobranchs. Scientific Data. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-026-06740-3

Grants and Awards for January

New awards for CFOS researchers

•  Grant G-17148 "How nutrient supply rate and ratio shape diazotroph and non-diazotroph activity" - Emily Seelen - Simons Foundation - $95,592.00 (January 1, 2026)

Awards receiving incremental funding

• Grant G-15892 "CY2023-CY2028 R/V Sikuliaq ONR Ship Days" - Doug Baird - ONR - Mod 4 - $73,000.00

Foundation Fund Expense Account receiving incremental funding

• 270511 "Meek Lecturers" - Andy Seitz - $25,000.00

Message from the Dean

On Sunday, January 25, we held our fifth all-hands CFOS retreat in Anchorage. This retreat provided an opportunity for faculty and staff to discuss near-term goals and priorities in support of our academic programs, student success, and research enterprise. With a very strong turnout, engaging discussions, and an enjoyable reception, the retreat was a successful and important part of our continued implementation of the CFOS Decadal Plan. My thanks to Putt Clark and Barbara Wadlinger for on-site logistical coordination and assistance, and to all our staff for their helpful support.

This year also marks the ten-year anniversary of CFOS, 66th year since IMS was established by the Alaska Legislature, and the 10th year of full operation of R/V Sikuliaq. It has been a remarkable journey with a bright future—let’s keep it going, CFOS!

Following the faculty retreat, the Alaska Marine Science Symposium held this week will feature numerous presentations by CFOS students, staff and faculty. The CFOS booth organized by Jeff Richardson showcases our programs, facilities and activities, as does our booth in support of the 2026 Tsunami Bowl and R/V Nanuq operations. Congratulations to all CFOS students, staff and faculty for their excellent work.

Finally, as many are aware, Sarah Spanos has tendered her resignation as procurement coordinator for R/V Sikuliaq and the Seward Marine Center. For over a decade Sarah has been a valued colleague, known for her humor and resourcefulness. Please join me in thanking Sarah for all her good work and wishing her the very best going forward.

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway for the first of two Antarctic research cruises. Chief scientists Tom Tobin (University of Alabama) and Maggi Mars-Brisbin (University of South Florida) are conducting two separate research projects in the Weddell Sea.

CFOS in the News

Scripps Institution of Oceanography highlighted Antarctic research that its scientists are conducting aboard R/V Sikuliaq.

The Daily Galaxy wrote about a research project aboard R/V Sikuliaq that discovered the presence of microscopic algae that can move through sea ice in sub-freezing temperatures.

Publications

Polyakov, I.V., A.V. Pnyushkov, E.C. Carmack, M. Charette, K.-H. Cho, S.L. Dykstra, et al. 2025. Role of sea ice, stratification, and near-inertial oscillations in shaping the upper Siberian Arctic Ocean currents. Ocean Science. https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-3105-2025

Shaftel, R., M.L. Feddern, S.A. McAfee, E.R. Schoen, C. Cunningham, V.R. von Biela, [...], and J. Falke. 2026. Integrating climate data and river modeling to reveal Chinook salmon habitat conditions in subarctic river basins. Ecosphere. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.70399

Thareja, K., A. Mandal, J. Race, P. Ruth, C. Romsos, and E. Deelman. 2026. Ship-to-shore network monitoring: The research vessel Sikuliaq experience. IEEE Internet Computing. https://doi.org/10.1109/MIC.2025.3615849

Zahner, J.A., D.R. Goethel, C.J. Cunningham, M.L.H. Cheng, B.C. Williams, M.S. Kapur, and C. Lunsford. 2025. Comparing alternative harvest strategies to address robustness to recruitment variability and uncertainty: implications for Alaska sablefish tested with management strategy evaluation. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2025-0115

Message from the Dean

As we kick off the spring 2026 semester, it is a pleasure to wish everyone a belated happy New Year and a warm welcome to our returning and new students. We wish you great success, and our staff and faculty are here to support you.

As noted in the 2026 CFOS goals memo transmitted last week, key priorities for this year are hiring two tenure-track faculty and ensuring staff support for faculty services, ship procurement and related administration. In that regard, we have posted the recruitment for an assistant professor of marine biology and an assistant professor of geological oceanography. We have also posted a recruitment for a ship procurement technician and an administrative assistant. Please help get the word out regarding these important faculty and staff positions.

As a reminder, on Sunday afternoon, January 25, we will hold our fifth all-hands faculty retreat in Anchorage at the Hotel Captain Cook Quarter Deck. A key goal is to establish specific actions to help advance our academic programs and research activities. All faculty are strongly encouraged to attend, and support staff are invited to join the meeting. The retreat will conclude with a reception to celebrate our 10th year as a college and 10th year of Sikuliaq operations—should be a fun evening!

Congratulations to our fall 2025 graduates:

Sydney Almgren, M.S. Fisheries. Major advisors: Jessica Glass and Andrés López
Erica Ebert, M.S. Fisheries. Major advisor: Trent Sutton
Josianne Haag, Ph.D. Oceanography. Major advisor: Amanda Kelley
Brendan Higgins, M.S. Marine Biology. Major advisor: Tuula Hollmen
Juliana Leggitt, Master of Marine Policy. Major advisors: Keith Criddle and Hannah Myers
Andrew Rothenberger, M.S. Fisheries. Major advisor: Andrew Seitz
Heather Scannell, Master of Marine Policy. Major advisors: Keith Criddle and Hannah Myers
Genoa Sullaway, Ph.D. Fisheries. Major advisor: Curry Cunningham
Sydney Wilkinson, Ph.D. Marine Biology. Major advisor: Katrin Iken
Bryce Bateman, B.A. Fisheries. Concentration: Rural and Community Development, Leadership
Anthony Blade, B.S. Fisheries and Marine Sciences. Concentration: Marine Biology

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway for the first of two Antarctic research cruises. Chief scientists Tom Tobin (University of Alabama) and Maggi Mars-Brisbin (University of South Florida) will conduct two separate research projects in the Weddell Sea. Tobin is coring sediment on Seymour Island to look for evidence of a mass extinction event in the Cretaceous Period. While Tobin’s team is ashore, Mars-Brisbin’s team will be aboard Sikuliaq studying sea ice, phytoplankton and particulate matter in the Weddell Sea.

CFOS in the News

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner published an article about R/V Sikuliaq beginning 2026 with several research cruises in Antarctica. 

Oceanography News highlighted work aboard R/V Sikuliaq in an article about training a new generation of leaders in polar oceanography. 

Publications

Blade, T., and L. Horstmann. 2026. Microplastics in muscle and blubber of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens). Marine Environmental Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107825

Blanco-Bercial, L., J.M. Questel, P.G. Batta-Lona, et al. 2025. MetaZooGene Intercalibration Experiment (MZG-ICE): Metabarcoding marine zooplankton diversity of the global ocean. Molecular Ecology Resources. https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-0998.70090

Haag, J., A.D. Bliese, S.L. Mincks, and A.L. Kelley. 2026. Spatial variability in zooplankton consumption by the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) relative to native bivalves in the Gulf of Alaska. Marine Environmental Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107828

Matthews, S.A., K. Kaminsky, A.E. Cazares-Nuesser, J.M. Questel, L. Blanco-Bercial, J. Hirai, and M.D. Ohman. 2025. Influences of dispersal and environmental selection on zooplankton distributions across the upper 1000 m of the North Pacific. Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.70115

Myers, H.J., D.W. Olsen, A.M. Van Cise, A.H. Wells, K.M. Parsons, and C.O. Matkin. 2025. The diverse diet of southern Alaska resident killer whales shifts across spatiotemporally distinct foraging hotspots. Ecosphere. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.70509

Schaal, S.M., W. Larson, J. Vollenweider, K. Miller, T. Klenz, et al. 2026. Genetic data reveal nonlocal juvenile recruitment and variable seasonal movement of a highly mobile marine fish across Alaska. Evolutionary Applications. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.70174

Umanzor, S., and J.M. Conitz. 2026. Integrating traditional knowledge into the phyconomy of temperate regions. Algal Harvest and Cultivation in Globally Distributed Temperate Waters. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-02955-3_8

Grants and Awards for December 2025

New awards for CFOS researchers

• Grant G-16835 "Fast and Curious: Chukchi Drift. Surface Drifters for Scientific Outreach in Arctic Communities" - Thilo Klenz - NPRB - $19,999.00 (December 1, 2025)
• Grant G-17157 "Global Experiment for Marine Biomass Regeneration in Tonga" - Emily Seelen - AltaSea at The Port of Los Angeles - $30,000.00 (November 1, 2025)

Award controlled by another department

• Grant G-15802 "NNA Collaboratory: ACTION - Alaska Coastal Cooperative for Co-producing Transformative Ideas and Opportunities in the North" - Kay McMonigal - GI - NSF - Mod 3 - $84,212.00 (October 1, 2023)

Grants receiving incremental funding

• Grant G-14380 "Arctic High-Frequency Radar Operations and Maintenance (Arctic HFR)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 6 - $271,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
• Grant G-14451 "Seward Line Monitoring (Seward Line)" - Russ Hopcroft - AOOS - Mod 6 - $116,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
• Grant G-14471 "Alaska Ecosystem Observatory Network Build-Out, Operations and Maintenance" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 6 - $85,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
• Grant G-14473 "Alaska Region Glider Missions Supporting an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM Gliders)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 6 - $240,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
• Grant G-14482 "An Arctic Marine Mammal Observing System (Chukchi Glider)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 6 - $65,000.00 (July 1, 2021)
• Grant G-14484 "Time-Series Monitoring of Ocean Acidification in Alaska (OA Timeseries)" - Natalie Monacci - AOOS - Mod 6 - $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 & GAK Moorings)" - Natalie Monacci - AOOS - Mod 6 - $171,970.00 (July 1, 2021)
• Grant G-15157 "Arctic High-Frequency Radar FCC Compliance (HFR Operators)" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - Mod 5 - $63,809.00 (July 1, 2022)
• Grant G-15846 "Southeast Alaska Trolling Vessel Ocean Measurement Program" - Tyler Hennon - AOOS - Mod 5 - $12,000.00 (July 1, 2023)
• Grant G-15870 "LTER: Seasonal controls and emergent effects of changing land-ice-ocean interactions on Arctic coastal ecosystems (BLE II)" - Katrin Iken - University of Texas at Austin - Mod 2 - $139,885.00 (September 1, 2023)
• Grant G-16553 "Developing Pacific Dulse as a valuable USDA specialty crop for sustainable nutrition and coastal economy" - Mike Stekoll - Oregon State University - Mod 2 - $97,387.00 (September 30, 2024)

Foundation Fund Expense Account receiving incremental funding

• • 273420 "Alaska Salmon and Groundfish Research" - Curry Cunningham - $76,000.00

Message from the Dean

As we close out the fall semester, I want to thank all of CFOS for your good work and all of our stakeholders for your support. The college is in very good shape on many accounts, including impressive increases in student enrollment, record total revenues, numerous advances in research, and nationally recognized facilities. I could not be more proud of the work we have done together to advance our mission. Thank you to our hardworking faculty, staff and students. My thanks also to the captain, crew and shoreside staff in ensuring Sikuliaq meets the highest standards in safety, operations and science capabilities.

As many of you are aware, Debby Queen has tendered her resignation from CFOS and accepted a new position as Executive Officer at the UAF Institute of Arctic Biology. For the past six years, Debby has worked diligently in support of the CFOS mission. I am very appreciative of Debby’s time and effort and will miss her steady hand. Her last day at CFOS will be December 28. Please join me in thanking Debby for all her good work and wishing her the very best going forward.

This week, CFOS researchers will attend the 2025 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, where we will host a booth—if you plan to attend, please stop by!

This will be the last C-Notes for 2025; we will resume this biweekly communication on January 12, 2026. In the meantime, wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable winter break, and see you all in the New Year!

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway for Caitlin Whalen’s (University of Washington) MOTIVE 2 cruise, funded by the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences. The goal of the project is to better understand the influence of internal waves on ocean mixing in tropical waters, which has implications for understanding the El Niño Southern Oscillation and the role of tropical oceans in climate.

Following the cruise, Sikuliaq will make a port call at Papeete, Tahiti, to demobilize gear and disembark scientists. The ship will then transit to Punta Arenas, Chile, to support three projects near the Antarctic Peninsula in early 2026.

CFOS in the News

Alaska’s News Source and other outlets covered research by Matthew Wooller that determined a young set of “mammoth bones” in the UA Museum of the North collection actually belonged to two whale species.

Research by graduate student Brendan Higgins and others was highlighted in an AZ Animals story about Kittlitz’s murrelet seabirds and their apparent correlation to the health of glaciers.

Natalie Monacci discussed research on ocean acidification in the Bering Strait region during a Strait Science lecture on Dec. 4. 

R/V Sikuliaq’s upcoming Antarctic cruises were mentioned in a Washington Post article about diminishing U.S. research efforts in Antarctica.

Publications

Ahmed, F., E. Leu, A.R. Juhl, K. Campbell, K.B. Dilliplaine, [...], and C.J. Mundy. 2025. A pan-Arctic perspective on the influence of ice algae on sea-ice nutrient concentrations. Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene. https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.2025.00059

Dilliplaine, K.B., L.M. Whitmore, A. Aguilar-Islas, C. Bolt, K. Dumack, M. Jin, M. Kaufman, M. Oggier, and G.M.M. Hennon. 2025. Sea-ice microbial community succession and the potential role of parasitoids in the maintenance of diversity during the spring bloom. Environmental Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.70211

Wooller, M.J., P. Druckenmiller, G. Oteo-Garcia, F. Di Paolo, L. Dalen, N. Baker, N. Bigelow, S. Fields, S. Ghosh, K.E. Krasinski, B. Lamm, A.J. Monteath, B.A. Potter, J. Rasic, J. Reuther, A. Rowe, B. Shapiro, J. Southon, and B.T. Wygal. 2025. Adopted “mammoths” from Alaska turn out to be a whale’s tale. Journal of Quaternary Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/jqs.70040

Grants and Awards for November 2025

Award receiving incremental funding

• Grant G-16983 "FY26 UAF Technical Support at Amchitka Island Underground Nuclear Test Sites" - Doug Dasher - ADFG - Mod 1 - $24,214.00 (July 1, 2025)

Message from the Dean

This Thursday we will hold a monthly CFOS Advisory Council meeting to discuss ongoing goals and priorities of the college. We are grateful that Interim Chancellor Sfraga will join the meeting to share his thoughts of how CFOS fits with the vision for the future of UAF.

As part of the continued implementation of the CFOS Decadal Plan, we will host our fifth all-hands faculty retreat in Anchorage at the Hotel Captain Cook on Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2026. As with prior faculty retreats, a key goal is to establish specific actions to help advance our academic programs and research activities over the next 1–2 years. Following the retreat, we will hold a reception that will include some of our stakeholders. A detailed agenda will be forthcoming.

Please join me in thanking Ceadar Schmitz-Guy, who has staffed the front desk in the O’Neill Building for the past several years. We are grateful for all his good work and offer our congratulations upon his future graduation from UAF. I’m also pleased to welcome our new student employee, Ayla Benson, a CFOS student who will join the Fairbanks team next week.

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway for Caitlin’s Whalen’s (University of Washington) MOTIVE 2 cruise, which is funded by the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences. The goal of this research project is to better understand the influence of internal waves on ocean mixing in tropical waters. The work has implications for understanding the El Niño Southern Oscillation and the role of tropical oceans in climate.

CFOS in the News

Schery Umanzor was quoted in a story at CleanTechnica about an effort by CFOS and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to harvest critical minerals from seaweed tissues.

The Maritime Executive and other outlets published articles about R/V Sikuliaq’s upcoming projects off the coast of Antarctica. 

The Alaska Beacon published an op-ed written by Emily Seelen and others about the need to build mechanisms to govern marine carbon removal efforts.

Publications

Kotik, C., and J.R. Towers. 2025. Observations on the Death of a Northern Resident Killer Whale. Marine Mammal Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70095

Timm, L.E., S.A. Almgren, J.A. Lopez, J.R. Glass. 2025. Biogeographic structure and mitonuclear discordance reveal cryptic diversity in pacific herring. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72452

Message from the Dean

It is a pleasure to convey that the 2025 CFOS Annual Report is complete and available online. A big thank-you to Jeff Richardson for leading this effort, Putt Clark for publishing the report, and Carol Kaynor for expert editing. 

As in prior years, the report captures a number of our exciting research and education programs, including another year of increased student enrollment and total revenues. In particular, since restructuring in 2016, CFOS has more than tripled undergraduate enrollment to 165 students and increased graduate enrollment by over 30% to 143 students (Fall 2025). Total revenues have doubled, making CFOS the second-largest revenue-generating college or research institute at UAF. Our faculty, staff and students can be proud of the growth, impact, and increased national recognition of the college. Thank you, CFOS!

Last week, the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) held its annual meeting in Alexandria, Virginia. As part of the agenda, Sikuliaq featured in discussions of the national need for research vessels and the requisite operation, maintenance and infrastructure support to sustain U.S. global leadership in ocean sciences. These points will be raised this week as part of my planned meetings with the Alaska delegation in Washington, D.C, organized by our government relations team, John Latini and Denai Benson.

Next week is Thanksgiving, and it is my pleasure to thank our faculty, staff and students for all their good work. Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is transiting from Dutch Harbor to Honolulu. Upon arrival, gear will be off-loaded from the Arctic Freeze-Up cruise, and the ship then mobilized for Caitlin Whalen’s (University of Washington) MOTIVE 2 cruise, which is funded by the National Science Foundation Division of Ocean Sciences.

CFOS in the News

The Seattle Times covered research by Hannah Myers that aims to help keep killer whales out of deepwater trawl nets

An opinion column in the Alaska Beacon by Gwenn Hennon, Thomas Kelly, Ana Aguilar-Islas, Seth Danielson and others highlighted the need for community education about the potential effects of marine carbon dioxide removal.

Jessica Glass was featured in a new book, "Letters from the Edge: Stories of Curiosity, Bravery and Discovery" by Jeff Wilser and The Explorers Club, in the chapter Fishing For Answers.

Publications

McTigue, N., K. Iken, [...], M. Włodarska-Kowalczuk, and K.H. Dunton. 2025 Trophic niche variation across the pan-Arctic coastal continuum. PLOS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0335406 target

Grants and Awards for October 2025

New awards for CFOS researchers

• Grant G-17037 "FY26 Support for Marine Scientist Hollmen" - Tuula Hollmen - Alaska SeaLife Center - $222,472.00 (October 1, 2025)
• Grant G-17053 "Environmental Variables and eDNA Assessment for WGOA and SBS" - Jennifer Questel - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $67,008.00 (July 1, 2025)
• Grant G-17054 "Alaska Coastal Marine Institute Administrative Award 2025" - Katrin Iken - BOEM - $67,000.00 (September 11, 2025)
• Grant G-17059 "CLRUP North - Tracking seasonal movement, habitat utilization, and predation of female snow crab in the northern Bering Sea using autonomous underwater gliders" - Andy Seitz - Pacific States Marine Fisheries - $1,423,255.00 (October 1, 2025)
• Grant G-17066 "Climate-Driven Food Web Effects on Species Distribution and Interactions in the Northern Bering Sea" - Franz Mueter - NPRB - $506,069.00 (October 1, 2025)
• Grant G-17072 "StratiFIED-NBS: Stratification and Fronts Influencing Ecosystem Dynamics in the Northern Bering Sea" - Sarah Mincks - NPRB - $2,081,237.00 (October 1, 2025)
• Grant G-17076 "Alaska Ocean Observing Infrastructure II:  Moorings, Gliders, HFR" - Seth Danielson - AOOS - $420,916.00 (June 1, 2025)
• Grant G-17078 "Seward Line: Hydrographic winch replacement" - Russ Hopcroft - AOOS - $25,000.00 (June 1, 2025)

Awards controlled by another department

• Grant G-15918 "Arctic Domain Awareness Center (ADAC) - ARCTIC: A COE for Homeland Security in the Arctic" - Jessica Glass - UAA - U.S. Department of Homeland Security - $35,927.00 (September 16, 2025)

Foundation Fund Expense Accounts receiving incremental funding

• 273388 "CFOS Fish Forensics" - Jessica Glass - $950.00
• 270113 "NOSB Support" - Bradley Moran - $9,059.00
• 270704 "Dieter Family Tsunami Bowl Fund" - Bradley Moran - $9,150.00

Grants receiving incremental funding

• Grant G-13379 "NMREC Infrastructure Upgrades" - Andy Seitz - University of Washington - Mod 6 - $112,417.00 (April 7, 2020)
• Grant G-16718 "Investigating The Combined and Separate Influences Of Cloud-sst Feedback Strength and Enso On The Multi-year Predictability Of Subtropical Pacific Sst (sea surface temperature)" - Kay McMonigal - North Carolina State University - $31,592.00 (September 1, 2024)
• Grant G-16853 "2024 Cooperative Training and Research for Alaska Fisheries Science" - Curry Cunningham - NOAA/CMDL - Mod 1 - $943,865.00 (April 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16928 "FY26 Zebra and Quagga Mussel Invasive Risk Project" - Deanna Strohm - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - Mod 1 - $34,055 (July 1, 2025)

Message from the Dean

Last week, the Alaska Ocean Observing System held its fall board meeting in Anchorage, followed by an evening celebration of 21 years of productive research, education and outreach programs related to Alaska’s ocean and coastal waters. The celebratory event provided a wonderful reflection of a great organization and people and an important stakeholder of CFOS. Kudos to director Sheyna Wisdom, former director Molly McCammon, and all the great AOOS staff for making this a productive board meeting and enjoyable evening. 

This week, we will hold a meeting with the CFOS Advisory Council to discuss near-term actions and goals, including a focus on increasing our development work with the UAF executive director for university advancement, Tom Hough. Seth Danielson has kindly agreed to present an overview of some of his research and collaborations. This is the first in a series of monthly touch-base (virtual) meetings with the Advisory Council and an opportunity for engagement with our faculty  going forward. 

As in prior years, CFOS will have a booth at the annual AGU fall meeting, which will take place December 15–19 in New Orleans. We look forward to seeing CFOS researchers present their work—and if you plan to attend, please stop by the booth!

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is in the Beaufort Sea for Maddie Smith’s (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) Arctic Freeze-Up cruise, funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs.

CFOS in the News

Alaska Native News highlighted a collaboration between Hannah Myers and a Bering Sea fishing fleet to reduce killer whale entanglements in bottom-trawl nets.  

The Wildlife Society published an article covering new research by emeritus professor Jim Reynolds about the ability of northern pike to survive electrofishing. 

National Fisherman highlighted research by PhD student Austin Flanigan on halibut spawning and distribution in the Bering Sea. 

Publications

Cynar, H., L.W. Juranek, [...], N.M. Monacci, H.M. Tabisola, and S.E. Stalin. 2025. High-resolution primary and net community productivity estimates in the southeast Bering Sea from moored observations. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. https://doi.org/10.1029/2024JC022013

Reynolds, J.B., and S.M. Roach. 2025. Effects of electroshock-induced spinal injury on survival and growth of Northern Pike. Journal of Wildlife Management. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.70079

Seelanki, V., W. Cheng, P.J. Stabeno, A.J. Hermann, E.J. Drenkard, C.A. Stock, and K. Hedstrom. 2025. Evaluation of a coupled ocean and sea-ice model (MOM6-NEP10k) over the Bering Sea and its sensitivity to turbulence decay scales. Geoscientific Model Development. https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-7681-2025.

Message from the Dean

It is a pleasure to announce that the Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Student Association (FOSSA) is active once again. The first FOSSA meeting will be held Thursday, October 23, at 5 pm in O'Neill 201. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to join. For more information, please contact sfox30@alaska.edu.

Jeff Richardson and Putt Clark are assembling the 2025 CFOS Annual Report, which will highlight some of our cutting-edge research, education and service activities, along with some wonderful pictures of CFOS at work. We anticipate publishing the report in the coming weeks.

After what seems like endless rain this fall, some recent snow and a weekend of chilly temperatures in Fairbanks are reminding us that another Alaska winter wonderland is coming soon.

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is currently transiting to the Beaufort Sea for Maddie Smith’s (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) Arctic Freeze-Up cruise, funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs.

CFOS in the News

National Fisherman and other outlets covered a joint effort by CFOS researchers and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to track king salmon smolt as they navigate the Kenai River to Cook Inlet.

The CI Compass news site highlighted the experiences of two student fellows during a recent cybersecurity cruise aboard R/V Sikuliaq. 

National Fisherman covered a recent webinar by Peter Westley about the varied effects of climate change on salmon populations.

Publications

Donkersloot, R., H.J. Wayner, D.J. Ringer, A. Salmon, J. Salmon, C. Carothers, J.C. Black, and Igiugig Village Council. 2025. Immeasurable sovereignty: Indigenous well-being, fishery science, and sustainable governance. Ecology and Society. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-16492-300401

Esquible, J., A. Hoffman, D. Ropati, B. Woods, J. Black, R. Donkersloot, M. Williams, W. Justin, J. Leon, C. Stevens, C. Chythlook, T. Wagner, and C. Carothers. 2025. Bridging knowledge systems and perspectives to inform salmon management and research: A Kuskokwim River case study. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72146

Lang, S.Q., C.G. Wheat, K.L. Dickerson, et al. 2025. Hydrogen, single-carbon compounds, and thermal regime in the oceanic ultramafic-dominated lithosphere: insights from a deep borehole on the Atlantis Massif. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016703725005009

Westley, P.A.H., C.J. Cunningham, and I.A. Fleming. 2025. Adaptive morphological plasticity foreshadows local adaptation in an invasive freshwater fish (Salmo trutta): evidence from reciprocal transplants in nature. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2024-0388

Message from the Dean

CFOS benefits greatly from its stakeholders, including the North Pacific Research Board. In this regard, the recent NPRB board meeting included an update on an Arctic Science exhibit at the Anchorage Museum, to open tentatively early May 2026 and run for close to a year. The exhibit will showcase R/V Sikuliaq and a range of Arctic marine science and education projects, several of which include CFOS researchers and students. Many thanks to NPRB leadership and staff, particularly Brendan Smith, and to the Anchorage Museum for envisioning an exhibit that will raise public awareness of important Alaskan and Arctic marine scientific research.

Further, NPRB recommended funding for two large Northern Bering Sea Integrated Ecosystem Research Program projects that include significant CFOS involvement. One project will be led by Sarah Mincks and colleagues and will study lower trophic ecosystem dynamics. A second IERP project will be co-led by Franz Mueter and will focus on offshore fisheries. These two projects combined include approximately $3.5M in external funding and will utilize R/V Sikuliaq. Congratulations to all participants in successfully competing for this important NPRB research program.

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq has been moored at the Seward Marine Center for maintenance and repairs, and will head to Nome this week in support of Maddie Smith’s (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) Arctic Freeze-Up cruise, funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs.

CFOS in the News

W&M News covered research by CFOS postdoc Sean Hardison about the importance of diversity in stabilizing commercial fisheries. Hardison conducted the research as a University of Virginia Ph.D. student.

The Alaska Ocean Acidification Network news site highlighted the 4-H pH Project, a joint UAF youth education program in Sitka led by Natalie Monacci. 

Publications

Doherty, S.C., C.A. Choy, N.L. Paul, and H.G. Close. 2025. Microbial and metazoan activity in Monterey Bay, CA recorded in nitrogen isotope ratios of sinking and suspended particles. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JC022372

Drenkard, E.J., C.A. Stock, […], K. Hedstrom, et al. 2025. A regional physical–biogeochemical ocean model for marine resource applications in the Northeast Pacific. Geoscientific Model Development. https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-5245-2025.

Luck, E., H.J. Myers, and K.R. Criddle. 2025. A global review of operational fishery interactions with killer whales (Orcinus orca): dynamics, impacts, and management strategies. Frontiers in Marine Science. http://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1629516

Waga, H., and M.A. Johnson. 2025. Optical classification of water types in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Advances in Remote Sensing. https://doi.org/10.4236/ars.2025.143009

Grants and Awards for September 2025

New awards for CFOS researchers

• Grant G-16355 "EMBRACE-OCE Seed: Variability and trends in Agulhas Current water mass properties" -  Kay McMonigal - NSF - $199,999.00 (September 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16925 "Hydrographic Monitoring and Assessment of Coastal Resources in Alaskan Parks" - Seth Danielson - NPS - $220,092.00 (September 10, 2025)
• Grant G-16957 "NSF R212: Building Climate Change Resilience Along Permafrost River Corridors in Alaska" - Emily Seelen - NSF - $50,288.00 (September 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16980 "Tamamta (All of Us): Amplifying and Sustaining Program Impact" - Courtney Carothers - Moore Foundation - $1,250,000.00 (August 15, 2025)
• Grant G-16983 "FY26 UAF Technical Support at Amchitka Island Underground Nuclear Test Sites" - Doug Dasher - Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation - $14,463.19 (July 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16990 "One Health Community-based Toxicant Assessment for Select NW Alaska Residents" - Ellen Chenoweth - Texas A&M AgriLife Research - $61,744.00 (May 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16999 "FY26 Assessment of Foraging Habitat Conditions for Steller's Eiders at Nelson Lagoon, Alaska" - Tuula Hollmen - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $71,967.00 (July 1, 2025)

Awards controlled by another department

• Grant G-15802 "NNA Collaboratory: ACTION - Alaska Coastal Cooperative for Co-producing Transformative Ideas and Opportunities in the North" - Kay McMonigal - GI - NSF - Mod 2 - $16,322.00 (October 1, 2023)
• Grant G-16180 "BII: Evolving Meta-Ecosystems in the Arctic" - Peter Westley - IARC - Woodwell Climate Research Center - Mod 3 - $100,450.00 (April 1, 2024)

Award set up on assumption

• Grant G-16982 "Killer Whale behavior around Amendment 80 trawl vessels and gear modifications to reduce bycatch risk" - Hannah Myers - Oregon State University - $25,000.00 (July 1, 2025)

Awards receiving incremental funding

• Grant G-15696 "LTER NGA Phase II: Resilience and Connectivity Across Transitions in the Northern Gulf of Alaska Ecosystem" - Russ Hopcroft - NSF - Mods 3 and 4 - $1,275,000.00 and $1,275,000.00 (October 1, 2023)
• Grant G-16570 "University of Alaska Fairbanks / Sikuliaq Ship Operations CY2025-2028" - Bradley Moran- NSF - Mod 6 - $6,719,250.00 (January 1, 2025)
• 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 - Mod 1 - $50,000.00 (September 1, 2024)

Foundation Fund Expense Account awards receiving incremental funding

• 270224 "Tamamta Fellowship" - Courtney Carothers - $14,250.00
• 270357 "Rasmuson Fisheries Research Center Fellowships" - $236,075.00

Message from the Dean

Last week, the CFOS CFOS Advisory Council held a virtual meeting that included several new members. This was largely an introductory briefing to provide an overview of the growth and breadth of our college; specifically, our faculty, staff and student numbers (now over 450), revenues (doubled since CFOS was restructured in 2016), diverse research activities, academic programs, major facilities and ship operations, and development efforts. It is a pleasure to thank the Council for their valued input, and I look forward to working together to promote greater awareness, advocacy and support for the college.

The North Pacific Research Board will hold its fall board meeting this week in Anchorage, which will include discussions of core programs, the Northern Bering Sea Integrated Ecosystem Research Program, partnerships, and other board matters. Subsequently, the Alaska SeaLife Center will hold its annual fall retreat and board meeting in Seward to discuss strategic planning, governance, finance, development and community outreach. As in prior years, I look forward to engaging with the NPRB and ASLC boards and staff to help advance their respective missions.

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is moored at the UAF Seward Marine Center for a monthlong maintenance and repair period.

CFOS in the News

Several publications, including Discover Wildlife and MSN, highlighted research aboard Sikuliaq on the thriving community of diatoms that live in Arctic sea ice.

Seth Danielson was quoted in an Alaska Public Media story about a recently discovered message in a bottle that traveled from Utqiagvik to Scotland.

Accomplishments

Brauner, M., J. Cohen, B.R. Briggs, and G.M.M. Hennon. 2025. Identifying potential keystone microbes from co-occurrence networks in the Gulf of Alaska. Frontiers in Marine Sciences: Aquatic Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1646100

Ortega, E.L.S., A. Meier, S.L. Danielson, K. McMonigal, and A.M. Aguilar-Islas. 2025. Drivers of spatiotemporal distributions of macro- and micronutrients (Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn) in the Northern Gulf of Alaska. JGR Oceans. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JC022558

Womble, J.N., C.L. Amundson, A.K. Bliss, M.R. Bower, S.L. Danielson, D.S. Goodwin, M.G. Loso, J.M. Questel, and T.R. Ziomek. 2025. Expansion of the Southeast Alaska Network Vital Signs Monitoring Program to the Outer Coasts of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Science Report NPS/SR—2025/349, National Park Service. https://doi.org/10.36967/2315213

Message from the Dean

Last week, UAF Interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga toured our Lena Point facility. My thanks to Mike for taking time from a busy schedule to learn more about our research activities and academic programs, and to Gabrielle Hazelton for coordinating this visit.

We are actively working on the 2025 Annual Report, to be published later this semester, which will feature some of our outstanding academic and research programs, major facilities, and amazing people that help make CFOS great. Speaking of which, our fall 2025 enrollment numbers indicate increases of 8% and 14% in undergraduate and graduate students, respectively. These impressive enrollment trends, combined with a striking 33% year-over-year increase in total FY25 revenues ($71.8M), underscore the growth, breadth and depth of our diverse academic and research programs. Bravo CFOS!

We will host a Coffee with the Dean this Thursday at 9 am in the O’Neill Dean’s Office suite—hope to see you there!

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq has just completed glider recoveries for Mark Zumberge (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) and Andrew Newman (Georgia Tech) for their three-year geodetic experiment to assess tools for geophysical hazard monitoring. Their projects are funded by the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences. Sikuliaq is currently moored at the UAF Seward Marine Center for a monthlong maintenance and repair period.

CFOS in the News

Arctic Focus highlighted work by Hank Statscewich and the Oceans Glider Lab that helps the Alaska Department of Fish and Game study the struggling Bering Sea snow crab population.

Alaska Business Magazine covered research by Schery Umanzor to determine whether rare-earth elements can be extracted from seaweed in Southeast Alaska.

The Nome Nugget summarized a recent Strait Science lecture by Katrin Iken that highlighted the recent Arctic Collaborative Ecosystem cruise aboard R/V Sikuliaq.

A column by Andrés López in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner focused on work by researchers at CFOS and the University of Alaska Museum of the North on genetic variations among herring.

Publications

Kruse, G.H., R. Ruiz-Diaz, T. Loher, and B.J. Daly. 2025. Report of the 2024 snow crab workshop: Clawing Their Way Back; A comparative Newfoundland – Alaska snow crab workshop toward sustainable management in uncertain times. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Divisions of Sport Fish and Commercial Fisheries, Special Publication 25-11. http://bit.ly/3JO77ew

Lee, S.B., S.L. Dykstra, R. Gomez-Sanchez, C. Wilkenson, R. Estrada, N. McGuire, D.A. Jay, S.A. Talke. 2025. Recovery of daily water levels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, 1915-2023. Geoscience Data Journal. https://doi.org/10.1002/gdj3.70018

Veazey, L., C. Latty, Z. Chapman, and T.E. Hollmen. 2025. Applying computer vision to accelerate monitoring and analysis of bird incubation behaviors: a case study using common eider nest camera footage. Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation. http://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.70022

Westley, P.A.H., A.H. Dittman, B.W. Nelson, M.H. Bond, M. Payne, T.P. Quinn. 2025. In and out: factors influencing two decades of straying and homing by Pacific salmon within the Columbia River basin. The Royal Society. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250447

Grants and Awards for August 2025

New awards for CFOS researchers

• Grant G-16928 "FY26 Zebra and Quagga Mussel Invasive Risk Project" - Deanna Strohm - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $24,913.00 (July 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16945 "Yukon River Chinook and Chum Salmon Juvenile Abundance and Ecology 2025" - Curry Cunningham - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $23,907.00 (May 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16962 "Condition of Salmon - SPV Lipid Analysis" - Megan McPhee - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $30,000.00 (July 1, 2025)

Awards controlled by another department

• Grant G-16442 "Research Advising and Mentoring Professionals for Underrepresented Peoples (RAMP UP)" - Ellen Chenoweth - RC Center for One Health - NIH - Mod 3 - $91,960.00 (September 15, 2024)

Awards receiving incremental funding

• Grant G-14786 "Gulf Watch Alaska Long-Term Research and Monitoring Program: Nearshore Component" - Katrin Iken - AOOS - Mod 5 - $148,330.00 (February 1, 2022)
• Grant G-14930 "The Seward Line: Marine Ecosystem monitoring in the Northern Gulf of Alaska" - Russ Hopcroft - Mod 5 - $233,269.00 (June 1, 2022)
• Grant G-14947 "Oceanographic Station GAK-1 Long Term Monitoring of the Alaska Coastal Current" - Seth Danielson - Mod 5 - $187,741.00 (June 1, 2022)
• Grant G-14948 "Pacific herring and pink salmon trophic interactions in Prince William Sound, Alaska" - Kristen Gorman - Mod 5 - $51,521.00 (June 1, 2022)
• Grant G-14969 "Mariculture-Benthic Ecosystem" - Brenda Konar - Mod 6 - $157,408.00 (July 1, 2022)
• Grant G-14970 "Assessment of seeding density, pre-harvest trimming, and environmental conditions or the performance of farmed kelp" - Schery Umanzor - AOOS - Mod 5 - $98,690.00 (July 1, 2022)
• Grant G-14996 "Pelagic Interactions" - Amanda Kelley - AOOS - Mod 5 - $218,280.00 (July 1, 2022)
• Grant G-15161 "AMBON - Linking biodiversity observations in the Arctic" - Katrin Iken - NASA - Mod 3 - $210,000.00 (September 1, 2022)
• Grant G-15438 "Examine health metrics of Copper River sockeye salmon stocks to inform management decision making" - Kristen Gorman - Mod 5 - $41,712.00 (April 13, 2023)
• Grant G-16570 "University of Alaska Fairbanks/Sikuliaq Ship Operations CY2025-2028" - Bradley Moran - NSF- Mods 4 and 5 - $150,000.00 and $3,500,000.00 (January 1, 2025)

Message from the Dean

As we have now kicked off the fall semester, it is a pleasure to welcome everyone back! As always, our outstanding faculty, staff and students are working hard to advance many exciting research, academic and outreach activities. One important near-term goal is preparing to meet with the new CFOS Advisory Council in the coming weeks, which will include a discussion of priorities of the college with UAF Interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga. There are many notable aspects of our college to highlight, including new faculty and staff hires, sustained strong enrollment in our graduate and undergraduate programs, growth of our research portfolio, and outstanding operation of major facilities including R/V Sikuliaq.

Please join me in congratulating our summer 2025 graduates:

Keith Herron, M.S. Fisheries, Tamamta program; Major Advisors: Peter Westley and Jessica Black
Elizabeth Hinkle, Ph.D. Fisheries; Major Advisor: Jeff Falke
Jonah Jossart, M.S. Marine Biology; Major Advisors: Sarah Mincks, Amanda Kelley
Emily Ortega, Ph.D. Oceanography; Major Advisor: Ana Aguilar-Islas
Isaac Reister, Ph.D. Oceanography; Major Advisor: Seth Danielson
Audrey Rowe, Ph.D. Interdisciplinary; Major Advisor: Matthew Wooller
Felicia Holman, B.S. Fisheries and Marine Sciences, concentration Fisheries Science

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway for the Arctic Collaborative Ecosystem cruise, which is funded by the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences as part of a barter agreement with NOAA. The expedition includes several research programs: the Distributed Biological Observatory (Jackie Grebmeier, University of Maryland); NOAA Ecosystems and Fisheries Oceanographic Investigations (Phyllis Stabeno, NOAA Pacific Marine Environment Laboratory); the Arctic Marine Biodiversity Observing Network (chief scientist Katrin Iken, CFOS); and the Chukchi Ecosystem Observatory (Seth Danielson, CFOS). The 17-day cruise will collect water column, zooplankton, benthic macrofauna, sediment and epibenthic organism samples, as well as conduct mooring retrievals.

Accomplishments

CFOS students Sydney Almgren and Erica Ebert have been awarded 2025 Alaska Sea Grant State Fellowships. The new group of fellows also includes CFOS alumni Emma Luck and Emily Reynolds. 

CFOS in the News

Scientific American mentioned R/V Sikuliaq’s growing role in Antarctic research in an article about NSF’s decision to stop operating the icebreaker Nathaniel B. Palmer.

Andrés López was quoted in a Northern Journal article about sculpin and their role in detecting pollution from industrial mining.

Message from the Dean

There is big news on the horizon for R/V Sikuliaq. The National Science Foundation has officially confirmed the ship will be headed south in the coming months to support three research projects off Antarctica, including work off Hawaii and Tahiti en route via Chilean waters to the Southern Ocean. The decision to use Sikuliaq reflects extremely well on our top-notch operations. Congratulations to our captain, crew, marine superintendent and the entire shoreside staff as they look forward to several months of work in the southern hemisphere. Bravo Zulu team Sikuliaq!

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is in Nome mobilizing for Jackie Grebmeier’s (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences) project, the Distributed Biological Observatory-Ecological Fisheries Oceanography Investigations/Arctic Marine Biodiversity Observation Network-Chukchi Ecosystem Observatory (DBO-EcoFOCI/AMBON-CEO). Katrin Iken is chief scientist for this cruise. Ship time is funded by the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences through a barter agreement with NOAA. The 17-day cruise will occupy DBO stations to collect water column samples, zooplankton, benthic macrofauna, sediment, and epibenthic organisms, and to conduct mooring retrievals.

 

CFOS in the News

Alaska Native News highlighted the Convergence Research Cruise aboard R/V Sikuliaq, which is working to help several Alaska communities respond to hazards attributed to environmental change. Kay McMonigal is one of the leaders of the project. 

The Wildlife Society published a story on its website about new research by Emily Reynolds and Brenda Konar on sea otter behavior around oyster farms. 

 

Publications

Dittrich, M.C., L.A. Meyer, M.S. Stekoll, A.L. Kelley, and S. Umanzor. 2025. Indoor cultivation protocols for Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis from Alaska: effects of temperature, light, and nutrients. Journal of Applied Phycology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-025-03594-x.

 

Grants and Awards for July 2025

New awards for CFOS researchers

• Grant G-16682 "Ecological interactions: Spatial and temporal distributions of Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) and pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) in Prince William Sound, Alaska" - Kristen Gorman - Oil Spill Recovery Institute - $30,000.00 (July 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16758 "Addressing the burden of parasitism in Alaska marine fishes" - Andres Lopez - NPRB - $51,920.00 (July 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16790 "Diet Assessment of Alaskan Oysters Across Age Classes using Metabarcoding and Stable isotopes" - Amanda Kelley - NPRB - $190,835.00 (July 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16839 "Quantifying effects of thiamine deficiency on marine survival of Chinook Salmon in the Gulf of Alaska" - Megan McPhee - Pacific Salmon Commission - $32,868.00 (March 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16851 "EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (EGFP): EMERGE Alaska" - Jessica Glass - NSF - $1,908,000.00 (July 15, 2025)
• Grant G-16853 "2024 Cooperative Training and Research for Alaska Fisheries Science" - Curry Cuningham - NOAA - $324,500.00 (April 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16874 "University of Alaska Fairbanks/Sikuliaq Oceanographic Instrumentation 2025" - Julian Race-Moore - NSF - $972,517.00 (July 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16875 "Second-Generation consequences of sockeye salmon enhancement in Auke Creek, Alaska Final Year" - Megan McPhee - Pacific Salmon Commission - $26,840.00 (July  1, 2025)
• Grant G-16890 "Collaborative Research: Research Infrastructure: Shared Unified Research Fleet IT Support for the ARF, Pilot Projects (SURF-IT)" - Julian Race-Moore- NSF - $103,282.00 (July 15, 2025)

Award controlled by another department

• Grant G-13850 "CICOES Year 5" - Curry Cunningham - $86,500.00 (July 1, 2020)

Awards receiving incremental funding

• FFEA 270903 "Ladd Macaulay Fisheries Endowment" - Andy Seitz - $100,000.00
• FFEA 270678 "Tsujita Seminar Series" - Katrin Iken - $2,500.00
• FFEA 270596 "Ted Stevens Distinguished Professor" - Keith Criddle - $190,930.00
• Grant G-15721 "Understanding Trophic Interactions between zooplankton and fish in the coastal Gulf of Alaska and southeastern Bering Sea" - Alexei Pinchuk - Alaska Department of Fish & Game - Mod 2 - $191,243.00 (May 1, 2023)
• Grant G-15892 "CY2023-CY2028 R/V Sikuliaq ONR Ship Days" - Doug Baird - ONR - Mod 3 - $1,663,306.40 (December 1, 2023)
• Grant G-16570 "University of Alaska Fairbanks/Sikuliaq Ship Operations CY2025-2028" - Bradley Moran - NSF - Mod 3 - $2,000,000.00 (January 1, 2025)

Award set up on assumption

• Grant G-16811 "FY26 JSAT tagging Chinook salmon smolt in Cook Inlet" - Andy Seitz - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $50,000.00 (July 1, 2025)

Foundation Fund Expense Account awards

• FFEA 273328 "Consumption indexes snow crab collapse" - Franz Mueter - $59,670.00 (July 1, 2025)
• FFEA 273329 "Herring Population genomics" - Laura Timm - $140,063.00 (July 1, 2025)
• FFEA 273330 "Chandler FY26 NGOA Award" - Scott Chandler (Peter Westley) - $10,000.00 (JUly 1, 2025)
• FFEA 273331 "Fox FY26 NGOA Award" - Sof Fox (Jessica Glass) - $10,000.00 (July 1, 2025)
• FFEA 273332 "Guo FY26 NGOA Award" - Chris Guo (Brenda Konar) - $5,000.00 (July 1, 2025)
• FFEA 273337 "Borsky FY26 NGOA Award" - Alex Borsky (Kristen Gorman) - $10,000.00 (July 1, 2025)

Message from the Dean

Last week in Seward, tours of Sikuliaq were conducted for several government officials, including Tanya Lautaret from Sen. Murkowski’s office, Elaina Spraker from Sen. Sullivan’s office, and Jill Schaefer from Gov. Dunleavy’s office. It is a pleasure to thank the captain, crew and marine superintendent for taking time to explain the ship’s capabilities while overseeing a busy mobilization for the next cruise.We have made some changes to the CFOS Advisory Council, and it is a pleasure to convey that the following individuals have agreed to each serve three-year terms; please join me in welcoming Dr. James Austin, Dr. Robert Byrd (MS, 1970), Dr. Craig Dorman and Dr. Gordon Kruse to the council.

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway for the Alaska Coastal Cooperative Convergence cruise, which is led by UAF’s Chris Maio and Kay McMonigal and funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs. The 16-day cruise will run from Seward to Nome, making stops for research operations and community workshops along the way. Participants will include Indigenous representatives from partner communities, project scientists, students, educators, filmmakers, and publicists.

CFOS in the News

 

The Sacramento Bee and other publications published a story about Ellen Chenoweth’s recent paper documenting the first bowhead whale sighting in Southeast Alaska. 

UAF News highlighted a new $1.9 million NSF grant through EPSCoR that will fund 12 new Ph.D. students at CFOS starting in 2026.

UAF News covered research by Brenda Konar and former CFOS grad student Emily Reynolds about sea otters’ interactions with Kachemak Bay oyster farms.

Message from the Dean

The Chancellor’s office recently charged UAF colleges and research institutes to consider the impact at the unit level of a hypothetical 20% decrease in federal grant funding and associated facilities and administration costs. As such, the Dean’s Office is preparing a response to this request with the goal of sustaining our academic and research programs and facility operations. Once we have transmitted our response to UAF leadership this week, these financial projections will be shared with the college while addressing any questions. 

In the meantime, I feel confident that CFOS remains in a relatively good financial position and focused on growth of our academic and research programs. I fully appreciate your concerns in the face of possible significant reductions in federal agency research funding. Please be assured that I am committed to supporting our mission and the people that make our college proud.

On a somewhat related note, and bear in mind that I rarely call out specific PI grants, Jessica Glass’s (lead PI; co-PIs Brenda Konar, Ana Aguilar-Islas, Rich Collins) $1.9 million NSF proposal was funded through the NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (NSF EGFP). The project will provide support for 12 PhD students over three years. Congratulations to Jessica and team on this important award that will support our growing graduate academic program!

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway in support of Russ Hopcroft’s Northern Gulf of Alaska Long-Term Ecological Research study, funded by the National Science Foundation Division of Ocean Sciences. Following the completion of the NGA LTER cruise this coming weekend, several tours of Sikuliaq will be hosted prior to the Alaska Coastal Cooperative Convergence cruise, led by UAF faculty Chris Maio and Kay McMonigal and funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs.

Accomplishments

Incoming graduate student Willa Johnson has been awarded a 2025 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

CFOS in the News

KDLG public media interviewed Curry Cunningham about a projected increase in the size of Bristol Bay sockeye salmon this year. 

The Tamamta program and research by graduate student Eugene Peltola II were highlighted in the Juneau Empire’s “Woven Peoples and Place” column. Sonia Ibarra wrote the introduction to the column. 

Publications

Breckenridge J.K., E.A. Pakhomov, B.P.V. Hunt, A.I. Pinchuk, and M. Galbraith. 2025. Basin-scale zooplankton composition in the Eastern Subarctic Pacific in the winter-spring. Progress in Oceanography.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2025.103526

Chenoweth, E.M.,  K.E.W. Shelden, R.M. Christianson, and W.R. Johnson. 2025. First Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus) Sighting in Southeast Alaska: An Extralimital Southern Excursion of this Arctic-Adapted Species. Aquatic Mammals. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.51.4.2025.311

Chenoweth, E.M., P. Cotter, J. Straley, K. Lanphier. 2025. Community-Based, Culturally Relevant STEM: Engaging Rural and Indigenous Students Through Partnerships, Institutional Flexibility, and One Health. Innovative Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-025-09819-8

Maliguine, A.M., T.E. Hollmen, C.L. Amundson, and B.H. Konar. 2025. Changes in benthic prey availability and quality suggest less favorable foraging conditions for Threatened Steller’s eiders (Polysticta stelleri) molting at Izembek Lagoon, Alaska. Polar Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-025-03403-8

Myers, H.J., D.W. Olsen, B.H. Konar, A. Whitney, K. Birch, P. Dugan, F.J. Mueter, R.A. Guazzo, L.A. Horstmann, and C.O. Matkin. 2025. Killer whale call detection rates vary among subspecies and populations in the North Pacific. Nature Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06041-6

Palmer, K.J., E. Cummings, M.G. Dowd, K. Frasier, [...] H. Myers, et al. 2025. A public dataset of annotated Orcinus orca acoustic signals for detection and ecotype classification. Nature Scientific Data. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05281-5

Pilcher, D. J., J.N. Cross, N. Monacci, L. Mu, Kearney, K. A., Hermann, A. J., and Cheng, W.: Amplified bottom water acidification rates on the Bering Sea shelf from 1970–2022, Biogeosciences. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-3103-2025

Reynolds, E., B.H. Konar, and L.A. Horstmann, 2025. Sea otter interactions with mariculture oyster farms. The Journal of Wildlife Management. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.70055

Seelen, E.A., S.J. Gleich, W. Kumler, H.S. Anderson, et al. 2025. Nitrogen and phosphorus differentially control marine biomass production and stoichiometry. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61061-0

Watson, J.C., Edwards, M.S. and Konar, B.H., 2025. Sea otters and rocky reef communities. Sea Otter Conservation II. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-18805-3.00011-2

Grants and Awards for June 2025

New awards for CFOS researchers:

• Grant G-16783 "Genomics for chum salmon stock identification - KRITFC" - Megan McPhee - Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission - $247,500.00 (May 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16816 "Student Training in Fisheries and Natural Resource Stewardship in Alaska" - Peter Westley - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - $20,000.00 (January 1, 2025)

Awards controlled by another department:

• Grant G-16758 "Experimental Arctic Prediction Initiative (EAPI)" - Curry Cunningham - IARC - NOAA - $121,830.00 (September 1, 2023)

Awards receiving incremental funding:

• FFEA 270224 "Tamamta Fellowship" - Courtney Carothers - $50,715.75 (July 1, 2022)
• Grant G-14399 "AccelNet-Implementation: Crustal Ocean Biosphere Research Center Accelerator (COBRA)" - Geoff Wheat - Bigelow Labs - Mod 5 - $15,000.00 (October 1, 2021)
• Grant G-15074 "AMBON - linking biodiversity observations in the Arctic" - Katrin Iken - ONR - Mod 4 - $26,757.00 (September 1, 2022)
• Grant G-16058 "Telemetry and genetic identity of Chinook salmon in Alaska (2)" - Andy Seitz - Department of the Navy - Mod 2 - $530,346.58 (April 12, 2024)
• Grant G-16258 "Characterization of water column habitats to understand potential impacts from deepwater energy and mineral development in the Pacific Ocean" - Russ Hopcroft - BOEM - Mod 1 - $173,001.00 (July 29, 2024)
• Grant G-16293 "Southeast Alaska Trolling Vessel Ocean Measurement Program" - Tyler Hennon - AOOS - Mod 2 - $87,012.00 (August 1, 2024)
• Grant G-16518 "AOOS - Alaska BOL IRA" - Natalie Monacci - AOOS - Mod 1 - $79,000.00 (August 1, 2024)

Message from the Dean

As we close out the first half of 2025, it is worth reflecting on a few important accomplishments to date. We continue to see strong enrollment in our undergraduate and graduate degree programs. We hired new faculty and staff, including Krista Oke as assistant professor of fisheries, Luke Canady as financial manager, and Makiko Shmagin as procurement technician. Our world-class research programs and major facilities are second to none, and we continue to operate Sikuliaq under a new cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. Taken together, we can be proud of our collective expertise and capabilities in delivering excellence in research, instruction and outreach. Thank you CFOS for all your good work.

We have made a great visual improvement to make our website more dynamic and attractive for recruiting, so take a look at the new home page. This will be updated with new video clips in the future, so please consider submitting a video for consideration to post.

CFOS can now claim a presence from the deep sea to the highest mountain in North America. Kudos to CFOS research staff Hank Statscewich for his successful summit of Denali last week, and waving the CFOS flag at 20,310 feet above sea level. Congrats, Hank!

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend.

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway for Russ Hopcroft’s 2025 summer Northern Gulf of Alaska Long-Term Ecological Research (NGA-LTER) cruise. This research cruise is funded by the National Science Foundation.

CFOS in the News

KCAW public media published a brief summary of R/V Sikuliaq’s recent trip to the Sitka area during a science cruise.

 

Publications

 

McMonigal, K., S.M. Larson, M. Gervais, J.M. Klavans, et al. 2025. Fingerprints of AMOC decline are sensitive to external and mechanistic forcing. Geophysical Research Letters. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GL116307

 

Sinnott-Armstrong, N., D. Forsythe, J.M. Benoit, C.R. Chappell, [...], K. McMonigal, et al. 2025. Protect transgender scientists. Science. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ady0962

Message from the Dean 

It is a pleasure to convey that Dr. Krista Oke has accepted the offer for the tenure-track assistant professor position in the Department of Fisheries. Krista completed her PhD at McGill University, conducted multiple postdocs, and is currently a research assistant professor at Alaska Pacific University. Her research focuses on understanding organisms’ responses to environmental change, and she aims to advance ecosystem-based fisheries management of Alaska fisheries. Our thanks to Peter Westley for chairing this faculty search and to committee members Courtney Carothers, Kristen Gorman, Andrés López, Lindsey McCulloch and Megan McPhee. Krista will be based at our Lena Point facility with a start date of May 2026. Please join me in welcoming Krista to CFOS. 

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway in support of Drew Steen’s (University of Southern California) Enzyme Stability 2 cruise. Researchers are collecting deep sediment cores from the Gulf of Alaska to examine adaptations of microbes to low-energy environments. The project is funded by the National Science Foundation.

 

CFOS in the News

 

Gwenn Hennon was interviewed for the May 29 episode of KMXT’s Alaska Fisheries Report about a controversial plan to boost carbon intake in the Gulf of Alaska by seeding it with iron dust. 

Alaska Native News covered ongoing research by Curry Cunningham and graduate student Elena Eberhardt on the environmental conditions that best support Bristol Bay sockeye populations.

UAF News published a story about a new ocean acidification education program created by Natalie Monacci and other UAF researchers for Sitka 4-H students.  

IFL Science and other publications covered research by Kay McMonigal on the effects of climate change–driven winds on the North Atlantic warming hole. 

Publications

 

Hawco, N.J, T.M. Conway, S.N. Coesel, B. Barone, E.A. Seelen, et al. 2025. Anthropogenic iron alters the spring phytoplankton bloom in the North Pacific transition zone. PNAS. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2418201122

 

Maes, S.M., A.I. Pinchuk, F. Mueter, H. Christiansen, B. Hellemans, R. ten Boer, F.A.M. Volckaert, and H. Flores. 2025. DNA metabarcoding reveals surprisingly diverse diet in under-ice polar cod during autumn. Polar Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-025-03376-8

 

Grants and Awards for May 2025

 

New awards for CFOS researchers

• Grant G-16748 "Red Ribbon seaweed as a new species for mariculture in Alaska" - Michael Stekoll - Southeast Conference - $150,000.00 (April 15, 2025)
• Grant G-16755 "Cook Inlet Pelagic Habitats: Zooplankton" - Alexei Pinchuk - USGS Alaska Climate Science Center - $5,706.00 (March 28, 2025)
• FFEA 273295 "Casual Modeling and Salmon Carrying Capacity" - Megan McPhee - PCCRC - $42,660.00 (May 1, 2025)

Awards receiving incremental funding

• Grant G-15074 "AMBON-linking biodiversity observations in the Arctic" - Katrin Iken - ONR - $25,000.00 (September 1, 2022)

 

Message from the Dean

Field season is now in full swing, with many of our faculty, researchers and students actively engaged in making new observations and creating new knowledge. This collective information is vital to the effective management and prediction of our marine and freshwater ecosystems. In this regard, it is worth bearing in mind the importance and legacy of work that began 65 years ago with the formation of the Institute of Marine Science. As always, please be safe in the field, and thank you for your important work, CFOS.

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway for Dee Emrich’s (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) Ocean Observatories Initiative Station Papa 2025 cruise. Two projects are piggybacking onto the OOI Papa ship time: Andrey Sherbina’s (University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory) Waverider project and Patrick Berk’s (NOAA) Papa project. Sikuliaq will return to Seward later this week and begin preparations for Drew Steen’s (University of Southern California) Enzyme Stability 2 cruise.

Accomplishments

 

Graduate students Julia Matteucci and Savannah Sandy received NPRB Graduate Student Research Awards.

 

CFOS in the News

 

KCAW public radio interviewed Tyler Hennon about a citizen science partnership with Southeast Alaska trollers to gather oceanography data.

Numerous publications, including the New York Times, covered the rescue of a Seward man who became trapped under a 700-pound boulder during a hike. Sam Paperman, a temporary employee in Sikuliaq’s engineering department and a volunteer firefighter, was one of the first responders at the scene.

Publications

 

Ali, A.M., M.M. Nawareg, A.H. Elgetany, M.H. Bahnasawy, R.R. Hopcroft, and W.S. El-Tohamy. 2025. The seasonal evaluation of heavy metals in sardines from the Mediterranean coast of Damietta, Egypt. Marine Pollution Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117972

 

Lefebvre, K.A., C.M. Campbell, L.M. Divine, P. Melovidov, H. Hellen, K. Burek-Huntington, et al. 2025. Saxitoxin linked to deaths of northern fur seals in the southeast Bering Sea. Marine Mammal Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70028

Message from the Dean

The UAF Arctic Research Open House was held last Thursday, providing an excellent showcase of our research and service efforts. This year’s event featured a variety of hands-on activities and demonstrations, which drew hundreds of community members to the O’Neill Building.

A big thank-you to all the volunteers who helped make the event a great success: Jeff Richardson, Brian Crandall, Putt Clark, Carol Kaynor, Steve Dykstra, Lara Horstmann, Caitlin Smoot, and Elizabeth Stockmar, as well as students Noelle Picard, Chelsea Campbell, Eli Gomez, Mary Pontbriand, Blake Brady, Rory Claussen and Coral Stellon-O’Donnell.

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway for Dee Emrich’s (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) Ocean Observatories Initiative Station Papa cruise. This year there are two ancillary projects piggybacking onto the OOI Papa ship time: Andrey Sherbina’s (University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory) Waverider project and Patrick Berk’s (NOAA) Papa project. 

Accomplishments

 

Graduate student Sof Fox received a 2025 NPRB Graduate Student Research Award.

 

A photo by Sarah Spanos inspired an illustration of R/V Sikuliaq in the new NSF Facilities Coloring Book. 

 

Graduate student Tamsen Peeples won the first-place award for best student oral presentation at the International Seaweed Symposium in Victoria, British Columbia. Her talk covered her research on improving commercial kelp hatchery processes in Alaska.

 

CFOS in the News

 

Andrés López was quoted in an Earth.com article about the origin of salmon species during the age of dinosaurs.

Marine Technology News covered work aboard R/V Sikuliaq that led to the first-ever detection of landslide-caused tsunami waves using a ship’s satellite receiver.

 

Publications

 

Brinkman, D.B., J.A. López, G.M. Erickson, J.J. Eberle, X. Munoz, L.N. Wilson, Z.R. Perry, A.M. Murray, L. Van Loon, N.R. Banerjee, and P.S. Druckenmiller. 2025. Fishes from the Upper Cretaceous Prince Creek Formation, North Slope of Alaska, and their palaeobiogeographical significance. Papers in Palaeontology. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/spp2.70014

 

Esquible, J., A. Hoffman, D. Lowrey, D. Ropati, J. Black, and C. Carothers. 2025. Remaking research relationality: Tribal and youth engagement in fisheries research. Global Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2025.2497916

 

McMonigal, K., S.M. Larson, and M. Gervais. 2025. Wind-driven ocean circulation changes can amplify future cooling of the North Atlantic warming hole. Journal of Climate. https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-24-0227.1.

Message from the Dean

As we conclude the spring 2025 semester, I would like to convey my appreciation to our dedicated students, staff and faculty for helping advance the mission of CFOS. Last Saturday was the 2025 UAF Commencement—congratulations to our graduates!

Spring graduate degree recipients:

• Anna Buettner, Master in Marine Policy. Advisors: Keith Criddle and Hannah Myers
• Kyle Dilliplaine, PhD Oceanography. Advisor: Gwenn Hennon
• Steven Gabelein, Master in Marine Policy. Advisor: Keith Criddle
• Emma Luck, Master in Marine Policy. Advisor: Keith Criddle
• Emily Mailman, MS Fisheries. Advisor: Shannon Atkinson
• Ashley Ruis, Master in Marine Policy. Advisor: Keith Criddle and Hannah Myers

Spring bachelor’s degree recipients:

• Tyra Best, BS Fisheries and Marine Sciences. Concentration: Oceanography
• Jocelyn Curry, BS Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. Concentration: Ocean Sciences
• Linnaea Doerner, BS Fisheries and Marine Sciences. No concentration
• Samantha Hoskins, BA Fisheries. Concentration: Rural and Community Development
• Maya Russin, BS Fisheries and Marine Sciences. No concentration
• Irene (Queenie) Turner, BS Fisheries and Marine Sciences. Concentration: Marine Biology
• Rheannon Williams, BS Fisheries and Marine Sciences. Concentration: Marine Sciences

It is a pleasure to convey the following faculty promotions:

• Ana Aguilar-Islas was promoted to Full Professor
• Gwenn Hennon was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure
• Lara Horstmann was promoted to Full Professor

Congratulations Ana, Gwenn and Lara! 

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is underway for Russ Hopcroft’s 2025 Spring Northern Gulf of Alaska Long-Term Ecological Research cruise. The NGA LTER cruise is funded by the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences.

Accomplishments

CFOS graduate students Su Jung Chung and Thomas House were awarded Alaska EPSCoR professional development travel awards.

 

Brian Crandall received a University of Alaska Empower Alaska Incentive Program award in the Exceptional Student Service category for his innovative, student-centered approach to advising and recruitment.

 

CFOS in the News

Seth Danielson and Curry Cunningham were quoted in a KTOO story about the potential impacts of proposed NOAA cuts on Alaska research efforts. 

 

Publications

 

Crimp, J., L.A. Meyer, L. Horstmann, J.A. Hollarsmith, M. Montiel, F. Lafarga-De La Cruz, A.R. Frederick, W. Licht, and S. Umanzor. 2025. Effect of macroalgal diet on growth rate and nutrition of the pinto abalone, Haliotis kamtschatkana. Journal of Shellfish Research. https://doi.org/10.2983/035.044.0103

 

Maes, S.M., A.I. Pinchuk, F. Mueter, H. Christiansen, B. Hellemans, R. ten Boer, F.A.M. Volckaert, and H. Flores. 2025. DNA metabarcoding reveals surprisingly diverse diet in under-ice polar cod during autumn. Polar Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-025-03376-8

 

Wilson, L.I., M.D. Adkison, R.E. Brenner, E.M. Yasumiishi, and M.V. McPhee. 2025. Spatial variation in age-specific growth of female Chinook salmon. Environmental Biology of Fishes. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-025-01697-5

 

Grants and Awards for April 2025

 

New awards for CFOS researchers

• Grant G-16517 "Measuring borealization to improve short-term forecasts of fisheries responses to climate warming in the Bering Sea" - Franz Mueter - NPRB - $320,929.00 (April 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16707 "UAF/Sikuliaq Oceanographic Technical Services Year 1 of 5" - Gabe Matthias - NSF - $1,165,409.00 (April 1, 2025)
• Grant G-16718 "Investigating The Combined and Separate Influences Of Cloud-Set Feedback Strength and Enso On The Multi-year Predictability Of Subtropical Pacific Sst (sea Surface Temperature)" - Kay McMonigal - NC State University - $28,669.00 (September 1, 2024)
• Grant G-16725 "Migratory and winter movements and distribution of Pribilof Island black-legged kittiwakes and thick-billed murres" - Kristen Gorman - Oil Spill Recovery Institute - $30,000.00 (April 1, 2025)

Awards controlled by another department

• Grant G-16702 "CICOES IRA Essential Data Acquisition (EDA) Proposal" - Curry Cunningham - IARC - University of Washington - $132,570.00 (October 1, 2024)

Message from the Dean

As we near the end of the spring 2025 semester, I would like to express my appreciation to our dedicated students, staff and faculty for advancing the mission of CFOS. Please join me in congratulating the recipients of this year’s Dean’s Recognition Awards, who were recognized at the CFOS State of the College event last week.

• Outstanding Advisor: Jessica Glass
• Outstanding Instructor: Katrin Iken
• Outstanding Researcher: Kay McMonigal and Steve Dykstra
• Outstanding Staff: Pat Church
• Outstanding Research Staff: Peter Shipton
• Outstanding R/V Sikuliaq Crew Member: Alanna Trillingham
• Outstanding Graduate Student: Josianne Haag
• Outstanding Undergraduate Student: Linnaea Doerner

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is in Seward, where the ship is hosting bear-guard training for crew members. Preparations will begin later this week for Russ Hopcroft’s spring Northern Gulf of Alaska Long-Term Ecological Research cruise.

Accomplishments

 

CFOS student Dakota Keller was awarded an Innovative Technology and Education grant through UAF’s Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity program.

Tuula Hollmen has been appointed as vice president of life sciences at the Alaska SeaLife Center, a position that oversees research, veterinary services and husbandry. She will also continue her role as a CFOS research faculty member. 

 

CFOS in the News

 

CNN’s Call to Earth featured work by CFOS PhD student Chloe Kotik using artificial intelligence to track killer whale populations and monitor their health.

Alaska Native News highlighted research by Schery Umanzor and CFOS alumna Muriel Dittrich on the growth patterns of Southeast Alaska seaweed species. 

Alex Sletten was interviewed by Alaska Public Media about research she conducted as a CFOS graduate student on microplastics in spotted seals.

 

Publications

 

Almeida-Saá, A.C., S. Umanzor, J.A. Zertuche-González, […], and J.M. Sandoval-Gil. 2025. Comparative photophysiology and respiration of kelp gametophytes reveals species-specific thermo-tolerance to marine heatwaves. Marine Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-025-04630-7

Larson, S.M., and K. McMonigal. 2025. Internal wind driven ocean circulation variability delays the time of emergence of externally forced sea surface temperature trends. Geophysical Research Letters. https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GL111878

Message from the Dean

Mark your calendars for the annual State of the College, which will be held in person in Fairbanks (O’Neill 201) and hosted virtually from 1–2 pm on Thursday, April 17. As in prior years, this event will highlight our progress in research, academics and service, and congratulate this year's recipients of the Dean’s Recognition Awards to our faculty, staff and students. I will also reflect on the successful implementation of the CFOS Decadal Plan over the past nine years; the plan was developed in 2016 following the restructure of our former School and Board of Regents approval of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.

It is a pleasure to recognize CFOS staff members who were honored for their longevity during last week’s Staff Recognition and Development Day. Thank you for your dedication and service to CFOS and UAF.

• 5 years: Simon Boroumand, Kimberly Heine, Brian Mullaly, Shelly Song
• 10 years: Ed deCastro
• 15 years: Hank Statscewich

Finally, please join me in welcoming Makiko Schmagin, who has accepted the position as CFOS procurement technician. Makiko will be based in Fairbanks, and her first day is today. She can be reached by email at moshmagin@alaska.edu.

R/V Sikuliaq

Sikuliaq is in Honolulu after completing the ALOHA Cabled Observatory cruise, and will soon transit to Seward while hosting the second Cyber Training Cruise, led by Julian Race. The transit cruise will also include a group of STEMSEAS students and a MATE intern. 

Accomplishments

 

Bradley Moran has accepted an appointment from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research to serve on the inaugural UCAR Community Advocacy Advisory Board. The advisory board will provide input to UCAR’s office of government relations to support effective and impactful advocacy efforts related to Earth systems science.

 

CFOS in the News

 

The Alaska Journal of Commerce and other publications covered the new cooperative agreement between NSF and CFOS to continue operating R/V Sikuliaq through 2028. 

 

An Alaska Native News article highlighted new CFOS-led research on the widespread presence of microplastics in spotted seal diets in the Bering and Chukchi seas. 

 

Publications

 

Jung, J.W., M. Dittrich, J.K. Kim, and S.U. Umanzor. 2025. Cost-effective nutrient supplementation strategies for land-based cultivation of Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis. Journal of Applied Phycolology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-025-03480-6

 

Questel, J.M., C.A. Smoot, A.G. Collins, D.J. Lindsay, and R.R. Hopcroft. 2025. DNA barcoding deep-water zooplankton from the Gulf of Alaska, North Pacific Ocean. Frontiers in Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1515048

 

Thyrring, J., P. Archambault, M. Burrows, K. Iken, F.P. Lima, et al. 2025. A horizon scan for Arctic coastal biodiversity research: understanding changes requires international collaboration. Trends in Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2025.02.008

 

Grants and Awards for March 2025

New awards for CFOS researchers

• Grant G-16687 "Assessment of foraging habitat conditions for Steller's eiders at Nelson Lagoon, Alaska" - Tuula Hollmen - Alaska Department of Fish and Game - $71,967.00 (October 1, 2024)

Awards receiving incremental funding

• Grant G-16570 "University of Alaska Fairbanks/Sikuliaq Ship Operations CY2025 - 2028" - Bradley Moran - NSF - Mods 1 and 2 - $3,666,656.00 and $2,750,000.00 (January 1, 2025)

Foundation-funded project receiving incremental funding

• 270511 "Meek Lecturers" - Andy Seitz - $186,087.00

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.2025.03.008

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.70003

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.marchem.2025.104508

 

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.marpolbul.2025.117770

 

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.jembe.2025.152086

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/s43247-025-02101-x

Message from the Dean

Uncertainty appears to be a certainty, at least for the near-term, in terms of federal agency support of our research and education enterprise. We are far from alone in having to adapt to these external forces. It may seem cliché to say that we will get through this, but we will. 

Over the past decade, together we have managed significant change at the unit level, navigated the most severe budget decrements in the history of the university, and adapted and grown our diverse research and education programs in the face of the global pandemic. Through all that turmoil our numbers speak for themselves: year-over-year increases in graduate and undergraduate enrollment, all-time-high revenues that position CFOS’s budget as the second-largest academic or research unit (financially) in the university system, and major facility operations that are second to none on a national basis. 

Naturally, we are all concerned about the future. But make no mistake, CFOS has proven to be remarkably resilient. I remain confident that we will not only get through this crossfire hurricane, we will emerge stronger and ever more important to the success of the university and the future of Alaska.

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/sciadv.adt4782 

 

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/s10811-024-03419-3

 

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/life15020143 

 

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/elementa.2024.00031

 

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/ece3.70797

 

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-2023-0054

 

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/ece3.70781

 

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/meps14796

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/meps14720

 

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.13541

 

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/journal.pone.0315320

 

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)