Website encourages reporting of coastal hazards

October 7, 2015

Entangled marine debris rests on a St. Paul Island beach. Photo by Deborah Mercy.

A new website from Alaska Sea Grant offers members of the public information to help them understand unusual things they may see along Alaska's coastline, such as dead animals or an odd color in the water.

The site, Encountering Environmental Hazards on Alaska’s Coasts, includes information on natural and man-made issues being faced by Alaska coastal communities. The site is designed to help Alaska residents learn about environmental risks and where to report them, if necessary.

Topics covered include aquatic invasive species, earthquakes and tsunamis, harmful algal blooms, marine mammal strandings, ocean acidification and more.

Scientists and government agencies would like to hear about what Alaskans see along the coastlines. Reporting hazards as you find them can help them monitor changes occurring in the ecosystem. Reporting can also help your neighbors be aware of possible hazards on their beaches.

To visit the website, go to http://seagrant.uaf.edu/topics/environmental-hazards-alaskas-coasts/.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Carol Kaynor, 907-474-6705, carol.kaynor@alaska.edu