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Alaska Region

USGS in Alaska conducts science for decision-making in five major areas: natural hazards; energy & minerals; water quality, streamflow & ice; wildlife, fish & habitat; and geospatial mapping. The Alaska Regional Office provides management and strategic coordination among the Alaska Science Center, the Volcano Science Center, & other partners operating in AK.

News

DOI scientists engage with Southeast Alaska Indigenous Guardians to discuss local sea otter ecology and economics

DOI scientists engage with Southeast Alaska Indigenous Guardians to discuss local sea otter ecology and economics

AquaDePTH: Merging Aquatic Disease Surveillance Data into One Useful Tool

AquaDePTH: Merging Aquatic Disease Surveillance Data into One Useful Tool

USGS Measures Glacial Flooding in Juneau, Alaska

USGS Measures Glacial Flooding in Juneau, Alaska

Publications

Investigating the role of lake environments and food chains on the transfer of mercury to lake trout Investigating the role of lake environments and food chains on the transfer of mercury to lake trout

Mercury contamination can pose threats to fish, wildlife, and people. Methylmercury, found in fish, can be particularly detrimental, especially to children. This study explores the sources and concentrations of mercury and proposes how people can become aware and limit their exposure.
Authors
Sarah M. Laske, Krista K. Bartz, Daniel Young

Brewing change in the (glacier) percolation zone Brewing change in the (glacier) percolation zone

Alaska's glaciers are losing mass at the fastest rate of any region globally, significantly affecting both the volume and distribution of water across the landscape. Though glaciers in the Alaska region (as defined by glaciologists this includes both Alaska and portions of adjacent Canada) range from sea level to nearly 6200 m (20,320 ft), the majority of glacier area in the Alaska...
Authors
Louis Sass, Christopher McNeil, Emily A. Baker, Zanden Arthur Frederick, Michael Loso

Understanding flooding and channel dynamics along the Taiya River: Providing context for resource management Understanding flooding and channel dynamics along the Taiya River: Providing context for resource management

Flooding and channel change in the Taiya River Basin in recent decades have directly affected park infrastructure and cultural resources. The complexities of flooding and channel change are compounded by the changing sediment and flow regime from a changing climate and shrinking glaciers, which will continue to drive dynamic riverine change. Streamflow data and geomorphic interpretation...
Authors
Janet H. Curran

Science

Fish and Aquatic Ecology

Fish and aquatic habitats in Alaska support important commercial, sport, and subsistence fisheries and provide forage fish that support wildlife populations. The USGS Alaska Science Center conducts interdisciplinary research to inform local, state, federal, and international policy makers regarding conservation of fish, aquatic species, and their habitats. We work collaboratively with hydrologists...
Fish and Aquatic Ecology

Fish and Aquatic Ecology

Fish and aquatic habitats in Alaska support important commercial, sport, and subsistence fisheries and provide forage fish that support wildlife populations. The USGS Alaska Science Center conducts interdisciplinary research to inform local, state, federal, and international policy makers regarding conservation of fish, aquatic species, and their habitats. We work collaboratively with hydrologists...
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Landbird Research in Alaska

On this page, learn about USGS work with the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS), Beak Deformities in Landbirds, and Boreal Partners in Flight (BPIF).
Landbird Research in Alaska

Landbird Research in Alaska

On this page, learn about USGS work with the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS), Beak Deformities in Landbirds, and Boreal Partners in Flight (BPIF).
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Shorebird Research

With its vast size and geographic position at the northern end of several migration pathways, Alaska is a critically important site for the world’s shorebirds. Thirty-seven shorebird species regularly breed in Alaska. Most of these species conduct epically long migrations to take advantage of Alaska’s abundant food resources and breeding habitat, making Alaska a global resource for shorebirds...
Shorebird Research

Shorebird Research

With its vast size and geographic position at the northern end of several migration pathways, Alaska is a critically important site for the world’s shorebirds. Thirty-seven shorebird species regularly breed in Alaska. Most of these species conduct epically long migrations to take advantage of Alaska’s abundant food resources and breeding habitat, making Alaska a global resource for shorebirds...
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