The Precarious Protection of Alaska’s Ringed Seals

The State of Alaska is petitioning the federal government to take ringed seals off the endangered species list. Others say not so fast.

Jun 5, 2019 | 850 words, about 4 minutes

Midnight Sun Could Keep Predatory Fish Out of the Arctic

While climate change might let some fish move north into warming waters, extreme days and nights could be an invisible barrier.

May 24, 2019 | 650 words, about 3 minutes

Canada Has New Rules Governing Its Marine Protected Areas. Do They Go Far Enough?

Fisheries and Oceans Canada cites public backlash as one of the motivating factors for changing the rules governing marine protected areas.

May 3, 2019 | 950 words, about 4 minutes

Floating Ice Dampens Waves, Helps Preserve Itself

New research explores how small particles floating in water sap energy from waves, weakening the ice-shattering power of the sea.

Apr 22, 2019 | 400 words, about 2 minutes

Polar Bears’ Plastic Diets Are a Growing Problem

In the Arctic, polar bears feeding in landfills get an unhealthy serving of stomach-blocking plastic bags.

Apr 5, 2019 | 650 words, about 3 minutes

Coastal Job: Sea Ice Analyst and Forecaster

Arctic sea ice changes rapidly, and Nick Hughes is a master at predicting its next move. His daily ice forecasts help keep seafarers out of trouble.

Mar 29, 2019 | 650 words, about 3 minutes

The Shells of Wild Sea Butterflies Are Already Dissolving

This long-predicted outcome of ocean acidification experiments has started showing up in the wild.

Mar 1, 2019 | 750 words, about 3 minutes

Killer Whales Are Expanding into the Arctic, Then Dying as the Ice Sets In

Over the past eight years, researchers have seen more than 20 killer whales trapped by ice.

Feb 14, 2019 | 850 words, about 4 minutes