Category: Uncategorized

The status of marine mammal populations is of growing concern to a wide range of individuals. Questions are being asked about the impact of human activities on marine mammals and the effect of marine mammals on fish stocks. These uncertainties may have repercussions on people, marine mammals, and the health of the ecosystem.

INTO THE LAB …

How long can Steller sea lions hold their breath? Not very long according to a new study conducted at the Open Water Research Station. [more]

FROM THE FIELD …

Australian fur seals have a thing or two to teach their northern cousins about how to determine when and where seals and sea lions capture prey. And they do it using their heads. [more]

NUMBER CRUNCHING

Squid appear to be more important in the diet of Steller sea lions than previously thought. Sea lions are consuming at least 15 different species of squid in Southeast Alaska. Who would have thought? [more]

THIS JUST IN

Prey patches, foraging habitats, fatty acids, implantable tags, and the importance of prey quality to marine mammals. Check out the latest peer reviewed publications.

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SCIENCE IN DEPTH

It’s a big ocean. Northern fur seals show that physical characteristics of the ocean may be key to finding food in the Bering Sea. [more]

Steller sea lion research

SCIENCE OUTREACH

Every year from December to March, herds of walrus gather in the northern reaches of Alaska to breed. Similarly, every January the scientists who study these creatures and other marine mammals gather in Anchorage for their own rituals, which include the important exchange of scientific ideas. [more]