Far North Science

Kiska tests telemetry
ASLC Photo

The western population of Alaska’s Steller sea lions crashed by more than 75 percent in the 1980s and has so far failed to rebound, despite an ocean that teems with gobs of fish for them to eat.

Something has gone askew in the sea lion diet. But what? How does one uncover the jaw-popping details of sea lion foraging, something that occurs at acrobatic high-speed below the waves? How do you penetrate a moment hidden from the prying eyes of biologist and fisherman alike? What really goes on when sea lion mouth meets sea lion lunch?

The scientific team at the Alaska SeaLife Center has found a way.

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Descending Eagle Summit
Barrenlands Traverse

The SnowSTAR 2007: Barrenlands Traverse has launched on its quest to measure snow and visit communities across the Far North.

“The Expedition accomplished another milestone today by making it over the high and steep Eagle Summit,” reports the daily dispatch on Sunday. “They are now out of the steep hills and have entered what is known as the Yukon Flats region. Near midday they passed through the small mining community of Central and purchased fuel before continuing on.”

UPDATE: On Monday, only four days into their 1,800-mile traverse from Fairbanks to Baker Lake in the far reaches of Nunavut, the eight travelers camped on a Yukon River island and contemplated fresh wolf tracks.

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