the Breakwater

A newsletter from the Prince William Sound Science Center

August 2022

Featured photo: Hand-carved and painted "Salmon Paddle" by Mike Webber. This item was donated by Mike to our Copper River Nouveau live auction. Dawson Construction won the paddle and graciously donated it back to the Science Center to be displayed in our new building.

Using Otolith Geochemistry to Understand the Watershed Origins of Arctic Salmon

As sea ice decreases and air and water temperatures increase in the Arctic, climate-driven range changes may occur for many species, and pink salmon are one of them. Previously, pink salmon were not found in Arctic streams. However, they have started to appear in the Arctic. PWSSC researchers and our partners are chemically analyzing otolith (ear bone) samples from these pink salmon to learn more about origins of pink salmon in the Arctic the implications for watersheds. Read the full article on our news page.

The otolith of a salmon reveal annual growth ring structures, much like the cross section of a tree.

Discover Cordova Continues this Fall and Winter

Our spring and summer series Discover Cordova will now be offered during the school year, too! Upcoming themes include bats, owls, and a three-part space series.

These programs are monthly evening events geared towards families. All ages are welcome and care-givers must attend with young children. Keep an eye out for flyers, emails, and other advertising for our next event.

Phase 2 of New Facility Begins

We have cut the ribbon on our new 20,000 sq. ft. facility and have just broken ground on Phase 2 of the building project. This phase involves the installation of a running seawater system and seawater heat pump – the first of its kind in Prince William Sound.

A running seawater system will expand the types of marine science research and mariculture and aquaculture industry-related work that can be accomplished in the region. It will support new job creation and attract researchers nationwide.

Accompanying the seawater system will be a heat pump that will offset the operations costs of the campus, only the third such installation in the state. This project will be completed in Spring 2023.

PWSSC Welcomes New Educator

Kate Trudeau, Education Specialist, joined PWSSC staff as summer programming began.

She received her master’s degree in science education from University of Northern Colorado after practicing environmental education with students in the Anchorage and Chugach school districts. Kate values interdisciplinary learning and inclusion in education to help everyone connect to the outdoors.

In addition to exploring the outdoors with children, Kate is passionate about bicycles. Before arriving in Cordova she biked 2000 miles from the headwaters of the Colorado River to the sea as a National Geographic Explorer and taught water ecology in schools along the way. When not knee deep in nature you can find her biking around town, hanging at the library, or trying to learn the fiddle.

The Future is Water: 2021 Annual Report

Today, more than 30 years after our founding, we are embarking upon a new era of Science Center work. It’s a time of great change in the world that is driving unpredictable outcomes for the things that matter. We are driven to play a key role as we continue pursuing our vision of communities that maintain socioeconomic resilience among healthy ecosystems.

We invite you to read about what we accomplished over the past year, and we are grateful for your support of our mission to advance community resilience and the understanding and sustainable use of ecosystems.

Alaska Residents: Support PWSSC's Mission Through Pick.Click.Give.

Go to pfd.alaska.gov to

add a pledge today.

Although the deadline to file your PFD is closed, you may choose to add or adjust your P.C.G. pledges through August 31. Your contribution helps us offer engaging science and outdoor education programs that get kids of all ages to explore their world. They learn to appreciate local ecosystems and how we as a community fit into the picture. Ultimately, they become informed citizens who can make sound and thoughtful decisions, both now and in the future.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

The Science Center is committed to resilient communities and healthy ecosystems.

We need your help now more than ever. If you believe in our mission and care about what we do, please consider making a donation today. Every dollar helps us stay stable during these uncertain times.

DONATE NOW