Hello Everyone,
On our visit to Alaska Sea Life Center this past June, we learned Alaska’s only aquarium has a three-part mission. It’s a facility designed to educate visitors about Alaskan marine ecology while performing research on a wide variety of projects. It’s also the only institute permitted to rehabilitate Alaska’s stranded marine animals. They do their job so well that the Center has become known as a must see attraction when visiting Alaska.
A LITTLE HISTORY
The concept of ASLC began more than 30 years ago when Seward community leaders had a vision of improving the existing University of Alaska’s Seward Marine Center research and public education facilities. Although the legislature was asked periodically for funding and the university was lobbied, the dream went unfulfilled.
The Exxon Valdez oil spillage (EVOS) on March 24, 1989 created a sense of urgency to take action when hundreds of thousands of marine birds, mammals, and fish were destroyed after the accident. It drew attention to the need for improved facilities to treat injured wildlife and for research on the area’s ecology.
It also brought to awareness that no reliable information on the affected animals and their habitats had been known before the spill. This proved detrimental to scientists in their effort to understand how extensive the damage was and how recovery was proceeding. As a result, scientists determined they needed to conduct research and monitoring on a long-term basis.
In response to EVOS, researchers and concerned citizens formed the Seward Association for the Advancement of Marine Science (SAAMS.) The goal of this nonprofit group was to create a world-class marine research, wildlife rehabilitation, and public education facility. It would be adjacent to the University of Alaska Seward Marine Center and be located on Resurrection Bay.
A major funding development occurred in 1993. The Alaska Legislature appropriated that year $12.5 million from the EVOS criminal settlement funds as a state grant to Seward to develop ASLC. The purpose was to serve as a marine mammal rehabilitation center and as a center for education and research related to the natural resources injured by EVOS.
SAAMS requested more funds and received in 1994 $24.956 million more from EVOS to further develop the research facilities at the Center and $1.247 million at a later date. In May 1996, the City of Sward passed $1.75 million in Revenue Bonds to help finance $13 million of the construction costs. A private campaign netted $6 million for the Center’s start up with a million of that coming from Seward’s 3,000 residents.
Ground breaking took place in May 1995 with work done in two phases. Grand opening occurred on May 2, 1998. In September 2016, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) announced that they granted accreditation to the Alaska Sea Life Center.
EDUCATION
Education takes place via a number of ways in this facility. Visitors can observe the wide number of interactive displays on both floors, enjoy one of the animal encounters, or take a behind the scenes tour. Signage at each exhibit teaches about the various mammals, birds, and invertebrates. Trained interpretative staff are on the floor to chat with visitors about the Center, the animals, marine ecosystem science, and more.
The Center’s Discovery Education programs were developed in accordance with the standards of both the Alaska’s Science Content and Performance and the National Science Education. They are offered throughout the year for scouts and teachers. For students who live a distance from the Center, the facility provides multimedia programs with interactive video conference equipment that incorporate ASLC’s live animals wherever possible.
STARTING YOUR VISIT
You start your tour in the lobby by purchasing your tickets. It’s also the home of Discovery Gift Shop, open year round, and Haul Out Café, open June through September. It isn’t necessary to purchase admission to eat at the café.
Then it’s time to see two of the most popular exhibits. The huge habitats for the Steller sea lion and the Harbor seal receive lots of attention from adults and children. The Steller sea lions live in an exhibit resembling a haul-out (resting site) in Resurrection Bay while the Harbor seals reside in an area depicting a rocky coastline. Each has an enormous pool area.
The mammals can be viewed three ways. Take the escalator or elevator to the second floor then go outside through the building’s second floor doors to view them directly in their tanks. Other choices are to watch their antics through that floor’s viewing windows or observe lively underwater action through the first floor’s window panes.
The Harbor seals entertain with their swimming and dives. You never know exactly where they’ll pop up. When they swim close to the underwater viewing windows, those observing them love it. Sea lions look like perfect lumbering couch potatoes as they sun on land since they weigh between 500-600 pounds for females and 1,500 pounds for males. However, in the water, they’re graceful and beautiful as they glide around their tank.
In captivity, besides ASLC, Steller sea lions are only found at three other facilities. These are Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, the Oregon Zoo, and the Vancouver Aquarium.
The 60-minute Marine Mammal Encounter is held at noon and at 3:00 p.m. during the summer (May 27-September 4) and at 1:00 p.m. during the rest of the year. Presented by the animal care team, visitors learn how the staff trains, feeds, and cares for their resident mammals. It’s held to a maximum of five people with a minimum age of ten.
SEABIRD AVIARY
The seabird aviary, Coastal Fjords, also draws lots of attention with its 21-foot deep diving pool, the deepest one in North America. Eight of the Center’s ten different species of seabirds, living in this exhibit, dive under the water. Watch from the first floor as the birds catch small fish like Prowfish, different species of Rockfish, Dolly Varden, and Kelp Greenling. A Wolf Eel, which is actually a fish, not an eel, resides here, too.
You’ll find King Eiders, Long-tail ducks, Black Oystercatchers, Common Murres, Tufted Puffins, Horned Puffins, Pigeon Guillemots, Harlequin Ducks, Rhinoceros Auklets, and Red-legged Kittiwakes at the aviary. While ducks use their feet to propel themselves when they dive, others like Murres and Puffins can actually fly underwater. Puffins spend most of their lives on the water returning to land only to breed.
The bubbles you’ll see streaming behind the birds as they dive is from the air trapped by their down feathers. On land, they spend a lot of time preening. Besides keeping their feathers clean, it spreads their feathers’ natural oil evenly, preventing water from soaking into them.
You can enter the large aviary through doors on the second floor to get close to the birds. Bird feed is available for those who want to feed them. The birds aren’t shy and are eager for a handout. From the first floor, it’s a better opportunity to actually see their dives.
You can join the 60-minute Puffin Encounter held during the summer at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and at 1:00 p.m. during the rest of the year. You’ll tour the aviary, meet the birds and their keepers, and learn about the research and breeding programs. Cost is $74.95 per person. The tour is held to a maximum of four people with a minimum age of ten.
OTHER EXHIBITS ON THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS
Scattered around the first and second floors, visitors will notice a variety of aquariums. Since these change their exhibits fairly regularly, you may see different species on separate visits. Almost all of the mammals and all the fish and invertebrates come from Resurrection Bay.
Three aquariums are devoted to such topics as bottom dwellers, denizens, and shelf life. The Skate, located on the first floor, drew my attention. With its cartilaginous skeleton and multiple gill slits, it is related to sharks except flatter. Fourteen species of this creature exist. The ASLC research staff is currently studying how many juvenile Skates are hatched annually. Hatching can take up to 3.7 years.
“ I always encourage people to take their time and look very closely, “ said Jennifer Gibbins, Marketing and Communications Director. “The cold water marine ecosystem of Alaska is filled with very unique animals that are very good at blending in with their surroundings. Visitors who take their time, stop, and really look will be richly rewarded.”
The Temporary Exhibit Room houses changing exhibits. While we were there, we saw Coastal Impressions, a photographic journey along Alaska’s Gulf Coast. Portrayed on three walls were large format images shot as part of the Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council. It is part of the ShoreZone Mapping Project that has mapped and imaged the coasts of Washington and British Columbia. It’s now doing the same for Alaska’s coastal biological and geological zones. The images were on loan from the Nature Conservancy.
For 2017, the exhibit will be paintings by V. Rae, an immensely popular Alaskan artist. She paints very colorful images, almost imaginative portraits, of Alaska’s wildlife.
The first floor also had billboards on Alaska’s sustainable fisheries. Commercial fishing accounts for more than half of the total of the U.S. fish catch. Seward ranks among the top 20 American ports on the monetary value of fish brought to shore.
At the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill audio exhibit, hear the latest information on the wildlife affected. You can also learn about the marine ecosystems affected by the spill.
This floor is also the place to catch a video on various birds and animals. We watched “Ocean Oasis” about the deep sea corals and sponges providing cover for animals and fish that live off the east coast of the United States.
Start your upstairs visit by going outside to view the Resurrection Bay Overlook. You may spot some of the marine birds and mammals in their natural habitats. Take time to read the signs about the 1964 earthquake and its effects. You’ll learn four seafood processors were destroyed along with many fishing vessels. Most of this was never rebuilt. Although the salmon population has returned, it was decimated for five years.
As you go inside, Salmon Stream will catch your attention. It gives complete information from the hatching of eggs to the length of time needed to develop as fry before each species heads to the ocean. You’ll see Coho smolts in a tank. Smolts are young salmon that are ready to migrate to the sea.
At the adjoining Chiswell Island Interactive Rookery, watch live video from the Steller sea lion rookery. On the Behind the Scenes tour, you can watch staff monitoring this rookery as part of a research project. At the Research Deck Overlook, animals involved in research projects or rehabilitation are housed in pools. We saw otters when we took the Otter Encounter.
A popular exhibit is called Discovery Pool. It’s an open tank where you can reach in to touch with two fingers, but not pick up, sea creatures in an open pool. It contains various animals found in Alaskan waters: anemones, sea cucumbers, Hermit crabs and several starfish species.
You can weigh yourself to see how to compare with male Harbor seal pups, female Steller sea lions, and otters or watch the video sponsored by British Petroleum at the Arctic Theater.
OCTOPUS ENCOUNTER
The Octopus Grotto is in the underwater viewing area, between the Harbor seals and Steller sea lions, on the first floor. However, the 60-minute long Octopus Encounter goes behind the scenes on the second floor.
On this encounter, our guide related many facts about their Giant Pacific Octopus, the largest species of octopuses known. It’s related to the squid and Cuddlefish and known for its amazing defenses. For example, it’s a master in camouflage and can move really fast in the water. Being an invertebrate, the only hard part of this animal is its mouth which is like a bird beak.
The Center has done research on the population growth of octopuses and on how they conduct their larvae rearing. Although they lay up to 100,000 eggs, only five to ten larvae make it to adulthood since all other sea life preys on them. The Center has not had success at raising octopus eggs.
On this encounter, you can see a squid dissected.. You also have an opportunity to shake “hands" with the Giant Pacific octopus.
Octopus Encounters are $74.95 per person. They’re held at at 1:00 p.m. from May 26-September 3 and at 3:00 p.m. the rest of the year. A maximum of five people are allowed with a minimum age of six and older.
An option for $24.95 is the half hour tour. At this one, visitors will learn about the animal and watch caregivers give a feeding. It’s available during the summer only. There is a maximum of 14 people per tour with an age limit of six and older. It is held daily at 1:30 p.m.
THE OTTER ENCOUNTER
At the Otter Encounter, you’ll actually see how ASLC operates as the only permitted stranding facility in Alaska. In 2016, staff was on overload as they had a record number of six otter pups at the facility.
In the wild, mother otters give their pups 24-hour care for the first six months of their life and stay with them for a year to teach them survival skills. When a pup is found stranded, and it’s confirmed that the mother isn’t returning, it's brought to the Center. Caregivers need to literally act as mothers. The staff grooms them with blow dryers, bottle feeds them, and provides small pools for swimming. They also teach them how to dive into the water.
Although the pups eat between 50 to 100 types of food in the wild, they settle on the three or four that their actual mom prefers. Those at the center eat a mixture of clam and squid as the bulk of their daily diet. They must be fed a minimum of 25% of their body weight each day to stay healthy. The staff weighs them each Saturday to see if they need to increase or decrease their diet.
The otters at ASLC come into the Center through the Wildlife Response and Rehabilitation Program and are temporary residents. Because federal regulations do not permit them to be released back into the wild, once healthy again, they are eventually transferred to other aquariums for the long run. Some are even becoming world travelers and ambassadors for their species. Three pups that were a year old were transferred to France last year. ASLC has previously sent Harbor seals and otters to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
At this encounter, after learning about otters and seeing a pelt and skull, we went outside to the I Sea U exhibit to meet 9-month old pups, Machuk and Tongit. Our group watched a training session where the pups stayed and waited for the next command. They also swam, lay on their backs, and played with their toys.
The other option is the otter tour. Check for availability on both of these since it depends on when the otters will arrive at the Center this summer.
STRANDING PROGRAM
Besides being the only permitted stranding facility for marine animals in Alaska, ASLC is a participating organization in the Alaska Stranding Network. That is a group of dedicated volunteers and organization who support rescue, stranding, and rehabilitation efforts statewide.
The ASN’s rescue and rehabilitation program is authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Program and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to respond to any animal stranding from anywhere on Alaska’s Gulf Coast. That includes such marine animals as Harbor, Ringed, and Spotted fur seals; Steller and California sea lions, walruses; sea otters; and birds from all over Alaska. These are all brought to the center for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and hopefully release. Those animals which can’t be released are kept at ASLC or transferred to another facility. The objective is to free as many stranded animals as possible.
Since ASLC operates as a “stranding center” within a marine research facility, it studies the animals physiology and biology during rehabilitation. This enables veterinarians and other staff to increase their knowledge about these animals. The information they gain adds to the amount of data on conserving threatened and endangered species and learning more about the status of wild populations.
In October 2016, ASLC received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to create and sustain a nationwide network of animal care professionals who respond to such disasters as oil spills. Under this three-year grant, ASLC will work with the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center at the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
The program will develop and deliver training courses, provide a mutual aid framework, and create a database so American Zoological Association specialists can rapidly deploy trained people to a disaster. It will also support the preservation of animals at zoos and aquariums if a natural disaster occurs.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Earl and I strongly recommend the Behind the Scenes tour. It’s an opportunity to learn about the research and wildlife response programs while visiting the food preparation room and such other departments as the veterinarian service.
The tour started with a brief history of ASLC. We learned that the first research project, which started in 1998, has been on monitoring the behavior and population dynamics of Western Steller sea lions. In 1997, this species had been listed as endangered. The Eastern Steller sea lions, formerly listed as threatened, have now been delisted.
Our guide led the group into a room where staff actually monitors the Steller sea lions at their rookery on Chiswell Island, 35 miles south of Seward, as well as haul-outs on Grotto Island and Cape Resurrection. They use remote controlled video cameras. There are 35 cameras at Chiswell. Researchers log in to see who are there. In June 2016, it was the residence of 100 females and 70 to 80 pups. These are counted by sex and age twice daily. All pups born are branded in certain years which helps keep track of their life history events.
By doing research on reproduction and survival, it gives researchers a better understanding of the factors affecting the sea lion population. Researchers have found that these sea lions are now increasing nine percent annually. Problems with the previous population decline seem to be due to competition with the commercial fisheries for food, juveniles being eaten by Sleeper sharks, and Orca predation.
Simultaneously, researchers are collecting information on Black-legged Kittiwakes and Common Murres from the island. Activity is watched as long as the island is lit by sunlight.
Our guide spoke about the wildlife response programs and how it differs with the various animals as far as release. Although ASLC is the only permanent rehabilitation facility in Alaska, 48 institutions in the “lower 48" have co-signed to do this.
When ASLC receives a call about a stranded Harbor seal, they make arrangements to bring the animal back to the Center. Private airlines and Alaska Airlines often donate freight space. When the Harbor seals arrive, they are placed in quarantine. Staff gives them ice and a blanket and starts feeding them fish. They aren’t put in water nor is any imprinting done. Staff continues to provide food and makes sure the stranded Harbor seal is healthy. Sometimes tracking tags are attached to its fur. If it’s well, it is quickly released to the wild.
Spotted seals, which come from the Aleutian Islands, are not released into the wild after they come into the Wildlife Response Program. This is because of federal regulations.
Our tour guide informed the group that caring for young otters requires around the clock care. Eventually, they are transferred to other facilities since it’s expensive to keep animals. When the three otters were sent to France, that country sent people over for training. In addition, one of the ASLC’s mammal keepers went to France for three months to work with the staff there.
The group then entered the food preparation room. ASLC uses 100,000 pounds of fish a year. Birds get vitamins daily while mammals do if it’s needed. All departments receive squid feed which is 80% water and also contains vitamins. Some food is obtained from commercial fisheries.
Our next stop was the vet services department. ASLC has three full time veterinarians and one veterinarian tech on staff. They do everything from analyzing blood and weight checks to whale autopsies. They have portable ultrasound and x-ray equipment at the Center.
The aquarium department is in charge of the maintenance and development of the Center’s exhibits. They also do the feed and health checks on the fish. One type of training the Animal Care staff does with the animals is target training. For example, if they touch a pole, sea lions or Harbor seals get a fish. By staying longer with the pole, the more fish they get. Bad behavior is ignored while good behavior receives positive reinforcement.
Behind the Scenes tours are available only during the summer at 10:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. These 60-minute tours cost $14.95 per person. There is a maximum of 12 on the tour. Minimum age is 12. Those under age 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
MORE RESEARCH
ASLC’s research goals are to develop an understanding of the roles of marine mammals, birds, and fish in the Arctic and Subarctic marine ecosystems. By doing this, it wants to create scientific knowledge that’s relevant to resource management and policy.
The combination of ASLC’s location; in-house collection of marine mammals, seabirds, and fish; and their laboratory facilities provide scientists with top notch opportunities to study Alaska’s marine life. Though their projects concentrate on Alaska, staff collaborates internationally. The science staff has had close to 300 articles published in journals and given over 700 scientific presentations at conferences.
The science department is led by a director. He has six principal investigators, three research associates, two research coordinators, and several technical and research support staff. The Center’s veterinarians also participate in many research activities.
To learn more about the research department, its scientists, and projects go to Alaska SeaLife Center’s web site’s Science and Research section. It even covers who their scientists are.
LOOKING FOR RV VOLUNTEERS
ASLC is recruiting Rvers for interpretation, ticketing, and café volunteer positions for the 2017 season. Volunteers will work 20 hours a week in exchange for an RV site with water, electricity, and refuse removal (There is a $5 dump fee.) at the City of Seward Waterfront Campground overlooking Resurrection Bay. These will be open from May through September. RV volunteers are asked to make a minimum commitment of six weeks. No salary is provided. For further information and program requirements, go to their link on volunteering.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Alaska Sea Life Center is located at 301 Railway Avenue in Seward. Their telephone number is (907) 224-6320. Hours are from May 26-September 3, 2017 from 8:00 a.m.to 9:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The rest of the year they are open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission rates are $24.95 for ages 13 and up, $21.95 for seniors, and $12.95 for children ages 4 to 12. Under age four, it’s free.
For tours and encounters, it is wise to make a reservation. To change or cancel your reservation, call 888-378-2525 or email then at [email protected]. Cancellation fees may apply. These fees are listed on their web site under Encounters and Tours.
You’ll find lots more information about this wonderful Center on their web site.
On our visit to Alaska Sea Life Center this past June, we learned Alaska’s only aquarium has a three-part mission. It’s a facility designed to educate visitors about Alaskan marine ecology while performing research on a wide variety of projects. It’s also the only institute permitted to rehabilitate Alaska’s stranded marine animals. They do their job so well that the Center has become known as a must see attraction when visiting Alaska.
A LITTLE HISTORY
The concept of ASLC began more than 30 years ago when Seward community leaders had a vision of improving the existing University of Alaska’s Seward Marine Center research and public education facilities. Although the legislature was asked periodically for funding and the university was lobbied, the dream went unfulfilled.
The Exxon Valdez oil spillage (EVOS) on March 24, 1989 created a sense of urgency to take action when hundreds of thousands of marine birds, mammals, and fish were destroyed after the accident. It drew attention to the need for improved facilities to treat injured wildlife and for research on the area’s ecology.
It also brought to awareness that no reliable information on the affected animals and their habitats had been known before the spill. This proved detrimental to scientists in their effort to understand how extensive the damage was and how recovery was proceeding. As a result, scientists determined they needed to conduct research and monitoring on a long-term basis.
In response to EVOS, researchers and concerned citizens formed the Seward Association for the Advancement of Marine Science (SAAMS.) The goal of this nonprofit group was to create a world-class marine research, wildlife rehabilitation, and public education facility. It would be adjacent to the University of Alaska Seward Marine Center and be located on Resurrection Bay.
A major funding development occurred in 1993. The Alaska Legislature appropriated that year $12.5 million from the EVOS criminal settlement funds as a state grant to Seward to develop ASLC. The purpose was to serve as a marine mammal rehabilitation center and as a center for education and research related to the natural resources injured by EVOS.
SAAMS requested more funds and received in 1994 $24.956 million more from EVOS to further develop the research facilities at the Center and $1.247 million at a later date. In May 1996, the City of Sward passed $1.75 million in Revenue Bonds to help finance $13 million of the construction costs. A private campaign netted $6 million for the Center’s start up with a million of that coming from Seward’s 3,000 residents.
Ground breaking took place in May 1995 with work done in two phases. Grand opening occurred on May 2, 1998. In September 2016, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) announced that they granted accreditation to the Alaska Sea Life Center.
EDUCATION
Education takes place via a number of ways in this facility. Visitors can observe the wide number of interactive displays on both floors, enjoy one of the animal encounters, or take a behind the scenes tour. Signage at each exhibit teaches about the various mammals, birds, and invertebrates. Trained interpretative staff are on the floor to chat with visitors about the Center, the animals, marine ecosystem science, and more.
The Center’s Discovery Education programs were developed in accordance with the standards of both the Alaska’s Science Content and Performance and the National Science Education. They are offered throughout the year for scouts and teachers. For students who live a distance from the Center, the facility provides multimedia programs with interactive video conference equipment that incorporate ASLC’s live animals wherever possible.
STARTING YOUR VISIT
You start your tour in the lobby by purchasing your tickets. It’s also the home of Discovery Gift Shop, open year round, and Haul Out Café, open June through September. It isn’t necessary to purchase admission to eat at the café.
Then it’s time to see two of the most popular exhibits. The huge habitats for the Steller sea lion and the Harbor seal receive lots of attention from adults and children. The Steller sea lions live in an exhibit resembling a haul-out (resting site) in Resurrection Bay while the Harbor seals reside in an area depicting a rocky coastline. Each has an enormous pool area.
The mammals can be viewed three ways. Take the escalator or elevator to the second floor then go outside through the building’s second floor doors to view them directly in their tanks. Other choices are to watch their antics through that floor’s viewing windows or observe lively underwater action through the first floor’s window panes.
The Harbor seals entertain with their swimming and dives. You never know exactly where they’ll pop up. When they swim close to the underwater viewing windows, those observing them love it. Sea lions look like perfect lumbering couch potatoes as they sun on land since they weigh between 500-600 pounds for females and 1,500 pounds for males. However, in the water, they’re graceful and beautiful as they glide around their tank.
In captivity, besides ASLC, Steller sea lions are only found at three other facilities. These are Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, the Oregon Zoo, and the Vancouver Aquarium.
The 60-minute Marine Mammal Encounter is held at noon and at 3:00 p.m. during the summer (May 27-September 4) and at 1:00 p.m. during the rest of the year. Presented by the animal care team, visitors learn how the staff trains, feeds, and cares for their resident mammals. It’s held to a maximum of five people with a minimum age of ten.
SEABIRD AVIARY
The seabird aviary, Coastal Fjords, also draws lots of attention with its 21-foot deep diving pool, the deepest one in North America. Eight of the Center’s ten different species of seabirds, living in this exhibit, dive under the water. Watch from the first floor as the birds catch small fish like Prowfish, different species of Rockfish, Dolly Varden, and Kelp Greenling. A Wolf Eel, which is actually a fish, not an eel, resides here, too.
You’ll find King Eiders, Long-tail ducks, Black Oystercatchers, Common Murres, Tufted Puffins, Horned Puffins, Pigeon Guillemots, Harlequin Ducks, Rhinoceros Auklets, and Red-legged Kittiwakes at the aviary. While ducks use their feet to propel themselves when they dive, others like Murres and Puffins can actually fly underwater. Puffins spend most of their lives on the water returning to land only to breed.
The bubbles you’ll see streaming behind the birds as they dive is from the air trapped by their down feathers. On land, they spend a lot of time preening. Besides keeping their feathers clean, it spreads their feathers’ natural oil evenly, preventing water from soaking into them.
You can enter the large aviary through doors on the second floor to get close to the birds. Bird feed is available for those who want to feed them. The birds aren’t shy and are eager for a handout. From the first floor, it’s a better opportunity to actually see their dives.
You can join the 60-minute Puffin Encounter held during the summer at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and at 1:00 p.m. during the rest of the year. You’ll tour the aviary, meet the birds and their keepers, and learn about the research and breeding programs. Cost is $74.95 per person. The tour is held to a maximum of four people with a minimum age of ten.
OTHER EXHIBITS ON THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS
Scattered around the first and second floors, visitors will notice a variety of aquariums. Since these change their exhibits fairly regularly, you may see different species on separate visits. Almost all of the mammals and all the fish and invertebrates come from Resurrection Bay.
Three aquariums are devoted to such topics as bottom dwellers, denizens, and shelf life. The Skate, located on the first floor, drew my attention. With its cartilaginous skeleton and multiple gill slits, it is related to sharks except flatter. Fourteen species of this creature exist. The ASLC research staff is currently studying how many juvenile Skates are hatched annually. Hatching can take up to 3.7 years.
“ I always encourage people to take their time and look very closely, “ said Jennifer Gibbins, Marketing and Communications Director. “The cold water marine ecosystem of Alaska is filled with very unique animals that are very good at blending in with their surroundings. Visitors who take their time, stop, and really look will be richly rewarded.”
The Temporary Exhibit Room houses changing exhibits. While we were there, we saw Coastal Impressions, a photographic journey along Alaska’s Gulf Coast. Portrayed on three walls were large format images shot as part of the Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council. It is part of the ShoreZone Mapping Project that has mapped and imaged the coasts of Washington and British Columbia. It’s now doing the same for Alaska’s coastal biological and geological zones. The images were on loan from the Nature Conservancy.
For 2017, the exhibit will be paintings by V. Rae, an immensely popular Alaskan artist. She paints very colorful images, almost imaginative portraits, of Alaska’s wildlife.
The first floor also had billboards on Alaska’s sustainable fisheries. Commercial fishing accounts for more than half of the total of the U.S. fish catch. Seward ranks among the top 20 American ports on the monetary value of fish brought to shore.
At the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill audio exhibit, hear the latest information on the wildlife affected. You can also learn about the marine ecosystems affected by the spill.
This floor is also the place to catch a video on various birds and animals. We watched “Ocean Oasis” about the deep sea corals and sponges providing cover for animals and fish that live off the east coast of the United States.
Start your upstairs visit by going outside to view the Resurrection Bay Overlook. You may spot some of the marine birds and mammals in their natural habitats. Take time to read the signs about the 1964 earthquake and its effects. You’ll learn four seafood processors were destroyed along with many fishing vessels. Most of this was never rebuilt. Although the salmon population has returned, it was decimated for five years.
As you go inside, Salmon Stream will catch your attention. It gives complete information from the hatching of eggs to the length of time needed to develop as fry before each species heads to the ocean. You’ll see Coho smolts in a tank. Smolts are young salmon that are ready to migrate to the sea.
At the adjoining Chiswell Island Interactive Rookery, watch live video from the Steller sea lion rookery. On the Behind the Scenes tour, you can watch staff monitoring this rookery as part of a research project. At the Research Deck Overlook, animals involved in research projects or rehabilitation are housed in pools. We saw otters when we took the Otter Encounter.
A popular exhibit is called Discovery Pool. It’s an open tank where you can reach in to touch with two fingers, but not pick up, sea creatures in an open pool. It contains various animals found in Alaskan waters: anemones, sea cucumbers, Hermit crabs and several starfish species.
You can weigh yourself to see how to compare with male Harbor seal pups, female Steller sea lions, and otters or watch the video sponsored by British Petroleum at the Arctic Theater.
OCTOPUS ENCOUNTER
The Octopus Grotto is in the underwater viewing area, between the Harbor seals and Steller sea lions, on the first floor. However, the 60-minute long Octopus Encounter goes behind the scenes on the second floor.
On this encounter, our guide related many facts about their Giant Pacific Octopus, the largest species of octopuses known. It’s related to the squid and Cuddlefish and known for its amazing defenses. For example, it’s a master in camouflage and can move really fast in the water. Being an invertebrate, the only hard part of this animal is its mouth which is like a bird beak.
The Center has done research on the population growth of octopuses and on how they conduct their larvae rearing. Although they lay up to 100,000 eggs, only five to ten larvae make it to adulthood since all other sea life preys on them. The Center has not had success at raising octopus eggs.
On this encounter, you can see a squid dissected.. You also have an opportunity to shake “hands" with the Giant Pacific octopus.
Octopus Encounters are $74.95 per person. They’re held at at 1:00 p.m. from May 26-September 3 and at 3:00 p.m. the rest of the year. A maximum of five people are allowed with a minimum age of six and older.
An option for $24.95 is the half hour tour. At this one, visitors will learn about the animal and watch caregivers give a feeding. It’s available during the summer only. There is a maximum of 14 people per tour with an age limit of six and older. It is held daily at 1:30 p.m.
THE OTTER ENCOUNTER
At the Otter Encounter, you’ll actually see how ASLC operates as the only permitted stranding facility in Alaska. In 2016, staff was on overload as they had a record number of six otter pups at the facility.
In the wild, mother otters give their pups 24-hour care for the first six months of their life and stay with them for a year to teach them survival skills. When a pup is found stranded, and it’s confirmed that the mother isn’t returning, it's brought to the Center. Caregivers need to literally act as mothers. The staff grooms them with blow dryers, bottle feeds them, and provides small pools for swimming. They also teach them how to dive into the water.
Although the pups eat between 50 to 100 types of food in the wild, they settle on the three or four that their actual mom prefers. Those at the center eat a mixture of clam and squid as the bulk of their daily diet. They must be fed a minimum of 25% of their body weight each day to stay healthy. The staff weighs them each Saturday to see if they need to increase or decrease their diet.
The otters at ASLC come into the Center through the Wildlife Response and Rehabilitation Program and are temporary residents. Because federal regulations do not permit them to be released back into the wild, once healthy again, they are eventually transferred to other aquariums for the long run. Some are even becoming world travelers and ambassadors for their species. Three pups that were a year old were transferred to France last year. ASLC has previously sent Harbor seals and otters to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
At this encounter, after learning about otters and seeing a pelt and skull, we went outside to the I Sea U exhibit to meet 9-month old pups, Machuk and Tongit. Our group watched a training session where the pups stayed and waited for the next command. They also swam, lay on their backs, and played with their toys.
The other option is the otter tour. Check for availability on both of these since it depends on when the otters will arrive at the Center this summer.
STRANDING PROGRAM
Besides being the only permitted stranding facility for marine animals in Alaska, ASLC is a participating organization in the Alaska Stranding Network. That is a group of dedicated volunteers and organization who support rescue, stranding, and rehabilitation efforts statewide.
The ASN’s rescue and rehabilitation program is authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Program and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to respond to any animal stranding from anywhere on Alaska’s Gulf Coast. That includes such marine animals as Harbor, Ringed, and Spotted fur seals; Steller and California sea lions, walruses; sea otters; and birds from all over Alaska. These are all brought to the center for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and hopefully release. Those animals which can’t be released are kept at ASLC or transferred to another facility. The objective is to free as many stranded animals as possible.
Since ASLC operates as a “stranding center” within a marine research facility, it studies the animals physiology and biology during rehabilitation. This enables veterinarians and other staff to increase their knowledge about these animals. The information they gain adds to the amount of data on conserving threatened and endangered species and learning more about the status of wild populations.
In October 2016, ASLC received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to create and sustain a nationwide network of animal care professionals who respond to such disasters as oil spills. Under this three-year grant, ASLC will work with the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center at the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
The program will develop and deliver training courses, provide a mutual aid framework, and create a database so American Zoological Association specialists can rapidly deploy trained people to a disaster. It will also support the preservation of animals at zoos and aquariums if a natural disaster occurs.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Earl and I strongly recommend the Behind the Scenes tour. It’s an opportunity to learn about the research and wildlife response programs while visiting the food preparation room and such other departments as the veterinarian service.
The tour started with a brief history of ASLC. We learned that the first research project, which started in 1998, has been on monitoring the behavior and population dynamics of Western Steller sea lions. In 1997, this species had been listed as endangered. The Eastern Steller sea lions, formerly listed as threatened, have now been delisted.
Our guide led the group into a room where staff actually monitors the Steller sea lions at their rookery on Chiswell Island, 35 miles south of Seward, as well as haul-outs on Grotto Island and Cape Resurrection. They use remote controlled video cameras. There are 35 cameras at Chiswell. Researchers log in to see who are there. In June 2016, it was the residence of 100 females and 70 to 80 pups. These are counted by sex and age twice daily. All pups born are branded in certain years which helps keep track of their life history events.
By doing research on reproduction and survival, it gives researchers a better understanding of the factors affecting the sea lion population. Researchers have found that these sea lions are now increasing nine percent annually. Problems with the previous population decline seem to be due to competition with the commercial fisheries for food, juveniles being eaten by Sleeper sharks, and Orca predation.
Simultaneously, researchers are collecting information on Black-legged Kittiwakes and Common Murres from the island. Activity is watched as long as the island is lit by sunlight.
Our guide spoke about the wildlife response programs and how it differs with the various animals as far as release. Although ASLC is the only permanent rehabilitation facility in Alaska, 48 institutions in the “lower 48" have co-signed to do this.
When ASLC receives a call about a stranded Harbor seal, they make arrangements to bring the animal back to the Center. Private airlines and Alaska Airlines often donate freight space. When the Harbor seals arrive, they are placed in quarantine. Staff gives them ice and a blanket and starts feeding them fish. They aren’t put in water nor is any imprinting done. Staff continues to provide food and makes sure the stranded Harbor seal is healthy. Sometimes tracking tags are attached to its fur. If it’s well, it is quickly released to the wild.
Spotted seals, which come from the Aleutian Islands, are not released into the wild after they come into the Wildlife Response Program. This is because of federal regulations.
Our tour guide informed the group that caring for young otters requires around the clock care. Eventually, they are transferred to other facilities since it’s expensive to keep animals. When the three otters were sent to France, that country sent people over for training. In addition, one of the ASLC’s mammal keepers went to France for three months to work with the staff there.
The group then entered the food preparation room. ASLC uses 100,000 pounds of fish a year. Birds get vitamins daily while mammals do if it’s needed. All departments receive squid feed which is 80% water and also contains vitamins. Some food is obtained from commercial fisheries.
Our next stop was the vet services department. ASLC has three full time veterinarians and one veterinarian tech on staff. They do everything from analyzing blood and weight checks to whale autopsies. They have portable ultrasound and x-ray equipment at the Center.
The aquarium department is in charge of the maintenance and development of the Center’s exhibits. They also do the feed and health checks on the fish. One type of training the Animal Care staff does with the animals is target training. For example, if they touch a pole, sea lions or Harbor seals get a fish. By staying longer with the pole, the more fish they get. Bad behavior is ignored while good behavior receives positive reinforcement.
Behind the Scenes tours are available only during the summer at 10:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. These 60-minute tours cost $14.95 per person. There is a maximum of 12 on the tour. Minimum age is 12. Those under age 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
MORE RESEARCH
ASLC’s research goals are to develop an understanding of the roles of marine mammals, birds, and fish in the Arctic and Subarctic marine ecosystems. By doing this, it wants to create scientific knowledge that’s relevant to resource management and policy.
The combination of ASLC’s location; in-house collection of marine mammals, seabirds, and fish; and their laboratory facilities provide scientists with top notch opportunities to study Alaska’s marine life. Though their projects concentrate on Alaska, staff collaborates internationally. The science staff has had close to 300 articles published in journals and given over 700 scientific presentations at conferences.
The science department is led by a director. He has six principal investigators, three research associates, two research coordinators, and several technical and research support staff. The Center’s veterinarians also participate in many research activities.
To learn more about the research department, its scientists, and projects go to Alaska SeaLife Center’s web site’s Science and Research section. It even covers who their scientists are.
LOOKING FOR RV VOLUNTEERS
ASLC is recruiting Rvers for interpretation, ticketing, and café volunteer positions for the 2017 season. Volunteers will work 20 hours a week in exchange for an RV site with water, electricity, and refuse removal (There is a $5 dump fee.) at the City of Seward Waterfront Campground overlooking Resurrection Bay. These will be open from May through September. RV volunteers are asked to make a minimum commitment of six weeks. No salary is provided. For further information and program requirements, go to their link on volunteering.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Alaska Sea Life Center is located at 301 Railway Avenue in Seward. Their telephone number is (907) 224-6320. Hours are from May 26-September 3, 2017 from 8:00 a.m.to 9:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The rest of the year they are open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission rates are $24.95 for ages 13 and up, $21.95 for seniors, and $12.95 for children ages 4 to 12. Under age four, it’s free.
For tours and encounters, it is wise to make a reservation. To change or cancel your reservation, call 888-378-2525 or email then at [email protected]. Cancellation fees may apply. These fees are listed on their web site under Encounters and Tours.
You’ll find lots more information about this wonderful Center on their web site.
Alaska Sea Life Center Entrance
Entering Alaska Sea Life Center
Representing Commercial Fishing in Alaska
Some Products from Alaska's Fishing Industry
Harbor Seals Habitat
Viewing Harbor Seal from Outdoors
Viewing Harbor Seal from Indoors
Wow, Mom, Look at This!
A Shy Steller Sea Lion
Young Steller Sea Lion Checking Things Out
Enjoying the Bird Aviary
Up Close Look at Bird Aviary
Horned Puffin
Tufted Puffin Having His Say
Pre Flight Tufted Puffin
Coastal Fjords - 21-Foot Diving Pool
Canary Rockfish in Coastal Fjords
Skate
Resurrection Bay Overlook - Damage Done by 1964 Earthquake and Tsunami
Discovery Pool
View of Discovery Pool Marine Life
Nan Making Friends with Giant Pacific Octopus
Size of Giant Pacific Octopus Becomes Obvious
Summer Employee Holding Otter Skull
Young Otter Seen at Otter Encounter
Observing Marine Life at Chiswell Island
Food Preparation Area
One of The Signs on What the Animals Eat