Staying alert and proactive in the Exxon Valdez oil spill region
Science Night is an annual event hosted by the Prince William Regional Citizens Advisory Council. Topics focus on research related to the safe transportation of oil through Prince William Sound.
- When: Thursday, December 5, 2024, doors open at 4:30pm, presentations begin promptly at 5:30pm
- Where: Embassy Suites Ballroom, 600 E Benson Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99503 and online via Zoom (link when available)
- Who: This year’s speakers are:
- John Moran, a Research Fisheries Biologist from the Alaska Fisheries Science Center will give a presentation titled “Large Whale Entanglement Response in Alaska “a Team Effort.””
- Kristina Arsenault, a Marine Transportation System Specialist (Cyber) from the U.S. Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Unit in Valdez will be giving a talk on cybersecurity.
- Andy Schroeder and Scott Farling, Co-Founders of Ocean Plastics Recovery Project, will be giving a talk on marine debris cleanup.
- Barbara Callahan, Senior Director of Response and Preparedness Services at the International Bird Rescue will give a presentation titled “Oiled Wildlife Response and Innovation since the Exxon Valdez.”
NEW THIS YEAR!! Watch parties are being organized by our partners in Cordova, Homer and Valdez. Click the links for more information!
Questions? Contact Project Manager Danielle Verna
John Moran – Research Fisheries Biologist, Alaska Fisheries Science Center
Title: Large Whale Entanglement Response in Alaska “a Team Effort”
Entanglements in marine debris and fishing gear cause suffering, serious injuries, and possible death large whales. This talk will cover how trained responders approach an entanglement, focusing on the recent response to an entangled humpback whale in Port Valdez.
Barbara Callahan – Senior Director of Response and Preparedness Services, International Bird Rescue
Title: Oiled Wildlife Response and Innovation since the Exxon Valdez
This presentation will include a brief overview of oiled wildlife response, including how aquatic birds are waterproof and how bird’s are reconditioned after oiling. Additionally, Barbara will discuss innovations in overall wildlife response and rehabilitation, such as pro-active capture, blood work, increased supportive care and more specific husbandry tactics that have greatly improved the release rate of wildlife after oiling.
Andy Schroeder & Scott Farling – Co-Founders, Ocean Plastics Recovery Project
Title: Ocean Plastics Recovery
By harnessing the power of science, education, and storytelling, the Ocean Plastics Recovery Project seeks to reverse the flow of plastics into the marine environment, restore critical habitat so that nature can thrive, and return ocean-recovered plastics to the circular economy. We are currently scaling collection efforts across Alaska’s coastline, establishing a large scale monitoring site at Kayak island, and building out one of the first recycling facilities in the U.S. specifically tailored to process the massive marine debris waste stream. Looking further, we have begun an effort to aggregate best available scientific and economic data in an attempt to quantify in dollars the environmental service value of ocean plastics removal and recycling. Our hope is to help launch a new sector of Alaska’s blue economy focused on the restoration of impaired marine ecosystems.
Kristina Arsenault – Marine Transportation System Specialist (Cyber) USCG Marine Safety Unit Valdez
Title: Cybersecurity
Alaska faces unique cybersecurity challenges relating to supply chain management, and infrastructure resiliency. This presentation explores the risks and mitigating strategies impacting Alaskans, port operations, and maritime commerce as a whole.
