PMEL in the News
Climate change preview? Pacific Ocean ‘blob’ appears to take toll on Alaska cod
Gulf of Alaska cod populations appear to have nose-dived, a collapse fishery scientists believe is linked to warm water temperatures known as “the blob” that peaked in 2015.
1 hour radio show highlights Alaska ocean acidification researchers and fishermen
The local radio station out of Cordova, KLAM, aired a 1-hour show on October 30, highlighting ocean acidification in Alaska, the science behind the issue, perspectives from the fishing community, and resources from the network.
These ocean drones are trawling for climate change data
A fleet of unmanned boats is traveling from the Arctic to the equator, gathering vital data on climate change.
The autonomous vessels -- called "Saildrones" -- resemble bright red surfboards. Each is fitted with a 20-foot-high carbon fiber sail, and 16 sensors that test variables including carbon dioxide, acidity, currents and water temperature.
What Is A Polynya? Antarctica's Massive Hole, Explained
On Dec. 11, 1972, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the U.S. government launched an unmanned satellite named Nimbus V, one of the first satellites sent to observe Earth from space. In 1974, researchers were treated to images of Antarctica, including the Weddell Sea, an area of open ocean between the southern continent and the Atlantic.
A U.S. Collaboration Between Military and Research Science
Warming in Arctic ecosystems over the last several decades threatens animals and people alike, while melting ice has been accompanied by a dramatic increase in maritime activity. Yet study of the Arctic has been limited by its location and extreme weather conditions. New technologies and capabilities are necessary to operate in the region, and as attention to the high north grows, researchers and engineers are finding opportunities to expand their work despite uncertain funding. Tight budgets have pushed scientists to partner with institutions such as the U.S. Coast Guard in order to conduct quality research.