SFOS Newsletter
Fall 2010

SFOS remembers Senator Ted Stevens

by Michael Castellini, Interim Dean

We at the UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences were saddened to learn of the death of former Senator Ted Stevens in August. It is difficult to enumerate the many contributions Senator Stevens has made over the years to fisheries and fisheries science in Alaska. He was instrumental in creating and implementing legislation that ensured the sustainability of our marine resources, while also maximizing the economic benefit of our fisheries. He was devoted to increasing the role of science in the management of Alaska's fisheries.

Vera Alexander, dean emerita of SFOS (1989-2004), recalls that she had many positive interactions with Senator Stevens through the years.

"Senator Stevens was really concerned with the research, management and conservation of our marine resources. He introduced the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which was hugely important for Alaska's fisheries. He created an endowment for the North Pacific Research Board, which provides funding every year for marine science projects. Senator Stevens also supported the project to build the Alaska Region Research Vessel, now known as the R/V Sikuliaq."

Our former dean, Denis Wiesenburg (2004-2010) adds:

"Senator Stevens was a great advocate for the ocean and American fisheries. His steadfast support for the proper management of our valuable marine resources helped ensure the robust fishery we have today. At SFOS, we were pleased to be able to honor his legacy with the Ted Stevens Distinguished Professorship in Marine Policy."

The impact of the many years of work that Senator Stevens dedicated to marine policy, science and management will continue far into the future for our School and the University of Alaska. From issues such as streamlining permit processes for our research teams to supporting major funding initiatives, he was always there to listen and help. He was instrumental in bringing marine fisheries issues to the forefront in Alaska and our School's future will continue to move along a path that he envisioned.

As a lifelong champion of Alaska and its vibrant fishing industry, Senator Stevens touched the lives of all Alaskans. We at the UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences offer our sincere condolences to Senator Stevens' family and friends.

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Greetings from the Dean
It has been an amazing summer for SFOS with many changes, advances and new and exciting opportunities. In late spring, we learned that Dean Denis Wiesenburg was going to be leaving us at the end of May to become the Vice President for Research at the University of Southern Mississippi.

UAF establishes Ocean Acidification Research Center
UAF has created a new research center dedicated to studying ocean acidification in Alaska. Jeremy Mathis, assistant professor of chemical oceanography and an ocean acidification expert, is the director of the center.

New sea star species named after Howard Feder
One of the new species discovered by Stephen Jewett, Heloise Chenelot and Max Hoberg in the Aleutian Islands in 2006-2007 has been named after SFOS professor emeritus Howard Feder.

Weingartner wins Usibelli award for research
In April, Tom Weingartner, professor of oceanography at SFOS, received the 2010 Usibelli Distinguished Research Award.

New energy device to power oceanographic equipment
After two years of design and development, oceanographers at UAF have installed a new alternative energy device along the arctic coast of Alaska.

Cordova Marine Advisory agent recalls trip to Louisiana oil spill
by Doug Schneider
In 1989, Torie Baker was a commercial salmon fisherman in Cordova, Alaska, when the supertanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound, spilling 11 million gallons of heavy Alaskan crude oil onto some 1,500 miles of Alaska beaches.

Hollmen named interim science director at Alaska SeaLife Center
Tuula Hollmen, research associate professor at SFOS, has been appointed the interim science director for the Alaska SeaLife Center. Hollmen has worked as an SFOS faculty member at the Alaska SeaLife Center for eight years.

John Kelley retires after 40 years at UAF
John Kelley, professor of chemical oceanography at SFOS, has retired after 40 years of teaching, research and service at the University of Alaska.

SFOS remembers Senator Ted Stevens
by Michael Castellini, Interim Dean
We at the UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences were saddened to learn of the death of former Senator Ted Stevens in August. It is difficult to enumerate the many contributions Senator Stevens has made over the years to fisheries and fisheries science in Alaska.

FEATURED FACULTY – Franz Mueter, Assistant Professor of Fisheries
Franz Mueter has been an assistant professor of fisheries at SFOS in Juneau since 2008. He received his Ph.D. in fisheries oceanography from UAF, where he studied changes in the groundfish communities in the Gulf of Alaska over time. He also received master's degrees in statistics and biological oceanography from UAF.

STANDOUTS – Faculty and Staff News

SFOS faculty to participate in Census of Marine Life final celebration
It has been a "decade of discovery" for the Census of Marine Life and several SFOS faculty who have worked on various Census projects over the years.

Marine Advisory Program secures funding
by Doug Schneider
Five Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program offices that faced an uncertain future earlier this year will stay open, and a sixth position will be filled, since Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell signed the state's 2011 operating budget.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT – Freshwater fisheries lab opens in Fairbanks
In July, UAF celebrated a ribbon-cutting for a new fisheries laboratory complex in the west wing of the Arctic Health Research Building.

DEVELOPMENT – Why Give, How You Can Make a Difference, and How to Go about Giving
by Teresa Thompson, Development Officer

Crowley donates $20,000 to SFOS, UAF for scholarships
Crowley Maritime Corporation has donated $20,000 to the University of Alaska Foundation to fund four $5,000 scholarships.

Gliders pass test in Southeast Alaska, make history in the Chukchi Sea
Underwater gliders may change how scientists track fish.

Scientist says Chatanika whitefish are making a comeback
Humpback whitefish in the Chatanika River are recovering from a population crash in the 1980s, according to a scientist at UAF.

R/V Sikuliaq Update
by Daniel Oliver, Director, Seward Marine Center

FEATURED STUDENT – Miranda Westphal, M.S. Fisheries
by Tara Borland, Proposal Coordinator
Miranda is a fisheries student working toward her master's degree in fisheries. Miranda earned a bachelor's degree in marine science at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. She came up to Alaska in 2008 to research juvenile red king crabs.

STANDOUTS - Student News
MESAS and SELMR students, faculty hold retreat.

BON VOYAGE – Congratulations to our spring, summer 2010 graduates!

FEATURED ALUMNUS – John Hilsinger
by Tracy Kalytiak
Nearly 40 years ago, John Hilsinger listened as one of his friends talked about how he wanted to attend graduate school in UAF's fisheries program. John Hilsinger is the director of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game's Commercial Fisheries Division.

FEATURED PHOTO
Graduate students Jesse Coleman and Christine Woll work in the field on the Kulukak River in southwest Alaska. Coleman and Woll are collaborating on a juvenile salmon habitat mapping project while working towards their master's degrees in fisheries with advisor Trent Sutton. Photo Courtesy of Jesse Coleman.

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