The Seward Marine Center acted as the home port for the R/V Alpha Helix for 25 years. Photo credit: Steven Hartz.
SMC History
The Seward Marine Center is a major marine experimental facility operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (SFOS). SMC opened its doors in 1970 when the University of Alaska Fairbanks Institute of Marine Science transferred its coastal headquarters from Douglas, near Juneau, to Seward.
The Center operated the 133-ft research vessel Alpha Helix for the National Science Foundation until 2007 when the anticipated Alaska Region Research Vessel was in sight of the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
- Download former SMC Director Tom Smith's history of the Alpha Helix (25 KB PDF).
Users of the Seward Marine Center facilities say that its greatest assets are its unique location, access to organisms for experimentation, the low-temperature seawater and a cordial staff.
Timeline of Seward Marine Center History
1960—Institute of Marine Science established by a vote of the Alaska Legislature
1964—1980 R/V Acona serves as IMS research vessel
1970—Marine station moved from Douglas to Seward
1970—University of Alaska designated a federal Sea Grant institution for marine research
1978—D.W. Hood lab and apartments completed
1980—R/V Alpha Helix replaces R/V Acona as research vessel
1982—K.M. Rae Marine Education Building completed
1987—School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences created by University of Alaska Board of Regents
2005—SMC becomes its own division within the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
2006—The R/V Alpha Helix is permanently docked in preparation for sale of the vessel
2007—The R/V Alpha Helix was sold to Stabbert Maritime.
Previous Directors of the Seward Marine Center:
- Dick Neve
- George Mueller
- Dolly Dieter
- Tom Smith
Current Director of the Seward Marine Center:
- Daniel Oliver