Kodiak’s area marine science symposium highlights impact of climate change on fisheries and coastal ecosystems.

The fifth Kodiak Area Marine Science Symposium took place this week, bringing together scientists from around the archipelago and Alaska every three years to present their research. Organized by Alaska Sea Grant, which funds scientific research in coastal and marine resources, the event started on April 23 and wrapped up on April 25 with films about coastal life.

The symposium provided an opportunity for scientists to share their research, collaborate, and learn about the latest developments in marine science in the Kodiak area and beyond. Julie Matweyou, the marine advisory program agent in Kodiak, mentioned that there were a number of presentations scheduled, including two full days of plenary talks and various evening activities. Topics covered in presentations included the effects of climate change on fisheries, monitoring invasive species, ocean acidification, tours of the R/V Oscar Dyson, and evaluations of mariculture.

Rick Thoman, a climate specialist with the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy, was the keynote speaker for this year’s symposium. He discussed how average temperatures in the northernmost regions of Alaska have risen by around 6 degrees Fahrenheit over the past 50 years while Kodiak’s temperatures have increased by about 3 degrees Fahrenheit. Thoman emphasized that although Kodiak is not experiencing the same drastic warming as the arctic, extreme weather events like the 2018 “blob” in