Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge

08/06/2026

Rising from the northern Kodiak Archipelago, East Amatuli Island is a breathtaking reminder of Alaska’s wild beauty. Its rugged shores and thriving seabird colonies make it a sanctuary for wildlife and a treasure for those who study and protect it.
📷Dan Puterbaugh/USFWS

08/04/2026

Biotech of the Week Triple Feature! Meet the St. George crew: Patrick (left), Nick (center), and Evan (right). This is the first season for Patrick and for Nick with Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge but Evan was on St. Paul in 2025. This year, you can find the team reading, birding and cooking up all kinds of meals. From baked spaghetti to potato soup to dal to blueberry pie, these three never seem to make the same meal twice. What will they cook next... we will just have to wait and see!

📷USFWS

08/01/2026

On Wednesday, August 5 at 1 pm, join North Carolina State University graduate student, Josh O'Connor as he presents his early findings on sea otter behavior in the Homer Harbor. Learn more about how vessel presence and noise levels can impact the behavior of the curious creatures.

Location: Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge in Homer, AK

📷Josh O'Connor

Poster description: contains the text above, image of a mother and baby sea otter and an image of a young man with clipboard observing a sea otter in the harbor with boats on the water.

07/31/2026

Strait Science Series - Refuge Northern Seabird Survey. Join us for a talk in person in Nome, AK or on zoom (link below) for a talk Friday, July 31 at 6:30 pm at the University of Alaska Fairbanks UAF - Northwest Campus (main building). Refuge biologist Matt Rustand will talk about the refuge lands in the Bering Strait region. Come learn about the refuge and the current shipboard mission checking on the seabird populations in the Bering and Chukchi Seas.

Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/2ykn93ru
Meeting ID: 871 3446 0729
Passcode: 536525
or call: 253-215-8782

Image description includes the text above. Image of the Tiglax and group of murres on rocks. Picture of a man wearing a ballcap smiling.

07/28/2026

Our Biotech of the Week is Emerald Lin (right) from Pennsylvania / Taiwan! This is Emerald's first season with Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. She spent last year working with puffins and visiting friends and family in Taiwan. Nowadays, you can find Emerald making curry and eating chocolate chips on the lovely island of St. Paul. In her down time, she likes to bird. In her work time, she monitors birds. I'll give you one guess what her favorite animal is... Welcome Emerald!

📷USFWS

07/27/2026

Join us this Thursday, July 30th, for our early learning program, Pre-K Puffins. The theme this month is Auklets! Stop by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center for stories, activities, and crafts all about auklets. This program is designed for children ages 2-5 but older and younger siblings are always welcome.

Our morning session will be 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
Our afternoon session will be 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

Contact Naturalist Emma at [email protected] for more information.

📷Nick Minnich / USFWS
Photo of crested auklet (left) and least auklet (right)

07/25/2026

Less than 1 week for mariners to get in their applications for next season to work as Ship Captain or First Mate for Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge on the R/V Tiĝlax̂. Info below.

Hiring Ship Captain and First Mate! Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is hiring for the R/V Tiĝlax̂ for next season.

Must have a background operating and navigating 500+ ton vessels in Alaskan waters. Help lead a dedicated team with an important mission and contribute to important maritime conservation efforts. Oversee crew of 5 and all vessel operations and coordinate with refuge managers, scientists, and other partners.

Employment Timeline: fall 2026 negotiable, full time March - Oct 2027
Qualifications: experience operating a 500+ ton ship in Alaska. Knowledge of local weather, channels, and travel routes. Must have 500+ US Coast Guard license by March 2027.

For full application requirements and how to apply visit the links below or email [email protected]. Applications due by 4 pm Alaska time on July 31. Applicants can apply for one or both positions.

Announcement #:
Ship Captain: https://fws-fileshare.box.com/s/kjrnxlqzgmqn4v30zq0xcjakwj0hmd2n
First Mate: https://fws-fileshare.box.com/s/7gzuomqnhppy1gvlz9x571o67r8wyb7x

Image/poster description: image of wheelhouse and all text is above. Graphic of tufted puffin, logo of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and logo of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

07/24/2026

Community programs in Nome next week. See below and reach out to Lora to sign up for the programs.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS NEXT WEEK! We are thrilled to host Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge for fun and free crafting programs!

Discover the wildlife, seabirds, and coastal ecosystems of Alaska’s far‑reaching maritime environments through hands‑on, creative activities hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center. Each session begins with an introduction to the Refuge and highlights the program’s featured animal. Participants will then dive into an engaging craft—perfect for beginners and designed to spark curiosity about Alaska’s coastal wildlife and the conservation work that protects it.

Wednesday July 29
- Feather and Flowers Embroidery Craft from 2:00 - 4:00 pm
- Walrus Felt Craft from 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Thursday July 30th
- Bald Eagle Felt Craft from 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Ages 12 and up! Permission slip required for youth under 18 unless accompanied by an adult/guardian. Sign up today!

For more information and to reserve a spot, contact Lora Haller with Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge: [email protected] or 907-290-5245.

The Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center is located at 214 Front Street. Look for the polar bear! We hope to see you!

07/24/2026

Come explore the R/V Tiĝlax̂! It will be in Nome on Friday, July 31 and we will have an open house for the community! Join us from 4-6 pm on the Nome Dock. Free! Snacks and prizes provided. Come see the upgraded wheelhouse, tour the ship and meet Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge crew and researchers!

Image description: poster with text above. Image of the blue and gray ship. Logos of US Fish and Wildlife Service, Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges, and Alaska Geographic.

07/23/2026

Two biologists on Chowiet Island recently found two adorable black oystercatcher chicks. They leave the nest shortly after hatching but their parents will have to continue to feed them since their bills are so tiny.

📷Jennifer Lewis/ USFWS