2022 Field Season Comes to a Close - Northern Gulf of Alaska

Charles Cousins and Hannah Kepner work on the ISIIS-DPI system on the deck of the R/V Sikuliaq before the start of the spring cruise.

That’s a wrap on the 2022 NGA LTER field season! In late April the season started with a chilly expedition aboard the R/V Sikuliaq. Although storms battered our efforts, the weather cooperated enough for us to complete all of our sampling lines, as well as deployment of the Gulf of Alaska Ecosystem Observatory moorings. These moorings allow for collection of in-situ data.

Sierra, Ana and Emily — Sierra Lloyd, Ana Aguilar-Islas and Emily Ortega sampled water chemistry parameters during the summer cruise. Photo courtesy of Emily Ortega.

The summer Sikuliaq cruise forged ahead, despite weather and COVID challenges. Scientists expanded upon regular grid sampling by conducting more in-depth examinations of the role of the Copper River’s freshwater input to the NGA. This included small-boat operations around the mouth of the Copper River.

The fall expedition aboard the R/V Tiglax began right on schedule. Luckily this was immediately after a major storm event passed through the Gulf. The science team was able to keep on pace, and completed all sampling along the Seward Line and into Prince William Sound.

Rainbow over the Gulf of Alaska, captured from the stern of the R/V Tiglax.

Many fall cruise participants departed straight from the ship to meet colleagues at the 2022 LTER All Scientists’ Meeting. The meeting was held September 19-23 in Asilomar, CA. After a long time apart, it was great to join together with members from other LTER network sites.

Our NGA LTER team will gather again in Fairbanks in December. The goal will be to share recent findings, and plan ahead for 2023 and beyond.