Happy Valentines day! Our staff spent the holiday with our true love, salmon…approximately 4.5 million salmon! February may be the shortest month in the year, but that doesn’t mean that our Science Center is short on activities.

How long have you lived in Sitka and what brought you here?
I’ve been in Sitka for 20 years. I grew up in Homer, lived in other western states and am very happy I came back to coastal Alaska.

What inspires you as an artist?
The beautiful colors, patterns and light found in nature. I usually do very detailed work, so as I work, I look closely at the subjects, and become more interested in learning about them. The more I learn about them the more fascinated I am about the way they move and live in their environment.

How did you become a volunteer at the Science Center?
I took a “docent” class offered by the science center two years ago, just wanting to learn more, help out, and spend more time there. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. There are new sea creatures, new projects, and people there all the time. So I took the class again. It’s amazing how much goes on or through that building, that you might not be aware of from just walking in for a visit.  

What volunteer roles have you had or what kinds of projects have you worked on with us?
I’ve helped out with tours, special events, tended the front desk, done weekly feedings and cleanings, and have done just one beach debris cleanup, but always wish I had more time to be involved. I have art work in the gift shop in the summer and a couple of pieces in the aquarium.

What do you like about being at the Science Center?
The Science Center is such a great place for education. Staff spends time in the schools, doing summer camps, and brings students to the center for classes and field trips. It’s a great addition to Sitka for summer visitors to learn about the ocean. Visitors love to see huge whales and bears, but it’s also so important for them to see and learn about the whole environment and how it all works together. I lead hikes in summer and always tell visitors to stop in even if it’s just for a quick look at the touch tables and aquarium so they can see the smaller sea life in this area. A visit to coastal Alaska would be lacking without seeing and learning a little about what’s under their cruise ship. I like being part of helping them to see and understand it better.

Our very own Science Educator, Kristina Tirman, attended the Alaska Forum on the Environment (AFE), a statewide gathering of environmental professionals from government agencies, non-profit and for-profit businesses, community leaders, Alaskan youth, conservationists, biologists and community elders.
Kristina provided an update on SSSC’s Bering Sea Community-Based Marine Debris projects and introduced our local contractors from two Bering Sea communities – Port Heiden and St. Lawrence Island. Scott Anderson and Melissa O’Domin reported on the work on Port Heiden and Fred Jay Ivanoffgave gave a report on St Lawrence Island activity.
SSSC has been involved in NOAA and State of Alaska funded Marine Debris monitoring, cleanups, and outreach since 2008 and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue to clean our local beaches and waters.

NSRAA hosted an exciting fish culture conference Jan 23 – 27th, where we were given the opportunity to become a part of it! We hosted a reception for the participants, gave a tour and presentation, and our Fish Culturist,  Jarrod, participated in fish pathology training. These conferences are always a good opportunity for folks in the field to share ideas, challenges and experiences in the field of aquaculture!