Kodiak Area Marine Science Symposium Takes on Climate Change: Extreme Weather and Future Predictions

The Kodiak Area Marine Science Symposium, a biannual event that brings together scientists from around the archipelago and Alaska, took place this week. Organized by Alaska Sea Grant, which funds scientific research in coastal and marine resources, the symposium featured two full days of plenary talks and various evening activities.

Julie Matweyou, the marine advisory program agent in Kodiak, introduced the keynote speaker Rick Thoman on the opening night of the symposium. This year’s keynote speaker was a climate specialist with the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy. In his presentation, Thoman 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 the North Pacific Ocean will become more common in the next few decades. He also shared historical climate data from Kodiak dating back to the 1870s and presented a preview of the island’s potential future climate, showing a general warming trend in the graphs.

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. Topics covered in presentations included monitoring invasive species, ocean acidification, tours of R/V Oscar Dyson, evaluations of mariculture and effects of climate change on fisheries.