noaa – Pacific Maritime Magazine

28 Aug

Alaska Port Facility Renovated

Karen Robes MeeksNews, News Briefs, PMM Online Newsahtna, ketchikan, noaa

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Aug. 21 celebrated the renovation of a port facility in Ketchikan, Alaska, which is expected to support NOAA research vessels and the Ketchikan-homeported NOAA ship Fairweather. “Having a home base for NOAA to operate from in Alaska is integral to our science, and mission to ensure safe navigation and the growth of our blue economy,” NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said. “This facility incorporates the latest green technology and is climate-ready with a state-of-the art floating pier to accommodate not only Ketchikan’s tidal flux, but future sea level changes.” In April 2021, Alaska-based Ahtna…

Cyclone Activity Expected During Central Pacific Hurricane Season

Karen Robes MeeksNews, News Briefs, PMM Online Newscentalpacificregion, cyclones, hurricane, noaa

Mariners, take heed. NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center and it’s Climate Prediction Center are expecting “a 50% chance of above-normal tropical cyclone activity” during this year’s hurricane season in the central Pacific region. The two National Weather Service divisions also said the outlook may have a “35% chance for near-normal activity, and only a 15% chance of a below-normal hurricane season.” About four to seven tropical cyclones are predicted for the central Pacific hurricane region for the 2023 season, which runs through Nov. 30. “The last few hurricane seasons have been pretty quiet around Hawaii, luring some folks to let…

IMO Adopts Whale Protections, Extended West Coast Vessel Lanes

Karen Robes MeeksNews, News Briefs, PMM Online Newsimo, noaa, whales

Vessels along the California coast are to begin lining up for port entry farther west and away from the continental shelf in an effort to protect endangered whales beginning this summer, NOAA announced Jan. 5. The International Maritime Organization recently adopted a proposal by the U.S. to expand the area that ships should avoid to allow more protected space for endangered blue, fin and humpback whales. The proposal is expected to go into effect after the spring. The 13-nautical-mile vessel traffic lane extension means that ships would line up for port entry farther west. It also means that the area…