The 2025 field season is shaping up to be busy for marine debris removal in Alaska. Groups around the state are heading to remote beaches to remove as much debris as possible, leaving cleaner and healthier beaches at the end of the season. Due to Alaska's extreme weather conditions and remote locations, working in the field during the winter is nearly impossible. That means that all field activities must happen between April and October. Even during the summer season, completing field activities is complex and requires lots of preparation. It’s essential to “gear up” and ensure everything is prepped and planned so that no time is wasted during the short season.

A team of University of North Texas and NOAA scientists uncover novel neurologic effects in addition to cardiac effects in early stage zebrafish exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), expanding on available science relevant to natural resource damage assessments. A 2025 publication, reporting on research carried out by the University of North Texas, NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration Assessment and Restoration Division, and other partners, evaluates the effects of the PCB mixture Aroclor 1254 on the early life stages of zebrafish. This research builds on existing studies examining how PCBs affect fish. Legacy contaminants, such as PCBs, bioaccumulate through the food chain from invertebrates to fish and wildlife, causing harm to both wildlife and humans who consume a contaminated organism. These contaminants can negatively affect development, growth, and reproduction of organisms in the ecosystem. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a common environmental toxicological model species, making them ideal for comparisons across multiple studies.