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 SHUYAK Uncovered (July 19-27, 2008)

This environmental project brought volunteers from all over the United States to take part in a marine debris clean-up at Shuyak island.   Volunteers spent one week gathering marine debris, learning about is causes and effects on the food chain, and observing humankind's impact on the ocean world from the perspective of one of Alaska's most remote and beautiful shores.   This rich island is situated at the crossroads of the Gulf of Alaska, approximately halfway between Homer and Kodiak, Shuyak is known for it's abundant wildlife, inviting intertidal backwaters, dramatic tides and strong, nutrient rich ocean currents.  Almost the entire island is a protected Alaska State Park, and portions of the coastline are part of the National Maritime Wildlife Refuge.  During our week-long stay at Shuyak, periods of volunteer work were offset by guided trips by foot, kayak and skiff through the backcountry of this wild place.   Our team was transported to Shuyak from Kodiak and back, took all meals and berthing aboard the MV Island C, an 83' yacht chartered for this expedition.  Our team returned having removed 7,110 lbs of marine debris from Alaska's shores, and with memories they'll never forget. 

Click the image at right to see a video documentary of the trip.

***CGPS students!  Replay the 30 January slideshow here.

A worldwide problem

Marine debris carries toxins through the marine environment, impacts wildlife, and detracts from the natural beauty of the coastline of every ocean in the world.   The islands of the Kodiak archipelago are host to hundreds of tons of marine debris, including plastics, bottles, cans, and derelict fishing gear from all over the Pacific.  Sources of debris range from all over the Pacific rim, from California to Korea. 

                               




Entangled Steller Sealion near Kodiak, June 2008.  Shawn Reynolds photo.

What we are doing

Through a grant from NOAA, the Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation and Island Trails Network are conducting a survey of marine debris and several targeted clean-ups on the islands of the Kodiak archipelago from the Trinity islands to Shuyak island. Through aerial surveys and a voluntary reporting system, we are  identifying which areas are most heavily affected by floating ocean waste, conducting large scale clean-ups of coastal areas, and educating the public about the impacts of marine debris on the natural world.  Learn more about the survey or make your own report of marine debris in the Kodiak archipelago.
 

Removing fishing web from Dead Bird Beach, Shuyak  Island SP.  Andy Schroeder photo.
 

July 19  

1500   Vessel tours & guest orientation.  Depart Kodiak.
1700   Whalewatching:  Marmot Bay (Humpback, Fin, Minke, Dall's Porpoise)
1900:  Dinner, Kitoi Bay
2000:  Bearviewing & Tour, Kitoi Hatchery
2200:  Ice Cream
 

Pillar Cape, Afognak Island.  On the way to Shuyak.   Emily Tiller photo.

Dead Bird Beach, Shuyak SP.  Andy Schroeder photo.

July 22 

0531             High Tide, 13.7 ft
0700              Breakfast
1144             Low Tide, -0.5 ft
0800-1200   Marine Debris Clean-up - Dead Bird Beach (6 Super Sacks)
1200-1400    Lunch
1400             MD Onload - Buckets and ALPAR bags
1600             Kayaking - Skiff Pass and Red Buoy Beach
1811              High Tide, 13.9 ft
1900              Dinner - Pork Loin

A moment's peace.  Emily Tiller photo.

July 23

Tidying up at Red Buoy Beach.  Clivia Feliz photo.

July 24
 

***Foul weather, rest day.

0057              Low Tide, 1.7 ft
0700               Breakfast
0702              High Tide, 12.0 ft
1200-1300    Lunch
1300              Low Tide, 1.6 ft
1300-1700   Personal time, Cribbage & Scrabble.
1900              Dinner.
1924             High Tide, 13.6 ft
2000-2200   Clearing weather, evening hike.
 

Returning from Kayaking, Carry Inlet, Shuyak SP.   Alex Senior photo.

July 26
 

0255             Low Tide, 1.8 ft
0700              Breakfast
0800-1000    Marine Debris clean-up Red Buoy Beach (4 Super Sacks).
0915              High Tide, 10.1 ft
1000             Underway from anchor.
1200-1300    Lunch.
1300-1500    Birding & Whalewatching , Cape Perevalnie to Marmot Strait
1449               Low Tide, 4.2 ft
1900               Anchor, Kitoi Bay.  Dinner.
2109              High Tide, 12.9 ft
 

Humpback Whale lob-tailing near Shuyak Strait.  Harry Middleton photo.

July 27

Brown Bear in Kitoi Bay.  Harry Middleton photo.

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