Pacific Region

Alaska Sea Grant
Nutraceutical corporation opens facility in Alaska to microencapsulate fish oil powder (a process developed by Sea Grant)

• Alaska Sea Grant researchers developed a process to microencapsulate oil from an underutilized species of flatfish, the Arrowtooth flounder.
• The product, a protein powder, is used in glazes to coat salmon filets, extending their freshness and shelf life.
• Seafood buyers are evaluating the powder.
• Production of the Alaska fish oil supplements is expected within the next two years.

• Marine ecosystems are complex and their natural cycles can be adversely impacted by even the most well-intentioned actions.
• About 30 years ago, the Clean Water Act mandated San Francisco treatment plants to convert from primary to secondary treatment to correct the problem of low oxygen in some areas of the Bay.  
• USC Sea Grant researchers found a long-term decline in productivity may be due to high levels of NH4 (ammonium), resulting in part from runoff and from sewage treatment plant effluent.
• The San Francisco Regional Water Quality Board is considering the potential management implications of these findings.

California Sea Grant
Sea Grant earns accolade as a “guiding light” in California's efforts to control marina pollution

• A Sea Grant extension agent served as an advisor on the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Subcommittee for Best Management Practices focused on controlling pollution in marinas.
• Following research that resulted in the selection of Sea Grant's Clean Marinas model (a voluntary, incentive-based program that encourages marina operators and boaters to protect water quality by engaging in environmentally sound operating and maintenance procedures), the subcommittee formed a Clean Marina Program in the San Diego Region.
• After a pilot review, 29 San Diego area marinas were certified in 21 months.
• By assessing $250 to each marina for a flag and plaque, the committee spent less than $5,000 in that period; similar programs have cost as much as $80,000.
• By the end of the second year, the Clean Marina Program-San Diego Region became Clean Marinas California – a statewide organization.

Hawaii Sea Grant
Sea Grant showcases energy-efficient dorm

• Hawaii Sea Grant's Center for Smart Building and Community Design (CSBCD), the University of Hawaii Housing Office, and Strategic Energy Innovations (SEI) addressed energy consumption and attitudes toward its use on campus.
• A demonstration project showcased a dormitory apartment outfitted with EPA Energy Star® lighting, appliances and equipment. (EPA Energy Star® is dedicated to the promotion of large-scale purchases of nontoxic, energy and resource-efficient materials and supplies.) 
• The CSBCD calculated that if all of the University of Hawaii at Manoa dorms followed the Energy Star® approach, the University of Hawaii Housing Office could reduce its electrical bills by $126,981 per year.
• The University of Hawaii signed an official Energy Star® Partnership commitment and the Housing Office changed its procurement to include Energy Star® products.
• EPA awarded a $50,000 grant to CSBCD to develop Energy Star® dormitory environments.

Oregon Sea Grant
Care Provider Responds to Tsunami Danger Predictions

• Sea Grant extension agents and partners brought together scientists and citizens to share vital information about earthquakes and tsunamis.
• A total of 25 classes were offered. The 350 attendees included local leaders and emergency managers, builder and realtor associations, critical facilities planners, human service providers and youth groups.
• As a result of Sea Grant's prediction of danger, a director of several non-profit group care homes for the disabled adopted a policy to relocate residents to facilities outside of the tsunami inundation zone.
• This policy change protects the residents and staff of the corporation, and indicates a shift in public behavior from awareness to action.
• Sea Grant partnered with Oregon State University faculty researchers, local emergency managers, the American Red Cross, the Oregon Emergency Management, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, and NOAAs National Weather Service to host the classes.

Washington Sea Grant
Sea Grant work to reduce seabird deaths expands to regional and international fisheries

• Sea Grant marine fishery specialists partnered with fishermen and federal managers to developed a highly-effective streamer line technology to curb the accidental capture of endangered short-tailed albatross and other seabirds in commercial fishing operations.
• The North Pacific Fishery Management Council implemented the technology in all longline fisheries under its jurisdiction in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska.
• In addition, work began this year to help the Bering Sea trawl fleet develop seabird bycatch reduction measures. 
• New fishing regulations were implemented while potential lawsuits were circumvented, saving a $300 million fishery from shutdown.
• An estimated 150,000 seabirds will be saved over the next 10 years. 
• Techniques used in Sea Grant's pioneering project are being expanded to the fishing fleets of Russia, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.