Connections and Flows Dispatch #5
In the vast waters of the Gulf of Alaska, a 3-year study is underway to better understand the early life stages of Pacific cod, a species that has seen significant declines in recent years. The research, led by NOAA Fisheries, aims to increase knowledge about juvenile Pacific cod, focusing on their use of nearshore coastal areas and overwinter survival in this region.
Ella Kelly, an undergraduate student at the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau, is part of this field-study. The survey started in Kodiak, Alaska, and will traverse roughly 32 bays along the Kodiak Archipelago, the Alaska Peninsula, the Shumagin Islands, and the Kenai Peninsula.
The lady Sea, a 56'' landing craft, serves as the vessel for the 25-day survey, captained by skipper Tyler Randolph. The scientific crew includes Ella, two other interns, two NOAA fisheries biologists, and an independent fisheries biologist.
The field sampling methods used are beach seines and baited underwater cameras. These tools help the team spot a variety of marine life, including sea otters, puffins, humpback whales, kingfishers, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, brown bears, and bald eagles.
The objective of the survey is not only to enumerate juvenile cod abundance but also to evaluate the health of the caught cod. The team is interested in identifying characteristics that produce the healthiest cod, which could provide valuable insights for effective management and conservation.
Unusually warm ocean conditions between 2014 and 2016 are suspected to have negatively impacted juvenile cod health. This is one of the factors contributing to the dramatic decline in Pacific cod abundance in the Gulf of Alaska, which has been approximately 83% since 2013.
NOAA scientists have developed a model to predict where larval cod drift from offshore spawning grounds to the productive nearshore waters around the Gulf of Alaska. The overarching goal of the research is to groundtruth this model, creating a more accurate prediction of where juvenile Pacific cod settle and grow for their first year of life in nearshore nursery areas.
In addition to her work on the survey, Ella Kelly has been active in education events. She helped with Science, Technology Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) nights at local elementary schools and "Alaska Sea Week." Ella also worked with the education and outreach team at Alaska Fisheries Science Center's Auke Bay Laboratories.
The 55th anniversary of Sea Week in Juneau was in 2025. Alaska Sea Week is an annual event that partners with the Juneau School District to host elementary school students for sea-related activities. This event, along with Ella's independent study course entitled "Exploring Marine Science Education and Scientific Storytelling," demonstrates her commitment to sharing her passion for marine science with others.
- Ella Kelly, despite her involvement in complex environmental-science studies like the one on Pacific cod, has a lifelong interest in cooking and frequently experiments with food-and-drink recipes at home.
- In her lifestyle, Ella balances her passion for science with hobbies unrelated to it, such as gardening, a popular home-and-garden activity.
- When not engrossed in environmental-science or academic pursuits, Ella enjoys a digital detox, often reading books on education-and-self-development on her smartphone.
- Sometimes, Ella escapes the bustling city life and embarks on adventure-travel trips, exploring different regions of Europe and their unique football cultures, particularly the European leagues like the Premier League.
- During these travel escapades, Ella often captures her experiences with the latest gadgets, sharing her adventures and photos online for friends and family to see.
- Upon her return, Ella channels her travel memories into articles and stories about environmental science, blending her personal experiences with scientific insights.
- Ella is an avid supporter of electric-vehicles and aims to contribute to their mass adoption, believing that they can make a significant impact on climate-change.
- In the future, Ella aspires to work on a multi-disciplinary team to explore the intersection of technology and marine science, uncovering groundbreaking solutions for preserving and nurturing marine life.
- Simultaneously, Ella hopes to inspire more women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in STEM-related fields, such as scientific research and development.
- To achieve this, Ella regularly participates in online-education programs and workshops, staying updated on the latest trends and best practices in marine science education.
- Furthermore, Ella advocates for policies and initiatives that promote sustainable sports events, focusing on waste reduction and minimizing the impact on local ecosystems, like those hosting major football tournaments and European leagues.
