X-RAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

Salmon Sharks of Alaska

Sharks elicit strong emotions, be it the thrill of a planned encounter underwater or fear propelled by social media and lack of information. Of the more than 400 species of sharks, it is the small family of mackerel sharks that is most iconic. These sharks prompted me to share why one of them, the salmon shark, is an especially remarkable species.

Words:
Jennifer Idol
Images:
Jennifer Idol
Salmon sharks lack a nictitating membrane, so their eyes can be seen following a subject, Port Fidalgo, Alaska, USA. Photo by Jennifer Idol.
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Travel & Trips

Why sharks? Seeking encounters with sharks has become a mild obsession of mine, and sharing their story is deeply personal. My interest in sharks was spurred by years of diving and not seeing sharks on those dives. The few sharks I did see were mostly nurse sharks, which did not conjure the same kind of excitement as sharks typically depicted in movies and media. It was the brief glimpse of a bull shark in the Florida Keys that grabbed my imagination.

Humpback whales revel in Alaska's cruise-free summer

For the humpback whales in Alaskan waters, the pandemic comes with a silver lining.

Ecology & Science

It’s been a quiet summer in the waters of Alaska.

With zero cruise ships carrying whale-watchers and glacier gazers—a situation which temporarily boosts the state’s population of 730,000 by 1.4m individuals—the humpback whales in the vicinity have grown much more talkative.

This is the impression that delighted researchers are getting.

X-RAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

Alaska: Juneau to Sitka

A dive trip to the U.S. State of Alaska is a true adventure, both above and below the surface. The rich green waters of the Pacific Northwest are full of life and photographic opportunities. The liveaboard dive boat, Nautilus Swell, is a great way to experience Southeast Alaska.

Words:
Larry Cohen
Images:
Larry Cohen
Olga Torrey
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Travel & Trips

Before embarking on the Nautilus Swell, there was a chance to spend a few days in Juneau. This town started as a gold-mining camp in 1880. When Alaska became the 49th state of the United States in 1959, Juneau became the capital.

 

US Navy confirms wreckage is that of the submarine USS Grunion lost since WW2

The Grunion was last heard from July 30, 1942. The submarine reported heavy anti-submarine activity at the entrance to Kiska, and that it had 10 torpedoes remaining forward. On the same day, the Grunion was directed to return to Dutch Harbor Naval Operating Base.

USS_Grunion (SS-216) after being found
Wrecks & Archaeology

The submarine was reported lost Aug. 16, 1942.  Underwater video footage captured by an expedition hired by sons of the commanding officer, Lt. Cmdr. Mannert L. Abele, allowed the Navy to confirm the discovery.

Japanese anti-submarine attack data recorded no attack in the Aleutian area at the time of the Grunion's disappearance, so the submarine's fate remained an unsolved mystery for more than 60 years, the US Navy said.

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