July 15, 2021, by Alex McCarrel

This week, SSSC welcomed 11 new faces to Sitka to start orientation for this year’s Chum Project. Coming from all walks of life and disciplines, this year’s crew consists of science teachers, undergrad and graduate students, and wildlife biologists! The 2021 Chum Crew is excited to become a part of SSSC’s ongoing study, with the Sitka Sound Science Center contracted by Alaska Department of Fish & Game, since 2017, to collect genetic and life history samples from chum salmon in three streams in Northern Southeast Alaska. This will also be the first year using a remote field camp to host 6 crew members for close to seven weeks!

Orientation week was packed full of scientific and safety training, with a special focus on effective fieldwork in the beautiful, yet sometimes challenging, SE Alaska wilderness.

The start of the week saw the crew up to their elbows in fish, learning how to properly remove fish scales, otoliths (ear bones), and how to take tissue samples.

Training also included an ever-important focus on safety while out in the field. All crew members underwent comprehensive CPR and first aid certification, as well as firearms training, how to properly handle bear encounters, river safety, and outboard care and maintenance. The newly trained crew will launch July 16^th to begin their amazing Alaskan adventure!