The inception of the Alaska SeaLife Center traces back over a quarter of a century, initiated by the foresight of community leaders in Seward who sought to expand the research capabilities of the University of Alaska’s Seward Marine Center. This ambition was echoed by both local residents and the scientific community, who recognized the value of a larger facility dedicated to research and educational outreach in Seward. Despite the shared vision, the project remained aspirational for many years, with intermittent appeals made to the University and the Alaska Legislature for financial support.

The need for such a facility became starkly apparent following the catastrophic Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) on March 24, 1989, when the Exxon Valdez supertanker released 11 million gallons of oil into Prince William Sound. This disaster inflicted severe damage on almost 1,500 miles of Alaska’s untouched coastline, devastating local wildlife, economies, and ecosystems. The aftermath saw the loss of thousands of marine birds, mammals, and fish, highlighting the urgent requirement for enhanced wildlife treatment facilities and a bolstered research framework in Alaska. The spill exposed the critical lack of pre-spill data on wildlife and their habitats, significantly obstructing scientific assessment of the impact and recovery efforts. This incident underscored the necessity for establishing long-term research and monitoring capabilities.

In response, February 1990 saw the formation of the Seward Association for the Advancement of Marine Science (SAAMS), a non-profit organization aimed at advancing marine science for educational and cultural purposes. SAAMS set out to establish a premier institution for marine research, wildlife rehabilitation, and public education adjacent to the University of Alaska’s marine center. This vision came to fruition with the opening of the Alaska SeaLife Center in 1998.

The project received significant financial backing, starting with a $12.5 million allocation from the EVOS criminal settlement funds by the Alaska Legislature in 1993, earmarked for the development of the Center. Additional funding was secured from the EVOS Trustee Council and through a private fundraising campaign, which collectively contributed over $30 million towards the construction and operational start-up costs. Notably, the local community of Seward, despite its small size, contributed over $1 million to the campaign.

Construction began in May 1995, with initial phases focusing on site preparation and infrastructure development, followed by the construction of the main facility and its features, culminating in the grand opening on May 2, 1998. The Center was designed to engage visitors with marine research actively, featuring a public aquarium, veterinary facilities for rehabilitation, and a variety of exhibits showcasing North Pacific marine life.

Looking ahead, the Alaska SeaLife Center remains committed to advancing marine research, particularly as environmental challenges and human activities continue to impact the North Pacific region. The Center is dedicated to understanding and preserving marine ecosystems, ensuring its role as a pivotal institution in marine science and education.

Photos courtesy of the Alaska Sealife Center Seward, Alaska.