Fish

The Pacific herring is the only known herring species in Alaska — at least, for now. But University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers say herring further north might be a separate species.

According to Fraley, now sheefish can be found as far north as Point Hope and as far south as Shishmaref, a significant increase over what was previously thought to be their range. And there's a reason for it.

Carter said that the lack of baseline data could be detrimental, especially as climate change heats Arctic waters.

Last month, researchers came back with good news. Mercury levels in Kotzebue-area subsistence fish are safe.