The Sitka Sound Science Center’s annual festival of all things marine brings cultural and community activities, knowledgeable researchers and lecturers, a marine-themed artisan market and more to Sitkans and Southeast Alaskans who make the trip. This year, the 19th for the festival, is themed “Life on the Boundary” and will explore life and connections along the ocean edges. The first day focuses on where ocean and land meet; the second on “Deep Edge: Value of the Benthos,” and the third on the “Frozen Border: Complexities of Ice.” (“Benthos” is name for the organisms that live on the sea floor; it’s also known as the benthic zone.) Speakers will focus on estuaries, “living lights of the sea,” and tidewater glaciers, among other topics.
The event opens with a marine art reception and film Nov. 5; it closes with its annual Don Sineti Family Concert Nov. 8, with lots of fascinating talks, art workshops, a 5 or 20k run or walk, a wildlife cruise and other events in between. General registration is $95 – $65 for military, $50 for full-time students, or $35 for a three-lecture punch card. Find out more at sitkawhalefest.org
