Alaska Offshore Special Report: Alaska SeaLife Center gives award to Shell
The Alaska SeaLife Center, the public aquarium and marine research facility in the Kenai Peninsula town of Seward, has presented Shell Alaska with the center’s Stewardship and Sustainability Award for the company’s efforts towards the sustainability of ocean resources. The award came during the center’s Marine Gala on Jan. 16.
Since embarking on a new offshore Alaska exploration program in 2005, Shell has implemented a program of environmental studies to better understand the Arctic marine ecosystem. The company has worked collaboratively with ConocoPhillips, Statoil and a number of organizations in local, state and federal governments, universities and non-government organizations.
“Through the efforts of Shell and its many partners, a better understanding of the Alaskan Arctic offshore is emerging, further enabling critical decision-making and responsible management of this critical resource,” said Michael Macrander, environmental team leader, Shell Alaska.
Shell’s environmental program has included the implementation of new technologies such as unmanned aerial systems and new acoustic recorders. The company has funded various aspects of ocean research, including the computer-assisted identification of marine mammal calls, and ice and weather forecasting.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Alaska SeaLife Center for our efforts to further our understanding of Alaska’s ocean resources,” said Pete Slaiby, vice president, Shell Alaska. “Recently, Shell entered into a five-year collaborative science agreement with the North Slope Borough mayor’s office that will enable local stakeholders to pursue robust scientific programs.”
—Alan Bailey
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