Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey

Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey

Author: Alaska First Media April 20, 2026 Duration: 5:03

Allie Brown joins Capital Chat from Coasst at the University of Washington to discuss the upcoming training to become a citizen scientist in Juneau to monitor sic, injured or dead birds along our coastline. 

What is citizen science?

While citizen science has been used as an umbrella term for any public involvement in science, it can be distinguished from other terms based on how the project is initiated and run. For example:
– Citizen science is a process where members of the general public aid in scientific research, typically by collecting data for projects designed and initiated by professional scientists. This teamwork allows scientists to gather far more data than they could alone.
– Community science is initiated and managed by community members to address local needs, often related to social or environmental justice.

We recognize that the term citizen can hold legal or exclusionary connotations, however, in this context it truly refers to citizens of the world and reiterates that science is for everyone.

COASST accepts everyone interested in collecting data using our protocols.

Learn more about participating with COASST


There's a particular rhythm to life in Juneau, a blend of frontier spirit, deep-rooted culture, and the close-knit dynamics of a capital city surrounded by wilderness. Capital Chat, from Frontier Media USA, settles into that rhythm, offering conversations that feel more like catching up with a well-informed neighbor than a formal broadcast. Each episode delves into the arts, social currents, and community events that define Alaska's capital, moving beyond mere announcements to explore the stories and people behind them. You'll hear from local artists about their creative process, discussions on the social topics shaping the city, and insights into the gatherings that bring residents together. This podcast serves as an audio companion for anyone curious about what truly animates Juneau, from gallery openings and festivals to the everyday initiatives that strengthen community bonds. It’s a thoughtful look at how society and culture intertwine in a unique setting, ensuring that the diverse voices of the city are heard. For those living in or fascinated by Juneau, tuning into this series provides a genuine connection to the city's ongoing narrative.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 38

Capital Chat
Podcast Episodes
How Climate Stress Is Affecting Pacific Blue Mussels [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with UAS biology faculty member Nicole and students Eliza and Beatrice about research examining how warmer water and lower salinity may affect Pacific blue mussels in S…
Suicide Prevention Starts with a Conversation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:02
On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Charity Anderson from NAMI about suicide prevention and the warning signs family members, friends, teachers and coworkers can sometimes miss. Anderson explains how…
Juneau’s Bear Report: Hot Spots, Safety and Securing Trash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:43
On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Abby McAllister from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game about bear activity across Juneau. McAllister identifies current hot spots, explains why unsecured…
When Every Second Counts: Bringing PulsePoint to Juneau [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:41
On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Dr. Quigley Peterson and cardiac-arrest survivor Peter Metcalfe (Public Market) about the launch of PulsePoint in Juneau. The free app alerts CPR-trained community…
Inside the Juneau Chamber: Advocacy, Events and Local Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:16
On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Becca Parks from the Juneau Chamber of Commerce and introduces the Chamber’s new administrative assistant, Althea Tan. They preview upcoming candidate forums,…
Into Alaska: Hot Tub Boats, Go Boats and a New Crabbing Adventure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:01
On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Vienna from Into Alaska about one of Juneau’s most unusual local adventure companies. Vienna shares how the business grew from its hot tub boat and self-drive “go…
Workforce Ready: Inside UAS Career Education [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:37
On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Kristen Majocha, PhD, Dean of Career Education at the University of Alaska Southeast, about preparing students for careers in some of Southeast Alaska’s most…
Parks and Recreation Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:57
On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Juneau Parks and Recreation Director Mark Wheeler about several projects taking shape across the community. Wheeler shares an update on Juneau’s first dedicat…
Salmon Derby 2026 Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:13
On this episode of Capital Chat, representatives Ryan and Sean join host Cliff Dumas to preview the 80th annual Golden North Salmon Derby. They explain how to purchase derby tickets, outline a record prize pool valued at…