Alaska's Senate urges NOAA to restore Seal Rocks weather buoy reliability

The Alaska State Legislature's Senate Transportation Committee convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss Senate Joint Resolution 12 (SJR 12), which urges the federal government to restore the reliability of NOAA weather buoys in Alaska. The meeting highlighted the critical role these buoys play in providing real-time weather data essential for maritime safety, particularly for mariners, fishermen, and the Coast Guard.

The discussion began with an overview of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) responsibilities regarding weather buoys, which have faced significant service outages over the past five years. A specific concern was raised regarding the Seal Rocks buoy in Prince William Sound, which has been out of service for extended periods, including the entire previous winter. This buoy is vital for monitoring weather conditions that affect the safety of oil tankers navigating the Hinchinbrook entrance, where strict operational limits are enforced based on wind speed and wave height.

Senator Dunbar emphasized the importance of the Seal Rocks buoy, noting that without its operational data, the Coast Guard must rely on less reliable information from passing ships and distant weather stations. This situation poses a risk of tanker accidents, which could lead to severe environmental disasters, particularly in light of the region's history with the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

John Guthrie, representing the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council, provided testimony supporting SJR 12. He outlined the council's mission to promote safe operations of the Alyeska pipeline and associated oil tankers, stressing that accurate weather information is crucial for preventing oil spills. Guthrie pointed out that the Seal Rocks buoy has only been functional for about 35 days in the past year and a half, complicating the Coast Guard's ability to make informed decisions regarding tanker operations.

The committee acknowledged the importance of maintaining the weather buoy system, particularly the Seal Rocks buoy, as a key component of oil spill prevention and response in the region. The resolution aims to bring attention to these issues and encourage Congress and NOAA to take action to restore the reliability of the National Data Buoy Center's services.

The meeting concluded without further questions, and the committee expressed its commitment to addressing the concerns raised regarding the weather buoy system in Alaska. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential advocacy efforts directed at federal representatives to ensure the safety and environmental protection of Alaska's waters.