Mystery Sheen at Port of Alaska

Anchorage, AK 99501, USA | 2026-Apr-16

Initial Notification: On April 16, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) that they are investigating a mystery sheen reported at the Port of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska. The source is suspected to be from a jet fuel discharge (<200 gallons) that occurred on December 25, 2025. The sheen is coming from ice on piers at the fuel dock at the port. Sheen and a fuel odor has been reported up to one mile away, particularly during falling tides. Cook Inlet Beluga whales (listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act) and migratory birds have been observed in the vicinity of the sheen occurrence area.