Anomaly in Norton Sound; Stebbins, Alaska

Stebbins, AK | 2026-Jul-23

Initial Notification: On July 20, 2026, the Canadian Ice Service (CIS), using a Radar Satellite Constellation, detected an anomaly in the waters of Norton Sound and notified the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). They believe it could possibly be an oil spill in the Sound. The anomaly is “well-contrasted against the ocean backscatter,” and approximately 7 km in length. The USCG requested that the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) contact NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) for their assessment of the observation. NESDIS scientists reported that the anomaly's characteristics indicate natural phenomena, such as organic material or algal blooms. They will continue to monitor the satellite imagery over the area to see if the anomaly dissipates or shifts, and they will update OR&R if their opinion changes.