Welcome to the most comprehensive online travel guide for Alaska, Western Canada and Northwest USA

  The Alaska Marine Highway has always worked to minimize the ferry system's impact on the environment. Now, we've taken the next step, by joining the Green WATERS Program, a voluntary system designed to help passenger vessel operators reduce waste and emissions. "It's like a big checklist to see what you are already doing and gives you options on ways to improve," says Environmental Program Specialist Rachel Teel, hired last year to help the Marine Highway go above and beyond required environmental standards.
   She's already helped implement our Ship to Shore Environmental Guide, which gives crews one set of rules to follow across the board, in all departments, from engineering to operations. That's because every department can make a difference. Already, the switch to online reservations has reduced paper waste and low-sulfur fuel is reducing air emissions. Every ship in the fleet is getting what Rachel calls "a big oil change," swapping out old oils and greases for new environmentally acceptable lubricants, where possible.   
   We're not done yet. With new, more efficient vessels on the drawing boards and upgrades to our fleet and terminals in the works, we're making sure that protecting the environment remains a priority for the Alaska Marine Highway.
   
Fish On!
Nearly every community along the Alaska Marine Highway's route has a fishing derby or two. From salmon to halibut, fish your way through Alaska's coastal communities this summer.

62nd Annual King Salmon Derby – Wrangell
May 10 – June 8

King Derby – Kodiak
May 15 – Aug. 15

Halibut Derby – Valdez
May 17 – Aug. 31

Sitka Salmon Derby – Sitka
May 24-26, May 31 – June 1

King Salmon Derby – Haines
May 24-26, May 31 – June 1

Silver Salmon Derby – Whittier
July 1 – Sept. 15

Golden North Salmon Derby – Juneau
Aug. 8-10

Sand Point Silver Salmon Derby – Sand Point
Aug. 29 – Sept. 1

Profile: Seldovia
This Kachemak Bay fishing community, a 90-minute ferry ride from Homer, is known as "a community of secluded charm." Seldovia is only accessible by boat or plane. It is rich in Russian heritage and Alaska Native culture. Fishing is at the heart of many of its community events: the Human Powered Fishing Derby in May and the Annual Chinook Challenge King Salmon Derby in June. Another fun event happens over Labor Day weekend: the Seldovia Craft Invitational Chainsaw Carving Competition.

www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs