This project will study how natural mineral seepsalso called rusting riversaffect fish and water health in alaska

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) received a $121,322 Cooperative Agreement from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the Aquatic Resources Management program (CFDA 15.244) awarded on September 20, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2027. The agreement funds a comprehensive study examining how natural mineral seeps, commonly referred to as "rusting rivers," affect fish and water health in Alaska. WCS will collect fish specimens from two Alaskan rivers—the Kukpuk River (with mineral seeps) and the Ipewik River (without seeps)—and analyze otoliths (ear bones) and tissue samples to measure metal accumulation over time and assess exposure duration.

The project deliverables include a complete comparative study documenting metal levels in fish and environmental samples, data and charts illustrating bioaccumulation patterns, and recommendations for monitoring rivers near mining operations. WCS will also develop a website to disseminate findings and create public outreach materials for distribution through local advisory councils, state agencies, social media, radio, and newspapers. The project benefits multiple stakeholders, including BLM and land managers who will gain improved tools for river health monitoring, the mining industry for environmental compliance planning, local fishing communities dependent on clean water resources, scientists conducting ecosystem research, and the general public through enhanced protection of Alaska's aquatic resources.

Activities

Wildlife conservation society will collect fish from two rivers in alaska: the kukpuk river (with mineral seeps) and the ipewik river (without seeps) use special tools to study the fish otoliths and measure metal levels compare metal levels in fish earbones, muscle tissue, and the environment track changes over the fishs life to see how long theyve been exposed to metals and share results with scientists, land managers, and the public. WCS will also: create a website to share updates and findings present results to local advisory councils and state agencies and post updates on social media, radio, and in newspapers.expected deliverables: a complete study comparing fish from rivers with and without mineral seeps data and charts showing metal levels in fish and the environment recommendations for how to use this method to monitor rivers near mines and public outreach materials and presentations to share what was learned.

Intended beneficiaries

The BLM and other land managers, who will get better tools to monitor river health the mining industry, which can use this information to plan and follow environmental rules local fishers and communities, who rely on clean water and healthy fish scientists and researchers, who will learn more about how mineral seeps affect ecosystems and the public, who will benefit from better protection of alaskas rivers and wildlife.