Is Little Port Walter dead?

During legislative testimony last week, Scott Wagner, general manager of Sitka-based hatchery operator Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, dropped some news about NOAA's Little Port Walter Research Station.

"This facility was recently shut down by NOAA in the last couple of months. It is now shuttered, the lights are out, generators off. It's closed," he said.

The station, located on Baranof Island, dates to 1934 and is "the oldest year-round biological field station in Alaska," NOAA says.

Featuring a small hatchery, Little Port Walter has a long and productive history of king salmon and other research, Wagner said.

"It definitely is a shame to see it go," he said.

From the sound of it, funding was a factor in the closure, but we don't know for sure. Deckboss has asked NOAA for comment on the station's status, but we've not heard back.