A red octopus from the APU Aquatic Lab.
Alaska is renowned for its vast wilderness and unmatched biodiversity. Just an hour from Alaska Pacific University (APU) lies a prime example of this natural splendor: Prince William Sound. This vast inland sea, surrounded by the glacier-clad Chugach Mountains, spans 3,500 miles of intricate coastline. It features narrow glacial fjords, secluded bays, and countless islands, offering unparalleled opportunities for research in marine science, biology, animal behavior, and fisheries science.
The waters of Prince William Sound are among the richest on the planet, nourished by nutrients from mountain streams and stirred by ocean currents and seasonal weather. This dynamic environment supports thriving populations of marine life, from halibut and salmon to sea otters and whales. For thousands of years, this biodiversity has sustained Indigenous communities, including the original Alutiiq land stewards, and remains a vital resource for commercial, ecological, and recreational interests.
Bridging the Sound to Campus
While APU takes students to explore the wonders of Prince William Sound, the university also brings the Sound to campus through its Aquarium Biology Lab.
“In order to keep a salty, marine atmosphere on campus, we’ve set up the aquarium biology lab so that students get direct exposure to what they’re studying,” says Dr. David Scheel, a professor of marine and aquarium biology. Dr. Scheel, celebrating 25 years at APU, played a pivotal role in the lab’s establishment in 2001. In its early days, he introduced students to the Great Pacific octopus through the lab. Today, students focus on the Red octopus, a smaller species native to Southeastern Alaska through Northern Mexico.
Daughter of an APU alumnus interacting with a Red octopus
PC- © D. Scheel
Dr. Scheel explains the differences between these two species: “The Great Pacific octopus is super gentle and sometimes easier to work with due to its size.” On average, they measure about 12 feet in length and weigh over 50 pounds, making them the largest and longest-living octopus species. In contrast, Red octopuses are smaller, averaging 20 inches, but are colorful, quick, and engaging.
As cephalopods, octopuses are related to squid and cuttlefish, with arms (not tentacles) connected directly to their heads. “Students find it interesting working with octopuses. They’re very engaging animals, taking a real interest in their surroundings,” says Scheel. He notes that the octopuses in the lab recognize and anticipate student visits, becoming active and playful during their interactions.
Octopuses are known for their intelligence, capable of solving mazes, opening jars, recognizing faces, and even escaping enclosures. Remarkably, they are the only invertebrates known to exhibit play behavior, sometimes engaging with toys in captivity.
Hands-On Opportunities for Students
The lab keeps students busy with daily animal care, offering paid aquarist positions, volunteer roles, and opportunities to fulfill degree requirements through internships or senior projects. With approximately five octopuses in the lab and class sizes averaging eight students, participants gain extensive hands-on experience.
Students investigating an octopus tank.
“What’s unique about our science program is probably what’s unique about most of our programs,” explains Scheel. “Students are working directly with professors from the minute they arrive on campus. They’re getting access to programs and labs that you might not encounter until graduate school at larger universities.”
From exploring the ecological treasures of Prince William Sound to engaging with curious and intelligent octopuses on campus, APU offers a one-of-a-kind educational experience that brings Alaska’s unparalleled biodiversity to life.
