Matson Ocean Education Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is proud to partner with Matson to bring the Matson Ocean Education Center (MOEC) to life. This 1,000-square-foot, classroom-style education facility is being constructed at The Point at AWCC, where the land meets the waters of Turnagain Arm—one of the most dynamic and ecologically rich environments in Alaska. Turnagain Arm experiences some of the largest tidal variations on Earth, with tides rising and falling by more than 30 feet.
From this unique vantage point, endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales are often visible during high tides, particularly in the spring and fall as they follow salmon runs close to shore. AWCC’s setting—framed by mountains, glaciers, and tidal waters—creates an unparalleled opportunity for place-based learning. The MOEC will connect visitors, students, and researchers to hands-on education and conservation efforts focused on Cook Inlet and its marine ecosystem.
Design of the MOEC is complete and construction is currently underway. The facility is expected to open for the summer 2026 visitor season.
What You’ll Experience at the MOEC
Once complete, the MOEC will significantly expand AWCC’s existing education, research, and monitoring efforts related to Cook Inlet beluga whales and other marine life. The center will host education programs, research activities, and community science events, while also offering self-guided learning experiences that are included with general admission and open to all visitors.
Features Include
- Interpretive signage focused on Cook Inlet ecology for self-guided visitors
- A life-size beluga whale skeleton
- Binoculars for viewing across Turnagain Arm
- A hydrophone allowing visitors to listen to underwater sounds
These elements will create an immersive learning experience that brings Alaska’s ocean environment to life.
Voices Behind the Vision
“This partnership with Matson allows AWCC to expand education and research focused on Cook Inlet—connecting people directly to the science, species, and systems that shape Alaska’s marine environment. The Matson Ocean Education Center will create a powerful place for learning about beluga whales, extreme tides, and the forces that carved this unique landscape.” Sarah Howard, Executive Director, AWCC
“Matson is proud to partner with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on the Matson Ocean Education Center—a project that reflects our long-standing commitment to Alaska and the communities and environments we serve. It’s a powerful example of how partnership can expand education, strengthen conservation, and create lasting value for Alaska.” Jenn Tungul, Senior Vice President, Alaska, Matson
“Visitors, students, and research teams will be able to learn and study from one of the most scenic places in Alaska—surrounded by wood bison and elk on one side, and views of the water, beluga whales, mountains, and glaciers on the other.” Lana Johnson, AWCC Board of Directors
At the edge of land and sea, the Matson Ocean Education Center will transform Cook Inlet into a living classroom—connecting people to science, conservation, and one of Alaska’s most dynamic marine environments, while inspiring future stewards of Cook Inlet and its wildlife.
Concept & Progress Gallery
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Belugas Count! and Research Partnerships
AWCC is an official National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) beluga counting station during the annual Belugas Count! event each September—a citizen-science initiative that raises awareness about the declining Cook Inlet beluga population. Additionally, AWCC is an active partner in the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Partnership (AkBMP), supporting long-term research and conservation efforts.
About Matson
Matson, Inc. is a U.S.-owned and operated transportation services company headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. A leader in Pacific shipping since 1882, subsidiary Matson Navigation Company, Inc. (Matson) provides a vital lifeline to the economies of Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Micronesia and the South Pacific, and premium, expedited service from China to Southern California. Matson’s long history as a leader in Pacific shipping underpins a half-century of dedicated service to Alaska by Alaskans.
About Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Located at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway in Portage, Alaska, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. AWCC takes in orphaned and injured animals year-round and provides them a forever home. The sanctuary maintains over 200 acres of spacious habitats for resident animals to feel at home displaying their natural wild behavior as education ambassadors for their species. AWCC offers STEM education programs in the areas of biology, ecology, and conservation.