Aleutians West, AK

This story was reported in partnership with the Seattle Times and the Pulitzer Center’s Connected Coastlines reporting initiative. ABOARD THE PINNACLE, Bering Sea — Through the wheelhouse window, captain Mark Casto spotted a white line on the horizon. The edge of an ice floe was illuminated by bow lights piercing the morning darkness of the Bering Sea.

Local public health mandates — including mask-wearing and self-quarantine after travel — are now "encouraged" instead of "required" in the City of Unalaska. The City Council unanimously passed the resolution Tuesday night, citing decreases in the number of local coronavirus cases and high vaccination rates. About 58% of Aleutians West...