Project Description
Through this project, the PEP aims to support the assessment and management of ice-associated (bearded, ringed, spotted, and ribbon) seals that are important subsistence resources for northern coastal Alaska Native communities. The primary activities are development and maintenance of a coordinated plan for research on ice seals in Alaska, and providing scientific advice for co-management of ice seals. Staff of the PEP participate in co-management workshops and meetings, and present scientific findings and advice relevant to ice seal ecology and harvest management.
Issues & Justification
The best way to conserve and provide stewardship of marine mammal populations that are critical to the subsistence lifestyle of Alaska Natives is through a partnership between the federal agency with management authority and the Alaska Natives using that resource. In October, 2006, NMFS entered into an agreement with the Ice Seal Committee (ISC), a tribally authorized Alaska Native Organization that represents ice seal subsistence hunters within the following five Alaska Native regions: 1) North Slope Borough, 2) Maniilaq, 3) Kawerak, 4) Association of Village Council Presidents, and 5) Bristol Bay Native Association. This co-management agreement establishes a structure for the conservation and management of ice seals in Alaska between ISC and NMFS.
Goals
- To promote the sustained health of Alaskan ice seals in order to protect the culture and way of life of Alaska Natives who rely on the harvest of ice seals for subsistence uses.
- To advance co-management, research, and the use of traditional knowledge of Alaska Natives; and
- To provide information to subsistence hunters and the public at large.
Methods
Scientific methods for the PEP research that is relevant to the co-management process are described in the sections devoted to specific projects. To enhance communication and mutual education, Alaska Native experts in natural history of ice seals, subsistence hunting, and travel in sea ice habitats have been invited to participate in field teams during seal tagging and aerial survey projects.