Walrus
We work to ensure that Pacific walrus in Alaska remain within an optimum  sustainable
population range and to assure that they continue to be a healthy, functioning
component of the Bering and Chukchi seas ecosystems. The Marine Mammal Protection
Act of 1972 (pdf) provides the legal framework for most walrus management
activities.
Management responsibilities are outlined in the Conservation
Plan for Pacific Walrus in Alaska, and include:
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international cooperation with Russia on walrus
management issues,
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conducting population surveys, monitoring and modeling
populations,
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monitoring harvest by Alaska Natives,
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developing habitat protection measures such as the
development of guidelines to minimize incidental take for industrial
operations in walrus habitat, and
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collaborating management and research programs at
the local, state, national, and international levels.
The Marine Mammals Management office takes an ecosystem approach to
walrus management, carried out through the cooperative efforts of many
partners. Some of these are the National Wildlife Refuges, the Eskimo
Walrus Commission, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, National Marine
Fisheries Service, and the University of Alaska.
Last updated: September 10, 2008
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