Protecting Alaska’s Marine Species: Sustainable Management and Conservation through Research

Our research is dedicated to the sustainable management and conservation of Alaska’s marine species, which hold significant economic and cultural importance for the nation. Alaska’s waters are home to some of the world’s most important commercial fisheries, as well as large populations of marine mammals such as whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoises. Additionally, Alaska native hunting and fishing communities rely on these waters for their livelihoods.

To better understand and protect these marine species, we focus on studying their health and population sizes, as well as the key areas where they feed, breed, and grow. By monitoring environmental conditions in different ocean habitats such as sea surface temperatures in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska, we gather valuable data on the sustainability of marine life.

Our research involves analyzing biological, oceanographic, and ecological data collected during research surveys and by trained fisheries observers in our laboratories. This information helps us learn more about marine animal diets, age, growth rates, reproduction patterns, food web dynamics, and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. By tracking changes in marine animal populations and Alaska’s ecosystems over time, we can better inform management decisions to ensure their long-term health and conservation.