Alaska Fish Mapping Program

Challenge:

The Tribal Government of St. Paul Island recognized the need for comprehensive research and mapping of Alaska's diverse fish populations and habitats. To address this challenge, they co-developed an innovative program with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) that combined innovative technology with local knowledge to enhance the scientific understanding of Alaska’s anadromous waters and streams.

Solution:

The Alaska Fish Mapping Program, spearheaded by the Tribal Government of St. Paul Island partnering with ADF&G and the Northern Latitudes Partnership, is a pioneering initiative that harnesses leading-edge technology and collaboration to map and monitor fish populations and their habitats. (ADF&G is tasked with documenting water bodies that are important habitats for the “spawning, rearing, or migration of anadromous fish” in the Anadromous Waters Catalog and Atlas (AWC). Streams & lakes specified in the AWC are afforded protections under the Anadromous Fish Act (AS 16.05.871). Despite ongoing efforts to add water bodies to the AWC, significant gaps in its coverage remain, particularly in remote and difficult-to-access regions of Alaska. TGSPI is now helping ADF&G with this effort by providing communities with modern tools, this program creates a comprehensive data collection and mapping platform that benefits both communities and the broader goals for state management of natural resource habitat.

Execution:

The Tribal Government of St. Paul Island successfully executed the Alaska Fish Mapping Program, employing the following strategies:

  1. Advanced Technology and Data Collection: Through ISN’s new, easy-to-use smartphone app, communities, and scientific partners can submit observations while out on the land. All they need to do is find some fish, fill out a few simple data fields, collect photos, and hit submit. All of ISN’s tools do not require wifi or cell signal to use allowing it to operate in remote and hard-to-access areas. The program utilizes state-of-the-art technology, including mapping and image photography to collect data on anadromous streams, spawning fish, and essential habitats. This data is then integrated into ADF&G’s comprehensive mapping platform, the Anadromous Waters Catalog and Atlas, which provides valuable insights for researchers and policymakers.

  2. Collaboration with communities and scientists: The program engages communities and scientific partners in Southeast and Southcentral Alaska. By fostering partnerships and knowledge-sharing, the Alaska Fish Mapping Program ensures that the collected data is accurate, reliable, and relevant to both scientific research and sustainable habitat management.

  3. Community Involvement and Local, Indigenous, and Traditional Knowledge: The program recognizes the importance of local and Indigenous communities and their experience-based knowledge in understanding fish behavior and habitats. The involvement of local communities ensures that their invaluable insights are incorporated into the mapping and monitoring efforts, leading to a comprehensive understanding of Alaska's fish populations.

Results:

The execution of the Alaska Fish Mapping Program by the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island has yielded significant results:

  1. Successful Documentation of Anadromous Streams: By integrating scientific research and empowering communities to participate in environmental monitoring, the program has submitted numerous streams to the State of Alaska’s Anadromous Waters Catalog. This benefits both communities utilizing streams and fish habitats and the overall health of Alaska's marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This data contributes to improved resource management, conservation efforts, and informed decision-making in resource and habitat management by providing detailed information on spawning fish, culvert structures for stream restoration, and critical habitats. 

  2. Collaborative Model for Research: The Alaska Fish Mapping Program serves as a collaborative model, bringing together Indigenous and local communities, scientists, and managers in a shared mission of collaborative research and adaptive management. This model showcases the power of collective efforts in addressing complex challenges and ensuring the sustainable management of Alaska's fisheries and terrestrial ecosystem management.

The Alaska Fish Mapping Program is a testament to the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island's dedication to collaborative research, technological advancement, and sustainable resource management. By leveraging advanced technology, community involvement, and the integration of local, Indigenous, and traditional knowledge, they have created a transformative platform that promotes stewardship and responsible utilization of Alaska's diverse fish populations. Through this program, the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island exemplifies its commitment to safeguarding Alaska's natural resources for present and future generations.