Challenge:

Together, the TGSPI and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sought to address the need for long-term data on winter sea ducks, gulls, and beachcast birds on the Pribilof Islands. First, through a Tribal Wildlife Grant to the Tribal Government of St. Paul Island, and then through internal funding, the TGSPI has produced a high-quality long-term dataset that extends understanding of habitat use on St. Paul from a few short months to year-round.

Solution:

The Tribal Government of St. Paul Island took on the challenge and spearheaded the execution of the project. With the support of the Tribal Wildlife Grant, they developed an innovative mobile application tailored for collecting trend survey data of winter seaducks and gulls on St. Paul Island. The primary goal was to establish local capacity in generating scientifically valid long-term data sets that directly impacted the traditional Unangam lifestyle.

Execution:

The Tribal Government of St. Paul Island successfully implemented the project, employing the following key strategies:

1. Mobile Application Development: They designed and deployed a customized mobile application, enabling efficient data collection by engaging Aleut fishermen. The app simplified the process of recording and reporting observations, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data gathered.

2. Data Collection and Analysis: By actively involving the local community, the project collected extensive data on winter seaducks, gulls, and beachcast birds. Rigorous analysis methods were employed to identify trends and patterns, shedding light on the ecosystem and its implications for the Unangam lifestyle.

3. Collaborative Partnerships: Strong collaborations were established with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge and the COASST (Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team) program. These partnerships provided valuable technical assistance and support, augmenting the project's overall effectiveness.

Results:

The collaborative efforts between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the TGSPI resulted in significant outcomes:

• Long-Term Data Sets: The project successfully generated scientifically valid long-term data sets on winter sea ducks, gulls, and beachcast birds. This achievement laid the groundwork for ongoing research and analysis.

• Insights into Local Biology: The collected data provided crucial insights into the local biology and ecosystem dynamics, contributing to a better understanding of species populations and their impact on Unangan lifestyle.

• Conservation Implications: The research findings informed conservation initiatives, supporting evidence-based decision-making to safeguard the Pribilof Islands' natural resources and preserve cultural heritage.

This case study exemplifies the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island's dedication to research excellence, technological innovation, and sustainable resource management. By effectively executing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Tribal Wildlife Grant, they successfully contributed to ongoing research efforts, fostering environmental conservation and preserving traditional Unangan ways of life.