WORKSHOPS

The Sitka tribe of Alaska (STA) and the Sitka Marine Mammal Commission (SMMC) hosted a 3 day (February 8-10) marine mammal workshop.  There were 14 tribal representatives from 11 different tribes. The workshop focused on reviews of marine mammal stock assessment data, drafting marine mammal management plans for Southeast Alaska tribes, and full utilization of marine mammals.

 Representatives from the USFWS, USGS, NMFS, and a UAA graduate student were on hand the first day to give stock assessment data, the methods and means for collecting the data, and updated participants on current research projects being conducted on marine mammals in Alaska costal waters.  This portion of the workshop was interactive with many of the participants asking questions of the various presenters.

 The second day of the workshop consisted of splitting the tribal representatives into two groups (Northern and Southern Southeast Alaska) and then combining native and federal agency representatives with these groups to assist with the construction of marine mammal management plan templates.  The tribal representatives then had a draft marine mammal management plan template to take back to their respective tribes for adaptation to their region.

 The morning of third day of the workshop consisted of a presentation on European management models and a comment period for the attendees to express what they had gained from the workshop and their prospective on marine mammal management plans.  The afternoon attendees had a choice of taking a sea otter sewing class (taught by Darlene See and Monica Riedel) or a drum making class (taught by Jennifer Brady).  The sea otter sewing class participants were taught how to use a fur sewing machine.

Participant Survey

During the workshop STA and SMMC staff surveyed the participants for feedback on the workshop and the Sitka Tribal Tannery.  Out of the 21 participants who were surveyed 100% felt the conference provided them with useful information and 90% (2 did not reply) felt that if STA and the SMMC were to host or co-host a conference next year that a their Tribal Government or organization should send a representative.

DVD COPY  

STA staff has completed the editing of the workshop video footage and recorded the final version on a 2 CD set.  The video is approximately 1.75 hours long and focuses predominately on the first 2 days of the workshop. 

Work Product:  Sitka Marine Mammal Workshop

 February 8 – 10, 2006

 Northern Southeast Alaska Template

 Mission Statement:

            To maintain healthy marine mammal populations that are in balance with the ecosystem; to perpetuate the customary and traditional use of marine mammals; to provide for future development to subsidize a subsistence way of life while discouraging commercial exploitation of our natural resources; and facilitate information exchange between Alaska Native communities and management agencies. 

 <Group name>, being a federally recognized entity or tribe, develops this plan to responsibly manage the marine mammals within the tribe’s traditional boundaries.

 Goals:

 1)      To ensure and recognize the need to manage human impacts on marine mammal populations through a blend of Western Science and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.

2)      Establish ordinances and procedures to enable the enforcement of the management plan.

3)      Promote the education of future customary traditional users to preserve our way of life.

Copyright © 2007
Last modified: 09/12/07