Our objective is to support Tribes in developing a unified proposal for federal fishery managers that protects subsistence use areas and places of ecological significance that are necessary to support the species we depend on from bottom trawling in the northern Bering Sea. A unified proposal will weave traditional knowledge together with western science in a way that will best protect our subsistence way of life.

Subsistence Mapping

In 2008 and 2009 we gathered traditional knowledge that has already been documented about subsistence in the region. This information can be found in our tribal offices and in archives. We are grateful for the support of AVCP, Kawerak, Calista Elders Council, Cenaliulriit and others who have contributed information to this effort.  We also conducted mapping interviews with Elders and current hunters and fishermen from participating Tribes. We will incorporate western scientific information that can add to the strength of our local and traditional knowledge. In 2010 we anticipate working with participating Tribes to complete a fishery management proposal.
We intend to fully participate in the fishery management process but realize the responsibility that comes with sharing our knowledge and perspective. Presentation of our traditional knowledge will include maps delineating areas important to subsistence combined with video and audio components relating Elders’ descriptions of places and seasonal practices. Maps are more than lines on paper – they represent part of our history and must be presented in a manner that tells the full story in our own words. The information we present must meet high standards and speak effectively to fishery managers who are not familiar with our way of life.

Government-to-Government Consultation and the Fishery Management Process

The Bering Sea Elders Advisory Group anticipates a thorough government-to-government consultation between Tribes and the National Marine Fisheries Service.  Tribes will also need to present the proposal to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (advisory to the National Marine Fisheries Service) and participate in their scientific and public review process.

Working with CDQ Groups and the Fishing Industry

Bering Sea Elders intends to meet with our CDQ groups and representatives of the fishing industry to share our perspectives and look for common ground. The fishing companies operating nearby in Kuskokwim Bay, Etolin Strait and Nunivak Island have designated a liaison to help keep our communications flowing back and forth. The Elders Group welcomes an open approach to addressing these issues.

Timeline

2008-2009 – Subsistence mapping and collection of traditional knowledge already documented.

February 2010 - Northern Bering Sea Research Area (NBSRA) community and subsistence workshop - Anchorage, AK. (Read the report.)

2010 – Bring Elders Group and Tribes together to complete fishery management proposal

January 2011 - NBSRA science meeting - Anchorage, AK.

March 2011 - NBSRA community and subsistence workshop - Anchorage, AK.

June 2011 - Public evening session - Nome, AK.

June 2011 - North Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting - Nome, AK.

December 2011 – Review of draft research plan.

April 2012 - Finalize research plan.