AFE 2021: Chugach Regional Resources Commission and Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute’s Water Quality Monitoring Program Update

The ocean acidification program, conducted by the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute (APMI) and Chugach Regional Resources Commission (CRRC), has been bridging the gap between western science and residents of coastal communities in Southcentral Alaska. The continuous ocean acidification monitoring by APMI and discrete ocean acidification samples and exposure studies provide climate data for researchers to utilize in studying trends and high-level science. The discrete ocean acidification sampling program is conducted by Natural Resource Specialists in Alaska Native communities in Southcentral Alaska. This session will show a video featuring Natural Resource Specialists from Native Village of Port Graham and the Seldovia Village Tribe, who have been building their capacities for years to manage local environmental protection programs. Utilizing local residents to conduct the sampling is a cost-effective way to expand the spatial ocean acidification dataset coverage, build capacity in those communities and broaden the local knowledge for residents most affected by changing ocean conditions.

Continuing ocean acidification work is critical to understanding the effects of ocean acidification effects on important food resources for the Tribes in the Southcentral region. The community response and interest have been overwhelming and the interest outside the region also continues to grow and this video was made to impress upon the Natural Resource Specialists and community leaders the importance of the ocean acidification sampling program and how it fits into the bigger world of ocean acidification research. It is also intended to educate the samplers and leaders on the results to date and provide them the background needed to share the importance and results to residents of these communities.

Presenter: Chelsea Campbell, Chugach Regional Resources Commission