Talk on Bridging Scientific and Indigenous Perspectives

Donna Hauser and Kotzebue Elder Ross Schaeffer examine a ringed seal breathing hole in Kotzebue. /Photo courtesy of Donna Hauser.

As part of the ongoing Research Seminars series, the Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) will host Donna DW Hauser, a marine ecologist exploring interdisciplinary and collaborative research partnerships at the International Arctic Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, to discuss bridging scientific and Indigenous perspectives to understand rapidly changing Arctic marine ecosystems. This presentation will occur on Thursday, May 4, at 3:30 p.m.

About the talk: 

"The rapid and pervasive loss of Arctic sea ice has several potential impacts to ice-associated marine mammals, which are culturally and ecologically critical components of Arctic marine ecosystems. Declines in sea ice cover are also occurring in concert with expanding anthropogenic activities that may have compounding effects on Arctic marine ecosystems and the people reliant on them. With examples from Arctic Alaska, this talk will examine intersecting issues of recent sea ice loss affecting marine mammal habitat, changing access and availability of traditional marine resources for Indigenous hunters, and opportunities to elevate community-driven research partnerships to track and respond to Arctic environmental change."

These talks are delivered in a hybrid fashion. The event is free, and all are welcome to attend in person in the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building auditorium at the HMSC (2030 S.E. Marine Science Dr). You can also attend online. Register here to attend remotely via Zoom.