1. Datasets
  2. Village Based Walrus Studies

Village Based Walrus Studies

Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) are an important subsistence and cultural resource for coastal people of western Alaska and they are an important component of the Bering and Chukchi seas ecosystem. Our walrus research projects focus on walrus movements, habitat use, demographic monitoring, health, and behavior related to disturbance. We work with the Eskimo Walrus Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey to develop and implement study plans. Our studies rely on working with subsistence hunters and their communities to collect and analyze samples from harvested walruses to monitor their status and health. We work with hunters to tag walruses with satellite transmitters in order to learn about walrus movements, habitat use, and haulout and dive behavior. Working with Alaska Native subsistence hunters, we have cooperatively deployed satellite tags, conducted behavioral observations at terrestrial haulouts, and collected traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) on Pacific walruses in the Chukchi Sea. Data collected will allow comprehensive analyses of movements, distribution, and behavior of walruses in the Chukchi Sea.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
ISO Topics biota, economy, society
Primary Contact Lori Quakenbush (lori_quakenbush@fishgame.state.ak.us)
Primary Organization Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Funding Organizations US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Other Organizations Eskimo Walrus Commission, US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Geological Survey
Organization Types Federal, Local, State
Geo-keywords Alaska, North Slope
Start Date 2009-01-01
Created February 23, 2016, 01:53 (AKST)
Last Updated July 1, 2021, 21:46 (AKDT)