Outreach and Communication for Migratory Bird Conservation in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
Summary
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) recently quantified subsistence harvest of shorebirds throughout Alaska and documented related indigenous knowledge. This study (1) indicated the importance of shorebirds as food and cultural subsistence resources; (2) suggested that harvests of Bar-tailed Godwits are relatively high related to the harvest potential for this declining species; and (3) identified outreach as an effective tool to address conservation concerns related to shorebird harvest in Alaska. Keeping momentum, ~$120K was recently secured from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and ADF&G to develop and implement outreach efforts in 3 communities on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, where most shorebird harvest occurs [...]
Summary
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) recently quantified subsistence harvest of shorebirds throughout Alaska and documented related indigenous knowledge. This study (1) indicated the importance of shorebirds as food and cultural subsistence resources; (2) suggested that harvests of Bar-tailed Godwits are relatively high related to the harvest potential for this declining species; and (3) identified outreach as an effective tool to address conservation concerns related to shorebird harvest in Alaska. Keeping momentum, ~$120K was recently secured from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and ADF&G to develop and implement outreach efforts in 3 communities on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, where most shorebird harvest occurs (Phase I). This statement of work for a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Science Applications Program describes efforts to expand outreach activities to 4 additional communities (Phase II). The goal is to increase awareness about shorebird conservation and facilitate community-based conservation. Specifically, ADF&G will (1) develop, deliver, and measure outcomes of culturally relevant outreach activities and materials tailored for two grade levels within at least one school within each community; and (2) document local knowledge, perceptions, and emerging conservation efforts within communities. Outreach tools aligned with schools’ curriculum will help support long-term educational outcomes. Planned partnerships include ADF&G’s Divisions of Subsistence and Wildlife Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Migratory Bird Management Division, western Alaska school districts, the Alaska Migratory Bird Co-Management Council, regional and local indigenous and tribal entities, and the Yukon Delta NWR.
Project leader name and contact: Liliana Naves, liliana.naves@alaska.gov, 907-267-2302 Lead organization: Alaska Department of Fish and Game Award ID: F20AP00037 Funding source: FWS Amount: $74,000 Start Date: 10/01/2019 End Date: 09/23/2021
