The first generation of the Indigenous Sentinels Network – then called the Bering Watch/Island Sentinel Program – began in the early 2000s when the ECO hired sentinels to monitor wildlife species and environmental conditions in the Pribilof Islands. The monitoring program has been refined over the last 20 years by Tribal employees, contractors, and local volunteers.
Data are now collected through iOS and Android applications or ‘Apps’. Information is stored in an online database to facilitate collaboration and data sharing amongst Tribes, communities, and partners. The insights that have been pulled from this program have provided significant benefits to the people of St. Paul Island and other Indigenous communities throughout Alaska.
During harvest season please report all subsistence takes of laaqudan (fur seals), qawan (sea lions), and isuĝin (harbor seals), including retrieved and struck and lost to ECO Island Sentinels within 24 – 48 hours, or NMFS on-island representative Jacob Merculief, within two business days.
Paul Melovidov – 901-546-4030
Aaron Lestenkof – 901-546-4450
Jacob Merculief – 901-546-4011
Please arrange with Island Sentinels (or NMFS on-island representative if outside of normal business hours) so that we may collect the snout at the time of retrieval. These data are incredibly valuable.
For Tribal Consultation related inquires please reach out to consultation@aleut.com
Postponed Consultation Email (January 5th, 2024)
AFSC response letter to ACSPI Tribal President re: postponed Consultation (January 12, 2024)
Dear Tribal Leader letter re: Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s NETS project (January 17, 2024)
ACSPI Tribal President's response letter to AFSC re: postponed Consultation (January 23, 2024)
NOAA Decision to not move forward with NETS in 2024 (February 23, 2024)
Kawerak Resolution in Opposition to NETS Project (September 27, 2023)
ACSPI Resolution in Opposition to NETS Project (October 30, 2023)
Nome Eskimo Community Resolution in Opposition to NETS Project (January 8th, 2024)
Norton Sound Health Corporation Resolution in Opposition to NETS project (January 31st, 2024)
The Native Village of Shishmaref Resolution in Opposition to NETS project (February 6, 2024)
Eskimo Walrus Commission Letter in Opposition to NETS Project (February 23, 2024)
The Native Village of White Mountain Resolution in Opposition to NETS project (February 26, 2024)