Traditional Knowledge of the Bowhead Whale (<i>Balaena mysticetus</i>) around St. Lawrence Island, Alaska

Abstract

Despite considerable research on the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) in Alaskan waters, relatively little has been conducted in the northern Bering Sea. To help fill this gap, we documented traditional knowledge of bowhead whales held by Yupik whalers of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. Results include descriptions of the seasonal movements, distribution, and abundance of bowheads near St. Lawrence Island. The bowhead population appears to be increasing, as is the number of young whales seen. Changing environmental conditions are influencing distribution, leading to a somewhat earlier spring migration and a greater presence of whales near the island in winter. Hunters describe two bowhead migration paths near the island. It is unknown whether these two paths are used by two genetically different groups of whales, or whether the animals are simply responding differently to oceanographic conditions or geography. Our findings are consistent with studies of this bowhead population conducted elsewhere and suggest that additional research is needed to determine possible migratory (or genetic) differences between the two migrations of whales seen at St. Lawrence Island.

Evaluating the Effects of Climate Change on Indigenous Marine Mammal Hunting in Northern and Western Alaska Using Traditional Knowledge

“…This process has been described, for example, by Noongwook et al (2007), who note that traditional knowledge is gained by experience, transmitted to others by stories and example, and continually tested and refined against new observations. While traditional knowledge contains extensive and detailed information about the habits, behaviors, and patterns of animals as well as conditions of water, ice, and weather, it places great emphasis on the safety of those traveling and hunting.…”

“…For indigenous hunters of marine mammals in Arctic Alaska, changes in sea ice affect the ability to travel to hunting areas, the safety of traveling and hunting, and the duration of the hunting period (e.g., Noongwook et al, 2007;Kapsch et al, 2010;FienupRiordan et al, 2013). The effects on marine mammals may further compromise hunting success, if animals are less abundant or less available, if body condition worsens, or if novel diseases and parasites begin to affect the hunted species (Hovelsrud et al, 2008;Gadamus, 2013;Huntington et al, 2016).…”

“…Not all changes are negative, however. As one example, later fall freeze-up has allowed whalers on St. Lawrence Island in the northern Bering Sea to develop a fall bowhead hunt to compensate for poor spring hunting conditions during their traditional spring hunt (Noongwook et al, 2007).…”

"The Way We See It Coming": Building the Legacy of Indigenous Observations in IPY 2007–2008

“…Under such vision, the former is usually labeled "intuitive, holistic, consensual, and qualitative," whereas the latter is perceived as analytical, quantitative, and compartmentalized (Bielawski, 1992;Krupnik, 2002:184). While these labels contain some truth, Native experts have demonstrated repeatedly that they can effectively operate with both types of records and that they often match them more skillfully than scientists do (Aporta and Higgs, 2005;Bogoslovskaya, 2003;Krupnik and Ray, 2007;Noongwook et al, 2007).…”

“…Oozeva et al, 2004;Noongwook et al, 2007). With the absence of solid pack ice, people have to adapt to a far less stable local new ice that can be easily broken by heavy winds, storms, and even strong currents ( Figure 6).…”