Ice Seal Research
Harvest Monitoring

Sustainability of the subsistence harvest of ice seals

• We compiled annual subsistence removal of ice seals in Alaska between 1992 and 2014 for 41 of 55 ice seal hunting communities and used per capita (based on the 2015 human population) removal estimates from surveyed communities to estimate regional and statewide average removals. We used average per capita values of harvest, combined with struck and lost, for surveyed communities (average removals) to extrapolate to unsurveyed communities. To account for underreported harvest, we also extrapolated using maximum harvest values, providing a liberal estimate. Both the average and liberal estimates of removals were below Potential Biological Removal for all 4 species. Thus, the best available data indicate that subsistence hunting is currently sustainable for all 4 species of ice seals.
• Nelson, M. A., L. T. Quakenbush, B. D. Taras, and C. Ice Seal. 2019. Subsistence harvest of ringed, bearded, spotted, and ribbon seals in Alaska is sustainable. Endangered Species Research 40:1–16. doi: 10.3354/esr00973.

The subsistence harvest of ice seals in Alaska— a compilation of existing information, 1960—2017

• The collection of harvest information is a priority for the Ice Seal Committee, which consists of representatives from five Alaska Native regions. The ISC has collaborated with ADF&G to compile all available ice seal harvest information into one document. Here, we compile all available data on seal harvest from 60 coastal Alaska Native communities. More recent information comes from household surveys done intermittently. The most comprehensive harvest data was acquired from 1962 to 1972, when hunters were paid a bounty to turn in noses of seals they harvested. The ISC updates and approves the document on an annual basis. Please note on the "Use of Harvest Data" section on the first page: Extrapolation of this information is inappropriate until we understand more about harvest variability and community needs.
• Ice Seal Committee. 2019. The subsistence harvest of ice seals in Alaska – a compilation of existing information, 1960-2017. Pp. 1–86.
• Report (PDF 1,891 kB)

Hooper Bay ice seal harvest report 2008 to 2018 Summary.

• This report summarizes household survey data collected at Hooper Bay each year 2008—2018. It has been approved by the Hooper Bay Tribal Council.
• Olnes, J., M. Nelson, R. J. Adam, and A. Simon. 2020. Hooper Bay ice seal harvest report 2008 to 2018 Summary. Report to Hooper Bay and the Ice Seal Committee. 17 pp.
• Report (PDF 347 kB)

Tununak ice seal harvest report 2008—2012 and 2016 Summary.

• This report summarizes household survey data collected at Hooper Bay each year 2008—2012, and 2016. It has been approved by the Tununak Tribal Council.
• Nelson, M., R. J. Adam, J. Olnes, and C. Inakuk. 2018. Tununak ice seal harvest report 2008-2012 and 2016 Summary. Report to Tununak and the Ice Seal Committee. 15 pp.
• Report (PDF 456 kB)

Quinhagak ice seal harvest report 2008, 2010-2014, 2016 Summary.

• This report summarizes household survey data collected at Quinhagak each year 2008, 2010—2014, and 2016. It has been approved by the Quinhagak Tribal Council.
• Nelson, M., R. J. Adam, J. Olnes, and L. Church. 2018. Quinhagak ice seal harvest report 2008, 2010-2014, 2016 Summary. Report to Quinhagak and the Ice Seal Committee. 15 pp.
• Report (PDF 447 kB)

Scammon Bay Ice Seal Harvest Report: 2011 and 2012 Summary.

• This report summarizes household survey data collected at Scammon Bay for 2011 and 2012. It has been approved by the Scammon Bay Tribal Council.
• Nelson M.A. 2013. Scammon Bay Ice Seal Harvest Report: 2011 and 2012 Summary. 11 pp.
• Report (PDF 329 kB)

Yukon Kuskokwim Delta Ice Seal Harvest Project: Emmonak 2011

• This report summarizes household survey data collected at Emmonak in 2011. It has been approved by the Emmonak Tribal Council.
• Nelson, M.A. 2012. Yukon Kuskokwim Delta Ice Seal Harvest Project: Emmonak 2011. 5 pp.
• Report (PDF 195 kB)

Togiak and Twin Hills Ice Seal Harvest Report: 2007 to 2011 Summary

• This report summarizes household survey data collected at Togiak and Twin Hills 2007—2011. Both communities have approved this report.
• Nelson, M.A. 2012. Togiak and Twin Hills Ice Seal Harvest Report: 2007 to 2011 Summary. 17 pp.
• Report (PDF 484 kB)

2017

• Nelson, M.A., Quakenbush, L., and J. Goodwin. 2017. The subsistence harvests of ringed, bearded, spotted, and ribbon seals in Alaska are currently sustainable. Alaska Marine Science Symposium, 23–27 January 2017, Anchorage, AK, USA (Abstract and Poster) (PDF 632 kB)

2012

• Nelson, M., Goodwin, J., and L. Quakenbush. Subsistence Harvest Records for Ice Seals in Alaska, 1960–2010. Alaska Marine Science Symposium, January 2012, Anchorage, AK, USA (Abstract and Poster) (PDF 832 kB)

2009

• Nelson, M., Quakenbush, L., and J. Citta. 2009. The subsistence harvest of ice seals in Alaska—Has it changed in 40 years? 18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, 12–16 October, Quebec City, Canada. (Abstract and Poster) (PDF 916 kB)