Bering Sea Sub Network (BSSN): International Community-based Environmental Observation Alliance for the Arctic Observing Network, Lessons Learned in the Pilot Phase of the Project

BSSN is a formalized network of Bering Sea coastal communities created for systematic gathering of local observations regarding the environment and harvest of selected fish and marine mammals. BSSN is a 2008-09 IPY project and its pilot phase was completed in 2009. Collaborators include: the University of Alaska, Alaska Native Science Commission, United Nations Environment Programme—Global Resource Databank Arendal, and the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna working group of the Arctic Council. The participating communities are Gambell (St. Laurence Island Yupik), Togiak (Central Yup'ik), Sand Point (Unangan/Eastern Aleut) in Alaska, U.S. and Kanchalan (Chukchi), Tymlat (Koryak), and Nikolskoye (Unangas/ Western Aleut) in the Russian Federation.

The overall goal of BSSN is to increase our understanding and knowledge of pan-Arctic processes, thereby enhancing the ability of communities, scientists and governments to predict plan, and respond to environmental changes and their subsequent socio-economic effects. The aim of the pilot phase was to devise an organizational and methodological base for the work of the network.

The poster discusses how various components of the research process were developed and the challenges encountered by the research team. Successful communication between the project scientists, local research assistants and communities in multi cultural environment is a key to an effective work. Observations were gathered by interviewing local harvesters utilizing purposive non-random sampling. In four out of six communities local residents were trained to conduct interviews. A comparison between local interviewers and visiting researches helps better understand pros and cons of using both. BSSN is community centred and adapting the survey process to the needs and educational levels of the local research assistants is very important for BSSN.

A snap shot of the pilot phase data will be presented as well.