actionable research & science
Strengthen science and decision-making through inclusion of community priorities, diverse data and knowledge, and technology.
Current Priorities
1. Advancing Science-Informed Fisheries Decisions
Effective fisheries management depends on strong science that reflects ecosystem conditions and on-the-water realities. We focus on research that improves understanding of bycatch, habitat impacts, and ecosystem-based fisheries management.
2. Translating Science into Actionable Information
Scientific research is most useful when it can be understood and applied by decision-makers, fishermen, and communities. We prioritize translating complex science into clear, usable information that supports better decisions.
3. Supporting Community-Driven Knowledge and Monitoring
Fishermen and coastal communities hold critical knowledge about local ecosystems. We work to integrate this knowledge into research and support community-based science efforts.
4. Building Research Capacity in Coastal Communities
Access to research tools and infrastructure is uneven across Alaska. We prioritize expanding research capacity in rural and coastal communities so science can happen closer to the water.
Key Strategies & Activities:
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Collaborate with scientists and research institutions: Partner with academic and research organizations to analyze bycatch patterns, habitat impacts, and ecosystem conditions, including work related to Tanner crab and Essential Fish Habitat protections.
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Co-develop and contribute to fisheries research: Co-author and support research focused on ecosystem-based fisheries management and applied fisheries science.
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Translate science into accessible products: Produce science briefs, white papers, and advocacy materials that make research findings usable in policy and management settings.
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Share science through storytelling: Use blogs and social media to highlight “day in the life” science stories and explain how research connects to fisheries and communities.
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Integrate fishermen’s knowledge into research: Incorporate local and experiential knowledge into study design, data interpretation, and research priorities.
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Support community-based monitoring efforts: Help advance monitoring programs that allow communities to collect and use data relevant to their fisheries and ecosystems.
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Strengthen research infrastructure and access: Support development of labs, data hubs, and field stations in rural ports and coastal communities.
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Expand access to research technology: Work to improve access to bandwidth, software, and equipment needed for data collection, analysis, and participation in research.
How You Can Help:
This work depends on collaboration, shared knowledge, and sustained support for science that informs fisheries decisions.
Ways to get involved:
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Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected to current issues and opportunities to engage.
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Read our blog for clear breakdowns of fishery decisions and their impacts on fishing communities.
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When public comment opportunities arise, submit comments or testimony to help elevate community perspectives. Learn how to take action.
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Let us know what you’re hearing or experiencing on the water to help inform our policy engagement.
