Environment & Stewardship

The Environment & Stewardship service area protects the lands, waters, and wildlife that sustain the community of St. Paul Island. Through conservation programs, environmental monitoring, research partnerships, and stewardship initiatives, these efforts support responsible resource management while honoring the deep cultural relationship between the Unangan people and the Bering Sea.

Services

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Fur Seal Management

Subsistence harvest coordination (with permits handled under Permits)
Seal rookery viewing management (linked to viewing permits)
Seal harvest viewing coordination

Permits

Viewing Permits
Seal rookery viewing permits (non-tribal visitors)
Seal harvest viewing permits
Hunting Permits
Reindeer hunting permits (per-animal)

Marine Debris Clean-Up

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Shoreline and coastal debris removal
Pollution mitigation through debris collection and disposal

Rat Prevention

Invasive rat detection and response
Island biosecurity measures related to rats

Reindeer Management

Herd management and monitoring
Coordination with hunting permits (see Permits → Hunting Permits)

Environmental Monitoring & Food Safety

Data collection support
Data management and storage services
Tools for sharing and visualizing monitoring data
Subsistence food safety
Mercury monitoring for wild foods
Future: HAB toxin monitoring
Future: Pathogen / biosecurity monitoring
Air quality monitoring
On-island air quality measurements (e.g., near burn box, community areas)
St. Paul residents can propose new environmental monitoring priorities, ensuring the program reflects what matters most to the community
Mechanism for residents to suggest new monitoring topics
Community-based environmental observations
Local reporting of wildlife and environmental changes

Island Sentinels / Guardians

Community members trained and credentialed through the ISN Observer and Admin courses to serve as environmental monitors, data collectors, and knowledge holders. The ISN platform supports integration of Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge with scientific data to fill critical gaps in natural resource management and decision-making. Sentinels and Guardians are formally recognized under a 2025 AFN Resolution as essential services to their communities.

Programs

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ISN Programs

Supporting Indigenous-led and Community-driven Environmental Monitoring.

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Skipper Science

Marine science and ocean stewardship program. Engages young tribal members in hands-on Bering Sea research, building the next generation of environmental leaders.

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Wildlife & Land Management

Fur seal management, marine debris clean-up, rat prevention, reindeer management, and the Island Sentinels program — protecting St. Paul Island's unique ecosystem and wildlife.

Rat Prevention

Invasive rat detection and response to protect St. Paul Island's seabird colonies and native ecosystems. Rats pose a severe threat to ground-nesting birds - a cornerstone of the island's biodiversity and cultural heritage. Island biosecurity measures are maintained to prevent introduction and spread.

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Reindeer Management

Herd health monitoring, population management, and coordination of reindeer hunting permits. ACSPI manages the island's reindeer herd to balance ecological sustainability with cultural and subsistence use.

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Island Sentinels / Guardians Program

Community members trained and credentialed through the ISN Observer and Admin courses to serve as environmental monitors, data collectors, and knowledge holders. The ISN platform supports integration of Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge with scientific data to fill critical gaps in natural resource management and decision-making. Sentinels and Guardians are formally recognized under a 2025 AFN Resolution as essential services to their communities.

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Fur Seal Management

Coordinating subsistence harvest of northern fur seals in partnership with NOAA, including rookery viewing management and harvest observation coordination. Fur seal management is central to the cultural, nutritional, and economic life of St. Paul Island and reflects ACSPI's role as steward of one of the world's largest fur seal rookeries.

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