In the News: AAOKH observations provide stronger understanding of spotted seal behavior

Check out this blog post about AAOKH-affiliated UAF graduate student Maeghan Connor’s research using low-impact research tools to understand haul out behavior of spotted seals near Utqiaġvik. As part of her research, Maeghan reviewed environmental observations contributed by Utqiaġvik-based Iñupiat observers Billy Adams and Joe Leavitt. Their observations provided essential data on environmental conditions during the study period and helped interpret patterns in seal haulout behavior.

Thanks to funding and partnerships with Alaska Sea Grant to support Maeghan’s fellowship and research!

https://alaskaseagrant.org/2025/10/combining-local-knowledge-and-new-technology-to-study-spotted-seals

Congrats to Maeghan for a successful defense of her MS Thesis in October 2025 – stay tuned for other exciting updates as she continues her research as a PhD student starting in January 2026!

All research and image collection were conducted under a Marine Mammal Protection Act General Authorization for Scientific Research permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service, Letter of Confirmation No. 23546.