About the Observatory and Knowledge Hub
We provide resources and scientific information for sharing expertise and observations of Alaska sea ice, wildlife, and coastal waters.
How our network benefits science and communities
- As a whole, these observations from Indigenous Knowledge holders across Northern Alaska coastal communities provide a broad-scale view of changing coastal conditions—and ultimately impacts—at the community scale.
- We weave connections among Indigenous and scientific perspectives by putting local observations in the context of scientific measurements of ice and ocean conditions.
Participating communities
Kaktovik, Kotzebue, Point Hope, Point Lay, Wainwright, Utqiaġvik, and Wales are part of the AAOKH network.
AAOKH observers
We support local observers in communities across coastal Arctic Alaska. AAOKH’s observers provide regular observations about sea ice, wildlife and coastal waters. They are also trained to use scientific instruments to regularly measure water properties.

Steller sea lion spotted outside Utqiaġvik, August 2018. (Photo: Mark Ahsoak, Jr.)
Observing team
- Billy Adams, Utqiaġvik
- Joe Mello Leavitt, Utqiaġvik
- Guy Omnik, Point Hope
- Steven Patkotak, Wainwright
- Bobby Schaeffer, Kotzebue
- Vince Schaeffer, Kotzebue
- Carla SimsKayotuk, Kaktovik
- Robert Tokeinna Jr., Wales
Team list updated 2019
AAOKH scientists

Donna Hauser, PhD
Dr. Donna Hauser is AAOKH’s science lead and a marine mammal expert. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on changing Arctic marine ecosystems. Raised in Alaska, she is deeply connected to the state, its people, and its marine resources.
Donna became Science Lead in 2018, following the leadership of Dr. Olivia Lee from 2015-2018. Dr. Hajo Eicken is the lead investigator for the AAOKH project.

Josh Jones
Josh Jones is AAOKH’s research coordinator. His interests include coastal sea ice dynamics and local & traditional knowledge. He is also an avid fisherman, and is particularly passionate about ice fishing.

Introduction to observing networks
There is a need for sustained observation efforts such as AAOKH that include Indigenous knowledge and citizen science. Source: Study of Environmental Arctic Change