The Seasonal Cycle
Community activities can be linked with observations
Ice roughness affects whaling trail routes as well as pupping areas for ice seals
Pack ice persistence near communities affects travel distances and access to walrus and ice seals
Snow cover affects building of ringed seal lairs
Ice stability and thickness affects ability to travel on ice and use as a platform for harvested bowhead whales


Coastal Observers wanted!
We are hiring observers for Kaktovik, Kotzebue, Point Lay, and Wales. Learn more
Willard Neakok

In 1998 people would leave for fishing cabins in late August or early September, now it is as late as the end of November.
Harry Brower

Freeze up is coming later and melting earlier, in between the ice is more difficult to read.
Quaiyaan Harcharek

Now we’re lucky to start ice fishing in October. By the time the river is safe the fish have already spawned.
Moses Tcheripanoff

In asking what the story is I think number one is food and water security. It is the most important story.
Noah Naylor

Ice is important for Ugruk [walrus] hunting. The ice was a lot thinner this past year, so it is necessary to hunt earlier and earlier.
Austin Ahmasuk

There are different migration patterns ... we are getting used to the frequent changes.