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A unique opportunity to become involved on
an exciting marine mammal research voyage in wild Alaska.
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| Researchers took skin samples with biopsy darts during the 2004 sponsored research trip to Seymour Canal in November 2004 |
While most Alaska marine mammal research programs rely explicitly on discretionary state and federal grant funding and limited organization and department budgets, many of these research programs are considerably under funded, some to the degree that continuation of the project is dependant on acquiring additional funding.
ASA is dedicated to promoting a comprehensive understanding of Alaska’s remarkable ecology. This knowledge provides the foundation to development of adequate preservation policies to ensure the long term health of these imperiled wildlife populations.
Potential sponsors: Through our association with organizations and researchers engaged with specific programs, ASA may be able to provide an unusual opportunity for interested parties to assist and become involved in one of these exciting scientific projects. Most research projects involve 1 to 2 weeks of field time, usually aboard the Northern Song. Funding required to fund a project range from $20,000 – $50,000. The major portion of contributions can be managed as a tax deductible donation.
Contact us if you are interested in sponsoring any of our research partner's projects at;
1+907.772.4700
or
Below is a current list of vital projects that are pending funding for continuation. Potential contributors are encouraged to contact us through our form link located on this page.
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Investigating Vital Rates and Indices of Health in the Declining Population of Harbor Seals in Glacier Bay |
| Principle research coordinator: Gail Blundell, PhD - Alaska Department of Fish & Game |
| Funding required: $25,200 per section (1) (2) |
| The precipitous rate of decline in harbor seals numbers documented in Glacier Bay over the last decade represents the highest rate of decline currently known for harbor seals in the state of Alaska. Results from these studies will be utilized by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in their ongoing efforts to understand factors that are contributing to the decline of some harbor seal populations in Alaska, and to determine what can be done to facilitate recovery of stressed populations. more info> |
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Humpback whale distribution and population dynamics during the fall and winter in Seymour Canal |
| Principle research coordinator: Jan Straley, Assistant Professor of Biology, University of Alaska Southeast |
| Funding required: (1)$19,000 (2) $35,400 |
| Every year over 100 humpback whales congregate during the fall and early winter in Seymour Canal to feed prior to their southbound migration. Conduct research on the same whales seen in this amazing area since Jan Staley’s research began in the fall of 1979. |
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Gray whale feeding ecology of summer residents along the outer coast of southeastern Alaska |
| Principle research coordinator: Jan Straley, Assistant Professor of Biology, University of Alaska Southeast |
| Funding required: $47,000 |
| Virtually nothing is known about these whales that spend the spring and summer feeding in the coastal waters of southeastern Alaska. Help researchers in figuring out which whales forego migrating to the Bering Sea for summer feeding. |
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Humpback whales off the outer coast of Prince of Wales Island |
| Principle research coordinator: Jan Straley, Assistant Professor of Biology, University of Alaska Southeast |
| Funding required:$34,800 |
| The outer coast of Prince of Wales is a hidden treasure in southeastern Alaska. Most travelers of the inside passage by pass this very productive and beautiful coastline. Join researchers explore this area for humpback, fin and killer whales learning about their distribution and habits. |
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Searching for the stealth marine mammal eating killer whale in the Inside Passage |
| Principle research coordinator: Jan Straley, Assistant Professor of Biology, University of Alaska Southeast |
| Funding: $53,000 |
| Killer whales who feed upon marine mammals travel quickly and silently. They are typically only vocal after a kill. Little is known about how often they eat and their diet preferences. Assist researchers in learning about the predatory habits of these animals. We will be searching for killer whales and listening for kills through the waters of Icy Strait, Stephens Passage and Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait in southeastern Alaska. |
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