Abstract

Climate change, pollution, offshore oil and gas exploration, commercial shipping, and other human factors pose potential threats to beluga populations. Moreover, beluga whales in Alaska's Cook Inlet (CI) are now listed as critically endangered. Through established partnerships and collaborations, Mystic Aquarium and the North Slope Borough (NSB), Barrow, AK, are involved in an ongoing study to collect and analyze health and behavioral information from belugas in the Chukchi Sea stock to establish current baseline levels of health and provide comparative data for CI and other stocks of belugas.

Based on this research, an educational and cultural exchange program was established for Alaskan Native tribal youth in Point Lay, AK, as well as for tribal youth near Mystic, CT. The main goal is to stimulate excitement about science and to inspire high school students to pursue careers in science and ultimately be a resource to their communities regarding the management and sustainability of marine resources in an ever-changing environment. Additionally, the youth from both locations share their culture and traditions during the educational program and learn about how each relies on the natural resources of our waterways and oceans and the importance of protecting them for the future.

The program begins in Point Lay when Mystic Aquarium and NSB scientists conduct field work on wild belugas during the summer. Point Lay youth assist the scientists with live capture-release studies of belugas, collection of data and samples from subsistence hunted belugas, and post-processing of collected samples. Subsequently, 2–6 youth travel to Mystic, CT, to participate hands-on with beluga research and learn firsthand how samples are analyzed and what we learn regarding beluga health. In addition, the students participate in other learning modules focused on beluga biology, laboratory research, necropsy, the local marine environment, and local area history and culture. All learning is hands-on and offers exposure to different career opportunities. In addition, time is spent at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center learning about the history, culture, and traditions of this Native American community and their reliance on the coastal waterways and natural resources. During their visit to the reservation, the students have an opportunity to interact with tribal members, engage in making native crafts, and participate in sports with other tribal youth. A closing dinner includes native dance and music and acknowledges the students' achievements for the week and celebrates new friendships.

Following the program, the students are encouraged to return to Mystic Aquarium for a research internship, participate in other science programs/camps and conferences, go on to college and to share their learning experience with other youth and with their communities. The desired outcomes (in addition to the above) are engagement and education that lead towards the sustainability of marine resources for generations to come.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the mayor's office of the North Slope Borough for funding the program, the staff at Mystic Aquarium and the Mashantucket Museum and Research Center, Rodney Butler (chairman) and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the people of Point Lay, Alaska.

* Presenting author