Indigenous Knowledge of bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus), ringed seal (Pusa hispida), and spotted seal (Phoca largha) behaviour and habitat use near Utqiaġvik, Alaska, USA

Abstract

Indigenous peoples possess information of animals’ habitat use and behaviour; information essential for management and conservation of species affected by climate change. Accessibility of species that are important to Indigenous hunters may also change with environmental conditions. We documented Indigenous Knowledge of bearded (ugruk in Iñupiaq), ringed (natchiq), and spotted seals (qasiġiaq) in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, USA, using semi-directed interviews with Iñupiaq hunters. This study originated from discussions with an agency of the regional municipal government to serve co-management efforts and understand habitat use of species subjected to climate change. Results indicated that ringed seals are associated with higher ice concentrations in winter than bearded seals and changes in sea ice retreat in spring may have greater impact on ringed seal habitat use because they are more likely to haul out on ice in spring. Additionally, all three species have foraging hotspots, used over several days by multiple individuals. Bearded seals, and to a lesser extent spotted and ringed seals, will use currents to forage. Results also revealed the use of inland water bodies and terrestrial habitat, which may become more important for bearded and ringed seals with changing ice concentrations and should be considered in management and conservation of these species.