Survival estimates and hunter outreach are priorities for the collaborative harvest management of Emperor Goose in Alaska

Abstract

Abstract Emperor Goose (Anser canagicus) harvest in Alaska was re-opened in 2017 after a 30-year closure, but goose numbers available for a sustainable harvest remain limited. We used a Delphi process, an iterative group communication technique, to elicit expert opinion across 3 successive survey rounds to identify priorities for research, harvest management, and conservation of Emperor Goose. We identified 115 potential participants representing research and management by federal and state agencies, universities, Alaska Native representation in management, and non-governmental conservation organizations. Seventy participants responded to the first survey round (response rate = 61%). We compared responses between 4 participant groups to identify diverse perspectives. All groups, except Native Management, rated the impacts of spring–summer hunting on the Emperor Goose population more highly than impacts of fall–winter hunting. In round 1, the top-rated information and research priorities focused on harvest assessment. In the following rounds, refining survival estimates and population survey methods for Emperor Goose emerged as the two top-ranked research priorities. Improving education and outreach for hunters was the top-ranked conservation and harvest management priority. Formally identifying areas of agreement and disagreement among stakeholders is key for collaborative management, especially with contentious topics, although this step is often overlooked. The Delphi process allowed us to broaden perspectives by including individuals beyond the core entities involved with Emperor Goose management. Because stakeholder groups and individuals may provide input in diverse ways and at differing rates, ensuring that management processes have complementary paths for participation and decision-making helps safeguard against the shortcomings of individual processes. This study will inform ongoing discussions in the context of the revision of the Emperor Goose management plans led by committees within the Alaska Migratory Bird Co-Management Council and the Pacific Flyway Council.