Alaskan Fur Seals

  United States

Pribilof Islands

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: see website for details

Description: Research Mission
Observe the lives of fur seals and contribute to the conservation of the Bering Sea.

Situation Report
The Pribilof Islands are a five-island volcanic archipelago in the Bering Sea, about 800 miles south-southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. Called the "Galapagos of the North," these islands support astonishingly high concentrations of marine mammals, seabirds, fish, and invertebrates, and are the world's principal breeding areas for red-legged kittiwakes and northern fur seals. Over the past 30 years, two changes have taken place: the US pollock fishing industry has grown, and populations of harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and sea otters have collapsed. Northern fur seals are declining, now, too. Dr. Stephen Insley, Karin Holser (St. George Island Institute), and Bruce Robson (Community and Ecology Resources) are working closely with the Aleut community to gather information on the ecology and conservation of the northern fur seal.

Meals and Accommodations
Teams will share rooms and one bathroom in a historic house with all modern conveniences in the village of St. George. The village has a diesel generator for electricity, but there can be occasional power outages. A cook will prepare dinners of standard American fare, like pizza and chicken, as well as some local favorites, such as halibut fish pie and reindeer stir-fry. Teams will make their own breakfasts, snacks, and lunches, and pack thermoses of hot drinks for field work.

Highlights: With the project staff, you will spend a four-hour block of time each day in the blinds at the fur seal rookery observing seals and recording data on their numbers, genders, and ages. Getting to the rookery involves a half-mile hike over rocky tundra, during which you will carrying a backpack containing spotting scopes, data sheets, and snacks. After your shift in the blind, you'll upload your data and prepare your gear for the next day. Additional activities might include working with Island Sentinel, the local monitoring group, to observe Steller sea lions or assist with the reindeer census. In your recreational time, you may want to explore the village or hike around the island.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 3,246

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18 - 90

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to United States Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 3 - 6

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971