Alaska Fish & Wildlife News
September 2025

Traditional Knowledge
The Board of Fish Brings in Indigenous Voices

The opportunity for traditional knowledge to influence fishing regulations is growing in Alaska. Public input has always had a prominent role in crafting regulations, but recently this aspect has expanded.

Alaska’s fishing and hunting policies are not made by the Department of Fish and Game. Implementing and updating regulations is the role of the Board of Fish and the Board of Game. Board members are appointed by the governor and approved by the legislature. Board meetings are public ...   Indigenous Voices Article Continued

Marine Mammal Outreach Kits
Trove of resources reaches teachers

Holding a porpoise skull, feeling velvety otter fur, and walking the length of a sperm whale can be memorable learning opportunities. A new set of marine mammal kits will put polar bear hair, whale baleen and much more in the hands of young Alaskans and their teachers.

The kits are available in the Anchorage area as a resource for teachers. Three themes are covered: the Natural History of Marine Mammals, Pinnipeds of Alaska, and Cetaceans of Alaska. Resources ...   MM Outreach Kits Article Continued

Polar Bear Gets a Root Canal

A polar bear in need of a root canal is the first beneficiary of a new marine mammal outreach kit. Biologist Kelsea Anthony developed the kit this spring as a resource for teachers. But as it turned out, it proved valuable for veterinarians as well.

Anthony, a wildlife technician with the ADF&G marine mammal program, worked on three kits over the past winter and spring, Pinnipeds of Alaska, Cetaceans of Alaska, and the Natural History of Marine Mammals, and she had ...   Polar bear dentistry Article Continued