Ice Seals

Seals that hang out year-round near sea ice are called ice seals. In Alaska,
people as well as nanuuq rely on four species of ice seals for food. Because seals are so
important to both nanuuq as their main prey and to people for food and clothing, the ANC
has developed an Ice Seal Committee to help manage the four species. Alaska Natives
are seeking to strengthen partnerships with the National Marine Fisheries Service to
co-manage ice seals through research and education. The Committee also builds
partnerships with other organizations and local governments to help conserve ice seals.
The structure of the Ice Seal Committee is made up of representatives from five different
regions that span the coast of Alaska starting at Bristol Bay then northward to the
Canadian border (regions with polar sea ice).