Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

“Seabird Celebration”  

Outline
The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, AK is planning a multi-day marine celebration on May 30 – June 1, 2008. Our focus for this year’s event will be arctic seabirds; particularly the threatened Steller’s and Spectacled Eiders. The weekend will include music and art events, a trash cleanup, birding walks and boat cruises, and lectures on marine ecology, conservation, and arctic research. Plans are in place to partner with a number of local organizations and government agencies including the North Pacific Research Board, Kenai Fjords National Park, Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance, Blue Ocean Institute, Surfrider Foundation, Ocean Alaska Science and Learning Center, and NOAA. Partnerships and guest speakers will provide information and expertise on current research and education outreach in the Alaskan and Russian Arctic. Coordination with local tour companies will provide the necessary vessels to conduct birding boat tours and kayak tours. Lecture topics include the natural history, conservation status and current research on arctic seabird species, impact of changes in fisheries, sea ice, and development on seabird populations, global connections of arctic seabird species, conservation education outreach in rural Alaskan villages, and bird identification.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The goal of the project is education and outreach, within the Kenai Peninsula community and within the global tourism market. During this weekend, the Alaska SeaLife Center, situated at a cruise ship port of call and a major tourism destination, will provide visitors from around the globe with information about the arctic seabird species, changes in their conservation status, knowledge advancements made in their natural history, their cultural importance to the native peoples of the Alaska, and their connection with the globe through their migratory pathways.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Partnerships with organizations like the Surfrider Foundation, Blue Ocean Institute, NOAA, and the North Pacific Research Board among others will collaborate with information and support for this event. Additionally, the Alaska SeaLife Center attracts many international visitors during this season.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The proposed event will occur in Seward, Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula, in south central Alaska. Most activities will take place at the Alaska SeaLife Center (301 Railway Ave. Seward, AK 99664); but some activities will take place in the nearby Kenai Fjords National Park.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: May 30 – June 1, 2008.            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The Alaska SeaLife Center and Kenai Fjords National Park will be providing building and presentation space. Local tour companies will be providing transportation and watercraft. Some resources could potentially be shared with other projects in the same time frame and location.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
This project will be utilizing existing infrastructure and forming a foundation for an annual ‘Seabird Celebration’ at the Alaska SeaLife Center.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
National agency
Commercial operator
Own support
Other sources of support

Partnerships for this event include: Alaska SeaLife Center; Ocean Alaska Science and Learning Center; Audubon Anchorage Chapter; North Pacific Research Board; Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance; Bird TLC Anchorage; Kenai Fjords National Park; Blue Ocean Institute; Surfrider Foundation; Ocean Conservancy; Kayak Adventures Worldwide; and Vortex Optics.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Advertisement on the World Ocean Day website (http://www.theoceanproject.org/wod/ ) and the Alaska SeaLife Center website ( http://www.alaskasealife.org ).

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

This project is a component of an existing activity (the Alaska SeaLife Center annual “Seabird Celebration”), which, for the IPY timeframe, is focusing on International Polar Year themes, particularly arctic seabird species.

How will the project be organised and managed?
This project will be organized and managed by the Alaska SeaLife Center Avian Department, with additional assistance provided by the Visitor Services and Education Departments.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The event is designed as an education and outreach event – for those living locally in south central Alaska as well as national and international visitors.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
There are no plans for addressing data management issues during this event.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
This project will be funded with donations, visitor fees, and Alaska SeaLife Center funding.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Julie Jokinen
Alaska SeaLife Center
301 Railway Ave
PO Box 1329, Seward, AK
99664
USA

Tel: (907) 224-6397 office
Mobile: no
Fax: (907) 224-6385
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation