The effects of climate change in Norton Sound are already being seen by local residents and scientists.  One of the most dramatic changes observed is the earlier date of the loss of fast ice.  Parts of Eastern Norton Sound have effectively lost all the spring fast ice over the last decade.  How has this affected the food webs and ecology of Norton Sound?  If the trend of earlier loss of fast ice continues, how will that affect our fisheries?

NSEDC is currently working with researchers from various institutions, including social scientists, atmospheric scientists, ecologists, and modelers, to answer these questions.  We plan to use local ecological knowledge and field studies of seasonal changes in the Norton Sound food web structure to better understand the effects of the climate changes observed in the region over the last fifty years. 

If funding is secured, this project will be carried out from 2010 to 2012.  An important part of this project will be providing an educational opportunity for local residents in the fields of marine biology, meteorology, and social sciences.

For more information contact:

Charlie Lean
NSFR&D Director

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Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation
420 L Street, Suite 310, Anchorage, AK 99501, Phone 1-907-274-2248, Fax 1-907-274-2249