Performance Details

Department of Fish and Game - State Subsistence

• Return to Departments
• Department of Fish and Game website

Mission

To scientifically gather, quantify, evaluate, and report information about customary and traditional uses of Alaska's fish and wildlife resources. (AS 16.05.094)

Core Services

• Compile and analyze existing data; conduct research to gather information on the role of hunting and fishing by Alaskans for customary and traditional uses.
• Disseminate current subsistence use information to the public, appropriate agencies and organizations, and fisheries and wildlife management divisions.
  
• Assist the Board of Fisheries, the Board of Game, and the Joint Board of Fisheries and Game to evaluate customary and traditional uses of Alaska's fish and wildlife resources and amounts reasonably necessary for subsistence uses (ANS) of those resources.
• Assist fisheries and wildlife managers in preparing management plans to ensure information on customary and traditional uses and fish and wildlife harvests is incorporated.

Mission Results	Core Services
A: Accurate, comprehensive, and current research on customary and traditional uses of fish and wildlife in Alaska.  Details > TARGET #1: Conduct comprehensive surveys of customary and traditional uses of fish and wildlife and harvests in all, or representative communities throughout Alaska at a five year average.	A1: Compile and analyze existing data; conduct research to gather information on the role of hunting and fishing by Alaskans for customary and traditional uses.  Details > TARGET #1: Conduct a minimum of five studies, either comprehensive or targeted, of customary and traditional uses of fish and wildlife and harvests in at least three of the six regions each year. A2: Disseminate current subsistence use information to the public, appropriate agencies and organizations, and fisheries and wildlife management divisions.  Details > TARGET #1: Update and maintain the Community Subsistence Information System (CSIS), an online public information resource, by including all studies completed during the fiscal year. TARGET #2: Produce technical research reports and related updates of current information, including harvest data documentation, at or exceeding the five-year average.
Mission Results	Core Services
B: Current, scientifically gathered information and analyses of customary and traditional use data to provide hunting and fishing opportunities for Alaskans.  Details > TARGET #1: Evaluate all proposed state regulatory actions regarding reasonable opportunity for customary and traditional uses of fish and wildlife.	B1: Assist the Board of Fisheries, the Board of Game, and the Joint Board of Fisheries and Game to evaluate customary and traditional uses of Alaska's fish and wildlife resources and amounts reasonably necessary for subsistence uses (ANS) of those resources.  Details > TARGET #1: Conduct review and analysis of all regulatory proposals relevant to customary and traditional use opportunities and the amount of harvest reasonably necessary for those uses; and provide background information and analysis to fisheries management. TARGET #2: Conduct review and analysis of all regulatory proposals relevant to customary and traditional use opportunities and the amount of harvest reasonably necessary for those uses; and provide background information and analysis to wildlife management. B2: Assist fisheries and wildlife managers in preparing management plans to ensure information on customary and traditional uses and fish and wildlife harvests is incorporated.  Details > TARGET #1: Incorporate customary and traditional use and harvest information into all management plans developed for those fish stocks and game populations for which customary and traditional use findings apply.

Performance Detail

Target #1: Conduct comprehensive surveys of customary and traditional uses of fish and wildlife and harvests in all, or representative communities throughout Alaska at a five year average. Methodology: Community-based, comprehensive customary and traditional and harvest projects conducted annually by the division. Comprehensive Community Studies Fiscal Year Studies FY 2021 2 0% FY 2020 0 -100% FY 2019 7 +40% FY 2018 5 +25% FY 2017 4 Analysis of results and challenges: The division conducts comprehensive studies on the customary and traditional harvests and uses of Alaska's fish and wildlife, analyzes, and then reports on the results. The information is used to provide hunting and fishing opportunities for Alaskans by fisheries and wildlife managers and the Alaska Board of Fisheries, Board of Game, and Joint Board of Fisheries and Game, among others. The graph illustrates the number of comprehensive (all resources) community surveys since FY2017. The target objective is to collect and report scientific information on comprehensive customary and traditional uses at an average level of 3.6 communities per year for the previous 5 years. However, in FY2020, the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent restrictions and closures imposed to protect public health and safety during the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic significantly affected the section\'s normal research activities. Reports and data graphs reflect the loss of data collection. Since the inception of the state subsistence statute in 1978, the extent and nature of the division's community studies has changed. In the 1980s, the first decade of the division's operation, extensive community-based studies documented and described the dynamics of modern Alaskan mixed subsistence-cash economies and the customary and traditional uses of fisheries and wildlife by Alaskans. This baseline information was crucial for effective implementation of statutory requirements. With reduced funding beginning in the mid 1990s, the division's work necessarily focused on issue- or resource-specific questions related to fisheries and wildlife management concerns regarding sustained yield, and allocation of these resources by the Board of Fisheries, Board of Game, and Joint Board among beneficial uses. Increasing operational costs since 1997 have resulted in further reductions to the extent and number of state-funded studies.

Target #1: Conduct a minimum of five studies, either comprehensive or targeted, of customary and traditional uses of fish and wildlife and harvests in at least three of the six regions each year. Methodology: Comprehensive and targeted community surveys, by region, conducted each year by the Division of Subsistence. Community Survey Projects, by Region Fiscal Year Southeast Southcentral Southwest Interior Western, Arctic Total FY 2021 1 0% 0 0% 1 -50% 0 0% 32 +23.08% 34 +21.43% FY 2020 0 -100% 0 0% 2 -71.43% 0 -100% 26 -23.53% 28 -40.43% FY 2019 1 0% 0 -100% 7 +40% 5 -16.67% 34 +183.33% 47 +80.77% FY 2018 1 -50% 2 -33.33% 5 -58.33% 6 +50% 12 +200% 26 +4% FY 2017 2 3 12 4 4 25 Analysis of results and challenges: The division conducts field studies and gathers harvest survey information in communities almost entirely with special project funding. The funding is generally obtained through a competitive proposal process to address questions related to customary and traditional uses of specific fisheries and wildlife resources. Systematic regionwide or comprehensive surveys can occur only when relatively larger funding support is available, a rare occurrence in the past ten years. The data table shows information has been incomplete for several regions over a five year period, with improvements in fiscal years 2019 and 2021. The target is to have scientific information collected and analyzed in each region at a consistent level each year; and develop a balance across regions, recognizing geographic differences. However, in FY2020, the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent restrictions and closures imposed to protect public health and safety during the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic significantly affected the section's normal research activities. Reports and data graphs reflect the loss of data collection.

Target #1: Update and maintain the Community Subsistence Information System (CSIS), an online public information resource, by including all studies completed during the fiscal year. Methodology: Tally number of communities with quantitative survey data added to the Community Subsistence Information System. Number of Community Studies Formatted for Community Database Fiscal Year Southeast Southcentral & SW Interior, West, Arctic Total FY 2021 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FY 2020 0 0% 0 -100% 0 -100% 0 -100% FY 2019 0 0% 3 -57.14% 10 -37.5% 13 -43.48% FY 2018 0 -100% 7 -70.83% 16 -48.39% 23 -59.65% FY 2017 2 24 31 57 Analysis of results and challenges: The CSIS is the State of Alaska's single source of community-level subsistence harvest information. Stand-alone datasets from annual salmon and halibut harvest surveys are planned for merging into the CSIS, so all harvest information can be available through a single portal. As funding levels decline, capacity to add data to the CSIS is affected. In FY2020, the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent restrictions and closures imposed to protect public health and safety during the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic significantly affected the section's normal research activities. Reports and data graphs reflect the loss of data collection. All analysis has been delayed until 2022 for all projects launched in 2021 due to the pivot to work affected by the pandemic restrictions. Related links:    • See Division of Subsistence CSIS

Target #2: Produce technical research reports and related updates of current information, including harvest data documentation, at or exceeding the five-year average. Methodology: Technical papers and special publications published each year by the division. Technical Reports Published Fiscal Year Reports FY 2021 17 -19.05% FY 2020 21 +50% FY 2019 14 +7.69% FY 2018 13 -58.06% FY 2017 31 Analysis of results and challenges: The division's Technical Paper and Special Publications series are its cornerstone of detailed scientific reporting to the public, the Board of Fisheries, Board of Game, and Joint Board of Fisheries and Game, and to natural resource development. These reports provide harvest and other information on customary and traditional uses of fish and wildlife. The information in these studies is used by the Board of Fisheries, Board of Game, and Joint Board for allocation among uses, and to inform responsible development of Alaska's natural resources. There are more than 400 reports in the Technical Paper series. The target objective was 19.2 reports per year for the previous five years, and the division completed and released 17 technical research reports and updates in FY2021. Related links:    • See Technical Papers and Special Publications series

Target #1: Evaluate all proposed state regulatory actions regarding reasonable opportunity for customary and traditional uses of fish and wildlife. Methodology: Following a preliminary screening, proposals with implications for customary and traditional uses submitted to the Board of Fisheries, Board of Game, or Joint Board of Fisheries and Game and published in proposal books or supplements were evaluated and necessary background information prepared. Subsistence Regulation Proposals Reviewed and Analyzed Fiscal Year Board of Game Board of Fisheries Joint Board Total FY 2021 72 -60% 8 -97.24% 0 0% 80 -82.98% FY 2020 180 +16.88% 290 +60.22% 0 -100% 470 +25.33% FY 2019 154 -12% 181 -30.65% 40 0% 375 -13.99% FY 2018 175 -15.05% 261 -11.82% 0 0% 436 -13.15% FY 2017 206 296 0 502 Analysis of results and challenges: The division's highest priority is to perform reviews and achieve the target of reviewing and analyzing all relevant proposals. The division continues to review all proposed state regulations pertaining to customary and traditional uses of fisheries and wildlife and provide harvest amounts and other research findings based on the best available information. The information is used by fisheries and wildlife managers and the Board of Fisheries, Board of Game, and Joint Board of Fisheries and Game to provide hunting and fishing opportunities for Alaskans consistent with sustained yield of the resources. The number of proposals fluctuates with the boards' schedules. There was no Joint Board regulatory meeting in FY2021. Due to the pandemic, both the Board of Fisheries and Board of Game delayed their meeting cycles. The Board of Game re-opened their call for proposals and added new proposals to the ones previously submitted, but the Board of Fisheries did not; analysis includes emergency petitions.

Target #1: Conduct review and analysis of all regulatory proposals relevant to customary and traditional use opportunities and the amount of harvest reasonably necessary for those uses; and provide background information and analysis to fisheries management. Methodology: Following a preliminary screening, proposals with implications for customary and traditional uses submitted to the Board of Fisheries and published in proposal books or supplements were evaluated and necessary background information prepared. Number of Proposals Reviewed by Region Before Board of Fisheries Fiscal Year Southeast Southcentral & SW Interior, West, Arctic Statewide Total FY 2021 1 -75% 4 -98.54% 2 -66.67% 1 -83.33% 8 -97.24% FY 2020 4 +33.33% 274 +214.94% 6 -91.67% 6 -68.42% 290 +60.22% FY 2019 3 -98.13% 87 +35.94% 72 +414.29% 19 -17.39% 181 -30.65% FY 2018 160 +3100% 64 -77.39% 14 +100% 23 +2200% 261 -11.82% FY 2017 5 283 7 1 296 Analysis of results and challenges: The division's highest priority is to perform reviews and achieve the target of reviewing and analyzing all relevant proposals to provide maximum harvest opportunity for Alaskans. The division continues to address all proposed regulatory changes relevant to customary and traditional uses and harvests of fisheries resources by Alaskans. The number of proposals reviewed fluctuates with the regulatory cycle of each board. This information is used by fisheries managers and the Board of Fisheries to provide fishing opportunities for Alaskans consistent with sustained yield of the resources. Due to the pandemic, the Board of Fisheries delayed their meeting cycle. The Board of Fisheries did not re-open their call for proposals; analysis includes emergency petitions and board-generated proposals.

Target #2: Conduct review and analysis of all regulatory proposals relevant to customary and traditional use opportunities and the amount of harvest reasonably necessary for those uses; and provide background information and analysis to wildlife management. Methodology: Following a preliminary screening, proposals with implications for customary and traditional uses submitted to the Board of Game and published in proposal books or supplements were evaluated and necessary background information prepared. Number of Proposals Reviewed by Region Before Board of Game Action Fiscal Year Southeast Southcentral & SW Interior, West, Arctic Statewide Total FY 2021 2 -50% 38 +192.31% 13 -91.77% 19 +280% 72 -60% FY 2020 4 -92.73% 13 -84.71% 158 +1115.38% 5 +400% 180 +16.88% FY 2019 55 +1733.33% 85 -4.49% 13 0% 1 -98.57% 154 -12% FY 2018 3 0% 89 +45.9% 13 -90.23% 70 +677.78% 175 -15.05% FY 2017 3 61 133 9 206 Analysis of results and challenges: The division's highest priority is to perform reviews and achieve the target of reviewing and analyzing all relevant proposals to provide maximum harvest opportunity for Alaskans. The division continues to address all proposed regulatory changes relevant to customary and traditional uses and harvests of wildlife resources by Alaskans. The data table shows the number of proposals reviewed by region and overall for wildlife. The number of proposals reviewed fluctuates with the regulatory cycle of each board. This information is used by wildlife managers and the Board of Game to provide hunting opportunities for Alaskans consistent with sustained yield of the resources. Due to the pandemic, the Board of Game delayed its meeting cycle. The board also re-opened their call for proposals and added new proposals to the ones previously submitted.

Target #1: Incorporate customary and traditional use and harvest information into all management plans developed for those fish stocks and game populations for which customary and traditional use findings apply. Methodology: Division staff work with department staff and other agencies to incorporate subsistence information into fisheries and wildlife management plans. Management Plans Incorporating Subsistence Information Fiscal Year Wildlife Fisheries Total FY 2021 24 -42.86% 37 -24.49% 61 -32.97% FY 2020 42 +40% 49 +22.5% 91 +30% FY 2019 30 -21.05% 40 -14.89% 70 -17.65% FY 2018 38 +8.57% 47 +4.44% 85 +6.25% FY 2017 35 45 80 Analysis of results and challenges: The division is involved in fisheries and wildlife management planning, as necessary, where customary and traditional use information, including harvest data, is required for Board of Fisheries, Board of Game, Joint Board of Fisheries and Game, and management divisions. Also included are studies and plans related to economic development projects that may affect customary and traditional uses of fish and wildlife resources, and it is this latter component that the division has been successful in increasing efforts to inform for responsible development. The data table shows the number of fisheries and wildlife management plans for which customary and traditional use and harvest information has been provided. This target includes reviewing and contributing to all relevant management plans requiring customary and traditional use information.

Current as of October 29, 2021