STA Environmental Research Publications

Connecting Citizens to Science

Since 2016, the Sitka Tribe of Alaska has run an environmental research lab. In addition to providing toxin testing for shellfish harvests, the lab works with universities and research partners to answer the question, “How do changes in the ocean affect the safety of harvesting traditional beach foods?” The publications below examine harmful algal blooms, paralytic shellfish toxins, ocean acidification, and methods of promoting safe shellfish consumption.

Much of this research is centered on data contributed by tribal citizens. Gunalchéesh to everyone who brought in shellfish samples, completed surveys, shared traditional knowledge, or otherwise contributed to this research.