Scientists, hunters work together on beluga research

Submitted by Amy Hartley
Phone: (907) 474-5823
02/12/07

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The expertise of Alaska Native beluga hunters and their local knowledge has contributed to scientists’ understanding of Alaska’s white whale. Beluga hunters know where to find belugas and how to get close to them. Samples collected by the hunters from harvested belugas also provide information on the whales’ diet and health. A presentation on Tuesday by Lori Quakenbush, a wildlife biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, will share some of those findings.

"Understanding Belugas: When Scientists and Hunters Collaborate,"? is the fifth installment in the 2007 Science for Alaska Lecture Series. The weekly public lectures, coordinated by the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, present scientific findings relevant to all Alaskans.

The free, one-hour event begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Westmark Gold Room. All ages are welcome.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.scienceforalaska.com

CONTACT: Lori Quakenbush: 459-7214
Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute information officer: 474-5823
Melissa Hart, Geophysical Institute Public Relations Assistant: 474-7853