Principals
Alex Whiting
Environmental Specialist for the Native Village of Kotzebue 1997 – present. Completed and ongoing grant projects through the USDA, EPA, BIA, FWS, NPS, NSF, AK Native Health Board, State of Alaska, Leopold Institute and First Nations. Authorized to tag seals as a Co-Investigator under ADF&G’s Scientific Research permit in 2004-2006.
Kathy Frost
Marine ecologist who has conducted research on marine mammals in Alaska since 1975. Research focuses on natural history and ecology of seals and beluga whales in Alaska including distribution, movements and diving behavior (satellite tagging) of spotted seals, harbor seals, bearded seals and belugas; trophic interactions of ice-associated seals; abundance and trends of marine mammal populations; habitat use and diet of harbor seals. 2000 to present – Alaska Marine Ecosystems Research. 1994 to present – Affiliate Associate Professor, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks. 1975 to 2000 – Marine Mammal Research Biologist for ADF&G.
John Goodwin
Alaska Native hunter who has lived in the Kotzebue area for more than 50 years, and spent his entire life learning about the ocean and the marine mammals of the Kotzebue Sound area. Familiar with currents, weather conditions, ice conditions, and water depths in Kotzebue Sound . Experienced in setting and handling nets and removing animals from nets through experience as a commercial salmon fisherman and through his use of nets to fish for beluga whales and seals. Holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton masters License. Participated in catching, tagging and sampling bearded, spotted and ringed seals in Kotzebue Sound in 2004-2009. Authorized to tag seals as a Co-Investigator under ADF&G’s Scientific Research permit in 2005-2009. Has participated in four seal research cruises in the Bering Sea tagging ice seals and is the Maniilaq Representative as well as the Chairman of the Alaska Ice Seal Committee.
Research Assistants
Brenda Goodwin, Cyrus Harris, Levi Harris, James Monroe
All local Tribal members with many years experience living off the land and catching marine mammals for sustenance.
Pearl Goodwin
John Goodwin ‘s wife and camping partner is responsible for recording data and taking pictures of the seals captured and tagged, and making sure all samples are labeled properly.
