Decades after the end of commercial whaling, humpback whales are playing an increasingly important role in Alaska’s ecosystem and economics. Whale watching is a multimillion dollar industry in Alaska and humpbacks are the main attraction.
Co-management promotes full and equal participation by Alaska Natives in decisions affecting the subsistence management of marine mammals as a tool for conserving marine mammal populations in Alaska.
NOAA Fisheries scientists conduct a variety of ongoing field studies and surveys to help us better understand and predict marine life abundance in Alaska. We also collect a variety of information about the environment in which they live.
