The Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC) launched its inaugural Ambassadors Program, funding three one-year projects focused on food security in Alaska. Each project addresses critical environmental challenges related to food security – including invasive species education, mapping local food systems, and mariculture policy.  

1. Invasive Species Education. In Ketchikan, researchers are working to increase public awareness of the invasive European green crab – a threat to native species and habitats. First discovered in Alaska in 2022, efforts to control the spread of European green crabs have gained momentum. However, the invasive green crab is easily confused with a native green crab, leading to potential accidental harm to the native species. To help people distinguish the species, researchers will develop educational materials and lead in-person classes. For instance, the invasive species can be identified by three raised bumps between the eyes, which the native green crabs lack. By improving identification skills, the researchers aim to prevent accidental harm to native crabs and support future management efforts.  

2. Local Food Systems. On Kodiak Island, a Food System Vulnerability Assessment is underway to evaluate challenges and opportunities in the region’s food supply. Researchers and community partners are gathering input from local growers and harvesters and are considering both wild food harvests and cultivated foods. The researchers will use climate projections from the Scenarios Network for Arctic Planning’s Garden Helper Tool, which models and visualizes future temperature and precipitation patterns to help growers in the region. Other findings from the assessment can help guide climate adaptation strategies that support local food production. 

3. Using Indigenous Knowledge to Inform Marine Management Decisions. In Southeast Alaska, researchers are examining how state and federal laws, such as harvest limits and seasonal restrictions, impact Tribal fisheries including salmon, hooligan, and clams. Researchers are exploring ways to include Indigenous Knowledge into marine regulations, ensuring that traditional harvesting practices and community needs are represented in decision-making. By fostering dialogue between policymakers and Tribal leaders, the project aims to strengthen trust, improve resource management, and support sustainable fisheries for future generations.