Alaska Sea Otter and Steller Sea Lion Commission (TASSC) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Alaska Sea Otter and Steller Sea Lion Commission (TASSC) is a non-profit tribal consortium dedicated to ensuring and furthering Alaska Natives’ rights in the customary and traditional uses of sea otters and Steller sea lions. Established in 1988, TASSC comprises federally recognized tribal governments from various regions of Alaska, including Kodiak Island, Chugach/Prince William Sound, Southeast Alaska, Cook Inlet, Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula, and Bristol Bay. The Commission's mission encompasses co-management, conservation, research, education, and artistic development related to these marine mammals.

Mission and Vision

TASSC's mission is to develop and protect Alaska Natives’ rights in sea otter and Steller sea lion customary and traditional uses through co-management, conservation, research, education, and artistic development. The vision is to promote the understanding and preservation of these species, ensuring their sustainability and the cultural practices of Alaska Native communities.

Primary Area of Focus

The Commission focuses on the conservation and management of sea otters and Steller sea lions, emphasizing the integration of traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research to inform policy and management decisions.

Industry Significance

TASSC plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between federal agencies and Alaska Native communities, ensuring that subsistence and cultural practices are considered in the management of marine mammal populations. Their work contributes to the broader conservation efforts of these species, which are vital to the marine ecosystem and the cultural heritage of Alaska Natives.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Co-Management: Collaborate with federal and state agencies to manage sea otter and Steller sea lion populations, ensuring sustainable use and conservation.

• Conservation: Implement measures to protect and restore sea otter and Steller sea lion habitats, addressing threats such as predation, disease, and human activities.

• Research: Conduct and support research that combines traditional knowledge with scientific methods to inform management decisions.

• Education and Artistic Development: Promote cultural practices related to sea otters and Steller sea lions, including subsistence hunting and the creation of handicrafts.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK): Integrating TEK with scientific research to enhance understanding of marine mammal populations and inform management strategies.

• Community-Based Monitoring: Engaging local communities in monitoring sea otter and Steller sea lion populations, fostering stewardship and data collection.

• Policy Advocacy: Advocating for policies that recognize and protect the rights of Alaska Natives in the use of marine mammals.

Key Technologies Utilized

• GIS Mapping: Utilizing Geographic Information Systems to map and analyze sea otter and Steller sea lion habitats and movements.

• Satellite Telemetry: Employing satellite tracking to study the movements and behaviors of these marine mammals.

• Community Surveys: Conducting surveys to gather data on local observations and traditional knowledge regarding marine mammal populations.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

• Alaska Native Communities: Ensuring that the rights and practices of these communities are integrated into marine mammal management.

• Federal and State Agencies: Collaborating with agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries to inform and influence policy decisions.

• Conservation Organizations: Partnering with organizations focused on marine mammal conservation to share knowledge and resources.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

TASSC operates as a non-profit organization, receiving funding from various sources, including federal grants, private donations, and partnerships with other organizations. Specific financial details are not publicly disclosed.

Total Funds Raised

While exact figures are not publicly available, TASSC has secured funding for various projects, such as a $10,000 grant from the Alaska Conservation Foundation in 2013 to support their initiatives.

Notable Investors

TASSC's funding comes from a diverse range of sources, including federal agencies, private foundations, and individual donors. Notable supporters include the Alaska Conservation Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Intended Utilization of Capital

Funds are utilized to support TASSC's core activities, including co-management efforts, conservation projects, research initiatives, educational programs, and the promotion of artistic development related to sea otters and Steller sea lions.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

TASSC's initiatives focus on the following areas:

• Community-Based Monitoring Programs: Developing and implementing programs that engage local communities in monitoring sea otter and Steller sea lion populations.

• Traditional Knowledge Documentation: Projects aimed at documenting and preserving traditional ecological knowledge related to these species.

• Conservation Projects: Initiatives focused on habitat restoration and protection to support the recovery of sea otter and Steller sea lion populations.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

As a non-profit organization focused on conservation and cultural preservation, TASSC does not engage in clinical trials or product development.

Target Conditions

The Commission's efforts target the conservation and sustainable management of sea otter and Steller sea lion populations, addressing threats such as predation, disease, and human activities.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for TASSC's projects vary depending on the initiative. For example, a proposal for traditional knowledge and community-based monitoring of Steller sea lions was submitted in 2001, indicating ongoing long-term engagement in these areas.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

TASSC employs various technologies to support its initiatives, including:

• GIS Mapping: For habitat mapping and analysis.

• Satellite Telemetry: To track movements and behaviors of marine mammals.

• Community Surveys: Utilizing survey tools to gather data from local communities.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Traditional Ecological Knowledge Integration: Combining TEK with scientific research to enhance understanding of marine mammal populations.

• Community-Based Monitoring: Engaging local communities in data collection and monitoring efforts.

• Policy Advocacy: Utilizing research findings to inform and influence policy decisions related to marine mammal conservation.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

• Margaret Roberts: Board President/Chair.

• Lianna Jack: Executive Director. Lianna Jack has been involved in various projects, including a proposal for traditional knowledge and community-based monitoring of Steller sea lions.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

TASSC operates in a niche market focused on the conservation and management of sea otter and Steller sea lion populations, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including federal agencies, state agencies, and other non-profit organizations, to achieve its objectives.

Competitor Analysis

Key organizations in this space include:

• Alaska SeaLife Center: A public aquarium and research facility dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of Alaska's marine ecosystem.

• NOAA Fisheries: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's agency responsible for the stewardship of national marine resources.

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: A federal agency dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife, and plants.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

TASSC collaborates with various organizations, including:

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Through cooperative agreements to manage subsistence uses of sea otters and facilitate research by tribes and local residents.

• Alaska Conservation Foundation: Providing grants to support TASSC's initiatives.

Operational Insights

TASSC's unique position as a tribal consortium allows it to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research, providing a culturally relevant and community-based approach to marine mammal conservation. This approach differentiates TASSC from other organizations in the field.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

TASSC has opportunities to expand its community-based monitoring programs, enhance policy advocacy efforts, and strengthen partnerships with other organizations to further its mission of conserving sea otter and Steller sea lion populations while supporting the cultural practices of Alaska Native communities.