Matt Druckenmiller attended the annual meeting for the Alaska Arctic Observatory and Knowledge Hub (AAOKH) and a co-management workshop in Anchorage at the Alaska Ocean Observing System (AOOS) offices from December 3 to 4, 2025. During the meeting, participants discussed how AAOKH observations and Indigenous Knowledge can be applied to evaluate and strengthen regional ocean models to support informed resource management in Arctic regions. During the co-management workshop with the Ice Seal Committee (ISC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries representatives and AAOKH observers discussed challenges and opportunities for the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge in decision-making, including improved coordination between agencies and the ISC.
“It was inspiring to be in a gathering so committed to taking the work of AAOKH forward, with greatest attention toward honoring and learning from the knowledge and observations from the Observers," said Druckenmiller. "The AAOKH team continues to build on their rich collection of nearly two decades of observations, now exploring some exciting ways to inform co-management decisions.”
