Linking Arctic system science research to decision maker needs: co-producing sea ice decision support tools in Utqiaġvik, Alaska

ABSTRACT

Improving situational awareness and crisis response are key priorities in reducing potential risks associated with sea ice and environmental-related hazards in the Arctic. This research explores the opportunities and challenges associated with leveraging arctic system science research to coproduce sea ice decision support tools. The research is based on information derived from a coastal radar operated as part of university research in Utqiaġvik, Alaska as well as decision context analysis from 12 interviews with marine operators and responders, subsistence users, and service providers. Findings revealed a diversity of information preferences and needs, decision thresholds, capacities, and constraints. A sea ice notification framework is presented, which illustrates how near-real time observations can be integrated into existing trusted notification systems. Key challenges to using Arctic system science research to support decision maker needs include the logistics of operating and maintaining near-real time observations. Innovative partnerships and informal networks may be especially important in overcoming these challenges.

KEYWORDS:

• Co-production
• sea ice hazards
• Arctic
• decision support
• Utqiaġvik

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank to all the interviewees who participated and supported this project, including subsistence hunters from Utqiaġvik, Alaska, USCG District 17, Alaska Region NWS, Arctic ERMA, AOOS, and university scientists. The views contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the DHS nor NOAA.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This material is based upon work supported by The Arctic Domain Awareness Center at the University of Alaska, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) [grant number 2014-ST-016-ML0002-04] and a grant from NOAA [grant number NA11OAR4310141]; Climate Program Office; Science and Technology Directorate.