Sitka
Climate planning for fishing communities.
Sitka, located on Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska, is a community of about 8,000 residents, with additional seasonal workers in the summer. Originally settled by the Tlingit people, Sitka’s identity is deeply rooted in its land and waters. The Sitka Tribe has maintained a rich cultural heritage, with strong ties to the land and sea. The community relies heavily on the marine environment for its economy and sustenance.
Connections to the Sea
The community of Sitka is highly engaged in subsistence fishing of various species as well, including diverse salmon, groundfish, and shellfish species. Salmon and herring are also deeply integrated into the cultural life of the Tlingit and Haida people living in the region. Strong food sharing networks in the community foster this cultural heritage and food security, including through fish distribution networks developed by the commercial fishing fleet.
Multiple Stressors
Environmental vulnerability poses significant challenges to Sitka, such as declining fish stocks, increased storms, and reduced ocean productivity, threatening economic stability and food security. Volatility in fisheries has risen tremendously over the last decade, with changing seasonality, distributions, sizes of fish and stocks. The community has lost multiple fishermen and community members in recent years due to increased storms at sea, increased pressures on fishermen to fish in bad weather, and suicide.
As a result of more severe storms and atmospheric rivers, Sitka has also experienced loss of life on land due to landslides. In addition to environmental and ecological changes, seafood market prices declined precipitously in recent years, undermining fishermen’s capacity to fundamentally remain in fisheries. These issues highlight the need for proactive community engagement and long-term strategies to enhance climate resilience and secure Sitka’s future.
Local Workshops & Events
As part of this project, the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust (ASFT), which is leading the work in Sitka has held multiple events to develop networks and promote resilience since February 2024. These included: Assessing and Groundtruthing Vulnerability Assessment, Visioning and Development Networks to Promote Resilience and beginning to Co-Produce Adaptation Strategies. The Our Way of Life Workshop hosted by Alaska Sea Grant will take place in March 2025. Upcoming events will focus on energy efficiency and workforce development in the maritime sector, fostering growth and innovation.
Community dialogues have been crucial in identifying environmental hazards and prioritizing actions in energy efficiency, workforce development, and fisheries access. By fostering partnerships and embracing adaptability, Sitka is crafting a resilience roadmap. As we look to 2050, we ask: What aspects of Sitka do we wish to preserve? What innovations do we envision? How do we define a thriving community?
Community Leads
About Natalie
Natalie Sattler is the Programs Director of Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust and her passion lies in supporting sustainable environments and economies.
About Linda
Linda Behnken is the Director and President of the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust, who has been working at the intersection of fisheries equity, access, and sustainability for over three decades, serving on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, and countless advisory boards.
Ongoing Initiatives
This adaptation planning work builds on diverse ongoing projects focusing on Sitka’s fishing economy. The Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA), in partnership with ASFT and local entities, drives initiatives like the Young Fishermen’s Initiative and Fishery Conservation Network. To ensure fisheries access and economic stability, ASFT invests in anchoring fisheries access in communities through a regional Community Quota Entity (CQE) program and risk sharing loan programs for new entrants. These programs aim to enhance resilience in Alaska’s rural communities through outreach, advocacy, and education.
Interested in being a part of this effort?
Reach out to Natalie Sattler (asft.alfa.programs@gmail.com) or Linda Behnken (alfafishak@gmail.com) for more info.