With a local and cultural context, Megan Onders of Nome sparked conversation about the ocean ecosystem, concerns and subsistence over the airwaves. Onders, who works at the Alaska Ocean Observing System, invites guests to share their expertise during the weekly Ocean Knowledge program. The show aims to provide inspiration and tools for people to become more engaged in ocean stewardship.

During the premiere, listeners heard from King Island Elder Sylvester Ayek, who shared about migrating to Nome, boat safety and how people stayed healthy on the island. Kate Haapala, an analyst with the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, talked about the history of the council and the importance of considering local subsistence knowledge in the management of Alaska’s fisheries. Final guest Gay Sheffield with the UAF Alaska Sea Grant shared about an on-going survey of harmful algal blooms and how they affect subsistence.

Throughout the show, listeners called in with shout-outs to people who make the best dried fish in their communities.

Visit the Ocean Knowledge page to listen to full episodes.

Image at top: Megan Onders behind the microphone, getting ready for her first show. Photo by Davis Hovey, KNOM (2022).