Funding for arctic watch through this funding opportunity is spread over two years.1 arctic watch is an initiative that utilizes technology, communications, and local knowledge to influence safe and…

Funding for arctic watch through this funding opportunity is spread over two years.1 arctic watch is an initiative that utilizes technology, communications, and local knowledge to influence safe and environmentally responsible maritime activity in alaska's arctic region. Through 24/7 monitoring and proactive sea traffic management, the arctic watch operations center, operated by the marine exchange of alaska (mxak) serves as an information hub to collect and broadcast critical data including real-time weather reports and vessel locations using mxaks strategically placed marine safety sites (msss). Msss consist of automatic identification system (AIS) receivers, AIS transceivers (atons), weather sensors, VHF-FM voice transceivers, digital selective calling transceivers, and ocean and tidal current sensors. Additionally, through partnerships and communications with arctic communities, alaska native tribal governments, and state and federal agencies, mxak receives and shares information on local maritime and cultural activities including areas that should be avoided due to the presence, for example, of marine mammals or local subsistence activity. This information is transmitted to vessel operators to minimize the potential for adverse environmental impacts and marine casualties. Arctic watch can come to fruition for approximately $1M per year, including all personnel, administrative costs, technology requirements, infrastructure development and improvements in the bering strait region as well as regional personnel support. The projects early foundation and conceptual development has received initial funding and outstanding support from nongovernmental organizations within alaska including kawerak, INC., a tribal consortium located in nome, alaska, the world wildlife fund, the ocean conservancy, the alaska ocean observation system (aoos), and many others. This congressional delegated spending grant, administered by NOAA, will help launch arctic watch by providing the funds necessary to upgrade and establish technology in the region, fund personnel to serve as watchstanders, field and IT technicians, as well as provide communities direct access to all mxak vessel information, a key goal and desire of the bering strait communities.