This report is a summary and an initial analysis of the information derived from the 1981 subsistence research project conducted by research staff of the Eskimo Walrus Commission (EWC). During the fall and winter of 1980 and the spring of 1981, a marine mammal subsistence harvest and utilization survey was conducted in fifteen communities of the Bering Strait and Norton Sound areas. The primary research tool employed in conducting the survey was a questionnaire developed by the staff with technical direction and assistance from Linda J. Ellanna. The survey was administered to a sample of households in all fifteen villages and basic demographic information was gathered for purposes of correlation to the marine mammal harvest and utilization data.
The purpose of the study was to provide a primary data base on the contemporary role of marine mammals in the subsistence-based socioeconomic systems of the study communities. This data base will contribute a portion of the information required to address marine mammal management questions pertaining to subsistence. Further, the findings of this study will guide the development of further research questions and projects.
The descriptive analyses of the data is presented in a tabular format. The information is arranged in a manner which exhibits both household and community harvest and utilization characteristics. Additionally the data is displayed in a format which allows further analyses by the reader.