Through the Pribilof Islands Marine Ecosystem (PRIME) Initiative, the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island is working toward a designated, co-managed marine area that addresses conservation concerns shared between the communities of St. Paul and St. George while ensuring the sustainability of commercial fisheries and our local economies. ACSPI officially launched the PRIME Initiative on December 20, 2021 with the announcement of a nomination to the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. Thus far, the Initiative is supported by other federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations in Alaska and in the lower 48, other island organizations, sustainable business owners, conservation organizations, and commercial fishing operations. We expect this support to grow as we move forward.
To learn more about the PRIME Initiative, please refer to the following resources:
- Nomination Addendum re: Fishery Management and Research Center
- Nomination and Letters of Support: Criteria and Consideration Submitted by the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island Tribal Government
- Why 100 Nautical Miles? Fact Sheet
- Press Release: Aleut Community of St. Paul Island Announces PRIME Initiative: A New Model for Tribal Co-Management and Indigenous-Led Research and Economic Development in the Pribilof Islands Marine Ecosystem
- PRIME Initiative Overview Fact Sheet
- Unangax̂ Stewardship in the Pribilof Islands Marine Ecosystem Fact Sheet
- The Aleut Community of St. Paul Island Fact Sheet
- Statement from Ocean Conservancy
- Statement from Businesses for Conservation and Climate Action (BCCA)
Media coverage:
- Aleut Communities aim for first-ever co-managed marine sanctuary with Prime Initiative – Tribal Business News
- In Alaska, the Aleut Community of St. Paul Islands proposes the Pribilof Islands Marine Ecosystem (PRIME) – Indian Country Today
- Prime Time: Alaska Native community proposes co-managed marine sanctuary – National Fisherman
- Aleut Tribe on St Paul Island Announces PRIME Initiative for 100 Nautical Mile Area Around Pribilofs – Seafood News