We were founded in 1989 as a community-based, nonprofit research organization to connect science to a community’s cultural and economic needs. All too often, scientific endeavors overlook local and traditional knowledge and in so doing become isolated from those who need it most. Over the years, we found that local concerns and traditional knowledge can be formulated into highly valid scientific questions. This led to programs of study with substantial benefits to scientists and non-scientists alike. It is our intention to further develop this approach in the years ahead.

Prior to 1989, conversations in Prince William Sound between fishermen, resource managers, researchers, community members and the University of Alaska Marine Advisory Program often referred to frustration over the lack of local capacity to house and retain research. Teams of scientists often descended on the area to poke, peek, and ponder, but typically left without sharing what they learned.