ISN Sentinel

The BeringWatch Sentinel app is for trained community-based observers and local and traditional knowledge holders to record ecological and environmental observations in their local communities. The BeringWatch Sentinel Community-Based Monitoring Network which includes the Sentinel app was designed and refined over the past 15 years in Alaskan Native communities. Users of the BeringWatch Sentinel app are located primarily in remote communities that are affected by a rapidly changing environment. The strength of the BeringWatch environmental data collection framework is that it is tribally-driven. Communities are better able to actively participate and lead data collection that both addresses community concerns and contributes meaningful scientific data to researchers, resource managers, and decision makers. BeringWatch Community-Based Sentinel Monitoring Programs are established using observation protocols and standardized methodologies for community-based recording of observations of wildlife, subsistence species and environmental phenomena at locations surrounding participating communities. These data, if collected in a repeatable and consistent manner over a long period of time, can provide valuable ecological reference points for the region. For information on joining the BeringWatch Sentinel Network please contact the Aleut Community of St. Paul Tribal Government.