The Sea Ice for Walrus Outlook—A Network for Weather and Sea-Ice Information Sharing in the Bering Strait, Alaska

The Sea Ice for Walrus Outlook (SIWO) is a collaborative information-sharing network that delivers weekly springtime updates on sea ice and weather conditions relevant to walrus habitat in the Bering Strait region of Alaska. Launched in 2010, SIWO shares Indigenous Knowledge from Alaska Native sea-ice experts alongside custom forecasts and imagery from the National Weather Service Alaska, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the Alaska Ocean Observing System. Weekly reports incorporate community-based observations, satellite imagery, 7-day forecasts, and animated current and ice movement models to inform subsistence hunters and support maritime safety. This hybrid approach facilitates real-time communication and mutual validation between local observers and scientists, transforming diverse data into actionable insights. The network fosters a two-way flow of knowledge that enhances situational awareness, maritime safety, and cultural continuity in Alaska's remote coastal communities.