Science In Northern Government

Until one thinks about it, it seems strange that one of the United States' most remote and least populated local governments should be among the first in the nation to form its own science advisory body. With a population of only 8,000, the North Slope Borough now has such a group.

National governments typically form science advisory bodies and many states do, yet few county or borough governments have taken such a step. First established to provide scientific advice to the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission in 1980, the advisory committee now gives advice to the government of the North Slope Borough as well. The scientists on the advisory committee, mostly Alaskans and some from elsewhere, serve without pay. The group is chaired by Dr. John Kelly of the Institute of Marine Science of the University of Alaska.

The Whaling Commission and North Slope Borough officials formed the science advisory group to assist them in facing a number of problems. Conflicts over the taking of bowhead whales and impacts from the rapidly developing petroleum industry were major concerns. These local officials recognized that in dealing with governments and organizations knowledge is a powerful tool. If they were to protect the interest of their people, this was a tool that they needed.

There was also the concern that perhaps what science was being done in the North was not well enough serving the needs of the people living there. By taking an active role in science matters, the North Slope Borough could influence state and national, perhaps even international, science policy.

So far, it seems to be working well. This new local government-science partnership is promoting the science that needs doing and it is starting to have a voice in arctic science policy. Other governments may do well to keep an eye on the example of forward-looking leadership springing up on Alaska's North Slope.