Polar Bear

U.S. - Russia Bilateral Agreement

The U.S. and Russia share the polar bear population in the Chukchi and Bering seas but to date, have managed the population relatively unilaterally. Joint research and management efforts, including population assessment, habitat conservation, harvest documentation and monitoring, and contaminant bio-monitoring are needed.

In 2000, the Agreement on the Conservation and Management of the Alaska-Chukotka Polar Bear Population was signed by both countries. The Bilateral Agreement provides the basis for long-term unified science-based conservation and management programs between our countries. The Bilateral Agreement recognizes the needs of Native people to take polar bears for subsistence purposes based on acceptable biological standards for sustainable use. The Agreement would be implemented in large part through Alaska-Chukotka native management programs. Importantly, the Agreement establishes guidelines for future joint management programs, including development of binding harvest limits. Marine and terrestrial ecosystems and habitats important to polar bears would be protected and monitored.

Decisions on enforcement, research, harvest quotas and allocation, and non-consumptive uses would be made by consensus by a joint commission. The joint commission would be comprised of representatives from U.S. and Russian governments as well as Alaska and Chukotka Natives. In the U.S., legislation necessary to implement the Bilateral Agreement is expectedthis year.

Last updated: September 10, 2008