UiT - The Arctic University of Norway
WP2 Lead: Jan Erik Henriksen , Professor, UiT
jan.e.henriksen@uit.no
WP2 Co-Lead: Ida M. Hydle, Professor emerita, UiT
ida.m.hydle@uit.no
Human-species-ecosystem interdependencies
Overview & Objectives
WP2 explores changes in human–species and ecosystem interactions in the Varanger and Porsanger Fjords, while assessing current management of red king crab, pink salmon, and seals. It strengthens Sámi Indigenous Knowledge and relationalities to marine life and supports pan-Arctic knowledge exchange, inclusive resource management, and collaboration among rightsholders and stakeholders.
Engage with rightsholders and knowledge holders in the Varangerfjord and Porsangerfjord and collectively document and assess historical and current human – red king crab – pink salmon – seal interactions with a focus on language, culture, identity, economy, food security, and One Health.
Asses observed changes in human species and ecosystem interactions;
Assess current management approaches for red king crab, pink salmon, and seals.
Engage with rightsholders and knowledge holders in the Varangerfjord and Porsangerfjord and collectively document and assess historical and current human – red king crab – pink salmon – seal interactions with a focus on language, culture, identity, economy, food security, and One Health.
Asses observed changes in human species and ecosystem interactions;
Assess current management approaches for red king crab, pink salmon, and seals.
Activities & Relational Methods
WP2 brings rights holders, knowledge holders, researchers, and local stakeholders together to explore changing relationships between people, species, and the marine environment in the Varanger and Porsanger Fjords. Through workshops, local knowledge, archives, and knowledge-sharing activities, we document experiences and perspectives on red king crab, pink salmon, and seals, while exploring current management practices.
Our work in WP2 also revitalises Sámi knowledge and traditions related to seals, including language, food, materials, and crafts. Knowledge exchanges with Indigenous communities across the Arctic create opportunities to share experiences, strengthen sustainable practices, and build connections between communities.
Expected Outcomes & Impact
A policy brief highlighting key findings on human–king crab and pink salmon relationships in the coastal Sámi communities of the Varangerfjord, supported by accessible audiovisual material.
A digital dictionary of Sámi seal terminology and place-names, made accessible to schools, kindergartens, language centres, and the Sámi Korpus platform, supporting language revitalisation, knowledge sharing, and Sámi language technology.
WP2 team members
Research Areas
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Várjjat / Varanger is a vital Birgejupmi site facing climate, ecological, and green transition challenges. It supports Sámi marine knowledge, inclusive governance, and local empowerment through Indigenous-led resilience efforts.
Porsáŋgu / Porsanger is a key Birgejupmi site facing climate-driven ecological shifts. With Mearrasiida as a knowledge hub, the community revitalizes seal practices through workshops, supporting Sámi traditions, resilience, and sustainable coastal stewardship.
News & Publications from Work Package 2
Stay updated with the latest publications from this work package, including news articles, reports, and research summaries.
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Living with abundance, living with extraction
Published: 05.07.2026FieldworkHow do Indigenous communities maintain their relationships with the sea in regions with industrial fishing and resource extraction? Ida, Stephan in conversation with Dr. Haliehana Stepetin from Alaska's Aleutian Islands explored these questions and highlighted the value of North-to-North learning.
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Salmon, King Crab, and Environmental Governance in the North
Published: 26.06.2026FieldworkA conversation with Itelmen scholar, Prof. Tatiana Degai at the University of Victoria,Vancouver Island, moved between salmon, king crab, and wider questions of how Indigenous relationships with the environment are governed and understood today.
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Salmon, Responsibility, and the Long Struggle for Rights: Visiting Clifford and Matilda Atleo in Port Alberni
Published: 25.06.2026FieldworkA key moment on Ida and Stephan's North-To-North Dialogue journey was a visit in Port Alberni at Clifford and Matilda Atleo that opened up a wider discussion on governance and Indigenous futures.
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