By Alice Bailey
A new pilot project employs and trains local drone technicians in Quinhagak. Pictured here are Sydney Cleveland and Patrick Jones. Photo by Sean Gleason.
By blending Traditional Knowledge with cutting-edge technology, a new pilot project in Quinhagak, Alaska is using a cost-effective method to track salmon populations while fostering local employment opportunities. This year, Nalaquq, LLC, a subsidiary of Qanirtuuq Incorporated, trained local Yup’ik technicians to use drones, known as Unpiloted Aerial Systems, to capture high-resolution images of migrating salmon.
“We want to make sure escapement estimates are as accurate as possible in this pilot project,” said Lynn Marie Church, CEO of Nalaquq. Church hopes the project’s data, gathered through drones and Traditional Knowledge, will provide new insights into sustainable salmon management in District 4— which is crucial to local subsistence fishermen.
All five species of salmon spawn in the clearwater rivers near Quinhagak. These spawning streams are smaller compared to the Kuskokwim River to the north, but they are prime fishing spots for Yup’ik residents and out-of-state sport fishermen. The local Kanektok River has historical weir data, and state biologists sometimes conduct aerial surveys using airplanes when weather permits.
Drones’ ability to capture data continuously, with agility and powerful zoom lenses, aligns with Nalaquq’s interest in combining modern techniques with traditional methods already used by the community.
“This project is all about local knowledge,” said Sean Gleason, an advisor at Nalaquq and an associate professor at Hampden-Sydney College. “Hovering a drone isn’t complicated, but flying one while looking for fish in traditional spots, all while driving a boat, is.”
A screenshot of drone imagery shows salmon migrating upriver in July 2024. Photo courtesy of Nalaquq, LLC.
In the summer of 2024, Gleason and his team completed the first phase of the project with support from the Alaska Ocean Observing System (AOOS). The work caught the attention of Ryan Marlow from the Alaska Department of Transportation, who provided a Skydio X10 drone as part of the Alaska Rural Remote Operations Work (ARROW) project, funded by the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
To kick off the summer operations, the team transformed a shipping container into a multipurpose hub. After scouting locations, they selected a large spawning pool on a local river with a Yup’ik place name signifying its fishing importance. The technicians trained using the drone, adjusting camera angles and zoom to identify different salmon species without disturbing the fish.
The team counted salmon in 20-minute increments, to create a base;line for data, with five-minute breaks to change drone batteries. “The goal was to be in the air as much as possible,” said Gleason, noting the variability of salmon passing through. “We saw anywhere from zero to 60 fish during each flight.”
Gleason and the drone technicians also developed systems to log water levels, temperature, time of day, and weather conditions that might influence fish behavior. They observed differences between species: Reds seemed hesitant to leave the pool and traveled in larger groups. Kings and chum were more independent and made a quick pit stop before moving on.
The team also mastered hand-launching and catching drones from a moving boat. “During training, we were told it was impossible. But after about 50 tries per person, we proved it could be done,” Gleason said.
Sean Gleason (left) helps train local technicians to use a drone to observe salmon runs near Quinhagak. Photo courtesy of Nalaquq, LLC.
During the second week of field camp, the team ran full-time operations to gather data and refine techniques. They tested new strategies to improve visibility, such as placing a white tarp on the riverbed. A “count line” was introduced—any fish crossing the line was counted, and those returning to the spawning pool were excluded. Hand-drawn maps documented findings, marking key geographical points with traditional Yup’ik names.
With a substantial amount of drone footage collected, the team is now planning for another season next summer. In the meantime, the technicians are preparing to take the commercial drone operations exam, which could lead to employment opportunities and aid in search-and-rescue efforts.
In its first year, the project showcased the power of integrating Traditional Knowledge with modern technology. “Drones provide continuous, non-intrusive monitoring of salmon,” Gleason said. “With enough pilots, drones can operate 24 hours a day, offering a level of precision and flexibility that other methods can’t match.”
CONTACT: Lynn Marie Church at lchurch@nalaquq.com or Sean Gleason at sgleason@nalaquq.com