A tribute to Craig George

The Sounds of Alaska and a Tribute to Craig George

About the Speaker

Contributing speakers: Michael Castellini, Jan Straley, Kate Stafford, Madison Kosma, Hans Thewissen

A tribute to Craig George by friends and colleagues recalling his scientific work in the Arctic on bowhead whales, his memorable times at the Sitka WhaleFest, and his times living in the North.  Based on the WhaleFest theme of Sound, five presentations will focus on sounds of animals, whales, ice, maritime Alaska, and the science questions that were so important to Craig.

  Originally from New York, Craig George came to Alaska in the mid-1970s. He earned a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from the Utah State University in 1976 and completed his Ph.D. in bowhead whale energetics, age estimation and morphology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2009. In 1977, he worked as an animal caretaker at the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory's animal research facility in Utqiagvik (then Barrow), Alaska. He eventually settled in Utqiagvik and worked as a wildlife biologist with the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management for over 25 years. He became known for his collaborative work with the Iñupiat whaling community, which set an example of the benefits of combining western science with traditional knowledge. He published many scientific papers on bowheads and co-edited a book on the biology of the bowhead whale in 2021. He unselfishly provided advice and insights to many students, researchers, resource managers, journalists, politicians and anyone else who would listen. One of his greatest honors was when the Barrow Whaling Captains passed a resolution designating him as an Honorary whaling Captain in 2021. In addition to his scientific achievements, Craig was known as a musician, songwriter, artist, and comedian. He also loved to work with school kids on the North Slope and at the Sitka WhaleFest. Craig shared stories, played music and sang in gatherings around the world, bringing smiles and warming hearts everywhere he went. Craig is survived by his wife, Cyd, and his two sons, Luke and Sam.