Several species of terrestrial and marine mammals are found within the state of Alaska and adjacent territories. Several of these species are actively managed by state, federal, native and international agencies. The Molecular Ecology Laboratory provides genetic data and develops novel sampling methods to aid in the effective management and conservation of these species. Current projects involve characterizing genetic variation of wolf (Canis lupus), polar and brown bear (Ursus arctos and U. maritimus), Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus), and sea otter (Enhydra lutris) populations in Alaska, Canada, and Russia. These population level data subsequently for the basis for more specific questions regarding evolutionary relationships among bear species, levels of inbreeding within wolf populations, genetic consequences of translocation efforts, and the sex of sea otter harvested for subsistence. The laboratory is also developing protocols for non-invasive sampling of brown bears to aid in populations surveys. The Molecular Ecology Laboratory at the Alaska Science Center - Biological Science Office (ASC-BSO) is also conducting genetic studies of the Aleutian shield fern (Polystichum aleuticum), Alaska's single plant species listed as endangered. The shield fern is known to occur in one very restricted locale, on Mount Reed, Adak Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. The three known populations are comprised of a total of only 123 individual fern clumps. Although the Aleutian shield fern has been listed as an endangered species for over a decade, its evolutionary relationships and population genetics characteristics are not well understood. The study will provide information about population genetic characteristics and systematic relationships of the fern.