Project Information

Title: Boat Surveys B02

Project Year and Number: 1992: B02

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 1991: B02, 1990: B02, 1989: B02

Principal Investigator (PI): Steve Klosiewski (US Fish & Wildlife Service)

Managing Agency: USFWS

Assisting Personnel: Karen Laing

Research Location: Prince William Sound

Restoration Category: Damage Assessment

Injured Resources Addressed: Bald Eagles, Black Oystercatchers, Common Loons, Common Murres, Cormorants, Harlequin Ducks, Kittlitz's Murrelets, Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemot, Sea Otters

Abstract: Boat-based surveys for migratory birds and marine mammals in the pelagic and near shore regions of Prince William Sound were conducted following the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Over 120 species of birds and 20 species of mammals have been counted on these surveys. Preliminary results indicate that bird populations in Prince William Sound declined since pre-spill surveys for 16 species or species groups including grebes, cormorants, northern pintail, harlequin duck, oldsquaw, scoters, goldeneyes, bufflehead, black oystercatcher, Bonaparte’s gull, black-legged kittiwake, Arctic tern, pigeon guillemot, murrelets, and northwest crow. More than 30,000 carcasses representing over 90 species of birds were collected from the spill zone in 1989. In addition, both direct and continuing effects of the spill have been demonstrated in NRDA studies on harlequin duck, black oystercatcher, black-legged kittiwake, marbled murrelet, murres, and pigeon guillemot. Intensive studies have also revealed evidence of injury to populations of sea otters. A preliminary report of results has been prepared for this study but comprehensive data synthesis and analysis have not been completed. The preparation of a final report will be essential for understanding the injuries the spill caused to marine birds and sea otters. If this information is not clearly and completely available to those responsible for restoration, it will not be possible to adequately address the restoration needs of the resource.


Proposal: Not Available

Reports:
Final Report: Final Report Not available. For current status, please contact us.

Publications from this Project: None Available