Project Information

Title: Geographic Extent and Recovery Monitoring of Intertidal Oil in Mussel Beds in GOA R103-4

Project Year and Number: 1992: R103-4

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: None

Principal Investigator (PI): Gail Irvine (US Geological Survey)

Managing Agency: USGS

Assisting Personnel: None

Research Location: All Spill Affected Areas

Restoration Category: Damage Assessment

Injured Resources Addressed: Designated Wilderness Areas, Intertidal Organisms, Mussels, Recreation & Tourism

Abstract: The presence of contaminated mussel beds along the outer Kenai Peninsula and the implication of their presence (through the continual oiling of mussels and linkage to higher birds and mammals) is of concern to several governmental agencies. With the cooperation of the NPS, ADEC, and ADNR, NOAA will survey the geographical extent and intensity of oiling at mussel beds at sites along the Kenai Peninsula. The persistence and fate of Exxon Valdez oil at selected sites along National Park coastline will be examined, since the continued presence of the oil affects the scientific and recreational values and wilderness characteristics of National Park lands. Surveys conducted in 1991 indicate that oil continued to persist in the Kenai Fjords and Katmai National Parks, and that fresh looking mousse and sheening were observed in many locations, despite the predictions that this would not occur beyond the first year after the oil spill. The presence of oil may further contaminate biological resources, including mussel beds. Objective 5 will address these concerns.


Proposal: Not Available

Reports:
Annual Report FY92: View (3,965 KB)
Final Report: Not available. For current status, please contact us.

Publications from this Project: None Available

Datasets:
Auke Bay Laboratory (Hydrocarbon Samples): Hydorcarbon sample results from this project are included the NOAA final hydrocarbon database. The database includes sample collection information, hydrocarbon analyses and numerical correlations directly related to oil. dbf Availability: This database is accessible through Auke Bay Lab (907) 789-6000 and will be included on the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council Information Management CD-ROM available fall 1996.