Project Information

Title: Kittiwake Damage Assessment Closeout B08

Project Year and Number: 1992: B08

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 1989: B08

Principal Investigator (PI): Karen Oakley (US Fish & Wildlife Service)

Managing Agency: USFWS

Assisting Personnel: David Irons, Terry Wade

Research Location: Prince William Sound

Restoration Category: Damage Assessment

Injured Resources Addressed: Not Specified

Abstract: Black-legged kittiwakes are the most abundant colonial nesting seabird in Prince William Sound. The objectives of this study were to: test for changes in reproductive success of kittiwakes nesting in oiled areas; determine if adult kittiwakes were contaminated by oil; test unhatched eggs and prey delivered to chicks for hydrocarbon content; and identify potential restoration of losses. Preliminary results revealed a significantly lower reproductive success for kittiwakes in oiled areas compared to unoiled areas, however, analysis is not complete. Kittiwakes were contaminated externally as preliminary results show that 37% of birds observed at oiled colonies had oil on the breast feathers. Analysis of hydrocarbon content of kittiwakes, prey samples, and eggs, has not been conducted to date. A preliminary report of results has been prepared for this study but comprehensive data synthesis and analysis have not been completed and, in some cases, has not been initiated. Data analysis and the preparation of a final report will be essential for understanding the injuries the spill caused to black-legged kittiwakes of Prince William Sound. 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: View (2,300 KB)

Publications from this Project: None Available