Project Information

Title: LTM Program: Nearshore Ecosystems in the Gulf of Alaska 17120114-H

Project Year and Number: 2017: 17120114-H

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2024: 24120114-H , 2023: 23120114-H , 2022: 22120114-H , 2021: 21120114-H, 2020: 20120114-H, 2019: 19120114-H, 2018: 18120114-H, 2016: 16120114-L, 2016: 16120114-R, 2015: 15120114-L, 2015: 15120114-R, 2014: 14120114-L, 2014: 14120114-R, 2013: 13120114-L, 2013: 13120114-R, 2012: 12120114-L, 2012: 12120114-R

Principal Investigator (PI): Heather Coletti (National Park Service), Dan Esler (USGS), Brenda Konar (University of Alaska Fairbanks), Katrin Iken (University of Alaska Fairbanks), Kim Kloecker (USGS), Daniel Monson (USGS), Ben Weitzman (NOAA)

Managing Agency: USNPS

Assisting Personnel: None

Project Website: https://gulfwatchalaska.org/monitoring/nearshore-ecosystems/

Research Location: Kachemak Bay, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Prince William Sound

Restoration Category: Monitoring

Injured Resources Addressed: Black Oystercatchers, Clams, Harlequin Ducks, Intertidal Organisms, Mussels, Sea Otters, Sediments, Subtidal Organisms

Abstract:

Nearshore monitoring in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) provides ongoing evaluation of the status and trend of more than 200 species, including many of those recovering from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill (EVOS). The monitoring design includes spatial, temporal and ecological features that support inference regarding drivers of change through testing of alternative hypotheses. Examples of the application of the monitoring design include assessment of change in sea otter populations related to EVOS recovery and density dependent factors; and assessment of the relative roles of static versus dynamic drivers in structuring benthic communities. Continued monitoring will allow for a better understanding of variation in the nearshore ecosystems across the GOA and a more thorough evaluation of the status of spill injured resources. This information will be critical for anticipating and responding to ongoing and future perturbations in the region, as well as providing for global contrast.


Proposal: View (1,072 KB)

Reports:
Annual Report FY17: View (887 KB)
Final Report: See Project 21120114-H

Publications from this Project: None Available