Project Information

Title: LTM Program: Nearshore ecosystems in the Gulf of Alaska 21120114-H

Project Year and Number: 2021: 21120114-H

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2024: 24120114-H , 2023: 23120114-H , 2022: 22120114-H , 2020: 20120114-H, 2019: 19120114-H, 2018: 18120114-H, 2017: 17120114-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 (NPS), Brenda Konar (University of Alaska Fairbanks), Katrin Iken (University of Alaska Fairbanks), Dan Esler (USGS), Brenda Ballachey (USGS), Jim Bodkin (USGS), Kim Kloecker (USGS), Daniel Monson (USGS), Brian Robinson (USGS), George Esslinger (USGS), Sarah Traiger (USGS), Ben Weitzman (NOAA), Mandy Lindeberg (NOAA/NMFS Auke Bay Laboratory)

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 status and trends of more than 200 species, including many of those injured by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. The monitoring design includes spatial, temporal and ecological features that support inference regarding drivers of change. Continued monitoring will lead to a better understanding of variation in the nearshore ecosystem across the GOA and a more thorough evaluation of the status of spill-injured resources. This information has been used in a number of management contexts and will be critical for anticipating and responding to ongoing and future perturbations in the region, as well as providing for global contrasts. In FY21, we propose to continue sampling in Kachemak Bay (KBAY), Katmai National Park and Preserve (KATM), Kenai Fjords National Park (KEFJ), and Western Prince William Sound (WPWS) following previously established methods. Monitoring metrics include marine invertebrates, macroalgae, birds, mammals, and physical parameters such as temperature. In addition to taxon-specific metrics, monitoring includes recognized important ecological relations such as predator-prey dynamics, measures of nearshore ecosystem productivity, and contamination. In FY20, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, normal field operations were significantly reduced. Minimal sampling was conducted in KEFJ and WPWS, while none was completed in KATM. Most intertidal work was completed in KBAY, but upper trophic level surveys were significantly reduced there. We anticipate normal proposed field operations for FY21. Due to the reduction in field costs in FY20, we are proposing to use some of those funds to support a graduate student at UAF to examine variation in carbon sourcing to nearshore consumers across all four nearshore component regions, using samples collected in recent years, which will contribute to interpretation of monitoring data. 


Proposal: View (1,149 KB)

Reports:
FY17-21 Final Report: View (6,090 KB)

Publications from this Project: None Available