Project Information

Title: LTM Program - PWS Marine Bird Population Trends 16120114-K

Project Year and Number: 2016: 16120114-K

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2024: 24120114-M, 2023: 23120114-M, 2022: 22120114-M, 2021: 21120114-M, 2020: 20120114-M, 2019: 19120114-M, 2018: 18120114-M, 2017: 17120114-M, 2015: 15120114-K, 2014: 14120114-K, 2013: 13120114-K, 2012: 12120114-K

Principal Investigator (PI): Robb Kaler (USFWS), Kathy Kuletz

Managing Agency: USFWS

Assisting Personnel: None

Project Website: https://gulfwatchalaska.org/monitoring/pelagic-ecosystem/pws-marine-bird-population-trends/

Research Location: Prince William Sound

Restoration Category: Monitoring

Injured Resources Addressed: Common Murres, Cormorants, Kittlitz's Murrelets, Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemot

Abstract:

We propose to conduct small boat surveys to monitor abundance of marine birds in Prince William Sound, Alaska, during July 2012, 2014, and 2016. Eleven previous surveys have monitored population trends for marine birds and mammals in Prince William Sound after the Exxon Valdez oil spill. We will use data collected to examine trends from summer to determine whether populations in the oiled zone are increasing, decreasing, or stable. We will also examine overall population trends for the Sound. Continued monitoring of marine birds and synthesis of the data are needed to determine whether populations injured by the spill are recovering. Data collected from 1989 to 2010 indicated that pigeon guillemots (Cepphus columba) and marbled murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus) are declining in the oiled areas of Prince William Sound. We have found high inter-annual variation in numbers of some bird species and therefore recommend continuing to conduct surveys every two years. These surveys are the only ongoing means to evaluate the recovery of most of these injured marine bird species. Surveys would also benefit the benthic monitoring and forage fish monitoring aspects of the Long-term Monitoring Project as well as the Herring Project.


Proposal: View (35 KB)

Reports:
Final Report: View (12,643 KB)

Publications from this Project: None Available