Project Information

Title: Monitoring, Tagging, Feeding Studies, and Restoration of Killer Whales in Prince William Sound/Kenai Fjords in 2008 090742

Project Year and Number: 2009: 090742

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2010: 10100742, 2008: 080742, 2007: 070742, 2005: 050742, 2004: 040012, 2003: 030012, 2002: 02012-BAA, 2001: 01012-BAA, 2000: 00012-A-BAA, 1999: 99012-A-BAA, 1998: 98012-A, 1997: 97012-BAA, 1996: 96012-A, 1995: 95012

Principal Investigator (PI): Craig Matkin (North Gulf Oceanic Society)

Managing Agency: NOAA

Assisting Personnel: None

Research Location: Prince William Sound/Kenai Fjords

Restoration Category: Monitoring

Injured Resources Addressed: Killer Whales

Abstract: The proposed project is a continuation of the monitoring of AB pod and the AT1 population killer whale populations in Prince William Sound. These groups of whales suffered serious losses at the time of the spill and have not recovered at projected rates. This proposal seeks to extend the scope of the basic monitoring to include an innovative satellite tagging program to examine habitat preference and to aid in a more extensive examination of feeding habits using observational and chemical techniques. Results will allow us to more closely examine the potential for restoration. The project will more clearly delineate the role of killer whales in the nearshore ecosystem and possible effects on the restoration recovery of harbor seals and sea otters. Community based initiatives such as Youth Area Watch and educational programs for tour boat operators educational programs will continue to be integrated into the work to help foster restoration improving public understanding and reducing harassment of the whales.


Proposal: View (109 KB)

Reports:
Annual Report FY09: View (95 KB)
Final Report: Final Report Not available. For current status, please contact us.

Publications from this Project: None Available