Project Information

Title: Pigeon Guillemot Restoration Research in Prince William Sound 070853

Project Year and Number: 2007: 070853

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: None

Principal Investigator (PI): David Irons (US Fish & Wildlife Service)

Managing Agency: USFWS

Assisting Personnel: Dan Roby

Research Location: Prince William Sound

Restoration Category: General Restoration

Injured Resources Addressed: Pigeon Guillemot

Abstract: This proposed study would investigate the efficacy of direct restoration techniques for the Pigeon Guillemot population in Prince William Sound. This seabird is the only EVOS injured species that has failed to show any signs of recovery. The post-EVOS guillemot population in PWS is only 15% of the pre-EVOS population; about one-third of PWS guillemots nested on Naked Island pre-EVOS. Post-EVOS, mink predation was identified as a limiting factor for recovery of Naked Island guillemots. We propose testing the hypothesis that mink were introduced to the Naked Island Archipelago by fur trappers and, if not, determine if the mink population on the Naked Island Archipelago a distinct population segment. We also propose investigating the feasibility and efficacy of removing mink from the Naked Island Archipelago as a restoration activity for Pigeon Guillemots. In addition, we propose testing the hypotheses that (1) nest predation by mink continues to be a major limiting factor for guillemot recovery at Naked Island, and (2) the availability of key prey resources does not limit guillemot nesting success at Naked Island. A final report will be prepared upon completion of the two years of field and lab work that will propose the most effective and justifiable plan for management action to restore Pigeon Guillemots in the Naked Island Archipelago.


Proposal: View (271 KB)

Reports:
Annual Report FY07: View (39 KB)
Annual Report FY08: View (35 KB)
Annual Report FY09: View (173 KB)
Final Report: View (2,573 KB)

Publications from this Project: None Available