Project Information

Title: Restoration Monitoring of Harlequin Ducks 93033

Project Year and Number: 1993: 93033

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 1994: 94066, 1993: 93033-2, 1992: B11, 1991: B11, 1990: B11, 1989: B11

Principal Investigator (PI): Samuel Patten (Alaska Department of Fish & Game)

Managing Agency: ADFG

Assisting Personnel: Thomas Crowe, Richard Gustin

Research Location: Prince William Sound

Restoration Category: Monitoring

Injured Resources Addressed: Harlequin Ducks

Abstract: The EVOS significantly affected the mortality and breeding success of harlequin ducks in Prince William Sound (PWS). The population has declined in oiled areas, but remained stable in unoiled areas. The reproductive failure is postulated to be a chronic effect of petroleum exposure through contaminated intertidal food, which lies in the zone of maximum oil impact. Population in oiled areas cannot be assumed to return to pre-EVOS levels. Monitoring population and reproductive trends to identify factors limiting recovery is necessary to ensure population recovery in oiled areas. To aid or benefit natural recovery, this project will monitor harlequin duck reproduction and determine the factors responsible for breeding failure. Tissue and blood samples will be collected and analyzed. Food habits will be studied. Breeding condition of ducks will be examined. Results of tests from samples taken from oiled and unoiled areas will be compared. Habitat information will be documented on a Geographic Information System.


Proposal: Not Available

Reports:
Final Report: View (2,279 KB)

Publications from this Project: None Available