Project Information

Title: Restoration Monitoring of Harlequin Ducks in PWS and Afognak Island 94066

Project Year and Number: 1994: 94066

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 1993: 93033, 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, Dave Crowley, 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 populations have declined in oiled areas, but remained stable in unoiled areas. Both resident breeders and a wintering population are found in PWS. The reproductive impairment of harlequin ducks in the EVOS area may be a chronic effect of petroleum exposure through contaminated food from intertidal feeding areas. As a continuation of the 1991-1993 surveys, this project will collect data on harlequin duck habitat requirements and use patterns, for use in evaluating habitat acquisitions and guiding continued restoration programs. This project will continue an extensive boat survey of shoreline broods and compare the survey results with those from previous years. Habitat use associations will be recorded. If 1993 tissue and blood sample test results indicate continued oil ingestion by harlequins or physiological anomalies related to reproduction, further sampling of blood and tissues may be necessary.


Proposal: Not Available

Reports:
Final Report: See Project 93033

Publications from this Project: None Available