Project Information

Title: Undersea Observations FS20

Project Year and Number: 1989: FS20

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: None

Principal Investigator (PI): Daniel Huttunen (State Of Alaska )

Managing Agency: ADFG

Assisting Personnel: P. Skvorc

Research Location: Prince William Sound & Gulf of Alaska

Restoration Category: Damage Assessment

Injured Resources Addressed: Subtidal Organisms

Abstract: Information exists about the distribution of spilled oil from the Exxon Valdez on the water surface and in intertidal areas of Prince William Sound and the Gulf of Alaska. However, the extent, distribution, and patchiness of oil and oil byproducts on the seafloor is unknown. Information concerning subsurface oil distribution is needed to establish sampling areas for damage assessment studies of bottom-dwelling (demersal) species. It is also important for directing the detailed sampling designs for many of the individual groundfish and shellfish damage assessment studies. Direct observation by remote-operated vehicle (ROV), coupled with limited ground-truthing, will support the overall resource damage assessment by 1) confirming the extent of oil on the seafloor in the study areas for several studies; and 2) guiding selection of specific study sites so that paired study areas are representative of oiled and non-oiled conditions. Direct observation of seafloor conditions will increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the overall groundfish and shellfish studies both inside and outside of the Sound.


Proposal: Not Available

Reports:
Annual Report FY89: View (944 KB)
Final Report: Not available. For current status, please contact us.

Publications from this Project: None Available