Project Information

Title: Western PWS Human Use and Wildlife Disturbance Model 99339

Project Year and Number: 1999: 99339

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2000: 00339, 1998: 98339

Principal Investigator (PI): Karen Murphy (US Fish & Wildlife Service)

Managing Agency: USFS

Assisting Personnel: Ali Iliff, Lowell Suring

Research Location: Prince William Sound

Restoration Category: General Restoration

Injured Resources Addressed: Commercial Fishing, Cutthroat Trout, Harbor Seals, Pigeon Guillemot, Recreation & Tourism, Subsistence

Abstract: This project will use geographic information system (GIS) techniques to describe current human-use patterns in western Prince William Sound and to model potential changes in those use patterns as a result of additional development. Maps of present and projected human-use patterns will be incorporated with maps of the distribution of injured resources. This will provide a basis to identify areas where there may be conflicts between human use and wildlife concentrations resulting in disturbance. Disturbance of injured wildlife may result in decreased productivity, exacerbating the effects of the oil spill and prolonging the time to recover. Identification of potential areas of disturbance will allow development of recommended management practices that may eliminate or minimize the negative effects of increasing human use. All injured resources and subsistence species will be addressed in a general approach but specific management recommendations will be developed for harbor seal, pigeon guillemot and cutthroat trout.


Proposal: Not Available

Reports:
Final Report: View (4,436 KB)

Publications from this Project: None Available