Winter Ecology of Stellers Eiders and Other Seaducks in western Alaska
Because the breeding population of Steller's eiders in Alaska is listing as threatened under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, we investigated the potential effects of pollution and contaminants exposure on population dynamics.Abstract
Declines in the breeding population of Steller's eiders (STEI) in Alaska have resulted in its listing of as threatened under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Exposure to petroleum-based hydrocarbons from boating or fishing activities and accidental oil spills is cause for concern at wintering areas of STEI in Alaska. Thus, the wintering activity and habitat selection of STEI may offer a unique opportunity to investigate the possible correlation between contaminants and effects on wildlife. Much of the world's populations of these eiders winter in shallow, near-shore waters of the eastern Aleutian Islands. Many of these waters have substantial maritime industry and transportation activities and therefore the potential for elevated concentrations of hydrocarbons. Fish-processing plants also discharge wastewater into some of these harbors, possibly confounding problems created by petroleum spillage. A large proportion of the fish waste discharge is lipid-based, organic material from discarded fish matter, and some commercial fish species contain organochlorine contaminants. Fish-processing wastes are discharged into the shallow, near-shore waters at both Dutch harbor and Sand Point, and this habitat is preferred by wintering STEI. Observations by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and USGS biologists indicated that STEI roost and feed near discharge plumes from fish-processing plants at Dutch Harbor, located within Unalaska Bay. It is plausible that eiders are being exposed to organic contaminants associated with fish processing wastes. Goal: Evaluate the status of STEI and provide scientific guidance for their conservation and management.(1)Obtain liver biopsies, blood samples, and cloacal swabs from Steller's eiders or surrogate ducks wintering at developed (exposed) and undeveloped (reference) sites at Sand Point and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Liver biopsies will be assessed for hydrocarbon exposure through a comparative analysis of P-450 induction. Plasma, serum, and cloacal samples will be used to determine exposure to organic contaminants, viruses, and to assess general health indices.(2) Mark a sub-sample of birds with radio transmitters to determine survival. 3) Determine patterns of habitat use and foraging locations in relation to discharged wastewater from fish processing and harbor developments.4) Determine concentrations of PAHs and aliphatic hydrocarbons in wastewater for fish processing plants and organochlorines in invertebrate prey of Steller's eiders. 5) Assess biochemical and possibly genotoxic response to hydrocarbons in eiders that forage near discharged wastewater from fish processing plants.
Products
| Title | Type |
|---|---|
| Sea Duck Research at the Alaska Science Center | Project Website |
Contacts
Flint, Paul L., 907-786-7183Status: completed
Start Year: 2005
End Year: 2010
Project Sites
Collaborators
FWS - Alaska RegionUSGS - Western Ecological Research Center - Sacramento
Location
Dutch HarborIzembek Lagoon
Sand Point