Enumeration of Pacific walrus carcasses on beaches of the Chukchi Sea in Alaska following a mortality event, September 2009
Return to Arctic Science for Decisions Home
Full Publication: https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2009/1291/Product Type: Government Publication
Year: 2009
Authors: Fischbach, A. S., D. H. Monson, and C. V. Jay
Suggested Citation:
Fischbach, A. S., D. H. Monson, and C. V. Jay. 2009. Enumeration of Pacific walrus carcasses on beaches of the Chukchi Sea in Alaska following a mortality event, September 2009. USGS Open-File Report 2009-1291, 10 p.
Abstract
On September 14, 2009, we encountered substantial numbers of fresh walrus carcasses on the Alaskan shores of the Chukchi Sea near Icy Cape. We enumerated 131 carcasses using geo-referenced strip transect photography and visual counts of solitary carcasses. All appeared to be young animals based on review of aerial photographs and reference to 12 carcasses that we examined on the ground. The events that led to the death of these animals are unknown, but appear to be related to the loss of sea ice over the Chukchi Sea continental shelf. In years prior to this event, other investigators have linked walrus deaths at other Chukchi Sea coastal haulouts to trampling, exhaustion from prolonged exposure to open sea conditions, and separation of calves from their mothers.
Keywords: Chukchi Sea, continental shelf, sea ice, haulouts, trampling
Annotation
Large coastal walrus haulouts on the Alaskan Chukchi Sea coast were unknown prior to 2007, but have been documented since then and are likely the result of a lack of sea ice over the Chukchi Sea continental shelf. On September 14, 2009, we encountered 131 fresh walrus carcasses on the Alaskan shores of the Chukchi Sea near Icy Cape. In years prior to this event, other investigators have linked walrus deaths at other Chukchi Sea coastal haulouts to trampling, exhaustion from prolonged exposure to open sea conditions, and separation of calves from their mothers. Increased occurrence of large coastal haulouts could make Pacific walruses more vulnerable to human terrestrial activities such as development, construction, or oil and gas exploration. Disturbances can result in trampling deaths and injuries, especially to young walruses.