INVESTIGATOR: Esler, Dan
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Exxon Valdez oil spill injured
many wildlife populations. Recent evidence suggests that Barrow's goldeneyes
were among the species injured and that their populations have not fully
recovered. This project is designed to critically assess the status of recovery
of Barrow's goldeneye populations in Prince William Sound through assemblage and
analysis of all existent, relevant data. Sources of data include the Nearshore
Vertebrate Predator program (specifically, the harlequin duck component) and
other agency sources. This work will lead to definition of recovery status,
identification of any gaps limiting our understanding of recovery status or the
process of recovery, and proposal of directed research to fill those gaps.
APPLICATION OF RESEARCH: These results will be applied to restoration of Barrow's goldeneye populations, and the nearshore environment in general, in Prince William Sound following the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
PROGRESS: 2/7/2000
Data compilation and analysis was begun during FY99 and continues in FY00.
Completed analyses include: prey size, habitat use, and body mass and
composition. FY00 objectives include preparation of a final report and two
manuscripts for journal submission.