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North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database Active

By Alaska Science Center May 8, 2023

The North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD) contains survey transect data designed and conducted by numerous partners primarily to census seabirds at sea. The NPPSD includes more than 486,000 transect segments and includes observations of over 20 million birds of 258 species collected over the span of 50 years (from 1973 to 2022).

Return to Ecosystems >> Marine Ecosystems >> Seabirds and Forage Fish Ecology

The North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD) is maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center and contains survey transect data designed and conducted by numerous partners primarily to census seabirds at sea. The recently released version (4.1) of the database includes more than 486,000 transect segments and includes abundance and distribution information on over 20,600,000 birds of 258 species and over 380,000 mammals of 41 species collected over the span of 50 years (from 1973 to 2022). The area of the surveys includes more than 80% of U.S. continental shelf waters, the most productive U.S. commercial fishery, all Pacific U.S. marine sanctuaries, and Alaska Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing areas. Survey efforts include international cooperation between the United States, Canada, Russia, and Japan.

Geographic coverage of the transect samples in NPPSD
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Geographic coverage of the transect samples in North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD). 

The NPPSD is a powerful tool for examining abundance and distribution of seabirds across marine ecosystems of the Arctic and North Pacific and possible drivers of change to seabird ranges and populations, such as climate, commercial fisheries, vessel traffic and oil and gas development. NPPSD data are available from USGS at the links below.

 

Data

Suggested Citation

Drew, G.S., Schoen, S.K., Hood, M.D., Arimitsu, M.L., Piatt, J.F., 2005, North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD) (ver. 4.1, May 2023): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7WQ01T3

Pie chart with 8 sections describing what issues have been addressed using a seabird database.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.
Graphic describing what issues have been addressed using the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD). More information at: Use and History of the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD)

Version History:
First release: August 2005
Revised: 
August 2015 (ver. 2.0)
February 2020 (ver. 3.0)
January 2023 (ver. 4.0)
May 2023 (ver. 4.1)

 

NPPSD Sampling Effort Maps

Maps showing the extent of sampling done and entered into the NPPSD.

 

Making data contributions

The North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD) is managed by the USGS Alaska Science Center and is compiled from thousands of at-sea surveys of seabirds and marine mammals conducted in the North Pacific since 1973 by numerous partners. While we are continually accepting and archiving datasets, we are beginning a major update of the database and are soliciting contributions of at-sea data from researchers. Contributors can provide raw, cleaned datasets or data summarized by transects. We do not distribute raw data, only summarized data (by transect and behavior). The document, "NPPSD Data Prep.pdf - [PDF file 34 KB]", provides detailed information regarding data preparation for eventual addition to the NPPSD. Contact Sarah Schoen sschoen@usgs.gov for assistance.

 

Web Apps associated with this project

SeaLog:

SeaLog is a robust data-logging application designed to collect at-sea data of marine birds and mammals. This software was developed collaboratively with the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and ABR, Inc. SeaLog is Windows 10 compatible, is highly customizable, and provides user designed maps to allow visual feedback of observations. The software can be found here: https://sealog.abrinc.com/pages/sealog.html.

QA/QSea:

QA/QSea, an application constructed to work in conjunction with SeaLog, provides proofing tools, an interactive map display, the ability to split data at user defined distances, and it generates exportable data files in multiple formats including those used in the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD). QA/QSea is a Shiny app written in the R environment that reads comma delimited text files (csv) output directly from SeaLog, and can also read other data files if they are formatted in the same structure as SeaLog files. The program can be found here: https://sealog.abrinc.com/pages/qaqsea.html.

Please contact Sarah Schoen sschoen@usgs.gov with questions.

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

link
A Tufted Puffin swimming in the sea in Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska

Seabirds and Forage Fish Ecology

Alaska's coastal and offshore waters provide foraging habitat for an estimated 100 million birds comprising more than 90 different species; from loons and seaducks that nest inland, to petrels and puffins that breed on islands off shore. All these birds depend on the sea to provide a wide variety of food types— from clams, crabs and urchins nearshore— to krill, forage fish, and squid offshore. The...
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
link

Seabirds and Forage Fish Ecology

Alaska's coastal and offshore waters provide foraging habitat for an estimated 100 million birds comprising more than 90 different species; from loons and seaducks that nest inland, to petrels and puffins that breed on islands off shore. All these birds depend on the sea to provide a wide variety of food types— from clams, crabs and urchins nearshore— to krill, forage fish, and squid offshore. The...
Learn More
link
Common Murre on the water in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Use and History of the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD)

Data on the distribution and abundance of seabirds at sea have been used for many decades to assist in understanding the marine ecology of seabirds away from their breeding colonies, measure population status and trends, assess the impact of human activities on ocean habitats and fish stocks, and to identify critical marine habitats for seabirds.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
link

Use and History of the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD)

Data on the distribution and abundance of seabirds at sea have been used for many decades to assist in understanding the marine ecology of seabirds away from their breeding colonies, measure population status and trends, assess the impact of human activities on ocean habitats and fish stocks, and to identify critical marine habitats for seabirds.
Learn More
link
NPPSD V3 Map showing sum of area sampled 2013-2019

NPPSD Sampling Effort Maps

Maps showing the sampling extent in the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD).
By
Alaska Science Center
link

NPPSD Sampling Effort Maps

Maps showing the sampling extent in the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD).
Learn More
link
Spatial extent of North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database samples

NPPSD Resources and Protocols

List of resources and protocols used by the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD).
By
Alaska Science Center
link

NPPSD Resources and Protocols

List of resources and protocols used by the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD).
Learn More
link
Short-tailed Albatross taking off

Seabird Distribution

Helpful links for Seabird Distribution
By
Alaska Science Center
link

Seabird Distribution

Helpful links for Seabird Distribution
Learn More

Gridded Seabird Density Estimates in Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska

This data set provides monthly (March-October) gridded density estimates for seabirds in lower Cook Inlet, Alaska. Gridded density estimates were produced by applying spatiotemporal modeling of at-sea survey data collected between 1975 and 2021 of seabird at-sea surveys available in the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD; Drew and Piatt 2015). We modeled joint dynamic species distributi
By
Alaska Science Center

Below are publications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 15

Joint spatiotemporal models to predict seabird densities at sea

Introduction: Seabirds are abundant, conspicuous members of marine ecosystems worldwide. Synthesis of distribution data compiled over time is required to address regional management issues and understand ecosystem change. Major challenges when estimating seabird densities at sea arise from variability in dispersion of the birds, sampling effort over time and space, and differences in bird detectio
Authors
Mayumi L. Arimitsu, John F. Piatt, James Thorson, Kathy Kuletz, Gary Drew, Sarah K. Schoen, Dan Cushing, Caitlin Kroeger, William Sydeman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

User’s guide to the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database 2.0

The North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD) was created in 2005 to consolidate data on the oceanic distribution of marine bird species in the North Pacific. Most of these data were collected on surveys by counting species within defined areas and at known locations (that is, on strip transects). The NPPSD also contains observations of other bird species and marine mammals. The original NPPS
Authors
Gary S. Drew, John F. Piatt, Martin Renner
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Identifying marine Important Bird Areas using at-sea survey data

Effective marine bird conservation requires identification of at-sea locations used by populations for foraging, staging, and migration. Using an extensive database of at-sea survey data spanning over 30 years, we developed a standardized and data-driven spatial method for identifying globally significant marine Important Bird Areas in Alaska. To delineate these areas we developed a six-step proce
Authors
Melanie A. Smith, Nathan J. Walker, Christopher M. Free, Matthew J. Kirchhoff, Gary S. Drew, Nils Warnock, Iain J. Stenhouse
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Modeled distribution and abundance of a pelagic seabird reveal trends in relation to fisheries

The northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis is one of the most visible and widespread seabirds in the eastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. However, relatively little is known about its abundance, trends, or the factors that shape its distribution. We used a long-term pelagic dataset to model changes in fulmar at-sea distribution and abundance since the mid-1970s. We used an ensemble model, based on
Authors
Martin Renner, Julia K. Parrish, John F. Piatt, Kathy J. Kuletz, Ann E. Edwards, George L. Hunt
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Effects of currents and tides on fine-scale use of marine bird habitats in a Southeast Alaska hotspot

Areas with high species richness have become focal points in the establishment of marine protected areas, but an understanding of the factors that support this diversity is still incomplete. In coastal areas, tidal currents—modulated by bathymetry and manifested in variable speeds—are a dominant physical feature of the environment. However, difficulties resolving tidally affected currents and dept
Authors
Gary S. Drew, John F. Piatt, David J. Hill
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Structure of marine predator and prey communities along environmental gradients in a glaciated fjord

Spatial patterns of marine predator communities are influenced to varying degrees by prey distribution and environmental gradients. We examined physical and biological attributes of an estuarine fjord with strong glacier influence to determine the factors that most influence the structure of predator and prey communities. Our results suggest that some species, such as walleye pollock (Theragra cha
Authors
Martin Renner, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, John F. Piatt
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

At-sea observations of marine birds and their habitats before and after the 2008 eruption of Kasatochi volcano, Alaska

Kasatochi volcano, an island volcano in the Aleutian chain, erupted on 7-8 August 2008. The resulting ash and pyroclastic flows blanketed the island, covering terrestrial habitats. We surveyed the marine environment surrounding Kasatochi Island in June and July of 2009 to document changes in abundance or distribution of nutrients, fish, and marine birds near the island when compared to patterns ob
Authors
G.S. Drew, Donald E. Dragoo, M. Renner, John F. Piatt
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Seasonal and distributional patterns of seabirds along the Aleutian Archipelago

The Aleutian Archipelago is of global importance to seabirds during the northern summer, but little is known about seabird use of these waters during winter. We compare summer and winter abundances of seabirds around 3 islands: Buldir in the western, Kasatochi in the central, and Aiktak in the eastern Aleutians. The density of combined seabird biomass in nearshore marine waters was higher in summe
Authors
M. Renner, G.L. Hunt, John F. Piatt, G.V. Byrd

Status review of the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) in Alaska and British Columbia

The Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) is a small, diving seabird inhabiting inshore waters of the Northeastern Pacific Ocean. This species feeds on small, schooling fishes and zooplankton, and nests primarily on the moss-covered branches of large, old-growth conifers, and also, in some parts of its range, on the ground. We reviewed existing information on this species to evaluate its cur
Authors
John F. Piatt, K.J. Kuletz, A.E. Burger, Scott A. Hatch, Vicki L. Friesen, T.P. Birt, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, G.S. Drew, A.M.A. Harding, K.S. Bixler
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Predictable hotspots and foraging habitat of the endangered short-tailed albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) in the North Pacific: Implications for conservation

The short-tailed albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) is a rare and endangered seabird that ranges widely over the northern North Pacific. Populations are slowly recovering but birds face several threats at sea, in particular the incidental capture of birds in long-line fisheries. Conservation efforts are hampered by a lack of information about the at-sea distribution of this species, especially knowl
Authors
John F. Piatt, J. Wetzel, K. Bell, A.R. DeGange, G.R. Balogh, G.S. Drew, T. Geernaert, C. Ladd, G.V. Byrd
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Offshore marine observation of Willow Ptarmigan, including water landings, Kuskokwim Bay, Alaska

We report an observation of Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) encountered 8 to 17 km from the nearest shoreline on Kuskokwim Bay, Alaska, on 30 August 2003. The ptarmigan were observed flying, landing on our research vessel, and landing and taking off from the water surface. We also report on one other observation of ptarmigan sitting on the water surface and other marine observations of ptarmiga
Authors
Christian E. Zimmerman, Nicola Hillgruber, Sean E. Burril, Michelle A. St. Peters, Jennifer D. Wetzel
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Prey consumption and energy transfer by marine birds in the Gulf of Alaska

We investigated prey consumption by marine birds and their contribution to cross-shelf fluxes in the northern Gulf of Alaska. We utilized data from the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database for modeling energy demand and prey consumption. We found that prey consumption by marine birds was much greater over the continental shelf than it was over the basin. Over the shelf, subsurface-foraging marin
Authors
G.L. Hunt, G.S. Drew, J. Jahncke, John F. Piatt
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

SeaLog

SeaLog is a robust data-logging application designed to collect at-sea data of marine birds and mammals. This software was developed collaboratively with the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and ABR, Inc. SeaLog is Windows 10 compatible, is highly customizable, and provides user designed maps to allow visual feedback of observations.
By
Alaska Science Center

Below are partners associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 18

ABR, Inc.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG)

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Environment Canada

Farallon Institute

Gulf Watch Alaska

Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Laboratory of Bird Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

National Park Service (NPS)

North Pacific Research Board

Point Blue Conservation Science-Point Reyes Bird Observatory

Prince William Sound Science Center

Raincoast Education Society

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. Forest Service (USFS)

University of California - Irvine (UCI)

University of Washington