A scenic of Cabin Bay on Naked Island in Prince William Sound
Condition of Forage Fish in Prince William Sound During the Marine Heatwave Active
By Alaska Science Center
August 25, 2019
Changes in the body condition of a key forage fish species, Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus), are examined to understand how energy transfer to predators may have been disrupted during the recent marine heatwave in the North Pacific (late 2013 to mid 2016).
Return to Ecosystems >> Fish and Aquatic Ecology
Warmer temperatures can disrupt energy transfer through forage fish by raising metabolic costs and shifting the base of the food web toward lower-lipid zooplankton species. Sand lance were collected across five years that ranged in temperature from cool (summers 2012-2013) to extremely warm (summers 2014-2016) in Prince William Sound, Alaska, during July at the annual peak of lipid content. Length, energy density (kJ g-1 dry mass), and total body energy (kJ) are being measured in age-0 and age-1 sand lance. A shift in sand lance body condition may link warming water conditions with predator responses to the heatwave including seabird breeding failures and the 2015-16 die-off of starving common murres (Uria aalge). This work is part of the Gulf Watch Alaska Monitoring Program of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Fish and Aquatic Ecology
Fish and aquatic habitats in Alaska support important commercial, sport, and subsistence fisheries and provide forage fish that support wildlife populations. The USGS Alaska Science Center conducts interdisciplinary research to inform local, state, federal, and international policy makers regarding conservation of fish, aquatic species, and their habitats. We work collaboratively with hydrologists...
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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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Beginning in 2015, large numbers of dead seabirds have been appearing on beaches in most marine areas of Alaska. Although seabird die-offs are known to occur sporadically (e.g. 1970, 1989, 1993, 1997/1998, and 2004) in Alaska, these recent die-offs have been distinguished from past events by their increased frequency, duration, geographic extent, and number of different species involved.
Condition of Forage Fish in Prince William Sound During the Marine Heatwave
Changes in the body condition of a key forage fish species, Pacific sand lance ( Ammodytes personatus ), are examined to understand how energy transfer to predators may have been disrupted during the recent marine heatwave in the North Pacific (late 2013 to mid 2016).
Winter Habitat of Juvenile Dolly Varden in the Canning River
In the Arctic, rivers often freeze all the way to the bottom each winter leaving fish with limited habitat where they can survive.
Arctic Lake Food Webs
From 2011 to 2013 we investigated freshwater food webs of Arctic Coastal Plain lakes in Alaska to improve our understanding how Arctic freshwater food webs may respond to landscape change the warmer, drier future.
Ecosystem Shifts in Arctic Seas
In addition to the direct effects of sea ice loss on walrus ( Odobenus rosmarus divergens ) and polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) that use ice as a platform, the decline of Arctic sea ice is predicted to promote a fundamental ecosystem shift from benthic animals that forage on the sea floor to pelagic animals that forage near the sea surface.
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High latitude ecosystems are among the most vulnerable to long-term climate change, yet continuous, multidecadal indicators by which to gauge effects on biology are scarce, especially in freshwater environments.
Primary Production Sources and Bottom-up Limitations in Nearshore Ecosystems
Kelp forests are among the world’s most productive habitats, but recent evidence suggests that production is highly variable.
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Permafrost thaw is leading to a myriad of changes in physical and chemical conditions throughout the Arctic.
Effect of Elodea spp. on Fish Performance Mediated Through Food Web Interactions
The potential for invasive species introductions in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems is growing as climate change manifests and human activity increases in high latitudes.
Sockeye Salmon Migrating at the Northern Edge of Their Distribution
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Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Cabin Bay on Naked Island in Prince William Sound
A scenic of Cabin Bay on Naked Island in Prince William Sound
Schools of Pacific sand lance in Cabin Bay, Prince William Sound
Schools (shadows along the shore) of Pacific sand lance in Cabin Bay, Prince William Sound
Schools (shadows along the shore) of Pacific sand lance in Cabin Bay, Prince William Sound
Black-legged Kittiwakes foraging on Pacific sand lance
Black-legged Kittiwakes foraging on Pacific sand lance
Black-legged Kittiwakes foraging on Pacific sand lance
Black-legged Kittiwake captured 2 Pacific sand lance
Black-legged Kittiwake captured 2 Pacific sand lance.
Black-legged Kittiwake captured 2 Pacific sand lance.
Black-legged Kittiwake foraging on Pacific sand lance
Black-legged Kittiwakes foraging on Pacific sand lance.
Black-legged Kittiwakes foraging on Pacific sand lance.
Pacific sand lance from a purse seine in Prince William Sound
Pacific sand lance in a sieve that were captured in a small purse seine in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Pacific sand lance in a sieve that were captured in a small purse seine in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Biologists pulling in a small purse seine in Prince William Sound
Sarah Schoen, Erica Madison, and Mayumi Arimitsu pulling in a small purse seine to capture Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound.
Sarah Schoen, Erica Madison, and Mayumi Arimitsu pulling in a small purse seine to capture Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound.
Setting a small purse seine in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Setting a small purse seine to catch Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Setting a small purse seine to catch Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Close-up of a small purse seine set in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Closer view of setting a small purse seine to catch Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Closer view of setting a small purse seine to catch Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Scenic Prince William Sound, Alaska
A scenic view of the mountains and the ocean in Prince William Sound
A scenic view of the mountains and the ocean in Prince William Sound
Beautiful Prince William Sound, Alaska
A scenic view of the sea and the mountains in Prince William Sound
A scenic view of the sea and the mountains in Prince William Sound
Age 1 and 0 Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Two different age classes of sand lance showing length differences and condition between fish in an age class.
Two different age classes of sand lance showing length differences and condition between fish in an age class.
Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound next to a ruler
Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound next to a ruler
Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound next to a ruler
A Pacific sand lance, Pacific herrring and a capelin
A Pacific sand lance, Pacific herrring and a capelin in Prince William Sound, Alaska
A Pacific sand lance, Pacific herrring and a capelin in Prince William Sound, Alaska
A catch of Pacific sandlance, capelin and other forage fish
A catch of Pacific sandlance, capelin and other forage fish
A catch of Pacific sandlance, capelin and other forage fish
- Overview
Changes in the body condition of a key forage fish species, Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus), are examined to understand how energy transfer to predators may have been disrupted during the recent marine heatwave in the North Pacific (late 2013 to mid 2016).
Return to Ecosystems >> Fish and Aquatic Ecology
Warmer temperatures can disrupt energy transfer through forage fish by raising metabolic costs and shifting the base of the food web toward lower-lipid zooplankton species. Sand lance were collected across five years that ranged in temperature from cool (summers 2012-2013) to extremely warm (summers 2014-2016) in Prince William Sound, Alaska, during July at the annual peak of lipid content. Length, energy density (kJ g-1 dry mass), and total body energy (kJ) are being measured in age-0 and age-1 sand lance. A shift in sand lance body condition may link warming water conditions with predator responses to the heatwave including seabird breeding failures and the 2015-16 die-off of starving common murres (Uria aalge). This work is part of the Gulf Watch Alaska Monitoring Program of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsPacific sand lance in a colander that were captured in a small purse seine in Prince William Sound, Alaska.(Credit: Sarah Schoen, USGS. Public domain.)
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details2 Black-legged Kittiwakes, one captured 2 Pacific sand lance.(Credit: Sarah Schoen, USGS. Public domain.)
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsCloser view of setting a small purse seine to catch Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound, Alaska.(Credit: Mayumi Arimitsu, USGS. Public domain.) - Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Fish and Aquatic Ecology
Fish and aquatic habitats in Alaska support important commercial, sport, and subsistence fisheries and provide forage fish that support wildlife populations. The USGS Alaska Science Center conducts interdisciplinary research to inform local, state, federal, and international policy makers regarding conservation of fish, aquatic species, and their habitats. We work collaboratively with hydrologists...Filter Total Items: 13Assessing heat stress in migrating Yukon River Chinook Salmon
We will examine evidence of heat stress in Yukon River Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) using heat shock proteins and gene expression.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...Seabird Die-offs in Alaska
Beginning in 2015, large numbers of dead seabirds have been appearing on beaches in most marine areas of Alaska. Although seabird die-offs are known to occur sporadically (e.g. 1970, 1989, 1993, 1997/1998, and 2004) in Alaska, these recent die-offs have been distinguished from past events by their increased frequency, duration, geographic extent, and number of different species involved.Condition of Forage Fish in Prince William Sound During the Marine Heatwave
Changes in the body condition of a key forage fish species, Pacific sand lance ( Ammodytes personatus ), are examined to understand how energy transfer to predators may have been disrupted during the recent marine heatwave in the North Pacific (late 2013 to mid 2016).Winter Habitat of Juvenile Dolly Varden in the Canning River
In the Arctic, rivers often freeze all the way to the bottom each winter leaving fish with limited habitat where they can survive.Arctic Lake Food Webs
From 2011 to 2013 we investigated freshwater food webs of Arctic Coastal Plain lakes in Alaska to improve our understanding how Arctic freshwater food webs may respond to landscape change the warmer, drier future.Ecosystem Shifts in Arctic Seas
In addition to the direct effects of sea ice loss on walrus ( Odobenus rosmarus divergens ) and polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) that use ice as a platform, the decline of Arctic sea ice is predicted to promote a fundamental ecosystem shift from benthic animals that forage on the sea floor to pelagic animals that forage near the sea surface.Lake Trout Biochronologies as Long-term Climate and Productivity Indicators in Alaska Lake Ecosystems
High latitude ecosystems are among the most vulnerable to long-term climate change, yet continuous, multidecadal indicators by which to gauge effects on biology are scarce, especially in freshwater environments.Primary Production Sources and Bottom-up Limitations in Nearshore Ecosystems
Kelp forests are among the world’s most productive habitats, but recent evidence suggests that production is highly variable.Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Ecology
Permafrost thaw is leading to a myriad of changes in physical and chemical conditions throughout the Arctic.Effect of Elodea spp. on Fish Performance Mediated Through Food Web Interactions
The potential for invasive species introductions in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems is growing as climate change manifests and human activity increases in high latitudes.Sockeye Salmon Migrating at the Northern Edge of Their Distribution
The physiological challenge for anadromous fish to migrate upriver to spawn and complete their life cycle is influenced by river temperature. - Multimedia
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Cabin Bay on Naked Island in Prince William SoundA scenic of Cabin Bay on Naked Island in Prince William Sound
A scenic of Cabin Bay on Naked Island in Prince William Sound
Schools of Pacific sand lance in Cabin Bay, Prince William SoundSchools (shadows along the shore) of Pacific sand lance in Cabin Bay, Prince William Sound
Schools (shadows along the shore) of Pacific sand lance in Cabin Bay, Prince William Sound
Black-legged Kittiwakes foraging on Pacific sand lanceBlack-legged Kittiwakes foraging on Pacific sand lance
Black-legged Kittiwakes foraging on Pacific sand lance
Black-legged Kittiwake captured 2 Pacific sand lanceBlack-legged Kittiwake captured 2 Pacific sand lance.
Black-legged Kittiwake captured 2 Pacific sand lance.
Black-legged Kittiwake foraging on Pacific sand lanceBlack-legged Kittiwakes foraging on Pacific sand lance.
Black-legged Kittiwakes foraging on Pacific sand lance.
Pacific sand lance from a purse seine in Prince William SoundPacific sand lance in a sieve that were captured in a small purse seine in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Pacific sand lance in a sieve that were captured in a small purse seine in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Biologists pulling in a small purse seine in Prince William SoundSarah Schoen, Erica Madison, and Mayumi Arimitsu pulling in a small purse seine to capture Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound.
Sarah Schoen, Erica Madison, and Mayumi Arimitsu pulling in a small purse seine to capture Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound.
Setting a small purse seine in Prince William Sound, AlaskaSetting a small purse seine to catch Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Setting a small purse seine to catch Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Close-up of a small purse seine set in Prince William Sound, AlaskaCloser view of setting a small purse seine to catch Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Closer view of setting a small purse seine to catch Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Scenic Prince William Sound, AlaskaA scenic view of the mountains and the ocean in Prince William Sound
A scenic view of the mountains and the ocean in Prince William Sound
Beautiful Prince William Sound, AlaskaA scenic view of the sea and the mountains in Prince William Sound
A scenic view of the sea and the mountains in Prince William Sound
Age 1 and 0 Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound, AlaskaTwo different age classes of sand lance showing length differences and condition between fish in an age class.
Two different age classes of sand lance showing length differences and condition between fish in an age class.
Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound next to a rulerPacific sand lance in Prince William Sound next to a ruler
Pacific sand lance in Prince William Sound next to a ruler
A Pacific sand lance, Pacific herrring and a capelinA Pacific sand lance, Pacific herrring and a capelin in Prince William Sound, Alaska
A Pacific sand lance, Pacific herrring and a capelin in Prince William Sound, Alaska
A catch of Pacific sandlance, capelin and other forage fishA catch of Pacific sandlance, capelin and other forage fish
A catch of Pacific sandlance, capelin and other forage fish
- Publications