Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Seabird Die-offs in Alaska Active
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.
Return to Ecosystems >> Marine Ecosystems >> Seabirds and Forage Fish Ecology
Recent die-offs
The first large die-off occurred from spring of 2015 to spring of 2016 when about 47,000 Common Murres (Uria aalge), an abundant and important subsistence seabird species in Alaska, were discovered dying or dead on beaches and lakes across Alaska. The die-off was centered in the Gulf of Alaska but stretched all the way from southern California to the southeast Bering Sea. Total mortality was estimated to range from 0.5-1.2 million birds, marking the largest die-off of seabirds ever recorded in the Pacific Ocean.
Multiple die-off events of smaller magnitude have also occurred in Alaska since 2016, primarily in the Bering and Chukchi seas, including die-offs of Tufted (Fratercula cirrhata) and Horned (Fratercula corniculata) puffin, Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia), Crested Auklet (Aethia cristatella), Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), and a few other species. For example, in summer 2019 over 8,500 Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris) were discovered dead in the Bering and Chukchi seas.
What is USGS doing about seabird die-offs?
Researchers at the USGS Alaska Science Center have been working in collaboration with many partner agencies, non-governmental organizations, universities and rehabilitation centers to investigate seabird die-offs. We conduct surveys to investigate the distribution and magnitude of die-off events, and we examine carcasses to determine the possible cause(s) of death. We are also trying to understand the potential role of harmful algal bloom toxins and are monitoring forage fish populations to better understand the availability and quality of seabird prey. Additionally, we study the effects of the die-offs on seabird reproduction and population size.
Why do seabird die-offs occur?
Most seabird die-offs occur when birds are not able to find, catch and eat enough food to keep up with their high energetic demands. Examination of carcasses following die-offs usually indicate that most birds have died of starvation. Die-offs often occur during the winter, when it is colder and requires more food to maintain body condition, and frequently follow storms, which can push birds away from their prey and make it harder to forage. Changes in prey availability owing to overfishing or competition for prey with other bird, mammal and fish predators can also result in die-offs. Other factors that can lead to die-offs include poisoning by harmful algal bloom neurotoxins and oil spills.
Are die-offs associated with marine heatwaves?
Marine heatwaves are characterized by unusually warm water that can extend over large areas of the ocean and last for long periods of time. Seabird die-offs have occurred at the same time as marine heatwaves in the North Pacific and Bering and Chukchi seas.
What happened to seabird prey during the North Pacific marine heatwave in 2014-2016?
The North Pacific marine heatwave in 2014-2016 was the longest marine heatwave documented at the time, with high sea surface temperatures recorded through multiple winters. During this period of unusual ocean warming, the availability and quality of prey resources decreased abruptly. For example, the occurrence of key forage fish species including Pacific capelin and Pacific sand lance declined in seabird diets. By summer of 2016 the energy content of Pacific sand lance was reduced by 89% compared to 2012-2013 when waters were cooler. Lower prey availability and lower prey quality likely explain why the majority of die-off seabirds starved during 2015-2016. It also appears likely that warm ocean temperatures increased the metabolic rates of large predatory fish like Pacific cod and walleye pollock, leading to a large increase in their consumption of prey also eaten by seabirds.
From Partners
- NPS Story Map 2022: How Marine Heatwaves are Changing Ocean Ecosystems
- FWS 2021 Alaska Seabird Die-Offs (Factsheet)
- COASST/FWS 2020 Alaska Seabird Die-Offs (Blog)
- FWS 2019 Alaska Seabird Die-Offs (Factsheet)
- NPS Seabird Die-Offs (Alaska Nature and Science)
- NPS An Uncommon Die-off (Keeping a Finger on the Pulse of Coastal Birds)
News
- The Seattle Times 2019: Why are birds and seals starving in a Bearing Sea full of Fish?
-
Mongabay 2019: Mass die-offs of puffins in Alaska may be linked to climate change
-
KBBI 2018: Common murres show small signs of a comeback from Gulf of Alaska to the Bering Sea
-
The Seattle Times 2017: Warm ocean water triggered vast seabird die-off, experts say
-
USGS Science Snippet 2016: A Marine Mystery: What’s Causing Seabird Die-Offs in Alaska?
-
ADF&G 2016: Common Murre Update: Growing Awareness of Sea Bird Die-off Thanks to Citizen Reporting
-
BuzzFeed 2016: Thousands Of Dead Seabirds Found In Alaska In "Unprecedented" Die-Off
-
Alaska Public Media/ AP 2016: Seabird die-off takes twist with carcasses in Alaska lake
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Seabirds and Forage Fish Ecology
Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds
Cook Inlet Seabird and Forage Fish Study
Detecting Long-term Changes in Forage Fish Populations in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Algal Toxins and Wildlife Health
Condition of Forage Fish in Prince William Sound During the Marine Heatwave
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Data from Common Murre Die-off Surveys and Necropsies Following the North Pacific Marine Heatwave, 2015-2016
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Common Murres have all been tested for and contained harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems.
Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Common Murres have all been tested for and contained harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems.
ASC biologists John Piatt, Sarah Schoen, Gary Drew, and Brielle Heflin necropsy Common Murres recovered in Prince William Sound following the massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016.
ASC biologists John Piatt, Sarah Schoen, Gary Drew, and Brielle Heflin necropsy Common Murres recovered in Prince William Sound following the massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016.
An emaciated Common Murre lays on the laboratory table during a necropsy to determine the cause of death for a massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016.
An emaciated Common Murre lays on the laboratory table during a necropsy to determine the cause of death for a massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016.
Tufted Puffin, the species most affected by a recent seabird die-off in the Pribilof Islands, AK. Near Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Tufted Puffin, the species most affected by a recent seabird die-off in the Pribilof Islands, AK. Near Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Horned Puffin, one of the species affected by a recent seabird die-off in the Pribilof Islands, AK. Near Chisik Island in Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska
Horned Puffin, one of the species affected by a recent seabird die-off in the Pribilof Islands, AK. Near Chisik Island in Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska
A Cassin’s Auklet decomposes on the beach west of Cape Grieg following a die-off in 2015/2016. West of Cape Grieg, Alaska Peninsula.
A Cassin’s Auklet decomposes on the beach west of Cape Grieg following a die-off in 2015/2016. West of Cape Grieg, Alaska Peninsula.
A Common Murre carcass decomposes along the Alaska Peninsula following the massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016. Wide Bay, Alaska Peninsula.
A Common Murre carcass decomposes along the Alaska Peninsula following the massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016. Wide Bay, Alaska Peninsula.
A Common Murre carcass decomposes just above the high tide line along the Alaska Peninsula following the massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016. Wide Bay, Alaska Peninsula
A Common Murre carcass decomposes just above the high tide line along the Alaska Peninsula following the massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016. Wide Bay, Alaska Peninsula
Below are publications associated with this project.
Partnering in search of answers: Seabird die-offs in the Bering and Chukchi Seas
Investigation of algal toxins in a multispecies seabird die-off in the Bering and Chukchi seas
Extreme mortality and reproductive failure of common murres resulting from the northeast Pacific marine heatwave of 2014-2016
Algal toxins in Alaskan seabirds: Evaluating the role of saxitoxin and domoic acid in a large-scale die-off of Common Murres
Effects of ocean climate on the length and condition of forage fish in the Gulf of Alaska
Mortality of Tufted puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) and other alcids during an unusual mortality event in the eastern Bering Sea
Extreme reduction in nutritional value of a key forage fish during the Pacific marine heatwave of 2014–2016
Unusual foraging observations associated with seabird die-offs in Alaska
Investigation of a largescale common murre (Uria aalge) mortality event in California in 2015
Avian cholera causes marine bird mortality in the Bering Sea of Alaska
Fatal paralytic shellfish poisoning in Kittlitz's Murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris) nestlings, Alaska, USA
Biological effects of the 1997/98 ENSO in Cook Inlet, Alaska
Below are news stories associated with this project.
Below are the partners associated with this project.
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.
Return to Ecosystems >> Marine Ecosystems >> Seabirds and Forage Fish Ecology
Recent die-offs
The first large die-off occurred from spring of 2015 to spring of 2016 when about 47,000 Common Murres (Uria aalge), an abundant and important subsistence seabird species in Alaska, were discovered dying or dead on beaches and lakes across Alaska. The die-off was centered in the Gulf of Alaska but stretched all the way from southern California to the southeast Bering Sea. Total mortality was estimated to range from 0.5-1.2 million birds, marking the largest die-off of seabirds ever recorded in the Pacific Ocean.
Multiple die-off events of smaller magnitude have also occurred in Alaska since 2016, primarily in the Bering and Chukchi seas, including die-offs of Tufted (Fratercula cirrhata) and Horned (Fratercula corniculata) puffin, Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia), Crested Auklet (Aethia cristatella), Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), and a few other species. For example, in summer 2019 over 8,500 Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris) were discovered dead in the Bering and Chukchi seas.
What is USGS doing about seabird die-offs?
Researchers at the USGS Alaska Science Center have been working in collaboration with many partner agencies, non-governmental organizations, universities and rehabilitation centers to investigate seabird die-offs. We conduct surveys to investigate the distribution and magnitude of die-off events, and we examine carcasses to determine the possible cause(s) of death. We are also trying to understand the potential role of harmful algal bloom toxins and are monitoring forage fish populations to better understand the availability and quality of seabird prey. Additionally, we study the effects of the die-offs on seabird reproduction and population size.
Why do seabird die-offs occur?
Most seabird die-offs occur when birds are not able to find, catch and eat enough food to keep up with their high energetic demands. Examination of carcasses following die-offs usually indicate that most birds have died of starvation. Die-offs often occur during the winter, when it is colder and requires more food to maintain body condition, and frequently follow storms, which can push birds away from their prey and make it harder to forage. Changes in prey availability owing to overfishing or competition for prey with other bird, mammal and fish predators can also result in die-offs. Other factors that can lead to die-offs include poisoning by harmful algal bloom neurotoxins and oil spills.
Are die-offs associated with marine heatwaves?
Marine heatwaves are characterized by unusually warm water that can extend over large areas of the ocean and last for long periods of time. Seabird die-offs have occurred at the same time as marine heatwaves in the North Pacific and Bering and Chukchi seas.
What happened to seabird prey during the North Pacific marine heatwave in 2014-2016?
The North Pacific marine heatwave in 2014-2016 was the longest marine heatwave documented at the time, with high sea surface temperatures recorded through multiple winters. During this period of unusual ocean warming, the availability and quality of prey resources decreased abruptly. For example, the occurrence of key forage fish species including Pacific capelin and Pacific sand lance declined in seabird diets. By summer of 2016 the energy content of Pacific sand lance was reduced by 89% compared to 2012-2013 when waters were cooler. Lower prey availability and lower prey quality likely explain why the majority of die-off seabirds starved during 2015-2016. It also appears likely that warm ocean temperatures increased the metabolic rates of large predatory fish like Pacific cod and walleye pollock, leading to a large increase in their consumption of prey also eaten by seabirds.
From Partners
- NPS Story Map 2022: How Marine Heatwaves are Changing Ocean Ecosystems
- FWS 2021 Alaska Seabird Die-Offs (Factsheet)
- COASST/FWS 2020 Alaska Seabird Die-Offs (Blog)
- FWS 2019 Alaska Seabird Die-Offs (Factsheet)
- NPS Seabird Die-Offs (Alaska Nature and Science)
- NPS An Uncommon Die-off (Keeping a Finger on the Pulse of Coastal Birds)
News
- The Seattle Times 2019: Why are birds and seals starving in a Bearing Sea full of Fish?
-
Mongabay 2019: Mass die-offs of puffins in Alaska may be linked to climate change
-
KBBI 2018: Common murres show small signs of a comeback from Gulf of Alaska to the Bering Sea
-
The Seattle Times 2017: Warm ocean water triggered vast seabird die-off, experts say
-
USGS Science Snippet 2016: A Marine Mystery: What’s Causing Seabird Die-Offs in Alaska?
-
ADF&G 2016: Common Murre Update: Growing Awareness of Sea Bird Die-off Thanks to Citizen Reporting
-
BuzzFeed 2016: Thousands Of Dead Seabirds Found In Alaska In "Unprecedented" Die-Off
-
Alaska Public Media/ AP 2016: Seabird die-off takes twist with carcasses in Alaska lake
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Seabirds and Forage Fish Ecology
Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Alaska Seabirds
Cook Inlet Seabird and Forage Fish Study
Detecting Long-term Changes in Forage Fish Populations in Prince William Sound, Alaska
Algal Toxins and Wildlife Health
Condition of Forage Fish in Prince William Sound During the Marine Heatwave
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Data from Common Murre Die-off Surveys and Necropsies Following the North Pacific Marine Heatwave, 2015-2016
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019
Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Common Murres have all been tested for and contained harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems.
Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Common Murres have all been tested for and contained harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems.
ASC biologists John Piatt, Sarah Schoen, Gary Drew, and Brielle Heflin necropsy Common Murres recovered in Prince William Sound following the massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016.
ASC biologists John Piatt, Sarah Schoen, Gary Drew, and Brielle Heflin necropsy Common Murres recovered in Prince William Sound following the massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016.
An emaciated Common Murre lays on the laboratory table during a necropsy to determine the cause of death for a massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016.
An emaciated Common Murre lays on the laboratory table during a necropsy to determine the cause of death for a massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016.
Tufted Puffin, the species most affected by a recent seabird die-off in the Pribilof Islands, AK. Near Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Tufted Puffin, the species most affected by a recent seabird die-off in the Pribilof Islands, AK. Near Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Horned Puffin, one of the species affected by a recent seabird die-off in the Pribilof Islands, AK. Near Chisik Island in Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska
Horned Puffin, one of the species affected by a recent seabird die-off in the Pribilof Islands, AK. Near Chisik Island in Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska
A Cassin’s Auklet decomposes on the beach west of Cape Grieg following a die-off in 2015/2016. West of Cape Grieg, Alaska Peninsula.
A Cassin’s Auklet decomposes on the beach west of Cape Grieg following a die-off in 2015/2016. West of Cape Grieg, Alaska Peninsula.
A Common Murre carcass decomposes along the Alaska Peninsula following the massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016. Wide Bay, Alaska Peninsula.
A Common Murre carcass decomposes along the Alaska Peninsula following the massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016. Wide Bay, Alaska Peninsula.
A Common Murre carcass decomposes just above the high tide line along the Alaska Peninsula following the massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016. Wide Bay, Alaska Peninsula
A Common Murre carcass decomposes just above the high tide line along the Alaska Peninsula following the massive die-off of murres in 2015/2016. Wide Bay, Alaska Peninsula
Below are publications associated with this project.
Partnering in search of answers: Seabird die-offs in the Bering and Chukchi Seas
Investigation of algal toxins in a multispecies seabird die-off in the Bering and Chukchi seas
Extreme mortality and reproductive failure of common murres resulting from the northeast Pacific marine heatwave of 2014-2016
Algal toxins in Alaskan seabirds: Evaluating the role of saxitoxin and domoic acid in a large-scale die-off of Common Murres
Effects of ocean climate on the length and condition of forage fish in the Gulf of Alaska
Mortality of Tufted puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) and other alcids during an unusual mortality event in the eastern Bering Sea
Extreme reduction in nutritional value of a key forage fish during the Pacific marine heatwave of 2014–2016
Unusual foraging observations associated with seabird die-offs in Alaska
Investigation of a largescale common murre (Uria aalge) mortality event in California in 2015
Avian cholera causes marine bird mortality in the Bering Sea of Alaska
Fatal paralytic shellfish poisoning in Kittlitz's Murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris) nestlings, Alaska, USA
Biological effects of the 1997/98 ENSO in Cook Inlet, Alaska
Below are news stories associated with this project.
Below are the partners associated with this project.