Figure showing two Capella Space Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images of a walrus haulout in Russia during and after walrus occupancy. USGS has found that SAR imagery can detect walruses when they rest on shore in large numbers and is pursuing studies to understand how satellite imagery can support improved management of the Pacific walrus.
Walrus Media/Contacts Active
If you have questions about walrus research or media inquiries regarding the USGS Alaska Science Center please contact Yvette Gillies or Steven Sobieszczyk.
Return to Media/Outreach or Walrus Research
We appreciate all the interest in the USGS research on Walrus. You can find videos, news releases, USGS top stories and fact sheets on this page and under the news and publications tabs.
Walrus Video and Audio Clips
- Tracking Pacific Walrus: Expedition to the Shrinking Chukchi Sea Ice (July 2012)
- B-roll Video
-
Walrus Coastal Haulout Video B-roll (combined) - (October 2018)
- USGS Science: Walrus Haul-Out, August 2011. View of a very large haulout from the ground
- Walruses at Point Lay, September 2010. View of a very large haulout from the air
- Walrus Radio Tagging 2012, B-roll, and Reel 1A - (July, 2012)
-
Audio
- 2011 Podcast with USGS walrus researcher on changes in the ice-dominated ecosystems of the Arctic and effects on Pacific walruses. New model gives insight to the potential future of the Pacific walrus
- Audio clips from walruses hauled out on the northwest coast of Alaska
Note: These audio clips have been released into the public domain by the U.S. Geological Survey. If you wish to use any of the audio clips please credit Anthony Fischbach, USGS. public domain
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Walrus Research
Media/Outreach at the Alaska Science Center
If you have questions about upcoming events, research, or media inquiries regarding the USGS Alaska Science Center please contact Yvette Gillies.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Figure showing two Capella Space Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images of a walrus haulout in Russia during and after walrus occupancy. USGS has found that SAR imagery can detect walruses when they rest on shore in large numbers and is pursuing studies to understand how satellite imagery can support improved management of the Pacific walrus.
Figure comparing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images of Pacific walruses on a terrestrial haulout near Point Lay, Alaska, as collected by four different SAR instruments possessing different spatial resolution capabilities (Sentinel-1, Radarsat-2, TerraSAR-X, and Capella Space).
Figure comparing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images of Pacific walruses on a terrestrial haulout near Point Lay, Alaska, as collected by four different SAR instruments possessing different spatial resolution capabilities (Sentinel-1, Radarsat-2, TerraSAR-X, and Capella Space).
Indianapolis Zoo marine mammal trainers, Erika Allen and Sydney Pitts, measure a healthy female walrus in support of a USGS study that seeks to develop methods to monitor walrus body condition from survey drones flown high above walruses where they rest on shore. With this new tool, USGS intends to examine the environmental factors that affect walrus body condi
Indianapolis Zoo marine mammal trainers, Erika Allen and Sydney Pitts, measure a healthy female walrus in support of a USGS study that seeks to develop methods to monitor walrus body condition from survey drones flown high above walruses where they rest on shore. With this new tool, USGS intends to examine the environmental factors that affect walrus body condi
A group of Pacific walruses during summer in the Chukchi Sea
A group of Pacific walruses during summer in the Chukchi Sea
Pacific walruses resting in the water on the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting in the water on the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses jousting with their tusks on the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses jousting with their tusks on the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses hauled out on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses hauled out on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
USGS wildlife biologist, Anthony Fischbach, piloting an unmanned aerial system (UAS) for use in surveying walruses while they rest on shore. The UAS is flown above 300 feet altitude such that it enables survey data collection with minimal risk to the walruses.
USGS wildlife biologist, Anthony Fischbach, piloting an unmanned aerial system (UAS) for use in surveying walruses while they rest on shore. The UAS is flown above 300 feet altitude such that it enables survey data collection with minimal risk to the walruses.
A young male Pacific walrus resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
A young male Pacific walrus resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
An adult female Pacific walrus resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
An adult female Pacific walrus resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
A young male Pacific walrus moving up the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
A young male Pacific walrus moving up the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
When sea ice is absent in the Chukchi Sea region, walruses gather in large numbers along the northwestern coast of Alaska to rest on shore. USGS has worked with local communities and partners across the Bering Strait to develop methods to estimate regional abundance of walruses using these coastal haulouts and to understand the population consequences of resti
When sea ice is absent in the Chukchi Sea region, walruses gather in large numbers along the northwestern coast of Alaska to rest on shore. USGS has worked with local communities and partners across the Bering Strait to develop methods to estimate regional abundance of walruses using these coastal haulouts and to understand the population consequences of resti
More than 1,500 walruses resting on shore at Cape Grieg in southeastern Bristol Bay.
More than 1,500 walruses resting on shore at Cape Grieg in southeastern Bristol Bay.
Pacific walrus hauled out on sea ice in the Chukchi Sea.
Pacific walrus hauled out on sea ice in the Chukchi Sea.
Walruses are very social animals and like to be in constant contact with other walruses. Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-3
Walruses are very social animals and like to be in constant contact with other walruses. Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-3
Walrus bellowing while on shore in 2013 in the Eastern Chukchi Sea.
Walrus bellowing while on shore in 2013 in the Eastern Chukchi Sea.
Walruses gathered by the tens of thousands in September 2013 to rest on the shores of the Chukchi Sea near the coastal village of Point Lay, Alaska.
Walruses gathered by the tens of thousands in September 2013 to rest on the shores of the Chukchi Sea near the coastal village of Point Lay, Alaska.
Below are publications associated with Pacific walrus research.
Polar bear and walrus response to the rapid decline in Arctic sea ice
Subsurface swimming and stationary diving are metabolically cheap in adult Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)
Evaluation of satellite imagery for monitoring Pacific walruses at a large coastal haulout
Variability of lipids and fatty acids in Pacific walrus blubber
DNA metabarcoding of feces to infer summer diet of Pacific walruses
A multi-species synthesis of satellite telemetry data in the Pacific Arctic (1987–2015): Overlap of marine mammal distributions and core use areas
Demography of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) in a changing Arctic
Forecasting consequences of changing sea ice availability for Pacific walruses
Evaluation of a method using survey counts and tag data to estimate the number of Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) using a coastal haulout in northwestern Alaska
Pacific walrus coastal haulout database, 1852-2016— Background report
Below are news releases associated with Walrus Research.
- Overview
If you have questions about walrus research or media inquiries regarding the USGS Alaska Science Center please contact Yvette Gillies or Steven Sobieszczyk.
Return to Media/Outreach or Walrus Research
We appreciate all the interest in the USGS research on Walrus. You can find videos, news releases, USGS top stories and fact sheets on this page and under the news and publications tabs.
Walrus Video and Audio Clips
- Tracking Pacific Walrus: Expedition to the Shrinking Chukchi Sea Ice (July 2012)
- B-roll Video
-
Walrus Coastal Haulout Video B-roll (combined) - (October 2018)
- USGS Science: Walrus Haul-Out, August 2011. View of a very large haulout from the ground
- Walruses at Point Lay, September 2010. View of a very large haulout from the air
- Walrus Radio Tagging 2012, B-roll, and Reel 1A - (July, 2012)
-
Audio
- 2011 Podcast with USGS walrus researcher on changes in the ice-dominated ecosystems of the Arctic and effects on Pacific walruses. New model gives insight to the potential future of the Pacific walrus
- Audio clips from walruses hauled out on the northwest coast of Alaska
Note: These audio clips have been released into the public domain by the U.S. Geological Survey. If you wish to use any of the audio clips please credit Anthony Fischbach, USGS. public domain
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Walrus Research
The USGS Alaska Science Center conducts long-term research on the Pacific walrus to provide scientific information to Department of Interior management agencies and Alaska Native co-management partners. In addition, the USGS Pacific walrus research program collaborates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the State of Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game and Alaska Native co...Media/Outreach at the Alaska Science Center
If you have questions about upcoming events, research, or media inquiries regarding the USGS Alaska Science Center please contact Yvette Gillies.
- Multimedia
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 38Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images of a walrus haulout in RussiaSynthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images of a walrus haulout in RussiaFigure showing two Capella Space Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images of a walrus haulout in Russia during and after walrus occupancy. USGS has found that SAR imagery can detect walruses when they rest on shore in large numbers and is pursuing studies to understand how satellite imagery can support improved management of the Pacific walrus.
Figure showing two Capella Space Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images of a walrus haulout in Russia during and after walrus occupancy. USGS has found that SAR imagery can detect walruses when they rest on shore in large numbers and is pursuing studies to understand how satellite imagery can support improved management of the Pacific walrus.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images of Pacific walrusesSynthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images of Pacific walrusesFigure comparing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images of Pacific walruses on a terrestrial haulout near Point Lay, Alaska, as collected by four different SAR instruments possessing different spatial resolution capabilities (Sentinel-1, Radarsat-2, TerraSAR-X, and Capella Space).
Figure comparing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images of Pacific walruses on a terrestrial haulout near Point Lay, Alaska, as collected by four different SAR instruments possessing different spatial resolution capabilities (Sentinel-1, Radarsat-2, TerraSAR-X, and Capella Space).
Marine mammal trainers measure a healthy female walrusMarine mammal trainers measure a healthy female walrusIndianapolis Zoo marine mammal trainers, Erika Allen and Sydney Pitts, measure a healthy female walrus in support of a USGS study that seeks to develop methods to monitor walrus body condition from survey drones flown high above walruses where they rest on shore. With this new tool, USGS intends to examine the environmental factors that affect walrus body condi
Indianapolis Zoo marine mammal trainers, Erika Allen and Sydney Pitts, measure a healthy female walrus in support of a USGS study that seeks to develop methods to monitor walrus body condition from survey drones flown high above walruses where they rest on shore. With this new tool, USGS intends to examine the environmental factors that affect walrus body condi
Walruses resting on an ice floeA group of Pacific walruses during summer in the Chukchi Sea
A group of Pacific walruses during summer in the Chukchi Sea
Pacific walruses resting in the water, Chukchi Sea, AlaskaPacific walruses resting in the water, Chukchi Sea, AlaskaPacific walruses resting in the water on the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting in the water on the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Close up of Pacific walruses jousting with their tusks, Chukchi SeaClose up of Pacific walruses jousting with their tusks, Chukchi SeaPacific walruses jousting with their tusks on the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses jousting with their tusks on the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses hauled out on beach, AlaskaPacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Group of Pacific walruses resting on beach, Chukchi Sea, AlaskaGroup of Pacific walruses resting on beach, Chukchi Sea, AlaskaPacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting on beach, Chukchi SeaPacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses hauled out on beach, Chukchi Sea, AlaskaPacific walruses hauled out on beach, Chukchi Sea, AlaskaPacific walruses hauled out on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses hauled out on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses on beach and in water, Chukchi Sea, AlaskaPacific walruses on beach and in water, Chukchi Sea, AlaskaPacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Pacific walruses resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
USGS wildlife biologist piloting an UAS for use in walrus surveyUSGS wildlife biologist piloting an UAS for use in walrus surveyUSGS wildlife biologist, Anthony Fischbach, piloting an unmanned aerial system (UAS) for use in surveying walruses while they rest on shore. The UAS is flown above 300 feet altitude such that it enables survey data collection with minimal risk to the walruses.
USGS wildlife biologist, Anthony Fischbach, piloting an unmanned aerial system (UAS) for use in surveying walruses while they rest on shore. The UAS is flown above 300 feet altitude such that it enables survey data collection with minimal risk to the walruses.
Young male Pacific walrus resting on beach, Chukchi Sea, AlaskaYoung male Pacific walrus resting on beach, Chukchi Sea, AlaskaA young male Pacific walrus resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
A young male Pacific walrus resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Adult female Pacific walrus resting on beach, Chukchi Sea, AlaskaAdult female Pacific walrus resting on beach, Chukchi Sea, AlaskaAn adult female Pacific walrus resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
An adult female Pacific walrus resting on the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Young male Pacific walrus on beach of eastern shore of the Chukchi SeaYoung male Pacific walrus on beach of eastern shore of the Chukchi SeaA young male Pacific walrus moving up the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
A young male Pacific walrus moving up the beach of the eastern shore of the Chukchi Sea (Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-7.)
Walrus Coastal Haulout Video B-roll (combined)When sea ice is absent in the Chukchi Sea region, walruses gather in large numbers along the northwestern coast of Alaska to rest on shore. USGS has worked with local communities and partners across the Bering Strait to develop methods to estimate regional abundance of walruses using these coastal haulouts and to understand the population consequences of resti
When sea ice is absent in the Chukchi Sea region, walruses gather in large numbers along the northwestern coast of Alaska to rest on shore. USGS has worked with local communities and partners across the Bering Strait to develop methods to estimate regional abundance of walruses using these coastal haulouts and to understand the population consequences of resti
1,500 walruses resting on shoreMore than 1,500 walruses resting on shore at Cape Grieg in southeastern Bristol Bay.
More than 1,500 walruses resting on shore at Cape Grieg in southeastern Bristol Bay.
Pacific walrus hauled out on sea ice in the Chukchi SeaPacific walrus hauled out on sea ice in the Chukchi SeaPacific walrus hauled out on sea ice in the Chukchi Sea.
Pacific walrus hauled out on sea ice in the Chukchi Sea.
Walruses are very socialWalruses are very social animals and like to be in constant contact with other walruses. Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-3
Walruses are very social animals and like to be in constant contact with other walruses. Photo taken during USGS research efforts permitted under US Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. MA801652-3
Walrus bellowing while hauled out on land in the eastern Chukchi SeaWalrus bellowing while hauled out on land in the eastern Chukchi SeaWalrus bellowing while on shore in 2013 in the Eastern Chukchi Sea.
Walrus bellowing while on shore in 2013 in the Eastern Chukchi Sea.
USGS wildlife biologist working with walrusesWalruses gathered by the tens of thousands in September 2013 to rest on the shores of the Chukchi Sea near the coastal village of Point Lay, Alaska.
Walruses gathered by the tens of thousands in September 2013 to rest on the shores of the Chukchi Sea near the coastal village of Point Lay, Alaska.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with Pacific walrus research.
Polar bear and walrus response to the rapid decline in Arctic sea ice
The Arctic is warming faster than other regions of the world due to positive climate feedbacks associated with loss of snow and ice. One highly visible consequence has been a rapid decline in Arctic sea ice over the past 3 decades - a decline projected to continue and result in ice-free summers likely as soon as 2030. The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus diverAuthorsKaren L. Oakley, Mary E. Whalen, David C. Douglas, Mark S. Udevitz, Todd C. Atwood, C. JaySubsurface swimming and stationary diving are metabolically cheap in adult Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)
Walruses rely on sea-ice to efficiently forage and rest between diving bouts while maintaining proximity to prime foraging habitat. Recent declines in summer sea ice have resulted in walruses hauling out on land where they have to travel farther to access productive benthic habitat while potentially increasing energetic costs. Despite the need to better understand the impact of sea ice loss on eneAuthorsAlicia Borque-Espinosa, Karyn D. Rode, Diana Ferrero-Fernandex, Anabel Forte, Romana Capaccioni-Azzati, Andreas FahlmanEvaluation of satellite imagery for monitoring Pacific walruses at a large coastal haulout
Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) are using coastal haulouts in the Chukchi Sea more often and in larger numbers to rest between foraging bouts in late summer and autumn in recent years, because climate warming has reduced availability of sea ice that historically had provided resting platforms near their preferred benthic feeding grounds. With greater numbers of walruses hauling outAuthorsAnthony S. Fischbach, David C. DouglasVariability of lipids and fatty acids in Pacific walrus blubber
The variability of lipid content and fatty acid (FA) composition across blubber depth and body sites are important considerations for condition and diet studies of marine mammals. We investigated lipid and FA variability among inner and outer blubber layers, three body sites, four study years, and lactation status of adult female Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) using blubber samplesAuthorsChadwick V. Jay, Sara J. Iverson, Anthony S. FischbachDNA metabarcoding of feces to infer summer diet of Pacific walruses
Environmental conditions in the Chukchi Sea are changing rapidly and may alter the abundance and distribution of marine species and their benthic prey. We used a metabarcoding approach to identify potentially important prey taxa from Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) fecal samples (n = 87). Bivalvia was the most dominant class of prey (66% of all normalized counts) and occurred in 98% oAuthorsSarah A. Sonsthagen, Chadwick V. Jay, Robert S. Cornman, Anthony S. Fischbach, Jacqueline M. Grebmeier, Sandra L. TalbotA multi-species synthesis of satellite telemetry data in the Pacific Arctic (1987–2015): Overlap of marine mammal distributions and core use areas
We collated available satellite telemetry data for six species of ice-associated marine mammals in the Pacific Arctic: ringed seals (Pusa hispida; n = 118), bearded seals(Erignathus barbatus, n = 51), spotted seals (Phoca largha, n = 72), Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens, n = 389); bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus, n = 46), and five Arctic and sub-arctic stocks of beluga whales (DelAuthorsJohn J. Citta, Lloyd F. Lowry, Lori T. Quakenbush, Brendan P. Kelly, Anthony S. Fischbach, Josh M. London, Chadwick V. Jay, Kathryn J. Frost, Gregory O'Corry Crowe, Justin A. Crawford, Peter L. Boveng, Michael Cameron, Andrew L. Von Duyke, Mark Nelson, Lois A. Harwood, Pierre Richard, Robert Suydam, Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen, Roderick C. Hobbs, Dennis I. Litovka, Marianne Marcoux, Alex Whiting, Amy S. Kennedy, John C. George, Jack Orr, Tom GrayDemography of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) in a changing Arctic
The Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) is a candidate to be listed as an endangered species under United States law, in part, because of climate change‐related concerns. While the population was known to be declining in the 1980s and 1990s, its recent status has not been determined. We developed Bayesian models of walrus population dynamics to assess the population by synthesizing informAuthorsRebecca L. Taylor, Mark S. Udevitz, Chadwick V. Jay, John J. Citta, Lori T. Quakenbush, Patrick R. Lemons, Jonathan A. SnyderForecasting consequences of changing sea ice availability for Pacific walruses
The accelerating rate of anthropogenic alteration and disturbance of environments has increased the need for forecasting effects of environmental change on fish and wildlife populations. Models linking projections of environmental change with behavioral responses and bioenergetic effects can provide a basis for these forecasts. There is particular interest in forecasting effects of projected reducAuthorsMark S. Udevitz, Chadwick V. Jay, Rebecca L. Taylor, Anthony S. Fischbach, William S. Beatty, Shawn R. NorenEvaluation of a method using survey counts and tag data to estimate the number of Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) using a coastal haulout in northwestern Alaska
Increased periods of sparse sea ice over the continental shelf of the Chukchi Sea in late summer have reduced offshore haulout habitat for Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) and increased opportunities for human activities in the region. Knowing how many walruses could be affected by human activities would be useful to conservation decisions. Currently, there are no adequate estimatesAuthorsBrian Battaile, Chadwick V. Jay, Mark S. Udevitz, Anthony S. FischbachPacific walrus coastal haulout database, 1852-2016— Background report
Walruses are large benthic predators that rest out of water between foraging bouts. Coastal “haulouts” (places where walruses rest) are formed by adult males in summer and sometimes by females and young when sea ice is absent, and are often used repeatedly across seasons and years. Understanding the geography and historical use of haulouts provides a context for conservation efforts. We summarizeAuthorsAnthony S. Fischbach, Anatoly A. Kochnev, Joel L. Garlich-Miller, Chadwick V. Jay - News
Below are news releases associated with Walrus Research.