Driving a seabird survey vessel off the Central California Coast

USGS scientist Emma Kelsey drives a survey vessel off the Central California Coast as part of a seabird survey.

In collaboration with California State Parks, USGS Western Ecological Research Center biologists are conducting at-sea surveys of  the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), a small endangered seabird, to estimate abundance, distribution and productivity of this important off the central California Coast.  Information regarding marbled murrelet abundance, distribution, population trends, and habitat associations is critical for risk assessment, effective management, evaluation of conservation efficacy, and ultimately, to meet Federal- and State-mandated recovery efforts for this species.