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Publications

USGS research activities relevant to Alaska have yielded more than 9400 historical publications. This page features some of the most recent newsworthy research findings.

Filter Total Items: 3079

Examining the utility of bulk otolith δ13C to describe diet in wild-caught black rockfish Sebastes melanops Examining the utility of bulk otolith δ13C to describe diet in wild-caught black rockfish Sebastes melanops

Otolith carbon isotope δ13C values may provide temporally resolved diet proxies in fish. If otolith δ13C values reflect diet, isotope values from recent otolith and muscle tissue should correlate and known ontogenetic diet shifts should be reflected in comparisons between otolith material deposited during different life history stages. We analyzed paired otolith and muscle samples for...
Authors
Vanessa R. von Biela, Seth D. Newsome, Christian E. Zimmerman

The conservation of sea otters: a prelude The conservation of sea otters: a prelude

The story of sea otters over the past 275 years chronicles their decline to near extinction and the roads to recovery that cross various conflicts, and in the end provides lessons that will aid the conservation of other threatened species and compromised ecosystems. Sea otters inspire strong human emotions ranging from adoration to disdain. They are protected internationally, federally...
Authors
James L. Bodkin, Shawn E. Larson

Projected changes in diverse ecosystems from climate warming and biophysical drivers in northwest Alaska Projected changes in diverse ecosystems from climate warming and biophysical drivers in northwest Alaska

Climate warming affects arctic and boreal ecosystems by interacting with numerous biophysical factors across heterogeneous landscapes. To assess potential effects of warming on diverse local-scale ecosystems (ecotypes) across northwest Alaska, we compiled data on historical areal changes over the last 25–50 years. Based on historical rates of change relative to time and temperature, we...
Authors
Mark Torre Jorgenson, Bruce G. Marcot, David K. Swanson, Janet C. Jorgenson, Anthony R. DeGange

Predicting effects of environmental change on a migratory herbivore Predicting effects of environmental change on a migratory herbivore

Changes in climate, food abundance and disturbance from humans threaten the ability of species to successfully use stopover sites and migrate between non‐breeding and breeding areas. To devise successful conservation strategies for migratory species we need to be able to predict how such changes will affect both individuals and populations. Such predictions should ideally be process...
Authors
R. A. Stillman, K. A. Wood, Whelan Gilkerson, E. Elkinton, J. M. Black, David H. Ward, M. Petrie

Monitoring digestibility of forages for herbivores: a new application for an old approach Monitoring digestibility of forages for herbivores: a new application for an old approach

Ruminant populations are often limited by how well individuals are able to acquire nutrients for growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Nutrient supply to the animal is dictated by the concentration of nutrients in feeds and the efficiency of digesting those nutrients (i.e., digestibility). Many different methods have been used to measure digestibility of forages for wild herbivores, all...
Authors
Lindsey L. Vansomeren, Perry S. Barboza, Daniel P. Thompson, David D. Gustine

Strontium isotopes in otoliths of a non-migratory fish (slimy sculpin): Implications for provenance studies Strontium isotopes in otoliths of a non-migratory fish (slimy sculpin): Implications for provenance studies

Heterogeneity in 87Sr/86Sr ratios of river-dissolved strontium (Sr) across geologically diverse environments provides a useful tool for investigating provenance, connectivity and movement patterns of various organisms and materials. Evaluation of site-specific 87Sr/86Sr temporal variability throughout study regions is a prerequisite for provenance research, but the dynamics driving...
Authors
Sean R. Brennan, Diego P. Fernandez, Christian E. Zimmerman, Thure E. Cerling, Randy J. Brown, Matthew J. Wooller

Northwest Northwest

Key Messages 1. Changes in the timing of streamflow related to changing snowmelt are already observed and will continue, reducing the supply of water for many competing demands and causing far-reaching ecological and socioeconomic consequences. 2. In the coastal zone, the effects of sea level rise, erosion, inundation, threats to infrastructure and habitat, and increasing ocean acidity
Authors
Philip W. Mote, Amy K. Snover, Susan M. Capalbo, Sanford D. Eigenbrode, Patricia Glick, Jeremy S. Littell, Richard Raymondi, Spencer Reeder

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)

No abstract available
Authors
T. Lee Tibbitts, William Moskoff

Effects of capturing and collaring on polar bears: findings from long-term research on the southern Beaufort Sea population Effects of capturing and collaring on polar bears: findings from long-term research on the southern Beaufort Sea population

Context: The potential for research methods to affect wildlife is an increasing concern among both scientists and the public. This topic has a particular urgency for polar bears because additional research is needed to monitor and understand population responses to rapid loss of sea ice habitat. Aims: This study used data collected from polar bears sampled in the Alaska portion of the...
Authors
Karyn D. Rode, Anthony M. Pagano, Jeffrey F. Bromaghin, Todd C. Atwood, George M. Durner, Kristin S. Simac, Steven C. Amstrup

Identifying polar bear resource selection patterns to inform offshore development in a dynamic and changing Arctic Identifying polar bear resource selection patterns to inform offshore development in a dynamic and changing Arctic

Although sea ice loss is the primary threat to polar bears (Ursus maritimus), little can be done to mitigate its effects without global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Other factors, however, could exacerbate the impacts of sea ice loss on polar bears, such as exposure to increased industrial activity. The Arctic Ocean has enormous oil and gas potential, and its development...
Authors
Ryan H. Wilson, Jon S. Horne, Karyn D. Rode, Eric V. Regehr, George M. Durner

Establishing a baseline for regional scale monitoring of eelgrass (Zostera marina) habitat on the lower Alaska Peninsula Establishing a baseline for regional scale monitoring of eelgrass (Zostera marina) habitat on the lower Alaska Peninsula

Seagrass meadows, one of the world’s most widespread and productive ecosystems, provide a wide range of services with real economic value. Worldwide declines in the distribution and abundance of seagrasses and increased threats to coastal ecosystems from climate change have prompted a need to acquire baseline data for monitoring and protecting these important habitats. We assessed the...
Authors
Kyle R. Hogrefe, David H. Ward, Tyrone F. Donnelly, Niels Dau
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