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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: 3111

History and effects of hatchery salmon in the Pacific History and effects of hatchery salmon in the Pacific

There has been a long history of production of hatchery salmon along the Pacific coast - from California’s first efforts in the 1870s using eggs from chinook and rainbow trout to the recent large-scale production hatcheries for pink salmon in Japan and the Russian Far East. The rationale for this production has also varied from replacement of fish lost in commercial ocean harvests to...
Authors
Jennifer L. Nielsen

Studying sea otter foraging ecology: A review of some methodological approaches Studying sea otter foraging ecology: A review of some methodological approaches

The study of foraging ecology plays a central role in our understanding of animal populations and natural communities, and can also provide information necessary for the effective conservation of rare or endangered species. Sea otter researchers are interested in foraging ecology for many different reasons, but for heuristic purposes we identify three general types of research questions...
Authors
M. T. Tinker, J. A. Estes, James L. Bodkin, M. M. Staedler, Daniel H. Monson

Ecological overview of Kenai Fjords National Park Ecological overview of Kenai Fjords National Park

The major drivers of Kenai Fjords ecosystems are tectonics and climate. In this overview, we describe how these forces have contributed to the shaping of the lands and ecosystems of Kenai Fjords. Physically, the park is comprised of several distinct components, set within a broader ecophysical framework that includes the Kenai Peninsula and coastal marine waters and islands. Squeezed...
Authors
Page Spencer, Gail V. Irvine

Status of sea otter populations in southcentral and southeast Alaska, 2002-2003 Status of sea otter populations in southcentral and southeast Alaska, 2002-2003

During the years 2002-2004 estimated sea otter population sizes were calculated for Southeast Alaska, Prince William Sound, and the Kenai Peninsula and Cook Inlet regions of Alaska. Aerial surveys were conducted by a single observer from a float-equipped Bellanca Scout fixed-wing aircraft flying at 91 m altitude and 65 mph. The surveys followed protocols written by Bodkin and Udevitz...
Authors
James L. Bodkin

Population demographics, survival, and reporduction: Alaska sea otter research Population demographics, survival, and reporduction: Alaska sea otter research

The fundamental force behind population change is the balance between age-specific survival and reproductive rates. Thus, understanding population demographics is crucial when trying to interpret trends in population change over time. For many species, demographic rates change as the population’s status (i.e., relative to prey resources) varies. Indices of body condition indicative of...
Authors
Daniel H. Monson, James L. Bodkin, D.F. Doak, James A. Estes, M. T. Tinker, D.B. Siniff

Additions to the avifauna of St Matthew Island, Bering Sea Additions to the avifauna of St Matthew Island, Bering Sea

St. Matthew Island (60°24' N, 172°42' W) is located in the north-central Bering Sea and is renowned for its distinctive Beringian flora and fauna. Because of its central position between the coasts of Russia and Alaska, St. Matthew Island and its nearby satellites, Hall and Pinnacle islands, support a mixture of Palearctic and Nearctic avifaunas. Of special interest to North American
Authors
James A. Johnson, Steven M. Matsuoka, Daniel R. Ruthrauff, Michael A. Litzow, Maksim N. Dementyev

Recommendations for the use of mist nets for inventory and monitoring of bird populations Recommendations for the use of mist nets for inventory and monitoring of bird populations

We provide recommendations on the best practices for mist netting for the purposes of monitoring population parameters such as abundance and demography. Studies should be carefully thought out before nets are set up, to ensure that sampling design and estimated sample size will allow study objectives to be met. Station location, number of nets, type of nets, net placement, and schedule...
Authors
C. John Ralph, Erica H. Dunn, Will J. Peach, Colleen M. Handel

Small boats disturb fish-holding marbled murrelets Small boats disturb fish-holding marbled murrelets

Disturbance of seabirds by people at nesting colonies can reduce reproductive success and alter population demographics (Vermeer and Rankin 1984). In response to disturbance, adult seabirds may increase the incidence of alarm postures and alarm calling (Burger and Gochfeld 1993), increase heart and breathing rates (Culik and others 1990; Wilson and others 1991), reduce attendance of nest...
Authors
Suzann G. Speckman, John F. Piatt, Alan M. Springer

Renewed unrest at Mount Spurr Volcano, Alaska Renewed unrest at Mount Spurr Volcano, Alaska

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO),a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, has detected unrest at Mount Spurr volcano, located about 125 km west of Anchorage, Alaska, at the northeast end of the Aleutian volcanic arc. This activity consists of increased...
Authors
John A. Power
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