Agüero, M. L., P. G. Borboroglu, and D. Esler. 2014. Trophic ecology of breeding white-headed steamerduck (Tachyeres leucocephalus). Waterbirds 37:88-93.
Daniel Esler, Ph.D.
Wildlife ecology and conservation, nearshore marine systems, population biology and demography, population structure and delineation, habitat associations, foraging and trophic interactions, energetics, ecotoxicology.
Biography
Education
Ph.D. 2000 Oregon State University Wildlife Science
M.S. 1988 Texas A&M University Wildlife Ecology
B.S. 1985 Northland College Biology/Outdoor Education
Professional Experience
2013 - Present Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS Alaska Science Center
2001 - 2013 Research Scientist, Centre for Wildlife Ecology, Simon Fraser University, Delta, British Columbia
1990 - 2001 Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS/US Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Biological Science Center/Alaska Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Anchorage, Alaska
1989 - 1990 Biological Technician, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Anchorage, Alaska
1989 Wildlife Technician, Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, Okeechobee, Florida
Professional Activities and/or Memberships
Affiliate Faculty - University of Alaska Fairbanks, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Adjunct Professor – Simon Fraser University
Board of Directors – Pacific Wildlife Foundation
The Wildlife Society
Pacific Seabird Group
Science and Products
Date published: April 24, 2018
Status: Active Ecosystem Shifts in Arctic Seas
In addition to the direct effects of sea ice loss on walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) that use ice as a platform, the decline of Arctic sea ice is predicted to promote a fundamental ecosystem shift from benthic animals that forage on the sea floor to pelagic animals that forage near the sea surface.
Contacts: Vanessa von Biela, Ph.D., David Douglas, Daniel Esler, Ph.D., Chadwick V Jay, Ph.D., Christian E Zimmerman, Ph.D., Bryan Black, Kenneth Dutton
Date published: July 13, 2017
Status: Active Nearshore Marine Ecosystem Research
Nearshore ecosystems include many resources that are of high ecological, recreational, subsistence, and economic value. They also are subject to influences from a wide variety of natural and human-caused perturbations, which can originate in terrestrial or oceanic environments. Our research is designed to evaluate sources of variation in the nearshore and how they influence resources of high...
Year Published: 2018
Timelines and mechanisms of wildlife population recovery following the Exxon Valdez oil spill
Research and monitoring activities over the 28 years since the T/V Exxon Valdez ran aground and spilled oil into Prince William Sound, Alaska have led to an improved understanding of how wildlife populations were damaged, as well as the mechanisms and timelines of recovery. A key finding was that for some species, such as harlequin ducks...
Esler, Daniel N.; Ballachey, Brenda E.; Matkin, Craig O.; Cushing, Daniel; Kaler, Robert; Bodkin, James L.; Monson, Daniel; Esslinger, George G.; Kloecker, Kimberly A.Attribution: Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America
View Citation
Esler, D., Ballachey, B.E., Matkin, C., Cushing, D., Kaler, R., Bodkin, J., Monson, D., Esslinger, G., and Kloecker, K. 2017 .Timelines and mechanisms of wildlife population recovery following the Exxon Valdez oil spill: Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography. vol. , no. , p. . doi: 10.1016/j.dsr2.2017.04.007
Year Published: 2017
Attaching transmitters to waterbirds using one versus two subcutaneous anchors: Retention and survival trade-offs
A major challenge of wildlife telemetry is choosing an attachment technique that maximizes transmitter retention while minimizing negative side effects. For waterbirds, attachment of transmitters with subcutaneous anchors has been an effective and well-established technique, having been used on >40 species. This method was recently modified to...
Lewis, Tyler; Esler, Daniel N.; Uher-Koch, Brian D.; Dickson, Rian D.; Anderson, Eric M.; Evenson, Joseph R.; Hupp, Jerry W.; Flint, Paul L.
Year Published: 2017
Variation in abundance of Pacific Blue Mussel (Mytilus trossulus) in the Northern Gulf of Alaska, 2006–2015
Mussels are conspicuous and ecologically important components of nearshore marine communities around the globe. Pacific blue mussels (Mytilus trossulus) are common residents of intertidal habitats in protected waters of the North Pacific, serving as a conduit of primary production to a wide range of nearshore consumers including predatory...
Bodkin, James L.; Coletti, Heather A.; Ballachey, Brenda E.; Monson, Daniel; Esler, Daniel N.; Dean, Thomas A.Attribution: Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America
View Citation
Bodkin, J.L., Coletti, H.A., Ballachey, B.E., Monson, D.H., Esler, D., and Dean, T.A. 2017. Variation in abundance of Pacific Blue Mussel (Mytilus trossulus) in the Northern Gulf of Alaska, 2006–2015: Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography. vol. no. p. . doi: 10.1016/j.dsr2.2017.04.008
Year Published: 2017
Gene transcription patterns in response to low level petroleum contaminants in Mytilus trossulus from field sites and harbors in southcentral Alaska
The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill damaged a wide range of natural resources, including intertidal communities, and post-spill studies demonstrated acute and chronic exposure and injury to an array of species. Standard toxicological methods to evaluate petroleum contaminants have assessed tissue burdens, with fewer assays providing...
Bowen, Lizabeth; Miles, A. Keith; Ballachey, Brenda E.; Waters, Shannon C.; Bodkin, James L.; Lindeberg, Mandy; Esler, Daniel N.Attribution: Environmental Health, Western Ecological Research Center, Environmental Health, Ecosystems, , Energy & Wildlife, Alaska, United States of America
View Citation
Bowen, L, AK Miles, B Ballachey, S Waters, J Bodkin, M Lindeberg, D Esler. 2017. Gene transcription patterns in response to low level petroleum contaminants in Mytilus trossulus from field sites and harbors in southcentral Alaska. Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography. doi: 10.1016/j.dsr2.2017.08.007
Year Published: 2017
Cessation of oil exposure in harlequin ducks after the Exxon Valdez oil spill: Cytochrome P4501A biomarker evidence
The authors quantified hepatic hydrocarbon-inducible cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) expression, as ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, in wintering harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) captured in Prince William Sound, Alaska (USA), during 2011, 2013, and 2014 (22–25 yr following the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill). Average EROD activity...
Esler, Daniel N.; Ballachey, Brenda E.; Bowen, Lizabeth; Miles, A. Keith; Dickson, Rian D.; Henderson, John D.Attribution: Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America
View Citation
Esler, D., Ballachey, B.E., Bowen, L., Miles, A.K., Dickson, R.D., and Henderson, J.D., 2016, Cessation of oil exposure in harlequin ducks after the Exxon Valdez oil spill: Cytochrome P4501A biomarker evidence: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, vol. 36, no. 5, p. 1294-1300. doi: 10.1002/etc.3659
Year Published: 2017
Spatial variation in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure in Barrow's goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) in coastal British Columbia
Barrow's goldeneyes are sea ducks that winter throughout coastal British Columbia (BC). Their diet consists primarily of intertidal blue mussels, which can accumulate PAHs; accordingly, goldeneyes may be susceptible to exposure through contaminated prey. In 2014/15, we examined total PAH concentrations in mussels from undeveloped and developed...
Willie, Megan; Esler, Daniel N.; Boyd, W. Sean; Molloy, Philip; Ydenberg, Ronald C.View Citation
Willie, M., Esler, D., Boyd, W.S., Molloy, P., and Ydenberg, P.C., 2017, Spatial variation in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure in Barrow's goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) in coastal British Columbia: Marine Pollution Bulletin, vol. 118, no. 1-2, p. 167-179. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.010
Year Published: 2016
Interacting effects of latitude, mass, age, and sex on winter survival of Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata): Implications for differential migration
We quantified variation in winter survival of Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata (L., 1758)) across nearly 30° of latitude on the Pacific coast of North America to evaluate potential effects on winter distributions, including observed differential distributions of age and sex classes. We monitored fates of 297 radio-marked Surf Scoters at...
Uher-Koch, Brian D.; Esler, Daniel N.; Iverson, Samuel A.; Ward, David H.; Boyd, Sean; Kirk, Molly; Lewis, Tyler L.; VanStratt, Corey S.; Brodhead, Katherine M.; Hupp, Jerry W.; Schmutz, Joel A.View Citation
Uher-Koch, B.D., D. Esler, S.A. Iverson, D.H. Ward, W.S. Boyd, M. Kirk, T.L. Lewis, C.S. VanStratt, K.M. Brodhead, J.W. Hupp, and J.A. Schmutz. 2016. Interacting effects of latitude, mass, age, and sex on winter survival of Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata): implications for differential migration. Canadian Journal of Zoology 94: 233-241. doi: 10.1139/cjz-2015-0107
Year Published: 2015
Spatial and temporal variation in marine birds in the north Gulf of Alaska: The value of marine bird monitoring within Gulf Watch Alaska
Birds offer useful insights into marine ecosystems. Marine birds are responsive to spatial and temporal variation in the environment, that often originates with fluctuations in oceanographic and climatic drivers and permeates up through food webs to conspicuous top predators such as seabirds (Coyle and Pinchuk 2005, Speckman et al. 2005, Gonzales-...
Kuletz, Kathy J.; Esler, Daniel N.View Citation
Kuletz, K. and Esler, D., 2016, Spatial and temporal variation in marine birds in the north Gulf of Alaska: The value of marine bird monitoring as part of Gulf Watch Alaska: p. 3-47 to 3-52 in: Quantifying temporal and spatial variability across the northern Gulf of Alaska to understand mechanisms of change. Gulf Watch Alaska Synthesis Report to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council, Projects 14120114 and 14120120.
Year Published: 2015
Long-term monitoring program: Evaluating chronic exposure of harlequin ducks and sea otters to lingering Exxon Valdez Oil in Western Prince William Sound
We found that average cytochrome P4501A induction (as measured by EROD activity) during March 2014 was not elevated in wintering harlequin ducks captured in areas of Prince William Sound oiled by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, relative to those captured in unoiled areas. This result is consistent with findings from March 2013. We interpret these...
Esler, Daniel N.; Bowen, Lizabeth; Miles, A. Keith; Ballachey, Brenda E.; Bodkin, James L.View Citation
Esler, D., and B.E. Ballachey. 2014. Long-term Monitoring Program - Evaluating Chronic Exposure of Harlequin Ducks and Sea Otters to Lingering Exxon Valdez Oil in Western Prince William Sound. Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council Restoration Project Final Report (Project 14120114-Q), U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska.
Year Published: 2015
Variability within nearshore ecosystems of the Gulf of Alaska
Nearshore marine habitats, which represent the interface among air, land and sea, form a critical component of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) ecosystem. As an interface, the nearshore facilitates transfer of water, nutrients and biota between terrestrial and oceanic systems, creating zones of high productivity. The nearshore provides a variety of...
Ballachey, Brenda E.; Bodkin, James L.; Coletti, Heather A.; Dean, Thomas A; Esler, Daniel N.; Esslinger, George G.; Iken, Katrin; Kloecker, Kimberly A.; Konar, Brenda; Lindeberg, Mandy; Monson, Daniel; Shepherd, Marnie; Weitzman, Ben P.
Year Published: 2015
Pacific blue mussel (Mytilus trossulus) abundance in the Gulf of Alaska: Synthesis of Gulf Watch data (2006-2013) and a consideration of major recruitment events (1989-2013)
Pacific blue mussels (Mytilus trossulus) are abundant and wide-spread primary consumers in the intertidal zone throughout the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). As a component of the Gulf Watch Alaska monitoring program, they represent a key member of intertidal communities and an important prey resource to a number of nearshore vertebrate predators. Our goal...
Monson, Daniel H.; Dean, Thomas; Lindeberg, M.R.; Bodkin, James L.; Coletti, Heather A.; Esler, Daniel N.; Kloecker, Kimberly A.; Weitzman, Ben P.; Ballachey, Brenda E.
Year Published: 2015
Monitoring population status of sea otters (Enhydra lutris) in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska: options and considerations
After many decades of absence from southeast Alaska, sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are recolonizing parts of their former range, including Glacier Bay, Alaska. Sea otters are well known for structuring nearshore ecosystems and causing community-level changes such as increases in kelp abundance and changes in the size and number of other consumers....
Esslinger, George G.; Esler, Daniel N.; Howlin, S.; Starcevich, L.A.View Citation
Esslinger, G.G., Esler, D., Howlin, S., and Starcevich, L.A., 2015, Monitoring population status of sea otters (Enhydra lutris) in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska—Options and considerations: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2015-1119, 42 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20151119.
Pre-USGS Publications
Hogan, D., D. Esler, and J. E. Thompson. 2013. Duration and Phenology of Remigial Molt of Barrow's Goldeneye. Condor 115 (4):762-768
Palm, E. C., D. Esler, E. M. Anderson, T. D. Williams, and M. T. Wilson. 2013. Variation in physiology and energy management of wintering white-winged scoters in relation to local habitat conditions. Condor 115 (4) :750-761.
Hogan, D., D. Esler, and J. E. Thompson. 2013. Variation in body mass and foraging effort of Barrow’s goldeneyes (Bucephala islandica) during remigial molt. Auk 130 (2):313-322.
Palm, E. C., D. Esler, E. M. Anderson, T. D. Williams, O. P. Love, and M. T. Wilson. 2013. Baseline corticosterone in wintering marine birds: methodological considerations and ecological patterns. Physiological and Biochemical. Zoology 86 (3):346-353.
Hogan, D., J. E. Thompson, and D. Esler. 2013. Survival of Barrow’s goldeneyes during remigial molt and fall staging. Journal of Wildlife Management 77:701-706.
Heath, J. P., W. A. Montevecchi, and D. Esler. 2012. A method for quantifying consistency in animal distributions using survey data. PLoS One 7(9): e44353.
Palm, E. C., D. Esler, E. M. Anderson, and M. T. Wilson. 2012. Geographic and temporal variation in diet of wintering white-winged scoters. Waterbirds 35 (4):577-589.
Federer, R., T. Hollmén, D. Esler, and M. J. Wooller. 2012. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope discrimination factors for quantifying spectacled eider nutrient allocation to egg production. Condor 114:726-732.
Agüero, M. L., P. G. Borboroglu, and D. Esler. 2012. Distribution and abundance of Chubut steamerducks: an endemic species to central Patagonia, Argentina. Bird Conservation International 22:307-315.
Hogan, D., J. E. Thompson, D. Esler, and W. S. Boyd. 2011. Discovery of important postbreeding sites for Barrow’s goldeneye in the boreal transition zone of Alberta. Waterbirds 34(3):261-268.
Takekawa, J. Y., S. W. De La Cruz, M. T. Wilson, E. C. Palm, J. Yee, D. R. Nyeswander, J. R. Evenson, J. M. Eadie, D. Esler, W. S. Boyd, and D. H. Ward. 2011. Breeding distribution and ecology of Pacific coast surf scoters. Pages 41-64 in J.V. Wells, editor. Boreal Birds of North America: a hemispheric view of their conservation links and significance. Studies in Avian Biology (Number 41). University of California Press, Berkeley.
Agüero, M. L., P. G. Borboroglu, and D. Esler. 2010. Breeding habitat attributes and nest site selection of Chubut steamerducks in Patagonia, Argentina. Emu 110:302-306.
Federer, R., T. Hollmén, D. Esler, M. J. Wooller, and S. W. Wang. 2010. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope discrimination factors from diet to blood plasma, cellular blood, feathers, and adipose fatty acids in spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri). Canadian Journal of Zoology 88(9): 866-874.
Esler, D., and J. C. Bond. 2010. Cross-seasonal dynamics in body mass of male harlequin ducks: a strategy for meeting costs of reproduction. Canadian Journal of Zoology 88:224-230.
Harlequin duck population dynamics following the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill: assessing injury and projecting a timeline to recovery
Iverson, S. A., and D. Esler. 2010. Harlequin duck population dynamics following the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill: assessing injury and projecting a timeline to recovery. Ecological Applications 20:1993-2006.
Esler, D., and S. A. Iverson. 2010. Female harlequin duck winter survival 11 to 14 years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Journal of Wildlife Management 74(3):471-478.
Anderson, E. M., J. R. Lovvorn, D. Esler, W. S. Boyd, and K. C. Stick. 2009. Using predator distributions, diet, and condition to evaluate seasonal foraging sites: sea ducks and herring spawn. Marine Ecology Progress Series 386:287-302.
Bond, J. C., S. A. Iverson, N. B. MacCallum, C. M. Smith, H. J. Bruner, and D. Esler. 2009. Variation in breeding season survival of female harlequin ducks. Journal of Wildlife Management 73: 965-972.
De La Cruz, S. W., J. Y. Takekawa, M. T. Wilson, D. R. Nysewander, J. R. Evenson, D. Esler, W. S. Boyd, and D. H. Ward. 2009. Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) spring migration routes and chronology: A synthesis of Pacific coast studies. Canadian Journal of Zoology 87:1069-1086.
LeBourdais, S. V., R. C. Ydenberg, and D. Esler. 2009. Fish and harlequin ducks compete on breeding streams. Canadian Journal of Zoology 87(1): 31-40.
Gorman, K. B., D. Esler, R. L. Walzem, and T. D. Williams. 2009. Plasma yolk precursor dynamics during egg production by female greater scaup (Aythya marila): characterization and indices of reproductive state. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 82(4): 372-381.
Žydelis, R., D. Esler, M. Kirk, and W. S. Boyd. 2009. Effects of off-bottom shellfish aquaculture on winter habitat use by molluscivorous sea ducks. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 19:34-42.
Bond, J. C., D. Esler, and T. D. Williams. 2008. Breeding propensity of female harlequin ducks. Journal of Wildlife Management 72(6):1388-1393.
Lok, E. K., M. Kirk, D. Esler, and W. S. Boyd. 2008. Movements of pre-migratory surf and white-winged scoters in response to Pacific herring spawn. Waterbirds 31:385-393.
Bond, J.C., and D. Esler. 2008. Bill entanglement in subcutaneously-anchored radio transmitters on harlequin ducks. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 120(3): 599-602.
Gorman, K. B., D. Esler, P. L. Flint, and T. D. Williams. 2008. Nutrient reserve dynamics during egg production by female greater scaup (Aythya marila): relationships with timing of reproduction. Auk 125:384-394.
Lewis, T. L., D. Esler, and W. S. Boyd. 2008. Foraging behaviors of surf and white-winged scoters in relation to clam density: inferring food availability and habitat quality. Auk 125:149-157.
Kirk, M., D. Esler, and W. S. Boyd. 2007. Foraging effort of surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) wintering in a spatially and temporally variable prey landscape. Canadian Journal of Zoology 85(12): 1207-1215.
Kirk, M., D. Esler, and W. S. Boyd. 2007. Morphology and density of mussels on natural and aquaculture structure habitats: implications for sea duck predators. Marine Ecology Progress Series 346:179-187.
Bond, J. C., D. Esler, and K. A. Hobson. 2007. Isotopic evidence for sources of nutrients allocated to clutch formation by harlequin ducks. Condor 109:698-704.
Iverson, S. A., and D. Esler. 2007. Survival of female harlequin ducks during wing molt. Journal of Wildlife Management 71:1220-1224.
Bond, J. C., and D. Esler. 2006. Nutrient acquisition by female harlequin ducks prior to migration and reproduction: evidence for body mass optimization. Canadian Journal of Zoology 84: 1223-1229.
Žydelis, R., D. Esler, W. S. Boyd, D. Lacroix, and M. Kirk. 2006. Habitat use by wintering surf and white-winged scoters: effects of environmental attributes and shellfish aquaculture. Journal of Wildlife Management 70(6):1754-1762.
Iverson, S. A., and D. Esler. 2006. Site fidelity and the demographic implications of winter movements by a migratory bird, the harlequin duck. Journal of Avian Biology 37:219-228.
Lewis, T. L., D. Esler, W. S. Boyd, and R. Žydelis. 2005. Nocturnal foraging behavior of wintering surf scoters and white-winged scoters. Condor 107:636-646.
Lacroix, D. L., W. S. Boyd, D. Esler, M. Kirk, T. L. Lewis, and S. Lipovsky. 2005. Surf scoters aggregate in association with ephemerally abundant polychaetes. Marine Ornithology 33:61-63.
Žydelis, R., and D. Esler. 2005. Response of wintering Steller’s eiders to herring spawn. Waterbirds 28:344-350.
Iverson, S. A., D. Esler, and W. S. Boyd. 2003. Plumage characteristics as an indicator of age class in the surf scoter. Waterbirds 26:56-61.
Weller, M. W., K. C. Jensen, E. J. Taylor, M. Miller, K. S. Bollinger, D. V. Derksen, D. Esler, and C. Markon. 1994. Assessment of shoreline vegetation in relation to use by molting black brant on the Alaska coastal plain. Biological Conservation 70:219 225.
Esler, D. 1992. Habitat use by piscivorous birds on a power plant cooling reservoir. Journal of Field Ornithology 63:241 249.
Esler, D. 1990. Avian community responses to hydrilla invasion. Wilson Bulletin 102:427 440.
Waterfowl habitat use on a Texas reservoir with hydrilla
Esler, D. 1990. Waterfowl habitat use on a Texas reservoir with hydrilla. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 44:390 400.
Esler, D. 1989. An assessment of American coot herbivory of hydrilla. Journal of Wildlife Management 53:1147 1149.
Date published: May 2, 2017
Wildlife Recovery Following the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill was Highly Variable Across Species
Thanks to a quarter-century of research and monitoring, scientists now know how different wildlife species were injured by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill and how long it took for populations to recover.