Daniel Esler, Ph.D.
Dan is a Research Wildlife Biologist with the Alaska Science Center and leads the Nearshore Marine Ecosystem Research Program. His work focuses on nearshore marine monitoring, drivers of variation in nearshore systems, sea duck ecology and conservation, and program management.
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
Education and Certifications
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
Affiliations and Memberships*
Affiliate Faculty - University of Alaska Fairbanks, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Adjunct Professor - Simon Fraser University
The Wildlife Society
Pacific Seabird Group
Sea Duck Joint Venture Continental Technical Team
Science and Products
Interacting effects of latitude, mass, age, and sex on winter survival of Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata): Implications for differential migration
Long-term monitoring program: Evaluating chronic exposure of harlequin ducks and sea otters to lingering Exxon Valdez Oil in Western Prince William Sound
Variability within nearshore ecosystems of the Gulf of Alaska
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)
Monitoring population status of sea otters (Enhydra lutris) in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska: options and considerations
Ecology and conservation of North American sea ducks
Conclusions, synthesis, and future directions: understanding sources of population change
Sampling of sea ducks for influenza A viruses in Alaska during winter provides lack of evidence for epidemiological peak of infection.
Timelines and mechanisms of wildlife population recovery following the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
Spatial and temporal variation in marine birds in the north Gulf of Alaska: The value of marine bird monitoring within Gulf Watch Alaska
The effects of spilled oil on coastal ecosystems: Lessons from the Exxon Valdez spill
Lessons from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill: A biological perspective
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
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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 three study sites: (1) near the northern periphery of thAuthorsBrian D. Uher-Koch, Daniel Esler, Samuel A. Iverson, David H. Ward, Sean Boyd, Molly Kirk, Tyler L. Lewis, Corey S. VanStratt, Katherine M. Brodhead, Jerry W. Hupp, Joel A. SchmutzLong-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 findings to indicate that exposure of harlequin duAuthorsDaniel Esler, Lizabeth Bowen, A. Keith Miles, Brenda E. Ballachey, James L. BodkinVariability 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 ecosystem services, including (1) nursery grounds for a wAuthorsBrenda E. Ballachey, James L. Bodkin, Heather A. Coletti, Thomas A Dean, Daniel Esler, George G. Esslinger, Katrin Iken, Kimberly A. Kloecker, Brenda Konar, Mandy Lindeberg, Daniel Monson, Marnie Shepherd, Ben P. WeitzmanPacific 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 is to understand variation in abundance of M. trossAuthorsDaniel H. Monson, Thomas Dean, M.R. Lindeberg, James L. Bodkin, Heather A. Coletti, Daniel Esler, Kimberly A. Kloecker, Ben P. Weitzman, Brenda E. BallacheyMonitoring 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. Monitoring population status of sea otters in GlacieAuthorsGeorge G. Esslinger, Daniel Esler, S. Howlin, L.A. StarcevichEcology and conservation of North American sea ducks
The past decade has seen a huge increase in the interest and attention directed toward sea ducks, the Mergini tribe. This has been inspired, in large part, by the conservation concerns associated with numerical declines in several sea duck species and populations, as well as a growing appreciation for their interesting ecological attributes. Reflecting the considerable research recently conductedConclusions, synthesis, and future directions: understanding sources of population change
The material in this volume reflects the burgeoning interest in sea ducks, both as study species with compelling and unique ecological attributes and as taxa of conservation concern. In this review, we provide perspective on the current state of sea duck knowledge by highlighting key findings in the preceding chapters that are of particular value for understanding or influencing population change.AuthorsDaniel Esler, Paul L. Flint, Dirk V. Derksen, Jean-Pierre L. Savard, John M. EadieSampling of sea ducks for influenza A viruses in Alaska during winter provides lack of evidence for epidemiological peak of infection.
Sampling of sea ducks for influenza A viruses in Alaska during winter provided no evidence for an epidemiologic peak of infection. Isolates were recovered, however, that provide information on viral diversity and dispersal that may not be realized through sampling efforts focused on other avian taxa.AuthorsAndrew M. Ramey, Andrew B. Reeves, Rebecca L. Poulson, Jeff Wasley, Daniel Esler, David E. StalknechtTimelines and mechanisms of wildlife population recovery following the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
In March 1989, the T/V Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound (PWS), Alaska and spilled an estimated 42 million liters of crude oil (Wolfe et al. 1994). This oil subsequently spread over more than 26,000 km2 of water surface in PWS and the Gulf of Alaska and landed on more than 1000 km of shoreline (Spies et al. 1996, Short et al. 2004; see Fig. 1 in Esler et al., this report). Initial cAuthorsDaniel Esler, James L. Bodkin, Brenda E. Ballachey, Daniel Monson, Kimberly A. Kloecker, George G. EsslingerSpatial 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-Solis et al. 2009, Cushing et al., this report). InAuthorsKathy J. Kuletz, Daniel EslerThe effects of spilled oil on coastal ecosystems: Lessons from the Exxon Valdez spill
Oil spilled from ships or other sources into the marine environment often occurs in close proximity to coastlines, and oil frequently accumulates in coastal habitats. As a consequence, a rich, albeit occasionally controversial, body of literature describes a broad range of effects of spilled oil across several habitats, communities, and species in coastal environments. This statement is not to impAuthorsJames L. Bodkin, Daniel Esler, Stanley D. Rice, Craig O. Matkin, Brenda E. Ballachey, Brooke Maslo, Julie L. LockwoodLessons from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill: A biological perspective
On March 24, 1989, the tanker vessel Exxon Valdez altered its course to avoid floating ice, and ran aground on Bligh Reef in northeastern Prince William Sound (PWS), Alaska (Figure 1). The tanker was carrying about 53 million gallons of Prudhoe Bay crude, a heavy oil, and an estimated 11 million gallons spilled (264,000 barrels or about 42 million liters) in what was, prior to the Deepwater HorizoAuthorsBrenda E. Ballachey, James L. Bodkin, Daniel Esler, Stanley D. RiceNon-USGS Publications**
Agüero, M. L., P. G. Borboroglu, and D. Esler. 2014. Trophic ecology of breeding white-headed steamerduck (Tachyeres leucocephalus). Waterbirds 37:88-93.Hogan, D., D. Esler, and J. E. Thompson. 2013. Duration and Phenology of Remigial Molt of Barrow's Goldeneye. Condor 115 (4):762-768Palm, 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.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.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.**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
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*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government