Keychain developed for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reporting in Yup'ik and English. Yup'ik translation provided by Jakob Sipary, Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP).
John M. Pearce, Ph.D.
I am the Program Manager for marine and terrestrial ecosystems research at the USGS Alaska Science Center. I also coordinate the USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative and provide outreach to the public about our research. I have been a research biologist in Alaska for 25 plus years studying migratory birds, avian disease, and population genetics.
Professional Experience
2011 - Present Associate Center Director for Ecosystems, USGS Alaska Science Center
1999 - 2011 Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS Alaska Science Center
1997 - 1999 Geneticist, USGS Alaska Biological Science Center
1990 - 1997 Biological Science Technician, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and National Biological Service
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2008 University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK Biology
M.S. 1996 University of Idaho, Moscow, ID Zoology
B.S. 1990 Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR Biology
Science and Products
Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health in Alaska
Q&A: USGS Alaska Science Opportunities for Alaska Pacific University Students
Outer Continental Shelf Program
Q&A: USGS and the 2023 Anchorage Bike to Work Day
Alaska's Changing Habitats: A Multi-System Approach for Understanding Climate Impacts in High Latitude Regions
Q&A: Polar Bears and Zoos
Q&A: Cook Inlet Seabird and Forage Fish Study
Q&A: Virtual Student Federal Service
Collaborative Science for Priority Information Needs
Natural Resources Preservation Program
Tracking Data for Black Scoter (Melanitta americana)
Tracking Data for Pacific Loons (Gavia pacifica)
Keychain developed for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reporting in Yup'ik and English. Yup'ik translation provided by Jakob Sipary, Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP).
Canada goose (Branta canadensis), Anchorage, AK
Canada goose (Branta canadensis), Anchorage, AK
A flock of wintering northern pintail ducks takes flight in Northern Honshu, Japan.
A flock of wintering northern pintail ducks takes flight in Northern Honshu, Japan.
White-fronted geese defend their nest from an arctic fox on the Arctic Coastal Plain in northern Alaska. June 2014, USGS photo.
White-fronted geese defend their nest from an arctic fox on the Arctic Coastal Plain in northern Alaska. June 2014, USGS photo.
White-fronted geese at their nest site while a caribou stands in the foreground on the Arctic Coastal Plain in northern Alaska. June 2014, USGS photo.
White-fronted geese at their nest site while a caribou stands in the foreground on the Arctic Coastal Plain in northern Alaska. June 2014, USGS photo.
The Role of Environment and Wildlife in Human Health. Human - wildlife interactions threatened by emerging diseases including avian influenza.
The Role of Environment and Wildlife in Human Health. Human - wildlife interactions threatened by emerging diseases including avian influenza.
A flock of wintering northern pintail ducks takes flight in Northern Honshu, Japan. This photo was taken as part of a study to understand the migratory movements of this species and to assess if these birds could transmit highly pathogenic avian influenza from Asia to North America via Alaska.
A flock of wintering northern pintail ducks takes flight in Northern Honshu, Japan. This photo was taken as part of a study to understand the migratory movements of this species and to assess if these birds could transmit highly pathogenic avian influenza from Asia to North America via Alaska.
Wild bird surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 in North America
Evidence that dorsally mounted satellite transmitters affect migration chronology of Northern Pintails
Changing arctic ecosystems—What is causing the rapid increase of snow geese in northern Alaska?
USGS role and response to highly pathogenic avian influenza
USGS highly pathogenic avian influenza research strategy
Conceptual data modeling of wildlife response indicators to ecosystem change in the Arctic
Forecasting wildlife response to rapid warming in the Alaskan Arctic
Phylogenetics, phylogeography and population genetics of North American sea ducks (tribe: Mergini)
Microsatellite variation and rare alleles in a bottlenecked Hawaiian Islands endemic: implications for reintroductions
Changing Arctic ecosystems: resilience of caribou to climatic shifts in the Arctic
Changing Arctic ecosystems: sea ice decline, permafrost thaw, and benefits for geese
Changing Arctic ecosystems: ecology of loons in a changing Arctic
Science and Products
- Science
Filter Total Items: 40
Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health in Alaska
Environmental health is defined by connections between the physical environment, ecological health, and human health. Current research within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recognizes the importance of this integrated research philosophy, which includes study of disease and pollutants as they pertain to both wildlife and humans. Due to its key geographic location and significant wildlife...Q&A: USGS Alaska Science Opportunities for Alaska Pacific University Students
In Alaska, the USGS has its primary office located on the campus of Alaska Pacific University (APU). This co-location provides USGS staff and APU students and faculty numerous opportunities for science collaboration and training. Here, we provide more information about these opportunities and talk with USGS and APU staff who are helping to coordinate the program.Outer Continental Shelf Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management staff address priority research needs identified by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.Q&A: USGS and the 2023 Anchorage Bike to Work Day
For the 2023 Anchorage Bike to Work Day , the USGS Alaska Science Center will host a “treat station” along the Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail where people can learn about the USGS streamgage on the creek and about common birds of Chanshtnu.Alaska's Changing Habitats: A Multi-System Approach for Understanding Climate Impacts in High Latitude Regions
Scientific information can be used to help individuals, communities, and governments alike make more informed decisions. However, for people to become aware of the science that could inform their decisions and its relevance to their lives and decisions, it must be communicated effectively. Multiple obstacles prevent this from happening, including scientists’ lack of time and communication expertisQ&A: Polar Bears and Zoos
Polar bears are found throughout the circumpolar Arctic and roam across miles of sea ice and land. They prefer to eat blubber, especially from seals that are also found on the sea ice. However, the sea ice habitat of polar bears is changing rapidly with substantial recent declines in the extent of sea ice in the Arctic. These changes are leading polar bears to spend more time on land in some areas...Q&A: Cook Inlet Seabird and Forage Fish Study
Alaska has over 6,500 miles of coastline and the marine areas off these coasts are some of the most productive in the world in terms of fish and the seabirds that often feed on those fish. Almost 100 million seabirds breed and nest along the rocky and grassy coastlines of Alaska. The status and population trends of fish and seabirds is of interest to many people in Alaska because their abundance...Q&A: Virtual Student Federal Service
The USGS is always looking for new ways to work with students. Student involvement in our science provides the USGS with new perspectives on how to communicate and enhance the work that we do. The USGS also realizes the potential that our work has to provide new skills and career opportunities, not only in scientific research, but in science communication and outreach, data management, and...Collaborative Science for Priority Information Needs
One of the primary missions of the USGS is to address the science needs of Department of Interior bureaus, particularly those that manage natural resources and lands. This mission is fulfilled through the research and other activities of USGS scientists but also specifically through three USGS nationally-funded programs listed below.Natural Resources Preservation Program
This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and National Park Service staff address priority research needs identified by the National Park Service. On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.Tracking Data for Black Scoter (Melanitta americana)
Available here are tracking data of Black Scoter, a duck species that breeds throughout higher latitudes of Alaska and Canada and winters along coastal areas of North America. These data were collected to better understand the timing and patterns of migratory movements between breeding and wintering areas.Tracking Data for Pacific Loons (Gavia pacifica)
Available here are tracking data of Pacific Loons, a species that breeds throughout much of Alaska and winters throughout the Pacific Ocean basin, along the costs of East Asia and the U.S. These data were collected to better understand timing of spring arrival, fall departure, and habitat use patterns on the North Slope of Alaska. - Data
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Filter Total Items: 28Keychain for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reportingKeychain for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reporting
Keychain developed for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reporting in Yup'ik and English. Yup'ik translation provided by Jakob Sipary, Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP).
Keychain developed for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reporting in Yup'ik and English. Yup'ik translation provided by Jakob Sipary, Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP).
Canada goose (Branta canadensis), Anchorage, AKCanada goose (Branta canadensis), Anchorage, AK
Canada goose (Branta canadensis), Anchorage, AK
Northern Pintail DucksA flock of wintering northern pintail ducks takes flight in Northern Honshu, Japan.
A flock of wintering northern pintail ducks takes flight in Northern Honshu, Japan.
White-fronted geese defend their nest from an arctic foxWhite-fronted geese defend their nest from an arctic foxWhite-fronted geese defend their nest from an arctic fox on the Arctic Coastal Plain in northern Alaska. June 2014, USGS photo.
White-fronted geese defend their nest from an arctic fox on the Arctic Coastal Plain in northern Alaska. June 2014, USGS photo.
White-fronted geese at their nest site while a caribou stands in the foregroundWhite-fronted geese at their nest site while a caribou stands in the foregroundWhite-fronted geese at their nest site while a caribou stands in the foreground on the Arctic Coastal Plain in northern Alaska. June 2014, USGS photo.
White-fronted geese at their nest site while a caribou stands in the foreground on the Arctic Coastal Plain in northern Alaska. June 2014, USGS photo.
Feeding Wildlife by the ShorelineThe Role of Environment and Wildlife in Human Health. Human - wildlife interactions threatened by emerging diseases including avian influenza.
The Role of Environment and Wildlife in Human Health. Human - wildlife interactions threatened by emerging diseases including avian influenza.
Flock of Northern Pintail DucksA flock of wintering northern pintail ducks takes flight in Northern Honshu, Japan. This photo was taken as part of a study to understand the migratory movements of this species and to assess if these birds could transmit highly pathogenic avian influenza from Asia to North America via Alaska.
A flock of wintering northern pintail ducks takes flight in Northern Honshu, Japan. This photo was taken as part of a study to understand the migratory movements of this species and to assess if these birds could transmit highly pathogenic avian influenza from Asia to North America via Alaska.
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 81
Wild bird surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 in North America
It is unknown how the current Asian origin highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses arrived, but these viruses are now poised to become endemic in North America. Wild birds harbor these viruses and have dispersed them at regional scales. What is unclear is how the viruses may be moving from the wild bird reservoir into poultry holdings. Active surveillance of live wild birds is likely the bestAuthorsPaul L. Flint, John M. Pearce, J. Christian Franson, Dirk V. DerksenEvidence that dorsally mounted satellite transmitters affect migration chronology of Northern Pintails
We compared migration movements and chronology between Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) marked with dorsally mounted satellite transmitters and pintails marked only with tarsus rings. During weekly intervals of spring and autumn migration between their wintering area in Japan and nesting areas in Russia, the mean distance that ringed pintails had migrated was up to 1000 km farther than the mean distAuthorsJerry W. Hupp, Sergei Kharitonov, Noriyuki M. Yamaguchi, K. Ozaki, Paul L. Flint, John M. Pearce, Ken-ichi Tokita, Tetsuo Shimada, Hiroyoshi HiguchiChanging arctic ecosystems—What is causing the rapid increase of snow geese in northern Alaska?
Through the Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) informs key resource management decisions for Arctic Alaska by providing scientific information on current and future ecosystem response to a warming climate. The Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP) of northern Alaska is a key study area within the USGS CAE initiative. This region has experienced a warming trend overAuthorsJerry W. Hupp, David H. Ward, Mary E. Whalen, John M. PearceUSGS role and response to highly pathogenic avian influenza
Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These viruses generally do not cause illness in wild birds, however, when spread to poultry they can be highly pathogenic and cause illness and death in backyard and commercial farms. Outbreaks may cause devastating agricultural economic losses and some viral strains have the potential to infect pAuthorsM. Camille Harris, A. Keith Miles, John M. Pearce, Diann J. Prosser, Jonathan M. Sleeman, Mary E. WhalenUSGS highly pathogenic avian influenza research strategy
Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These viruses generally do not cause illness in wild birds, however, when spread to poultry they can be highly pathogenic and cause illness and death in backyard and commercial farms. Outbreaks may cause devastating agricultural economic losses and some viral strains have the potential to infect pAuthorsM. Camille Harris, A. Keith Miles, John M. Pearce, Diann J. Prosser, Jonathan M. Sleeman, Mary E. WhalenConceptual data modeling of wildlife response indicators to ecosystem change in the Arctic
Large research studies are often challenged to effectively expose and document the types of information being collected and the reasons for data collection across what are often a diverse cadre of investigators of differing disciplines. We applied concepts from the field of information or data modeling to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative to prototype anAuthorsDennis H. Walworth, John M. PearceForecasting wildlife response to rapid warming in the Alaskan Arctic
Arctic wildlife species face a dynamic and increasingly novel environment because of climate warming and the associated increase in human activity. Both marine and terrestrial environments are undergoing rapid environmental shifts, including loss of sea ice, permafrost degradation, and altered biogeochemical fluxes. Forecasting wildlife responses to climate change can facilitate proactive decisionAuthorsCaroline R. Van Hemert, Paul L. Flint, Mark S. Udevitz, Joshua C. Koch, Todd C. Atwood, Karen L. Oakley, John M. PearcePhylogenetics, phylogeography and population genetics of North American sea ducks (tribe: Mergini)
Many environments occupied by North American sea ducks are remote and difficult to access, and as a result, detailed information about life history characteristics that drive population dynamics within and across species is limited. Nevertheless, progress on this front during the past several decades has benefited by the application of genetic technologies, and for several species, these technologAuthorsSandra L. Talbot, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, John M. Pearce, Kim T. ScribnerMicrosatellite variation and rare alleles in a bottlenecked Hawaiian Islands endemic: implications for reintroductions
Conservation of genetic biodiversity in endangered wildlife populations is an important challenge to address since the loss of alleles and genetic drift may influence future adaptability. Reintroduction aims to re-establish species to restored or protected ecosystems; however, moving a subset of individuals may result in loss of gene variants during the management-induced bottleneck (i.e. translocAuthorsMichelle H. Reynolds, John M. Pearce, Philip Lavretsky, Pedro P. Seixas, Karen CourtotChanging Arctic ecosystems: resilience of caribou to climatic shifts in the Arctic
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative strives to inform key resource management decisions for Arctic Alaska by providing scientific information and forecasts for current and future ecosystem response to a warming climate. Over the past 5 years, a focal area for the USGS CAE initiative has been the North Slope of Alaska. This region has experienced a warmingAuthorsDavid D. Gustine, Layne G. Adams, Mary E. Whalen, John M. PearceChanging Arctic ecosystems: sea ice decline, permafrost thaw, and benefits for geese
Through the Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) strives to inform resource management decisions for Arctic Alaska by providing scientific information on current and future ecosystem response to a warming climate. A key area for the USGS CAE initiative has been the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska. This region has experienced a warming trend over thAuthorsPaul L. Flint, Mary E. Whalen, John M. PearceChanging Arctic ecosystems: ecology of loons in a changing Arctic
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative informs key resource management decisions for Arctic Alaska by providing scientific information on current and future ecosystem response to a changing climate. From 2010 to 2014, a key study area for the USGS CAE initiative has been the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska. This region has experienced rapid warming duAuthorsBrian D. Uher-Koch, Joel A. Schmutz, Mary E. Whalen, John M. Pearce - News