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Kimberly A Kloecker

Kimberly Kloecker is a marine biologist at the Alaska Science Center and is part of the Nearshore Marine Ecosystem Research Program. Her work centers on sea otter behavior, ecology, and health. 

Professional Experience

  • 1998 - Present        Ecologist, USGS, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska

  • 1996 - 1998             Statistical Assistant, USGS, Alaska Biological Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska

  • 1993 - 1995              Peace Corps Volunteer, U.S. Peace Corps, Fiji

  • 1992 - 1992             Specialist, R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Education and Certifications

  • M.S.        1993        University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA        Marine Science

  • B.S.         1989        Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI                     Biology

Science and Products

A juvenile female sea otter eating small green urchins in the intertidal. Glacier Bay near Geikie Inlet, Alaska

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...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Nearshore Marine Ecosystem Research

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...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 18

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Sea Otter Forage Data, 1993-2019 Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Sea Otter Forage Data, 1993-2019

These data describe observations of sea otter foraging behavior in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Data consist of dive and surface times, success in prey retrieval, prey item, prey quantity, and size. Additionally, location of observations, and age class, sex, and pup status of the focal sea otter were also recorded.
By
Alaska Science Center

Rocky Intertidal Data from Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park Rocky Intertidal Data from Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park

This data package includes four (4) child items with data from the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program (nearshore monitoring component) rocky intertidal study. Child Item One: "Rocky Intertidal Sea Star Size, Count, and Disease Data from Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park". The data include: (1) size and disease state...
By
Alaska Science Center

Intertidal Temperature Data from Kachemak Bay, Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park Intertidal Temperature Data from Kachemak Bay, Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program. This dataset consists of date, time, and temperature measurements from intertidal rocky sampling sites, including predicted tide height at the time of the reading, which is used to distinguish air from water temperature readings. The data are provided as comma separated values (.csv) files derived from data...
By
Alaska Science Center

Sea Otter Spraint Data from Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound Sea Otter Spraint Data from Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program. This dataset consist of observations of sea otter (Enhydra lutris) fecal samples (spraint). Observers examined fresh spraint piles to identify major prey classes in the samples and to determine sea otter diets in the Gulf of Alaska region.
By
Alaska Science Center

Intertidal Mussel (Mytilus) Data from Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park Intertidal Mussel (Mytilus) Data from Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program and describe mussel sampling and observations conducted in the northern Gulf of Alaska. This dataset consists of six comma separated files (.csv): 1) mussel sampling site layout information, 2) mussel counts for mussels greater than 20 millimeters in a quadrat, 3) mussel size measurements for mussels greater...
By
Alaska Science Center

Intertidal and Subtidal Sea Otter Prey Sampling in Mixed Sediment Habitat in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, 1998 to 2011 Intertidal and Subtidal Sea Otter Prey Sampling in Mixed Sediment Habitat in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, 1998 to 2011

This dataset provides clam species abundance and size data from intertidal and subtidal mixed sediment habitats in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (GBNPP). Data are provided for all observed clams, horse mussels, or urchins 14 mm or larger. Sampling involved excavating 25 cm of substrate from quadrats (approximately 0.25 sq meter) along transects at random and selected sites, 10...
By
Alaska Science Center

Bioenergetics and Morphology of Mussels (Mytilus trossulus) in Kenai Fjords National Park Bioenergetics and Morphology of Mussels (Mytilus trossulus) in Kenai Fjords National Park

This dataset provides one table of bioenergetic and morphological measurements of Pacific blue mussels (Mytilus trossulus; N = 444) collected at three intertidal sites in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska. Mussels were collected at the same tidal height across all three sites on a nearly monthly basis from 2014-2015.
By
Alaska Science Center

Sea Otter Survey Data, Carcass Recovery Data, and Blood Chemistry Data from Southwest Alaska Sea Otter Survey Data, Carcass Recovery Data, and Blood Chemistry Data from Southwest Alaska

Three data sets are included here to aid in assessment of the sea otter population collapse in southwest Alaska. One data set consists of results of sea otter surveys conducted between 1959 and 2015 at Bering Island, Russia and a selection of western Aleutian Islands in Alaska. Sea otter counts are reduced to a comparable value of otters per linear kilometer. Another data set consists...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Morphometric and Reproductive Status Data for Sea Otters Collected or Captured in Alaska Morphometric and Reproductive Status Data for Sea Otters Collected or Captured in Alaska

This dataset includes morphometric measurements and pregnancy / dependency status from sea otters captured or collected (experimental harvests or recovered after the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill) in Alaska, 1947-2019 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Data collected include total body length, tail length, body mass, axillary girth, paw width...
By
Alaska Science Center

Sea Otter Mortality Age Data from Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Prince William Sound, Alaska, 2006-2017 Sea Otter Mortality Age Data from Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Prince William Sound, Alaska, 2006-2017

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long term monitoring program, nearshore monitoring component. The dataset is a comma separated file exported from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The data consist of information related to collection of sea otter carcasses. Collectors walked selected shorelines searching for signs of carcasses. Date, location, carcass condition, parts...
By
Alaska Science Center

Intertidal Soft-Sediment Bivalves from Prince William Sound, Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park Intertidal Soft-Sediment Bivalves from Prince William Sound, Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program and describe bivalve count and size sampling and observations conducted at intertidal soft-sediment sampling sites in the northern Gulf of Alaska. This dataset consists of five comma separated files (.csv): 1) bivalve taxonomy table, 2) bivalve sampling site table, 3) bivalve count table, 4) bivalve size...
By
Alaska Science Center

Marine Bird and Mammal Survey Data from Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park Marine Bird and Mammal Survey Data from Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long term monitoring program, nearshore monitoring component. The dataset is a series of comma separated files exported from a survey software program (DLog, Ford Consulting, Portland, OR). The data consists of date, time, latitude, longitude, species abbreviation, count, and behavior. Each year the observers attempt to sample the same...
By
Alaska Science Center
Float plane with pilot giving a thumbs up before takeoff in Prince William Sound. Trees and mountains in background.
Float plane taking off in Prince William Sound for sea otter aerial survey
Float plane taking off in Prince William Sound for sea otter aerial survey
Float plane with pilot giving a thumbs up before takeoff in Prince William Sound. Trees and mountains in background.

Float plane taking off in Prince William Sound for sea otter aerial survey

Float plane taking off in Prince William Sound for sea otter aerial survey

North River Air pilot Taj Shoemaker getting ready for takeoff in Prince William Sound. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Float plane with pilot giving a thumbs up before takeoff in Prince William Sound. Trees and mountains in background.

Float plane taking off in Prince William Sound for sea otter aerial survey

Float plane taking off in Prince William Sound for sea otter aerial survey

North River Air pilot Taj Shoemaker getting ready for takeoff in Prince William Sound. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Resting sea otter in Homer harbor in Alaska
A resting sea otter
A resting sea otter
Resting sea otter in Homer harbor in Alaska

A resting sea otter

A resting sea otter

A resting sea otter in the Homer harbor, Alaska. Photo was taken in 2011. Sea otters provide one of the best documented examples of top-down forcing effects on the structure and function of nearshore marine ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Resting sea otter in Homer harbor in Alaska

A resting sea otter

A resting sea otter

A resting sea otter in the Homer harbor, Alaska. Photo was taken in 2011. Sea otters provide one of the best documented examples of top-down forcing effects on the structure and function of nearshore marine ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Close up of resting sea otter in Homer harbor in Alaska. Otter has eyes closed.
A resting sea otter with eyes closed
A resting sea otter with eyes closed
Close up of resting sea otter in Homer harbor in Alaska. Otter has eyes closed.

A resting sea otter with eyes closed

A resting sea otter with eyes closed

A resting sea otter with eyes closed. Photo taken in the Homer harbor in Alaska. Sea otters provide one of the best documented examples of top-down forcing effects on the structure and function of nearshore marine ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean

By
Alaska Science Center
Close up of resting sea otter in Homer harbor in Alaska. Otter has eyes closed.

A resting sea otter with eyes closed

A resting sea otter with eyes closed

A resting sea otter with eyes closed. Photo taken in the Homer harbor in Alaska. Sea otters provide one of the best documented examples of top-down forcing effects on the structure and function of nearshore marine ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean

By
Alaska Science Center
A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past. Glacier Bay at Point Carolus, Alaska
A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past
A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past
A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past. Glacier Bay at Point Carolus, Alaska

A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past

A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past

A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past. Photo taken in Glacier Bay at Point Carolus, Alaska

By
Alaska Science Center
A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past. Glacier Bay at Point Carolus, Alaska

A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past

A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past

A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past. Photo taken in Glacier Bay at Point Carolus, Alaska

By
Alaska Science Center
A female sea otter resting in the morning light. Cook Inlet Alaska.
Female sea otter, Cook Inlet, Alaska
Female sea otter, Cook Inlet, Alaska
A female sea otter resting in the morning light. Cook Inlet Alaska.

Female sea otter, Cook Inlet, Alaska

Female sea otter, Cook Inlet, Alaska

A female sea otter resting in the morning light in Cook Inlet Alaska.  

By
Alaska Science Center
A female sea otter resting in the morning light. Cook Inlet Alaska.

Female sea otter, Cook Inlet, Alaska

Female sea otter, Cook Inlet, Alaska

A female sea otter resting in the morning light in Cook Inlet Alaska.  

By
Alaska Science Center
Scientists in boat record observations along nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
Scientists record nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
Scientists record nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
Scientists in boat record observations along nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Scientists record nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Scientists record nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Brian Robinson (USGS) and Ben Weitzman (NOAA) record observations along nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska. USGS is studying the migration strategies and movement ecology of Black Oystercatchers as part of the new tracking study.

 

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center
Scientists in boat record observations along nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Scientists record nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Scientists record nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Brian Robinson (USGS) and Ben Weitzman (NOAA) record observations along nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska. USGS is studying the migration strategies and movement ecology of Black Oystercatchers as part of the new tracking study.

 

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center
Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska
Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska
Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska
Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska

USGS Biologist Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher after assisting with the collection of morphometric data and tagging. Data were collected from Black Oystercatchers as part of a new study to better understand migration strategies and movement ecology of the species.

By
Alaska Science Center
Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska

USGS Biologist Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher after assisting with the collection of morphometric data and tagging. Data were collected from Black Oystercatchers as part of a new study to better understand migration strategies and movement ecology of the species.

By
Alaska Science Center
Biologist releases a Black Oystercatcher on Beach in Alaska
Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher on beach in Alaska
Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher on beach in Alaska
Biologist releases a Black Oystercatcher on Beach in Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher on beach in Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher on beach in Alaska

USGS Biologist Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher after assisting with the collection of morphometric data and tagging. Data were collected from Black Oystercatchers as part of a new study to better understand migration strategies and movement ecology of the species.

By
Alaska Science Center
Biologist releases a Black Oystercatcher on Beach in Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher on beach in Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher on beach in Alaska

USGS Biologist Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher after assisting with the collection of morphometric data and tagging. Data were collected from Black Oystercatchers as part of a new study to better understand migration strategies and movement ecology of the species.

By
Alaska Science Center
A young sea otter foraging for small invertebrates off an emergent rock covered with seaweed, snails, and barnacles.
A young sea otter foraging for invertebrates
A young sea otter foraging for invertebrates
A young sea otter foraging for small invertebrates off an emergent rock covered with seaweed, snails, and barnacles.

A young sea otter foraging for invertebrates

A young sea otter foraging for invertebrates

A young sea otter foraging for small invertebrates off an emergent rock covered with seaweed, snails, and barnacles. Photo taken in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A young sea otter foraging for small invertebrates off an emergent rock covered with seaweed, snails, and barnacles.

A young sea otter foraging for invertebrates

A young sea otter foraging for invertebrates

A young sea otter foraging for small invertebrates off an emergent rock covered with seaweed, snails, and barnacles. Photo taken in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A juvenile female sea otter eating small green urchins in the intertidal. Glacier Bay near Geikie Inlet, Alaska
Juvenile female sea otter eating urchins
Juvenile female sea otter eating urchins
A juvenile female sea otter eating small green urchins in the intertidal. Glacier Bay near Geikie Inlet, Alaska

Juvenile female sea otter eating urchins

Juvenile female sea otter eating urchins

A juvenile female sea otter eating small green urchins in the intertidal. Photo taken in Glacier Bay near Geikie Inlet, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A juvenile female sea otter eating small green urchins in the intertidal. Glacier Bay near Geikie Inlet, Alaska

Juvenile female sea otter eating urchins

Juvenile female sea otter eating urchins

A juvenile female sea otter eating small green urchins in the intertidal. Photo taken in Glacier Bay near Geikie Inlet, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A sea otter eating a basket star in Glacier Bay Point Carolus.
A sea otter eating a basket star
A sea otter eating a basket star
A sea otter eating a basket star in Glacier Bay Point Carolus.

A sea otter eating a basket star

A sea otter eating a basket star

A sea otter at sunset eating a basket star in Glacier Bay near Bartlett Cove, Alaska

By
Alaska Science Center
A sea otter eating a basket star in Glacier Bay Point Carolus.

A sea otter eating a basket star

A sea otter eating a basket star

A sea otter at sunset eating a basket star in Glacier Bay near Bartlett Cove, Alaska

By
Alaska Science Center
Filter Total Items: 28

The dynamics of sea otter prey selection under population growth and expansion The dynamics of sea otter prey selection under population growth and expansion

Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) were extirpated from much of their range in the North Pacific by the early 1900s but have made a remarkable recovery in Southeast Alaska. Sea otter populations have been particularly successful in Glacier Bay, Alaska, a protected tidewater glacier fjord with a diverse and productive nearshore habitat. Collection of sea otter foraging observations in Glacier...
Authors
Clint Leach, Ben Weitzman, Jim Bodkin, Daniel Esler, George Esslinger, Kimberly Kloecker, Daniel Monson, Jamie N. Womble, Mevin Hooten
By
Alaska Science Center

Lack of strong responses to the Pacific marine heatwave by benthivorous marine birds indicates importance of trophic drivers Lack of strong responses to the Pacific marine heatwave by benthivorous marine birds indicates importance of trophic drivers

The Pacific marine heatwave (PMH) of 2014-2016 was an intense, long-lasting environmental disturbance expressed throughout the north Pacific. While dramatic consequences of the PMH on pelagic food webs have been well documented, effects on nearshore food webs, i.e., those based on macroalgae primary productivity, benthic invertebrate intermediate consumers, and specialized benthivorous...
Authors
Brian Robinson, Heather Coletti, Brenda Ballachey, James L. Bodkin, Kimberly Kloecker, Sarah Traiger, Daniel Esler
By
Alaska Science Center

Nearshore ecosystems in the Gulf of Alaska Nearshore ecosystems in the Gulf of Alaska

Nearshore ecosystem monitoring in western Prince William Sound, Kenai Fjords National Park, Kachemak Bay, and Katmai National Park and Preserve has been conducted as a single Nearshore Component of the Gulf Watch Alaska program over the past five years (2017-2021). This program builds on the previous five years and continues, in many cases, decades of preceding research and monitoring...
Authors
Heather Coletti, Daniel Esler, Brenda Ballachey, Jim Bodkin, George Esslinger, Kimberly Kloecker, Daniel Monson, Brian Robinson, Sarah Traiger, Katrin Iken, Brenda Konar, Tom Dean, Mandy Lindeberg, Ben Weitzman
By
Alaska Science Center

Revealing the extent of sea otter impacts on bivalve prey through multi-trophic monitoring and mechanistic models Revealing the extent of sea otter impacts on bivalve prey through multi-trophic monitoring and mechanistic models

Sea otters are apex predators that can exert considerable influence over the nearshore communities they occupy. Since facing near extinction in the early 1900s, sea otters are making a remarkable recovery in Southeast Alaska, particularly in Glacier Bay, the largest protected tidewater glacier fjord in the world. The expansion of sea otters across Glacier Bay offers both a challenge to...
Authors
Clinton Leach, Benjamin Weitzman, James L. Bodkin, Daniel Esler, George Esslinger, Kimberly Kloecker, Daniel Monson, Jamie N. Womble, Mevin Hooten
By
Alaska Science Center

Where land and sea meet: Brown bears and sea otters Where land and sea meet: Brown bears and sea otters

In Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA, we have seen changes in the number of brown bears and sea otters. The number of animals of a species a habitat can support is called carrying capacity. Even though bears live on land and sea otters live in the ocean, these two mammals share coastal habitats. Bears eat salmon, other fish, plants, clams, and beached whales. Sea otters feed on clams and...
Authors
Heather Coletti, Grant Hilderbrand, James L. Bodkin, Brenda E. Ballachey, Joy Erlenbach, George Esslinger, Michael Hannam, Kimberly Kloecker, Buck Mangipane, Amy Miller, Daniel Monson, Benjamin Pister, K. Griffin, K. Bodkin, Tom Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Divergent gene expression profiles in Alaskan sea otters: An indicator of chronic domoic acid exposure? Divergent gene expression profiles in Alaskan sea otters: An indicator of chronic domoic acid exposure?

An opportunistic investigation into ecosystem instability in Kachemak Bay (KBay), Alaska, has led us to investigate exposure to toxic algae in sea otters. We used gene expression to explore the physiological health of sea otters sampled in KBay in May 2019. We found altered levels of gene transcripts in comparison with reference sea otters from clinically normal, oil-exposed, and...
Authors
Lizabeth Bowen, Susan Knowles, Kathi Lefebvre, Michelle St Martin, Michael Murray, Kimberly Kloecker, Daniel Monson, Ben Weitzman, Brenda Ballachey, Heather Coletti, Shannon Waters-Dynes, C Cummings
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Genetic variation in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from the North Pacific with relevance to the threatened Southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment Genetic variation in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from the North Pacific with relevance to the threatened Southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment

For the sea otter (Enhydra lutris), genetic population structure is an area of research that has not received significant attention, especially in Southwest Alaska where that distinct population segment has been listed as threatened since 2005 pursuant to the U.S. Endangered Species Act. In this study, 501 samples from 14 locations from Prince William Sound, Alaska to the Commander...
Authors
Blair Flannery, Ora Russ, Michelle St. Martin, William Beatty, Kristen Worman, Joel Garlich-Miller, Verena A. Gill, Patrick Lemons, Daniel Monson, Kimberly Kloecker, Daniel Esler, John Wenburg
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Sea otter population collapse in southwest Alaska: Assessing ecological covariates, consequences, and causal factors Sea otter population collapse in southwest Alaska: Assessing ecological covariates, consequences, and causal factors

Sea otter (Enhydra lutris) populations in southwest Alaska declined substantially between about 1990 and the most recent set of surveys in 2015. Here we report changes in the distribution and abundance of sea otters, and covarying patterns in reproduction, mortality, body size and condition, diet and foraging behavior, food availability, health profiles, and exposure to environmental...
Authors
M. Tim Tinker, James L. Bodkin, Lizabeth Bowen, Brenda Ballachey, Gena Bentall, Alexander Burdin, Heather Coletti, George Esslinger, Brian Hatfield, Michael Kenner, Kimberly Kloecker, Brenda Konar, A. Miles, Daniel Monson, Michael Murray, Ben Weitzman, James Estes
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Timelines and mechanisms of wildlife population recovery following the Exxon Valdez oil spill 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 and sea otters, chronic oil spill effects...
Authors
Daniel Esler, Brenda Ballachey, Craig Matkin, Daniel Cushing, Robert Kaler, James Bodkin, Daniel Monson, George Esslinger, Kimberly Kloecker
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center

Variability within nearshore ecosystems of the Gulf of Alaska 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 ecosystem services, including (1) nursery...
Authors
Brenda Ballachey, James Bodkin, Heather Coletti, Thomas Dean, Daniel Esler, George Esslinger, Katrin Iken, Kimberly Kloecker, Brenda Konar, Mandy Lindeberg, Daniel Monson, Marnie Shepherd, Ben P. Weitzman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

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 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...
Authors
Daniel H. Monson, Thomas Dean, M.R. Lindeberg, James Bodkin, Heather Coletti, Daniel Esler, Kimberly Kloecker, Ben P. Weitzman, Brenda Ballachey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Restoration Project final report: Monitoring for evaluation of recovery and restoration of injured nearshore resources Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Restoration Project final report: Monitoring for evaluation of recovery and restoration of injured nearshore resources

In 2012, we completed three consecutive years of full field sampling in WPWS for EVOS Restoration Project 10100750. Nearshore monitoring was conducted in collaboration with the NPS SWAN I&M program and, beginning in 2012, as part of the EVOSTC GWA program. Data collection was done in accordance with standard operating procedures set forth to monitor marine water chemistry and quality...
Authors
Brenda Ballachey, James Bodkin, Kimberly Kloecker, Tom Dean, Heather Colletti
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Science and Products

A juvenile female sea otter eating small green urchins in the intertidal. Glacier Bay near Geikie Inlet, Alaska

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...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Nearshore Marine Ecosystem Research

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...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 18

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Sea Otter Forage Data, 1993-2019 Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Sea Otter Forage Data, 1993-2019

These data describe observations of sea otter foraging behavior in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Data consist of dive and surface times, success in prey retrieval, prey item, prey quantity, and size. Additionally, location of observations, and age class, sex, and pup status of the focal sea otter were also recorded.
By
Alaska Science Center

Rocky Intertidal Data from Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park Rocky Intertidal Data from Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park

This data package includes four (4) child items with data from the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program (nearshore monitoring component) rocky intertidal study. Child Item One: "Rocky Intertidal Sea Star Size, Count, and Disease Data from Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park". The data include: (1) size and disease state...
By
Alaska Science Center

Intertidal Temperature Data from Kachemak Bay, Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park Intertidal Temperature Data from Kachemak Bay, Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program. This dataset consists of date, time, and temperature measurements from intertidal rocky sampling sites, including predicted tide height at the time of the reading, which is used to distinguish air from water temperature readings. The data are provided as comma separated values (.csv) files derived from data...
By
Alaska Science Center

Sea Otter Spraint Data from Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound Sea Otter Spraint Data from Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program. This dataset consist of observations of sea otter (Enhydra lutris) fecal samples (spraint). Observers examined fresh spraint piles to identify major prey classes in the samples and to determine sea otter diets in the Gulf of Alaska region.
By
Alaska Science Center

Intertidal Mussel (Mytilus) Data from Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park Intertidal Mussel (Mytilus) Data from Prince William Sound, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program and describe mussel sampling and observations conducted in the northern Gulf of Alaska. This dataset consists of six comma separated files (.csv): 1) mussel sampling site layout information, 2) mussel counts for mussels greater than 20 millimeters in a quadrat, 3) mussel size measurements for mussels greater...
By
Alaska Science Center

Intertidal and Subtidal Sea Otter Prey Sampling in Mixed Sediment Habitat in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, 1998 to 2011 Intertidal and Subtidal Sea Otter Prey Sampling in Mixed Sediment Habitat in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, 1998 to 2011

This dataset provides clam species abundance and size data from intertidal and subtidal mixed sediment habitats in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (GBNPP). Data are provided for all observed clams, horse mussels, or urchins 14 mm or larger. Sampling involved excavating 25 cm of substrate from quadrats (approximately 0.25 sq meter) along transects at random and selected sites, 10...
By
Alaska Science Center

Bioenergetics and Morphology of Mussels (Mytilus trossulus) in Kenai Fjords National Park Bioenergetics and Morphology of Mussels (Mytilus trossulus) in Kenai Fjords National Park

This dataset provides one table of bioenergetic and morphological measurements of Pacific blue mussels (Mytilus trossulus; N = 444) collected at three intertidal sites in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska. Mussels were collected at the same tidal height across all three sites on a nearly monthly basis from 2014-2015.
By
Alaska Science Center

Sea Otter Survey Data, Carcass Recovery Data, and Blood Chemistry Data from Southwest Alaska Sea Otter Survey Data, Carcass Recovery Data, and Blood Chemistry Data from Southwest Alaska

Three data sets are included here to aid in assessment of the sea otter population collapse in southwest Alaska. One data set consists of results of sea otter surveys conducted between 1959 and 2015 at Bering Island, Russia and a selection of western Aleutian Islands in Alaska. Sea otter counts are reduced to a comparable value of otters per linear kilometer. Another data set consists...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Morphometric and Reproductive Status Data for Sea Otters Collected or Captured in Alaska Morphometric and Reproductive Status Data for Sea Otters Collected or Captured in Alaska

This dataset includes morphometric measurements and pregnancy / dependency status from sea otters captured or collected (experimental harvests or recovered after the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill) in Alaska, 1947-2019 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Data collected include total body length, tail length, body mass, axillary girth, paw width...
By
Alaska Science Center

Sea Otter Mortality Age Data from Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Prince William Sound, Alaska, 2006-2017 Sea Otter Mortality Age Data from Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Prince William Sound, Alaska, 2006-2017

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long term monitoring program, nearshore monitoring component. The dataset is a comma separated file exported from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The data consist of information related to collection of sea otter carcasses. Collectors walked selected shorelines searching for signs of carcasses. Date, location, carcass condition, parts...
By
Alaska Science Center

Intertidal Soft-Sediment Bivalves from Prince William Sound, Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park Intertidal Soft-Sediment Bivalves from Prince William Sound, Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program and describe bivalve count and size sampling and observations conducted at intertidal soft-sediment sampling sites in the northern Gulf of Alaska. This dataset consists of five comma separated files (.csv): 1) bivalve taxonomy table, 2) bivalve sampling site table, 3) bivalve count table, 4) bivalve size...
By
Alaska Science Center

Marine Bird and Mammal Survey Data from Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park Marine Bird and Mammal Survey Data from Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long term monitoring program, nearshore monitoring component. The dataset is a series of comma separated files exported from a survey software program (DLog, Ford Consulting, Portland, OR). The data consists of date, time, latitude, longitude, species abbreviation, count, and behavior. Each year the observers attempt to sample the same...
By
Alaska Science Center
Float plane with pilot giving a thumbs up before takeoff in Prince William Sound. Trees and mountains in background.
Float plane taking off in Prince William Sound for sea otter aerial survey
Float plane taking off in Prince William Sound for sea otter aerial survey
Float plane with pilot giving a thumbs up before takeoff in Prince William Sound. Trees and mountains in background.

Float plane taking off in Prince William Sound for sea otter aerial survey

Float plane taking off in Prince William Sound for sea otter aerial survey

North River Air pilot Taj Shoemaker getting ready for takeoff in Prince William Sound. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Float plane with pilot giving a thumbs up before takeoff in Prince William Sound. Trees and mountains in background.

Float plane taking off in Prince William Sound for sea otter aerial survey

Float plane taking off in Prince William Sound for sea otter aerial survey

North River Air pilot Taj Shoemaker getting ready for takeoff in Prince William Sound. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Resting sea otter in Homer harbor in Alaska
A resting sea otter
A resting sea otter
Resting sea otter in Homer harbor in Alaska

A resting sea otter

A resting sea otter

A resting sea otter in the Homer harbor, Alaska. Photo was taken in 2011. Sea otters provide one of the best documented examples of top-down forcing effects on the structure and function of nearshore marine ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Resting sea otter in Homer harbor in Alaska

A resting sea otter

A resting sea otter

A resting sea otter in the Homer harbor, Alaska. Photo was taken in 2011. Sea otters provide one of the best documented examples of top-down forcing effects on the structure and function of nearshore marine ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Close up of resting sea otter in Homer harbor in Alaska. Otter has eyes closed.
A resting sea otter with eyes closed
A resting sea otter with eyes closed
Close up of resting sea otter in Homer harbor in Alaska. Otter has eyes closed.

A resting sea otter with eyes closed

A resting sea otter with eyes closed

A resting sea otter with eyes closed. Photo taken in the Homer harbor in Alaska. Sea otters provide one of the best documented examples of top-down forcing effects on the structure and function of nearshore marine ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean

By
Alaska Science Center
Close up of resting sea otter in Homer harbor in Alaska. Otter has eyes closed.

A resting sea otter with eyes closed

A resting sea otter with eyes closed

A resting sea otter with eyes closed. Photo taken in the Homer harbor in Alaska. Sea otters provide one of the best documented examples of top-down forcing effects on the structure and function of nearshore marine ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean

By
Alaska Science Center
A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past. Glacier Bay at Point Carolus, Alaska
A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past
A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past
A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past. Glacier Bay at Point Carolus, Alaska

A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past

A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past

A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past. Photo taken in Glacier Bay at Point Carolus, Alaska

By
Alaska Science Center
A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past. Glacier Bay at Point Carolus, Alaska

A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past

A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past

A sea otter resting in kelp as two orcas swim past. Photo taken in Glacier Bay at Point Carolus, Alaska

By
Alaska Science Center
A female sea otter resting in the morning light. Cook Inlet Alaska.
Female sea otter, Cook Inlet, Alaska
Female sea otter, Cook Inlet, Alaska
A female sea otter resting in the morning light. Cook Inlet Alaska.

Female sea otter, Cook Inlet, Alaska

Female sea otter, Cook Inlet, Alaska

A female sea otter resting in the morning light in Cook Inlet Alaska.  

By
Alaska Science Center
A female sea otter resting in the morning light. Cook Inlet Alaska.

Female sea otter, Cook Inlet, Alaska

Female sea otter, Cook Inlet, Alaska

A female sea otter resting in the morning light in Cook Inlet Alaska.  

By
Alaska Science Center
Scientists in boat record observations along nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
Scientists record nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
Scientists record nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
Scientists in boat record observations along nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Scientists record nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Scientists record nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Brian Robinson (USGS) and Ben Weitzman (NOAA) record observations along nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska. USGS is studying the migration strategies and movement ecology of Black Oystercatchers as part of the new tracking study.

 

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center
Scientists in boat record observations along nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Scientists record nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Scientists record nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Brian Robinson (USGS) and Ben Weitzman (NOAA) record observations along nearshore transects in Kachemak Bay, Alaska. USGS is studying the migration strategies and movement ecology of Black Oystercatchers as part of the new tracking study.

 

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center
Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska
Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska
Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska
Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska

USGS Biologist Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher after assisting with the collection of morphometric data and tagging. Data were collected from Black Oystercatchers as part of a new study to better understand migration strategies and movement ecology of the species.

By
Alaska Science Center
Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher, Alaska

USGS Biologist Caitlin Marsteller prepares to release a Black Oystercatcher after assisting with the collection of morphometric data and tagging. Data were collected from Black Oystercatchers as part of a new study to better understand migration strategies and movement ecology of the species.

By
Alaska Science Center
Biologist releases a Black Oystercatcher on Beach in Alaska
Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher on beach in Alaska
Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher on beach in Alaska
Biologist releases a Black Oystercatcher on Beach in Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher on beach in Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher on beach in Alaska

USGS Biologist Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher after assisting with the collection of morphometric data and tagging. Data were collected from Black Oystercatchers as part of a new study to better understand migration strategies and movement ecology of the species.

By
Alaska Science Center
Biologist releases a Black Oystercatcher on Beach in Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher on beach in Alaska

Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher on beach in Alaska

USGS Biologist Caitlin Marsteller releases a Black Oystercatcher after assisting with the collection of morphometric data and tagging. Data were collected from Black Oystercatchers as part of a new study to better understand migration strategies and movement ecology of the species.

By
Alaska Science Center
A young sea otter foraging for small invertebrates off an emergent rock covered with seaweed, snails, and barnacles.
A young sea otter foraging for invertebrates
A young sea otter foraging for invertebrates
A young sea otter foraging for small invertebrates off an emergent rock covered with seaweed, snails, and barnacles.

A young sea otter foraging for invertebrates

A young sea otter foraging for invertebrates

A young sea otter foraging for small invertebrates off an emergent rock covered with seaweed, snails, and barnacles. Photo taken in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A young sea otter foraging for small invertebrates off an emergent rock covered with seaweed, snails, and barnacles.

A young sea otter foraging for invertebrates

A young sea otter foraging for invertebrates

A young sea otter foraging for small invertebrates off an emergent rock covered with seaweed, snails, and barnacles. Photo taken in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A juvenile female sea otter eating small green urchins in the intertidal. Glacier Bay near Geikie Inlet, Alaska
Juvenile female sea otter eating urchins
Juvenile female sea otter eating urchins
A juvenile female sea otter eating small green urchins in the intertidal. Glacier Bay near Geikie Inlet, Alaska

Juvenile female sea otter eating urchins

Juvenile female sea otter eating urchins

A juvenile female sea otter eating small green urchins in the intertidal. Photo taken in Glacier Bay near Geikie Inlet, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A juvenile female sea otter eating small green urchins in the intertidal. Glacier Bay near Geikie Inlet, Alaska

Juvenile female sea otter eating urchins

Juvenile female sea otter eating urchins

A juvenile female sea otter eating small green urchins in the intertidal. Photo taken in Glacier Bay near Geikie Inlet, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A sea otter eating a basket star in Glacier Bay Point Carolus.
A sea otter eating a basket star
A sea otter eating a basket star
A sea otter eating a basket star in Glacier Bay Point Carolus.

A sea otter eating a basket star

A sea otter eating a basket star

A sea otter at sunset eating a basket star in Glacier Bay near Bartlett Cove, Alaska

By
Alaska Science Center
A sea otter eating a basket star in Glacier Bay Point Carolus.

A sea otter eating a basket star

A sea otter eating a basket star

A sea otter at sunset eating a basket star in Glacier Bay near Bartlett Cove, Alaska

By
Alaska Science Center
Filter Total Items: 28

The dynamics of sea otter prey selection under population growth and expansion The dynamics of sea otter prey selection under population growth and expansion

Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) were extirpated from much of their range in the North Pacific by the early 1900s but have made a remarkable recovery in Southeast Alaska. Sea otter populations have been particularly successful in Glacier Bay, Alaska, a protected tidewater glacier fjord with a diverse and productive nearshore habitat. Collection of sea otter foraging observations in Glacier...
Authors
Clint Leach, Ben Weitzman, Jim Bodkin, Daniel Esler, George Esslinger, Kimberly Kloecker, Daniel Monson, Jamie N. Womble, Mevin Hooten
By
Alaska Science Center

Lack of strong responses to the Pacific marine heatwave by benthivorous marine birds indicates importance of trophic drivers Lack of strong responses to the Pacific marine heatwave by benthivorous marine birds indicates importance of trophic drivers

The Pacific marine heatwave (PMH) of 2014-2016 was an intense, long-lasting environmental disturbance expressed throughout the north Pacific. While dramatic consequences of the PMH on pelagic food webs have been well documented, effects on nearshore food webs, i.e., those based on macroalgae primary productivity, benthic invertebrate intermediate consumers, and specialized benthivorous...
Authors
Brian Robinson, Heather Coletti, Brenda Ballachey, James L. Bodkin, Kimberly Kloecker, Sarah Traiger, Daniel Esler
By
Alaska Science Center

Nearshore ecosystems in the Gulf of Alaska Nearshore ecosystems in the Gulf of Alaska

Nearshore ecosystem monitoring in western Prince William Sound, Kenai Fjords National Park, Kachemak Bay, and Katmai National Park and Preserve has been conducted as a single Nearshore Component of the Gulf Watch Alaska program over the past five years (2017-2021). This program builds on the previous five years and continues, in many cases, decades of preceding research and monitoring...
Authors
Heather Coletti, Daniel Esler, Brenda Ballachey, Jim Bodkin, George Esslinger, Kimberly Kloecker, Daniel Monson, Brian Robinson, Sarah Traiger, Katrin Iken, Brenda Konar, Tom Dean, Mandy Lindeberg, Ben Weitzman
By
Alaska Science Center

Revealing the extent of sea otter impacts on bivalve prey through multi-trophic monitoring and mechanistic models Revealing the extent of sea otter impacts on bivalve prey through multi-trophic monitoring and mechanistic models

Sea otters are apex predators that can exert considerable influence over the nearshore communities they occupy. Since facing near extinction in the early 1900s, sea otters are making a remarkable recovery in Southeast Alaska, particularly in Glacier Bay, the largest protected tidewater glacier fjord in the world. The expansion of sea otters across Glacier Bay offers both a challenge to...
Authors
Clinton Leach, Benjamin Weitzman, James L. Bodkin, Daniel Esler, George Esslinger, Kimberly Kloecker, Daniel Monson, Jamie N. Womble, Mevin Hooten
By
Alaska Science Center

Where land and sea meet: Brown bears and sea otters Where land and sea meet: Brown bears and sea otters

In Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA, we have seen changes in the number of brown bears and sea otters. The number of animals of a species a habitat can support is called carrying capacity. Even though bears live on land and sea otters live in the ocean, these two mammals share coastal habitats. Bears eat salmon, other fish, plants, clams, and beached whales. Sea otters feed on clams and...
Authors
Heather Coletti, Grant Hilderbrand, James L. Bodkin, Brenda E. Ballachey, Joy Erlenbach, George Esslinger, Michael Hannam, Kimberly Kloecker, Buck Mangipane, Amy Miller, Daniel Monson, Benjamin Pister, K. Griffin, K. Bodkin, Tom Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Divergent gene expression profiles in Alaskan sea otters: An indicator of chronic domoic acid exposure? Divergent gene expression profiles in Alaskan sea otters: An indicator of chronic domoic acid exposure?

An opportunistic investigation into ecosystem instability in Kachemak Bay (KBay), Alaska, has led us to investigate exposure to toxic algae in sea otters. We used gene expression to explore the physiological health of sea otters sampled in KBay in May 2019. We found altered levels of gene transcripts in comparison with reference sea otters from clinically normal, oil-exposed, and...
Authors
Lizabeth Bowen, Susan Knowles, Kathi Lefebvre, Michelle St Martin, Michael Murray, Kimberly Kloecker, Daniel Monson, Ben Weitzman, Brenda Ballachey, Heather Coletti, Shannon Waters-Dynes, C Cummings
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Genetic variation in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from the North Pacific with relevance to the threatened Southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment Genetic variation in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from the North Pacific with relevance to the threatened Southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment

For the sea otter (Enhydra lutris), genetic population structure is an area of research that has not received significant attention, especially in Southwest Alaska where that distinct population segment has been listed as threatened since 2005 pursuant to the U.S. Endangered Species Act. In this study, 501 samples from 14 locations from Prince William Sound, Alaska to the Commander...
Authors
Blair Flannery, Ora Russ, Michelle St. Martin, William Beatty, Kristen Worman, Joel Garlich-Miller, Verena A. Gill, Patrick Lemons, Daniel Monson, Kimberly Kloecker, Daniel Esler, John Wenburg
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Sea otter population collapse in southwest Alaska: Assessing ecological covariates, consequences, and causal factors Sea otter population collapse in southwest Alaska: Assessing ecological covariates, consequences, and causal factors

Sea otter (Enhydra lutris) populations in southwest Alaska declined substantially between about 1990 and the most recent set of surveys in 2015. Here we report changes in the distribution and abundance of sea otters, and covarying patterns in reproduction, mortality, body size and condition, diet and foraging behavior, food availability, health profiles, and exposure to environmental...
Authors
M. Tim Tinker, James L. Bodkin, Lizabeth Bowen, Brenda Ballachey, Gena Bentall, Alexander Burdin, Heather Coletti, George Esslinger, Brian Hatfield, Michael Kenner, Kimberly Kloecker, Brenda Konar, A. Miles, Daniel Monson, Michael Murray, Ben Weitzman, James Estes
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Timelines and mechanisms of wildlife population recovery following the Exxon Valdez oil spill 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 and sea otters, chronic oil spill effects...
Authors
Daniel Esler, Brenda Ballachey, Craig Matkin, Daniel Cushing, Robert Kaler, James Bodkin, Daniel Monson, George Esslinger, Kimberly Kloecker
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center

Variability within nearshore ecosystems of the Gulf of Alaska 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 ecosystem services, including (1) nursery...
Authors
Brenda Ballachey, James Bodkin, Heather Coletti, Thomas Dean, Daniel Esler, George Esslinger, Katrin Iken, Kimberly Kloecker, Brenda Konar, Mandy Lindeberg, Daniel Monson, Marnie Shepherd, Ben P. Weitzman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

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 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...
Authors
Daniel H. Monson, Thomas Dean, M.R. Lindeberg, James Bodkin, Heather Coletti, Daniel Esler, Kimberly Kloecker, Ben P. Weitzman, Brenda Ballachey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Restoration Project final report: Monitoring for evaluation of recovery and restoration of injured nearshore resources Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Restoration Project final report: Monitoring for evaluation of recovery and restoration of injured nearshore resources

In 2012, we completed three consecutive years of full field sampling in WPWS for EVOS Restoration Project 10100750. Nearshore monitoring was conducted in collaboration with the NPS SWAN I&M program and, beginning in 2012, as part of the EVOSTC GWA program. Data collection was done in accordance with standard operating procedures set forth to monitor marine water chemistry and quality...
Authors
Brenda Ballachey, James Bodkin, Kimberly Kloecker, Tom Dean, Heather Colletti
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center
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