A shelf full of legacy data collected on seabirds in Cook Inlet and Glacier Bay, Alaska.
Laura McDuffie
Laura is a data scientists and biologist who specializes in data management and the movement and breeding ecology of migratory shorebirds.
My duties include assisting staff with the creation, modification, and publishing of data release, digitally archiving legacy data for public use, producing data visualizations to engage the public in research produced by Alaska Science Center scientists, and providing field assistance to research biologists.
Science and Products
Alaska Science Center’s Commitment to “Gold Standard Science” for Data Products
The mission of the Alaska Science Center is to provide objective and timely data, information, and research findings about the earth and its flora and fauna to Federal, State, and local resource managers and the public to support sound decisions regarding natural resources, natural hazards, and ecosystems in Alaska and circumpolar regions. We are committed to ensuring all Federally funded data...
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Tracking Data for Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)
Available here are tracking data of Lesser Yellowlegs ( Tringa flavipes). These data were collected to inform the spatiotemporal migratory patterns of Lesser Yellowlegs between subarctic breeding areas in Alaska and Canada and wintering areas in South America, the Caribbean, Central America, and the contiguous United States.
Q&A: Legacy Research Data
The term “legacy data” refers to project data that are complete, or may be resurrected in the future, that were previously stored in old or obsolete formats and thus, difficult to access. These data are an important record of past ecosystem status and part of the USGS commitment to deliver actionable information relevant to decision makers. Here, we discuss these data with the Alaska Science...
Alaska Science Center Data Policy
The Data Policy for ASC staff and contractors requires that research data, computational models, software and scripts, web-based tools, and information products (collectively “data”) adhere to the following policy statements.
Filter Total Items: 54
Shelf of legacy seabird data
A shelf full of legacy data collected on seabirds in Cook Inlet and Glacier Bay, Alaska.
Physical data ready for archive
Alaska Science Center Data Management staff organize, scan, and digitally archive physical data. Once published as part of a data release, the physical data are organized and placed into banker boxes, labeled with pertinent information, such as the data release DOI, and moved to a secure location.
Alaska Science Center Data Management staff organize, scan, and digitally archive physical data. Once published as part of a data release, the physical data are organized and placed into banker boxes, labeled with pertinent information, such as the data release DOI, and moved to a secure location.
Waiting for passengers at Katmai National Park and Preserve
Waiting for passengers at Katmai National Park and PreserveRidged hull inflatable skiffs are used by scientists to conduct rocky intertidal monitoring for the Nearshore Component of the Gulf Watch Alaska program. Data are collected to estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae to assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Waiting for passengers at Katmai National Park and Preserve
Waiting for passengers at Katmai National Park and PreserveRidged hull inflatable skiffs are used by scientists to conduct rocky intertidal monitoring for the Nearshore Component of the Gulf Watch Alaska program. Data are collected to estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae to assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Sunset over Katmai
The sun sets over Katmai National Park and Preserve. Katmai is one of four monitoring sites for the Nearshore Component of the Gulf Watch Alaska program.
The sun sets over Katmai National Park and Preserve. Katmai is one of four monitoring sites for the Nearshore Component of the Gulf Watch Alaska program.
A retrieved HOBO temperature logger at Katmai National Park and Preserve
A retrieved HOBO temperature logger at Katmai National Park and PreserveA scientist holds a HOBO temperature logger that was recently retrieved from a sampling site at Katmai National Park and Preserve. The sensor end of the HOBO was partially covered by a small sea star (Leptasterias spp.) when recovered from the site. The temperature loggers record the water temperature.
A retrieved HOBO temperature logger at Katmai National Park and Preserve
A retrieved HOBO temperature logger at Katmai National Park and PreserveA scientist holds a HOBO temperature logger that was recently retrieved from a sampling site at Katmai National Park and Preserve. The sensor end of the HOBO was partially covered by a small sea star (Leptasterias spp.) when recovered from the site. The temperature loggers record the water temperature.
Bumble bee pollinating a wild celery (Angelica lucida) flower at Katmai National Park and Preserve
Bumble bee pollinating a wild celery (Angelica lucida) flower at Katmai National Park and PreserveA native bubble bee pollinates a wild celery. There are 22 species of bumblebees in Alaska and all are essential pollinators during the short growing season.
Bumble bee pollinating a wild celery (Angelica lucida) flower at Katmai National Park and Preserve
Bumble bee pollinating a wild celery (Angelica lucida) flower at Katmai National Park and PreserveA native bubble bee pollinates a wild celery. There are 22 species of bumblebees in Alaska and all are essential pollinators during the short growing season.
Scientists observing foraging sea otters through telescopes
Scientists observing foraging sea otters through telescopesA pair of scientists observe sea otter foraging behavior at Katmai National Park and Preserve. Questar telescopes are used to assist with prey identification.
Scientists observing foraging sea otters through telescopes
Scientists observing foraging sea otters through telescopesA pair of scientists observe sea otter foraging behavior at Katmai National Park and Preserve. Questar telescopes are used to assist with prey identification.
Sleeping sea otter
A male Northern Sea Otter sleeps on his back after foraging for clams at Katmai National Park and Preserve.
A male Northern Sea Otter sleeps on his back after foraging for clams at Katmai National Park and Preserve.
A scientist examines the teeth and skull of a sea otter
A scientist examines the teeth and skull of a sea otterA scientist examines the teeth from a sea otter skull found on a beach at Katmai Nation Park and Preserve. Teeth are collected in the field and each sea otter is aged using cementum annuli counts. Cementum annuli are the rings of collagen fibers in tooth roots.
A scientist examines the teeth and skull of a sea otter
A scientist examines the teeth and skull of a sea otterA scientist examines the teeth from a sea otter skull found on a beach at Katmai Nation Park and Preserve. Teeth are collected in the field and each sea otter is aged using cementum annuli counts. Cementum annuli are the rings of collagen fibers in tooth roots.
Black Oystercatcher and chick at Katmai National Park and Preserve
Black Oystercatcher and chick at Katmai National Park and PreserveA Black Oystercatcher watches over a few days-old chick at Katmai National Park and Preserve. These shorebirds are monitored on a yearly basis as part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program.
Black Oystercatcher and chick at Katmai National Park and Preserve
Black Oystercatcher and chick at Katmai National Park and PreserveA Black Oystercatcher watches over a few days-old chick at Katmai National Park and Preserve. These shorebirds are monitored on a yearly basis as part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program.
Black Oystercatcher nest under driftwood
Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) nests in the northern Gulf of Alaska are monitored annually to determine the nest status, productivity, chick diet, and egg float stages.
Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) nests in the northern Gulf of Alaska are monitored annually to determine the nest status, productivity, chick diet, and egg float stages.
The Salmon Specialists
Orcas (Orcinus orca) of the AD8 pod search for schools of salmon in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
Orcas (Orcinus orca) of the AD8 pod search for schools of salmon in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
Mussels in the Rocky Intertidal
A cluster of mussels (Mytilus spp.) and barnacles at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of mussel size and density allows scientists to quantify change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
A cluster of mussels (Mytilus spp.) and barnacles at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of mussel size and density allows scientists to quantify change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Monitoring Rocky Intertidal Communities
A USGS scientist collects information on intertidal communities during low tide at Takli Island. The purpose of the collection is to estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae to assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
A USGS scientist collects information on intertidal communities during low tide at Takli Island. The purpose of the collection is to estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae to assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Fucus in the Rocky Intertidal
A cluster of fucus (Fucus distichus) mussels (Mytilus spp.) and barnacles at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae is used to quantitatively assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
A cluster of fucus (Fucus distichus) mussels (Mytilus spp.) and barnacles at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae is used to quantitatively assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Male Orca AD37, "Brit"
Male orca (Orcinus orca) AD37 "Brit" of pod AD8, swims in front of a scientific research skiff in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
Male orca (Orcinus orca) AD37 "Brit" of pod AD8, swims in front of a scientific research skiff in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
Male Orca AD37, "Brit" taking a Dive
Male orca (Orcinus orca) AD37 "Brit" of pod AD8, swims next to a scientific research skiff in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
Male orca (Orcinus orca) AD37 "Brit" of pod AD8, swims next to a scientific research skiff in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
A Splash of Color in the Rocky Intertidal
A bright red Pacific blood star (Henricia leviuscula) rests among the algae, barnacles, and limpets at low tide in Kalfia Bay. Beginning in 2014, a marine heat wave prompted the spread of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome throughout the Gulf of Alaska region.
A bright red Pacific blood star (Henricia leviuscula) rests among the algae, barnacles, and limpets at low tide in Kalfia Bay. Beginning in 2014, a marine heat wave prompted the spread of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome throughout the Gulf of Alaska region.
Chitons of the Rocky Intertidal
A pair of Black Katy Chiton (Katharina tunicate) at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of chiton density allows scientists to quantify change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
A pair of Black Katy Chiton (Katharina tunicate) at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of chiton density allows scientists to quantify change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Rocky Intertidal Coastline
A typical rocky intertidal monitoring site within Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae is used to quantitatively assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
A typical rocky intertidal monitoring site within Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae is used to quantitatively assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Return of the Sea Star
A mottled sea star (Evasterias troschelii) rests among the algae, barnacles, and limpets at low tide in Kalfia Bay. Beginning in 2014, a marine heat wave prompted the spread of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome throughout the Gulf of Alaska region. The symptoms of the syndrome included twisted arms, white lesions, deflated arms, arm loss, and body disintegration.
A mottled sea star (Evasterias troschelii) rests among the algae, barnacles, and limpets at low tide in Kalfia Bay. Beginning in 2014, a marine heat wave prompted the spread of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome throughout the Gulf of Alaska region. The symptoms of the syndrome included twisted arms, white lesions, deflated arms, arm loss, and body disintegration.
Science and Products
Alaska Science Center’s Commitment to “Gold Standard Science” for Data Products
The mission of the Alaska Science Center is to provide objective and timely data, information, and research findings about the earth and its flora and fauna to Federal, State, and local resource managers and the public to support sound decisions regarding natural resources, natural hazards, and ecosystems in Alaska and circumpolar regions. We are committed to ensuring all Federally funded data...
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Tracking Data for Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)
Available here are tracking data of Lesser Yellowlegs ( Tringa flavipes). These data were collected to inform the spatiotemporal migratory patterns of Lesser Yellowlegs between subarctic breeding areas in Alaska and Canada and wintering areas in South America, the Caribbean, Central America, and the contiguous United States.
Q&A: Legacy Research Data
The term “legacy data” refers to project data that are complete, or may be resurrected in the future, that were previously stored in old or obsolete formats and thus, difficult to access. These data are an important record of past ecosystem status and part of the USGS commitment to deliver actionable information relevant to decision makers. Here, we discuss these data with the Alaska Science...
Alaska Science Center Data Policy
The Data Policy for ASC staff and contractors requires that research data, computational models, software and scripts, web-based tools, and information products (collectively “data”) adhere to the following policy statements.
Filter Total Items: 54
Shelf of legacy seabird data
A shelf full of legacy data collected on seabirds in Cook Inlet and Glacier Bay, Alaska.
A shelf full of legacy data collected on seabirds in Cook Inlet and Glacier Bay, Alaska.
Physical data ready for archive
Alaska Science Center Data Management staff organize, scan, and digitally archive physical data. Once published as part of a data release, the physical data are organized and placed into banker boxes, labeled with pertinent information, such as the data release DOI, and moved to a secure location.
Alaska Science Center Data Management staff organize, scan, and digitally archive physical data. Once published as part of a data release, the physical data are organized and placed into banker boxes, labeled with pertinent information, such as the data release DOI, and moved to a secure location.
Waiting for passengers at Katmai National Park and Preserve
Waiting for passengers at Katmai National Park and PreserveRidged hull inflatable skiffs are used by scientists to conduct rocky intertidal monitoring for the Nearshore Component of the Gulf Watch Alaska program. Data are collected to estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae to assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Waiting for passengers at Katmai National Park and Preserve
Waiting for passengers at Katmai National Park and PreserveRidged hull inflatable skiffs are used by scientists to conduct rocky intertidal monitoring for the Nearshore Component of the Gulf Watch Alaska program. Data are collected to estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae to assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Sunset over Katmai
The sun sets over Katmai National Park and Preserve. Katmai is one of four monitoring sites for the Nearshore Component of the Gulf Watch Alaska program.
The sun sets over Katmai National Park and Preserve. Katmai is one of four monitoring sites for the Nearshore Component of the Gulf Watch Alaska program.
A retrieved HOBO temperature logger at Katmai National Park and Preserve
A retrieved HOBO temperature logger at Katmai National Park and PreserveA scientist holds a HOBO temperature logger that was recently retrieved from a sampling site at Katmai National Park and Preserve. The sensor end of the HOBO was partially covered by a small sea star (Leptasterias spp.) when recovered from the site. The temperature loggers record the water temperature.
A retrieved HOBO temperature logger at Katmai National Park and Preserve
A retrieved HOBO temperature logger at Katmai National Park and PreserveA scientist holds a HOBO temperature logger that was recently retrieved from a sampling site at Katmai National Park and Preserve. The sensor end of the HOBO was partially covered by a small sea star (Leptasterias spp.) when recovered from the site. The temperature loggers record the water temperature.
Bumble bee pollinating a wild celery (Angelica lucida) flower at Katmai National Park and Preserve
Bumble bee pollinating a wild celery (Angelica lucida) flower at Katmai National Park and PreserveA native bubble bee pollinates a wild celery. There are 22 species of bumblebees in Alaska and all are essential pollinators during the short growing season.
Bumble bee pollinating a wild celery (Angelica lucida) flower at Katmai National Park and Preserve
Bumble bee pollinating a wild celery (Angelica lucida) flower at Katmai National Park and PreserveA native bubble bee pollinates a wild celery. There are 22 species of bumblebees in Alaska and all are essential pollinators during the short growing season.
Scientists observing foraging sea otters through telescopes
Scientists observing foraging sea otters through telescopesA pair of scientists observe sea otter foraging behavior at Katmai National Park and Preserve. Questar telescopes are used to assist with prey identification.
Scientists observing foraging sea otters through telescopes
Scientists observing foraging sea otters through telescopesA pair of scientists observe sea otter foraging behavior at Katmai National Park and Preserve. Questar telescopes are used to assist with prey identification.
Sleeping sea otter
A male Northern Sea Otter sleeps on his back after foraging for clams at Katmai National Park and Preserve.
A male Northern Sea Otter sleeps on his back after foraging for clams at Katmai National Park and Preserve.
A scientist examines the teeth and skull of a sea otter
A scientist examines the teeth and skull of a sea otterA scientist examines the teeth from a sea otter skull found on a beach at Katmai Nation Park and Preserve. Teeth are collected in the field and each sea otter is aged using cementum annuli counts. Cementum annuli are the rings of collagen fibers in tooth roots.
A scientist examines the teeth and skull of a sea otter
A scientist examines the teeth and skull of a sea otterA scientist examines the teeth from a sea otter skull found on a beach at Katmai Nation Park and Preserve. Teeth are collected in the field and each sea otter is aged using cementum annuli counts. Cementum annuli are the rings of collagen fibers in tooth roots.
Black Oystercatcher and chick at Katmai National Park and Preserve
Black Oystercatcher and chick at Katmai National Park and PreserveA Black Oystercatcher watches over a few days-old chick at Katmai National Park and Preserve. These shorebirds are monitored on a yearly basis as part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program.
Black Oystercatcher and chick at Katmai National Park and Preserve
Black Oystercatcher and chick at Katmai National Park and PreserveA Black Oystercatcher watches over a few days-old chick at Katmai National Park and Preserve. These shorebirds are monitored on a yearly basis as part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long-term monitoring program.
Black Oystercatcher nest under driftwood
Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) nests in the northern Gulf of Alaska are monitored annually to determine the nest status, productivity, chick diet, and egg float stages.
Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) nests in the northern Gulf of Alaska are monitored annually to determine the nest status, productivity, chick diet, and egg float stages.
The Salmon Specialists
Orcas (Orcinus orca) of the AD8 pod search for schools of salmon in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
Orcas (Orcinus orca) of the AD8 pod search for schools of salmon in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
Mussels in the Rocky Intertidal
A cluster of mussels (Mytilus spp.) and barnacles at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of mussel size and density allows scientists to quantify change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
A cluster of mussels (Mytilus spp.) and barnacles at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of mussel size and density allows scientists to quantify change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Monitoring Rocky Intertidal Communities
A USGS scientist collects information on intertidal communities during low tide at Takli Island. The purpose of the collection is to estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae to assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
A USGS scientist collects information on intertidal communities during low tide at Takli Island. The purpose of the collection is to estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae to assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Fucus in the Rocky Intertidal
A cluster of fucus (Fucus distichus) mussels (Mytilus spp.) and barnacles at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae is used to quantitatively assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
A cluster of fucus (Fucus distichus) mussels (Mytilus spp.) and barnacles at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae is used to quantitatively assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Male Orca AD37, "Brit"
Male orca (Orcinus orca) AD37 "Brit" of pod AD8, swims in front of a scientific research skiff in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
Male orca (Orcinus orca) AD37 "Brit" of pod AD8, swims in front of a scientific research skiff in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
Male Orca AD37, "Brit" taking a Dive
Male orca (Orcinus orca) AD37 "Brit" of pod AD8, swims next to a scientific research skiff in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
Male orca (Orcinus orca) AD37 "Brit" of pod AD8, swims next to a scientific research skiff in Amalik Bay. Orca populations have declined significantly since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. By collecting photos of saddle patches and dorsal fin notches, scientists are able to identify unique individual whales.
A Splash of Color in the Rocky Intertidal
A bright red Pacific blood star (Henricia leviuscula) rests among the algae, barnacles, and limpets at low tide in Kalfia Bay. Beginning in 2014, a marine heat wave prompted the spread of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome throughout the Gulf of Alaska region.
A bright red Pacific blood star (Henricia leviuscula) rests among the algae, barnacles, and limpets at low tide in Kalfia Bay. Beginning in 2014, a marine heat wave prompted the spread of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome throughout the Gulf of Alaska region.
Chitons of the Rocky Intertidal
A pair of Black Katy Chiton (Katharina tunicate) at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of chiton density allows scientists to quantify change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
A pair of Black Katy Chiton (Katharina tunicate) at one of five rocky intertidal sampling sites in Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of chiton density allows scientists to quantify change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Rocky Intertidal Coastline
A typical rocky intertidal monitoring site within Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae is used to quantitatively assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
A typical rocky intertidal monitoring site within Katmai National Park and Preserve. An annual assessment of estimate percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae is used to quantitatively assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines.
Return of the Sea Star
A mottled sea star (Evasterias troschelii) rests among the algae, barnacles, and limpets at low tide in Kalfia Bay. Beginning in 2014, a marine heat wave prompted the spread of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome throughout the Gulf of Alaska region. The symptoms of the syndrome included twisted arms, white lesions, deflated arms, arm loss, and body disintegration.
A mottled sea star (Evasterias troschelii) rests among the algae, barnacles, and limpets at low tide in Kalfia Bay. Beginning in 2014, a marine heat wave prompted the spread of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome throughout the Gulf of Alaska region. The symptoms of the syndrome included twisted arms, white lesions, deflated arms, arm loss, and body disintegration.
*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