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.
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
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: 43
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drip Dry for Katmai Brown Bears
Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to over 2,200 brown bears (Ursus arctos). Bears that live along the Katmai coast are known to swim several miles across the ocean in search of marine mammal carcasses, marine invertebrates, and beach grasses.
Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to over 2,200 brown bears (Ursus arctos). Bears that live along the Katmai coast are known to swim several miles across the ocean in search of marine mammal carcasses, marine invertebrates, and beach grasses.
Easy Opportunity for Bald Eagles
Katmai National Park and Preserve supports a large population of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). In summer, eagles are commonly observed scavenging on fish carcasses along beaches and streams.
Katmai National Park and Preserve supports a large population of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). In summer, eagles are commonly observed scavenging on fish carcasses along beaches and streams.
A "Wreck" of Seabirds
A Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) carcass lies on the beach of Hallo Bay. Since the massive die-off of Common Murres in the Gulf of Alaska during 2015-2016, coastal communities across Alaska have annually reported dead and dying seabirds on their beaches.
A Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) carcass lies on the beach of Hallo Bay. Since the massive die-off of Common Murres in the Gulf of Alaska during 2015-2016, coastal communities across Alaska have annually reported dead and dying seabirds on their beaches.
Beach Walks on Nukshak Island
A crew of scientists walk the rocky beaches of Nukshak Island in Katmai National Park and Preserve looking for sea otter carcasses and skulls.
A crew of scientists walk the rocky beaches of Nukshak Island in Katmai National Park and Preserve looking for sea otter carcasses and skulls.
A Salad for Katmai's Brown Bears
Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to over 2,200 brown bears (Ursus arctos). Brown bears are omnivores that frequently "graze" in meadows along the Katmai coast until the salmon runs start in late July.
Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to over 2,200 brown bears (Ursus arctos). Brown bears are omnivores that frequently "graze" in meadows along the Katmai coast until the salmon runs start in late July.
Hide-and-Seek with Black Oystercatchers
A Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) chick hides in a rock crevice on one of the Shakun Islets of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Unlike their name suggests, Black Oystercatchers rarely consume oysters, but rather intertidal marine invertebrates such as limpets, whelks and chitons, as well as crabs, sea urchins, barnacles, and isopods.
A Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) chick hides in a rock crevice on one of the Shakun Islets of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Unlike their name suggests, Black Oystercatchers rarely consume oysters, but rather intertidal marine invertebrates such as limpets, whelks and chitons, as well as crabs, sea urchins, barnacles, and isopods.
The Morning Commute
R/V Tiglax deckhand, Patrick, transports scientists from the ship to Hall Island, in order to conduct distance-sampling surveys for Rock Sandpiper and McKay's Bunting.
R/V Tiglax deckhand, Patrick, transports scientists from the ship to Hall Island, in order to conduct distance-sampling surveys for Rock Sandpiper and McKay's Bunting.
Blooming woolly lousewort
Woolly lousewort (Pedicularis lanata), also known as "bumble-bee flower" are native to the alpine regions of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. This compact and hardy plant can withstand even the strongest Bering Sea winds. The "wool", as it is known, is a layer of fuzzy insulation, which wraps around the steam of the plant, protecting it from wind and cold.
Woolly lousewort (Pedicularis lanata), also known as "bumble-bee flower" are native to the alpine regions of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. This compact and hardy plant can withstand even the strongest Bering Sea winds. The "wool", as it is known, is a layer of fuzzy insulation, which wraps around the steam of the plant, protecting it from wind and cold.
Thick-billed Murre of the St. Matthew Grotto
Pair of Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island, Alaska. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including cormorants, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets.
Pair of Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island, Alaska. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including cormorants, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets.
Pelagic Cormorants of the St. Matthew Grotto
Pair of Pelagic Cormorant (Urile pelagicus) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including murres, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets.
Pair of Pelagic Cormorant (Urile pelagicus) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including murres, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets.
Murres of the St. Matthew Grotto
Pairs of Common Murre (Uria aalge; chocolate-colored hue) and Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia; black-colored hue) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including cormorants, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets.
Pairs of Common Murre (Uria aalge; chocolate-colored hue) and Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia; black-colored hue) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including cormorants, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets.
Science and Products
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: 43
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drip Dry for Katmai Brown Bears
Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to over 2,200 brown bears (Ursus arctos). Bears that live along the Katmai coast are known to swim several miles across the ocean in search of marine mammal carcasses, marine invertebrates, and beach grasses.
Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to over 2,200 brown bears (Ursus arctos). Bears that live along the Katmai coast are known to swim several miles across the ocean in search of marine mammal carcasses, marine invertebrates, and beach grasses.
Easy Opportunity for Bald Eagles
Katmai National Park and Preserve supports a large population of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). In summer, eagles are commonly observed scavenging on fish carcasses along beaches and streams.
Katmai National Park and Preserve supports a large population of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). In summer, eagles are commonly observed scavenging on fish carcasses along beaches and streams.
A "Wreck" of Seabirds
A Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) carcass lies on the beach of Hallo Bay. Since the massive die-off of Common Murres in the Gulf of Alaska during 2015-2016, coastal communities across Alaska have annually reported dead and dying seabirds on their beaches.
A Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) carcass lies on the beach of Hallo Bay. Since the massive die-off of Common Murres in the Gulf of Alaska during 2015-2016, coastal communities across Alaska have annually reported dead and dying seabirds on their beaches.
Beach Walks on Nukshak Island
A crew of scientists walk the rocky beaches of Nukshak Island in Katmai National Park and Preserve looking for sea otter carcasses and skulls.
A crew of scientists walk the rocky beaches of Nukshak Island in Katmai National Park and Preserve looking for sea otter carcasses and skulls.
A Salad for Katmai's Brown Bears
Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to over 2,200 brown bears (Ursus arctos). Brown bears are omnivores that frequently "graze" in meadows along the Katmai coast until the salmon runs start in late July.
Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to over 2,200 brown bears (Ursus arctos). Brown bears are omnivores that frequently "graze" in meadows along the Katmai coast until the salmon runs start in late July.
Hide-and-Seek with Black Oystercatchers
A Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) chick hides in a rock crevice on one of the Shakun Islets of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Unlike their name suggests, Black Oystercatchers rarely consume oysters, but rather intertidal marine invertebrates such as limpets, whelks and chitons, as well as crabs, sea urchins, barnacles, and isopods.
A Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) chick hides in a rock crevice on one of the Shakun Islets of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Unlike their name suggests, Black Oystercatchers rarely consume oysters, but rather intertidal marine invertebrates such as limpets, whelks and chitons, as well as crabs, sea urchins, barnacles, and isopods.
The Morning Commute
R/V Tiglax deckhand, Patrick, transports scientists from the ship to Hall Island, in order to conduct distance-sampling surveys for Rock Sandpiper and McKay's Bunting.
R/V Tiglax deckhand, Patrick, transports scientists from the ship to Hall Island, in order to conduct distance-sampling surveys for Rock Sandpiper and McKay's Bunting.
Blooming woolly lousewort
Woolly lousewort (Pedicularis lanata), also known as "bumble-bee flower" are native to the alpine regions of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. This compact and hardy plant can withstand even the strongest Bering Sea winds. The "wool", as it is known, is a layer of fuzzy insulation, which wraps around the steam of the plant, protecting it from wind and cold.
Woolly lousewort (Pedicularis lanata), also known as "bumble-bee flower" are native to the alpine regions of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. This compact and hardy plant can withstand even the strongest Bering Sea winds. The "wool", as it is known, is a layer of fuzzy insulation, which wraps around the steam of the plant, protecting it from wind and cold.
Thick-billed Murre of the St. Matthew Grotto
Pair of Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island, Alaska. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including cormorants, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets.
Pair of Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island, Alaska. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including cormorants, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets.
Pelagic Cormorants of the St. Matthew Grotto
Pair of Pelagic Cormorant (Urile pelagicus) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including murres, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets.
Pair of Pelagic Cormorant (Urile pelagicus) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including murres, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets.
Murres of the St. Matthew Grotto
Pairs of Common Murre (Uria aalge; chocolate-colored hue) and Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia; black-colored hue) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including cormorants, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets.
Pairs of Common Murre (Uria aalge; chocolate-colored hue) and Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia; black-colored hue) nest along the sea cliffs of a grotto on St. Matthew Island. The island is home to over 1.6 million nesting seabirds, including cormorants, kittiwakes, puffins and auklets.
*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