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Sarah K Schoen

Population and community ecology, foraging biology, conservation, biogeography, animal behavior, food webs, and experiential education.

Professional Experience

  • 2022 – Present Biologist - U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK

  • 2012  – 2022    Wildlife Biologist - U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK

  • 2009 – 2012     Wildlife Biologist - Ecological Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Juneau, AK

  • 2005 – 2006     Research Technician - Zoology - Alaska Natural Heritage Program, Anchorage, AK

  • 2004 – 2005     Environmental Scientist - HDR Alaska, Inc., Anchorage, AK

Education and Certifications

  • M.S. 2008 Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID Biology

  • B.A. 2004 Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA Biology/Environmental Studies

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • Member, Pacific Seabird Group

  • Member, Kittlitz's Murrelet Technical Committee

  • Member, The Wildlife Society

Science and Products

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

Below are data or web applications associated with this project.

No Result Found

Below are the media items associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 134
Two Common Murre chicks on rock ledge at Gull Island, Alaska
Two Common Murre chicks
Two Common Murre chicks
Two Common Murre chicks on rock ledge at Gull Island, Alaska

Two Common Murre chicks

Two Common Murre chicks

Two Common Murre chicks on rock ledge at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Two Common Murre chicks on rock ledge at Gull Island, Alaska

Two Common Murre chicks

Two Common Murre chicks

Two Common Murre chicks on rock ledge at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass and debris on beach, Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass and debris on beach, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass and debris on beach, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass and debris on beach, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass and debris on beach, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass and debris on beach, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass washed up in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass washed up in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass washed up in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass washed up in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass washed up in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass washed up in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Close up of Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Close up of Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Close up of Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Close up of Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Close up of Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Close up of Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass near beach shoreline in Bristol Bay
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass near beach shoreline in Bristol Bay
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass near beach shoreline in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass near beach shoreline in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass near beach shoreline in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass near beach shoreline in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on rocky beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on rocky beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on rocky beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on rocky beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on rocky beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on rocky beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.

By
Alaska Science Center
A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska
A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska
A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska
A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska

A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska

A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska

A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska

A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska

A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska

A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Common Murre on the water in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
A Common Murre on the water near its colony in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
A Common Murre on the water near its colony in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
Common Murre on the water in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

A Common Murre on the water near its colony in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

A Common Murre on the water near its colony in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Common Murres have all been tested for and contained harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins in Alaska. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems.

By
Alaska Science Center
Common Murre on the water in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

A Common Murre on the water near its colony in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

A Common Murre on the water near its colony in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Common Murres have all been tested for and contained harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins in Alaska. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems.

By
Alaska Science Center
An Arctic Tern with zooplankton in Prince William Sound, Alaska
An Arctic Tern with zooplankton
An Arctic Tern with zooplankton
An Arctic Tern with zooplankton in Prince William Sound, Alaska

An Arctic Tern with zooplankton

An Arctic Tern with zooplankton

An Arctic Tern with zooplankton in Prince William Sound, Alaska. 

By
Alaska Science Center
An Arctic Tern with zooplankton in Prince William Sound, Alaska

An Arctic Tern with zooplankton

An Arctic Tern with zooplankton

An Arctic Tern with zooplankton in Prince William Sound, Alaska. 

By
Alaska Science Center
An all-black (melanistic) common murre on rock ledge with gull behind and other black and white common murres.
Melanistic Common Murre at its nesting site
Melanistic Common Murre at its nesting site
An all-black (melanistic) common murre on rock ledge with gull behind and other black and white common murres.

Melanistic Common Murre at its nesting site

Melanistic Common Murre at its nesting site

A melanistic (all dark) Common Murre at its nesting site on Gull Island in Kachemak Bay, Alaska, 2019. See related paper published in the Marine Ornithology: Journal of Seabird Research and Conservation at: http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/50_2/50_2_225-227.pdf.

By
Alaska Science Center
An all-black (melanistic) common murre on rock ledge with gull behind and other black and white common murres.

Melanistic Common Murre at its nesting site

Melanistic Common Murre at its nesting site

A melanistic (all dark) Common Murre at its nesting site on Gull Island in Kachemak Bay, Alaska, 2019. See related paper published in the Marine Ornithology: Journal of Seabird Research and Conservation at: http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/50_2/50_2_225-227.pdf.

By
Alaska Science Center
Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska
Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska
Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska
Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska

Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska

Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska

Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska

Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska

Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska

Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance, one of the most common prey items for murres, near its colony at Gull Island
A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance
A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance
A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance, one of the most common prey items for murres, near its colony at Gull Island

A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance

A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance

A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance, one of the most common prey items for murres, near its colony at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance, one of the most common prey items for murres, near its colony at Gull Island

A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance

A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance

A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance, one of the most common prey items for murres, near its colony at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island, Alaska
A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island in Alaska
A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island in Alaska
A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island, Alaska

A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island in Alaska

A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island in Alaska

Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Common Murres have all been tested for and contained harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems.

By
Alaska Science Center
A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island, Alaska

A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island in Alaska

A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island in Alaska

Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Common Murres have all been tested for and contained harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems.

By
Alaska Science Center
Black-legged Kittiwakes flush from their nests on Gull Island as Bald Eagle flies by.
Bald Eagle flush Black-legged Kittiwakes from their nests
Bald Eagle flush Black-legged Kittiwakes from their nests
Black-legged Kittiwakes flush from their nests on Gull Island as Bald Eagle flies by.

Bald Eagle flush Black-legged Kittiwakes from their nests

Bald Eagle flush Black-legged Kittiwakes from their nests

Black-legged Kittiwakes flush from their nests at Gull Island as Bald Eagle flies by. Gull Island is located in Kachemak Bay, Alaska. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Black-legged Kittiwakes flush from their nests on Gull Island as Bald Eagle flies by.

Bald Eagle flush Black-legged Kittiwakes from their nests

Bald Eagle flush Black-legged Kittiwakes from their nests

Black-legged Kittiwakes flush from their nests at Gull Island as Bald Eagle flies by. Gull Island is located in Kachemak Bay, Alaska. 

By
Alaska Science Center

Below are the publications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 16

Extreme mortality and reproductive failure of common murres resulting from the northeast Pacific marine heatwave of 2014-2016 Extreme mortality and reproductive failure of common murres resulting from the northeast Pacific marine heatwave of 2014-2016

About 62,000 dead or dying common murres (Uria aalge), the trophically dominant fish-eating seabird of the North Pacific, washed ashore between summer 2015 and spring 2016 on beaches from California to Alaska. Most birds were severely emaciated and, so far, no evidence for anything other than starvation was found to explain this mass mortality. Three-quarters of murres were found in the...
Authors
John F. Piatt, Julia K. Parrish, Heather M. Renner, Sarah K. Schoen, Timothy Jones, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, Kathy J. Kuletz, Barbara L. Bodenstein, Marisol Garcia-Reyes, Rebecca Duerr, Robin Corcoran, Robb S.A. Kaler, Gerard J. McChesney, Richard T. Golightly, Heather A. Coletti, Robert M. Suryan, Hillary K. Burgess, Jackie Lindsey, Kirsten Lindquist, Peter Warzybok, Jaime Jahncke, Jan Roletto, William J. Sydeman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Alaska Science Center

Algal toxins in Alaskan seabirds: Evaluating the role of saxitoxin and domoic acid in a large-scale die-off of Common Murres Algal toxins in Alaskan seabirds: Evaluating the role of saxitoxin and domoic acid in a large-scale die-off of Common Murres

Elevated seawater temperatures are linked to the development of harmful algal blooms (HABs), which pose a growing threat to marine birds and other wildlife. During late 2015 and early 2016, a massive die-off of Common Murres (Uria algae; hereafter, murres) was observed in the Gulf of Alaska coincident with a strong marine heat wave. Previous studies have documented illness and death...
Authors
Caroline R. Van Hemert, Sarah K. Schoen, R. Wayne Litaker, Matthew M. Smith, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, John F. Piatt, William C. Holland, Ransom Hardison, John M. Pearce
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Extreme reduction in nutritional value of a key forage fish during the Pacific marine heatwave of 2014–2016 Extreme reduction in nutritional value of a key forage fish during the Pacific marine heatwave of 2014–2016

Pacific sand lance Ammodytes personatus are a key forage fish in the North Pacific for many species of salmon, groundfish, seabirds, and marine mammals and have historically been important to predators in relatively warm years. However, extreme declines in the nutritional value of sand lance in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA, during 2012-2016 indicate that energy transfer from lower...
Authors
Vanessa R. von Biela, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, John F. Piatt, Brielle Heflin, Sarah K. Schoen, Jannelle Trowbridge, Chelsea Clawson
By
Alaska Science Center

Avian predator buffers against variability in marine habitats with flexible foraging behavior Avian predator buffers against variability in marine habitats with flexible foraging behavior

How well seabirds compensate for variability in prey abundance and composition near their breeding colonies influences their distribution and reproductive success. We used tufted puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) as forage fish samplers to study marine food webs from the western Aleutian Islands (53°N, 173°E) to Kodiak Island (57°N, 153°W), Alaska, during August 2012–2014. Around each colony...
Authors
Sarah K. Schoen, John F. Piatt, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, Brielle Heflin, Erica N. Madison, Gary S. Drew, Martin Renner, Nora A. Rojek, David C. Douglas, Anthony R. DeGange
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Schoen, S.K., Kissling, M.L., Hatch, N.R., Shanley, C.S., Stephensen, S.W., Jansen, J.K., Catterson, N.T. & Oehlers, S.A. 2013. Marine birds of Yakutat Bay, Alaska: evaluating summer distribution, abundance, and threats at sea. Marine Ornithology 41:55-61.
Kissling, M.L, Lukacs, P.M., Lewis, S.B., Gende, S.M., Kuletz, K.J., Hatch, N.R., Schoen, S.K., & Oehlers, S. 2011. Distribution and abundance of the Kittlitz’s Murrelet Brachyramphus brevirostris in select areas of southeastern Alaska. Marine Ornithology 39:3-11.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Below are news items associated with this project.

Science and Products

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

Below are data or web applications associated with this project.

No Result Found

Below are the media items associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 134
Two Common Murre chicks on rock ledge at Gull Island, Alaska
Two Common Murre chicks
Two Common Murre chicks
Two Common Murre chicks on rock ledge at Gull Island, Alaska

Two Common Murre chicks

Two Common Murre chicks

Two Common Murre chicks on rock ledge at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Two Common Murre chicks on rock ledge at Gull Island, Alaska

Two Common Murre chicks

Two Common Murre chicks

Two Common Murre chicks on rock ledge at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass and debris on beach, Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass and debris on beach, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass and debris on beach, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass and debris on beach, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass and debris on beach, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass and debris on beach, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass washed up in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass washed up in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass washed up in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass washed up in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass washed up in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass washed up in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Close up of Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Close up of Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Close up of Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Close up of Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Close up of Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Close up of Short-tailed Shearwater carcass in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses and debris on beach in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Alaska
Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Alaska

Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass near beach shoreline in Bristol Bay
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass near beach shoreline in Bristol Bay
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass near beach shoreline in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass near beach shoreline in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass near beach shoreline in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass near beach shoreline in Bristol Bay

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on rocky beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on rocky beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on rocky beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on rocky beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.

By
Alaska Science Center
Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on rocky beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater carcass on rocky beach in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Short-tailed Shearwater die-off in the Bering Sea. Emaciated Short-tailed Shearwater carcasses littered the beaches of Bristol Bay during the summer of 2019.

By
Alaska Science Center
A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska
A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska
A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska
A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska

A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska

A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska

A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska

A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska

A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska

A Black-legged Kittiwake with two chicks at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Common Murre on the water in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
A Common Murre on the water near its colony in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
A Common Murre on the water near its colony in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
Common Murre on the water in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

A Common Murre on the water near its colony in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

A Common Murre on the water near its colony in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Common Murres have all been tested for and contained harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins in Alaska. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems.

By
Alaska Science Center
Common Murre on the water in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

A Common Murre on the water near its colony in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

A Common Murre on the water near its colony in Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Common Murres have all been tested for and contained harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins in Alaska. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems.

By
Alaska Science Center
An Arctic Tern with zooplankton in Prince William Sound, Alaska
An Arctic Tern with zooplankton
An Arctic Tern with zooplankton
An Arctic Tern with zooplankton in Prince William Sound, Alaska

An Arctic Tern with zooplankton

An Arctic Tern with zooplankton

An Arctic Tern with zooplankton in Prince William Sound, Alaska. 

By
Alaska Science Center
An Arctic Tern with zooplankton in Prince William Sound, Alaska

An Arctic Tern with zooplankton

An Arctic Tern with zooplankton

An Arctic Tern with zooplankton in Prince William Sound, Alaska. 

By
Alaska Science Center
An all-black (melanistic) common murre on rock ledge with gull behind and other black and white common murres.
Melanistic Common Murre at its nesting site
Melanistic Common Murre at its nesting site
An all-black (melanistic) common murre on rock ledge with gull behind and other black and white common murres.

Melanistic Common Murre at its nesting site

Melanistic Common Murre at its nesting site

A melanistic (all dark) Common Murre at its nesting site on Gull Island in Kachemak Bay, Alaska, 2019. See related paper published in the Marine Ornithology: Journal of Seabird Research and Conservation at: http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/50_2/50_2_225-227.pdf.

By
Alaska Science Center
An all-black (melanistic) common murre on rock ledge with gull behind and other black and white common murres.

Melanistic Common Murre at its nesting site

Melanistic Common Murre at its nesting site

A melanistic (all dark) Common Murre at its nesting site on Gull Island in Kachemak Bay, Alaska, 2019. See related paper published in the Marine Ornithology: Journal of Seabird Research and Conservation at: http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/50_2/50_2_225-227.pdf.

By
Alaska Science Center
Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska
Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska
Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska
Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska

Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska

Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska

Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska

Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska

Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska

Common Murres on the water near their colony at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance, one of the most common prey items for murres, near its colony at Gull Island
A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance
A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance
A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance, one of the most common prey items for murres, near its colony at Gull Island

A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance

A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance

A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance, one of the most common prey items for murres, near its colony at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance, one of the most common prey items for murres, near its colony at Gull Island

A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance

A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance

A Common Murre carries a Pacific sand lance, one of the most common prey items for murres, near its colony at Gull Island, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island, Alaska
A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island in Alaska
A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island in Alaska
A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island, Alaska

A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island in Alaska

A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island in Alaska

Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Common Murres have all been tested for and contained harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems.

By
Alaska Science Center
A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island, Alaska

A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island in Alaska

A Common Murre holds a Pacific sand lance near Gull Island in Alaska

Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Common Murres have all been tested for and contained harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins. Since 2015, the USGS has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop testing methods and research projects to better understand the geographic extent, timing and impacts of algal toxins in Alaska marine ecosystems.

By
Alaska Science Center
Black-legged Kittiwakes flush from their nests on Gull Island as Bald Eagle flies by.
Bald Eagle flush Black-legged Kittiwakes from their nests
Bald Eagle flush Black-legged Kittiwakes from their nests
Black-legged Kittiwakes flush from their nests on Gull Island as Bald Eagle flies by.

Bald Eagle flush Black-legged Kittiwakes from their nests

Bald Eagle flush Black-legged Kittiwakes from their nests

Black-legged Kittiwakes flush from their nests at Gull Island as Bald Eagle flies by. Gull Island is located in Kachemak Bay, Alaska. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Black-legged Kittiwakes flush from their nests on Gull Island as Bald Eagle flies by.

Bald Eagle flush Black-legged Kittiwakes from their nests

Bald Eagle flush Black-legged Kittiwakes from their nests

Black-legged Kittiwakes flush from their nests at Gull Island as Bald Eagle flies by. Gull Island is located in Kachemak Bay, Alaska. 

By
Alaska Science Center

Below are the publications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 16

Extreme mortality and reproductive failure of common murres resulting from the northeast Pacific marine heatwave of 2014-2016 Extreme mortality and reproductive failure of common murres resulting from the northeast Pacific marine heatwave of 2014-2016

About 62,000 dead or dying common murres (Uria aalge), the trophically dominant fish-eating seabird of the North Pacific, washed ashore between summer 2015 and spring 2016 on beaches from California to Alaska. Most birds were severely emaciated and, so far, no evidence for anything other than starvation was found to explain this mass mortality. Three-quarters of murres were found in the...
Authors
John F. Piatt, Julia K. Parrish, Heather M. Renner, Sarah K. Schoen, Timothy Jones, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, Kathy J. Kuletz, Barbara L. Bodenstein, Marisol Garcia-Reyes, Rebecca Duerr, Robin Corcoran, Robb S.A. Kaler, Gerard J. McChesney, Richard T. Golightly, Heather A. Coletti, Robert M. Suryan, Hillary K. Burgess, Jackie Lindsey, Kirsten Lindquist, Peter Warzybok, Jaime Jahncke, Jan Roletto, William J. Sydeman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Alaska Science Center

Algal toxins in Alaskan seabirds: Evaluating the role of saxitoxin and domoic acid in a large-scale die-off of Common Murres Algal toxins in Alaskan seabirds: Evaluating the role of saxitoxin and domoic acid in a large-scale die-off of Common Murres

Elevated seawater temperatures are linked to the development of harmful algal blooms (HABs), which pose a growing threat to marine birds and other wildlife. During late 2015 and early 2016, a massive die-off of Common Murres (Uria algae; hereafter, murres) was observed in the Gulf of Alaska coincident with a strong marine heat wave. Previous studies have documented illness and death...
Authors
Caroline R. Van Hemert, Sarah K. Schoen, R. Wayne Litaker, Matthew M. Smith, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, John F. Piatt, William C. Holland, Ransom Hardison, John M. Pearce
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Extreme reduction in nutritional value of a key forage fish during the Pacific marine heatwave of 2014–2016 Extreme reduction in nutritional value of a key forage fish during the Pacific marine heatwave of 2014–2016

Pacific sand lance Ammodytes personatus are a key forage fish in the North Pacific for many species of salmon, groundfish, seabirds, and marine mammals and have historically been important to predators in relatively warm years. However, extreme declines in the nutritional value of sand lance in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA, during 2012-2016 indicate that energy transfer from lower...
Authors
Vanessa R. von Biela, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, John F. Piatt, Brielle Heflin, Sarah K. Schoen, Jannelle Trowbridge, Chelsea Clawson
By
Alaska Science Center

Avian predator buffers against variability in marine habitats with flexible foraging behavior Avian predator buffers against variability in marine habitats with flexible foraging behavior

How well seabirds compensate for variability in prey abundance and composition near their breeding colonies influences their distribution and reproductive success. We used tufted puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) as forage fish samplers to study marine food webs from the western Aleutian Islands (53°N, 173°E) to Kodiak Island (57°N, 153°W), Alaska, during August 2012–2014. Around each colony...
Authors
Sarah K. Schoen, John F. Piatt, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, Brielle Heflin, Erica N. Madison, Gary S. Drew, Martin Renner, Nora A. Rojek, David C. Douglas, Anthony R. DeGange
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Schoen, S.K., Kissling, M.L., Hatch, N.R., Shanley, C.S., Stephensen, S.W., Jansen, J.K., Catterson, N.T. & Oehlers, S.A. 2013. Marine birds of Yakutat Bay, Alaska: evaluating summer distribution, abundance, and threats at sea. Marine Ornithology 41:55-61.
Kissling, M.L, Lukacs, P.M., Lewis, S.B., Gende, S.M., Kuletz, K.J., Hatch, N.R., Schoen, S.K., & Oehlers, S. 2011. Distribution and abundance of the Kittlitz’s Murrelet Brachyramphus brevirostris in select areas of southeastern Alaska. Marine Ornithology 39:3-11.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Below are news items associated with this project.

*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

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