Document Author: M.A. Bishop

Marine Bird Winter Surveys in Prince William Sound – 2023

The survey was designed to complement the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (EVOSTC) funded Gulf Watch Alaska surveys conducted from 2007-2022 by the PWS Science Center (raw data available on AOOS.org). Marine bird and mammal distribution and density around much of the tanker lane, Valdez Arm, and Port Valdez is largely unknown as the EVOSTC funded surveys did not cover these regions and many of these areas had not been surveyed in over a decade.

Chart showing density of bird species from 2021-2023. Click for higher resolution image.

Results in this report underscore the importance of protected nearshore habitat for marine birds and mammals during the winter. Researchers found areas of repeated high marine bird density that may warrant prioritized protection in the event of an oil spill. The primary areas for protection include Hinchinbrook Entrance (Port Etches, Zaikof Bay, Rocky Bay, and outer coastlines) and the head of Port Valdez between the Valdez Container Terminal and the outflow of Lowe River.

The data from this and previous reports is now available on NOAA’s Environmental Response Management Application: View Seabird Concentration

Marine Bird Winter Surveys in Prince William Sound – 2022

This work will help the Council understand local bird populations and habitats, the risks posed from an oil spill, and where special monitoring or protection is needed. Additionally, these surveys provide baseline monitoring information that can be used to understand the environmental impacts of terminal and tanker operations on marine bird species.

Marine Winter Bird Surveys In Prince William Sound

The survey is concentrating on under-surveyed areas near the tanker escort zone. The Council partnered with the Prince William Sound Science Center who conducted this survey. They spotted 21 bird species and 6 marine mammal species. This year?s data showed that birds do congregate in Prince William Sound in winter and seem to prefer areas near the shore. The surveys to be conducted over the next two years of the project are necessary to confirm these conclusions. This information helps us understand the potential environmental impacts of the terminal and tankers on marine bird species by identifying their overwintering habitat. The data will help prioritize these habitats to be protected in the event of an oil spill.

Skip to content