Marine bird surveys are conducted in the northern Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas to provide better understanding of the distribution, abundance, and habitat requirements of marine birds. This information provides the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the North Pacific Research Board, and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management with current data and improved knowledge for current and proposed marine planning areas, particularly oil and gas exploration, development, and production in the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea Planning Areas. We conduct marine bird surveys in conjunction with multidisciplinary vessel-based projects conducting research in these geographic regions. Data collected during these surveys is used to assess the spatial distribution and seasonal changes in marine bird communities and examine marine bird response to oceanographic and prey conditions.

Contact Information

Woman in warm clothing looking out to the snow covered ice with binoculars
Wildlife Biologist - Seabirds
Migratory Birds
Additional Role(s)
FWS Oil Spill Response Team,
Alaska Groundfish and Halibut Seabird Working Group
Expertise
Pelagic seabird distribution and ecology,
Seabird bycatch,
Shipping,
GIS
Area
AK
Anchorage,AK

Species

Programs

A large bird with brown feathers, white head, and yellow beak flies against a pale blue sky
The Migratory Bird Program works with partners to protect, restore and conserve bird populations and their habitats for the benefit of future generations by: ensuring long-term ecological sustainability of all migratory bird populations, increasing socioeconomic benefits derived from birds,...
Program
Washington,DC

Facilities

Black and white bird with long neck and yellow bill on the water
Alaska Migratory Birds Office
Alaska is home to more than 470 species of birds. Most are migratory birds for which the Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible under international treaties and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. While some of the birds stay in Alaska year-round, most migrate to Canada, Central America, South America...
Conservation Office
Anchorage,AK

Partners