In Alaska, the Stellers eider once nested in coastal areas of the Yukon-Kushokwim Delta and the North Slope from Wainwright, east to the Alaska-Canada border. The species nesting area is now restricted to the North Slope between Wainwright and Prudoe Bay. Scientists have not determined why the species population has declined.
Federal protection means that the Federal agencies funding, authorizing or conducting any activities which might effect Stellers eiders must consult with the Service under Section 7 Section 7
Section 7 Consultation
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) directs all Federal agencies to work to conserve endangered and threatened species and to use their authorities to further the purposes of the Act. Section 7 of the Act, called "Interagency Cooperation," is the mechanism by which Federal agencies ensure the actions they take, including those they fund or authorize, do not jeopardize the existence of any listed species.
Learn more about Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act before proceeding. Individuals who believe that activities they may conduct might harm Stellers eiders are requested to contact the Service office in fairbanks at 101 12th Avenue to inquire permits.
Hunting of Stellers eiders is prohibited by Alaska State regulaton and by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
The decision to list the Alaska breeding population of Stellers eiders follows a lenghty review of the species status in Alaska that began in 1990. The process involved gathering information and comments from communties, industries, the State of Alaska and residents of North Slope villages.
The Service will began a recovery plan for the bird within 60 days, focusing immediatly on identifying factors causing the species decline.
"The range of the Stellers eider in Alaska has seriously diminished over the past few decades, and the reasons for this reduction remain unknown," said David Allen, Service Director for the Alaska region. "By listing the species under the Endangered Species Act, attention will be focused on the species conservation. We expect that future conservaton efforts designed to prevent the extinction of the Stellers eider will also benefit other sea ducks that occur in Alaska.
The Stellers eider is the smallest of four eider species. The adult male has a white head with a greenish tuft and a small black eye patch, a black back, white shoulders and a chestnut breat and belly with a black spot on each side. Adult females and juveniles are mottled dark brown. Adults of both sexes have a blue wing speculem with a white border. During winter, Stellers eiders inhabit shallow, near-shore marine waters but during the breeding season, move slightly inland to nest near lakes and ponds.
FWS
