PACIFIC SEABIRDS - Volume 45, Number 2 2018 - Pacific Seabird Group
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PACIFIC
SEABIRDS
A Publication of the Pacific Seabird Group
Volume 45, Number 2 2018
PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP
Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment
The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) is a society of professional seabird researchers and managers dedicated to the study
and conservation of seabirds. PSG was formed in 1972 out of a need for increased communication among academic and
government seabird researchers. The principal goals of PSG are to (1) increase the quality and quantity of seabird research
through facilitating exchange of information; (2) identify and assess the importance of threats to seabird populations;
and (3) provide government agencies and others with expert advice on managing populations of seabirds. PSG is headed
by an Executive Council composed of members volunteering their time. Members include biologists, wildlife managers,
students, and conservationists from the United States, Mexico, Canada, Japan and 12 other countries. PSG annual meetings
and publications provide forums where members can share their findings on all research topics relating to Pacific seabirds
and discuss local and large scale conservation issues. Abstracts for meetings are published on our website. PSG publishes
the on-line bulletin Pacific Seabirds (formerly the PSG Bulletin; www.pacificseabirdgroup.org) and the journal Marine
Ornithology (www.marineornithology.org). Other publications include symposium volumes and technical reports; these
are listed near the back of this issue. PSG is a member of the Ornithological Council and the American Bird Conservancy.
Annual dues for membership are $50 (individual); $35 (student, undergraduate and graduate); and $1,500 (Life Membership,
payable in five $300 installments). Dues are payable with a credit card online or by check to the Treasurer; see the PSG
website or the Membership Information at the back of this issue.
Website
http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org
Donations
The Pacific Seabird Group is a nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of California. Contributions
to the Pacific Seabird Group are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by U.S. law (IRS Section 501[c][3]).
Pacific Seabirds
This on-line bulletin reports on the work and committee activities of the Pacific Seabird Group, conservation news, and
other items of importance to conservation of seabirds in the Pacific Ocean. The bulletin is published twice-yearly on the
PSG website and reports membership news and archives PSG activities. This issue provides current and recent seabird work
to PSG members for 2018. Back issues of Pacific Seabirds are posted on the group’s website.
Pacific Seabirds Editor
Jennifer Lang, editor@pacificseabirdgroup.org
Associate Editors
Marc Romano, Theodore Squires
Marine Ornithology
Marine Ornithology is published by the Pacific Seabird Group on behalf of a consortium of seabird groups: African, Aus-
tralasian, Dutch, Japanese, Pacific, and UK. The journal is published two times a year and publishes contributed papers,
forum articles, and book, website and software reviews, on all aspects of marine ornithology worldwide. For details on
submitting to the journal, please go to marineornithology.org.
Change of Address
Send changes of address to the PSG Membership Coordinator, Emma Kelsey, membership@pacificseabirdgroup.org
Photo Credit
All photographs in this issue were generously provided by PSG members. Photo credits are attributed to each image.
PACIFIC SEABIRDS
A Publication of the Pacific Seabirds Group
Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment
Volume 45 2018 Number 2
Regional Reports for 2018
Alaska and Russia................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Washington and Oregon..........................................................................................................................................................................52
Northern California.................................................................................................................................................................................55
Southern California..................................................................................................................................................................................61
Hawaiʻi.......................................................................................................................................................................................................62
Non-Pacific United States........................................................................................................................................................................65
Latin America.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 68
Canada.......................................................................................................................................................................................................70
Asia and Oceania......................................................................................................................................................................................73
Europe and Africa....................................................................................................................................................................................76
Antarctica..................................................................................................................................................................................................76
PSG’s Treasurer’s Report for FY2018 ...........................................................................................................................................77
General Information
Information on the Pacific Seabird Group...............................................................................................................Inside Front Cover
Publications of the Pacific Seabird Group.............................................................................................................................................81
PSG Committee Coordinators............................................................................................................................................................... 83
PSG Life Members and Recipients of Awards..................................................................................................................................... 85
Membership Information....................................................................................................................................................................... 86
PSG Executive Council for 2018............................................................................................................................... Inside Back Covers
REGIONAL REPORTS FOR 2018
Compiled by: Robb Kaler
Regional Reports summarize current and recent seabird work to PSG members. Regional Reports generally are organized by
location of the work, not affiliation of the biologist. They should not be cited without permission of the researchers.
ALASKA & RUSSIA and statisticians Trent McDonald and ALASKA PENINSULA
Jason Carlisle (Western Ecosystems, Annual seabird monitoring at Chowiet
Compiled by Marc Romano
Inc.). The overarching goal was to Island (Semidis group, off the coast
work towards methods for assessing of the Alaska Peninsula) was led by
ALASKA-WIDE statewide Aleutian Tern (Onychoprion Nora Rojek (Alaska Maritime National
Ed Melvin (Washington Sea aleuticus) population size and trend, Wildlife Refuge) with summer-long field
Grant), Kim Dietrich (Kim Dietrich with a specific focus on developing crews consisting of Brendan Higgins
Consulting), Rob Suryan (Oregon State methods for estimating abundance at and Jillian Soller. They collected
University), and Shannon Fitzgerald the local (i.e. colony) scale. Methods productivity, diet and population data on
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric recommended as a result of this meeting, a variety of species including Common
Administration [NOAA] Alaska including ground-based visual counts, and Thick-billed Murres (Uria aalge and
Fisheries Science Center) completed ground-based photos, aerial photos U. lomvia), Rhinoceros and Parakeet
analyses and a manuscript that assessed obtained through drones, and acoustic Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata and
long-term trends in seabird bycatch rates recordings, were then pilot tested at Aethia psittacula), Horned and Tufted
in Alaskan longline fisheries. They used multiple study sites in Alaska (including Puffins (Fratercula corniculata and
23 years of NOAA groundfish observer Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Homer F. cirrhata), Black-legged Kittiwakes
data to assess trends before and after area, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, (Rissa tridactyla), Glaucous-winged
the widespread adoption of streamer Yakutat Forelands, and Dillingham). Gulls (Larus glaucescens), and Northern
lines by the fleet. Use of streamer lines Data are being analyzed with follow-up Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis).
reduced seabird bycatch by 77%-90% work to refine the techniques anticipated
over a 14-year period. Despite this for the 2019 field season. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
overall success, the models identified The work of the Smithsonian Annual seabird monitoring at Buldir
significant increasing trends in seabird Migratory Bird Center’s Migratory and Aiktak islands was led by Nora
bycatch in two of four target fisheries Connectivity Project continued in Rojek (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
since streamer lines were adopted. Alaska during June and July this year. [USFWS] Alaska Maritime National
Furthermore, they found that relatively Autumn-Lynn Harrison recovered Wildlife Refuge [AMNWR]) with
few vessels accounted for much of 6 of 23 geolocators deployed in 2017 summer-long field crews consisting of
the seabird bycatch. Night setting from Arctic Terns (Sterna paradisaea) Kevin Pietrzak, McKenzie Mudge, and
significantly reduced overall seabird on Alaska’s north slope at the Briana Bode on Buldir. They collected
bycatch while increasing target fish ConocoPhillips Alpine Camp. One productivity, diet and population
catch, however, night setting increased breeding area from 2017 was largely data on a variety of species including
bycatch of Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus still ice covered in late June and did Common and Thick-billed Murres (Uria
glacialis), limiting its potential for use as not contain Arctic Tern nests this aalge and U. lomvia); Parakeet, Least,
a bycatch mitigation method in Alaska. year. Autumn-Lynn also continued a Whiskered, and Crested Auklets (Aethia
The results demonstrate that successful migration study on Long-tailed Jaegers psittacula, A. pusilla, A. pygmaea, and
seabird bycatch reduction requires: (Stercorarius longicaudus), this year A. cristatella, respectively); Horned and
fishery specific solutions, strong working with Laura Phillips and Emily Tufted Puffins (Fratercula corniculata
industry support, constant vigilance in Williams in Denali National Park where and F. cirrhata); Black-legged and Red-
analysis and reporting of observer data, six 5-g satellite tags were deployed. legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla and
and continued outreach to fleets. Two additional tags were deployed on R. brevirostris); and Fork-tailed and
The PSG Aleutian Tern Technical the north slope at the ConocoPhillips Leach’s Storm-petrels (Oceanodroma
Committee, with primary financial Alpine Camp. All eight tags are still furcata and O. leucorhoa). Sarah
support from the National Fish and transmitting with current locations in Youngren and Dan Rapp (USFWS
Wildlife Foundation, convened an Mexico, off-shore Costa Rica, Peru, AMNWR) on Aiktak monitored
Aleutian Tern Conservation Planning Chile, and the high seas. Autumn-Lynn Common and Thick-billed Murres;
meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, 26-27 was assisted in the field by Melinda Ancient Murrelets (Synthliboramphus
January. The meeting was facilitated Fowler (Springfield College) and Ellie antiquus); Horned and Tufted Puffins;
by private consultant Jan Caulfield, Heywood (Duke University). Glaucous-winged Gulls (Larus
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45 • Number 2 • 2018 • Page 48
REGIONAL REPORTS
Nesvacil (Alaska Department of Fish
and Game) and Assistant Professor -
Senior Research Don Lyons (Oregon
State University), with support from the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation,
deployed Platform Transmitting
Terminal (PTT) tags on Aleutian Terns
(Onychoprion aleuticus) in Dillingham
in June 2018. Movement to previously
undocumented colonies and known
colonies occurred, with breeding
success confirmed at all colonies. Data
are being analyzed in conjunction with a
coordinated deployment in Yakutat.
Kathy Kuletz and Liz Labunski
(USFWS) completed another year
of offshore seabird surveys (now
spanning 2006 – 2018) in the Bering,
Sarah Youngren and Dan Rapp monitoring Glaucous-winged Gulls on Aiktak Island. Photo Chukchi, and Beaufort seas, under
credit: Sarah Yougren via Marc Romano an Interagency Agreement with the
glaucescens); Fork-tailed and Leach’s addition, a survey team conducting other Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Storm-petrels; and Double-crested, Refuge work (passerine and shorebird (BOEM). This program relies on
Red-faced, and Pelagic Cormorants surveys) made observations of seabirds collaborations with oceanographic
(Phalacrocorax pelagicus, P. urile, and on St. Matthew and Hall islands. This and fisheries research projects, which
P. auritus). crew consisted of Marc Romano, Jim in 2018 included projects led by the
Aaron Christ (USFWS AMNWR) Johnson, Stephanie Walden, Bryce University of Alaska Fairbanks,
tested a new method for monitoring Robinson, Tony DeGange, Ryan Hokkaido University, Environment
Tufted Puffin populations at Egg, Poa, Mong, Sarah Tanedo (all USFWS), Canada, Woods Hole Oceanographic
and Kaligagan islands in late August. Steve Matsuoka, Bob Gill, and Institute, the National Oceanic and
Work was conducted off the R/V Tiĝlax̂ Rachael Richardson (U.S. Geological Atmospheric Administration, and the
with the help of Briana Bode, Sarah Survey). This work was supported by Arctic Integrated Ecosystem Research
Youngren, and Daniel Rapp (USFWS the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Program Phase II, funded by the North
AMNWR). Refuge vessel R/V Tiĝlax̂... Pacific Research Board and BOEM. In
R/V Tiĝlax̂ made its first voyage to 2018, seabird observers were placed on
BERING AND CHUKCHI SEAS the Chukchi Sea in 30 years. An Alaska eight research cruises from June to mid-
Annual seabird monitoring at St. Maritime National Wildlife Refuge November. The 2018 seabird observers
Paul and St. George islands was led by crew consisting of Marianne Aplin, for Bering/Arctic surveys were Kathy
Marc Romano (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Aaron Christ, Don Dragoo, Heather Kuletz, Liz Labunski, Zak Polen,
Service [USFWS] Alaska Maritime Renner, Nora Rojek, Jeff Williams, Martin Reedy, Charlie Wright, and
National Wildlife Refuge [AMNWR]) and Kara Zwickey cruised from Linnaea Wright. Biologists with the
with summer-long field crews consisting Nome to the seabird colonies at capes Alaska Maritime National Wildlife
of Ryan Mong and Sarah Tanedo Thompson, Lisburne, and Lewis to Refuge also contributed survey data
(St. Paul), and Laney White, Sarah assess the current condition of plots and from their transits to remote colony
Guitart, and Shannon Carvey (St. observation points that were established sites in the northern Gulf of Alaska, and
George). Both crews collected data on in the past (some as early as 1959), and Bering Sea. Data will be archived in the
a variety of species including Red-faced count birds on the plots where possible: North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database.
Cormorants (Phalacrocorax urile), Common and Thick-billed Murres, In March 2018, Kathy Kuletz
Common Murres (Uria aalge), Thick- Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Pelagic participated in the Circumpolar Seabird
billed Murres (Uria lomvia), Least Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus). Group (an Arctic Council Expert
Auklets (Aethia pusilla), Black-legged The crew also visited the Chamisso Network), meeting in Cambridge, United
Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), and Red- islands group (in Kotzebue Sound), as Kingdom. Kathy and Mark Mallory
legged Kittiwakes (Rissa brevirostris). well as Sledge Island and Topkok Head also assisted with the seabird section
The crews collected productivity, diet, (both located in Norton Sound). write-up for the International Council for
adult survival and population data. In Endangered species biologist Kelly the Exploration of the Seas Protection of
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45 • Number 2 • 2018 • Page 49
REGIONAL REPORTS
the Arctic Marine Environment (ICES/ led annual seabird monitoring for the those of struggling, starving, and dead
PAME) Working Group for the Central Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis)
Arctic Ocean Assessment, with a draft Refuge at St. Lazaria Island in southeast and Fork-tailed Storm-petrels during
to be submitted in October 2018. Dan Alaska. The summer-long crew of early July. Flocks of 5–20 individuals
Cushing (Pole Star Ecological Research Stacie Evans and Daniel Schultz gathered off the stern of the vessel and
LLC) produced seabird distribution collected productivity, population, and were found floating dying and dead
maps and preliminary analyses for the diet data on Common and Thick-billed when the crew made transits to shore
report, using the USFWS at-sea survey Murres (Uria lomvia), Rhinoceros for beach seining. The teams on shore
data. Carina Gjerdrum (Canadian Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata), found fulmar and storm-petrel carcasses
Wildlife Service) provided similar maps Tufted Puffins, Black Oystercatchers tumbled in the wrack lines. Crews
for the Atlantic Arctic and adjacent seas (Haematopus bachmani), Glaucous- working in Iliamna Lake found 3 dead
in Canadian waters. winged Gulls (Larus glaucescens), Fork-tailed Storm-petrels at one of their
During May to September 2018, Fork-tailed and Leach’s Storm-petrels sites ~70 km from the marine coast.
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Oceanodroma leucorhoa), and Pelagic They collected 2 storm-petrel carcasses
Alaska Region received reports of Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus). from marine waters and delivered them
higher than normal dead and dying The USFWS sponsored a research to the Alaska Maritime Wildlife Refuge
seabirds from the Bering and Chukchi cruise aboard the R/V Tiĝlax̂ in order office in Homer, Alaska.
regions. Specifically, Gay Sheffield to conduct seabird surveys along the In cooperation with Alaska
(Alaska SeaGrant), Brandon Ahmasuk outer coast of the Kenai Peninsula. Department of Fish and Game and other
(Kawerak, Inc.), Stacia Backensto and Heather Renner, Mariane Aplin, researchers, wildlife biologist Robin
Heather Coletti (National Park Service), Arthur Kettle, Steve Delehanty, Marc Corcoran and seabird monitoring
along with local community members, Romano, Elizabeth Kandror, and technician Jill Tengeres (USFWS,
collected reports of seabird carcasses Jeff Williams (USFWS AMNWR), Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge)
observed from Point Hope south to worked with partners Sharon Kim continued to monitor nesting terns
Bristol Bay, with highest onshore counts and Shauna Potocky (National Park throughout the Kodiak Archipelago
recorded near Nome and St. Lawrence Service, Kenai Fjords National Park), in hopes of determining reasons for
Island. Federal, state, and local agencies and Tuula Hollmen, Amy Bishop and declines in populations of both species
as well as the Coastal Observation and Tara Riemer (Alaska SeaLife Center) throughout coastal Alaska. During the
Seabird Survey Team collaborated to to survey refuge lands in the Pye and 2018 breeding season, they collected
collect information, synthesize records, Chiswell island groups. count data for terns at 30 of the 53
and send carcasses for necropsies and In summer 2018, biologists from known colony sites in the archipelago
disease testing to the U.S. Geological ABR, Inc. returned to lower Cook Inlet, and searched for new colonies. Aleutian
Survey National Wildlife Health Center Alaska after a 5-year hiatus to conduct Terns (Onychoprion aleuticus) were
and to the U.S. Geological Survey surveys of marine birds and mammals observed at 13 colonies and Arctic Terns
Alaska Science Center for harmful algal in Kamishak Bay. Opportunistic (Sterna paradisaea) at 26 colonies.
bloom analysis. Results indicate that surveys were conducted by Adrian Trail cameras were placed on 51 nests
birds died of starvation; however, results Gall and Pam Seiser as they rode along of Aleutian Terns and 9 Arctic Tern
from saxitoxin analyses are pending. with a team that was sampling nearshore nests to determine nest survival rates,
fish communities for 4 days each causes of nest failure, and information
GULF OF ALASKA month from March to July 2018. They on prey types being provided to chicks.
At East Amatuli Island, Arthur recorded observations from the bridge In addition they collected 555 acoustic
Kettle (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the 60-foot research vessel during (sound) recording days across 11 sites,
[USFWS] Alaska Maritime National transits between Homer and Kamishak and surveyed 152 habitat plots (at 61
Wildlife Refuge [AMNWR]) installed Bay, and from 16-foot inflatable skiffs Aleutian Tern nests, 11 Arctic Tern
time-lapse cameras for season-long following the shoreline. The monthly nests, six Mew Gull [Larus canus]
monitoring of Black-legged Kittiwake trips documented the shift of the marine nests, and 74 associated random plots)
(Rissa tridactyla) and Common Murre bird community from one dominated by at eight colonies. Three tern colonies
(Uria aalge) breeding success. In large rafts of seaducks (e.g., Long-tailed in the Kodiak Archipelago were also
August, he, Kelby Leary, and Aimee Ducks [Clangula hyemalis]; White- chosen to pilot test new methods to
Von Tatenhove (USFWS AMNWR) winged [Melanitta deglandi] and Black estimate tern abundance. Along with
surveyed monitoring plots of Fork-tailed Scoters [M. americana]) in winter to Aleutian Tern colonies in Yakutat and
Storm-Petrels (Oceanodroma furcata) one dominated by small aggregations of Dillingham, the Kodiak colonies were
and Tufted Puffins (Fratercula cirrhata). Glaucous-winged Gulls in the summer. surveyed using four methods: (1) optical
Brie Drummond (USFWS AMNWR) The most unusual observations were ground-based counts (standard method),
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45 • Number 2 • 2018 • Page 50
REGIONAL REPORTS
(2) ground-based photo counts, (3) low
altitude photography using unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs), and (4) acoustic
recording devices. The ultimate goal is
to improve tern colony monitoring in
order to develop spatial and temporal
sampling methods that will enable us
to expand estimates from monitored
colonies to the entire state.
Wildlife biologist Melissa
Gabrielson and Prince William Sound
Zone Terrestrial Program Manager Erin
Cooper (U.S. Forest Service, Chugach
National Forest), with support from
interns Hillary Chavez (Environment
for the Americas) and Nathan Boma
(Ducks Unlimited), and additional
financial support from the National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation, monitored Kevin Pietrzak and McKenzie Mudge on Buildir Island. Photo credit: Stephanie Walden via
Aleutian Tern colonies on the Copper Marc Romano
River Delta through aerial and ground Mayumi Arimistu, Sarah Schoen, maintenance, and camp set-up. The core
based surveys. An aerial survey in Caitlin Marsteller, Gary Drew, and research team—Kyle, Sarah, Morgan,
May included the entire east and west John Piatt (U.S. Geological Survey camp leader Shannon Whelan, Alice
Delta from the Eyak River to Controller [USGS]) completed the third year of Sun, Paige Caine, Maxime Pineaux,
Bay. Approximately 10 different field work for their Status and Trends Eléonore Lefebvre, Tony Rinaud,
congregations totaling approximately of Seabirds and Forage Fish in Lower Célia Maillotte, Hannes Schraft,
162 terns were observed during the Cook Inlet project. This project is Luis Ramos, and Alyssa Piauwasdy
survey, with follow-up ground based funded by the USGS-Outer Continental arrived at intervals from early May
surveys in June which documented an Shelf program, and includes studies through June and continued the work
additional small colony (mixed with of oceanography, phytoplankton, through 15 August. Mary Anne Bishop
Arctic Terns). zooplankton, forage fish, and seabirds of the Prince William Sound Science
Mike Gerringer, Trent McDonald (Common Murre and Black-legged Center (PWSSC) sent two researchers,
(Western Ecosystems, Inc.), Mark Kittiwake) at and adjacent to two seabird Kristen Gorman and Anne Schaefer,
Laker (USFWS, Kenai National colonies in lower Cook Inlet (Chisik and to Middleton for several weeks in July
Wildlife Refuge), and Martin Renner Gull islands). A recent USGS Annual and August for telemetry studies of
(Tern Again Consulting) collaborated Report (Arimitsu et al. 2018. Status of Tufted Puffins. The 2018 season was
in a survey methods development Forage Fish and Seabirds in Lower Cook notable for seeing a partial amelioration
project and collected unmanned aircraft Inlet During Summer, 2017) is available of the unusually warm ocean conditions
systems (UAS, aka drones) imagery of on request. that have affected the northern Gulf of
colonies near Soldotna and on Kodiak Seabird research and monitoring Alaska for the past several years. The
Island. Martin also conducted UAS continued on Middleton Island in 2018 influence of this warm-water event
surveys of the colony near Homer. and was conducted by an international still lingers, however, and it is unclear
Martin Renner collected diet data team from Canada, France, and the whether it will continue to abate, or
from Aleutian Terns by photographing United States. The work was overseen possibly make a resurgence over the
bill loads carried by adults feeding by Kyle Elliott (McGill University), coming months and years.
young. Several targeted colonies failed Sarah Leclaire (National Center for One of the few long-term marine
to produce young, but bill load data Scientific Research, Toulouse, France), monitoring programs in Alaska,
were obtained on Kodiak Island and Morgan Benowitz-Fredericks the ‘Seward Line’ (primarily for
in Naknek, Bristol Bay. In addition, (Bucknell University), and Scott oceanography and zooplankton, led
he deployed an acoustic monitor at the Hatch (Institute for Seabird Research by Russ Hopcroft of the University of
Homer colony in early May prior to tern and Conservation). Scott and Martha Alaska Fairbanks) has conducted spring
arrival. Terns were seen at the colony Hatch, joined by Shawn and Kelly and fall cruises for 20 years, with the
in late May, but unfortunately had Pummill, opened the season in early USFWS seabird team involved since
abandoned by mid-June. April for spring cleaning, facility 2006. In 2018, the Seward Line project
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45 • Number 2 • 2018 • Page 51
REGIONAL REPORTS
expanded spatially and to three seasons aerial surveys via unmanned aerial and Martin Renner (Tern Again
as a ‘Long Term Ecosystem Research’ vehicles (UAVs, aka drones) led by Consulting) visited three major island
(LTER) study site with funding to UAF Mike Gerringer (Western Ecosystems colonies on the northeast coast of
from the National Science Foundation. Inc.), with support by others previously Sakhalin Island, and conducted surveys
Kathy Kuletz and Liz Labunski listed. with the participation and support of
(USFWS) worked with Dan Cushing Wildlife technician Gwen Baluss Zoya Reviakina and Vladimir Zykov
(Pole Star Ecological Research LLC), (U.S. Forest Service, Tongass National (Fauna Information and Research
to conduct offshore seabird surveys and Forest) and intern Allan Saylor (Student Center LTD), and Larisa Zelenskaya
analyses as part of the newly established Conservation Association), with support and Pavel Ktitorov (Far East Branch of
Northern Gulf of Alaska LTER; this is from the Juneau Ranger District (JRD), the Russian Academy of Sciences). They
one of 30 LTER sites in the U.S. and Tongass National Forest, monitored assessed colony size using counts of
territories. Arctic Tern colonies at Mendenhall Lake, flushed individuals, the size and density
near Juneau, AK. Visual counts were of nesting areas, and aerial imagery
SOUTHEAST ALASKA used to estimate abundance. Remote obtained using drones. The observed
Susan Oehlers (U.S. Forest Service, camera systems were tested to monitor numbers were less than previously
Tongass National Forest) and intern nests, determine the level of human reported, however analyses of aerial
Janelle Lopez (Student Conservation disturbance, and identify predators. The imagery to confirm this conclusion is
Association), with support from the lake was occupied by an estimated 50 ongoing, and other mitigating factors
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, terns and no chicks survived to fledging. are being considered. Short and long-
monitored Aleutian and Arctic Tern The most important nest predator term actions have been identified to
(Onychoprion aleuticus and Sterna was wolf (Canis lupus). Data on these maintain engagement between Russian
paradisaea) colonies on the Yakutat seabird colonies has been compiled by and American experts and to improve
forelands, including visual surveys to JRD since 2003. Nesting gulls are also population assessments across the
estimate abundance and deployment of counted annually; the current estimate entire species range, and a number of
remote cameras to monitor nest survival is at least 300 each Glaucous-winged additional actions and products will be
and incubation behavior. Assistant Gull (Larus glaucescens) and Herring developed subsequent to the preliminary
Professor - Senior Research Don Lyons Gull (L. argentatus), plus 12 Mew Gulls project report and trip summary.
(Oregon State University) with support (L. canus).
from Susan Oehlers and Janelle WASHINGTON &
Lopez, biologist Nate Catterson RUSSIA
(U.S. Forest Service, Tongass National Heather Renner (U.S. Fish and OREGON
Forest), Professor and Director of Pacific Wildlife Service, Alaska Maritime Compiled by Peter Hodum
Cooperative Studies David Duffy National Wildlife Refuge), Daniel
(University of Hawaii-Manoa), Regional Roby (Oregon State University), and WASHINGTON
Planner and Inventory & Monitoring Don Lyons (U.S. Geological Survey- Elizabeth Phillips completed her
Coordinator Mike Goldstein (U.S. Oregon Cooperative Fish & Wildlife PhD in the School of Aquatic and Fishery
Forest Service, Alaska Regional Office), Research Unit), with support from the Sciences at the University of Washington
and Associate Professor, Environmental U.S. Geological Survey Science Support in June 2018. Her dissertation examined
Science & Geography Programs Partnership Project, implemented the the influence of the Columbia River
Sanjay Pyare (University of Alaska project “Survey and assessment of large plume on Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus
Southeast, Spatial Ecosystem Analysis Aleutian Tern (Onychoprion aleuticus) griseus) and Common Murre (Uria
Lab-SEALAB), deployed six 2-g colonies in northern Sakhalin, aalge) movement and foraging ecology.
solar Platform Transmitting Terminal Russia.” Project objectives were to (1) She is now beginning a post-doc with
(PTT) tags on Aleutian Terns on Black conduct surveys at key Aleutian Tern the National Research Council Research
Sand Spit in the Yakutat area during colonies within Russia to improve our Associateship Program, based at the
May. Methods developed during the understanding of current population National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Aleutian Tern Conservation Planning status and trends there, (2) get first- Administration (NOAA) Northwest
meeting (see statewide summary), were hand experience of those colonies and Fisheries Science Center in Seattle. She
pilot tested on Yakutat area colonies, see if/how they may differ compared is working with Dr. Sandy Parker-
including acoustic monitoring (led to Alaskan colonies, and (3) promote Stetter to quantify the spatiotemporal
by Susan and Janelle) ground-based greater communication and exchange distribution, abundance, and drivers of
photos (led by Sanjay Pyare and of information and survey techniques euphausiid variability in the California
research analyst John Skinner, Alaska between Russian and American experts. Current Ecosystem.
Department of Fish and Game) and During 20–27 June, Heather, Don, In spring 2016, Jason Jannot, Tom
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45 • Number 2 • 2018 • Page 52
REGIONAL REPORTS
monocerata) on Protection (twelfth
year) and Destruction (tenth year)
islands, Washington. Preliminary
analyses of burrow occupancy and
fledging success suggest that occupancy
was comparable to long-term averages
on Destruction but slightly lower on
Protection, possibly the result of an
ongoing impact of the adult mass
mortality event that occurred during the
2016 breeding season. Fledging success
on both islands was comparable to long-
term averages. Dietary studies were
conducted during the early and late
chick-rearing stages on both islands,
with diet composition on both islands
similar to previous years. In addition to
the Rhinoceros Auklet study, they also
Tufted Puffin. Photo credit: Michael Johns continued their conservation research
program on Tufted Puffins (Fratercula
Good, and Vanessa Tuttle of the government, and non-governmental cirrhata), focusing on mapping of
NOAA Fisheries Northwest Fisheries organization (NGO) representatives to active breeding burrows on Smith and
Science Center initiated an at-sea share information on the scope and scale Destruction islands and breeding season
research project to determine the risk of of seabird interactions with trawl vessels monitoring and foraging ecology of
seabird mortality from cables on fishing and 2) identify effective, practical puffins on Destruction Island.
vessels using trawl gear in the at-sea mitigation measures to reduce seabird
Pacific hake (Merluccius productus) cable strike mortality in the catcher- OREGON
catcher processor fleet fishing off the processor U.S. west coast Pacific hake Shawn Stephensen and Lila Bowen
U.S. Pacific coasts of Washington and Alaska trawl fisheries. Workshop of the Oregon Coast National Wildlife
and Oregon. Working with Amanda attendees included 39 representatives Refuge Complex conducted an aerial
Gladics of Oregon State University of the groundfish trawl fishing industry, seabird colony survey on 2 and 3 July
Oregon Sea Grant, the goals of this seafood associations, NGOs, and federal 2018 that included the entire Oregon
project are to systematically quantify agencies from Alaska, Washington, coast. The aircraft used was a Bell
the magnitude of seabird cable strikes and Oregon. A 2018 NOAA Technical Jet Ranger III helicopter operated by
and to develop methods to improve fleet- Memorandum describes the workshop Doug Uttecht of Northwest Helicopters
wide estimates of seabird mortality in outcomes. (Jannot, J. E., T. Good, V. (Olympia, WA). Total flight time was
this fishery. This work, in collaboration Tuttle, A. M. Eich, and S. Fitzgerald, approximately 10 hours. All Common
with the fishing industry, should also editors. 2018. U.S. West Coast and Murre (Uria aalge), Brandt’s Cormorant
lead to bycatch mitigation strategies Alaska Trawl Fisheries Seabird (Phalacrocorax penicillatus), Pelagic
specifically designed to reduce seabird Cable Strike Mitigation Workshop, Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus),
cable strikes. Results from 2016 and November 2017: Summary Report. and Double-crested Cormorant
2017 were presented at the 45th Annual U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA (Phalacrocorax auritus) colonies were
Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group in Technical Memorandum NMFS- photographed using digital cameras
La Paz, Mexico. NWFSC-142 https://www.nwfsc.noaa. and birds were counted on the digital
Jason Jannot, Tom Good, Vanessa gov//assets/25/9298_05312018_084659_ images using GIS computer software.
Tuttle, Anne Marie Eich, and Shannon TechMemo142.pdf) Thousands of digital images were
Fitzgerald (NOAA) held a seabird Scott Pearson (Washington organized and archived for future
cable strike mitigation workshop on 7-8 Department of Fish and Wildlife), Tom reference. Colony attendance by murres
November 2017 in Seattle, WA. This Good (NOAA Northwest Fisheries appeared to be at normal levels in
workshop summarized seabird bycatch Science Center), and Peter Hodum comparison to previous years.
and mitigation in trawl fisheries off (University of Puget Sound and Tim Halloran (U.S. Fish and
the coasts of Alaska, Washington, and Oikonos) continued their long-term Wildlife Service [USFWS] volunteer)
Oregon. The goals of the workshop study of reproductive success patterns and Shawn Stephensen conducted a
were to 1) bring together industry, of Rhinoceros Auklets (Cerorhinca population status assessment of Tufted
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45 • Number 2 • 2018 • Page 53
REGIONAL REPORTS
Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) at Haystack over 3 fledglings per every two nests be conducted by Oregon State
Rock, Cannon Beach which is within and Double-crested producing nearly University personnel (Kirsten
the Oregon Islands National Wildlife 5 fledglings per two nests at both Cape Bixler and Jess Porquez)
Refuge. The project also included a Perpetua and Cape Falcon. Hatch under supervision of Shawn
pilot study to evaluate the feasibility success was relatively high with no Stephensen.
of monitoring additional reproductive more than 3 failed nests for each species 2. Develop and populate a database
parameters at the island, such as breeding at both sites, except Pelagic Cormorants that will be made available to the
phenology and data collection success at Cape Falcon experienced 50% hatch scientific community, the general
from shore-based vantage points. The success. Unfortunately, sample sizes are public, and other government
number of Tufted Puffins present at very low for the Pelagic Cormorants, in agencies by regular uploading to
Haystack Rock was documented during part because cormorants did not return online portals.
2010 - 2018 by conducting instantaneous to some previously monitored colonies. 3. Provide data products, analyses,
counts of birds on the land, water, and in The highest abundance counts in the and reports that summarize
the air at 15 minute intervals. The daily Sea Lion Caves were 11 Rhinoceros and communicate analyses to
mean counts were 42, 33, 13, 35, 22, 21, Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata) BOEM and the general public to
and 23 birds during 2010, 2011, 2012, and 166 Pigeon Guillemots (Cepphus support incorporation of marine
2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 respectively. columba). During monitoring, the team bird abundance and distribution
Burrow occupancy was determined and also educated over 500 visitors through into planning processes and risk
the annual breeding population estimate outreach at both sites this season. assessment of renewable energy
was calculated based on the number of Initial data review shows that this was siting and decision support.
viable occupied burrows. The Tufted a very productive year compared to 2017 Turnstone Environmental
Puffin breeding population (individual for all three cormorant species. In part Consultants, Inc. (Turnstone) conducted
birds) at Haystack Rock was estimated this may be due to a lack of major storms work related to seabirds for several
to be 127 in 2010, 115 in 2011, 92 in this summer. Last year, large portions of projects in 2018, which are summarized
2012, 143 in 2013, 125 in 2014, 121 in colonies lost eggs and completely rebuilt below. These projects involved surveys
2015, and 124 in 2016. Data analysis has nests after storms with high winds and for Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus
not been completed for 2017 and 2018, rain, while this year renesting did not marmoratus) and all surveys were
however, initial data review indicates occur in any monitored plots. This also conducted according the PSG’s 2003
40 to 50 puffins appear to have nested. resulted in monitoring finishing nearly a protocol requirements. The Oregon
Many negative interactions with gulls month earlier this year. Department of Forestry (ODF)
and disturbances by eagles were also An Intra-Agency Agreement contracted Turnstone to conduct Marbled
documented, in addition to interesting between the Bureau of Ocean Energy Murrelet surveys on state lands in the
social behaviors between puffins. Management (BOEM), Department of Coast Range of Oregon in four ODF
Joe Liebezeit and Amelia O’Connor the Interior, and the USFWS Pacific districts (Astoria, Tillamook, Western
(Audubon Society) and Melissa Region was completed. The purpose of Lane, and West Oregon). Visiting a
Robell (USFWS Intern) conducted a the agreement was to secure proper data mixture of first, second and multi-
community science seabird monitoring management and obtain data synthesis year survey sites, surveyors conducted
project within the Cape Perpetua and of long-term aerial seabird colony data 1,123 surveys at 163 unique sites and
Cape Falcon Marine Reserves. With (photographs) collected at breeding 704 unique stations. Murrelets were
the help of 32 volunteers, 50 cormorant sites surveyed by USFWS Oregon Coast detected during 24 surveys at 12 sites
nests (21 Brandt’s, 21 Pelagic, 8 National Wildlife Refuge Complex and in 5 different districts, and significant
Double-crested) in the Cape Perpetua Washington Maritime National Wildlife behavior was observed during 4 of
Marine Protected Area (just south of Refuge Complex along the Oregon these surveys. Tom Williamson is the
the Reserve) and 36 nests (11 Brandt’s, and Washington coasts. The specific Turnstone project manager and Matt
10 Pelagic, 15 Double-crested) on two objectives are: Gostin is the ODF primary contact.
different colonies in the Cape Falcon 1. Secure seabird colony count Turnstone conducted Marbled
Marine Reserve were monitored. A legacy data collected from 1972 Murrelet surveys at first, second,
preliminary look at the data showed to the present by converting and multi-year sites for two districts
roughly 97 chicks fledged from the film slides to digital images, of the Bureau of Land Management
36 Cape Falcon nests (18 Brant’s, 10 cataloging, archiving, and (BLM) in 2018. The BLM Northwest
Pelagic, 34 Double-crested). Breeding counting birds on aerial images Oregon District contracted Turnstone
productivity (average fledglings per of seabird colonies to estimate to conduct Marbled Murrelet surveys
nest) was relatively high this year with colony site populations by in areas managed by the Marys Peak
Brandt’s Cormorants averaging just species. Slide processing will and Tillamook Field Offices. Turnstone
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45 • Number 2 • 2018 • Page 54REGIONAL REPORTS
biologists conducted 263 surveys at 50 Range for three other private clients. A 2018. Marine Pollution Bulletin: DOI:
unique sites and 169 unique stations. total of 92 surveys over 15 unique sites 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.03.043).
Murrelets were detected during six and 62 unique stations were conducted. In addition to participating in Marbled
surveys at three sites, and significant Murrelets were detected during five Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus)
behavior was observed during one surveys at four sites, and significant population monitoring in Oregon (see
of these surveys. Jeff Reams is the behavior was observed during two report in Oregon-Washington), Craig
Turnstone project manager and Scott of these surveys. Jeff Reams was the Strong of Crescent Coastal Research
Hopkins is the BLM primary contact. Turnstone project manager for two of continued to conduct Pelagic Cormorant
The BLM Coos District contracted these projects, and Tom Williamson (Phalacrocorax pelagicus) productivity
Turnstone to conduct Marbled Murrelet was the Turnstone project manager for monitoring at two colonies in northern
surveys in survey areas within the Coos the third. California during 2018. At Tolowa Rock
District, Oregon. Turnstone biologists (410 40.3’ N) 32 nesting pairs produced
conducted 230 surveys at 39 unique sites a mean of 1.88 chicks per nest, and at
and 170 unique stations. Murrelets were Hunter Island (410 57.3’ N) 52 pairs
detected during 30 surveys at 14 sites, NORTHERN produced a mean of 2.06 chicks per
and significant behavior was observed CALIFORNIA nest. At both sites nesting numbers
during 10 of these surveys. Jeff Reams Compiled by Kirsten Lindquist and productivity were above average
is the Turnstone project manager and for the past 5 years, with much higher
Jennifer Kirkland is the BLM primary Christine Fiorello, Kyra Mills and nesting numbers at Hunter Island.
contact. Mike Ziccardi (Oiled Wildlife Care Hunter Island, located at the edge of
Turnstone conducted Marbled Network) collaborated with Juliet a Marine Protected Area (MPA), has
Murrelet surveys for two Bonneville Lamb (post-doctoral researcher, outperformed the colony at Tolowa
Power Administration projects in 2018. Clemson University [CU] and South Rock since the MPA was established
For a project located near Philomath, Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife in 2014, though whether this is a causal
Oregon, Turnstone biologists conducted Research Unit [SCCRU]), Patrick relation is of course unknown. Good
45 surveys at 9 unique sites and 44 Jodice (USGS-SCCRU, CU), and Yvan cormorant success, combined with
unique stations. Murrelets were not Satgé (research specialist, CU-SCCRU) healthy ‘normal’ ratios of Common
detected during these surveys. Tom to track the movements and characterize Murre (Uria aalge) and Marbled
Williamson is the Turnstone project the habitat of California Brown Pelicans Murrelet chick-to-adult numbers
manager. For a project located near (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus) tallied on at-sea surveys, indicates the
Raymond, Washington, Turnstone that were oiled and rehabilitated California Current has recovered to
biologists conducted 20 surveys at 4 following the Refugio oil spill of June some extent in this region compared
unique sites and 16 unique stations. 2015. Their results indicated that, with the calamitous conditions of the
Murrelets were not detected during although rehabilitated pelicans prior 2 years.
these surveys. Tom Williamson is the undertake long-distance movements, Humboldt Redwood Company, LLC
Turnstone project manager. Turnstone they may display increased dispersion (HRC) continued the conservation
biologists also conducted Marbled and reduced breeding investment, activities for the Marbled Murrelet under
Murrelet surveys in the Oregon Coast particularly among females (Lamb et al. the company’s Habitat Conservation
Brown Pelican. Photo credit: Timothy Lawes
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45 • Number 2 • 2018 • Page 55REGIONAL REPORTS
Plan (HCP). Project leaders were Sal project studying spatial modeling of Conservation Science) in coordination
Chinnici and Mark Freitas. The HCP seabird disturbance risk in this area with Gerry McChesney and Jonathan
requires tracking of murrelet occupancy in collaboration with the Trinidad Shore (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
and numbers over time using both Chapter of the Seabird Protection [USFWS] Farallon Islands National
radar and audio-visual (AV) survey Network (SPN). The monitoring Wildlife Refuge) continued the long-
techniques. Surveys were continued effort at this site intersects with a term monitoring program as had been
in 2018 at the Headwaters Forest citizen scientist project coordinated done by countless seabird biologists
Reserve and Humboldt Redwoods State by Shannon Brinkman and the SPN, over the previous 5 decades. 2018 was a
Park (the Reserves), and also at the and compliments outreach efforts by primarily average year for most species.
Marbled Murrelet Conservation Areas the SPN to reduce seabird disturbance Cooler sea surface temperatures
(MMCAs) on HRC forestlands, with risk at these sites. Principal species and moderate upwelling conditions
the collaboration of Sean McAllister, monitored by these projects include persisted throughout much of the spring
O’Brien Biological Consulting, and cormorants (three Phalacrocorax spp.), and summer, leading to productive local
Adam Brown. Western Gull (Larus occidentalis), ocean conditions and an abundance
Since the inception of HCP Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba), of krill (euphausiids) around the
monitoring (1999), occupied behaviors and Common Murre. University of islands. Planktivorous Cassin’s Auklets
have been observed in the MMCAs California-Davis National Science (Ptychoramphus aleuticus) exhibited
and Reserve stands using AV surveys. Foundation Reasearch Experience for above average productivity for the tenth
In 2018, surveyors conducted 139 Undergraduates student Jade Little consecutive year, though it was the lowest
surveys at 33 stations and observed and Daniel Barton conducted several value during that period. Cassin’s also
occupied behaviors (below canopy analyses of change over time in Pelagic bred exceptionally early with more than
flight or circling) in the Headwaters Cormorant nesting success in the area. 85% of pairs having laid by April 15th.
Forest Reserve, Humboldt Redwoods Daniel Barton conducted a pilot study For the first time since 2013, Common
State Park, and the Allen Creek and Bell on the use of drones for monitoring Murre productivity was also slightly
Lawrence MMCAs. abundance at several seabird colonies in greater than the long-term mean for this
Radar surveys track murrelets the greater Humboldt Bay area. Rebecca species. Rhinoceros Auklets (Cerohinca
traveling to and from nesting areas Garwood, Justin Garwood, and James monocerata) and Brandt’s Cormorants
within the MMCAs and Reserves. Ray (all with California Department of (Phalacrocorax penicillatus) breeding
Radar counts are considered indices Fish and Wildlife), and Daniel Barton success were both higher than last
of the breeding population. In 2018, 56 continued an ongoing Double-crested year and above average for the sixth
radar surveys were conducted at 14 sites. Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) and consecutive year. In contrast, Pigeon
Most murrelets tracked by radar were Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Guillemots had reduced productivity
at Humboldt Redwoods State Park and diet study in Humboldt Bay into its in 2018 and produced fewer chicks
the Allen Creek MMCA. Final analyses second year, obtaining numerous pellets than average for the fourth consecutive
of the 2018 data have not yet been at local colonies as well as locating year. Pelagic Cormorants were present
conducted. The 2017 data indicated that several thousand Passive Integrated around the island throughout the season
after 15 years of monitoring, trends in Transponder tags from salmonid but very few pairs attempted to breed
radar counts of murrelets in the MMCAs tagging efforts in local seabird colonies. and those that did bred very late in the
and Reserves have differed during the Daniel Barton continued work on time- season. Western Gulls surprisingly had
study period; there has been a decline series modeling of counts of seabirds higher breeding success this season with
in radar counts in both the Reserves and and waterbirds in the region with a the greatest number of chicks fledged
the MMCAs since the 2002 baseline, but focus on determining the strengths and since 2013. The California Gull (Larus
the decline in radar counts in MMCAs weaknesses of alternative approaches californicus) population continues to
has been smaller. to variance components analysis of decline on SEFI, and no eggs or chicks
Claire Nasr (Humboldt State state-space models for different types of were observed in 2018. Northern
University), Shannon Brinkman survey data. anchovy (Engraulis mordax) were
(Bureau of Land Management), and 3 April 2018 marked the 50th the dominant prey item in chick diet
Daniel Barton (Humboldt State anniversary of Point Blue’s field station for Common Murres and Rhinoceros
University) continued field monitoring on Southeast Farallon Island (SEFI) and Auklets. Juvenile rockfish (Sebastes
efforts of nesting success and habitat use the start of the 51st year monitoring the spp.) were also present, but in much
of nearshore seabirds around Trinidad population size, reproductive success, lower abundance than in previous years.
Head and Patrick’s Point for the sixth and diet for 13 species of breeding Ocean productivity seemed to decline
consecutive year, adding new sites and seabirds. To celebrate, Mike Johns late in the season and chick growth rates
small boat surveys as well as a thesis and Pete Warzybok (Point Blue were slow. Approximately 30% of the
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45 • Number 2 • 2018 • Page 56REGIONAL REPORTS
Cassin’s Auklet population attempted
a second brood after successfully
fledging their first chick, but most of
these attempts were abandoned. Canada
Geese (Branta canadensis) nested on
the Farallones for the eighth consecutive
year and managed to fledge 7 chicks
from 4 total nests. Warm water species
such as Brown (Sula leucogaster) and
Blue-footed Boobies (Sula nebouxii),
which had become regular during the
warmer years of 2014 to 2017 were
largely absent this season. In addition
to regular monitoring work, this was the
4th season of geolocator deployments
on Cassin’s Auklets and 2nd season
on Pigeon Guillemots, in an effort to
better understand the winter dispersal
patterns of alcids from the Farallones. Cassin’s Auklet. Photo credit: Michael Johns
Preliminary results indicate Cassin’s
remain off the Central California Coast and trends of sanctuary resources, Rhinoceros Auklets, and various
during the non-breeding season, while ecosystem health, and response to transient species of shearwater, fulmar,
Pigeon Guillemots appear to overwinter climate change. Scientists collect phalaropes, and numerous storm-
north of Vancouver Island in British seabird and marine mammal data, petrels. Krill were abundant north of
Columbia. oceanographic measurements, marine Cordell Bank on the shelf, but sparse off
1 October 2018 marked the 25th debris, and sample for prey availability the shelf break and in the Tucker Trawl
anniversary of Beach Watch, the along predetermined transect lines. samples. For more information contact
coastal monitoring program of Greater This year spring upwelling conditions the Principal Investigators, Jaime
Farallones National Marine Sanctuary in May made for rough seas but good Jahncke (Point Blue Conservation
and Greater Farallones Association. In ocean productivity. The summer cruise Science) jjahncke[at]pointblue[dot]
2018 Beach Watch monitored 57 survey was on the National Oceanic and org, Dani Lipski (NOAA Cordell
sites over 5 counties in North Central Atomospheric Administration (NOAA) Bank National Marine Sanctuary)
California. 2018 was a quiet year for ship Bell M. Shimada, allowing for Danielle[dot]lipski[at]noaa[dot]gov, or
seabird and marine mammal mortality summer upwelling conditions to be Jan Roletto (NOAA Greater Farallones
in central California which is typical of sampled during rough seas. Good ocean National Marine Sanctuary) Jan[dot]
the productive La Niña conditions. Post productivity was indicated by abundant Roletto[at]noaa[dot].gov.
breeding carcass deposition of Common plankton and whales. Most notable were Farallon Institute seabird observers
Murre, in August – September, was humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), Michael Force and Brian Hoover
only 48% of long term mean (1993- blue (Balaenoptera musculus) and participated in the following at-sea
2017) deposition during these months. fin (Balaenoptera physalus) whales surveys: California Cooperative Ocenic
Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) foraging over the continental shelf Fisheries Investigation (CalCOFI)
deposition was notably higher this year as well as within the shipping lanes, winter survey 2018; CalCOFI spring
from March – September suggesting making them more vulnerable to being survey 2018; and National Marine
higher than average numbers of over struck and killed by ships. The third and Fisheies Service Rockfish Recruitment
summering birds. final cruise of the year was in September, and Ecosystem Survey (RREAS) 2018.
2018 marks the 15th field sampling to sample post upwelling conditions. These surveys document the distribution
season of the Applied California The seas were exceptionally calm but and abundance patterns of top predators
Current Ecosystem Studies (ACCESS) foggy conditions made observations in the California current ecosystem, and
project. ACCESS is a collaborative challenging. Highlights included lunge represent the 31st year of seabird data
effort of Cordell Bank National Marine feeding humpback and blue whales collection for CalCOFI and the 15th year
Sanctuary, Greater Farallones National concentrated near the shelf break, where for RREAS. Data from these cruises
Marine Sanctuary, and Point Blue they normally occur. Seabird sightings are shared with the California Current
Conservation Science for ongoing included resident post-breeding season Integrated Ecosystem Assessment
data collection to understand status Common Murres, Cassin’s Auklets, program at NOAA and with the
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45 • Number 2 • 2018 • Page 57You can also read
