Document Author: Prince William Sound Science Center

Marine Bird Winter Surveys in Prince William Sound – 2024

In September and November 2024, staff from PWSSC conducted surveys of marine birds in and around the Prince William Sound’s tanker escort zone and the VMT. Highlights from the surveys include:

  • The densest populations were found in Port Valdez and Hinchinbrook Entrance during both September and November.
  • In September, the population was dominated by kittiwakes (over 60%), including over 3000 nesting pairs in Port Valdez.
  • Fewer birds were encountered in November, and the species shifted dramatically. Cormorants, deep ducks, and inshore ducks were the most common species.

Their report summarizes the survey’s findings and recommendations for continued monitoring.

Port Valdez Weather Buoy Analysis 2019 – 2023

In this report, Dr. Robert Campbell presents his analysis of data from two weather buoys that are sponsored by the Council.

The two buoys, one near the Valdez Marine Terminal and another near the Valdez Duck Flats, have been collecting data such as sea currents, wind direction and speed, wave direction and heights, and other weather-related information for the past 5 years. Dr. Campbell analyzed the data to determine weather trends throughout the year and seasonally at these two locations.

This information will help support environmental monitoring, oil spill contingency and response planning, trajectory modeling, and the safe transportation of oil in Port Valdez.

Marine Bird Hotspots in Prince William Sound

A Pacific Loon, or gavia pacifica, swims on calm water, The bird has black, grey, and white coloring in varying patterns.
The Pacific Loon was the most-sighted of the loon species group. Photo by Kevin Cole.

Researchers Bishop and Schaefer combined 14 years of data from at-sea marine bird surveys, collected during March 2007-2014 and 2018-2023, to identify areas of Prince William Sound where marine birds tend to gather. They identified 12 marine bird species groups and created a series of hot spot maps showing the high-use areas in Prince William Sound. Primary areas identified for prioritized protection were Hinchinbrook Entrance, the head of Port Valdez, the Knowles Head anchorage area, and the Southwest Passages.

This information will be useful to help identify areas that may need extra protection in the event of an oil spill.

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.

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