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.
Document Author: Prince William Sound Science Center
2020 Prince William Sound Forage Fish Observations
‘Forage fish’ are species that are preyed on by larger predators, and include Pacific herring, Pacific sand lance, capelin, and candlefish. Dr. Pegau conducted the survey of the entire coastline of Prince William Sound via airplane in 2019 and 2020.
Surveying from the air allows for identifying areas in water too shallow for a vessel. The primary objectives are to map and count schools of these fish in Prince William Sound to help protect these important species during a spill response. This work is expected to continue until 2022.
2020 Prince William Sound Forage Fish Observations
‘Forage fish’ are species that are preyed on by larger predators, and include Pacific herring, Pacific sand lance, capelin, and candlefish. Dr. Pegau conducted the survey of the entire coastline of Prince William Sound via airplane in 2019 and 2020.
Surveying from the air allows for identifying areas in water too shallow for a vessel. The primary objectives are to map and count schools of these fish in Prince William Sound to help protect these important species during a spill response. This work is expected to continue until 2022.