In September and November 2025, 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:
- In September, the researchers counted 2820 birds representing 21 species. Black-legged kittiwake, dark shearwaters, and large gulls were the most abundant. Harbor seals and Steller sea lions were the most abundant marine mammals.
- In November surveys, the researchers counted 792 birds from 26 species were counted along the same routes. The most recorded species were the marbled murrelet, glaucous-winged gull, and pelagic cormorant. Sea otters were the most abundant and widespread marine mammal in November surveys.
- The report provides recommendations for prioritizing oil spill response efforts to protect wildlife if a spill were to occur during September and November.
Their report summarizes the survey’s findings and recommendations for continued monitoring.
Categories:
Marine Animal and Bird Surveys, Oil Spill Response Operations