States
AlaskaEcosystem
Coastal, MarineOverview
Kittlitz鈥檚 Murrelet, Marbled Murrelet, and Pigeon Guillemot are marine bird species that were especially affected by the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS). Estimates suggest that 5-10% of Kittlitz鈥檚 Murrelet and 6-12% of Marbled Murrelet populations in the spill zone were killed due to oil exposure. Since, surveys have shown that Kittlitz鈥檚 Murrelet populations have declined by 75-90% at various locations throughout Alaska, with declines persisting in Prince William Sound. The Marbled Murrelet is more abundant and widespread in Alaska but also at risk due to population declines. Following the oil spill, Pigeon Guillemots declined over 90% at their largest breeding colony in the Naked Island Group in Prince William, with an overall 67% decline in their population since the 1970s.
The recovery status of Kittlitz鈥檚 Murrelet after EVOS remains uncertain, while Marbled Murrelets are a known injured species not showing signs of recovery. Kittlitz鈥檚 Murrelet was listed as a candidate for the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2004 but deemed not warranted for listing in 2013 due to a lack of data. However, it continues to be an USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern. Though most the world鈥檚 population of Marbled Murrelets occur in Alaska, they are also an USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern because of their declining numbers. Additionally, they are federally listed as Threatened under the ESA in Washington, Oregon, and California; state-listed as Endangered in California; and state-listed as Threatened in Oregon and Washington.
To better understand the status of these marine birds, we conduct vessel-based surveys throughout the region impacted by EVOS (i.e., Kenai Peninsula Coast, Kachemak Bay, Prince William Sound). These studies will update population data and trends for Kittlitz鈥檚 Murrelet, Marbled Murrelet, and Pigeon Guillemot. By leveraging existing data and ongoing oceanographic studies, we hope to uncover how environmental conditions may influence these declining marine bird populations.
Importance of this Work
Our research builds on previous surveys and ongoing monitoring efforts, with the ability to compare our finding to other survey efforts being conducted in the spill region. With long-term datasets on their abundance and productivity, we can explore how these marine bird populations respond to environmental changes in the EVOS area. This study will contribute valuable data to the ongoing assessment of marine bird recovery following the oil spill.
Furthermore, the Gulf of Alaska has experienced significant environmental changes, including warming waters and heatwaves, which have impacted fish populations and, consequently, marine bird health. Understanding how these changes affect Kittlitz鈥檚 Murrelets, Marbled Murrelets, and Pigeon Guillemots is crucial for their conservation. By examining trends in their populations alongside oceanographic conditions, we aim to identify factors that may be hindering their recovery, which could also inform fisheries management in the region.
Action WE ALL can take
Marine birds are experiencing steep declines throughout the world, with some populations down as much as 95%. Threats to marine birds are dynamic and compounding. With threats like oil spills, changes in ocean temperatures, sea-level rise, fisheries bycatch, and predation from non-native predators, it may feel impossible that our actions could make a difference in the lives of marine birds. But even simple actions can make a big difference!
Protect Birds from Entanglements: Properly Dispose of Fishing Line. Monofilament fishing line is strong and durable, so when discarded improperly, it can entangle birds and other wildlife, leading to serious injuries or death. If you come across any discarded fishing line on the beach or in nature, please pick it up and dispose of it in a garbage can or recycling bin. Your small action can make a big difference in keeping our marine birds safe!
Protect Birds from Plastic Ingestion: Pick Up Litter and Marine Debris. Marine debris, especially food packaging, poses a significant threat to seabirds, as they can mistake it for food. You can help reduce waste by using reusable containers, cups, and utensils whenever possible. Additionally, consider organizing or participating in local clean-up events to remove litter from beaches and waterways. To learn more aboutmarine debris and how it may be affecting your area, you can contact NOAA鈥檚 national Marine Debris Program:
Keep Birds Wild and Healthy: Don鈥檛 Feed the Gulls. Feeding gulls, terns, and other marine birds human food can lead to health problems and disrupt their natural foraging behaviors. Leftover food can also pollute waterways and local habitats, leading to issues such as algal blooms and attracting pests. This can harm not only the birds but also the broader ecosystem. Instead of feeding them, enjoy watching these birds in their natural habitats. Supporting conservation efforts that protect their ecosystems is a great way to help them thrive without relying on human-provided food.
Give them Space. Beach/coastal walking, a seemingly harmless activity, can have negative consequences on marine birds, like gulls and terns, that are using the area for rest, foraging, or nesting. In some parts of the U.S., human disturbance poses a significant threat to coastal birds. These threats can intensify as human use (recreation, off-leash dogs) in these coastal areas increases, leading to an overall reduction in suitable, undisturbed habitats for marine birds.
If you are recreating near a coastline, shoreline, or other wetland type used by marine birds, please give them space鈥攊deally, do not approach within 200 m (656 ft.). If you are recreating with a dog, please keep your dog leased, as the presence of dogs is directly related to birds expending more energy being alert to their presence. If you are located in Anchorage, the municipal law requires you to restrain your dog in public places unless you are in a designated . Learn more about how from the National Audubon Society.鈥�
Report sick and dead birds. If you observe dead seabirds or encounter a sick or dead wild bird(s) and the cause is NOT immediately apparent, please call the Alaska Sick or Dead Bird Hotline at (866) 527-3358. Before calling, please note the location (GPS coordinates are best), species of bird (if known) and the date/time found. For your safety, do not handle any sick birds or bird that are found dead.
Participate in citizen science. Help Scientists monitor bird populations. Anyone can contribute valuable data by submitting what they see to citizen science programs like eBird. Marine birds can be difficult to survey as they are often found in remote locations. However, even casual bird sightings, whether out on a boat trip or watching from shore, can be a valuable data points for scientists. By submitting your bird sightings to eBird, you can play a crucial role in helping scientists monitor marine birds.
Spread the Word: Share information about marine birds and their threats with your family, friends, and neighbors. Talk to them about how sustained public support are crucial to ensure the future of this group of birds.
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