Identification of Beaufort Sea Migration Corridor for Sea Ducks

Project Number: 2

Year Funded: 2002-2010

Lead Institution(s): Canadian Wildlife Service

Project Lead: Lynne Dickson, Blake Bartzen

Email:

Collaborator(s): Tim Bowman (USFWS)

Location: Alaska, Arctic Canada

Focal Species: Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis), Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), King Eider (Somateria spectabilis)

Project Description: Oil development is increasing along the U.S. coast of the Beaufort Sea. This area is extremely important during migration for three species of sea ducks that are currently in decline: Pacific race of Common Eider, King Eider and Long-tailed Duck. Although there is some information on migration, little is known about the specific migration pathways and habitats used by these sea ducks. Hence, it is difficult to predict the degree of potential threats of expanded oil development. Using satellite telemetry, this study provided information about the location and timing of use of migration corridors, so that analysts can better predict and mitigate any adverse effects of offshore oil development on subject populations. The study also provided information on affiliations between wintering, breeding and moulting grounds, thereby helping to define populations units. Such information is essential to effectively manage a harvested species.

Project Reports:

SDJV02 Interim Report FY02
SDJV02 Interim Report FY03
SDJV02 Interim Report FY04
SDJV02 Interim Report FY06
SDJV02 Interim Report FY07
SDJV02 Interim Report FY08
SDJV02 Interim Report FY09
SDJV02 Final Report FY10

Related Publications

Bartzen, B.A., Dickson, D.L. & Bowman, T.D. 2017. Migration characteristics of long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) from the western Canadian Arctic. Polar Biology 40:1085–1099 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-016-2035-6

Dickson, D.L. 2012. Seasonal movement of Pacific Common Eiders breeding in arctic Canada. Technical Report Series 521, Canadian Wildlife Service, Edmonton, Alberta. v + 58 p. https://www.arlis.org/docs/vol1/K/795249691.pdf

Dickson, D.L. 2012. Seasonal Movement of King Eiders Breeding in Western Arctic Canada and Northern Alaska. Canadian Wildlife Service Technical Report Series Number 520, Canadian Wildlife Service, Edmonton, Alberta. https://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/201/301/weekly_checklist/2012/internet/w12-37-U-E.html/collections/collection_2012/ec/CW69-5-520-eng.pdf

Dickson, D. L., and P. A. Smith. 2013. Habitat used by common and king eiders in spring in the southeast Beaufort Sea and overlap with resource exploration. The Journal of Wildlife Management 77:777–790. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.529

Dickson, D. L., and H. G. Gilchrist. 2002. Status of Marine Birds of the Southeastern Beaufort Sea. Arctic 55:46–58. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40512419

Oppel, S., A. N. Powell, and D. L. Dickson. 2008. Timing and Distance of King Eider Migration and Winter Movements. The Condor 110:296–305. https://doi.org/10.1525/cond.2008.8502

Identification of Beaufort Sea Migration Corridor for Sea Ducks