Seasonal Distribution of White-winged Scoters in Alaska
Project Number: 1
Year Funded: 2002
Lead Institution(s): Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Project Lead: Dan Rosenberg
Collaborator(s): USFWS, Yukon Flats NWR, University of Alaska Fairbanks, USGS, NMFS, Sitka Raptor Center
Location: Alaska
Focal Species: White-winged Scoter (Melanitta delgandi)
Project Description: Since 1977, numbers of all scoters (M. Spp.) breeding in Alaska and western Canada have declined. Causes of these declines are unknown. Satellite telemetry can help researchers identify discreet population units by identifying key migration routes, timing of movements, and affiliations between specific wintering, and breeding and molting sites. This information will help researchers and managers focus efforts to identify causes of population change. To maximize benefits from this valuable technique we need to develop methodology to reduce mortality. This project tested mortality rates from summer and winter deployment of satellite transmitters in white-winged scoters. Primary objectives include 1) improve satellite implant technique to increase post release survival, 2) identify timing of migration between breeding, molting and wintering areas, 3) identify affiliations between specific breeding, molting and wintering sites, and 4) collect blood samples to contribute to studies of genetic variation between breeding and wintering populations and studies of contaminants.
Project Reports: