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| The North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD): Status, Examples and Progress Towards Integration Gary S. Drew, David B. Irons, John F. Piatt, Jay Johnson, Shawn Stephensen The need for comprehensive geographic data on the pelagic distribution of seabirds has long been recognized. Although there are a large number of datasets with detailed information on the pelagic (at-sea) distribution of seabirds in the North Pacific, integration of these datasets has been lacking. In a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Canadian Wildlife Service, North Pacific Marine Research Institute, and many independent investigators, we are compiling available data on the distribution of seabirds (and marine mammals) at sea. These data are being archived in raw form, and are to be combined using a relational database. Tools for analyzing and mapping the data are under development, and we will create web-based and hard-copy products for dissemination of the data to scientists, resource managers and the general public. Pelagic seabird distribution data can be used to: model, measure or predict immediate and long-term impacts of oil pollution on marine bird populations; detect and describe long-term changes in marine ecosystems; identify fine- and coarse-scaled features of marine habitats; estimate population sizes of rare or threatened species that are impossible to census using traditional methods; examine seasonal movements and winter habitat use by seabirds; assess potential conflicts between commercial fisheries and marine birds (e.g., long-line fisheries and albatrosses); plan and manage marine reserves; and disseminate natural history information to the general public, educators, and the tourism industry. Examples of datasets and preliminary products are provided. GSD and JFP: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center1011
E. Tudor, Anchorage, AK 99503 POSTER PRESENTATION |
