Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

Developing a Monitoring Plan for Brachyramphus Murrelets in Alaska

Project ID: P12AC15003

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: Oregon State University

Fiscal Year: 2012

Initial Funding: $25,000

Total Funding: $25,000

Project Type: Technical Assistance

Project Disciplines: Biological

National Park: Alaska Region

Principal Investigator: Roby, Daniel

Agreement Technical Representative: Gende, Scott

Abstract: Brachyramphus murrelets (Kittlitz’s Murrelet, B. brevirostrus, and Marbled Murrelet, B. marmoratus) are poorly understood, difficult to monitor, and declining throughout much of their ranges. Evaluating the productivity, threats, and status and trends of rare and declining species is vital to their conservation and management. While Brachyramphus murrelets in Alaska have been monitored at various scales, by various methods, and with various intensities, no comprehensive and standardized monitoring program has been established to determine productivity, distribution, and long-term population trends. The objectives of this project are to develop a monitoring plan that will provide the following for both inland and at-sea locations: (1) a summary of existing survey information and protocols; (2) identification of survey gaps; (3) priorities for monitoring strategies; (4) identification and rationale for the selection of population parameters and monitoring sites; (5) recommendations for targeted studies and analyses needed to aid protocol development; and (6) recommendations for development of standardized protocols. This plan will be the first step in developing a detailed monitoring protocol that can be implemented across agencies for monitoring Brachyramphus murrelet populations and trends. Public benefits include contributing information that will help conserve rare and declining species.

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