DELTA SOUND

2010 CONNECTIONS Natural history and science news from Prince William Sound and the Copper River Delta Glaciers and rainforest form our backyard An introduction to the region discharge rate, estimated at 61,000 Nancy Bird, cubic ft/sec, that drives production in PWS Science Center the Gulf of Alaska. Depositing over 75 million tons of silt annually, the river Welcome to the Prince William has built a layer of silt over 600 feet Sound and Copper River Delta region! deep over the past 800,000 years. The intricately indented coastline of The Delta’s vast wetlands provide the Sound is separated from the Gulf rich bird habitat, making it the largest of Alaska by a ring of mountainous site in the Western Hemisphere islands and is the northern boundary Shorebird Reserve system. Two of the coastal temperate rainforest. hundred and thirty-five species of birds Its scenic character owes much to the have been identified and annually over glacial sculpting of the land during the 16 million migrating shorebirds and Ice Ages. waterfowl stop here. Today, over 20 glaciers terminate at Hundreds of streams and intertidal sea level while numerous others cling waters support a large commercial to steep mountainsides at the heads of salmon fishery. Ranked 12th in the rocky fjords. Secluded coves, beaches U.S., the fishing port of Cordova and rocky tree-covered islands offer annually catches an excess of 100 countless opportunities for exploration million pounds of fish, with an ex- and discovery in the Sound. vessel value exceeding $50 million. The adjacent Copper River Delta This area is among the most is a 300-square mile band of grassy seismically active regions on Earth. marshlands and tidal flats, the largest The world’s second largest recorded contiguous wetland on the Pacific earthquake, at 9.2 Richter scale, was Coast of North America. The Copper centered near Columbia Glacier in A humpback whale feeding on herring takes these boaters by surprise. Photo River itself is almost 290 miles long 1964. Some areas on the Delta rose by L. Butters. and is known for its enormous sediment as much as 10 feet while places in the played a role. Today, the Port of Valdez southwestern Sound shifted as much as is the terminus of the Trans Alaska oil 35 feet. pipeline and transports about 15% of The Chugachmiut and Eyak peoples the total U.S. domestic oil production. lived here long before the arrival of the On average, two supertankers per week Welcome to first Europeans in the mid-1700s. By transit the Sound’s waters fully laden 1800, Russia dominated the region in with North Slope crude oil. Visitors the trade of sea otter pelts. In the years also support a significant part of our our home! that followed, the region’s economic local economies. We’re glad you’ve picked up and social development varied. Thanks for coming to explore and this second edition of Delta Sound Trapping, gold and copper mining, fox enjoy our region! It is truly one of the Connections, an annual newspaper farming, logging and fishing have each world’s great places. to inform you about the Prince Left: River Gates holds Glaucous-winged gull chicks in a field study conducted by the William Sound and Copper River Prince William Sound Science Center. Photo by PWSSC. Delta regions. For more than 20 years, Prince William Sound Science Center (PWSSC) researchers have Herring recovery spurs research investigated questions about the Lack of herring recovery spurs biology, general ecology, and major research program oceanography of these incredibly rich ecosystems. Dr. Scott Pegau, Articles within this paper will PWS Science Center introduce you to the region and In the decades prior to 1990 there was a also the myriad of research and robust Pacific herring population in Prince education programs being conducted William Sound. Not only are these forage by PWSSC and other organizations, fish a key link in the complex food web of universities and agencies. We thank Prince William Sound, but they supported the many authors who generously a lucrative early season commercial contributed to this publication. fishery that brought the communities of We also thank our business and the Sound to life each spring. By 1993, that fishery was closed and only briefly other sponsors (Please take a moment reopened for two years. The current to look at their names on the back herring population of approximately page). It’s their support which makes 20,000 tonnes is tiny compared to the The small silver Pacific herring are the base of the food chain for many species and this publication possible. peak value of 150,000 tonnes or the long- are the focus of multiple research programs in the region. Photo by K. Alexander. Please let us know what you think term average of around 65,000 tonnes. about this paper! We welcome your The cause of this dramatic decline in to determine why herring populations of food, disease, overwinter changes in membership in PWSSC and/or this fishery is still hotly debated. Was it remain depressed. With funds from the energy content, and predation pressure. sponsorship of future publications. the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, disease, Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council, The purpose of this multi-faceted You can contact us at deltasound@ climate change, predation, natural cycles, which oversees funds from a settlement study is to identify juvenile rearing bays; pwssc.org . measure factors that limit juvenile herring or some combination of these factors? between State/Federal government and Thank you for taking the time to Exxon, a group of 10 projects make growth and recruitment; and ultimately While the question of the reason for learn more about this very special part up a comprehensive research program provide recommendations for future the decline remains debated, it is more of the world. Enjoy your travels! important to understand what is preventing designed to better understand factors herring restoration and monitoring efforts the herring population from recovering. limiting herring recovery, in particular in the region. Today, researchers from multiple those affecting juvenile herring including; Nancy Bird, President institutions and disciplines are working oceanographic conditions, availability Continued on pg. 4 PWS Science Center 2 DELTA SOUND CONNECTIONS SUMMER 2010 PACIFIC Bird’s eye view of nearshore habitat ShoreZone provides a bird’s eye inventory of the Sound’s nearshore habitat Staff, herring spawn almost every year were NOAA Alaska Regional Office examined in terms of ShoreZone The land-sea interface is a crucial attributes (data provided by Alaska realm for terrestrial and marine Department of Fish & Game) and organisms, human activities, and showed that herring preferred spawning dynamic processes. ShoreZone is a sites with sand and gravel flats or mapping and classification system beaches. that specializes in the collection and The association of biobands with interpretation of aerial imagery of the spawning sites was also examined and coastal environment. Its objective is indicated a preference for sites with to produce an integrated, searchable eelgrass. These attributes can then inventory of geomorphic and biological be used to predict locations within features of the intertidal and nearshore PWS that are likely to have a higher Herring roe sticks to kelp and other surfaces in shallow, nearshore habitat around zones which can be used as a tool for spawning potential. This model omits Prince William Sound. Photo by K. Alexander. science, education, management, and other important criteria for spawning, environmental hazard planning and such as water quality parameters, but response. does provide a better understanding ShoreZone attributes can be combined for biophysical characteristics of the Pacific herring 101 to predict habitat potential for species nearshore environment preferred in areas that are not known or mapped. by herring and can inform future Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi ) Herring may grow up to 18 inches One example, developed by Harney et monitoring efforts. The results indicate have a blue-green upper body with in length, but generally a 9-inch al. in 2009, examined the ShoreZone that herring spawn is not habitat limited, silvery sides and are key forage specimen is considered large. attributes associated with favorable instead, other factors are controlling the fish in the Pacific marine foodweb. Herring spawn each spring in herring spawing sites. Sites where distribution of herring spawn in PWS. shallow, vegetated areas along the coastline. Eggs attach to intertidal vegetation or fall to the bottom, while milt released by males drifts among the eggs. After 2-3 weeks eggs will hatch, releasing billions of larval herring to float freely throughout the water column. In PWS, adult Pacific herring rarely spawn before their third year and their average life span is nine years. After spawning, most adults leave nearshore waters to feed on zooplankton in open water. They are seasonal feeders and accumulate fat reserves for periods of inactivity. Gathering herring roe on kelp has been Herring schools often follow a diel a traditional subsistence practice in the vertical migration pattern, where Sound for generations. This photo shows they spend daylight hours in deeper someone gathering herring roe on kelp waters near the bottom, and migrate Herring spawn and a herring ball in a small bay off of Port Etches on Hinchinbrook along the shore near Tatitlek. Photo by upward during the nighttime to Glenora Zimmer, NVE. Island, Prince William Sound. Photo by Allen Marquette. More information, protocols feed. and reports are available online at www.fakr.noaa.gov/maps/szintro.htm. Herring populations remain depressed Trends in adult and juvenile herring distribution and abundance in the Sound Dr. Richard Thorne, are most vulnerable. Hydro-acoustic young herring’s health condition over PWS Science Center instruments were used to determine the winter. We compared several areas Adult and juvenile herring abundance fish abundance. These sophisticated throughout Prince William Sound. and habitat utilization have been the tools are a scientific version of We found that the age-0 herring were focus of a three-year investigation the sonar and depth sounders that typically located near the heads of by researchers at the Prince William commercial fishermen use to find fish. bays in relatively shallow water and Sound Science Center. Herring are a The Science Center has conducted the could often be identified from their critical part of the food chain and their adult monitoring surveys every year hydro-acoustic characteristics, called population has substantially declined since 1993. The spring 2009 survey “echo signature”. since the early 1990’s, just three years produced an adult herring biomass Greater abundances of age-0 herring after the 1989 oil spill. estimate of 20,400 metric tons. were found in Whale Bay, Simpson The goals of the Science Center’s Our primary objective in the juvenile Bay and Eaglek Bay. Whale Bay project, supported by the Exxon herring survey was to determine the showed the smallest decrease in numbers over the winter, Simpson A hydro-acoustic system is deployed Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council, distributional characteristics of first from the charter vessel Auklet. Photo were to continue a long-term database year herring, called “age-0”. Our Bay the greatest. Whale Bay also had courtesty of PWSSC. on the adult abundance and to better study design focused on pre- and the smallest abundance of other fishes, understand the factors that govern post-winter sampling to investigate which might be a key to the higher For more information, contact Dr. juvenile herring survival, particularly over-winter mortality. Our study apparent over-winter survival at this Richard Thorne at [email protected]. during their initial year when they complemented others that looked at the location. DELTA SOUND CONNECTIONS 3

HERRING SUMMER 2010 Sediments and freshwater impact plants and fish Following Alaska’s Coastal Current from British Columbia to the Aleutian Islands Dr. Rob Campbell, PWS Science Center the glaciers). Those suspended particles The oceanography of PWS is are extremely small, and though they extremely dynamic: strong winds drive are more dense than water, they sink surface currents, large tidal currents rise very slowly and tend to stay in surface and ebb twice daily, and water from the waters. considerable rain and snowfalls enters Suspended particles are potentially from countless streams and rivers. The very important to the functioning of the massive amount of water entering the ecosystem within PWS and the coastal margin of the Gulf of Alaska from the Gulf of Alaska. Just like in a dust surrounding mountain ranges actually storm, particles suspended in the water creates its own surface current: the absorb and scatter light, which can limit Alaska Coastal Current, a current that the light available to the aquatic plants begins in northern British Columbia that are found in surface waters. and travels all along the coast of Alaska Recent work by PWSSC researcher to the Aleutians. Shelton Gay has suggested that parts The Copper River is the largest of the PWS with more suspended single source of fresh water to the Gulf sediment support less plant growth, of Alaska, and its waters travel along which in turn can affect organisms up the coast and into PWS. Suspended in the food chain, from feeder fish like Copper River water is a large amount Pacific herring up to predatory fish, sea A view of Prince William Sound from space. The light blue color in the water is of sediment from the upper watershed, birds and marine mammals. glacial silt. Photo courtesy of NASA. which includes several large ice sheets. More comprehensive studies are Numerous glaciers also discharge planned in the next few years to examine PWSSC researcher Dr. Rob Campbell of Alaska; cruises will begin in the directly into PWS, and that water is that effect more closely. Glacial flour has recently begun a project with 2010 field season. also loaded with a large amount of also contains nutrients, particularly geochemists from USGS to examine For more information contact Dr. suspended glacial flour (essentially iron, which is the limiting nutrient in the role of iron inputs from the Copper Rob Campbell, [email protected]. “rock dust” from the grinding action of the offshore Gulf of Alaska. River to marine ecosystem in the Gulf

Left: An embryo 290 hours (12 days) post Ocean acidification fertilization. The tail has Herring, climate change and ocean acidification - problem or hype? wrapped well past the Jeep Rice, water and will cause it to be more acidic head, eye pigmentation is NOAA/Auke Bay Lab than it is now. Changes will be slow well underway, otoliths are Herring have a lot to worry about over time, but may be faster than many visible behind the eyes on - daily avoidance of predators being species can adapt to. both sides, and hatching at the top of their list - but what about The early life stages are probably the glands cause the dotted long term concerns from climate change most sensitive life stage, and researchers appearance on the head. and ocean acidification? Nothing stays Mark Carls and Fletcher Sewall (Auke the same, including climate change, a Bay Laboratory) have been exposing problem for all species on the planet, herring embryos to different acidic levels and, man’s activities in the last century of sea water. Embryos were vulnerable to acidic sea water, as shown by increased Right: A hatched larva less than 24 hours old. cause concern for what the future holds, The jaw is well formed, eyes are heavily pig- mortality and reduced growth. for us and for herring. mented, three of the otoliths are clearly visible, Dose levels causing mortality are The slow creep of warming the yolk is partially consumed, and the finfolds temperatures will not likely be a direct not expected in the near future; levels are uniform and healthy. Photos by Mark Carls. problem for herring, as the changes causing reduced growth (critical for are well within the temperatures they survival) may occur by 2200 according encounter during the seasonal change to some projections. At this time, it is from winter to summer each year, or in difficult to predict the changes that will their range (herring exist as far south likely happen in the ecosystem. as California). However, if increases Some species will be winners, others in carbon dioxide (the chief cause of will be losers, and those with the longest warming via the “green house effect”) reproductive cycles may be less able to continue, CO2 will also dissolve in sea adapt. Herring decline carved in wood Eyak Carver, Mike Webber, created this Shame Pole. A shame totem, used for public ridicule, is erected to shame another party for an unpaid debt. Webber’s pole represented the unpaid debt that courts determined Exxon owed for the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. The final appeals process was completed in late 2009 and Exxon was required to pay plaintiffs less Scientists collaborate to create one stop shopping for herring data than 10 percent of the original award. “The Prince William Sound herring The Alaska Department of Fish to access, interpret and visualize these fishery crashed from a disease outbreak in & Game, with support from the resources. 1993, the year that young herring from 1989 Exxon Valdez Trustee Council, has Above is a screenshot of the portal, should have become adults. The population developed the Prince William Sound which can be accessed at: was further weakened by disease and the Herring Data Portal. http://www.pwsherringportal.org/. fishery has been closed indefinitely since The purpose of this portal is to For more information, contact Steve 1998. For Cordova’s people and economy consolidate and document scientific Moffitt at ADF&G (steve.moffitt@ and the wildlife of the Sound, the loss has resources regarding herring in alaska.gov) or Rob Bochenek of created lasting and profound hardships.” Prince William Sound and provide a Axiom Consulting & Design (rob@ - Excerpt taken from exhibit, on display gateway for scientists and the public axiomalaska.com). Photo by Robert Cornellier. at Cordova’s Ilanka Cultural Center. 4 DELTA SOUND CONNECTIONS SUMMER 2010 CHALLENGES TO Disease limits recovery Filling up Infections and parasites limit Prince William Sound herring recovery Paul Hershberger, first exposure to the virus, herring are researchers hope to better understand US Geological Survey highly susceptible to VHS; however the the prevalence of disease and infections to survive Infectious and parasitic diseases are fraction of individuals that survive the in PWS herring, as well as in Sitka and A full tank is the key for herring suspected of limiting the recovery of disease develop long-term resistance to Puget Sound. Lab studies will shed survival through winter Pacific herring in Prince William Sound, subsequent disease outbreaks. light on the relationships between the Dr. Tom Kline, as diseases have been associated with Parasites are also of concern. host, pathogens and environmental PWS Science Center massive fish kills in herring and other Ichthyophonus is a protist, or single- conditions. For example, can pre- Herring are seasonal feeders and forage fish. Paul Hershberger (USGS celled organism that has caused recurring exposure to VHS help anticipate future accumulate fat reserves for periods - Marrowstone Marine Field Station) is massive disease outbreaks in Atlantic disease outbreaks? Does change in of relative inactivity, including leading a team of researchers to explore herring populations and currently water temperature change the virulence, the long Alaskan winters in Prince the prevalence and intensity of diseases occurs in high prevalence among Pacific or harmfulness, of the pathogens? William Sound. Past and current in PWS herring as part of the larger herring. Ichthyophonus can kill herring Findings for this project will help test studies show that herring lose much juvenile herring study. directly (often causing 85% mortality current disease forecasting tools as well of their accumulated energy between One disease of focus, viral hemorrhagic within 4 weeks post-exposure) or cause as develop other tools that can help November and March, and suggest septicemia, or VHS, is extremely chronic infections that result in fish resource managers predict the timing that in order to survive winter, herring harmful to herring, often causing with decreased condition, decreased of disease outbreaks and potentially need a certain level of energy before mortality several days after exposure to swimming performance, and decreased mitigate the impacts of disease on wild winter sets in. the causative virus. Herring undergoing ability to avoid capture by predators. herring populations. To better understand over-winter active VHS disease are often lethargic It has also been shown that prevalence For more information on this survival, Tom Kline of the Prince and demonstrate external hemorrhages of the parasite increases with age of topic contact Paul Hershberger at William Sound Science Center around the eyes, mouth, and fins. Upon Pacific herring. Through field studies, [email protected]. is looking at the energy content of herring and their main food source, zooplankton; the species of zooplankton available as forage; and the role of oceanic zooplankton subsidies versus resident Prince William Sound zooplankton for herring and their competitors. This component of the multi-facted juvenile herring project will help improve our understanding of over- winter habitat utilization of age-0 Above Left: A Pacific herring with external signs of Ichthyophonus infection, including augmented ulcers on the side. Above Right: herring. If researchers can determine External hemorrhages on a herring’s head is a sympton of viral hemorrhagic septicemia. Photos by Paul Hershberger. habitat sites and conditions that reduce overwinter mortality, then this study can help identify sites for future projects to “plant” new Pg.1 cont’d: Juvenile herring studies herring populations in the Sound. underway that look at oceanographic At the end of the 3 year study, Furthermore, by better understanding conditions, food availability, disease, researchers hope to have a better the relationship between herring and overwinter energetics, and predation. understanding of important habitat their food source, resource managers Stationary moorings and samples for herring, in particular for juvenile might be better able to predict years taken by research boats will monitor herring. This combined with a better when herring could do better or worse oceanographic conditions such as understanding of factors that limit based on what food is available. temperature and salinity, and provide herring growth and recruitment can For more information, contact Dr. important information about conditions help with future projects for “planting” Tom Kline at [email protected]. in the Sound to help inform other new herring populations in the region. Herring samples. Courtesy of CDFU. aspects of this program. Zooplankton, Furthermore, researchers will be herring’s primary food source, will able to recommend effective survey Continued from Page 1 be collected for identification and methodologies and help future herring The purpose of this multi-faceted monitored to determine cycles in monitoring efforts be efficient with study is to identify juvenile rearing availability and differences in spatial resources. bays, measure factors that limit juvenile concentrations. For more information, contact Dr. herring growth and recruitment, and Herring samples collected will Scott Pegau at [email protected]. ultimately provide recommendations be analyzed to assess disease and for future herring restoration and infection prevalence and intensity. monitoring efforts in the region. Researchers will also be testing disease Three approaches are being used to screening tools and working to identify identify juvenile rearing bays. Aerial environmental factors that can be used surveys cover the largest geographic to forecast disease outbreaks in herring area, and researchers document both populations. Samples collected in the the distribution and density of herring, fall and spring will be compared to spawn and predators. Boat surveys, assess changes in herring energy levels conducted in partnership with the over winter months. Two studies will Cordova District Fishermen United by explore herring energetics further. One former commercial herring fishermen, will look at how different food sources sample a larger number of bays than affect energy levels in herring while can be sampled by research vessels. the other will assess how growth rate Acoustic surveys round out survey relates to over-winter survival. methodologies, allowing researchers Finally, both bird and fish surveys to “see” areas not visible by air as well will be conducted to better understand as better understand predatory fish not the role these predators play in limiting easily studied on the surface. herring recovery. Researchers outside To better understand conditions that of this project are looking at predation Far Above: Deploying the Multinet plankton sampling device. It has five codends that limit recruitment, or survival of herring pressure from marine mammals, such can be seen dangling in the water. Above: Sampling age-0 herring with a gillnet in to reproductive age, projects are as sea lions and whales. Whale Bay. Photos courtesy of PWSSC. DELTA SOUND CONNECTIONS 5

HERRING RECOVERY SUMMER 2010 Birds feast on herring spawn Migrating birds feast on Pacific herring eggs in Prince William Sound Dr. Mary Ann Bishop, winged Gulls and sea ducks including So why do they stop at Montague PWS Science Center surf scoters, white-winged scoters, and Island? The reasons probably have to Every April, Prince William Sound long-tailed ducks. do with a combination of location and Herring are critical to the winter comes alive with the noise of thousands Spawning at Montague Island occurs the physical geography of the island. food-supply for Steller sea lions and of birds feasting on the eggs of Pacific typically between 18 April and 1 For rocky, intertidal shorebird species, other marine mammals such as the herring. Spawning in the Northeast May, and it is this spawn that attracts Montague Island is the first area of humpback whales pictured below. Sound often begins in late March, and high numbers of migrating Surfbirds suitable habitat after several hundred Both are major predators, but the attracts primarily wintering Glaucous- and Black Turnstone, two shorebirds kilometers of sandy beach and mudflat seasonal patterns differ in that sea associated with rocky shorelines. Both shorelines. lions concentrate on spawning in species winter south of Alaska and are In spring 2010, Dr. Mary Anne spring and whales consume herring transient migrants in spring. Surfbirds Bishop will be leading a study of Black in both the spring and fall. Photos: breed in alpine habitat throughout Turnstone and Surfbirds at Montague above by Dr. Richard Thorne, below the interior of Alaska while Black Island. As this goes to press, more than by Milo Burcham. Turnstones breed in a narrow band of 40 birds have been radiotagged in Puget coastal sedge meadows throughout Sound and British Columbia. Working western Alaska. from skiffs, the team will determine Interestingly, it was during the damage how long the migrant shorebirds stay assessment surveys following the at Montague, and where their preferred Exxon Valdez oil spill when scientists foraging and resting habitats are. discovered that northern Montague For more information, contact Dr. Kittlitz’s murrelets are one of many Island was a major spring stopover area Mary Ann Bishop at the PWS Science bird species that feed on herring. for both Surfbirds and Black turnstones. Center [email protected]. Photo by Milo Burcham. Humpback whales chow on herring Herring supply whales with energy for their annual trek to Hawaii John Moran, winter of 2008-2009 in Prince William NOAA/ Auke Bay Lab Sound. Ron Heintz (ABL) estimates Humpback whales have big mouths these whales probably ate about as which may explain why herring many herring as were caught in past numbers remain so low in Prince commercial fisheries (which have been William Sound. Humpback whales eat closed since 1997). krill, a small shrimp-like invertebrate, Humpback whale numbers are and forage fish such as herring and increasing about 5% per year right capelin. now, which means their population has Scientists from NOAA, the University doubled since the herring population of Alaska/Southeast, Eye of the Whale crashed in 1993. Prince William and Chenega Bay have seen whales Sound herring have it pretty tough with eating herring in Prince William Sound regards to whales. But the situation is over the last few years. Herring supply not hopeless; Sitka Sound is a prime Left: A single whales with the energy they need for example. The presence of whales in humpback whale their annual trek to Hawaii. It takes a Sitka Sound has not diminished herring dives down, whale about a month to get there, they populations. 2010 was another record showing its tail stay for another month mating and harvest there for the herring sac roe fluke. having young; then they return – all fishery, demonstrating that whales, Right top and without eating. herring, and fisherman can coexist. bottom: Two Whales are not the only thing that humpback whales eat herring, but they have the biggest open wide to mouths by far, holding as much as catch their meal. 15,000 gallons of water and fish in one Photos by John big gulp. One big gulp is not that big a Moran. deal, but lots of gulps are. John Moran (NOAA) and Jan Straley (University of For more information on humpback whales, visit: http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/ Alaska) found more than 100 whales ABL/Humpback/ and http://www.alaskahumpbacks.org/flukeIDcatalog.html. feeding on herring in the fall and Juvenile herring targeted by other fish Herring survey program examines the effect of predation on PWS juvenile herring. Brad Reynolds, herring. The goal is to identify herring contents will allow us to identify what PWS Science Center predators. Juvenile herring are eaten the predators are eating which is the Twenty-one years have passed since by multiple species of fish, and past first step in modeling the impact of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and yet research suggests that predators may predation on juvenile herring. the Prince William Sound herring have a significant impact on the success The herring predator study is only population has not recovered. In of juvenile herring populations. one of several components in the late 2009, the Prince William Sound However, studies have not previously broader Herring Survey Program which Science Center began a four-year examined this predation impact in includes monitoring for disease, food investigation into the potential causes PWS. During recent research cruises resources, oceanographic conditions, limiting herring recovery. we identified several potential and overwintering energetics. As one part of this study, researchers predators including walleye pollock For more information, contact Brad Crystal Hightower holds a Pacific cod are conducting longline and gillnet and Pacific Cod, and we preserved the Reynolds at [email protected]. collected during a survey of juvenile surveys in bays identified as critical stomach contents from collected fish. herring predators in Eaglek Bay. Photo overwintering grounds for juvenile Laboratory analysis of these stomach courtesy of PWSSC. Clams andtheirhabitatwereaffectedinunexpectedwaysfollowingoilspillcleanupefforts Environmental Services Dennis Lees,LittoralEcological& Cordova HighSchool and JessicaSmyke, Craig Bailer,JennyRankin Cordova highschoolstudentssamplesedimentforhydrocarbons and gain insight into recovery rates. rates. recovery into insight gain and to determine the extent of these injuries In 2002, a follow-up study was important conducted Alaska. south-central in ecologically animals other and humans, otters, sea of diet the of part are clams hardshell because important (also calledmixed-softbeaches). prefer they beaches cobble or the gravel on and clams on impacts lasting had the used washing beach high-pressure that shown have 1996 and 1989 between Studies habitats. beach their and clams on effects unintended had 1989 future. the in collected data with comparison an for be can of and ecosystem state current the document to Anchorage, Alaska. in Alaska Symposium 2010 the Marine at displayed and scientific poster created by the students Monitoring hydrocarbonsintheGulf Clam recoverydelayedafterspill Exxon Valdez the the course. proper tanker wasneverreturnedto its the unclear, remain that reasons For quarters. his to retired then and course Columbia Mate to maneuver the Third tanker to thethe new to orders nearby gave He Glacier. from icebergs avoid to course change to permission tanker granted The was Hazelwood, Joe Captain, oil. crude - Slope load North full of a - gallons million 53 approximately with California for bound pm, 9:12 at Terminal Marine Valdez Exxon Photos courtesyofPWSSC. any hydrocarbons found in the samples. and to potentially identify the sources of to be analyzed for hydrocarbon content to Auke Bay Lab in Juneau, AK in order sent were samples These River. Bering sediment samples from the mouth of the collecting after plane the board Rankin The finding on clams was particularly the after used methods Clean-up used is that data is data Baseline a from excerpt an is following The Just after midnight on March 24, 24, March on midnight after Just tanker oil the 1989, 23, March On Craig Bailer, Jessica Smyke and Jenny 6 SUMMER 2010 Exxon Valdez Exxon xo Valdez Exxon left the Valdez Valdez the left oil tanker grounded grounded tanker oil Oil Spill have have Spill Oil EXXON VALDEZ visit www.pwssc.org and click on on click and education and oilspilleducation. www.pwssc.org visit well as links to other oil spill resources, as spill, the of impacts long-term and shoreline. of miles 1,400 least at along southwest the to spill oil the spreading mph, 70 to up winds with in blew storm a March 27, On available. was equipment response no almost but days, three for calm were winds and Seas ineffective. and uncoordinated, to slow, was spill response the initial The waters. U.S. in spill oil largest the Sound, William 11 least at Prince into oil crude of gallons million spilling Reef, Bligh on but-unwashed beaches. oiled- in as beaches oiled-and-washed remained only one-third as abundant in staminea littleneck and butter clams ( primarily clams, hardshell Large, long-lived vertebrate otters. sea as such nearshore predators damaged or humans by foraging support to ability their of terms in impaired functionally spill. the after remained years 13 disturbed extremely Sound William beaches Prince mixed-soft in washed proportion the of considerable a that and hardshell clam populations were severely injured that confirmed study This in living mussels and sediment beach both of consisted and River Bering the of mouth the and harbor boat Cordova traced backtoitssource. be can sample hydrocarbon a therefore hydrocarbon Every deposit has a unique ratio; sample. a in hydrocarbon found of molecules types different the of ratio the is A signature hydrocarbon spills. from previous or seeps hydrocarbons natural for maintains signatures database This region. the for signatures hydrocarbon of record a maintain to database hydrocarbon a are collectingbaselinedataforPWS. Council PWS Advisory Citizen’s like Regional organizations event, this Since done. was really damage much data that they could use to find out how Sound. However, there wasn’t baseline created William Prince 1989 in damages appalling 24, March occurred catastrophic event. a be to ever was there if like it’s what versus damage any to prior like was comparison between what the sediment for allow will Alaska Southcentral the Having baseline data of the sediment in In addition, the study suggested that that suggested study the addition, In were clams the result, a As the from collected were Samples created Juneau in lab Bay Auke The The For more information on the immediate xo Valdez Exxon OilSpill and and DELTA SOUNDCONNECTIONS aiou gigantea Saxidomus Oil Spill that that Spill Oil Protothaca ), ), the spilled oil from what was there there was what from oil spilled the differentiating for used be could data the future, the in contamination a be to was there If sources. signatures different from hydrocarbon compare to Delta. We can use the data we collected on the eastern edge of the Copper River baseline conditions of the Bering River hydrocarbons foundinthesesamples. of sources the of understanding better a with us provide Coal could samples these Bering the on oil of weathering to Modeling Fields. linked be can Chilkat at found signature the suggests review Preliminary hydrocarbons. free of mostly were spit river the taken from samples the and lot, a not but some, had River Bering the at pilings the by taken Samples expected. was harbor is constantly being polluted, this the in the Considering Harbor. Boat Cordova were hydrocarbons most the after initialcontamination. hydrocarbons are retained by organisms how show also can They food. collect to water the filtering when tissue their in hydrocarbons collect feeders, filter and area settled out of the the water. Mussels, as reached have what hydrocarbons show will Sediments area. the beach. By protecting buried animals animals buried protecting By mixed-soft beach. or gravel/cobble of type (armoring) of a previously unrecognized beach that was washing had disrupted the organization delay the for cause slow. major a that suggested also study very This was recovery of rate the years on washed beaches in Prince Prince in William Sound. beaches washed on years 50 least at take will status pre-spill to recovery of hardshell clam assemblages Great Alaska earthquake, it appears 1964 that the following rates armoring of evidence and studies these in recovery these sediments. in develop to burrowers long-lived of assemblages rich allows layer armor this predators, and action wave from This project taught us about the the about us taught project This with samples the that found We Based on the apparent rate of of rate apparent the on Based OILSPILL please contact Kate Alexander at at Alexander [email protected]. Kate contact please Sound ScienceCenter. Educational William Prince the the and Fund Legacy from support by Marie and Larsen. This project was made Lindeberg possible Mandy Rice, Jeep especially help, their for lab Bay Auke thank to like would We before. [email protected]. more informationcontactDennisLeesat leukoma Two littleneckclams, Latouche IslandinJune,2009. under thesurfaceofbeachon the from oil lingering shows Rankin Jenny For more information on this project, Exxon Valdez . PhotobyDennisLees.For OilSpillfoundjust Protothaca by ADEC. miles. 11,000 sq. spread over the oilslick illustrate that Blue areas Carolina. South reaching NY harbor to aspillin equivalent roughly a distance in 56days, 470 miles estimated traveled an Oil

Map

12

Graphic by Alma Seward, ADF&G DELTA SOUND CONNECTIONS 7

FISHERIES SUMMER 2010 Commercial Fishing Gear & Techniques GILLNETTING: The greatest number of Alaska Salmon are caught in gillnets. Drift and set gillnetting involves lay- ing a net wall in the water in the path of the fish and wait- ing for the fish to put its head into the mesh. When it does, the gills become entangled in the webbing and prevent the fish from escaping. Most gillnetters are small one and two- man boats. All five species of salmon are caught in gillnets.

PURSE SEINING: A purse seine is a net which is set in a circle and can be drawn closed at the bottom. Because salmon migrate in tight schools, it is not unusual for an Alaskan seiner to “wrap up” 250 to 1500 fish or more with one set. Pinks and chums are caught by the seine fleet.

TROLLING: Trollers are small fishing vessels operated by one or two people who fish with a number of lines and hooks baited with herring or artificial lures. Coho, king and pink salmon are caught by the troll fleet. Pictures and information courtesy of www.alaskaseafood.org.

LONGLINING: Longline gear is composed of groundline, buoy lines, and gangions, which are short pieces of line with hooks on the end. Longlines are set along the seabed, with baited hooks every few yards and long- line hooks are retrieved one at a time. Halibut and cod are caught using longlines. Fishermen release other species of fish and return them Photo courtesy of www.fishex.com alive to the sea. POTS: Pots are used to catch black cod and Pacific or Lingcod. Pots are large steel-framed cages covered in net mesh. The baited pots are placed on the seafloor where fish enter the traps through tunnels but cannot escape. Later the pots are retrieved and the fish are sorted on deck. For more information on local salmon research, visit the websites or offices of the Native

DF&G Village of Eyak (www.eyakfish.com), the Prince William Sound Science Center (www.pwssc.org), Alaska Department of Fish and Game (http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/) and the US Forest Service, Cordova Ranger District. Graphic by Alma Seward, A The life cycle of Pacific salmon is complex and relies upon healthy Fisheries enhancement 12 freshwater (blue text) and marine (green text) ecosystems. To complete Dave Reggiani, controlled environment of a hatchery during their life cycle, Pacific salmon travel long distances and thus depend on PWS Aquaculture Corporation the Sound’s harsh winter months. In the From its origin, the salmon enhancement spring, the fry emerge from their incubators migration corridors that connect freshwater and marine habitat. program was intended to protect the fisheries and are released into the Sound. The salmon -Alaska Department of Fish & Game from cyclical weaknesses in the wild salmon return to Prince William Sound to spawn returns. During the 1970’s, salmon runs were after spending between one and six years in in decline throughout the state. In Prince the Pacific Ocean depending on the specific William Sound, seining did not open at all in species of salmon. 1972 and 1974 because the wild returns were There are currently six operating salmon Salmon species in Alaska so low. hatcheries within the PWS region: three were Under the leadership of Governor Egan developed by the FRED division (Gulkana, KING (Chinook): The first species to and Governor Hammond from 1974 to 1982, Cannery Creek, and Main Bay) and three return to the region, Copper River king the State of Alaska began a major effort to developed by the PNP associations (Armin salmon are prized for their color, high oil restore the State’s salmon fisheries. The F. Koernig, Wally Noerenberg, and Solomon content, firm texture and succulent flesh. Department of Fish and Game created the Gulch). The hatcheries annually release Average weight is approximately 20 pounds Fisheries Rehabilitation, Enhancement and approximately 600 million pink, 133 million and length ranges from 30 to 40 inches. Development (FRED) Division. Additionally, chum, 30 million sockeye, and 6 million coho a constitutional amendment provided the salmon smolt. On average, these provide SOCKEYE (Red): The second most basis for passage of the private, non-profit approximately 30 million pink, 4 million abundant species, sockeye have a distinct, (PNP) Hatchery Act in 1974. chum, 1.3 million sockeye, and 600,000 deep red flesh, rich flavor and firm Prince William Sound’s salmon coho adult salmon for the commercial, enhancement program has focused on the sport, personal use, and subsistence fisheries texture. Average weight is approximately “ocean ranching” method of aquaculture, annually. six pounds and they can grow to almost where eggs are collected each summer and For more information: www.pwsac.com, three feet in length. fall from broodstock developed from local and ADF&G http://www.cf.adfg.state.ak.us/ wild stock sources and incubated in the geninfo/enhance/enhance.php

COHO (Silver): The second largest of the To Glennallen species, coho have orange-red flesh, firm Prince William Sound Hatcheries y Highwa To Gulkana Hatcheries texture and delicate flavor. Average weight Richardson Cannery Creek Hatchery Valdez Robe Lake C is 12 pounds and they range from 25 to 35 o p Coghill Lake Miners Lake p inches in length. e r

R Solomon Gulch iv Esther e PINK (Humpy): Pinks are the smallest and Island Tatitlek Hatchery r Esther Lake Glacier Bligh most abundant of the species. Pinks are Island Island Whittier Wally Noerenberg Hatchery Culross Perry distinguished by their light, rosy pink- Naked Island Island colored flesh, tender texture and delicate Island Prince William Sound Eyak Lake flavor. Average weight is two to three Copper Riv y Main Lake Main Bay Hatchery Hawkins Cordova pounds. Island er Highwa Eshamy Lake Hinchinbrook Copper Island River Knight Delta Chenega Island Green KETA (Chum): Keta have a firm texture, Island Island Port Chalmers Katalla orange-pink color and delicate flavor. Average weight is eight pounds and they Gulf of Alaska Bainbridge Chenega can grow to be 25 to 27 inches long. Island Armin F. Koernig Hatchery Evans Location of detail Island Latouche Hatchery Site Island Anchorage Elrington Montague ReleaseN Site Island Island 0 5 10 Photos and information courtesy of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Miles www.alaskaseafood.org. Map courtesy of PWS Aquaculture Corporation This page has intentionally been left blank. We hope to have an electronic version of our map online soon. Thanks for your patience and enjoy the rest of the publication! This 2 page has intentionally been left blank. We hope to have an electronic version of our map online soon. Thanks for your patience and enjoy the rest of the publication! 10 DELTA SOUND CONNECTIONS SUMMER 2010 FISHERIES Working to conserve fishery resources Native Village of Eyak marks a decade and counting of meaningful intergovernmental cooperation for fishery research and conservation Keith van den Broek, and the Gulf of Alaska, has been a Native Village of Eyak partner in this program since 2001. The Native Village of Eyak’s NVE’s numerous research projects Fisheries Resource Monitoring on the Copper River have studied Program, administered by the US sockeye, Chinook and coho salmon and Fish and Wildlife Service and US steelhead trout spawning distribution, Forest Service, Office of Subsistence lower river acoustic indexing, Chinook Management, helps fund technically salmon genetics, Chinook and sockeye sound projects throughout the State salmon abundance, eulachon harvest, of Alaska that gather information to and traditional knowledge of salmon manage and conserve subsistence runs. fishery resources. The longest running program for While helping meet the subsistence NVE has been the annual census of management mandate of ANILCA Chinook salmon entering the river. Title VIII, this program also develops Using fishwheels and mark-recapture capacity for Alaska Native Tribes and techniques, NVE generates a reliable local non-governmental orgnaizations and accurate count of this valuable to be directly and meaningfully species, which is directly used by involved in the monitoring and fishery managers to help ensure the management of their resources. long-term sustainability of the run. The Native Village of Eyak (NVE), For more information on the Native whose traditional use area encompasses Village of Eyak’s research, please visit Prince William Sound, Copper River their website: www.eyakfish.com.

Above: Native Village of Eyak technicians monitor salmon stocks with a fish wheel in Canyon Creek along the Copper River. Right: Fishery technicians tag and release salmon from their fish wheels to track and monitor abundance and run strength. Photos by NVE. Migrating eyes on the ocean floor: Halibut spotlight Halibut, found in coastal waters up a larger part of their diet in later of Alaska, are the largest of all the years, including pollock, sablefish, flatfishes, and can exceed 400 lbs. In cod, and rockfish. Large halibut also their larval stage, halibut have eyes on eat octopus, herring, crabs, clams and either side of their head. smaller halibut. When they reach about an inch in Halibut maturity can vary amongst length their left eye migrates to the right individuals, but in general males side of the head and the color fades on sexually mature by 8 years of age the bottom side of the fish. By the time while females mature by age 11. They they are 6 months old, halibut settle to spawn at depths of 600-1500 feet from the bottom of nearshore environments. November through March, and return They feed on plankton during their to nearshore feeding areas in early first year, but as they grow so does summer. Most halibut are caught at the size of their food. Fish make depths of 90-900 feet.

Left: This adult halibut coasts along the sandy ocean floor in search of its next meal. Photo by J. Rosenthal. DELTA SOUND CONNECTIONS 11

GLACIERS SUMMER 2010 Measuring Bering glacial retreat Controls on downwasting and retreat on Alaska’s Bering Glacier P. J. Fleisher, P. Bailey and E. Natel, have led to the recognition of several SUNY-Oneonta, New York controlling factors to complement Measurements of ice front weather and climate. retreat, annual downwasting, and Our data indicate that retreat is summer rates of daily glacier slowest (15-40 m/year) on slopes surface lowering have been under that are gently inclined away from investigation along the eastern the glacier where the ice front is Bering piedmont lobe since 1998. relatively dry. Conversely, retreat GPS mapping, basic survey is most rapid and variable (50- techniques, and the morphology 175 m/year) from wet slopes that of deglaciated foreland terrain face the glacier where small, ice- contact meltwater streams meander along the retreating ice front. Furthermore, highly fractured, thin ice will retreat by calving at rates on the order of 100-600 m/year into ice-contact lakes that exceed 30 m The gently sloping glacier surface descends toward the retreating terminus, with the in depth. The rate of calving retreat scientific crew shown for scale. Photos by P.J. Fleisher. is controlled by many factors and is highly variable. overcast and rainy conditions. climate conditions. Meter-long PVC pipes placed Heavy rain accelerates melting as P. J. Fleisher, Dept. of Earth vertically within the glacier surface does a consistent wind that blows Sciences, SUNY-Oneonta, NY at multiple sites are subsequently onto the glacier from ice-free terrain. [email protected]; P. K. Bailey, exposed as the glacier surface is Yearly ice surface surveys Anchor Point, AK; E. M. Natel, An Earthwatch volunteer bores a lowered by melting. The mid- extending 1 km upglacier from the Eastman Kodak R&D, Rochester, hole into the glacier with an ice summer downwasting rate varies terminus show that the ice surface is NY; all authors are affiliates of auger. A tube will be placed in the between 4.3 and 10.9 cm/day. As lowered an average of approximately Prince William Sound Science glacier to measure surface melting. anticipated, sunny and dry weather 10 m/year by melting. This rate Center, www.pwssc.org. results in greater rates than does appears to be linked to regional Rapid changes define Columbia Glacier The world’s most studied and most rapidly changing glacier

W. Tad Pfeffer, Tad Pfeffer is a glaciologist, teacher INSTAAR/University of Colorado and photographer at the University of Columbia Glacier is one of the Colorado at Boulder. He is a Fellow of world’s most extensively studied the University’s Institute of Arctic and glaciers and also one of the world’s Alpine Research and Professor in the most rapidly changing glaciers. Department of Civil, Environmental, Originally more than 400 square miles and Architectural Engineering. in area, Columbia Glacier started a He has done field experiments and rapid retreat in 1982, which has reduced photographed glaciers for more than the glacier’s size by 40 square miles, 30 years in Antarctica, Greenland, thinned its lowest reaches by more than Iceland, Canada, Africa, and in Alaska, a thousand feet, and today slides into from the Southeast Alaska panhandle the ocean at speeds of 60 feet per day, to the Alaska Range. discharging one cubic mile of ice into For more information on his work, Prince William Sound every year. visit: http://tintin.colorado.edu. Columbia’s dramatic retreat was predicted by scientists in the 1970s– in Photos of Columbia Glacier by W. T. fact, it is the last of Alaska’s 53 ocean- Pfeffer, INSTAAR/University of ending glaciers to do so – and that Colorado. prediction and the subsequent close observation of the glacier’s behavior is the longest and most detailed record of rapid glacier change ever assembled. As the Earth’s climate warms, other glaciers worldwide are starting to show the same kind of changes seen at Columbia, and the record from Prince William Sound is providing a crucial key to understanding future changes in the world’s glaciers and ice sheets and predicting rising global sea level. Columbia Glacier also gives valuable clues for anticipating the environmental changes taking place as glaciers retreat and leave behind a new landscape, momentarily bare but soon to be colonized by plants and animals. 12 DELTA SOUND CONNECTIONS SUMMER 2010 AALASKALASKA OOCEANCEAN Five years in the making. Two weeks for execution. ve scientists hailing from eight states. Sixty-fi Sound Many, many volunteers lent a hand. fi eld experiment in the Predictions was a two-week waters of Prince William Sound in summer 2009. Researchers, students, and volunteers braved Sound Predictions unseasonably stormy weather to work in the Sound AOOS CONDUCTS a FIELD EXPERIMENT in the SOUNDD and—ultimately—improve our ability to observe and Find the fi eld experiment on the web at www.aoos.org/regional/pws/index.html forecast changes in the ocean off Alaska. Power to the Sun, Our goal was to test the accuracy of model forecasts years to complete and along with the fi eld experiment people and demonstrated the utility of an ocean observing assembled 65 scientists from eight states. This fi eld experiment science system for oil spill response, search and rescue, and The experiment also provided researchers with would have been fi shery management. a chance to test new sensors and platforms, and impossible without and The effort was huge: the observational to evaluate models in context of other questions or the support of these infrastructure in the Sound, data management applications such as fi shery management, search and partners: wild seas system, and forecast model development took fi ve rescue, and oil spill response.  Alaska Department of How did they collect the data? Fish and Game Scientists and fi eld assistants enjoyed some Alaska summer weather, but also braved unseasonably stormy weather and plenty of rough  Alaska Experimental Forecast Facility seas, rain and wind as they deployed, redeployed, installed, and repaired their data collection instruments. Data are used to improve model forecasts and to evaluate forecast skill. Here are some of the instruments that we used in the experiment.  Alaska Ocean Observing System carry REMUS AUV (top right) Weather Buoys Conductivity-Temperature-  Alaska Sea Grant and Slocum Glider instruments that measure Depth (CTD) sensor is the primary  Armin F. Koernig (bottom right) wind speed and direction, tool for determining essential physical Hatchery Autonomous underwater air temperature, air pressure, properties of sea water. It provides vehicles (AUVs) can and sea surface temperature. profi le measurements of water column  Bill Bechtol Buoy data are used to predict temperature, salinity, and density. Each collect nearly continuous  CIRI measurements of ocean circulation. of the vessels chartered for the Field temperature and salinity. Experiment carried a CTD to measure the  Cordova Air Service salinity and temperature of surface water These measurements High  David Janka contribute to a regional scale Frequency while traveling the Sound.  ERA Helicopters view of water column structure Radar uses Doppler frequency shifts to to 700 ft depths, and help determine the speed of surface currents.  EVOS GEM evaluate and improve model Stations can transmit and receive radio waves  F/V Alena K performance. traveling as far as 37 miles across the Sound.  F/V Auklet Parts of the observing system  F/V Montague Drifting Buoys  F/V Pandalus AOOS is a network of telemetered weather stations, make direct  F/V Solstice wave gages, and ocean sensors throughout the measurements of Sound. Ocean sensors measure salinity and pathways taken by  Fishing and Flying substances such as  Jet Propulsion temperature, current speed and direction, and the spilled oil. The fi eld Laboratory chlorophyll within phytoplankton. team collected nearly We use data collected by the network to develop 100 tracks from more than 40 drifting buoys that were  John Oswald and and test the performance of numerical models so that deployed and redeployed during the Field Experiment. Associates we may more accurately forecast weather, waves, and  Joint Institute for ocean conditions for mariners. Regional Earth System Science and Engineering Develop model. Collect fi eld data.  NASA Refi ne model. Repeat.  National Weather During the experiment, we evaluated how models Service predicted actual conditions. For the two-week fi eld  Natural Resources period, the experiment added these instruments to Those crazy buoys: wayward drifters escape Sound Conservation Service supplement the fi xed network of AOOS equipment:  NOAA Coastal Services We deployed, retrieved, and redeployed 40 drifting buoys through spring and neap Center  high frequency radar measured surface currents tides. Additional deployments occurred around the Sound’s edges to validate the  NOAA CO-OPS velocity of surface currents forced by runoff from meltingng snow fi elds  vessel mounted instruments measured and glaciers. After the experiment ended, two of the  NOAA Hazmat temperature and salinity while underway drifters continued to transmit data. We tracked them  North Pacifi c Research  underwater drones profi led the water column as they traveled —they drifted into Cook Inlet, and one Board  Nuchek Spirit Camp  drifting buoys measured current speed and made it all the way to the Bering Sea! direction  Oil Spill Recovery Right: Arrr! Capt. Dave Janka stands tall on the bridge of the F/V Auklet with Pete. Institute  OSRI Board CELEBRITY PUFFINS Pete Puffi n, made famous in the book “Pete Puffi n’s Wild Ride: Cruising Alaska’s Currents” (left), accompanied researchers out on the water during the  OSRI Scientifi c and Technical Committee Field Experiment (right). Pete is a wooden Pacifi c horned puffi n who accidentally slips off the side of a ship cruising to Alaska and recounts his yearlong ride in Alaska’s currents. AOOS  Prism Helicopters provided fi nancial support for this children’s book, published by Alaska Geographic.  PWS Aquaculture AOOS funds also ensured that every library and school in Alaska received a copy. Corporation  PWS Regional Citizens Advisory Council WIND DRIFTERS  PWS Science Center The wind model has diffi culty The model correctly Early results predicting wind direction when predicted where  Ted Otis winds are light (less than 10 mph). drifters would travel  Texas A&M University The rugged coastal mountain in the Sound.  University of Alaska topography is so variable that it Drifters could Fairbanks directs winds in unpredictable ways. be considered  University of California Model predictions greatly substitutes for a Los Angeles improve offshore as this topographic man overboard or  US Coast Guard Kodiak effect “wears off.” The model can an oil spill, so model Air Station accurately predict stronger winds. accuracy in this area  US Forest Service will be a big help to  US Geological Survey WAVES search and rescue  Village of Tatitlek The wave model over-predicts wave heights when waves are small teams and oil-spill  Wally Noerenberg (less than 2 ft). The model can more accurately predict larger waves. response personnel. Hatchery DELTA SOUND CONNECTIONS 13 OOBSERVINGBSERVING SSYSTEMYSTEM SUMMER 2010 AOOS keeps watch on Alaska’s coasts and oceans The Alaska Ocean Observing System (AOOS) provides observations, data and information products to meet agency and stakeholder needs. AOOS is a regional Part of network representing a consortium of all the research organizations and agencies in a global Alaska. AOOS is also part of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (national) and network the Global Ocean Observing System (international). Learn more at www.aoos.org. of ocean observing Improving Safety, Economy, Environment What’s AOOS working on? SAFETY AOOS helps ensure the safety and security of Alaskans by … Prince William Sound  Developing better severe Demonstration Project weather predictions  Observing system in Prince William Sound to improve boater safety, oil spill trajectory  Improving search-and-rescue forecasting, search and rescue operations, and operations ecological forecasting. Includes moorings, boat surveys, surface radar, and wind, wave, and ocean  Improving the safety and effi ciency circulation forecasting models. of marine operations  System was tested in major fi eld experiment in  More effectively mitigating the summer 2009; being reviewed for expansion into effects of coastal erosion Cook Inlet and central Gulf of Alaska.

ECONOMY AOOS helps unlock AOOS Data Management economic and business benefi ts  Regional warehouse for integrated coastal and of the ocean by … ocean data and information products, consistent with national IOOS standards.  Optimizing shipping routes  AOOS web portal, www.aoos.org, provides data  Enhancing fi sheries management discovery, access, archive, and visualization tools, KNOWLEDGE IS SAFETY Anyone who goes out on the water or lives along Alaska’s 47,000 and is now the primary single source for ocean  Providing safe and effi cient miles of coastline can benefi t from the work of the Alaska Ocean Observing System. data in Alaska. energy development Harbor Observation Network ENVIRONMENT AOOS protects our marine resources by … Automated weather and ocean observing station Alaska Ocean Observing System  More effectively protecting healthy coastal marine ecosystems designed for remote locations and tested at 1007 W 3rd Avenue, Suite 100 Seward Harbor. Collects weather, precipitation, soil  Better enabling Alaskans to respond to climate change and its impacts Anchorage, AK 99501 temperature, wave, water and tide, and web cam 907-644-6703 observations. Read more about Harbornet below.  Improving oil spill response and prevention www.aoos.org

A prototype harbor observation system AOOS Project: Harbor Observation Network is in place at Seward, collecting atmospheric A joint project Data collected observations atop a between Alaska Ocean Observing System by the station 20-foot-tall tower on  Wind speed and the harbor breakwater Alaska has sparse data on environmental conditions affecting transportation, direction (below). It has been especially along Alaska’s huge and diverse coastal zone. The Alaska Harbor  Air temperature tested in severe  Barometric pressure conditions. Lessons Observation Network is a program to provide harbor entrances across Alaska learned here will  Humidity be applied at later with data collection stations for reporting and archiving atmospheric and oceanic  Solar radiation installations. parameters useful for weather reports and forecasting, for planning and design of  Tide level  Wave conditions coastal works, and for community management of the coastal zone.  Water temperature  Salinity  Web cams at harbor Why we collect data at a harbor entrances

There are more than 100 harbors and boating facilities across Alaska where commercial or recreational Who can use activities take place. These facilities are focal points for human activity, commerce, and shoreline Harbornet data? development. However, they can also be highly vulnerable to erosion, fl ooding, storm surge, and other  Commercial and coastal hazards. Establishing an environmental monitoring recreational boaters system to report and forecast weather and marine  Security and disaster conditions can help improve safety and sustainability response workers of coastal communities.  Tsunami warning centers How it works  Climate scientists Wind and sun power a 12-volt battery at the base of the Join Harbornet tower. To capture underwater conditions, 600 feet of We seek community telemetry cable extends to a set of marine sensors at a partners to help this depth of 30 feet. program grow. If you are Data collected at the site are transmitted to the interested in obtaining Alaska Harbor Observation Network database and an observation station to AOOS for processing and archiving, then on to the KNOWLEDGE IS SAFETY A modest investment in a robust observation for your harbor, please station for Alaska harbors means better, real-time access to current Harbormaster’s offi ce and other locations via Internet contact: for display. conditions — and more safety — for boaters of all types. Howard Ferren howard_ferren@ Hardware components are carefully selected to fi t NOAA data specifi cations. They are also transportable, alaskasealife.org reliable, low-maintenance, and operable on minimum power. Stations cost about $44,000 to build and install. Orson Smith Learn more about the Harbornet project at http://akharborobs.net. [email protected] 14 DELTA SOUND CONNECTIONS SUMMER 2010 OTHER LIFE Tracking lingcod in Prince William Sound Scientists track lingcod to answer the age old question: Do adult lingcod just lay around all day or do they move about? Brad Reynolds, cautiously “one moment I’m staring in including a submerged receiver array PWS Science Center abject terror at a pocket protector, then that traverses the entire mouth of Port Several lingcod were recently I wake up with this sutured hole in my Gravina (fishermen can see these on abducted from their kelp beds in Port underbelly.” Little did this lingcod their updated NOAA charts). Gravina, and following a brief encounter know he was now a part of the Census After a year and a half of tracking with slimeless, finless organisms, of Marine Life’s Pacific Ocean Shelf lingcod movements, pocket protector- found themselves returned to their beds Tracking (POST) project...and he was wearing data analyzers were able to where they swam somewhat wobbly being followed. provide new information regarding the among their now suspicious, albeit very Joining in the abduction conspiracy secret lives of lingcod, such as what curious fellows. One victim pointed a were research staff at the Prince do teenage lingcod do when hormones pectoral fin at his belly, and whispered William Sound Science Center who hit, and where do younger lingcod go spent several days aboard the mother when too many adults gather around? ship, luring lingcod from their natural And they answer the age old question, reefs in Port Gravina. Following do adults really just sit around all day? capture, they surgically implanted these These insights, along with data to be lingcod with small acoustic transmitters collected at the next lingcod abduction that transmit not only an individual site, Hinchinbrook Entrance, will ID number, but also information on allow researchers to further unravel the swimming depths for several of those mysteries of lingcod life and how their fish. Tracking the movements of these habits vary depending on season and lingcod was accomplished by deploying location. Suturing an incision after surgically several submerged acoustic receivers, For more information, contact Brad implanting an acoustic transmitter in a Reynolds at [email protected]. lingcod. Photos courtesy of PWSSC. Scott Pegau deploys an acoustic receiver to track movements of acoustic-tagged lingcod in Port Gravina. Scorpion fish are old Diverse species of scorpion fish share extreme longevity Sam Hochhalter, Alaska Department of Fish & Game Named for their venomous fin spines, scientific family name Scorpaenidae or “scorpion fish”, rockfish are among the most diverse and interesting marine fishes found in Alaska. The 34 different species of rockfish found in Alaska express this diversity through different colorations, some of Dr. Kenneth J. Goldman which can be incredibly vibrant such as china rockfish seen on the bottom Civil War and perhaps even alive right; a wide range of sizes, adult for the Lewis and Clark Expedition pygmy rockfish attain maximum (1804-06)! Because many of the Salmon sharks of the lengths around 8 inches while adult recreationally and commercially rough eye attain lengths in excess of harvested rockfish species are long 40 inches; and occupy a variety of lived, the Alaska Department of Fish North Pacific Ocean habitat types ranging from near-shore and Game has adopted conservative Dr. Kenneth J. Goldman, responsible management for this pelagic, or open water habitat, to off- management strategies to ensure Alaska Department of Fish & Game species. Differences in growth rates shore benthic, or ocean floor habitat. sustainable harvest. Salmon sharks (Lamna ditropis) and age at maturity between salmon Perhaps the most astonishing aspect Additionally, ADFG is conducting occur only in the North Pacific Ocean sharks in the eastern and western of rockfish is the great longevity of research on alternative release and are the largest fish predator in North Pacific must also be considered species such as short raker and rough methods to improve survival of the upper water column, competing along with movements, migrations and eye rockfish. For example, short discarded rockfish. Results from this with seabirds and marine mammals stock structure for management to be raker and rough eye rockfish caught in project will help ensure these amazing for resources. While salmon sharks successful. Alaskan waters have been aged at up fish are around for future generations consume over 30 different species as Photos by Dr. Kenneth J. Goldman. For to 157 and 205 years old! This means to enjoy. prey, they are fantastic leapers in their more information, contact Dr. Goldman at that rockfish caught by both sport For more more information, visit: pursuit of salmon. [email protected] or visit http:// and commercial anglers today could http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/ They are a large shark, growing to www.topp.org/species/salmon_shark. have been alive during the American Statewide/RockfishBrochure.cfm. lengths of roughly nine feet and up to 500 pounds. They segregate by size and sex, and are highly migratory, making journeys between Alaska and places like Hawaii and Baja, Mexico. Salmon sharks are amongst a small group of sharks that are endothermic, and possess body temperature elevations as high as 21.2°C over the surrounding water temperature. Currently, the major cause of salmon shark mortality is as bycatch in several Top: Black rockfish photo by Krissy Dunker. Above Left: Yelloweye rockfish pelagic and nearshore fisheries, which photo by Brittany Blain. Above Right: China rockfish photo by Brian Marston. is an important issue that must be made tangible in order to achieve Dr. Kenneth J. Goldman DELTA SOUND CONNECTIONS 15

IN THE SEA SUMMER 2010 Sea otter behavior tracked in Simpson Bay Feeding is a sea otter’s top priority Allen Marquette, from graduate and undergraduate PWS Science Center students. Ryan Wolt, a student Sea otters are today seen relatively working on a master’s degree, is frequently, particularly on the east gathering data to write a paper on side of Prince William Sound. the foraging behaviors of sea otters. However, in the 1800’s their Wolt explained, “These time population was almost decimated studies help researchers determine by commercial hunting practices how much time otters spend resting, prior to their protection under the grooming, foraging, interacting with International Fur Seal Treaty Act in other otters, swimming at the surface, 1911. and patrolling their territory”. Behavioral studies on sea otters During one set of observations, ten are now underway in Simpson Bay males were watched continuously through a Texas A&M University for 92 hours. More time was spent program. Dr. Randall Davis leads foraging, about 30% more than on these investigations with assistance any other activity, and foraging bouts A sea otter feeds in Simpson Bay. Photos by Allen Marquette. were longer than all other activities too. The males interacted with method researchers developed for included broken and worn teeth and females with pups about 59% of the distinguishing between individual fur coloration differences. time and with single females 41% sea otters is to photograph their nose. Sea otters are interesting to watch. of the time during the observation Apparently there are differences in The next time you are out in PWS, period. nose coloration and distinct scars stop for a minute and see what Except for fur coloration, sea otters the animals attain during their the sea otters are up to, and while look pretty much the same so it can be lifetime which helps researchers observing, see if you can detect any Researchers Ryan Wolt and Laurie hard to identify individuals from 50 more readily identify individuals. scars or color differences on the sea Timm of Texas A&M University study to 100 meters away. One interesting otter’s nose. sea otter behavior in Simpson Bay Other identifying characteristics Alien invaders Restoring razors Invasive species threaten native aquatic populations in Alaska Researching the potential for razor clam restoration in Orca Inlet Linda Robinson, Prince William Sound Dennis C. Lees & William B. Driskell of these habitats for razor clams as Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council Littoral Ecological they prefer relatively stable sediments Prince William Sound is a critical & Environmental Services to thrive. habitat for many subsistence and We recently conducted a brief Predation pressure, an important commercially harvested species such as study of 11 sand bars in Orca Inlet consideration in evaluating habitat salmon, crab, scallops, herring, walleye and two beaches on the Gulf of suitability, appears to be intense due pollock, cod, rockfish, sablefish, squid Alaska in relation to razor clam to the recovered status of sea otter and clams. It also is home for orca and habitats. The Native Village of Eyak populations. Relative to restoration humpback whales, Steller sea lions, sponsored the investigations to: 1) potential, sea otter predation is Dall’s and harbor porpoises, sea otters identify environmental characteristics probably the biggest concern. Thus, and many other animals that rely on important to the suitability of the sea otter predation pressure and sand its resources. The introduction of non- razor clam habitats; and 2) assess bar instability are probably the most indigenous aquatic species, or alien European green crab. Photo by D. Gilson. the feasibility of restoring razor clam serious problems facing razor clam restoration efforts. invaders, into coastal waters of Alaska such as rocks, piers, boats and docks. stocks in Orca Inlet to where they For more information, contact may pose serious threats to these native Composed mostly of water, they form could support sustainable subsistence Dennis Lees at [email protected]. species. a soft and slimy coating on these harvest. Fifteen non-indigenous species surfaces. These tunicates can damage Cordova’s local radio station call (NIS) have already been found in the aquaculture, fishing, or marine gear, letters – KLAM – recall the decades Sound, and are believed to have been and out-compete or suffocate native 80-90 years ago when Orca Inlet transported in oil tanker ballast water, oysters and mussels. hosted a major commercial clam on vessel hulls and in sediment taken Other invasive species that have fishery. Cordova dubbed itself into ballast tanks during ballasting in not yet reached Alaska but are of the “clam capitol of the world” shallow ports. With one exception great concern are the Chinese mitten until World War II; then the 1964 (Atlantic salmon), it is not yet known crab and the European green crab. earthquake caused major disruptions. whether these species pose a serious Already found along the West Coast Our study results indicate, with a threat to the Sound’s environment. It’s of the United States, these crabs are few exceptions, that most sediment important, however, to monitor all NIS considered a serious threat because of quality characteristics lie in ranges and any negative effects they could their invasion of waters relatively close within which razor clams generally have on indigenous species. to Alaska, their ability to survive and thrive in southcentral Alaska. Despite One NIS identified is tunicates, or adapt in new environments, and the the apparent suitability of the habitats, sea squirts, that attach to hard surfaces ecological harm they’ve done in areas recruitment appears to be temporally already invaded. and spatially weak and patchy at the A green crab monitoring network has sampled locations. This is a cause for been created in Alaska. Students and concern regarding potential restoration others in 12 communities set out traps efforts. and record their findings. Fortunately We found sediments forming no green crabs have been found yet in many bars in Orca Inlet that appear somewhat unstable and are probably Alaska. Broken razor clam shells provide still re-adjusting to the uplift caused For more information on Marine reasonable evidence of sea otter Botrylid tunicate, a “sea squirt” has already by the 1964 Great Alaska earthquake. been found in Sitka, Ketchikan and Homer. Invasive Species visit: http://www. predation. Photo by Dennis Lees. Photo courtesy of ADF&G. pwsrcac.org/projects/NIS/index.html/. This instability reduces the suitability 16 DELTA SOUND CONNECTIONS SUMMER 2010 ENJOY THE SOUND Methane biogas Bird and Wildlife Checklist u - uncommon Building biogas digesters in northern climates s - seasonal Laurel McFadden, Loons and Grebes □ Pigeon guillemot University of Alaska Fairbanks □ Common loon □ Common murre Cordova High School students are □ Red-throated loon Raptors assisting a pilot project to produce □ Pacific loon (s) □ Yellow-billed loon (s,u) □ Bald eagle biogas in the cold climate of the □ Horned grebe □ Peregrine falcon North. In collaboration with Cordova □ Red-necked grebe Hummingbirds community members including the high Shearwaters and Petrels □ Rufous hummingbird (u) school, UAF researchers are working □ Fork-tailed storm-petrel Kingfishers with TH Culhane, founder of the Solar □ Sooty shearwater (u) □ Belted kingfisher Cities NGO, to adapt biogas digesters a fraction of which they convert to to function in cold environments. Cormorants biogas. Successful biogas digester □ Pelagic cormorant Passerines The project is funded by the Denali technology in the North has a number □ Double crested cormorant □ Tree swallow Commission and a National Geographic of benefits. Biogas is usable in any gas- □ Violet green swallow Blackstone Ranch grant. Herons □ Bank swallow burning technology (including stoves, □ Great blue heron □ Chestnut-backed chickadee In traditional digesters, warm-loving heaters, and electric generators), and □ Winter wren mesophilic bacteria produce a burnable can help offset fossil fuel costs and Waterfowl □ Common raven methane-based biogas. Our goal is to transportation risks. These systems, □ Surf scoter □ Northwestern crow test Alaskan cold-loving psychrophilic □ White-winged scoter □ Black-billed magpie which consume organic waste, help □ Long-tailed duck □ Steller’s jay bacteria from lake sediments to reduce the amount of material going □ Barrows goldeneye □ Hermit thrush produce biogas in the cold climate of into landfills. □ Common goldeneye □ Varied thrush the North. The project was inspired by Cannery waste could also potentially □ Bufflehead □ American robin studies of methane seeps coming out be fed to digesters to produce energy. □ Harlequin duck □ Wilson’s warbler of northern lakes year-round, including □ Mallard □ Orange-crowned warbler The effluent (excess waste material) □ Canada goose □ Song sparrow the hotspots commonly seen in the ice that comes out of digesters is known to □ Common merganser □ Fox sparrow of Eyak Lake. be an excellent fertilizer. Ultimately, □ Red-breasted merganser □ Savannah sparrow Digesters in China and India use cow this cold adaptation will be a revolution Shorebirds Mammals manure as a basis for their bacterial in digester engineering that will also □ Black oystercatcher □ Killer whale environment. We are testing biogas help mitigate greenhouse effects □ Semipalmated plover □ Humpback whale production using a slurry of lake mud globally. □ Least sandpiper □ Minke whale containing methanogenic bacteria that Project Partners: Clay Koplin, □ Yellowlegs □ Steller sea lion □ Red-necked phalarope (s) □ Sea otter have been shown to produce methane Cordova Electric Cooperative (ckoplin@ □ Surfbird (s) □ Harbor seal down to 1°C. Cordova High School cordovaelectric.com); Katey Walter □ Plovers (s) □ Dall’s porpoise students assisted in building six digester Anthony, UAF INE (kmwalteranthony@ □ Turnstone (s) □ Harbor porpoise systems to test efficiency of biogas alaska.edu); Adam Low, Cordova High □ Dunlin (s) □ Sitka black-tailed deer production using different bacterial School ([email protected]); TH □ Sandpipers (s) □ Black bear Culhane, Solar Cities (tculhane@ucla. □ Brown bear communities and temperatures (15°C Gulls/Terns □ Land otter edu); Laurel McFadden, UAF INE and 25°C). Digester microbes are □ Glaucous-winged gull □ Coyote fed 1kg of organic food waste daily, ([email protected]). □ Herring gull □ Mountain goat □ Mew gull □ Marmot Above: Students and □ Bonaparte’s gull (s) □ Mink teachers helped to □ Black-legged kittiwake □ Weasel build methane □ Parasitic jaeger □ Beaver □ Pomerine jaeger digesters in □ Arctic tern (s) Cordova. □ Aleutian tern (s,u) Recommended bird/mammal guides: “Sibley’s Field Guide to Birds of Western Left: Methane Seabirds North America” and the “Guide to Marine bubbles through the □ Tufted puffin (s) Mammals of Alaska” by Kate Wynne. ice on Eyak Lake. □ Horned puffin (s) □ Marbled murrelet □ Kittlitz’s murrelet (u) Photos by List compiled by the Prince William Sound □ Parakeet auklet (u) Chapter of the Audubon Society. L. McFadden Seabirds (cont’d) Friends of Prince William Sound and Prince William Copper River Delta Thanks to our generous sponsors for their contributions. 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Prince William Sound Stories is a project of the Chugach National Forest, in partnership with Alaska Geographic. Prince William Sound Stories endeavors to share the experience of Prince William Sound in words and images using the voices of the people who live, work and Educational play in the region. Legacy Fund Alaska Ocean Observing System Through web-based storytelling and information sharing we will educate Prince William Sound users about the uniqueness of the region Pangea Adventures and its communities. Your stories can help conserve the Sound by The von Wichman Family guiding visitors to enjoy it in a sustainable and safe way, with minimal Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises impact to the region’s resources and residents. Published by the Prince William Sound Science Center Visit: www.explorethesound.org P.O. Box 705, Cordova, AK 99574 ph: 907-424-5800 fax: 907-424-5820 web: www.pwssc.org