MMS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM: ONGOING STUDIES
MMS OCS Region: Alaska
Title: Monitoring Key Marine Mammals: Arctic (AK-96-07)
Total Cost: $543,000 Period of Performance: FY 1996-2001
Conducting Organization: Alaska Department of Fish and Game
MMS Contact:

Chief, Alaska Environmental Studies Section
Description:
Background
Ringed seals have been identified as a "keystone" species in the Arctic marine environment. They represent a top-level predator in the food chain and an abundant species that occurs on the OCS year-around. Their distribution may be affected by operations, and their abundance probably could be affected by a substantial oil spill. During 1985-1987 a program conducted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), with support from the MMS, developed a formal protocol for aerial surveys to monitor the distribution and abundance of ringed seals off the coast of northern Alaska. Using this protocol, ringed seal surveys were conducted during 1985, 1986, and 1987 along the Beaufort Sea coast. The 1989 monitoring report described their typical abundance and noted the range of natural variation. Since then, site-specific data have been collected during industry exploratory operations. All of this information was reviewed before additional monitoring surveys were conducted.
Objectives
The objectives of this study are to:
  1. Review and define the previously established protocol for monitoring ringed seals by aerial surveys.
  2. Estimate relative abundance and density of molting ringed seals on fast ice in the Beaufort Sea during 1996-1998 and compare these estimates with data collected during 1985-1987.
  3. Correlate ringed seal densities on fast ice with environmental parameters.
  4. Determine abundance and density of molting ringed seals at and near industrial operations, and compare these with otherwise comparable nonindustrial areas.
  5. Review adequacy of ringed seal data collected by past industry site-specific monitoring programs and make recommendations for protocols to be used in future industry studies.
  6. Provide reports of findings that result from ringed seal monitoring to local residents and subsistence users. Prepare manuscripts for publication including:
    1. The results of this study and a comparison of recent data with data from surveys in 1985-1987.
    2. The results of previous studies of the winter ecology of ringed seals.
Methods
Significant improvements over the established protocols for ringed seals 1985-1987 surveys will include navigation by Global Positioning System and direct computer entry of all sightings and other data. In the first year, data were re-analyzed and monitoring protocols evaluated. Limited aerial flights were flown to test methods and to gather initial data on seal numbers in areas of industrial interest in the central Beaufort Sea. In subsequent years, extensive surveys were conducted throughout the U.S. Beaufort Sea, methods were evaluated, and analysis of seal distribution and abundance began. In the final year data analysis and reporting will be completed and papers will be prepared for publication. Data from this study will be compared with the baseline data of previous studies.
Importance to MMS
This study will provide a sound, scientific protocol for aerial surveys to evaluate ringed seals in the Beaufort Sea area. Updated information on important biological populations in proposed oil- and gas-lease-sale areas is used for EIS’s and postlease assessments. Population estimates derived during this study facilitate postsale mitigation. The study will also provide information that addresses public concerns raised during outreach efforts.
Current Status:
All field work has been completed since June 1999 but a draft final report has not been received.
Final Report Due: June 2000
Publications: Frost, K. J. and L. L. Lowry. 1999. Monitoring Distribution and Abundance of Ringed Seals in Northern Alaska. Interim Report to MMS, Anchorage, AK. 55 pp.
Affiliated WWW Sites: Something for Teachers & our younger Friends! Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey Project
Revised date: March 2002
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