Summary

Description

Distribution and abundance of waterbirds, marine mammals, and other wildlife were surveyed by helicopter in coastal areas of upper Cook Inlet 1314 July 1993, in areas where there is development potential. Numerous surveys of wildlife use of Upper Cook Inlet have been conducted during spring however, few have been conducted during summer when waterfowl are rearing young or molting, and when shorebirds have commenced their southward migrations. Upper Cook Inlet contains important habitat resources for many species of migratory birds, marine mammals, and other wildlife. Upper Cook Inlet is also an area of extensive onshore and offshore oil and gas production, commercial and sport fishing, oceangoing transportation, and military activities; and it is a potential area for coal and hardrock mining, hydroelectric power generation, and timber harvest. New infrastructures may be proposed at any time for new oil and gas finds, and for developing and exporting coal, minerals and timber. New infrastructures may be proposed to be located in valuable wildlife habitats. These surveys were conducted to identify and gather preliminary data on valuable wildlife habitats.