Published By US Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Issued over 9 years ago
Summary
Description
Surveys of 16 beaches on Amchitka Island began 28 October 1978 as part of Alaska Beached Bird Survey. The purpose of the surveys is to provide baseline data on natural patterns of mortality of birds and marine mammals. This data could be used in the future to determine the magnitude of the effects of natural or unnatural disasters on wildlife population. Except for a three month period from September through November 1978, surveys were conducted on a regular basis until shortly before Amchitkia was closed as a year round field station in October 1980. Total number of dead birds found was 33, with 39 being bald eagles, 18 unidentifiable, and the remaining 43 divided between 12 species. Total number of dead mammals was 96 with sea otters making up 79 of that number.