Inventory of Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and Seaweeds at the End of the Alaska Peninsula, August–September 2012

Open-File Report 2021-1034
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
By: , and 

Links

  • Document: Report (1.6 MB pdf)
  • Related Works:
    • OFR 2020-1035 — Abundance and distribution of eelgrass (Zostera marina) and seaweeds at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 2007–10
    • OFR 2020-1080 — Distribution of eelgrass (Zostera marina) in coastal waters adjacent to Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
    • OFR 2020-1144 — Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and seaweed assessment Alaska Peninsula-Becharof National Wildlife Refuges, 2010
    • OFR 2020-1114 — Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and Seaweed Abundance along the Coast of Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 2008–10
    • OFR 2020-1143 — Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and seaweed abundance along the coast of Nunivak Island, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 2010
  • Data Release: USGS data release — Point sampling data from eelgrass (Zostera marina), seaweeds and selected invertebrates at six embayments and two islands at the end of the Alaska Peninsula
  • Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core

Abstract

Coastal communities in Alaska are undergoing rapid environmental change from increasing temperatures and baseline data are needed to monitor potential impacts. We conducted the first surveys of the abundance and distribution of eelgrass (Zostera marina) and seaweeds in the western part of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge at the end of the Alaska Peninsula. Six embayments and two offshore islands were surveyed in August–September of 2012. Biotic (percent cover of eelgrass/seaweeds, presence/absences of five sessile invertebrates), and abiotic (water temperature, salinity, and depth) data were recorded at 257 survey points (range =9–74 points per site) across all sites. Twenty-two genera/species of seaweeds were identified at the six embayments. New seaweed species for the offshore islands of Sanak and Caton were added to an existing seaweed collection accessioned at the University of British Columbia Herbarium. We also collected samples of eelgrass to be accessioned at U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center-Molecular Ecology Laboratory, for future genetic analyses. Fifty-three species of birds and 13 species of mammals were observed and recorded during the survey period.

Suggested Citation

Ward, D.H., Hogrefe, K.R., Donnelly, T.F., Dau, N.C., Lind, O., Payne, K.J., and Lindstrom, S.C., 2022, Inventory of eelgrass (Zostera marina) and seaweeds at the end of the Alaska Peninsula, August–September 2012: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2021–1034, 14 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20211034.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Objectives
  • Accomplishments
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Inventory of eelgrass (Zostera marina) and seaweeds at the end of the Alaska Peninsula, August–September 2012:
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2021-1034
DOI 10.3133/ofr20211034
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Alaska Science Center Biology WTEB
Description Report: iv, 14 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Alaska Peninsula
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details