Resources related to Reproductive Strategy

Data available at the onset of this project (population trends and indices of contaminant exposure) raised concern that Barrow's goldeneye populations may have been injured by the oil spill, may not be fully recovered, and may continue to suffer deleterious effects of the spill. This project is designed to critically assess the recovery status of Barrow's goldeneye populations through assemblage and analysis of all existent, relevant data.

Abstract.—Abundance indices of Black Scoters (Melanitta nigra americana) breeding in Alaska indicate a long- term population decline without obvious cause(s). However, few life history data are available for the species in North America. In 2001-2004, information was collected on nesting habitat and reproductive parameters (i.e. com- ponents of productivity) from a population of Black Scoters nesting on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. A total of 157 nests were found over four years.

More than 90% of the world’s population of Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) breeds from central Alaska to northern California (Robert et al. 2000). The species also breeds in Iceland, where the population is estimated at approximately 2000 birds (Robert et al. 2000). There has also been a small population associated with eastern North America, however, historically, breeding records have been sparse and, in many cases, unconfirmed (Bellrose 1980). Robert et al.

Sixty seven Abstracts 45 posters presented 12-16 September 2011 in Seward Alaska