Publications

Thesis presented to the faculty of Alaska Pacific University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science

In 2004, USAG-Alaska entered into a settlement agreement with plaintiffs requiring Army environmental personnel to monitor the health and behavior of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) within the boundaries of Fort Richardson.

Researchers possessing Endangered Species Act (ESA)/Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) permits to conduct scientific studies on Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska meet at least annually to coordinate field study plans for the subsequent year, and these annual meetings also include researchers conducting studies in Canada and Russia. The primary objectives are to minimize potential disturbance to wild sea lions and maximize collaboration and sharing of samples or data, but the meeting is also a forum to discuss other research-related topics, such as national or regional Steller sea lion management issues with research implications. This meeting also partly meets coordination requirements stipulated in the issued permits.

Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Program overview for 2010-2013 and beyond in the Southeast Alaska drift gillnet fishery.

NOAA Fisheries' biological opinion evaluating proposed scientific research of shortnose sturgeon in the Delaware River and Estuary areas. This opinion considers the effects on endangered and threatened species and designated critical habitat.

Reduced female Steller sea lion reproductive rates and the Steller sea lion population.

NOAA Fisheries' biological opinion of the proposed research of hatchery-produced shortnose sturgeon imported to the United States and studied in captivity at New York University.

High female mortality due to male aggression in Hawaiian monk seals led us to investigate the role of habitat use and social structure on sex ratios and aggression at Laysan Island, Hawaii.

This project tested the potential for transferring ShoreZone data to the new Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification System. ShoreZone is a relatively mature coastal habitat mapping system with nearly 100,000 km of contiguous coastline mapped.

NOAA Fisheries' biological opinion of the effects on marine species protected under the Endangered Species Act that may result from FEMA’s funding for projects to repair infrastructure damaged on Tutuila earthquake, tsunami, and flooding disaster of September 2009.