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Liberty and Northstar Petroleum Development Areas

Beaufort Sea, Alaska

Literature Summary

December 1999 - April 2003

Submitted by:

Battelle

Waltham, Massachusetts

Submitted to:

u.S. Department of the Interior

Minerals Management Service

Anchorage, Alaska

Contract No. 143501·99·CT·30998 .

..U.S. Department of the Interior . Minerals Management Service

Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Region
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Liberty and Northstar Petroleum Development Areas

Beaufort Sea, Alaska

Literature Summary

December 1999 - April 2003

John Brown, Principal Investigator

Battelle

255 Bear Hill Road

Waltham, Massachusetts 02451

This study was funded by the U.S. Department ofthe Interior, Minerals Management Service

(MMS), Alaska Outer Continental ShelfRegion, Anchorage, Alaska, under Contract No.

143501-99-CT-30998, as part ofthe MMS Alaska Environmental Studies Program.

June 2003

The opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this report or product are

those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. DepaJiment of the

Interior, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or

recommendation for use by the Federal Government.

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Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction1

2.0 Abstracts2

3.0 Literature Cited 56

List of Figures

Figure 1-1. Beaufort Sea Northstar and Liberty Prospect Areas

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1.0 Introduction

This report, prepared for the U.S. Department ofthe Interior, Minerals Management Service

(MMS), Anchorage, Alaska as part ofthe MMS program "Arctic Nearshore Impact Monitoring

'In the Development Area (ANIMIDA)", presents summary abstracts ofrecently published

journal articles and gray literature reports ofnon-MMS studies ofthe coastal environment in the

vicinity ofthe Northstar oil production unit and Liberty prospect, Beaufort Sea, Alaska (Figure

1-1). Literature associated with the North Slope Beaufort Sea shelfthat is relevant to Northstar

and Liberty project marine environmental concerns is included, as well as, publications from

other Arctic regions that address general topics oflocal interest (e.g. whale behavior and

migration, impacts ofunderwater noise).

The literature summary includes publication dates ranging from December 1999 through April

2003, and is presented as Pro~Cite 5© abstracts. Topics covered in the current review include the

shoreline, wetlands under marine influence, and the offshore shelf environment. Coastal

terrestrial subjects are not addressed in this review. Papers that include both marine and

terrestrial topics are reviewed and abstracts are presented for the portion ofthe publication that

includes marine topics.

A review ofprevious literature was submitted in this format to MMS (Anchorage) by Arthur D.

Little, Inc. (ADL, 2000), in which publications through November 1999 were reviewed and ProCite 4© abstracts provided. Additionally, the Final Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for

the Northstar Project (USAEDA, 1999), Liberty Development Project (MMS, 2002), and the

Beaufort Sea Planning Area (MMS, 2003) provide comprehensive reviews ofthe human

environmental issues (e.g., sociological, cultural, subsistence, aesthetic), the physical, chemical,

and biological environments, site-specific conditions, development alternatives, and potential

development impacts.

Pro-Cite 5© abstracts ofreviewed literature from December 1999 through April 2003 are

provided in Section 2.0. Abstracts include the references cited, author(s), a keyword index, and a

summary ofthe reviewed literature. References cited exclusive ofthe literature abstracts are

presented in Section 3.0.

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2.0 Procite Abstracts

Agena, W.F.; Lee, L.W., and Hart, P.E. 2000. Reprocessing ofMulti-channel Seismic

Reflection Data Collected in the Beaufort Sea. U.S. Geological Survey Open File Report 00-

460. 6 pp.

Keywords: Beaufort Sea! Alaska! seismic-reflection data! SEG~Y format! navigational data!

SEG-Pl format/ PlotSeis files

Abstract: Contained on a set oftwo CD-ROMs are stacked and migrated multi-channel seismicreflection data for 65 lines recorded in the Beaufort Sea by the United States Geological Survey

(USGS) in 1977. All data were reprocessed by the USGS using updated processing methods

resulting in improved interpretability. Each ofthe two CD-ROMs contains the following files:

1) 65 files containing the digital seismic data in standard, SEG-Y format; 2) 1 file containing

navigation data for the 65 lines in standard SEG-Pl format; 3) an ASCII text file with crossreference information for relating the sequential trace numbers on each line to cdp numbers and

shotpoint numbers; 4) 2 small-scale graphic images (stacked and migrated) of a segment ofline

722 in Adobe Acrobat (R) PDF format; 5) a graphic image ofthe location map, generated from

the navigation file; 6) PlotSeis, an MS-DOS application that allows PC users to interactively

view the SEG-Y files; 7) a PlotSeis documentation file; and 8) an explanation ofthe processing

used to create the final seismic sections.

Amstrup, S. c., Durner, G. M., McDonald, T. L., Mulcahy, D. M., and Garner, G. W.

2001. Comparing Movement Patterns of Satellite~Tagged Male and Female Polar Bears.

Canadian Journal ofZoology. Dec; 79(12).

Keywords: Ursus maritimus/ polar bears/ Beaufort Sea! black bears/ population

Abstract: Satellite radiotelemetry has provided great insights into the movements and behaviors

ofpolar bears (Ursus maritimus). The diameter ofthe neck of adult male polar bears exceeds

that oftheir head, however, and radio collars slip off. This has limited collection ofmovement

information to that from radio~collared females. To overcome this difficulty and gather

information about their movements, we surgically implanted satellite radio transmitters into 7

male polar bears during 1996 and 1997. We compared movements ofimplanted males with

those of 104 adult females radio-collared between 1985 and 1995. Transmitters were implanted

under the skin on the midline ofthe top ofthe neck and were equipped with percutaneous

antennae. hnplanted transmitters operated for up to 161 days providing 3217 satellite

relocations. While transmitting, radios implanted in males provided a larger proportion ofthe

highest quality category ofposition fixes than was obtained from radio-collared females.

However, all implanted radios ceased transmitting before reaching their projected life-span. The

abrupt termination oftransmission from implanted radios suggested mechanical rather than

electronic failure. Mean rates of short~term movement for males (1.18 km/h) were lower than

for solitary females, females with cubs, and females with yearlings (1.70, 1.84, and 1.95 km/h,

respectively). Net geographic movements from the beginning to the end of each month were

comparable for males (mean = 135 km) and females (mean::::! 114, 152, and 168 km). Mean

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azimuths ofthese net movements also appeared to be similar. Monthly activity-area sizes for

males (mean = 8541 km(2)) were comparable to those for females (mean == 3698, 9397, and 10

585 km(2)) during the time period of comparison. In contrast to the other movement measures,

males traveled longer mean distances (387 km) each month than did females (217, 289, and 302

km). Movements ofmales, it appears, were more directed than those offemales, but males

confined their travels to similar-sized areas.

Amstrup, S. C.; Durner, G. M.; Stirling, I.; Lunn, N. N., and Messier, F. 2000. Movements

and Distribution of Polar Bears in the Beaufort Sea. Canadian Journal ofZoology. Jun; 78(6).

Keywords: Western Hudson-Bay/ home~range size/ Ursus maritimus/ polar bears/

independence/ patterns/ ecology/ mark! Beaufort Sea

Abstract: We fitted 173 satellite radio collars (platform transmitter terminals) to 121 adult

female polar bears in the Beaufort Sea and relocated the bears 44 736 times between 1985 and

1995. We regularly resighted many instrumented bears so that we could ascertain whether

changes in movements or distribution were related to reproductive status. Mean short-term

movement rates were less than 2 km/h for all classes of bears. Maximum movement rates

occurred in winter and early summer. In the southern Beaufort Sea (SBS), net geographic

movements from the beginning to the end of each month were smaller for females with cubs of

the year than for solitary females, and larger in November than in April, May, or July. In May,

June, July, and August, radio-collared bears in the SBSmoved north. They moved south in

October. In the northern Beaufort Sea (NBS), bears moved north in June and south in March and

September. Total annual movements ranged from 1406 to 6203 km. Mean total distances

moved each month ranged from 79 to 420 km. Total monthly movements by SBS bears were

largest in early winter and smallest in early spring. In the NBS, movements were largest in

summer and smallest in winter. In the SBS, females with cubs moved less each month than other

females. Annual activity areas ranged from 7264 to 596 800 km(2). Monthly activity areas

ranged from 88 to 9760 km(2). Seasonal fidelity to activity areas of bears captured in all parts of

the Beaufort Sea was strongest in summer and weakest in spring.

Amstrup, S. C.; McDonald, T. L., and Stirling, I. 2001. Polar Bears in the Beaufort Sea: a

30~Year Mark-Recapture Case History. Journal of Agricultural Biological and Environmental

Statistics. Jun; 6(2).

Keywords: capture-recapture/ covariates/ logistic modeling! population estimation! Alaska!

Ursus maritimus/ polar bears/ Beaufort Sea

Abstract: Knowledge of population size and trend is necessary to manage anthropogenic risks to

polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Despite capturing over 1,025 females between 1967 and 1998,

previously calculated estimates ofthe size ofthe southern Beaufort Sea (SBS) population have

been unreliable. We improved estimates of numbers ofpolar bears by modeling heterogeneity in

capture probability with covariates. Important covariates referred to the year ofthe study, age of

the bear, capture effort, and geographic location. Our choice of best approximating model was

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based on the inverse relationship between variance in parameter estimates and likelihood ofthe

fit and suggested a growth from similar to 500 to over 1,000 females during this study. The

mean coefficient ofvariation on estimates for the last decade ofthe study was 0.16- the smallest

yet derived. A similar model selection approach is recommended for other projects where a best

model is not identified by likelihood criteria alone.

Amstrup, S. C.; Weston-York, G.; McDonald, T. L.; Nielson, R., and Simac, K. 2003.

Detecting denning polar bears with Forward Looking Infra-red Imagery (FUR). Mar.

Keywords: polar bear/ Ursus maritimus/ Beaufort Sea! maternal den! forward-looking infrared!

FURl Alaska

Abstract: Polar bears give birth in snow dens in mid winter, and remain in dens until early

spring. Survival and development ofneonates is dependent on the stable environment within the

maternal den. Petroleum related activities currently span approximately 200 km ofthe Alaska

Beaufort Sea coastal area. New and proposed developments are expected to dramatically expand

the area influenced by petroleum activities. These activities are a potential threat to polar bears,

especially as they might disturb denning females. In order to help manage and mitigate potential

disruptions ofpolar bear denning, we tested whether we could detect heat, rising through the

roofs ofmaternal dens, with forward-looking infrared (FUR) viewing devices. We tested our

ability to detect dens by flying transects, over areas where radio-collared females were known to

be denning, with FLIR equipped aircraft. We recorded flight and weather conditions at each

observation and tallied whether or not the den was detected. Eight previously unknown dens

were discovered during searches for 15 dens ofradio-collared bears. We surveyed these 23 dens

on 67 occasions (1 to 7 times each). Nine dens were always detected and 10 dens visited more

than once were detected on some flights but not on others. Four dens were never detected

(17%), but 3 ofthose were visited only under marginal conditions. Models ofhow detection

probability varied with environmental conditions revealed the odds of detecting a den increased

3 fold for everyone degree (C) increase in temperature-dew-point spread. The odds ofdetection

were 4.8X higher when airborne moisture (snow, blowing snow, fog, etc.) was absent than when

it was present, and they were approximately 28X higher at night than after sunrise. Data

suggested some dens never will be detectable with LFIR. Conversely, FLIR surveys conducted

during conditions that maximize odds ofdetection could approach detection rates of 90%, and

can be an important management/mitigation tool.

Angliss, R. P. and Lodge, K. L. 2002. Alaska Marine Mammal Stock Assessm(~nts, 2002.

NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-133. Alaska Marine Science Center. Seattle

Washington.

Keywords: Beaufort Sea! North Slope/ Alaska! marine mammals/ pinnipeds/ cetaceans/ Marine

Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)/ Public Law 103-238/ incidental take/ commercial fisheries/

native subsistence harvest/ stock assessment/ population estimate/ potential biological removal

(PBR)/ beluga whale/ Delphinapterus leucas

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Abstract: This report provides population information on stocks ofseven species of pinnipeds

and 15 species of cetacean marine mammal Alaska under the jurisdiction ofthe National Marine

Fisheries Service. Stock assessment reports for polar bears, pacific walrus, and sea otters,

published by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, are included as an appendix to the report. Public

Law 103~238, enacted in April 1994, changed provisions within the Marine Mammal Protection

Act, whereupon interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals (including

incidental takes) are addressed under three new provisions requiring a regional scientific review

group to advise and report on the status ofmarine mammals in Alaska waters. This new law

replaced the interim exemption that had regulated fisheries-related incidental takes since 1988.

Stock assessments are provided for the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), the bowhead

whale (Ralaena mysticetus), and the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). The beluga whale occurs in

both nearshore and offshore waters ofthe North Slope environment in the Beaufort Sea. The

minimum population size estimate for the Beaufort Sea stock is 39,258 and the stock is

considered to be stable or increasing. The potential biological removal (PBR) rate is estimated to

be 649 animals per year. No reports ofmortality incidental to commercial fisheries have been

reported in recent years. The average annual take for Alaska and Canadian native subsistence

harvest averaged 177 animals per year during the 5year period from 1996-2000. The bowhead

whales occur in the Western Arctic. Bowhead whales ofthe Western Arctic Stock migrate

annually from wintering areas in the northern Bering Sea, through the Chukchi Sea in the spring,

to the Beaufort Sea for the summer, and then returning to the Bering Sea.in the fall. The

minimum population size estimate for the Western Arctic stock is 7,738 and is considered to be

increasing at approximately 3% per year. The potential biological removal (PBR) rate is

estimated to be 77 animals per year. The average annual take for Alaska and Canadian native

subsistence harvest averaged 52 animals per year during the 5 year period from 1996-2000. A

stock ofpolar bears occur in the Southern Beaufort Sea with a eastern boundary south ofBanks

Island and east ofthe Baillie Islands, Canada and a western boundary near Point Hope. The

minimum population size estimate for the Southern Beaufort Sea polar bear stock is 1,973 and

the stock is considered to be stable with little or no growth. The potential biological removal

(PBR) rate is estimated to be 88 animals per year when adjusted for to account for male harvest

bias. The average annual take for Alaska and Canadian native subsistence harvest averaged 52

animals per year during the 5year period from 1995-2000.

Arctic Research Office (NOAA). 2000. Study ofEnvironmental Arctic Change (SEARCH).

Report ofthe Interagency Working Group for SEARCH, To: Interagency Arctic Research

Policy Committee. June 30. 27 pp.

Keywords: Arctic/ Arctic oscillation! Study ofEnvironmental Arctic Change (SEARCH)/

greenhouse gases

Abstract: A complex suite ofsignificant atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial changes has

occurred in the Arctic in the last decades, affecting virtually every part ofthe Arctic

environment. Evidence indicates that many ofthese changes are strongly connected with the

Arctic Oscillation (AO), which is apparently a natural mode of atmospheric variation that is

potentially active over a broad range oftime scales, including perhaps climatic time scales.

There is evidence that the AO itselfmay be strengthened by the anthropogenic rise in greenhouse

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gases. Other potential modes oflarge-scale human influence on the Arctic include long~range

transport of contaminants and high rates ofbiomass removal from the marine environment.

The Study ofEnvironmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) is a broad, interdisciplinary, multi-scale

program with a core aim of understanding the complex ofrecent and ongoing intertwined

changes in the Arctic environment. SEARCH includes four major types of activities: 1) a longterm observational program to accurately track environmental changes; 2) a modeling program to

test ideas about the coupling between the different environmental components, and to predict

their future course; 3) studies to test hypotheses about critical feedback processes; and 4) an

assessment component to understand the ultimate impact ofthe physical changes on the

ecosystems and societies, and to distinguish between climate-related changes and other factors

such as resource utilization, pollution, economic development, and population growth.

Attanasi, E. D. and Schuenemeyer, J. H. 2002. Frontier Areas and Resource Assessment:

The Case ofthe 1002 Area ofthe Alaska North Slope.

Keywords: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge/ petroleum supply/ Area 1002

Abstract: The U.S. Geological Survey's 1998 assessment ofthe 1002 Area ofthe Arctic

National Wildlife Refuge significantly revised previous estimates ofthe area's petroleum supply

potential. The mean (or expected) value oftechnically recoverable undiscovered oil for the

Study Area (Federal 1002 Area, adjacent State waters, and Native Lands) is estimated at 10.4

billion barrels of oil (BBO) and for the Federal 1002 Area the mean is 7.7 BBO. Accumulation

sizes containing the oil are expected to be sufficiently large to be of economic interest. At a

market price of $21 per barrel, 6 BBO of oil in the Study area is expected to be economic. The

Assessment's methodology, results, and the reasons for the significant change in assessments are

reviewed. In the concluding section, policy issues raised by the assessment are discussed.

Audubon Alaska. 2001. Migratory Birds and Oil Development in the Coastal Plain ofthe

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Audubon Alaska Background Analysis. National Audubon

Society, Anchorage, AK. 7 pp.

Keywords: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge/ ANWRI birds/ oil development! oil pollution!

Long-tailed duck! wetlands/ Common Eider/ Spectacled Eider/ Red-throated Loon! American!

Golden Plover/ Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Abstract: Concern is expressed for potential negative impacts ofNorth Slope oil and gas

development upon the 135 species of birds that make use ofthe coastal habitat within the Arctic

National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Long~tailed ducks (formerly Old squaw) gather in coastal

lagoons and nearshore waters in mid-summer following the breeding season, at which time they

molt,· are flightless and are vulnerable to oil pollution impinging on coastal lagoons and

nearshore waters, with the possibility ofharm at the population level. Common Eiders and Redthroated Loons are also vulnerable, are experiencing regional population declines, and are on the

Audubon Alaska "Watch List." The producing oils at Prudhoe Bay and associated sites are

spread over an area exceeding 1,000 square miles. Habitat losses in this area have altered the

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distributions ofseveral bird sp~cies, including nesting shorebirds such as Dunlih and Stilt

Sandpipers. In general, concern is greatest for species that are large (e.g., Tundra Swans and

loons), declining (e.g., Dunlins), or uncommon (e.g., Spectacled Eiders, American Golden

Plover, and Buff-breasted Sandpiper).

The greatest risk to birds associated with ANWR is a spill reaching coastal lagoons or nearshore

waters, possibly as a result ofsupply barge accidents or rupture of a pipeline crossing the rivers

that empties into the Beaufort Sea. At risk would be tens ofthousands ofLong-tailed ducks,

other waterfowl, loons, and Red-necked Phalaropes. Thousands ofshorebirds gathering along

shorelines, in river deltas, and in coastal wetlands would also be highly vulnerable.

Becker, P. R. 2000. Concentration ofChlorinated Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals in Alaska

Arctic Marine Mammals. Marine Pollution Bulletin. Oct; 40(10). .

Keywords: Alaska-Arctic/ cetaceans/ marine mammals/ chlorinated hydrocarbons/ chlorinated

pesticides/ heavy metals/ pinnipeds/ polychlorinated biphenyls/ whales/ Delphinapterus leucas/

seals/ Callorhinus ursinus/ Lawrence Beluga whales/ organochlorine contaminants/

environmental contaminants/ trace-metals/ harbor seals/ west-coast! tissues/ elements

Abstract: Over the last decade, a baseline database on anthropogenic contaminants in Alaska

marine mammals has been developing through the efforts ofseveral independent investigations

as well as larger research programs, although still somewhat limited in scope, the largest amount

of data exists for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT, mercury, and cadmium in walrus,

beluga whale, bowhead whale, and ringed seal. Because oftheir relatively large contribution to

the total chlorinated hydrocarbon levels in Arctic species, chlordane and toxaphene are two

pesticides that are also gaining attention. Comparison ofthe Alaska database with the results of

studies conducted in Canada and Greenland indicates that patterns ofmany accumulative

substances are quite similar in species that occur across the North American Arctic.

Belicka, L.; Harvey, H.R.; Yunker, M.B., and MacDonald, R.W. 2001. Molecular

Biomarkers as Tracers ofthe Fate ofPrimary Production in the Western Arctic Ocean.

Keywords: Beaufort Seal Chukchi SealArctic Ocean/biomarkers/primary production/alkanes/

alcohols/fatty acids/sterols

Abstract: The Arctic Ocean, with a great proportion ofshelf area, represents a complex system

with multiple inputs of organic carbon from primary production, rivers, ice, and anthropogenic

activity. Organic biomarkers are useful in differentiating these sources and in understanding

carbon processing in the marine realm. Biomarkers associated with primary production from the

marine water column were analyzed from surface sediments ofthe marine-dominated Chukchi

Sea and from the Beaufort Sea, which receives greater amounts ofterrestrial material through

rivers and ice transport. Biomarkers analyzed included alkanes, alcohols, fatty acids, and sterols.

Biomarker concentrations in general were higher from the Chukchi Sea, supporting the presence

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ofrelatively greater terrestrial inputs to the Beaufort Sea and marine production dominance in

the Chukchi Sea.

Belicka, L. L.; MacDonald, R. W., and Harvey, H. R. 2002. Sources and Transport of

Organic Carbon to Shelf, Slope, and Basin Surface Sediments ofthe Arctic Ocean. Deep-Sea

Research Part I-Oceanographic Research Papers. Aug; 49(8).

Keywords: lipids/ biomarkers/ fatty acids/ sterols/ sediments/ Chukchi Seal Beaufort Seal Arctic

Ocean! Antarctic/ sea-ice/ fatty·acid/ lipid-composition! Laptev Seal Phaeocystis pouchetiil

sequential treatments/ diatom communities/ Beaufort Shelf! matter sources/ spring bloom

Abstract: Lipids in surface sediment transects across the Arctic Ocean were identified to define

the sources oforganic carbon and the transport ofmaterial in the ocean basin. Sterols

representing diatoms (24-methylcholesta-5,24(28)-dien-3beta-ol, 24-methylcholesta-5,22-dien·

3beta-ol) and dinoflagellates (4alpha,23,24-trimethylcholest-22-en-3beta-ol) together with algal

polyunsaturated fatty acids (20:5, 22:6) demonstrated the importance ofprimary production to

organic matter inputs on the Chukchi Shelf. The presence ofterrestrial biomarkers including

long·chain n-alkanes and mono- and dicarboxylic acids in shelfsediments indicated that while

the fraction ofterrestrial biomarkers was small compared to marine material, the transport of

allochthonous material impacts carbon cycling on the shelf. Algal biomarkers were found in all

surficial sediments from the central Arctic basins, demonstrating that some fraction ofprimary

production reached bottom sediments despite ice cover and light limitation. Marine markers

represented a small fraction ofthe total lipids in central basin sediments. This implies that the

basins are less productive than shallow waters, significant degradation occurs before the organic

matter reaches the sediment-water interface, and substantial amounts of vascular plant material

are exported to the central Arctic. Circulation and topographical features, such as the Transpolar

Drift and the Lomonosov Ridge, appear to have an important influence on the transport and

focusing ofterrestrial material in the Arctic Ocean basins.

Bird, K J. and Houseknecht, D. W. 2002. U.S. Geological Survey 2002 Petroleum Resource

Assessment ofthe National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA).

Keywords: National Petroleum Reserve/ petroleum resources/ natural gas/ Alaska

Abstract: A new USGS assessment concludes that NPRA holds significantly greater petroleum

resources than previously estimated. Technically recoverable, undiscovered oil beneath the

Federal part ofNPRA likely ranges between 5.9 and 13.2 billion barrels, with a mean (expected)

value of9.3 billion barrels. An estimated 1.3 to 5.6 billion barrels ofthose technically

recoverable oil resources is economically recoverable at market prices of $22 to $30 per barrel.

Technically recoverable, undiscovered non-associated natural gas for the same area likely ranges

between 39.1 and 83.2 trillion cubic feet, with a mean (expected) value of59.7 trillion cubic feet.

The economic viability ofthis gas will depend on the availability of a natural-gas pipeline for

transport to market.

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BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. 2000. Black Brant (Branta bernicula nigricans). Tech. Brief:

Alaska's Northslope Oilfields. 4 pp.

Keywords: North Slope/ Alaska! petroleum! oilfields/ barrier islands/ Colville River Delta!

Black Brant! Branta bernicula nigricans/ distribution! abundance/ productivity/ habitat loss/

habitat alteration! nesting success/ predation

Abstract: Several hundred to more than a thousand black brant (Branta bernicula nigricans)

annually nest in the North Slope oilfield region of Alaska between the Colville and

Saganavirktok river deltas. With development ofthe petroleum industry, wildlife managers have

expressed concern for potential impacts upon brant from 1) loss of nesting or brood·-rearing

habitat through the construction of oilfield facilities and roads; 2) displacement of brant from

preferred habitats in response to disturbance from human activities; 3) increased predation from

elevated predator populations; and 4) potential mortality from an oil spill.

Overall, habitat loss or alteration and human-generated disturbances from oilfield development

on the North Slope have not had detectable impacts upon distribution, abundance, or productivity

ofblack brant. However, increased predator populations may be having an impact upon nesting

success. Although brant goslings on the North Slope have been reported to grow at significantly

greater rates than those in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta due to a greater abundance of

vegetation, nest success is chronically low in the oilfield regions.

BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. 2001. -Boulder-Patch-*-elp-Gommunity;--Teeh;---Brief:--Alask:a~s:--­

Northslope Oilfields. 4 pp.

Keywords: Alaska! Beaufort Sea! SteffansonSound/ North Slope/ Endicott development!

Boulder Patch! kelp/ Laminaria solidungula/ petroleum exploration! drilling fluids/ NPDES

permit! environmental impacts/ biological community

Abstract: In the early 1970s anomalous seafloor sites were discovered in Steffanson Sound,

Beaufort Sea, Alaska. Characterized by dense rock cover, ranging from pebbles to boulders

comprising >25% seafloor cover, the mixed rock/sediment habitat harbors a rich biological

assemblage of algae and invertebrates, dominated by the kelp species Laminaria solidungula.

This area, designated as the "Boulder Patch," is recognized as the most diverse biological marine

community in the central Alaska Beaufort Sea. The Boulder Patch is not affected by high rates

ofsedimentation due to its location below the depth ofsea ice freezing and its protection from

ice-scour by a seaward fringe of barrier islands and shoals. These requisites for kelp existence

are rare along the Alaska Beaufort Sea coast, and the existing kelp population is several hundred

kilometers from its nearest known population.

The Boulder Patch is located over potentially rich oil and gas reserves and Endicott, the first

offshore oil and gas development in the North Slope region, is located nearby. The Endicott

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) developed by the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers

suggested that significant adverse impacts upon the biological community ofthe Boulder Patch

were unlikely. Protection ofthe habitat has been overseen by a task force consisting oflocal,

state, and federal agencies and by criteria established by the U.S. Environmental Protection

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Agency (EPA) for disposal of drilling fluids in its vicinity. The Endicott National Pollution

Discharge Elimination (NPDES) permit allows no discharge within 1,0001)1 ofthe Patch or

between individual units ofthe Patch that are separated by less than 5,000 m.

Endicott pre~construction monitoring, followed by six years of annual monitoring data, described

the effects ofEndicott development on kelp health and growth, and species diversity within the

Patch. Summary reports, which have synthesized seven years of data, have documented no

significant adverse impacts ofpetroleum development upon the Boulder Patch biological

community.

Brower, C. D.; Carpenter, A.; Branigan, M. L.; Calvert, W.; Evans, T.; Fischbach, A. S.;

Nagy, J. A.; Schliebe, S., and Stirling, I. 2002. The Polar Bear Management Agreement for

the Southern Beaufort Sea: an Evaluation ofthe First Ten Years of a Unique Conservation

Agreement. Arctic. Dec; 5S(4).

Keywords: polar bears! Beaufort Sea! management! agreement! North Slope Borough! Inuvialuit

Game CounciV mark

Abstract: Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) ofthe southern Beaufort Sea population, distributed

from approximately Icy Cape, west ofPoint Barrow, Alaska, to Pearce Point, east ofPaulatuk in

Canada, are harvested by hunters from both countries. In Canada, quotas to control polar bear

hunting have been in place, with periodic modifications, since 1968. In Alaska, passage ofthe

United States Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972 banned polar bear hunting

unless done by Alaska Natives for subsistence. However, the MMPA placed no restrictions on

numbers or composition ofthe subsistence hunt, leaving open the potential for an over-harvest

with no possible legal management response until the population was declared depleted.

Recognizing that as a threat to the conservation ofthe shared polar bear population, the

Inuvialuit Game Council from Canada and the North Slope Borough trom Alaska negotiated and

signed a user-to-user agreement, the Polar Bear Management Agreement for the Southern

Beaufort Sea, in 1988. We reviewed the functioning ofthe agreement through its first 10 years

and concluded that; overall, it has been successful because both the total harvest and the

proportion offemales in the harvest have been contained within sustainable limits. However,

harvest monitoring needs to be improved in Alaska, and awareness ofthe need to prevent overharvest offemales needs to be increased in both countries. This agreement is a useful model for

other user-to-user conservation agreements.

Burruss, R. c.; Lillis, P. G., and Collett, T. S. 2003. Geochemistry ofNatural Gas, North

Slope, Alaska: Implications for Gas Resources, NPRA.

Keywords: North Slope! natural gas! National Petroleum Reserve Alaska! NPRA

Abstract: The North Slope of Alaska contains a significant volume ofnatural gas. The known

amount of gas within the oil and gas fields is large and the estimated amount of undiscovered

resource is even larger (Bird, 2002a). Increasing demand for gas as a relatively clean fossil fuel

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is driving plans to develop this resource either through a pipeline to the lower 48 states, LNG

shipments, or gas-to-liquids technologies.

To increase confidence in U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates of undiscovered gas

resources there is a need to understand the role of natural gas in the petroleum systems ofthe

North Slope. Ofparticular interest to resource estimates in the National Petroleum Reserve in

Alaska (NPRA) is whether the petroleum systems ofthat part ofthe North Slope are gas-rich.

Current exploration targets are oil reservoirs, but the historic drilling experience indicates that

gas is abundant in the western part ofthe North Slope within NPRA.

Initial drilling by the U.S. Navy in 1944 to 1953 tested gas in a number ofwells and discovered

small accumulations at Barrow, Meade, Square Lake, and WolfCreek and adjacent to NPRA at

Gubik as shown on the North Slope location map in Figure 1. Ofthe three oil accumulations

discovered by the Navy, the largest, Umiat, tested gas in a deeper reservoir horizon than the oil

accumulation. Later drilling by the U.S. Navy and the USGS in 1973 to 1981 discovered gas

accumulations on the Barrow Peninsula at Walakpa andSikulik, and tested gas from a number of

potential reservoirs at other locations, some at depths greater than 10,000 ft.

This paper addresses several natural gas resource questions based on a summary ofthe

geochemistry of natural gas across the North Slope ofAlaska. First, is there evidence ofdistinct

gas-rich petroleum systems? Second, is there any evidence of unique gas systems in the foothills

ofthe Brooks Range? Third, are there any potential problems with the quality of gas (significant

quantities of non-hydrocarbon gases) in undiscovered gas accumulations?

To address these questions we present evidence for the source and maturity ofthe known natural

occurrences. In particular we will examine the effects ofmicrobial gas generation, microbial

alteration ofthermogenic gas, and the role ofmixing of gases ofvarious origins in controlling

the present day composition of gas. Finally, we will examine the extent to which nonhydrocarbon gases, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, affect the quality ofNorth Slope gas. Carbon

dioxide is particularly important because a large fraction (5 to 18%) ofthe gas cap ofthe

Prudhoe Bay field and surrounding satellite fields is CO2 and may amount to as much as 5

trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas. Although this amount ofCO2 is beneficial for current practices

ofmiscible flooding for enhanced oil recovery in Prudhoe Bay, marketable natural gas must

contain 4 % or less CO2. Therefore, gas from the Prudhoe Bay field gas cap will require

processing or dilution with low CO2 gas before it is marketable. Costs associated with gas

processing or dilution may impact the economics of natural development on the North Slope.

Carmack, E. C. and MacDonald, R. W. 2002. Oceanography ofthe Canadian Shelf ofthe

Beaufort Sea: a Setting for Marine Life. Arctic. 55.

Keywords: Beaufort Sea! global warming! upwelling! sea ice/ nutrients/ sediments/ whale/

Balaena mysticetus/ Prince Albert Sound! Arctic Ocean! Mackenzie Shelf/ Northwest Territories/

climatic change/ Phoca hispida/ fresh water/ ringed seall inner shelf

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Abstract: Conservation ofmarine biodiversity in the Beaufort Sea demands that we understand

what individual organisms require oftheir physical and geochemical environments in order to

survive. Specifically, how do the extraordinary spatial and seasonal variations in ice cover,

temperature, light, freshwater, turbidity, and currents ofthe Beaufort Sea define unique places or

times critical to marine life? We start with the traditional "bottom-up" approach, which is to

review the strongly seasonal physical forcing ofthe system, and from it to infer the resultant

oceanographic regimes and seasons. This approach, while valuable, remains incomplete: this is

due partly to limitations ofthe data and partly to our limited understanding ofthis complex

system. The oceanographic features (e.g., upwelling regions, recurrent polynyas, coastal

currents, sediment types and distributions) define the backdrop that animals "know and

understand" in the senseofinteracting with one another and finding food and habitat. We

therefore seek clues to the underlying oceanographic processes in the behavioral patterns offish,

marine mammals, and birds. This "top-down" approach also has limitations, but it offers the

opportunity to seek those connections in the system where climate change is likely to have its

greatest impact on biological populations.

Clark, C. W. and Ellison, W. T. 2000. Calibration and Comparison ofthe Acoustic Location

Methods Used During the Spring Migration ofthe Bowhead Whale, Balaena Mystic:etus, OffPt.

Barrow, Alaska, 1984-1993. Journal ofthe Acoustical Society ofAmerica. Jun; 107(6).

Keywords: Megaptera novaeangliae/ quantitative analysis/ Point Barrow/ census/ bowhead

whale/ Balaena mysticetus

Abstract: Between 1984 and 1993, visual and acoustic methods were combined to census the

Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus, population. Passive acoustic

location was based on arrival-time differences oftransient bowhead sounds detected on sparse

arrays ofthree to five hydrophones distributed over distances of 1.5-4.5 km along the ice edge.

Arrival-time differences were calculated from either digital cross correlation ofspectrograms

(old method), or digital cross correlationoftime waveforms (new method). Acoustic calibration

was conducted in situ in 1985 at five sites with visual site position determined by triangulation

using two theodolites. The discrepancy between visual and acoustic locations was <1 %-5% of

visual range and less than 0.7 degrees of visual bearing for either method. Comparison of

calibration results indicates that the new method yielded slightly more precise and accurate

positions than the old method. Comparison of 217 bowhead whale call locations from both

acoustic methods showed that the new method was more precise, with location errors 3-4 times

smaller than the old method. Overall, low-frequency bowhead transients were reliably located

out to ranges of 3-4 times array size. At these ranges in shallow water, signal propagation

appears to be dominated by the fundamental mode and is not corrupted by multipath.

Cooper, L. W.; Larsen, I. L.; O'Hara, T. M.; Dolvin, S.; Woshner, V., and Cota, G. R

2000. Radionuclide Contaminant Burdens in Arctic Marine Mammals Harvested During

Subsistence Hunting. Arctic. Jun; 53(2).

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Keywords: Cs-137/ contamination! marine mammals/ North Slope Borough! radioactivity/

radionuclides/ Resolute/ Ag-l 08m/ subsistence hunting! sediments/ environment! Yenisei/

caribou! rivers/ Pb-210/ metals/ sea! Alaska

Abstract: We conducted gamma spectrometric analyses on more than 200 arctic marine mammal

tissue samples. These samples were primarily provided by subsistence hunters from northern

Alaska, with a smaller number ofsamples from the Resolute region in Canada. The majority of

samples (>90%)had detectable levels ofthe anthropogenic radionuclide Cs-137, with a mean

level observed in all samples of 0.67 Bq kg(-I) dry weight +/- 0.81 (SD). Converted to wet

weight, the mean was 0.21 Bq kg(-l) +/- 0.19 SD. The median activity observed was 0.45 Bq

kg(-l) dry weight (0.18 Bq kg(-l) wet weight) with a range from detection limits to 6.7 Bq kg(-

1) dry weight (1.1 Bq kg(-l) wet weight). These findings confirm expectations that current

anthropogenic gamma emitter burdens in marine mammals used in the North American Arctic as

subsistence food resources are well below activities that would normally merit public health

concern (similar to 1000 Bq kg(-I) wet weight). Some differences among species and tissues

were observed. Beluga tissues had slightly higher mean burdens ofCs-137 overall, and

epidermis and muscle tissues in bowhead and beluga whales typically had higher burdens than

other tissues analyzed. Low levels ofthe neutron activation product Ag-108 (half-life 418 yr.),

probably bioaccumulated from bomb fallout sources, were observed in 16 of 17 beluga livers

analyzed, but were not found in any other tissues ofbeluga or in any other species sampled. A

subset of39 samples ofvarious tissues was analyzed for the alpha and beta emitters Pu-239.240

and Sr-90. Plutonium levels were near the threshold of detectability (similar to 0.1 Bq kg(-1)dry

weight) in 6 ofthe 39 samples; all other samples had no detectable plutonium. A detectable level

ofSr-90 (10.3 +/- 1.0 Bq kg(-l) dry weight) was observed in only one ofthe 39 samples

analyzed, a bowhead epidermis sample. Although the accumulation ofAg-l 08m has not been

previously reported in any marine mammal livers, all of our analytical measurements indicate

that only very low levels of anthropogenic radioactivity are associated with marine mammals

harvested and consumed in the North American Arctic.

Dickson, D. L. and Gilchrist, H. G. 2002. Status ofMarine Birds ofthe Southeastern Beaufort

Sea. Arctic. 55.

Keywords: Beaufort Sea! sea ducks/ seabirds/ Brant! harvest! distribution! population status/

conservation! red-throated loons/ Somateria mollissima/ common eiders/ Uria lomvia/ ice edges/

Alaska! survival! king eiders/ scoter! behavior

Abstract: This summary and update ofinformation on the marine birds ofthe southeastern

Beaufort Sea is intended to support discussions on how to improve management ofmarine

resources in the Canadian Beaufort Sea region. Perhaps the most outstanding use ofthe Beaufort

Sea by marine birds is the staging during spring migration by hundreds ofthousands of eiders

and long-tailed ducks in the early open water offCape Bathurst and Banks Island. During

midsummer, tens ofthousands oflong-tailed ducks, scoters, scaup, and mergansers molt in the

sheltered bays and behind barrier beaches and spits. Although several species of geese, ducks,

loons, gulls, and terns nest on islands and in wetlands along the Beaufort Sea coast, this region

has relatively few nesting seabirds compared to eastern Arctic Canada and the Bering Sea. Two

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possible reasons for this are a shortage of cliffs suitable for nesting and a lack ofpelagic fish.

The five most common sea duck species that occur in the region, long-tailed duck, king eider,

common eider, surfscoter, and white-winged scoter, have all declined in numbers since the mid1970s. Western Arctic brant populations have also declined, although their status within the

Beaufort Sea region is unclear. Brant and king eider are the only marine bird species harvested

there in substantial numbers. Other threats to Beaufort Sea marine bird populations include oil

spills, global warming, coastal development, and contaminants. Certain threats can be managed

at a local level since they are a result oflocal economic development, but others, such as global

warming or loss of critical wintering areas, stem from environmental problems outside the

region. Solving these issues will require mutual understanding and commitment on the part of

numerous countries.

Drobot, S. D. and Maslanik, J. A. 2002. A Practical Method for Long-Range Forecasting of

Ice Severity in the Beaufort Sea Art. No. 1213. Geophysical Research Letters. Apr 15; 29(8).

Keywords: North Pacific/ variability/ cover/ anomalies/ record! ocean! Beaufort Seal sea ice

Abstract: A linear regression model is used to forecast end ofsummer ice conditions in the

Beaufort Sea with a few months lead-time. The model retains four sea ice and atmospheric

parameters, where decreased spring total and winter multiyear ice concentrations, nl~gative

October East Atlantic phases, and positive March North Atlantic Oscillation phases are

associated with lighter sea ice conditions. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that the results are

not adversely affected by artificial skill, while Durbin-Watson and Variance Inflation Factor

statistics imply the final model is statistically valid. Cross validation diagnostics indicate that

variations in the four predictors are related to 85% ofthe variation in sea ice conditions,

suggesting that a relatively simple ice~atmosphere statistical model can be used to forecast end of

summer ice conditions in the Beaufort Sea.

Duesterloh, S.; Short, J. W., and Barron, M. G. 2002. Photoenhanced Toxicity ofWeathered

Alaska North Slope Crude Oil to the Calanoid Copepods Calanus marshal/ae and Metridia

okhotensis. Environmental Science & Technology. Sep 15; 36(18).

Keywords: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ Prince William Sound! Exxon Valdez Oil/ Gibba

L G-3/ photoinduced toxicity/ petroleum hydrocarbons/ solar radiation! Daphnia pulex/

sediments/ anthracene

Abstract: This study investigated the synergistic toxicity of aqueous polyaromatic compounds

(PAC) dissolved from crude oil and ultraviolet radiation (UV) in natural sunlight to the calanoid

copepods Calanus marshallae and Metridia okhotensis. These copepods were first exposed to

low doses (similar to 2 mug oftotal PAC/Q ofthe water-soluble fraction ofweathered Alaska

North Slope crude oil for 24 h and subsequently to low or high levels of natural sunlight.

Responses included mortality, impainnent ofswimming ability, and discoloration oflipid sacs.

There was 80-100% mortality and morbidity of C. marshallae exposed to UV and oil as

compared to less than 10% effect in oil-only or UV-only treatments. In M okhotensis, 100%

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mortality occurred in the UV and oil treatment, 43% mortality and 27% morbidity in the UVonly treatment, and less than 5% effect in the oil-only treatment. Bioaccumulation factors were

similar to 8000 for C. marshallae and similar to 2000 for M okhotensis. The interaetion ofthe

effect ofPAC and UV radiation was highly significant (P < 0.005) in both experiments.

Dunton, K.H. and Schonberg, S.V. 2000. The Benthic Faunal Assemblage ofthe Boulder

Patch Community. Chapter 18, pp. 371-397, In: The Natural History of an Arctic Oil Field. 1.

C. Truett and S. R. Johnson (Eds.). Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 422 pp.

Keywords: Alaska! Beaufort Sea! North Slope/ Steffanson Sound! Prudhoe Bay/ Boulder Patch!

benthic infauna! epilithic fauna! algae/ biological diversity/ biomass

Abstract: The Boulder Patch, an area of cobbles and boulders that supports abundant algae and

invertebrate life, was discovered in Steffanson Sound, Alaska, by marine geologists in the

summers of 1971 and 1972. The Boulder Patch is located over potentially rich oil and gas

reserves, and consequently has been extensively studied for potential impacts of petroleum

exploration and development. Joint biological and geological investigations commencing in

1978 have revealed it to be the most diverse biological community yet discovered in the

American Beaufort Sea.

Approximately 140 species of benthic infauna from 11 invertebrate phyla characterized the

sedimentary habitat between and under rocks, ranging respectively from 4,134 m2 to 5,525 m2

in abundance and from 27 to 33 gm m-2 in wet-weight biomass. The sediments consisted of

sandy silts and mud. The epilithic fauna inhabiting rock substrates consisted of 158 species, with

an average abundance of 18,441 organisms m-2 and wet-weight biomass of238 gm m-2

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Dominant major invertebrate taxa on rocks were sponges, mollusks, crustaceans, cnidarians, and

bryozoans, many ofwhich are suspension- or filter-feeders that are sensitive to high levels of

turbidity. Predominant species of algae included the kelp Laminaria saccharina (42 gm m-2) and

the red alga Phycodrys rubra (43 gm m-2

).

Durner, G. M.; Amstrup, S. C., and Fischbach, A. S. 2003. Habitat Characteristics ofPolar

Bear Terrestrial Maternal Den Sites in Northern Alaska. Arctic. Mar; 56(1).

Keywords: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge/ den habitat! maternal den! National Petroleum

Reserve-Alaska! polar dear/ Ursus maritimus/ Prudhoe Bay/ Beaufort Sea! area

Abstract: Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) give birth to and nurture their young in dens ofice and

snow. During 1999-2001, we measured the structure of22 dens on the coastal plain of northem

Alaska after polar bear families had evacuated their dens in the spring. During the summers of

2001 and 2002, we revisited the sites of 42 maternal and autumn exploratory dens and recorded

characteristics ofthe under-snow habitat. The structure ofpolar bear snow dens was highly

variable. Most were simple chambers with a single entrance/egress tunnel. Others had multiple

chambers and additional tunnels. Thickness ofsnow above and below dens was highly variable,

but most dens were overlain by less than 1 meter ofsnow. Dens were located on, or associated

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with, pronounced landscape features (primarily coastal and river banks, but also a lake shore and

an abandoned oil field gravel pad) that are readily distinguished from the surrounding terrain in

summer and catch snow in early winter. Although easily identified, den landforms in northern

Alaska were more subtle than den habitats in many other parts ofthe Arctic. The structure of

polar bear dens in Alaska was strikingly similar to that of dens elsewhere and has remained

largely unchanged in northern Alaska for more than 25 years. Knowledge of den stlUcture and

site characteristics will allow resource managers to identify habitats with the greatest probability

of holding dens. This information may assist resource, managers in preventing negative impacts

ofmineral exploration and extraction on polar bears.

Erbe, C. and Farmer, D.M. 2000a. Zones ofimpact around icebreakers affecting Beluga

whales in the Beaufort Sea. J. Acoustical Soc. Amer. 108(3):1332-1340.

Keywords: Beaufort Sea! Alaska! marine mammals/ Beluga whale/ Delphinapterus leucas/

underwater noise impacts/ underwater acoustics/ icebreakers/ behavior/ disturbance

Abstract: A software model estimating zones ofimpact on marine mammals around man-made

noise was applied to the case oficebreakers affecting beluga whales in the Beaufort Sea. Two

types of noise emitted by the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Henry Larsen were analyzed:

bubbler system noise and propeller cavitation noise. Effects on beluga whales were modeled both

in a deep-water environment and a near-shore environment. The model estimated that the

icebreaker was audible to beluga whales over ranges of 35 to 78 km, depending on location. The

zone ofbehavioral disturbance is only slightly smaller. Masking ofbeluga communication

signals is predicted within a 14 to 71 km range. Temporary hearing damage can occur if a beluga

stays within 1 to 4 km ofthe icebreaker for at least 20 minutes. Bubbler noise impacts over the

short ranges quoted; propeller cavitation noise accounts for all ofthe long-range effects. Serious

problems may arise in heavily industrialized areas where animals are exposed to ongoing noise

and cumulative anthropogenic noise sources.

Erbe, C. and Farmer, D.M. 2000b. A software model to estimate zones ofimpact on marine

mammals around anthropogenic noise. J. Acoust. Soc. Amer. 108(3): 1327-1331.

Keywords: underwater acoustics/ animal behavior/ marine mammals/ anthropogenic noise

impacts

Abstract: Anthropogenic noise impacts marine mammals in a variety ofways. In order to

estimate the range of conditions over which these impacts occur, an understanding ofthe

propagation ofnoise through the ocean away from the noise source is needed, along with an

understanding ofthe relationship between received noise levels and impact thresholds. A

software package combining both aspects is presented that includes 1) a sound propagation

model based on ray theory to calculate received noise levels as a function ofrange, depth, and

frequency, and 2) predictions of zones ofimpact on marine mammals around industrial sources

based upon current knowledge of noise impact thresholds.

As input parameters, the software package requires the source level and spectmm ofthe noise of

interest; physical oceanography data about the local ocean environment such as bathymetry,

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bottom and surface loss data, and sound speed profiles; and bioacoustical information about the

target species in the form of an audiogram, critical auditory bandwidths, spectra oftypical animal

vocalizations, reported sound levels of disturbance, and criteria for hearing damage. As output,

the software produces data files and plots ofthe zones of audibility, masking, disturbance, and

potential hearing damage around a noise source.

Fechelm, RG. 1999. The effect of new breaching in a Prudhoe Bay causeway on the coastal

distribution ofhumpback whitefish. Arctic 52 (4): 386-394.

Keywords: Beaufort Sea! Alaska! Prudhoe Bay/ West Dock Causeway/ Colville River/

Coregonus pidschian/Humpback Whitefish

Abstract: West Dock is a solid-gravel petroleum production causeway 4.3 km long that was

constructed along the Beaufort Sea coast near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, in the late 1970s. In the

winter of 1995-96, a breach 200 m wide was constructed 1 km from the base ofthe causeway.

Fish monitoring studies conducted during the summers of 1996 and 1997 indicated that the catch

of adult (>200 mmfork length) humpback whitefish (Coregonus pidschian) had increased

significantly east ofWest Dock relative to levels observed in the 11 previous years. Data suggest

that humpback whitefish dispersing eastward along the coast from their overwintering grounds in

the Colville River had been blocked from moving east ofWest Dock and that construction ofthe

breach has allowed these fish to extend their summer foraging range farther to the east.

Fechhelm, R G.; Martin, L. R; Gallaway, B. J.; Wilson, W. J., and Griffiths, 'V. B. 200l.

Estimating the Hydrographic Effects ofPrudhoe Bay Causeway Breaches Using the Before·

After Control-Impact (BACI) Analysis. Arctic. Jun; 54(2).

Keywords: breaching! causeways/ hydrography/ mitigation! Prudhoe Bay/ water quality/

whitefish

Abstract: A Before-After Control-Impact (BACI) analysis was used to test the effects ofnew

breaches constructed in two Prudhoe Bay causeways on hydrographic conditions during the

open-water summer season. At West Dock, under east wind conditions, significant crosscauseway differentials in salinity and temperature at the surface (1 m depth or less) were

observed in all eight pre-breach cases tested. In the years following construction ofthe breach,

there were no significant cross-causeway differentials in seven ofthose eight cases. At Endicott

Causeway, under east wind conditions, significant cross-causeway differentials in surface

salinity and temperature were observed in all eight pre-breach cases tested. Significant crosscauseway differentials continued in all eight cases following construction ofthe new breach.

Results suggest that the new breach at West Dock has successfully mitigated cross-causeway

hydrographic differentials, and that the new breach at the Endicott Causeway has had no

observable effect. The possible reasons for this disparity include different hydrographic

dynamics in the vicinity of each causeway.

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Federal Register, Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service. 2000. Marine

Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities. Final Rule. 50 CFR Part 18.

Keywords: polar bears/ Pacific walrus/ incidental take/ Alaska! Beaufort Sea

Abstract: These regulations authorize the incidental, unintentional take ofsmall numbers of

polar bears and Pacific walrus during year-round oil and gas industry (Industry) exploration,

development, and production operations in the Beaufort Sea and adjacent northern coast of

Alaska.

We made a finding that the total expected takings of polar bear and Pacific walrus during oil and

gas industry exploration, development, and production activities will have a negligible impact on

these species and will have no unmitigable adverse impacts on the availability ofthese species of

subsistence use by Alaska Natives. We base this finding on results from 6 years ofmonitoring

interactions between marine mammals and Industry and using oil trajectory models and polar

bear density models to determine the likelihood ofimpacts to polar bears should an accidental oil

release occur.

Ferguson, S. H.; Taylor, M. K; Rosing-Asvid, A.; Born, E. W., and Messier, F. 2000.

Relationships Between Denning ofPolar Bears and Conditions of Sea Ice. Journal of

Mammalogy. Nov; 81(4).

Keywords: annual ice/ den use/ dormancy/ seasonality/ sheltering! Ursus maritimus/ Eastern

Beaufort Sea! fasting endurance/ southern ocean! life history/ free period! serum urea! home- ,

range/ seasonality/ creatinine

Abstract: We examined shelter and maternity dens used by 97 adult female polar bears (Ursus

maritimus) in relation to conditions ofsea ice. Obligate use ofmaternity dens for pregnancy,

birth, and lactation varied little with latitude or area. In contrast, timing offacultative use of

shelter dens switched from autumn in the southern area «70 degrees N) to winter in the northern

area (>75 degrees N). For the southern area, 13 of 16 female polar bears used shelter dens in

autumn versus winter (median dates of entry and exit, 11 September and 2 November; total = 56

days), whereas in the northern area, 11 of 17 bears used shelter dens in winter versus autumn

(median dates, 24 December and 2 March; total = 65 days). Difference in facultative use of

shelter dens was associated with conditions ofsea ice, southern regions had no sea ice when

polar bears used shelter dens. In contrast, northern areas had more constant ice conditions that

included presence ofice throughout the year. Southern regions seem to have greater primary

productivity and more seals as a result of a pronounced seasonal cycle of annual ice. Polar bears

in northern areas responded to the more constant ice conditions and less productive environment

with use ofshelter dens during the period with lowest seal accessibility.

Ferrero, R.C.; DeMaster, D.P.; Hill, P.S.; Muto, M.M., and Lopez, A.L. 2000. Alaska

Marine Mammal Stock Assessments. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-119.

Alaska Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center. Seattle, Washington.

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Keywords: Beaufort Sea! North Slope/ Alaska! marine mammals/ pinnipeds/ cetaceans/ Marine

Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)/ Public Law 103-238/ incidental take/ commercial fisheries/

native subsistence harvest! stock assessment! population estimate/ potential biological removal

(PBR)/ BelugaWhale/ Delphinapterus leucas

,Abstract: This report provides population information on stocks ofseven species ofpinnipeds

and 15 species of cetacean marine mammal Alaska under the jurisdiction ofthe National Marine

Fisheries Service. Public Law 103-238, enacted in April 1994, changed provisions within the

Marine Mammal Protection Act, whereupon interactions between commercial fisheries and

marine mammals (including incidental takes) are addressed under three new provisions requiring

a regional scientific review group to advise and report on the status ofmarine mammals in

Alaska waters. This new law replaced the interim exemption that had regulated fisheries-related

incidental takes since 1988. Stock assessment is provided for the beluga whale (Delphinapterus

leucas), which occurs in both nearshore and offshore waters ofthe North Slope environment in

the Beaufort Sea. Population size estimate for the Beaufort Sea population is 39,258 and the

stock is considered to be stable or increasing. A productivity rate is not available. The potential

biological removal (PBR) rate is estimated to be 649 animals per year. No reports ofmortality

incidental to commercial fisheries have been reported in recent years. The average annual take

for Alaska native subsistence harvest averaged 61 animals for the years 1993 to 1997.

Garbarino, J. R.; Snyder-Conn, E.; Leiker, T. J., and Hoffman, G. L. 2002. Contaminants

in Arctic Snow Collected Over Northwest Alaskan Sea Ice. Water Air and Soil Pollution. Sep;

139(1-4).

Keywords: Alaska! anions/ Arctic/ atmospheric/ Beaufort! cations/ chlorpyrifos/ Chukchi/

contaminants/ mercury/ metals/ organochlorine/ snow/ aerosol chemical components/ plasma

mass spectrometry/ atmospheric mercury/ trace-elements/ seasonal variations/ heavy metals/

polychlorinated biphenyls/ toxicological assessment! peregrine falcons/ pollution aerosol

Abstract: Snow cores were collected over sea ice from four northwest Alaskan Arctic estuaries

that represented the annual snowfall from the 1995-1996 season. Dissolved trace metals, major

cations and anions, total mercury, and organochlorine compounds were determined and

compared to concentrations in previous arctic studies. Traces «4 nanograms per liter, ng L-1) of

cis- and trans-chlordane, dimethyI2,3,5,6-tetrachloroterephthalate, dieldrin, endosulfan II, and

PCBs were detected in some samples, with endosulfan I consistently present. High chlorpyrifos

concentrations (70-80 ng L-1) also were estimated at three sites. The snow was highly enriched

in sulfates (69-394 mg L-1), with high proportions ofnon-sea salt sulfates at three offive sites (9

of 15 samples), thus indicating possible contamination through long-distance transport and

deposition ofsulfate-rich atmospheric aerosols. Mercury, cadmium, chromium, molybdenum,

and uranium were typically higher in the marine snow (n = 15) in relation to snow from arctic

terrestrial studies, whereas cations associated with terrigenous sources, such as aluminum,

frequently were lower over the sea ice. One Kasegaluk Lagoon site (Chukchi Sea) had

especially high concentrations oftotal mercury (mean = 214 ng L-l, standard deviation = 5 ng L1), but no methyl mercury was detected above the method detection limit (0.036 ng L-1) at any

19
ofthe sites. Elevated concentrations ofsulfate, mercury, and certain heavy metals might indicate

mechanisms of contaminant loss from the arctic atmosphere over marine water not previously

reported over land areas. Scavenging by snow, fog, or riming processes and the high content of

deposited halides might facilitate the loss ofsuch contaminants from the atmosphere. Both the

mercury and chlorpyrifos concentrations merit further investigation in view oftheir toxicity to

aquatic organisms at low concentrations.

Gibson, J. A. E.; Vincent, W. F.; Nieke, B., and Pienitz, R. 2000. Control ofBiological

Exposure to UV Radiation in the Arctic Ocean: Comparison ofthe Roles ofOzone and Riverine

Dissolved Organic Matter. Arctic. Dec; 53(4).

Keywords: Arctic/ CDOM/ DNA! global change/ ozone depletion/ phytoplankton! Siberia!

transparency/ ultraviolet radiation! fresh water balance/ natural waters/ Laptev Sea! Lena River/

carbon! phytoplankton! inhibition! absorption! depletion

Abstract: Reports ofsevere stratospheric ozone depletion over the Arctic have heightened

concern about the potential impact ofrising ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation on north polar

aquatic ecosystems. Our optical measurements and modeling results indicate that the ozonerelated UV-B influence on food web processes in the Arctic Ocean is likely to be small relative

to the effects caused by variation in the concentrations ofnatural UV-absorbing compounds,

known as chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), that enter the Arctic basin via its

large river inflows. The aim ofour present stUdy was to develop and apply a simple bio-optical

index that takes into account the combined effects of attenuation by atmospheric ozone and water

column CDOM, and photobiological weighting for high-latitude environments such as the Arctic

Ocean. To this end, we computed values for a biologically effective UV dose rate parameter

("weighted transparency" or T*) based on underwater UV measurements in high-latitude lakes

and rivers that discharge into the Arctic Ocean; measured incident UV radiation at Barrow,

Alaska: and published biological weighting curves for UV-induced DNA damage and UV

photoinhibition of photosynthesis. The results underscore how strongly the Arctic Ocean is

influenced by riverine inputs: shifts in CDOM loading (e.g., through climate change, land-use

practices, or changes in ocean circulation) can cause variations in biological UV exposure of

much greater magnitude than ozone-related effects.

Harris, R. E.; Miller, G. W., and Richardson, W. J. 2001. Seal Responses to Airgun Sounds

during Summer Seismic Surveys in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. Marine Mammal Science. Oct;

17(4).

Keywords: ringed seal! Phoca hispida/ Beaufort Sea! Alaska! Arctic/ seismic disturbance/

airgun array/ underwater noise/ behavior/ harassment! underwater

Abstract: Numbers, sighting distances, and behavior ofseals were studied during a nearshore

seismic program off northern Alaska in July-September 1996. We observed from the seismic

vessel for 885.6 h, including all periods (day and night) when airguns operated and many periods

without airguns. Of422 seals seen, 421 were seen in daylight; 91.8% were ringed seals, 7.3%

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were bearded seals, and 0.9% were spotted seals. About 79% were first seen within 250 m ofthe

seismic boat, and sighting rate declined rapidly at lateral distances >50 m. During daylight, seals

were seen at nearly identical rates (0.60-0.63/ h) during periods with no airguns firing, one

airgun, and a "full-array" of 8- 11 120-in3 airguns. However, seals tended to be farther away (P

< 0.0001) during full-array seismic. There was partial avoidance ofthe zone <150 m from the

boat during full-array seismic, but seals apparently did not move much beyond 250 m.

"Swimming away" was more common during full-array than no-airgun periods, but relative

frequencies offive behaviors did not differ significantly among distance categories. Airgun

operations were interrupted 112 times when seals were sighted within safety radii (150-250 m).

The National Marine Fisheries Service specified these radii in the Incidental Harassment

Authorization issued for the project; they are based on a 190 dB re IIl-Pa (rms) criterion for

broadband received level. Methods for estimating numbers ofseals potentially affected by the

seismic program are described, and effectiveness ofmonitoring and mitigation is discussed.

There is an urgent need for more data on effects ofstrong seismic pulses on seals.

Headley, J. V.; Marsh, P.; Akre, C. J.; Peru, K. M., and Lesack, L. 2002. Origin of

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Lake Sediments ofthe Mackenzie Delta. Journal of

Environmental Science and Health Part a-ToxiclHazardous Substances & Environmental

Engineering. 37(7).

Keywords: PAHs/ Mackenzie River/ alkylated PAHs/ sediment! mass spectrometry/ Beaufort

Sea! river/ Canada! shelf

Abstract: The concentrations and distribution ofpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were

assessed in sediment cores from among 14 lakes from three regions comprising a transect across

the central Mackenzie Delta. PAHs were consistently found in the lake sediments, with parent

concentrations in the 20-200 ng/g range. Concentrations were generally independent of depth in

the sediment cores and this pattern was similar among the 3 regions ofthe delta. Concentrations

increased in a westerly direction among the regions. For some lakes, the concentration ofPAHs

decreased with decreasing flooding frequency, and decreasing sedimentation rates. For the

latter, maximum concentrations occurred at shallower depths within the sediment cores as

flooding frequency among the lakes decreased. The distributions ofC-0-C-4 alkylated 2- and 3-

ring PAHs were consistent with a petrogenic origin, while the corresponding distribution of 4-

ring PAHs appears to be more consistent with a biogenic or pyrogenic origin. Based on relative

contributions to the overall PAH budget, a petrogenic source appears to be dominant. However,

the pyrene/fluoranthene ratio is more consistent with a source derived from peat. The alkylated

PAH profiles are inconsistent with those in the Athabasca River system, and support a previously

published hypothesis that the contribution ofPAHs from the Athabasca oil sands to the lower

Mackenzie River is minimal. A double ratio plot of chrysene vs. dibenzothiophene, diagnostic of

weathering, suggests most weathering occurred before the sediments were deposited in the lakes,

while a double ratio plot of dibenzothiophene vs. phenanthrene suggests a common source of

PAHs across the delta, despite differing water sources from east to west across the delta. PAH

inputs to the delta appear to mirror sediment inputs documented in previous work, where high

sediment input from the Mackenzie mainstem during high floods dominates the delta sediment

influx and masks any influence ofthe Peel River.

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Hequette, A.; Desrosiers, M.; Hill, P. R., and Forbes, D. L. 2001. The Influence ofCoastal

Morphology on Shoreface Sediment Transport under Storm-Combined Flows, Canadian

Beaufort Sea. Journal of Coastal Research. Summer; 17(3).

Keywords: shoreface sediment transport/ combined flows/ storm surges/ Beaufort Sea! Canada!

Continental Shelf! Atlantic Bight! currents/ model/ beach! spit

Abstract: Wind, wave and current measurements were carried in the nearshore zone ofthe

Canadian Beaufort Sea at two coastal sites having distinct morphologies. The first site is a sandy

beach backed by a low bluff, while the second site consists oflow-lying barriers. Computation

of potential sediment transport using a numerical model for combined flow conditions (Li and

Amos, 1993) suggests that coastal morphologymay playa significant role on circulation and

sediment transport on the shoreface during storm events. Downwelling near-bottom currents and

offshore sediment transport were observed at all sites during storm surges, but with some

variations in the shoreface current patterns and sediment transport. According to the numerical

model used in this study, offshore sediment transport is more significant where the beach is

backed by a bluff acting as a natural barrier. Such condition appears to be favorable to the

development ofstrong seaward-directed horizontal pressure gradients that drive offshore bottom

currents. Along low barriers that are easily submerged and overwashed, sediment transport is

mainly directed obliquely offshore due to more limited set-up ofsea level at the coast during

storm surges. These results suggest that coastal morphology may be responsible for variable

offshore sediment dispersal on the shoreface during storms. Our results show that sediment may

be transported offshore to depthsfrom which fairweather waves may not he capable ofreturning

the material onshore. Consequently, a loss ofmaterial to the offshore may be greater where

overwashing is restricted due to the presence of a coastal feature that acts as a boundary for

onshore-driven surface waters.

Hoekstra, P. F.; Dehn, L. A.; George, J. c.; Solomon, K. R.; Muir, D. C. G., and O'Hara, T.

M. 2002. Trophic Ecology ofBowhead Whales (Balaena mysticetus) Compared with that of'

Other Arctic Marine Biota as Interpreted from Carbon-, Nitrogen~, and Sulfur-Isotope

Signatures. Canadian Journal ofZoology. Feb; 80(2).

Keywords: stable isotopes/ tissues/ fractionation! delta-C-13/ zooplankton! delta-N··15/

migration! turnover/ growth! diet

Abstract: In this study, stable carbon (delta(13)C), nitrogen (delta(15)N), and sulfur (delta(34)S)

isotope ratios were measured in muscle tissue from the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Sea population

ofbowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus; n = 84) and various marine biota between 1997 and

2000. In previous investigations, stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in baleen from this

population have been used to elucidate age, migratory behavior, and feeding ecology. However,

information on delta(13)C, delta(l5)N, and delta(34)S isotope patterns in bowhead whale muscle

tissue and variability within the Bering Sea population is limited. Stable sulfur isotope values

did not vary with delta(13)C enrichment for three consecutive seasons (n == 53) and this suggests

22
that habitat selection by bowhead whales was consistent over the sampling period. We found

that in contrast to other studies, seasonal differences (spring versus fall) in delta(13)C values

were not associated with seasonal changes in delta(15)N values, suggesting either that bowhead

whales maintain a consistently lower trophic position relative to other marine mammals or that

stable carbon and nitrogen isotope fractionation is tissue~dependent and (or) isotope-dependent

within this species. Seasonal fluctuation in delta(13)C values was consistent for all age classes

of bowhead whales and suggests that the Bering and Beaufort seas are both important regions for

feeding.

Hoekstra, P. F.; O'Hara, T. M.; Pallant, S.(J.; Solomon, K R.,and Muir, D. C. G. 2002.

Bioaccumulation of Organochlorine Contaminants in Bowhead Whales (Balaena mysticetus)

from Barrow, Alaska. Archives ofEnvironmental Contamination and Toxicology. May; 42(4).

Keywords: technical toxaphene/ Atlantic right whale/ marine food web/ Northwater Polynya!

persistent organochlorines/ Balaenoptera acutorostrata/ polychlorinated biphenyls/ Eubalaena

glacialis/ aquatic biota! bowhead whale/ Balaena mysticetus/ Alaska! DDT/ chlordanes/

chlorobenzene/ hexachlorocyclohexane/ DDE/ biomagnification/ bioaccumulation

Abstract: Bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) blubber (n = 72) and liver (n = 23) samples were

collected during seven consecutive subsistence harvests (1997-2000) at Barrowj Alaska, to

investigate the bioaccumulation of organochlorine contaminants (OCs) by this long·lived

mysticete. The rank order ofOC group concentrations (geometric mean, wet weight) in

bowhead blubber samples were toxaphene (TOX; 455 ng/g) > polychlorinated biphenyls

(SigmaPCBs 410 ng/g) > dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane-related compounds (SigmaDDT; 331

ng/g) greater than or equal to hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (SigmaHCHs; 203 ng/g) greater

than or equal to chlordanes and related isomers (SigmaCHLOR; 183 ng/g) > chlorobenzenes

(SigmaCIBz, 106 ng/g). In liverj SigmaHCH (9.5 ng/g; wet weight) was the most abundant

SigmaOC group, followed by SigmaPCBs (9.1 ng/g) greater than or equal to TOX (8.8 ng/g)

greater than or equal to SigmaCHLOR (5.5 ng/g) > SigmaCIBz (4.2 ng/g) greater than or equal

to SigmaDDT (3.7 ng/g). The dominant analyte in blubber and liver was p,p·-DDE and alphaHCH, respectively. Total TOX, SigmaPCBs, SigmaDDT, and SigmaCHLOR concentrations in

blubber generally increased with age ofmale whales (as interpreted by body length), but this

relationship was not significant for adult female whales. Biomagnification factor (BMF) values

(0.1~45.5) for OCs from zooplankton (Calanus sp.) to bowhead whale were consistent with

findings for other mysticetes. Tissue~specific differences in OC patterns in blubber and liver

may be attributed to variation oftissue composition and the relatively low capacity ofthis

species to biotransform various OCs. Principal component analysis of contaminants levels in

bowhead blubber samples suggest that proportions ofOCs, such as beta-HCH, fluctuate with

seasonal migration ofthis species between the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas.

Hoekstra, P. F.; Wong, C. S.; O'Hara, T. M.; Solomon, K R.; Mabury, S. A., and Muir, D.

C. G. 2002. Enantiomer-Specific Accumulation ofPCB Atropisomers in the Bowhead Whale

(Balaena mysticetus). Environmental Science & Technology. Apr 1; 36(7).

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Keywords: polychlorinated biphenyl congeners/ Narwhal monodon monoceros/ Delphinapterus

leucas/ organochlorine contaminants/ Balaenoptera acutorostrata/ marine environment!

Mediterranean Sea! cytochromes P450/ food chain! metabolism! bowhead whale/ balaena

mysticetus

Abstract: Blubber (n = 40) and liver (n = 20) samples from the bowhead whale (Balaena

mysticetus) were collected during the 1997-1998 Native (Inuit) subsistence harvests in Barrow,

AK. Bowhead tissues and zooplankton were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)

concentrations and the enantiomeric fractions (EFs) of eight chiral PCB congeners (PCB 91, 95,

135, 136, 149, 174, 176, and 183) to quantify the enantiomer-specific accumulation of PCBs in

this cetacean. PCB concentrations in bowhead blubber were low (mean +/- 1 SE: 610 +/- 54 ng

g(-I) lipid) relative to other cetaceans. The accumulation ofseveral chiral PCBs (PCB 91, 135,

149, 174, 176, and 183) in bowhead blubber was enantiomer-specific relative to bowhead liver

and zooplankton, suggesting that biotransformation processes within the bowhead whale are

enantioselective. The EFs for PCB 95 and 149 were significantly correlated with body length in

male and female whales, while EFs for PCB 91 correlated with length in males only. Despite

evidence for enantioselective biotransformation, all three congeners bioaccumulated in the

bowhead relative to PCB 153. Results suggest that enantioselective accumulation ofPCB 91,

95, and 149 is influenced by PCB concentrations, age, and/or the modification of an

uncharacterized stereoselective process (or processes) during sexual maturity.

Hudak, D. R. and Young, J. M. C. 2002. Storm Climatology ofthe Southern Beaufort Sea.

Atmosphere-Ocean. Jun; 40(2).

Keywords: ice cover/ EI-Nino/ Tuktoyaktuk/ hemisphere/ features/ Canada! trends/ cycles/

water/ warm! Beaufort Sea

Abstract: Building on the expertise from the Beaufort Weather Office, an objective method of

identifying storm periods in the southern Beaufort Sea area based on surface wind speed criteria

was developed. Algorithms that used hourly observations from Tuktoyaktuk and Sachs Harbour

were trained to identify storm periods over the southern Beaufort Sea. The Master List produced

by Eid and Cardone (1992) was used as a training set to tune the algorithms. A check with

independent observations taken by a drilling platform verified the soundness ofthe approach.

The National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis dataset was used to

characterize storm type. In doing so, upper air data were introduced to the classification process.

The important variables were 50-kPa wind speed and direction, and the 85-kPa temperature. The

former variable is a reflection ofthe steering current ofthe storm systems while the latter is

related to airmass characteristics within the storm system. The algorithms were applied to the

1970 to 1995 time period for the months ofJune to November inclusive. On the average; there

were 14 storms per storm season, with a standard deviation of5. The years 1976 to 1982 were

the most stormy with an average of 19 storms per storm season. There was no discernab1e trend

in the storm frequency over the 25-year period. By month, October had the highest storm

frequency, July the lowest. The average 50-kPa wind direction during storm periods was used to

classify the storms as Arctic, Pacific or Irregular. The three storm types were further subdivided

based on the average 50-kPa wind speed and the 85-kPa temperature change. Overall, 58% of

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the storms were Arctic, 27% Pacific and 15% Irregular. There was an indication that Pacific

storms have become less frequent in recent years. This decrease was the result of an absence of

Pacific storms associated with relatively small net 85-kPa temperature changes. The data were

then stratified by El Nino episodes. There were more storms during El Nino years because of an

increase in Arctic storms. However, despite this overall increase, there was a decrease in the

percentage ofArctic storms associated with strong cold air outbreaks. This storm information

was used to aid in the interpretation oftwo studies related to conditions in 1994. The first was

the Beaufort and Arctic Storms Experiment and the second the 1994/95 water year ofthe

Mackenzie River basin.

Krembs, C.; Eicken, H.; Junge, K., and Deming, J. W. 2002. High Concentrations of

Exopolymeric Substances in Arctic Winter Sea Ice: Implications for the Polar Ocean Carbon

Cycle and Cryoprotection ofDiatoms. Deep·Sea Research Part I·Oceanographic R(~search

Papers. Dec; 49(12).

Keywords: Arctic/ sea ice/ polysaccharides/ exopolymers/ diatom! carboni dissolved organicmatter/ nutrient concentrations/ microbial biofilms/ particles tep/ Weddell Seal pack ice/ water/

growth! brine/ temperatures

Abstract: Exopolymeric substances (EPS) produced by microorganisms play important roles in

various aquatic, porous, and extreme environments. Only recently has their occurrence in sea ice

been considered. We used macroscopic and microscopic approaches to study the content and

possible ecological role ofEPS in wintertime fast ice near Barrow, Alaska (71 degrees 20' N,

156 degrees 40' W). Using Alcian blue staining ofmelted ice samples, we observed high

concentrations ofEPS in all samples examined, ranging from 0.79 to 7.71 mg xanthan gum

equivalents (XGEQV)1(-1). Areal conversions to carbon equivalents yielded 1.5·1.9gCm(-2) ice

in March and 3.3-4.0gCm(·2) in May (when the ice was thicker). Although EPS did not

correlate with macronutrient or pigment data, the latter analyses indicated ongoing or recent

biological activity in the ice within temperature horizons of-lldegreesC to -9degreesC and

warmer. EPS correlated positively with bacterial abundance (although no functional relationship

could be deduced) and with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations. Ratios of

EPSIDOC decreased at colder temperatures within the core, arguing against physical conversion

ofDOC to EPS during freezing. When sea-ice segments were maintained at represe:ntative

winter temperatures (-5 degrees C,-15 degrees C and -25 degrees C) for 3-14 months, the total

EPS content increased significantly at rates of 5·47 mug XGEQVl(-1 )d(-1), similar to published

rates ofEPS production by diatoms. Microscopic images ofice-core sections at these very cold

temperatures, using a recently developed non-invasive method, revealed diatoms sequestered in

spacious brine pockets, intact autofluorescent chloroplasts in 47% ofthe (pennate) diatoms

observed, and indications ofmucus in diatom-containing pores. The high concentrations ofEPS

detected in these winter ice cores represent a previously unrecognized form of organic matter

that may contribute significantly to polar ocean carbon cycles, not only within the ice but after

springtime release into the water column. The EPS present in very high concentrations in the

brine ofthese microhabitats appear to play important buffering and cryoprotectant roles for

microorganisms, especially diatoms, against harsh winter conditions ofhigh salinity and

potential ice-crystal damage.

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Krutzikowski, G.K. and Mate, B.R. 2000. Dive and surfacing characteristics of bowhead

whales (Balaena mysticetus) in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Can. 1. Zool. 78: 1182-1198.

Keywords: Beaufort Sea! Chukchi Sea! bowhead whale/ Balaena mysticetus/ ice cover/ whale

diving depth! whale diving duration

Abstract: We received data from eight bowhead whales instrumented with satellite-monitored

radio tags for 3 to 33 days. Of 42,306 dives made by eight whales during 1,695 h, 9,,573 were

sounding dives (>1 min). Mean duration ofsounding dives for individuals varied from 6.9 to

14.1 min (= 10.4 ± 2.4 min, n = 8). Five whales recorded dives ,,61 min; longest dives for the

other three were 56, 45, and 32 min. Five tags measured maximum depths of 29,499 dives during

1220 hand time-at-depth during 1228 h. All five whales dived >100 m; the deepest dive was 352

m. Whales spent most oftheir time at depths £16 m, but three whales spent most oftheir time

>48 m during some sampling periods. Mean surfacing rates ranged from 18.2 to 47.0

surfacings/h (= 26.2 ± 9.0, n = 8). Tags were exposed to air 4.0 to 7.3% ofthe time (= 5.5 ±

0.95, n = 8), and whales were potentially visible from aircraft 8.5 to 16.4% ofthe time ( = 11.1 ±

2.4, n =8). Three whales made longer sounding dives and had lower surfacing rates when in ice

cover >90%. No consistent diet patterns were found.

Kucklick, J. R; Struntz, W. D. J.; Becker, P. R; York, G. W.; O'Hara, T.M., and

Bohonowych, J. E. 2002. Persistent Organochlorine Pollutants in Ringed Seals and Polar Bears

Collected From Northern Alaska. Science ofthe Total Environment. Mar 15; 287(1-2).

Keywords: ringed seal! polar bear/ Alaska! Arctic/ persistent organochlorine pollutants/

organochlorines/ bioaccumulation/ polychlorinated biphenyl congeners/ marine food chains/

Phoca hispida/ Ursus maritimus/ Northwest Territories/ contaminant levels/ temporal trends/

bowhead whales/ pesticides/ blubber

Abstract: Blubber samples from ringed seal (Phoca hispida; n = 8) and polar bear subcutaneous

fat (Ursus maritimus; n= 5) were collected near Barrow, Alaska in 1996 as part ofthe Alaska

Marine Mammal Tissue Archival Project (AMMTAP) and retained in the National

Biomonitoring Specimen Bank at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in

Gaithersburg, Maryland (USA). The samples were analyzed for a variety ofpersistent

organochlorine pollutants (POPs) including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),

hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), chlordane and metabolites, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and

DDTs and metabolites. The geometric mean, on a wet mass basis, of SigmaPCBs (sum of29

congeners and congener groups) were 732 +/- 282 ng/g (1 SD) in seals and 3395 +/- 1442 ng/g in

polar bears. The geometric mean ofSigmaDDTs, SigmaRCHs (alpha-, beta- and gamma- HCR)

and HCB concentrations (wet mass basis) in seals and bears were 562 +/- 261 ng/g vs. 74.8 +/-

39 ng/g, 380 +/- 213 ng/g vs. 515 ng/g, and 17.4 +/- 10.1 ng/g vs. 183 +/- 153 ng/g, respectively.

The geometric mean sum of chlordane (Sigmachlordane, sum of cis- and trans-chlordane, cisand trans-nonachlor, oxychlordane and heptachlor epoxide) and dieldrin concentrations in ringed

seals and polar bears were 753 +/- 617 ng/g vs. 720 +/- 315 ng/g and 38.6 +/- 22.8 ng/g vs. 130

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+/- 65 ng/g, respectively. Apparent bioaccumulation factors (polar bear/ringed seal POP

concentrations) were lower in the animals sampled near Barrow, Alaska than in those from

locations in the Canadian Arctic. This suggests that polar bears are also preying on marine

mammals from lower trophic levels than the ringed seals with correspondingly lower

organochlorine levels, such as bowhead whale carcasses. PCB congener patterns in the samples

demonstrated the metabolism of certain PCB congeners in the polar bear relative to the ringed

seal in agreement with previous studies. Regional comparisons of animals collected in Alaska

and Arctic Canada are presented.

Kumar, K. S.; Kannan, K.; Corsolini, S.; Evans, T.; Giesy, J. P.; Nakanishi, J., and

Masunaga, S. 2002. Polychlorinated Dibenzo-P-Dioxins, Dibenzofurans and Polychlorinated

Biphenyls in Polar Bear, Penguin and South Polar Skua. Environmental Pollution. 119(2).

Keywords: Antarctic/ Arctic/ PCBs/ PCDD/ DF/ polar bear/ penguin/ South Polar Skua! isomerspecific analysis/ Mediterranean Sea! breeding season! risk assessment! marine mammals/ PCBs/

Antarctica! pollution! seabirds

Abstract: Concentrations of2378-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs),

dibenzofurans (DFs) and non- and mono-ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls (dioxin-like

PCBs) were measured in livers ofpolar bears from the Alaskan Arctic and in eggs ofAdelie

penguin and south polar skua and weddell seal liver, fish and krill from Antarctica. This is one

ofthe first reports to document the concentrations ofPCDDs/DFs in polar bear livers from

Alaska, and in penguin and skua eggs from Antarctica. Concentrations oftotal PCDD/DFs in

livers ofpolar bears ranged from 8 to 66 (mean: 26) pg/g, on a lipid weight basis.

Concentrations oftotal PCDD/DFs in Antarctic samples were in the increasing order on a lipid

weight basis; weddell seal liver (8.9 pg/g) < fish (11-17 pg/g) < krill (27 pg/g) < penguin eggs

(mean: 23 pg/g) < south polar skua eggs (mean: 181 pg/g). Concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs

(including two di-ortho congeners) in polar bear livers were in the range of 1080-3930 ng/g, lipid

wt. Concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs in Antarctic samples were in the following order on a

lipid weight basis; south polar skua eggs (mean: 1440 ng/g) > > penguin eggs (30 ng/g) > seal

liver (57 ng/g) >fishes (6.2 ng/g) > krill (0.9 ng/g). Concentrations of 2378-tetrachlorodibenzop-dioxinequivalents (TEQs) calculated based on the WHO TEFs were higher in the eggs of

polar skua (mean: 344; range: 220-650 pg/g, lipid wt.) from Antarctica than in polar bear livers

from Alaska (mean: 120; range: 69-192 pg/g). In general, concentrations ofPCDFs were greater

than those ofPCDDs in polar organisms. 23478-PeCDF is one ofthe dominant congener found

in several samples. Concentrations ofTEQs in polar bear livers and skua eggs were close to

those that may cause adverse health effects. Dioxin-like PCBs, particularly, non-ortho coplanar

PCBs were the major contributors to TEQ concentrations in penguin and skua eggs whereas

mono-ortho PCBs accounted for a major portion ofTEQs in polar bear livers.

Kumar, N.; Bird, K. J.; Nelson, P. H; Grow, J. A., and Evans, K. R. 2002. A Digital Atlas

ofHydrocarbon Accumulations within and Adjacent to the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska

(NPRA).

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Keywords: National Petroleum Reserve Alaska! NPRN Alpine Field! petroleum reserves

Introduction: The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has initiated a project to reassess the

hydrocarbon potential ofthe NPRA. Although exploration for hydrocarbons in the NPRA was

initiated in 1944, it has taken fifty years for the first commercial discovery to be made. That

discovery, the Alpine field (projected recoverable reserves of 430 million barrels), was made in

1994 along the eastern boundary ofthe NPRA. This field produces from a formation heretofore

considered to be mostly a source rock. The Alpine discovery made such a reassessment

necessary. As part ofthis assessment, we have compiled stratigraphic, structural, petrophysical,

and seismic data related to nineteen accumulations within and nearby the NPRA. The goal is to

provide basic documentation and a set of analog accumulations for the new assessment.

The first two displays ofthis atlas consist of a location map and a stratigraphic column showing

the stratigraphic settings for the primary reservoir and source rocks for these accumulations. The

third display is a table listing each accumulation and providing the hydrocarbon fluid type,

reservoir, operator, status, and discovery well and date for each. Compilation of basic

information for each individual accumulation follows these displays. A typical compilation

includes a structure contour map on or near the reservoir horizon, a log display ofthe discovery

well with reservoir characteristics along with figures for recoverable volumes, and one or two

seismic lines across or near the accumulation.

Marquette, W. M. 2002. Annotated bibliography ofthe bowhead Whale, Balaena

mysticetus, 1767-1983.

Keywords: bowhead whale/ Balaena mysticetus/ Alaskan Eskimos/ whaling! bibliography

Abstract: The bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus, is now an endangered species following an

intensive commercial fishery for this cetacean for about 300 years, first in the North Atlantic

Arctic from 1610 to 1910, then in the North Pacific Arctic from 1848 to 1910. The intensive

annual hunt by hundreds ofwhaling vessels reduced the estimated residual bowhead population

in the North Atlantic Ocean to a few hundred animals and that in the North Pacific Ocean to one

or two thousand. Because ofthe precarious status ofthe bowhead, beginning in 1972 the

Scientific Committee ofthe International Whaling Commission (IWC) expressed concern about

the lack ofinformation on the status ofthe western Arctic bowhead, especially because ofthe

continuing annual harvest by Alaskan Eskimos for subsistence and cultural purposes. The IWC

was specifically concerned by the lack ofinformation on population abundance, on the size of

and trends in the subsistence harvest, and on the number ofwhales which were struck and lost

during the hunt. As part of a research program begun in 1973 by the National Marine Mammal

Laboratory, an extensive search ofthe literature was conducted to obtain information needed by

scientists studying the natural history and historical record ofthe shore-based whaling effort and

catch for this endangered species. References on commercial whaling also were collected. The

results ofthe literature search are presented here as an annotated bibliography ofselected

references on the bowhead whale covering the period of 1767 to 1983.

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Masterson, W.D. 2000. Petroleum generation, migration, and filling history models for the

Prudhoe Bay, Kuparuk, and West Sak fields, North Slope, Alaska. Arner. Assoc. Petrol Geol.

Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 16-19.

Keywords: North Slope/ Alaska! Prudhoe Bay/ Kuparuk/ West Saki petroleum generation!

Shublik fonnation! Kingak shale

Abstract: The petroleum generation and migration history ofthe central Alaskan North Slope

coast between the Canning and Colville Rivers was reconstructed with map-based burial history

models. Regional structure maps of 6 horizons were combined with source rock oil generation

kinetics for Triassic marine carbonate (Shublik Fonnation), Cretaceous marine shale (HRZ

Fonnation), and Jurassic marine shale (Kingak Fonnation) to model the filling history ofthe

Prudhoe Bay, Kuparuk, and West Sak fields. Maximum burial ofsource rocks in the central

Alaskan North Slope occurred between Middle Eocene and Late Oligocene time (~ 45 to 23

myBP). Shublik source rock is buried less than 500 feet deeper than the Kingak Shale source

interval, but generated hydrocarbons much earlier because Shublik kerogen is sulfur~rich and

transfonns to hydrocarbons at lower temperatures than the marine shales ofthe Kingak

Fonnation.

Prudhoe Bay field oil in the Triassic Ivishak sandstone reservoir was generated primarily from

Shublik and HRZ source rocks to the south and east. Oils in Jurassic Sag River sandstone

reservoirs on the northwestern side ofthe Prudhoe Bay field are mixtures co-sourced from

Shublik carbonate and Kingak shale. Kuparuk field oils migrated vertically through faults that

connect their predominant Shublik source with the Lower Cretaceous Kuparuk River Fonnation.

West Sak field oil is a moderately biodegraded oil mixture that spilled from the Prudhoe Bay

field into Upper Cretaceous West Sak sandstone reservoirs, and a lightly biodegraded secondary

gas/condensate charge that leaked up faults from the underlying Kuparuk field.

Masterson, W. D.; Dzou, L. I. P.; Holba, A. G.; Fincannon, A. L., and Ellis, L. 200l.

Evidence for Biodegradation and Evaporative Fractionation in West Sak, Kuparuk and Prudhoe

Bay Field Areas, North Slope, Alaska. Organic Geochemistry. 32(3).

Keywords: evaporative fractionation! biodegradation! isotopes/ Alaska! Kuparukl West Saki

Prudhoe Bay/ petroleum migration! biomarkers/ GC/ IRMS/ light hydrocarbons/ natural gas/

geochemical characterization! isotopic fractionation! compositional changes/ crude oils/

petroleum! carbon! degradation! reservoir

Abstract: Oils from the West Sak, Kuparuk, and Prudhoe Bay fields on the North SJlope of

. Alaska display geochemical evidence for a complex petroleum filling history that includes

multiple sources and alteration by evaporative fractionation and biodegradation. Source-specific

biomarkers in West Sak oils indicate generation from the same source rocks in approximately the

same proportions as Prudhoe Bay field oil, consistent with the hypothesis that oil spilled from the

deeper Prudhoe accumulation and remigrated about 10 miles laterally and 5000 feet vertically

into the West Sak Field. West Sak oils are moderately biodegraded but exhibit anomalously high

concentrations of gasoline-range saturate and aromatic compounds interpreted as a secondary

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gas/condensate charge that arrived after biodegradation ofthe spilled Prudhoe oil. The

shallowest West Sak oils have less secondary gas/condensate charge, lower API gravities, and

reduced concentrations ofmethylcyclopentane, benzene, cyclohexane, 3-methylhexane, heptane,

methylcyclohexane, and toluene relative to the deepest West Sak Zone A oils. The carbon

isotopic compositions ofthese C-6 and C-7 compounds in the shallowest West Sak reservoirs are

heavier than those ofthe deepest West Sak oil reservoirs by up to 3 parts per thousand and the

isotopic compositions ofsaturate compounds are altered more than those of aromatic

compounds. The heavier isotopic compositions ofC-6 and C-7 compounds in the shallow West

Sak reservoirs are interpreted to result from a kinetic isotope shift caused by light biodegradation

ofthe secondary gas/condensate charge. West Sak field solution gas is also interpreted as

biodegraded, based upon its dryness (>98% methane), relatively high isobutane/n-butane ratio,

the presence ofisotopically heavy carbon dioxide acid isotopically light methane, and propane

that is isotopically heavier than either ethane or butane. The isotopic compositions ofmethane

and carbon dioxide in West Sak gas suggest that biogenic methane was generated during C02

reduction under anaerobic conditions. The isotopic compositions ofC-6 and C-7 compounds in

the deepest, least biodegraded West Sak oils are nearly identical to those ofthe underlying oils

from the Kuparuk Field but differ from the Prudhoe Bay Field oils. The Kuparuk Field is

therefore postulated as the source ofthe secondary gas/condensate charge observed in oils from

the West Sak Field. Ratios oftoluene/heptane and heptane/methylcyclohexane in Kuparuk oils

provide independent evidence for loss of gas and condensate from the Kuparuk reservoir by the

process of evaporative fractionation, and the oils subjected to the most evaporative 1ractionation

are isotopically heavier in the C-6-C-7 range. The isotopic compositions ofWest Sak zone A C6

and C7 hydrocarbons suggest that a slight (similar to 0.8 parts per thousand) isotopic

fractionation resulted from evaporative fractionation ofthe gas/condensate charge from the

Kuparuk Field oil accumulation. North/northeast-striking faults that connect the Kuparuk and

West Sak reservoirs provide a potential migration pathway for the secondary gas/condensate

charge through 3000 feet ofintervening shale. This model ofWest Sak oil biodegradation,

subsequent secondary gas/condensate charge, and further biodegradation has implications for

development ofNorth Slope West Sak oil reserves, because heavily biodegraded West Sak oils

that lack a secondary gas/condensate charge may be too viscous to develop by conventional

waterflooding methods.

Mate, B. R.; Krutzikowsky, G. K., and Winsor, M. H. 2000. Satellite-monitored movements

ofradio-tagged bowhead whales in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas during the late-summer

feeding season and fall migration. Can. J. Zool. 78: 1168-1181.

Keywords: Beaufort Sea! Mackenzie River Delta! Chukchi Sea! bowhead whale/ Balaena

mysticetus/ satellite monitoring! migration

Abstract: From 30 August to 6 September 1992, 12 juvenile bowhead whales were tagged with

Argos satellite-monitored radio tags in the Canadian Beaufort Sea offthe Mackenzie River

Delta. Eight tags documented 9,820 km ofmovements between 392 locations during 111 whaletracking days. The whales did not move in unison. Individual movements and average speeds

(1.1 to 5.8 km/h) varied widely. One whale stayed in Mackenzie Bay for 23.5 d while the rest

stayed an average of only 2.4 d. The majority oflocations for all whales were in shallow water:

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65% in <50 m and 87% in <100 m. Seven whales went into water>100 m and four were in water

>500 m. The whale with the longest record traveled ,,3886 kIn to Siberia in 32.5 d, averaging 5.0

km/h. Its westerly route through the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas was between 70 to 72tN and

primarily in heavy ice (ca. 90% coverage), which was continuous west of 151 tWo This whale's

speed was not significantly slower in heavy ice than in more open water. This is the first '!.'

documentation ofthe detailed route and speed for a bowhead whale during its fall migration

from Canadian to Russian waters.

Matthiessen, J.; Kunz-Pirrung, M., and Mudie, P. J. 2000. Freshwater Chlorophycean Algae

in Recent Marine Sediments ofthe Beaufort, Laptev and Kara Seas (Arctic Ocean) as Indicators

ofRiver Runoff. International Journal ofEarth Sciences. Dec; 89(3).

Keywords: Arctic Ocean! Beaufort Seal Laptev Seal Kara Seal recent sediments/ chlorophyte

distribution! freshwater discharge/ St-Erth Beds/ Southwestern England! Western Karal ice/

water/ shelf! assemblages/ entrainment! microalgae/ quaternary

Abstract: Freshwater chlorophycean algae are characteristic organic-walled microfossils in

recent coastal and shelfsediments from the Beaufort, Laptev and Kara seas (Arctic Ocean). The

persistent occurrence ofthe chlorophycean algae Pediastrum spp. and Botryococcus cf braunii

in marine palynomorph assemblages is related to the discharge offreshwater and suspended

matter from the large Siberian and North American rivers into the Arctic shelfseas. The

distribution patterns ofthese algae in the marine environments reflect the predomimmt deposition

ofriverine sediments and organic matter along the salinity gradient from the outer estuaries and

prodeltas to the shelfbreak. Sedimentary processes overprint the primary distribution ofthese

algae. Resuspension ofsediments by waves and bottom currents may transport sediments in the

bottom nepheloid layer along the submarine channels to the shelfbreak. Bottom sediments and

microfossils may be incorporated into sea ice during freeze-up in autumn and winter leading to

an export from the shelves into the deep sea. The presence ofthese freshwater algae in sea ice

and bottom sediments in the central Arctic Ocean confirm that transport in sea ice is an important

process which leads to a redistribution ofshallow water microfossils.

Moore, S. E. 2000. Variability ofCetacean Distribution and Habitat Selection in the Alaskan

Arctic, Autumn 1982-91. Arctic. Dec; 53(4).

Keywords: Alaskal Arctic/ Beaufort Seal bowhead whale/ Chukchi Seal gray whale! habitat

selection! white whale/ Cod! Boreogadus Saida/ interannual variability/ Bering Strait! Chukchi

Seal climatic change/ aerial surveys/ ice extent! waters/ ocean

Abstract: Ten years (1982-91) of autumn sighting data from aerial surveys offshore northern

Alaska were analyzed to investigate variability in cetacean distribution and habitat selection.

Habitat selection indices were calculated for bowhead, white, and gray whales in heavy,

moderate, and light ice conditions; and for high, moderate, and low transport (inflow) conditions

at Bering Strait. Bowhead whales selected shallow inner-shelfwaters during moderate and light

ice, and deeper slope habitat in heavy ice conditions (chi (2), p < 0.05 - 0.001). White whales

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selected slope habitat (chi (2), p < 0.001), and gray whales selected coastal/shoal and

shelf/trough habitat (chi (2), p < 0.025 • 0.001), in all ice conditions. In the Alaskan Beaufort

Sea, bowheads selected shelfwaters and white whales chose slope waters, without regard to

transport conditions (chi(2), P < 0.01 ·0.001). In the northern Chukchi Sea, gray whales

selected coastal/shoal habitat in high transport conditions (chi(2), p < 0.005), and shelf/trough

habitat (chi(2), p < 0.001) during moderate and low transport conditions. Variability in

distribution and habitat selection among these species is likely linked to prey availability at

dissimilar trophic levels, although this hypothesis has yet to be rigorously tested.

Moore, S.E.; DeMaster, D.P.; and Dayton, P.K. 2000. Cetacean Habitat S"election in the

Alaskan Arctic during Summer and Autumn. Arctic 53(4): 432-447.

Keywords: Alaska! Arctic/ Beaufort Sea! Chuchki Sea! bowhead whale/ Balaena mysticetus/

white whale/ Delphinapterus leucas/ gray whale/ Eschrichtius robustus/ habitat selection

Abstract: Ten years (1982 to 1991) ofsighting data from aerial surveys offshore ofnorthern

Alaska were analyzed to investigate seasonal variability in cetacean habitat selection. Distinct

habitats were described for bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), white whales (Delphinapterus

leucas), and gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) on the basis ofhabitat selection ratios

calculated for bathymetric and ice-cover regimes. In summer, bowheads selected continental

slope waters and moderate ice conditions; white whales selected slope and basin waters and

moderate to heavy ice conditions; and gray whales selected coastal/shoal waters and open water.

In autumn, bowheads selected inner-shelfwaters and light ice conditions; white whales selected

outer-shelf and slope waters and moderate to heavy ice; and gray whales selected coastal and

shoal/trough habitats in light ice and open water. Habitat differences among species were

significant in both seasons (ANOVA F > 28,p < 0.00001). Interseasonal depth and ice-cover

habitats were significantly different for bowhead whales (p < 0.00002), but not for gray whales

(p > 0.35). White whale depth habitat was significantly different between seasons (p < 0.00002),

but ice cover was not (p < 0.08).

Moran, S. B. and Smith, J. N. 2000. Th-234 as a Tracer of Scavenging and Particle Export in

the Beaufort Sea. Continental ShelfResearch. Jan; 20(2).

Keywords: thorium! scavenging! particles/ Beaufort Sea! particulate organic carboni Western

Arctic Ocean! disequilibria! seawater/ nitrogen! profiles/ water/ flux

Abstract: Water column measurements ofTh-234 were made at three stations in the shelf-slope

regime and one offshore station in the Beaufort Sea, August-September 1995, to quantify rates of

scavenging and particle export. Large-volume water samples (200-6001) were collected in situ

and dissolved and particulate Th-234 activities determined at-sea. Th-234/U·238 disequilibrium

was evident at all locations. The distribution ofthe total Th-234/U-238 activity ratio reveals a

transition, centered at the shelfbreak, from low values (0.4-0.6) over the shelfto elevated values

approaching secular equilibrium offshore. These results further constrain the extent to which

shelfscavenging and lateral transport contribute to Th-234/U-238 disequilibrium in the Arctic

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interior. Residence times of dissolved Th-234 range from similar to 25-50 disequilibrium in the

shelf and slope waters to similar to 150 d offshore, compared to similar to 12-18 d f()r particulate

234Th. Estimates ofPOC export from the upper 50 m derived from Th-234 range fi~om similar

to 4-7 mmol C m(-2) d(-1) over the shelfto similar to 1-2 mmol C m(-2) d(-1) in the slope waters

and central Beaufort.

Moulton, V. D.; Richardson, W. J.; McDonald, T. L.; Elliott, R. E., and Williams, M. T.

2002. Factors Influencing Local Abundance and Haulout Behaviour ofRinged Seals (Phoca

hispida) on Landfast Ice ofthe Alaskan Beaufort Sea. Canadian Journal ofZoology. Nov;

80(11).

Keywords: breeding habitat! Northwest Territories/ Barrow Strait! out patterns/ harp seals/

predation! Vitulinal Groenlandical Svalbard! females/ Beaufort Seal ringed seals/ Phoca hispida

Abstract: This study investigates how the local abundance ofringed seals (Phoca hispida) on

landfast ice ofthe central Alaskan Beaufort Sea is related to habitat factors and how the haulout

behaviour ofseals is influenced by temporal and weather factors. An understanding ofthese

relationships is required before the potential impacts ofindustrial activity on ringed seals can be

assessed. Intensive and replicated aerial surveys employing strip transect methodology were

conducted during the springs of 1997-1999. Data were examined with chi(2) tests and Poisson

regression. The overall observed densities ofringed seals over water depths >3 m was 0.43,

0.39, and 0.63 seals/km(2) in 1997-1999, respectively. Significantly more seals occurred over

intermediate water depths, especially 10-20 m. In all years, seals were widely distributed on the

landfast ice, but during breakup, higher numbers ofseals occurred near the ice edge. Densities

were significantly lower in areas with high ice deformation and extensive melt water. There was

no consistent relationship between seal sightings and time of day within the 10:00-18:00 period

with surveys. The peak period ofhaulout occurred around 1 and 2 June. Significantly more

ringed seals were observed on warm, cloudy days. There was no indication that limited winter

industrial activity, including ice roads and Vibroseis, occurring within the study area in 1997-

1999 significantly affected ringed seal density in spring.

Naidu, A. S.; Cooper, L. W.; Finney, B. P.; MacDonald, R. W.; Alexander, C., nnd

Semiletov, I. P. 2000. Organic Carbon Isotope Ratios (delta C-13) ofArctic Amerasian

Continental Shelf Sediments. International Journal ofEarth Sciences. Dec; 89(3).

Keywords: Arctic Amerasian Shelf! sediment carbon and nitrogen isotopes/ Chukchi Seas/

trophic relationships/ delta-N-15 analysis/ surface sediments/ coastal sediments/ margin

sediments/ Mackenzie River/ food webs/ matter/ ocean

Abstract: Organic matter origins are inferred from carbon isotope ratios (delta C-13) in recent

continental shelfsediments and major rivers from 465 locations from the north Bering-ChukchiEast Siberian-Beaufort Sea, Arctic Amerasia. Generally, there is a cross-shelfincrease in delta

C-13, which is due to progressive increased contribution seaward ofmarine-derived organic

carbon to surface sediments. This conclusion is supported by the correlations between sediment

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delta C-13, OC/N, and delta N-15. The sources oftotal organic carbon (TOC) to the: Amerasian

margin sediments are primarily from marine water-column phytoplankton and terrigenous C-3

plants constituted oftundra taiga and angiosperms. In contrast to more temperate regions, the

source ofTOC from terrigenous C-4 and CAM plants to the study area is probably insignificant

because these plants do not exist in the northern high latitudes. The input of carbon to the

northern Alaskan shelfsediments from nearshore kelp community (Laminaria solidungula) is

generally insignificant as indicated by the absence of high sediment delta C-13 values (-16.5 to -

13.6 parts per thousand) which are typical ofthe macrophytes. OUf study suggests that the

isotopic composition ofsediment TOC has potential application in reconstructing temporal

changes in delivery and accumulation of organic matter resulting from glacial-interglacial

changes in sea level and environments. Furthermore, recycling and advection ofthe extensive

deposits ofterrestrially derived organic matter from land, or the wide Amerasian margin, could

be a mechanism for elevating total C02 and pCO(2) in the Arctic Basin halocline.

National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NOAA). 2000. Summary Report. Workshop on the

design ofstudies needed for the evaluation of cumulative impacts of oil and gas exploration and

production on fall migrating bowhead whales and the fall bowhead whale subsistence hunt. In:

Workshop Proceedings, Cumulative Effects ofNorth Slope Oil and Gas Activities, Deadhorse,

Alaska, July 9-14,2001. U.S. National Academy of Sciences, Division on Earth and Life

Studies. 19 pp.

Keywords: Beaufort Sea! oil & gas exploration! bowhead whale/ Balaena mysticetus/

cumulative impacts/ subsistence harvest! behavior/ acoustic integration model! industrial noise

Abstract: Workshop objectives are summarized for development of an approach to evaluate

cumulative oil and gas exploration impacts in the Beaufort Sea upon bowhead whales for 1) the

fall whale migration; 2) the fall subsistence harvest; 3) individual whale behavior (e.g., changes

in breathing rates, swimming rates, and vocalizations); 4) use offeeding areas; and 5) whale

contaminant loads. The workshop group determined relative study priorities, concluding that a

multiyear study ofnoise impacts was the first priority with impacts related to air/water quality

and visual disturbance being oflower priority. Cumulative impacts were defined as occurring

from a single source over many years or from many sources within a single year. An acoustic

integration model was presented to examine and predict changes in swimming behavior in

response to noise sources. Types ofdata that are available and that are needed for an integrated

model were discussed, with a recommendation that any model results be confirmed by follow-up

monitoring. The workshop concluded that no survey methods currently exist which detect smallscale changes in bowhead migration paths (e.g., 1 to 2 km). An approach to designing a multiyear study to assess impacts on the whale subsistence hunt was discussed, including impacts to

the hunt as it takes place on the water, as well as socio-cultural impacts from alteration of

hunting patterns and potential loss ofresources. Recommendations were presented for means of

studying changes in individual whale behavior in response to industrial noise.

Noel, L. E.; Johnson, S. R., and O'Doherty, G. M. 2002. Aerial surveys ofmolting longtailed ducks and other waterfowl in the barrier island-lagoon systems between Spy Island and

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Brownlow Point, Alaska, 2001. Report for BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. by LGL Alaska

Research Associates, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, USA. 122 p.

Keywords: central Alaska Beaufort Seal Clangula hyemalis/ eider/ glaucous gull! Larus

hyperboreus/ long-tailed duck! marine waterbirds/ Melanitta perspicillata/ coter/ Somateria

mollissima v-nigrum

Abstract: There is concern about declines in sea duck populations in western North America and

Alaska. We collected aerial survey data for molting sea ducks and other waterfowl in central

Alaskan Beaufort Sea barrier island-lagoon systems collected during July-August 2001. These

data add to the 15 years of long~term monitoring data collected on the same survey transects over

the 25-year period since 1977. Our study objectives were to determine current distribution and

abundance ofmolting sea ducks and other waterfowl, and to compare current and historical

numbers and distributions oflong-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) in the barrier island-lagoon

system between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska. Three low-level aerial strip-transect

surveys were conducted between 23 July-II August 2001, covering 1986 linear km and 790 km2

.

Long~tailed ducks comprised 78% ofthe avian fauna in July-August 2001. This is slightly lower

than results since 1977 (80-98%) across this same survey area. Eiders, primarily common eiders

(Somateria mollissima v-nigrum), were more abundant in the eastern lagoon system (west ofthe

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; mean density ± standard error; 5.0 ± 2.13 eiders/km2); while

scoters, primarily surfscoter(Melanitta perspicillata ), were more abundant in the western

lagoon system (west of Prudhoe Bay; 1.8 ± 0.43 scoters/km2

). Geese and swans were most

abundant along the mainland shoreline in the western lagoon (6.0 ± 2.04 geese/km2

) and on

tundra transects south ofthe eastern lagoon (4.1 ± 2.28 geese/km2

). Gulls, primarily glaucous

gulls (Larus hyperboreus), were more abundant in the western lagoon system (1.5 ± 0.78

gulls/km2), compared to the eastern lagoon system (0.8 ± 0.61 gulls/km2

). During July-August

2001, density oflong-tailed ducks was highest in the eastern lagoon system (18.5 ± 15.26

ducks/km2), followed by Stefansson Sound (9.5 ± 6.93 ducks/km2), the western lagoon system

(8.1 ± 7.75 ducks/km2), and tundra (0.1 ± 0.10 ducks/km 2). Throughout the survey area the total

number oflong-tailed ducks increased from 23 July (n = 8,973) to 8 August (n = 14,736) and

then decreased on 11 August 2001 (n = 3,169). Mean density oflong-tailed ducks within the

entire survey area (combined western and eastern lagoons) during July and August declined from

1978-2001 (P = 0.018). Mean areal density declined for 9 of 16 western lagoon transects, 1

offshore, 4 barrier island, 2 lagoon, and 2 mainland, through the 3 summary time periods (1978-

1984, 1989-1991, 1998-2001) between 1978 and 2001. In the eastern lagoon, mean long-tailed

duck density decreased on 3 barrier island transects and 1 lagoon transect from 1989-1991 to

1998-200, while density on 2 mainland shoreline transects increased.

Noel, L. E.; Johnson, S. R.; O'Doherty, G. M., and Helmericks, J. W. 2002. The status of

snow geese in the Sagavanirktok River delta area, Alaska: 2001 monitoring program. Report for

BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. by LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska,

USA. 40p.

Keywords: Alopex lagopus/ arctic fox/ Chen caerulescens caerulescens/ grizzly bear/ Howe

Island! lesser snow goose/ nesting colony/ Ursus arctos/ Sagavanirktok River

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Abstract: The Sagavanirktok River delta population oflesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens

caerulescens) was the only established nesting colony ofthis species in Alaska and the United

States and the only nesting colony in proximity to an active oilfield for many years. A

monitoring project was established in 1980 to investigate potential effects ofthe Endicott

Development Project on the Sagavanirktok River delta snow goose population and has continued

through 2001. The purpose ofthis long-term monitoring project is to census the nesting colony

on Howe Island, assess productivity and disturbance effects, and document the distribution and

movements ofsnow geese during molting and brood·rearing. We conducted an aerial photo

survey of nesting lesser snow geese on Howe Island, Duck Island and other East Channel islands

in the Sagavanirktok River delta on 17 and 22 June 2001, and ground-based nest searches on 9

July 2001. There were 428 and 474 snow geese observed in the 17 and 22 June 2001 photo

surveys ofHowe Island, Duck Island, and islands in the east channel ofthe Sagavanirktok River,

respectively. Based on the ground nest search and aerial photo survey, we estimate 146 active

snow goose nests were present in the Sagavanirktok River delta: 124 nests on HOWI:l Island, 6

nests on Duck Island, and 16 nests on the, east channel islands. Snow goose nesting effort in

2001 is lower than nesting efforts in the mid-1990's. Most snow geese failed to produce

goslings in the Sagavanirktok River delta in 2001 as a result of nest predation by grizzly bears

(Ursus arctos), arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus), glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus), and raven

(Corvus corax). Grizzly bear predation on snow goose eggs during the June nesting period has

been implicated in the total production failures on Howe Island in 1992, 1994, 1998, 2000, and

2001, and partial failure in 1999. Prior to 1989, there was little evidence of predatiem on Howe

Island. Multiple nesting failures ofthe Howe Island colony, displacement ofnesting activities to

other islands in the Sagavanirktok River delta, and new oil and gas developments near

traditionally used coastal brood-rearing areas have raised concerns about the status ofthe snow

geese in the Sagavanirktok River delta.

Noel, L. E.; Rodrigues, R. J., and Johnson, S. R. 2002. Nesting status ofthe common eider in

the central Alaskan Beaufort Sea, summer 2001. Report for BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., by

LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska. 66 p.

Keywords: arctic tern! Sterna paradisaea/ driftwood habitat! egg depredation! glaucous gull/

Larus hyperboreus/ Somateria mollissima v-nigrum/ common eider/ Beaufort Sea

Abstract: Global sea duck populations appear to be in decline, including the Pacific: race ofthe

common eider (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum). Whether or not this decline is expressed in nest

numbers found in the vicinity ofAlaska's North Slope oilfields is not known. To assess the

nesting status of common eiders in this region, common eider, glaucous gull (Larus

hyperboreus), and arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) nests were located on 9 barrier islands along

the central Alaskan Beaufort Sea coast from Thetis Island to the Stockton Islands during 12·16

July 2001. Common eider nest were most numerous accounting for 82% (110 of 134) of all

active nests within the approximately 308.1-ha area searched. Glaucous gull and arctic tern nests

represented approximately 16% (21 of 134) and 2% (3 of 134), respectively, of all active nests.

Mean and 95% confidence intervals of clutch size for common eider nests were 2.7 ± 0.43 eggs

per nest (n = 43) and for glaucous gulls 2.4 ± 0.39 eggs per nest (n = 16). Active common eider

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nests were not distributed evenly across islands and island groups searched during 2001 either in

proportion to island surface area (P < 0.001), or in proportion to the available island area with

driftwood habitat (P < 0.001). In both cases, there where more active nests on the McClure

Island and Lion Point than expected, and fewer actives nests on the Stockton Islands than

expected. Ofthe islands searched during 2001, Narwhal Island supported the most active

common eider nests (27%,30 of 110) although nest density was highest on Duck Island #1&2

and on Lion Point. Duck Island #1&2 also supported the highest number and density of

glaucous gull nests. Ofthe 620 active and failed common eider nest sites with habitat data, 3

nest sites «1%) were within buildings, 23 nest sites (4%) had no driftwood, 307 nest sites (49%)

were located in low-density driftwood, 218 (35%) were in medium-density driftwood, and 69

(11 %) were in high-density driftwood. More active nests, than depredated nests, were found in

high-density driftwood, and fewer were in low-density driftwood on islands searched during

2001 (P < 0.001). Active and depredated nests were distributed similarly within medium-density

and no driftwood habitats. Predation by arctic fox and glaucous gulls at the islands searched in

2001 had a marked impact on nesting success of common eiders (82% of 620 nests were

depredated). Because common eiders are long-lived and exhibit remarkable fidelity to nest sites,

it seems reasonable to concentrate nest searches on those islands which consistently support

large numbers of nesting eiders. The most productive nesting islands from 1970-2001 have

included Cross Island (mean = 116.8 nests/year), Pole Island (mean = 59.1 nests/year), Stump

Island (mean = 48.9 nests/year), Egg Island (W) (mean = 45.8 nests/year), Lion Point (mean ==

48.0 nests/year), and Thetis Island (mean = 39.4 nests/year). During the period 1970-1991,

many islands had 14 or more years of data. During the period 1998-2001 most islands had 3

years of data. The mean annual number of nests for 25 islands was lower during 1970-1991 (485

nests/year) than during 1998-2001 (589 nests/year). Variation for individual islands was high

and the paired difference for 1970-1991 (19 ± 11.6 [95% confidence limit] nests/isl.mds) and

1998-2001 (24 ± 13.3 [95% confidence limit] nests/island) by individual island was not

significant (P == 0.236). Variation in timing of nest searches across years may influence the

number of active nests counted because ofmissed late-initiated nests, early failed nests, or not

recognizing some empty nests as hatched.

Outridge, P. M.; Hobson, K. A.; McNeely, R., and Dyke, A. 2002. A Comparison ofModem

and Preindustrial Levels ofMercury in the Teeth ofBeluga in the Mackenzie Delta, Northwest

Territories, and Walrus at Igloolik, Nunavut, Canada. Arctic. Iun; 55(2).

Keywords: mercury/ beluga! Delphinapterus leucas/ walrus/ temporal trends/ teeth/ Odobenus

rosmarus rosmarus/ dated sediment cores/ lake sediments/ heavy metals/ Delphinapterus leucas/

Arctic lakes/ trace metals/ contaminants/ sea! accumulation

Abstract: Mercury (Hg) concentrations were compared in modem and pre-industrial teeth of

belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) and walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) at sites in the

Canadian Arctic so that the relative amounts of natural and anthropogenic Hg in modem animals

could be estimated. Mercury levels in the teeth ofBeaufort Sea belugas captured in the

Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories, in 1993 were significantly (p = 0.0001) higher than

those in archeological samples dated A.D. 1450-1650. In terms of geometric means, the Hg

levels in modem animals were approximately four times as high as pre-industrial levels in 10-

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year-old belugas, rising with age to 17 times as high in 30-year-olds. Because Hg levels in

modem teeth were highly correlated with those in soft tissues, including muscle and muktuk,

which are part oftraditional human diets, it is likely that soft-tissue Hg has increased to a similar.

degree over the past few centuries. The increase was not due to dietary differences over time, as

shown by analysis ofstable-C and -N isotopes in the teeth, and was unlikely to be due to sex

differences or to chemical diagenesis ofhistorical samples. Industrially related Hg inputs to the

Arctic Ocean and Canadian Arctic Archipelago may be the most likely explanation for the

increase. Ifso, then 80-95% ofthe total Hg in modem Beaufort Sea belugas more than 10 years

old may be attributed to anthropogenic activities. In contrast, tooth Hg concentrations in walrus

at Igloolik, Nunavut, were no higher in the 1980s and 1990s than in the period A.D. 1200-1500,

indicating an absence ofindustrial Hg in the species at this location.

Overland, J. E.; Wang, M. Y., and Bond, N. A. 2002. Recent Temperature Changes in the

Western Arctic During Spring. Journal ofClimate. Jul; 15(13).

Keywords: North Atlantic oscillation! winter/ trends/ reanalysis

Abstract: The lower troposphere ofthe western Arctic (eastern Siberia to northern Canada) was

relatively warm during spring in the 1990s. Based on the NCEP-NCAR reanalysis,

supplemented by the Television Infrared Observational Satellite (TIROS) Operational Vertical

Sounder (TOYS) Polar Pathfinder dataset, this warmth is a result of a recent increase in the

frequency ofwarm months, compared to the previous four decades. The primary difference

between four notably warm springs in the 1990s and four cold springs in the 1980s was the sense

ofthe horizontal advection term in a lower-tropospheric heat budget for northern

Alaska/southern Beaufort Sea. While the horizontal advection ofheat was highly episodic, it

was related to changes in the mean circulation at low levels, in particular a shift from anomalous

northeasterly flow in the 1980s to anomalous southwesterly flow in the 1990s during March and

April. This change in the low-level winds in the western Arctic coincided with a systematic shift

in the Arctic Oscillation (AO) near the end ofthe 1980s, and reflects the equivalent barotropic

nature ofthe AO. The stratospheric temperature anomalies associated with the AO were greatest

in March; the low-level wind anomalies brought about near-surface temperature anomalies in

northern Alaska that peaked in April. In addition to substantial decadal differences, there was

considerable month-to-month and year-to-year variability within the last two decades.

Patenaude, N. J.; Richardson, W. J.; Smultea, M. A.; Koski, W. R.; Miller, G. W.; Wursig,

B., and Greene, C. R. 2002. Aircraft Sound and Disturbance to Bowhead and Beluga Whales

During Spring Migration in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. Marine Mammal Science. Apr; 18(2).

Keywords: bowhead whale/ Balaena mysticetus/ beluga whale/ Delphinapterus leucas/ Beaufort

Sea/ Alaska/ Arctic/ aircraft disturbance/ aircraft sound! underwater noise/ helicopt(~r/ behavior/

hearing thresholds

Abstract: Short-term behavioral responses of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) and beluga

whales (Delphinapterus leucas) to a Bell 212 helicopter and Twin Otter fixed-wing aircraft were

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observed opportunistically during four spring seasons (1989-1991 and 1994). Behaviors

classified as reactions consisted ofshort surfacings, immediate dives or turns, changes in

behavior state, vigorous swimming, and breaching. The helicopter elicited fewer detectable

responses by bowheads (14% of 63 groups) than by belugas (38% of 40). Most observed

reactions by bowheads (63%) and belugas (86%) urred when the helicopter was at altitudes less

than or equal to 150 m and lateral distances less than or equal to 250 m. Belugas reacted

significantly more frequently during overflights at lateral distances less than or equal to 250 m

than at longer lateral distances (P = 0.004). When the helicopter was on the ice with engines

running, 7 of 14 groups of belugas reacted, up to 320 m away, sometimes with small-scale (less

than or equal to 100 m) diversion; only 1 of 8 groups ofbowheads reacted.

For the fixed-wing aircraft, few bowheads (2.2%) or belugas (3.2%) were observed to react to

overflights at altitudes 60-460 m. Most observed reactions by bowheads (73%) and belugas

(70%) occurred when the fixed-wing aircraft was at altitudes less than or equal to 182 m and

lateral distances less than or equal to 250 m. However, the proportions reacting, especially to

low-altitude flights (e.g., less than or equal to 182 m), were underestimated for both species

because observation opportunities were brief. Even so, reactions were more common when the

aircraft was low (less than or equal to 182 m): P =0.009 for belugas, P =0.06 for bowheads.

There was little if any reaction by bowheads when the aircraft circled at altitude 460 m and

radius 1 kIn.

Aircraft sounds measured underwater at depths 3 m and 18 In showed that a Bell 212 helicopter

was 7-17.5 dB noisier than a Twin Otter (l0-500 Hz band). Belt 212 sound consisted mainly of

main rotor tones ahead ofthe helicopter and tail rotor tones behind it. Twin Otter sound

contained fewer prominent tones. Peak sound level as received underwater was inversely related

to aircraft altitude, and received levels at 3 m depth averaged 2.5 dB higher than at IS m depth.

The dominant low-frequency components of aircraft sound are presumed to be readily audible to

bowheads. For belugas, these components may be inaudible, or at most only weakly audible.

Mid-frequency sound components, visual cues, or both, are probably important in eliciting

beluga reactions to aircraft.

Petersen, M. R. and Flint, P. L. 2002. Population Structure of Pacific Common Eiders

Breeding in Alaska. Condor. Nov; 104(4). '

Keywords: Alaska! Pacific common eider/ population structure/ Somateria mollissima v-nigrum/

winter/ spectacled eiders/ Somateria mollissima/ harlequin ducks/ at-sea! Anatidae/ patterns/

birds/ Beaufort Sea! Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

Abstract: We used satellite telemetry to study the migration routes and wintering areas oftwo

allopatric breeding populations ofPacific Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima v··nigrum) in

Alaska: the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and the western Beaufort Sea coast. Only 6% (2 of 36)

offemales wintered within the wintering area ofthe other breeding population. Both breeding

populations wintered in the closest available ice-free habitat, perhaps to minimize migratory

distance. Two Beaufort Sea females wintered in areas used by Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

females, implying potential gene flow among breeding areas. Yet, we conclude that these two

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populations are largely geographically isolated throughout the annual cycle and the

environmental factors influencing survival and reproduction likely differ between these groups

ofbirds. Thus, regardless ofthe potential gene flow among breeding populations, we suggest

that birds from these two breeding areas should be managed as separate populations.

Poltermann, M. 2001. Arctic Sea Ice as Feeding Ground for Amphipods - Food Sources and

Strategies. Polar Biology. Feb; 24(2).

Keywords: cod /Boreogadus saida/ sympagic macro-faunal Barents Seal trophic relationships/

covered waters/ Frobisher Bay/ Beaufort Seal Crustacea/ behavior/ mechanisms

Abstract: The amphipod species Gammarus wilkitzkii, Apherusa glacialis, Onisimus nanseni

and 0. glacialis live permanently associated with the Arctic sea ice. Qualitative and semiquantitative investigations of gut contents and faeces showed that all four species use detritus as

the main food source. Detrital lumps from the underside ofsea ice had the same item

composition as amphipodgut contents and faeces. Crustacean remains and ice algal~ were

additional food items, but overall they were quantitatively less important. All species are

omnivorous; however, differences in gut contents, behavioural observations and functionalmorphological studies ofthe mandibles suggest a differentiation within this feeding strategy. G.

wilkitzkii is a detritivorous-carnivorous-necrophagous-suspension-feeding species and shows the

most complex feeding strategy. 0. nanseni and 0. glacialis are predominantly detritivorousnecrophagous, whereas A. glacialis is characterised as a more herbivorous-detritivorous species.

By using a variety ofthe available food sources under Arctic sea ice, the amphipods are well

adapted to the under-ice habitat and are less influenced by temporal and spatial variations..

Furthermore, the wide food spectrum of all four species reduces the intra- and interspecific

competition in a habitat where certain food sources are limited or only seasonally available.

Proshutinsky, A.; Pavlov, V., and Bourke, R. H. 2001. Sea Level Rise in the Arctic Ocean.

Geophysical Research Letters. Jun 1; 28(11).

Keywords: sea leveV Arctic Ocean! sea ice

Abstract: About 60 tide-gauge stations in the Kara, Laptev, East-Siberian and Chukchi Seas

have recorded the sea level change from the 1950s through 1990s. Over this 40-year period,

most ofthese stations show a significant sea level rise (SLR). In light of global change, this SLR

could be a manifestation ofwarming in the Arctic coupled with a decrease ofsea ice extent,

warming ofAtlantic waters, changes in the Arctic Ocean circulation, and an increasl~ in coastal

erosion and thawing ofpermafrost. We have analyzed monthly mean sea level data and assessed

.the role that different factors may play in influencing the process ofsea level change in the

Arctic Ocean. Analysis ofthe observational data and model results shows that changes in the

patterns ofwind-driven and thermohaline circulation may account for most ofthe increase ofsea

level in the Arctic Ocean and their cumulative action can explain more than 80% ofthe sea level

variability during 1950-1990.

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Proshutinsky, A. Y. and Johnson, M. 2001. Two Regimes ofthe Arctic's Circulation from

Ocean Models with Ice and Contaminants. Marine Pollution Bulletin. Jan-Jun 30; 43(1-6).

Keywords: variability/ sea level/ Pacific Ocean! Arctic Ocean! ice drift

Abstract: A two-dimensional barotropic, coupled, ocean-ice model with a space resolution of

55.5 Ian and driven by atmospheric forces, river run-off, and sea-level slope between the Pacific

and the Arctic Oceans, has been used to simulate the vertically averaged currents and ice drift in

the Arctic Ocean. Results from 43 years ofnumerical simulations ofwater and ice motions

demonstrate that two wind-driven circulation regimes are possible in the Arctic, a cyclonic and

an anti-cyclonic circulation. These two regimes appear to alternate at 5-7 year intervals with the

10-15 year period. It is important to pollution studies to understand which circulation regime

prevails at any time. It is anticipated that 1995 is a year with a cyclonic regime, and during this

cyclonic phase and possibly during past cyclonic regimes as well, pollutants may reach the

Alaskan shelf. The regime shifts demonstrated in this paper are fundamentally important to

understanding the Arctic's general circulation and particularly important for estimating pollution

transport.

Proshutinsky, A. Y.; Johnson, M. A., and Proshutinsky, T. O. 2001. Understanding Climatic

Controls on Sea Ice Transport Pathways in the Arctic Ocean. 33.

Keywords: sea ice/ ocean! Atlantic/ circulation! temperatures/ models/ Arctic Ocean

Abstract: The primary goal ofthis paper is to demonstrate the dependence ofArctic Ocean seaice transport pathways on climate variations. We build our analysis on the results of

Proshutinsky and Johnson (1997), Johnson and others (1999), Polyakov and others (1999) and

Proshutinsky and others (1999), where we have shown that wind-driven ice motion and upper

ocean circulation alternate between anticyclonic and cyclonic states. Shifts between regimes

occur at 5-7 year intervals, resulting in a 10-15 year period. The anticyclonic circulation regime

has been observed in our model results for 1946-52, 1958-62, 1972-79, 1984-88, and 1998-

present. The cyclonic circulation regime prevailed during 1953-57, 1963-71, 1980-83, and 1989-

97. The regime shifts are fundamentally important to understanding the Arctic's general

circulation and particularly useful for estimating pollution transport by sea ice and surface

waters. It is important to pollution studies to understand which circulation regime prevails.

Initially, we simulate trajectories of a non-reactive, conservative soluble tracer. Results from this

research demonstrate realistic potential flow pathlines and we describe how those pathlines

change in response to climate forcing. These results can be used to aid current and future

scenario risk assessments and may provide management agencies with the tools to determine

where risks from contaminants might exist.

Rachold, V.; Grigoriev, M. N.; Are, F. E.; Solomon, S.; Reimnitz, E.; Kassens, H., and

Antonow, M. 2000. Coastal Erosion vs Riverine Sediment Discharge in the Arctic Shelf Seas.

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-.-

International Journal ofEarth Sciences. Dec; 89(3).

Keywords: Laptev Seal Beaufort Seal coastal erosion! fluvial sediment discharge/ sediment

budget! Canadian Beaufort Seal Laptev Seal ice/ ocean! circulation! pennafrost! topography/

evolution! nutrients/ transport

Abstract: This article presents a comparison ofsediment input by rivers and by coastal erosion

into both the Laptev Sea and the Canadian Beaufort Sea (CBS). New data on coastal erosion in

the Laptev Sea, which are based on field measurements and remote sensing infonnation, and

existing data on coastal erosion in the CBS as well as riverine sediment discharge into both the

Laptev Sea and the CBS are included. Strong regional differences in the percentages of coastal

erosion and riverine sediment supply are observed. The CBS is dominated by the riverine

sediment discharge (64.45x10(6) t a(-l» mainly ofthe Mackenzie River, which is the largest

single source ofsediments in the Arctic. Riverine sediment discharge into the Laptev Sea

amounts to 24.10xlO(6) t a(-l), more than 70% ofwhich an related to the Lena River. In

comparison with the CBS, the Laptev Sea coast on average delivers approximately twice as

much sediment mass per kilometer, a result ofhigher erosion rates due to higher cliffs and

seasonal ice melting. In the Laptev Sea sediment input by coastal erosion (58.4x10(6) t a(-l» is

therefore more important than in the CBS and the ratio between riverine and coastal sediment

input amounts to 0.4. Coastal erosion supplying 5.6x10(6) t a(-l) is less significant for the

sediment budget ofthe CBS where riverine sediment discharge exceeds coastal sediment input

by a factor of ca. 10.

Richard, P. R.; Martin, A. R., and Orr, J. R. 2001. Summer and Autumn Movements of

Belugas ofthe Eastern Beaufort Sea Stock. Arctic. Sep; 54(3).

Keywords: Belugal Delphinapterus leucas/ Beaufort Seal Chukchi Seal satellite-linked tracking!

autumn migration! survey biases/ white whales/ abundance

Abstract: Beluga whales ofthe eastern Beaufort Sea stock were tagged with satellite-linked

time-depth recorders and tracked during summer and autumn in 1993, 1995, and 1997. Whales

occupied the Mackenzie estuary intennittently and for only a few days at a time. They spent

much oftheir time offshore, near or beyond the shelfbreak and in the polar pack ice ofthe

estuary, or in Amundsen Gulf, M'Clure Strait, and Viscount Melville Sound. The movements of

tagged belugas into the polar pack and into passages ofthe Canadian Arctic Archipe:lago suggest

that aerial surveys conducted in the southeastern Beaufort Sea and Amundsen Gulfmay have

substantially underestimated the·size ofthe eastern Beaufort Sea stock. Ranges ofmale and

female belugas were somewhat segregated in two ofthe three years ofstudy. In late: July of

1993 and 1995, most males were located in Viscount Melville Sound, while females were

primarily in Amundsen Gulf. Movement patterns ofmales tagged in late July in 1997 were

different from those ofmales tagged in early July in 1993 and 1995. In September, belugas

migrated westward along the continental shelf and farther offshore in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea.

The tracks from 1997 show that the western Chukchi Sea is an autumn migratory destination and

that at least some belugas continued their migration south towards the Bering Strait in

November. Some conclusions from this study about beluga ecology challenge conventional

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wisdom, in that estuarine occupation appears to be short-lived, belugas travel long distances in

summer to areas hundreds of kilometers from the Mackenzie Delta, and they do not avoid dense

pack ice in summer and autumn.

Richardson, W. J. 2001. Offshore Oil and Gas Industry Noise and Marine Mammal Behavior.

From: Workshop Proceedings, Cumulative Effects ofNorth Slope Oil and Gas Activities,

Deadhorse, Alaska, July 9-14, 2001. U.S. National Academy ofSciences, Division on Earth and

Life Studies. 28 pp.

Keywords: Arctic/ Alaska! North Slope/ Prudhoe Bay/ underwater acoustics/ petroleum

exploration / seismic surveys/ biological impacts/ ringed seal /Phoca hispida/ bowhead whale/

Balaena mysticetus

Abstract: Underwater sounds generated by petroleum industry seismic survey airgun arrays and

from offshore production facilities are reviewed with respect to potential impacts upon behavior

and distribution ofbowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) and ringed seal (Phoca hispida) living

in nearshore marine waters of Alaska's North Slope environment in the Beaufort Sea. Studies

were conducted in years 1996 through 2001.

Acoustic effects ofseismic surveys on whales and seals were examined during the open-water

season. Effects of offshore production facilities on seals were examined during the ice-covered

season, and upon whales during the open-water season.

Airgun arrays generate low-frequency sound pulses with most energy generated in the range of

10 to 150 Hz. While airgun arrays are designed to direct sound downward, considerable sound

propagates horizontally and pulses may be detectable 50 to 100 km away and are usually strong

(e.g., >160 dB re IJ..lPa rms) within several km. Received levels and properties at long

horizontal ranges vary widely depending on propagation conditions, with attenuation usually

more rapid in shallow water.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has established that whales and seals should not be

exposed to pulsed sounds with received levels of 1,800 and 190 dB re 1 J..lPa (rms), respectively,

ruling that hearing damage may occur above these levels. However, no specific data exist

regarding how much exposure to airgun pulses any marine mammal can tolerate before

temporary or permanent hearing impairment occurs.

Bowhead whales avoided areas within 20 km ofsmall-moderate airgun arrays, with some

evidence of avoidance up to 30 km. Almost all bowheads stayed well beyond "safety radius"

levels of 180 dB (re 1 J..lPa rms), while whales were observed approaching the 20 km radius,

receiving pulse levels of approximately 115 to 135 dB re 1 J..lPa rms (and other weaker pulses).

These are well below levels of pulsed seismic sounds previously known to elicit avoidance by

baleen whales. Bowheads tended to re-occupy areas within 12 to 24 hours after termination of

airgun operations.

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Seal results from 1996 to 1999 monitoring in the Beaufort Sea indicated that seals regularly

remained inside a 190 dB re 1 1 JlPa rms radius from noise airgun arrays. Average sighting

distances were only slightly greater when airguns were operating and avoidance reactions were

limited. It cannot be assumed that seals will stay outside of a "safety radius" of 180 dB.

Underwater sounds during construction ofthe offshore Northstar oil and gas development project

near Prudhoe Bay were detectable under the ice out to a few kilometers. There was no indication

ofreduced densities ofringed seals near the facility in late spring 2000 after intense winter

construction. Spring 2001 data await analysis. A slight displacement ofthe southern edge ofthe

bowhead corridor is expected from Northstar operations. Further analysis is required for testing

ofthis hypothesis.

Schick, R. S. and Urban, D.L. 2000. Spatial components ofBowhead whale (Balaena

mysticetus) distribution in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic

Sciences 57:2193-2200

Keywords: Beaufort Sea! Alaska! petroleum exploration! bowhead whale/ Balaena mysticetus/

spatial analysis/ correlation! Mantel Test! habitat loss

Abstract: Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) on their fall migration are exposed to oil

exploration activities in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. To account for the presence ofspatially

autocorrelated and intercorrelated data, a suite ofspatial analysis techniques (random

resampling, Mantel Tests) were utilized to assess the distribution ofbowhead whales around

active drilling rigs in 1993. Results from the resampling tests indicated whales were distributed

farther from the drilling rig than they would be under a random scenario. Results from the

Mantel Tests indicated that in 1993, the spatial pattern of bowhead whale distribution was highly

correlated with distance from the drilling rig, indicating that the presence ofthe drilling rig

resulted in a significant temporary loss in available habitat.

Solomon, S.; Mudie, P.J.; Cranston, R.; Hamilton, T.; Thibaudleau, S.A., and Collins, E.S.

2000. Characterization ofmarine and lacustrine sediments in a drowned thermokarst

embayment, Richards Island, Beaufort Sea, Canada. International Journal ofEarth Sciences

89(3): 503-521.

Keywords: Beaufort Sea! Mackenzie River Delta! thermokarst! Kittigazuit sandi microfossils/

geochemistry/ sedimentation rate/ radiocarbon dating

Abstract: A multidisciplinary study was made oflakes and lagoons in a thermokarst embayment

on Richards Island, Canadian Beaufort Sea, in order to investigate the response ofthe Mackenzie

Delta shoreline to changing hydrological influences. Seismo-acoustic profiles made from an

amphibious vehicle, combined with sediment core data, show that the deepest lakes contain up to

10 m oftransparent or stratified silty mud overlying the Kittigazuit sand basement. Palynological

and microfossil data from 21 surface samples allow delineation offreshwater, saltmarsh, tidal

flat and subtidal assemblages. These modern reference data allow distinction offreshwater and

marine facies in the cores and subsequent interpretation of geochemical content (carbon,

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ammonia, and sulphate). Radiocarbon dates and 137 Cs show that sedimentation rates have

increased by an order ofmagnitude since drowning ofthe embayment during the past

millennium, and that most ofthis sediment is from the Mackenzie River plume.

Stirling, I. 2002. Polar Bears and Seals in the Eastern Beaufort Sea and Amundsen Gulf: a

Synthesis ofPopulation Trends and Ecological Relationships Over Three Decades. Arctic. 55.

Keywords: polar bear/ ringed seal/ Beaufort Sea! harvest! climatic fluctuation! Ursus maritimus

populations/ growth layer groups/ Western Hudson Bay/ Phoca hispida/ Northwest Territories/

Arctic Ocean! movements/ abundance/ mark

Abstract: In the eastern Beaufort Sea and Amundsen Gulf, research on polar bear populations

and their ecological interrelationships with seals and sea ice conditions began in the fall of 1970.

Analysis ofmovement data from mark-recapture studies and tracking of adult femaIe bears with

satellite radio collars indicated that there are two populations ofpolar bears in the area, one that

inhabits the west coast ofBanks Island and Amundsen Gulf and a second that is resident along

the mainland coast from about Baillie Islands in Canada to approximately Icy Cape in Alaska.

Polar bears throughout the Beaufort Sea and Amundsen Gulfwere severely over harvested

before the establishment of quotas in Canada in 1968 and the cessation of all but subsistence

polar bear hunting in Alaska in 1972. Since then, both populations have recovered, and the

population estimates currently used for management purposes are 1200 and 1800 for the

Northern and Southern Beaufort populations, respectively. However, these population estimates

are now dated and should be redone. Most female polar bears in the Beaufort Sea breed for the

first time at 5 years of age, compared to 4 years of age in most other populations, and cubs

normally remain with their mothers for 2.5 years prior to weaning. Heavy ice conditions in the

mid-1970s and mid~1980s caused significant declines in productivity ofringed seals, each of

which lasted about 3 years and caused similar declines in the natality of polar bears and survival

ofsubadults, after which reproductive success and survival of both species increased again. The

changes in the sea ice environment, and their consequent effects on polar bears, are demonstrable

in parallel fluctuations in the mean ages ofpolar bears killed each year by Inuit hunters. In 1989,

the decadal-scale pattern in fluctuations ofice conditions in the eastern Beaufort Sea changed in

response to oceanographic and climatic factors, and this change has resulted in greater amounts

of open water in recent years. In addition, climatic warming will be a major environmental

factor if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase. It is unknown whether the ecosystem

will return to the pattern of decadal-scale change exhibited in previous decades, or how polar

bears and seals will respond to ecological changes in the future, but research on these topics is a

high priority.

Stout, J. H.; Trust, K A.; Cochrane, J'. F.; Suydam, R. S., and Quakenbush, L. T. 2002.

Environmental Contaminants in Four Eider Species from Alaska and Arctic Russia.,

Environmental Pollution. 119(2).

Keywords: Alaska! contaminants/ eider/ heavy metals/ sea ducks

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Abstract: Population declines in four species of eider; common (Somateria mollissima), king

(Somateria spectabilis), spectacled (Somateriafischeri) and Steller's (Polysticta stelleri), have

raised concerns about exposure to contaminants. Livers and kidney tissues were coUected from

eiders in Alaska and Russia for organic and elemental analyses. Results showed that

organochlorine and many elemental levels were below toxic thresholds; however, in many cases,

cadmium, copper, lead and selenium appeared high relative to other waterfowl and may warrant

concern. With the exception oflead, local anthropogenic sources for these elements are not

known. Although adverse physiological responses have not been documented in eiders, these

four elements cannot be ruled out as contaminants of potential concern for some eider species.

Suydam, R. S.; Dickson, D: L.; Fadely, J. B., and Quakenbush, L. T. 2000. Population

Declines ofKing and Common Eiders ofthe Beaufort Sea. Condor. Feb; 102(1).

Keywords: Beaufort Sea! common eider/ king eider/ mortality/ population trend! Somateria

mollissima v-nigra/ Somateria spectabilis/ Alaska

Abstract: King (Somateria spectabilis) and common eiders (S. mollissima v-nigra) wintering off

western North America migrate past Point Barrow, Alaska and across the Beaufort Sea to nest in

northern Alaska and northwestern Canada. Migration counts were conducted by various

researchers at Point Barrow during 1953, 1970, 1976, 1987, 1994, and 1996. We examined

population trends by standardizing the analysis ofthe migration counts in all years. Based on

this standardized procedure, the king eider population appeared to remain stable between 1953

and 1976 but declined by 56% (or 3.9% year(-I)) from approximately 802,556 birds in 1976 to

about 350,835 in 1996. The common eider population declined by 53% (or 3.6% year(-I)) from

approximately 156,081 birds in 1976 to about 72,606 in 1996. Reasons for the declines are

unknown.

Troy, D.M. 2000. ShoreBirds, Chapter 14, pp. 277-303, In: The Natural History of an Arctic

Oil Field.. J. C. Truett and S. R. Johnson (Eds.). Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 422 pp.

Keywords: Alaska! North Slope/ Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP)/ Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

(ANWR)/ National Petroleum Reserve/ shorebirds/ plovers/ sandpipers/ population density/

petroleum development impacts/ habitat loss/ predation

Abstract: In northern Alaska, where shorebirds dominate the avifauna in numbers ofindividuals

and species, two families regularly occur - the plovers (Charadriidae) and the sandpipers

(Scolopacidae). At least 18 species nest on Alaska's Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP) in the area of

existing and potential petroleum development between the Colville and Channing Rivers.

Arctic-breeding shorebirds undertake extensive migrations, with wide ranges onto other

continents, and wide ranges during the breeding season, extending into Canada and Russia.

Breeding occurs after snowmelt in late Mayor early June.

Distribution within the ACP oil-field region is not uniform. Extensive studies in the: Prudhoe

Bay oilfield have exhibited abundance gradients both perpendicular to and parallel with the

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coast. Abundances generally decline proceeding eastward into the Arctic National 'N'ildlife

Refuge from the area between Milne Point and the Sagavanirktok River. To the west, in the

National Petroleum Reserve, densities tend to be higher than in the central ACP.

With the exception ofthe Dunlin, which has exhibited a decline in abundance throughout

northern Alaska in recent years, data from Prudhoe Bay agree with population data from other

regions: that shorebird species appear to have stable, long-term population trends.

Impacts upon populations from human activity and oil-field development may occur due to road

and pad development (e.g., gravel fill), alterations to adjacent areas (changes in drainage pattern,

fugitive dust, thermokarsting, noise, and traffic) and from general habitat fragmentation. Since

shorebirds ofthe ACP are all parts oflarge, widespread breeding populations, there is a general

presumption that population level threats from human development are minimal. W"ithin the

oilfields, the extent to which the network ofroads and facilities has affected the number of

shorebirds is unresolved. Since numerous mammalian and bird predators pose a significant

threat to shorebird breeding success by preying on eggs, and since these predators typically have

enhanced populations in areas ofhuman development (due to supplemental food supplies), it is

suggested that efforts to minimize the impact ofpredation may be of greater benefit to shorebird

populations than would be efforts to minimize habitat loss.

United States Department of Energy (USDOE). 2000. Potential Oil Production from the

Coastal Plain ofthe Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Report SR/O&G/2000-02. Energy

Information Administration, Office ofOil and Gas, U.S. Department ofEnergy, Washington,

D.C. May.

Keywords: Energy Information Administration! petroleum! oil & gas reserves/ Ala8kal North

Slope/ Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)/ 1002 areal petroleum production estimates

Abstract: The Energy Information Administration (EIA) Office of Oil and Gas Reserves and

Production Division, is a policy-neutral agency within th~ U.S. Department ofEnergy. EIA

projections offuture daily production rates for recoverable natural gas and oil are presented for

the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) coastal plain. The coastal plain includes 1.5

million acres designated as the 1002 area, comprising 8% oftotal ANWR lands, and. extending

out to the 3-mile limit offshore. Representing the largest unexplored, potentially productive

onshore basin in the United States, it lies along the geologic trend that is productive in the

Prudhoe Bay area, 60 miles to the west.

The U.S. Geological Service made the following estimates in 1998 oftechnically recoverable oil

and gas from the ANWR coastal plain: 1) a 95% probability that at least 5.7 billion barrels of oil

are recoverable; 2) a 5% probability that at least 16 billion barrels of oil are recoverable; and 3) a

mean (expected value) estimate of 10.3 billion barrels ofrecoverable oil. For comparison, total

U.S. proven reserves of crude oil in 1998 were estimated to be 21 billion barrels.

EIA estimates of yearly development rates for this region were: 1) yearly develop,ment rates

ranging from 250 to 800 million barrels; 2) peak ANWR production rates ranging from 650,000

to 1.9 million barrels per day; 3) a projection that initial ANWR production could occur around

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2010, ifleasing approval occurred within the next few years; and 4) potential ANWR oil

recovered would have a value between $125 and $350 billion (in 1998 dollars), based upon a

projected refiner acquisition cost of $22.04 (1998 dollars) in the year 2020.

United States Department of Energy (USDOE). 2001. Future Oil Production for the Alaska

North Slope. Report DOEIEIA-0627, Distribution Category UCC-950. Energy Information

Administration, Office of Oil and Gas, U.S. Department ofEnergy, Washington, D.C. May.

Keywords: Energy Information Administration! petroleum! oil & gas reservesl Alaska! North

Slopel Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)/ National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A)/

petroleum production estimates

Abstract: The Energy Information Administration (EIA) Office ofOil and Gas Reserves and

Production Division, is a policy-neutral agency within the U.S. Department ofEnergy. The EIA

provides a range of plausible production scenarios for the North Slope area ofAlaska based on

the decline of existing production, the anticipated start-up ofidentified field development

projects and future discovery and development ofthe remaining undiscovered oil resources for

the area. Production of oil (total liquids) from Alaska North Slope (ANS) oil has declined from

the 1988 peak rate of over 2.0 million barrels per day (MMbbl/d). In 2000 production was 1.1

MMbbl/d, accounting for 16% oftotal domestic production. Cumulative ANS production

through 2000 was 13.306 billion barrels (Bbbls). In the absence of additional development,

3.707 Bbbls remain to be produced from the currently on-stream fields.

USGS data were utilized to provide estimates of undiscovered resources for the area between the

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and the Northeast National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska

(NPR-A). Production projections are derived from three inputs: anticipated future production

from currently on-stream fields, production from anticipated development ofidentified fields,

and projected volumes of production from technically recoverable undiscovered resources.

Production scenarios are based on USGS 95% probability of occurrence criteria.

The range ofremaining and undiscovered ANS oil is 6.1 to 13.3 Bbbl with a mean (expected)

value of 8.9 Bbbl. Ultimate recovery will range from 19.4 to 26.6 Bbbl. Identified development

will stabilize ANS production at approximately 1.0 MMbbl/d until 2005. Ifidentified

development is delayed by factors such as low oil prices or environmental issues, production will

begin declining before the year 2005. Production of undiscovered NPR-A is assumed to begin in

2010, causing production to remain close to·1.0MMbbl/d for another five years.

United States Fish & Wildlife Service. 2001. Water Fact Sheet, Coastal Plain (1002 area),

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. From: Workshop Proceedings, Cumulative Effects ofNorth

Slope Oil and Gas Activities, Deadhorse, Alaska, July 9-14. U.S. National Academy of

Sciences, Division on Earth and Life Studies. 6 pp.

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Keywords: Beaufort Sea! Alaska! North Slope/ Arctic National Wildlife Refuge/ ANWRII 002

Area! coastal plain! rivers/ Barter Island! weather conditions/ spring melt! British Pe:troleum

Alaska! Phillips Petroleum Alaska! water resources/ petroleum development

Abstract: The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) coastal plain is an arctic marine habitat

characterized by short, cool summers, with continuous daylight and winters that are long, dark,

and extremely cold. Average temperature for the warmest month on Barter Island is 43°F, with

daily temperatures varying from below freezing to a record high of 78°F. Average January

temperatures for Barter Island are variable, ranging from 4.5°F in 1981 to -21.8°F in 1983. A

record low of-59°F was recorded in February 1950. Annual precipitation at Barter Island

averages 6.3 inches, occurring as light rain or drizzle in summer and light snow in winter.

Ten small~size rivers and 14 named streams characterize the ANWR 1002 area, which includes

the coastal habitat, comprising 8 percent ofANWR and extending about 100 miles from the

Aichiik River in the east to the Canning River in the west and 15 to 20 miles inland from the

coast. The western boundary ofthe 1002 area lies about 50 miles east ofPrudhoe Bay. The

larger rivers are braided with extensive gravel bars along the coastal plain. The Arctic climate

and pennafrost are the dominant factors controlling water resources along the Arctic slope.

Freeze-up typically occurs in mid- to late September. All rivers in the coastal plain freeze to

substrate. Spring breakup ofthe ice is the significant hydrological event ofthe year. Pennafrost

limits infiltration ofsnowmelt, allowing water to move rapidly to stream channels. In most years

more than 50% ofthe average annual discharge to the coastal zone occurs during a 2- to 3-week

breakup period.

Based upon operational plans by British Petroleum and Phillips Alaska, Inc., water requirements

for offshore ice road construction and maintenance for petroleum exploration activities in the

1002 area will be 1.54 million gallons per mile ofroad. Ice pad construction may require up to

3.6 million gallons per pad, while airstrip construction and maintenance and drill rig use (per 75

days) will require an estimated 8.0 and 1.5 million gallons, respectively.

United States Geological Service (USGS). 2001. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, 1002 Area,

Petroleum Assessment, 1998, Including Economic Analysis. USGS Fact Sheet FS-028-01

(Supercedes FS-040-98). April. 6 pp.

Keywords: Arctic/ Alaska! Arctic National Wildlife Refuge/ ANWRII002 area! National

Petroleum Reserve/ economically recoverable petroleum

Abstract: Using a methodology similar to that used in previous U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

assessments in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and the National Petroleum

Reserve, Alaska, the USGS estimates that the total quantity oftechnically recoverable oil in the

coastalANWR 1002 area is 7.7 billion barrels, mean value, which is distributed among 10 plays.

Plays are volumes ofrock that contain similar geological parameters (such as petroleum charge,

reservoir, and trap).

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Most ofthe oil is estimated to occur in the western, undeformed ANWR 1002 area, which is

closest to existing infrastructure. The oil is expected to occur in a number of accumulations

rather than a single large accumulation. Estimates of economically recoverable oil, expressed by

probability curves, show increasing amounts of oil with increasing price. At prices less than $13

per barrel, no commercial oil is estimated, but at a price of $30 per barrel, between 3 and 10.4

billion barrels are estimated. Economic analysis includes the costs offinding, developing,

producing and transporting oil to market based on a 12 percent after-tax return on investment, all

calculated in constant 1996 dollars.

The amounts ofin-place oil estimated for the ANWR 1002 area are larger than previous USGS

estimates. The increased estimate is primarily due to improved resolution ofreprocessed seismic

data and geologic analogs provided by nearby oil discoveries.

DRS Corporation. 2001. Liberty Development 2001, Sediment Quality Study. Final Report,

For: BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc. By: URS Corp. Anchorage, Alaska. Aug. 3, Doc. 74-

00000034.00 Task 4000.

Keywords: Arctic/ Beaufort Sea! Foggy Island Bay/ Prudhoe Bay/ petroleum development!

Liberty Oil Field! BP Exploration (Alaska)/ dredged material! sediment! grain size/ ammonia!

total organic carbon (TOC)/ total volatile solids (TVS)/ sulfides, metals (antimony, arsenic,

barium, cadmium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, silver,

zinc)/ high and low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HPAH, LPAH)

Abstract: The Liberty Development oil and gas production facilities to be developed by BP

Exploration (Alaska), Inc. (BPXA) will be placed on an artificial gravel island located at a depth

of22 feet in federal waters within Foggy Island Bay, Beaufort Sea, located on Alaska's north

slope, east ofPrudhoe Bay. A subsurface (buried) oil pipeline win connect to an onshore

segment to transport oil to the Badami Sales Oil Pipeline. The Liberty Development has been

evaluated by the U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS, Anchorage, Alaska) in the Liberty

Development and Production Plan Draft Environmental Impact Statement (MMS, 2001). The

Draft EIS evaluated multiple pipeline routes and production island locations, including the

applicant's proposed Liberty Island route.

Geotechnical exploration surveys in 1997 and 1998 along potential pipeline routes c:ollected 18

sediment borings (exceeding 20 feet) and described seafloor sediments as consisting ofthree

primary horizons: an upper Holocene non-plastic silt; an intermediate Pleistocene clayey silt;

and an underlying granular sand and gravel. No frozen sediments were encountered. Sediments

typically consisted ofsand, silty sand with some soft silt, and many pockets and layers ofpeaty

soil.

Pipeline construction permits administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

and U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers Alaska District (Corps) require that physical and chemical

properties ofsediments be evaluated for potential environmental impacts resulting from pipeline

trench excavation and fill activities and possible ocean disposal ofspoils. In compliance with

this permitting process, a sediment sampling program was conducted in April and May 2001.

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Utilizing EPA~ and Corps-approved methodologies, chemical analyses ofsediment borings (to

15 feet) were collected at 11 sampling stations spaced along three alternative pipeline routes,

including Southern Island and Tern Island alternate routes (Transects B and C) and the

applicant's proposed Liberty Island route (Transect A). Sediments were analyzed from near

surface and approximately five-foot intervals from the sediment core.

Chemical analyses conducted on all subsurface and surface samples included ammonia (as

nitrogen), TOC, TVS, sulfides, metals (antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, calcium,

chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, silver, zinc), and high and low

molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HPAH, LPAH). Four additional surface

samples were collected from three stations along Transect A, and an isolated station to the west

of all three transects for additional analyses, including pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls

(PCBs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and select volatile organic compounds

(VOCs).

The EPA and Corps do not have specific sediment chemistry guidelines for evaluation of

dredged sediments in Alaska. EPA Region X (Seattle, Washington) applied guidelines from the

Dredged Material Evaluation Framework, Lower Columbia River Management Area (1998) to

the Liberty Development sampling plan and evaluation ofresults. The evaluation framework

provided screening levels for all chemicals of concern.

Ranges for the following sediment chemistry categories, given without comment on screening

levels, were: ammonia (0.7 to 3.3 mglkg), TOC (8,000 to 40,400 mglkg), TVS (12,700 to

46,500 mglkg), and sulfides (51.6 to 882 mglkg).

The following sediment chemistry categories were evaluated in relation to screening levels:

1) All sediment metals were measured in surface and subsurface samples at concentrations lower

than the screening levels prescribed in the Dredged Material Evaluation Framework, 2)

Measured PAH concentrations were all below the screening level in subsurface samples. In

surface samples, with the exception of 14 Jlglkg phenanthrene measured on the Liberty Transect

(Sta. AS03), all polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (LPAH and HPAH) were not

detected at levels above the method reporting limit.

The majority of additional analytes measured in surface samples were not present in measurable

quantities. Others did not exceed screening levels. Sediment grain-size characteristics along

transects A, B, and C, with estimated volume removals from pipeline entrenchment, were:

Transect A - 60% silt and clay (fines), 419,036 cubic yards (cy); Transect B - 52% fines,

292,984 cy; and Transect C - 63% fines, 489,677 cy.

Wayland, M.; Garcia~Fernandez,A. J.; Neugebauer, E., and Gilchrist, H. G. 200l.

Concentrations ofCadmium, Mercury and Selenium in Blood, Liver and Kidney ofCommon

Eider Ducks from the Canadian Arctic. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.. Oct; 71(3).

Keywords: Arctic/ blood! cadmium! common eider/ kidney/ liver/ mercury/ metals/ sea ducks/

selenium! Somateria mollissima/ tissue distribution! spectacled eiders/ Western Alaska! diving

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ducks/ wild birds/ lead! contaminants/ accumulation

Abstract: We determined concentrations ofselected trace elements in livers, kidneys and blood

samples from common eiders (Somateria mollissima borealis) from the eastern Canadian arctic

during 1997 and 1998. Concentrations oftotal mercury and organic mercury were generally low

in the livers ofthese birds (less than 6 and 4 mug g(-1) dry wt, respectively). Selenium ranged

between 11-47 mug g(-1) in livers. Renal cadmium concentrations were among the highest ever

published for this species (range: 47-281 mug g(·l». The regressions oflog-transformed

concentrations ofthese trace elements in blood samples on those in liver or kidney were

significant (all P-values < 0.05) and positive. However, except for organic mercury (R2 = 0.83),

the co-efficients of determination were low to moderate (range ofR2

: 0.26-0.52), suggesting poor

to moderate predictive capability. Furthermore, the relationships between total mereury in blood

and liver changed between 1997 and 1998, suggesting that it would not be possible to predict

consistently, concentrations ofmercury in blood from those in liver based on samples taken in

one year. Blood samples can be used to determine concentrations ofthese trace elements in

common eiders (and probably other sea duck species as well). The use of blood samples is

especially warranted when it is undesirable to kill the animal such as when working with rare or

endangered sea duck species or when the objective is to relate trace element exposure to annual

survival rates. However, the predictive equations developed here should not be used to predict

expected concentrations in one type oftissue from those in the other.

Werner, I. 2000. Faecal Pellet Production by Arctic Under-Ice Amphipods - Transfer of

Organic Matter Through the IcelWater Interface. Hydrobiologia. May 15; 426(1-3).

Keywords: faecal pellets/ Amphipoda/ sea ice/ feeding! carbon flux! Greenland Seal

Southwestern Beaufort Sea

Abstract: The underside ofArctic sea ice is inhabited by several autochthonous amphipod

species (Apherusa glacialis, Onisimus spp., Gammarus wilkitzkii). The amphipods graze on ice·

bound organic matter, such as ice algae, detritus and ice fauna, and release faecal pellets into the

underlying water column, thus forming a direct link between the sea ice and the pelagic

ecosystems. Experiments on faecal pellet production rates showed species-specific differences,

which were related to size ofthe animals. The smallest species, A. glacialis, produced the

highest mean number of pellets (15.4 pellets ind.(-l) d(-l», followed by Onisimus spp. (2.7

pellets ind.(-l) d(-1) and the largest species, G. wilkitzkii (1.1 pellets ind.(-l) d(-l». Relative

carbon content ofthe pellets was very similar in all species (21.2-22.6% dry mass). Juvenile

amphipods (Onisimus spp., G. wilkitzkii) produced more pellets with less POC than adults.

Based on field determinations ofthe POC concentration in the lowermost 2 cm ofthe sea ice

(mean: 36.4 mg C m(-2» and mean amphipod abundances (A. glacialis: 33.8 indo m(-2),

Onisimus spp.: 0.5 indo m(-2), G, wilkitzkii: 9.4 indo m(-2» in the Greenland Sea in summer

1994, the amount ofpoe transferred from the ice to the water by faecal pellet production was

estimated (0.7 mg e m(-2) d(-l) or almost 2% ofice-bound carbon). Since this process probably

takes place in all ice-covered Arctic regions as well as during all seasons, grazing and pellet

production by under-ice amphipods contributes significantly to matter flux across the ice/water

interface.

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Winsor, P. 2001. Arctic Sea Ice Thickness Remained Constant during the 1990s. Geophysical

Research Letters. Mar 15; 28(6).

Keywords: Arctic Ocean! North! ice cover

Abstract: The ice cover ofthe Arctic Ocean is considered to be a sensitive indicator of global

climate change. Recent research, using submarine-based observations, suggests that the Arctic

ice cover was thinner in the 1990s compared to an earlier period (1958-1979), and that it

continued to decrease in thickness in the 1990s. Here I analyze subsurface ice thickness (draft)

ofArctic sea ice from six submarine cruises from 1991 to 1997. This extensive data set shows

that there was no trend towards a thinning ice cover during the 1990s. Data from the North Pole

shows a slight increase in mean ice thickness, whereas the Beaufort Sea shows a small decrease,

none ofwhich are significant. Transects between the two areas from 76 degrees N to 90 degrees

N also show near constant ice thicknesses, with a general spatial decrease from the Pole towards

the Beaufort Sea. Combining the present results with those of an earlier study, I conclude that

the mean ice thickness has remained on a near-constant level around the North Pole from 1986 to

1997.

Woshner, V. M.; O'Hara, T. M.; Bratton, G. R.; Suydam, R. S., and Beasley, V. R. 200l.

Concentrations and Interactions of Selected Essential and Non-Essential Elements in Bowhead

and Beluga Whales ofArctic Alaska. Journal ofWildlife Diseases. Oct; 37(4).

Keywords: Balaena mysticetus/ beluga whale/ bowhead whale/ cadmium! cetacean:s/

Delphinapterus leucas/ elements/ marine mamma1s/ mercury/ molar ratio/ seleniuml silveri

heavy metals

Abstract: In this study, we evaluated concentrations oftwelve essential and non-essential

elements (As, Cd, Co, CU,Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg, Mo, Se, Ag, and Zn) in tissues ofbowhead (Balaena

mysticetus) and beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) whales from arctic Alaska (USA) and

northwestern Canada. Tissue samples were collected between 1983 and 1997, mostly in 1995-97.

The essential elements are reported to develop reference ranges for health status determination,

and to help assess known or suspected interactions affecting toxicoses of cadmium (Cd) and

mercury (Hg). In some tissues, Cd, Hg, and selenium (Se) were present at concentrations that

have been associated with toxicoses in some domestic animals. Nevertheless, tissue: levels of all

elements were within ranges that have been reported previously in marine mammals. While

mean Ag concentrations in beluga whale liver were relatively high (15.91 mug/g wW), Ag was

. not associated with hepatic Se levels or age, contrary to previous findings. Significant

associations included: Cd with age, Zn, or CUi eu with age, Zn or Ag; and Hg with age, Se, Zn,

or Cu. This study found hepatic Hg:Se molar ratios to be consistently lower than unity and

different between species. Possible explanations for observed elemental correlations (i.e.,

interactions) and ancillary mechanisms ofCd and Hg detoxification are discussed.

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Yang, J. Y.; Comiso, J.; Krishfield, R., and Honjo, S. 2001 Synoptic Storms and the

Development ofthe 1997 Warming and Freshening Event in the Beaufort Sea. Geophysical

Research Letters. Mar 1; 28(5).

Keywords: Arctic Ocean! ice/ Layer/ halocline/ model

Abstract: The climatic state in the Beaufort Sea in 1997 was characterized by wanner

atmosphere, smaller areal coverage ofsea ice in summer than average, and an oceanic mixed

layer with a relatively low salinity that persisted into fall and early winter. The most remarkable

change occurred near the end of 1997 when both salinity and temperature in the upper layer

varied dramatically in a short-time period. The evolution ofthe air-sea-ice condition was

observed by an autonomous buoy. The buoy observation revealed that deep mixing that

penetrated through the Arctic halocline occurred in response to enhancedwind-stress forcing

associated with an intense storm and was mainly responsible for the abrupt change of

temperature and salinity in the mixed layer near the end of 1997. Similar events were inferred

from storms in the Eurasian basin in 1994. We postulate that synoptic storms playa very

important role in the variations ofthe heat and salt budgets in the upper Arctic Ocean.

Yunker, M. B.; Backus, S. M.; Pannatier, E. G.; Jeffries, D. S., and MacDonald, R. W.

2002. Sources and Significance ofAlkane and PAR Hydrocarbons in Canadian Arctic Rivers.

Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science. Jul; 55(1).

Keywords: PAH/ alkane/ petroleum! water quality guideline/ sediment quality guideline/

hopane/ sterane/ Arctic rivers/ polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/ Beaufort Seal dissolved

hydrocarbons/ source identification! organic geochemistry/ mass spectrometry/ coas:tal sediment/

Mackenzie River/ lake sediments/ crude oils

Abstract: Hydrocarbon measurements have been made on dissolved, suspended particulate and

sediment samples collected in 1987, 1993 and 1994 from the Mackenzie River delta and shelf

and in 1993 from 10 smaller Northwest Territories and Nunavut rivers that drain into the

Canadian Archipelago or Hudson's Bay. Suspended particulate samples from all rivers have a

resolved higher alkane pattern with a well-defined odd-even predominance consistent with a

major source in terrestrial, vascular plant material. Particulate samples from the 10 smaller

rivers have alkane concentrations that are similar to the Mackenzie River during summer, but

PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) concentrations are approximately 10 times lower for the

parent PAHs and 100 times lower for alkyl PARs. PAHs on suspended particulate from the

Mackenzie River exhibit a uniform composition typical ofmature petrogenic sources, while

PAHs in the smaller rivers are typical of combustion. The virtual absence of petrogenic PAHs in

the smaller rivers is the single most important difference between these and the Mackenzie

River. During summer the alkane and PAH composition ofsuspended particulate in the

Mackenzie River is sufficiently homogenous to estimate directly the hydrocarbon load from the

particulate load. Mackenzie River particulates and sediments have the hopane and sterane ratios

characteristic ofimmature bitumens, shales or coals from the Devonian Canol formation that

outcrops in the lower Mackenzie River valley. The erosion of organic-rich rocks from this

formation is likely the source ofthe refractory petrogenic material found in the Mackenzie River

54
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delta and shelf. Data are insufficient to determine whether the petrogenic lower alkanes and

PAHs have the same source or whether more mature petroleum also contributes. Because

sediment samples (suspended and bed) from the Mackenzie delta have natural PAH

concentrations that exceed the level where adverse biological effects are expected to occur, there

is an urgent need to establish whether these petroleum-derived PARs are bioavailable and ifthey

are inducing effects in bottom fish and other biota.

Zhang, J. L.; Rothrock, D., and Steele, M. 2000. Recent Changes in Arctic Sea Ice: the

Interplay between Ice Dynamics and Thermodynamics. Journal ofClimate. Sep 1; 13(17).

Keywords: North Atlantic oscillation! Southern Canadian Basin! numerical modell Fram Strait!

sea ice/ ocean! cover/ variability/ motion! water/ flux

Abstract: It is well established that periods of high North Atlantic oscillation (NAO) index are

characterized by a weakening ofthe surface high pressure and surface anticyclone in the

Beaufort Sea and the intensification ofthe cyclonic circulation in the eastern Arctic Ocean. The

response ofArctic sea ice to these atmospheric changes has been studied with a thickness

distribution sea-ice model coupled to an ocean model. During a period of high NAO, 1989-96,

the model shows a substantial reduction ofice advection into the eastern Arctic from the Canada

Basin, and an increase ofice export through Fram Strait, both ofwhich tend to deplete thick ice

in the eastern Arctic Ocean and enhance it in the western Arctic, in an uneven dipolar pattern we

call the East-West Arctic Anomaly Pattern (EWAAP). From the period 1979-88 with a lowerNAO index to the period 1988-96 with a high-NAO index, the simulated ice volume in the

eastern Arctic drops by about a quarter, while that in the western Arctic increases by 16%.

Overall, the Arctic Ocean loses 6%. The change from 1987 to 1996 is even larger-·a loss of

some 20% in ice volume for the whole Arctic. Both the model and satellite data show a

significant reduction in ice extent in the eastern Arctic and in the Arctic Ocean as a whole.

There are corresponding changes in open water and therefore in ice growth, which tend to

moderate the anomaly, and in lateral melting, which tends to enhance the anomaly. During the

high NAO and strong EWAAP period, 1989-96, the eastern (western) Arctic has more (less)

open water and enhanced (reduced) winter ice growth; so ice growth stabilizes the ice cover. On

the other hand, the increased (decreased) open water enhances (reduces) summer mdt by

lowering (increasing) albedo in the eastern (western) Arctic. The nonlinearity ofice:- albedo

feedback causes the increased summer melt in the eastern Arctic to dominate the the:rmodynamic

response and to collaborate with the ice advection pattern to enhance the EWAAP during high

NAO.

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3.0 Literature Cited

Arthur D. Little, Inc. 2000. Development Areas, Beaufort Sea, Alaska, Interim Literature

Review. To: U.S. Department ofthe Interior, Minerals Management Service, Anchorage,

Alaska. Arthur D. Little, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., Contract No. l4350l-99-CT-30998.

U.S. Department ofthe Interior, Minerals Management Service, Alaska OCS Region. 2002.

Liberty Development and Production Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement. OCS

EISIEA, MMS 2002-0019. Anchorage, Alaska. .

U.S. Department ofthe Interior, Minerals Management Service, Alaska OCS Region. 2003.

Beaufort Sea Planning Area, Final Environmental Impact Statement. OCS EIS/EA, MMS 2003-

001. Anchorage, Alaska.

USAEDA (U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska). 1999. Final Environmental Impact

Statement, Beaufort Sea Oil and Gas DevelopmentINorthstar Project. Volumes 1- ][V.

Appendices A - K. Anchorage, Alaska.

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