U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Press Release:

Large Numbers of Seabirds Wash Ashore: Biologists Scramble to Solve Mysterious Die-Off

In two mysterious die-offs, birds continue to wash ashore along the Alaska Peninsula and on St. Lawrence Island. Murres and puffins have been found between Gambell and Savoonga and St. Lawrence Island. Dead kittiwakes, bald eagles and other species have been reported from Chignik to False Pass.

According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, Vivian Mendenhall, specimens are being collected from both areas for autopsy, which should help biologists determine the reasons for the die-off. She also says that die-offs from different locations and involving different kinds of birds may have different causes.

Mendenhall says that they have not yet determined the cause of this die-off. Temporary die-offs in the past have often been due to lack of food or when ocean conditions are unusual. "However, it is important to investigate any unusual mortality and check out all possible causes," she said.

In the meantime, biologists are considering the effect warmer temperatures could be having, since this year southwestern Alaska experienced an unusually early spring. The Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska are several degrees above normal temperatures this year, which biologists say affects the marine ecosystem, including birds. "Unusual water conditions can change the birds' food supply," Mendenhall said.

In May of this year, large numbers of murres died in the area of Etolin Strait, off northeastern Nunivak Island.

"Seabird die-offs are not uncommon," Mendenhall said. "They have been observed every decade or two in northern countries." According to Mendenhall, seabird die-offs studied so far have not affected populations significantly.

"We plan to combine local information and our studies of specimens to explain what's causing our birds to die this time. We especially need help with counting the birds," Mendenhall said.

Mendenhall says that anyone with information should contact her at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Anchorage at (907)786-3517, or biologist Karen Laing at (907)786-3459.
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