This multi-agency (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and U.S. Navy) project gathers baseline information on the distribution and density of marine birds, turtles, and mammals in the marine environment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Migratory Bird Management is in the fourth year of aerial seabird surveys. During these surveys all seabirds encountered as well as sea turtles and marine mammals are counted. In September (2013), USFWS flew a full coast survey with four air crews with personnel from the Division of Migratory Bird Management and the Coastal Program. Data from this effort will give the USFWS and partners in marine conservation better scientific information about the distribution and abundance of seabirds in the offshore environment. These data also are being provided to other researchers to aid in modeling the exposure component of risk; risk analyses will be used for regulatory planning when reviewing potential alternative energy leases along the Atlantic Coast.
Learn more: http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/AMAPPS/
