The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will continue a collaborative study with partners including Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Audubon, U.S. Forest Service, and others, to address conservation-critical information needs of the Aleutian tern (ALTE). Populations of ALTE at known breeding sites within Alaska appear to be in decline since the 1960's. Due to these suspected population declines, substantial uncertainties related to census methods, and other critical information gaps, the Aleutian tern is included on several species watch lists. This proposal is a collaborative effort by a subset of members of the Pacific Seabird Group Aleutian Tern Technical Committee. Specifically, we will finalize a robust statewide monitoring framework [...]
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will continue a collaborative study with partners including Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Audubon, U.S. Forest Service, and others, to address conservation-critical information needs of the Aleutian tern (ALTE). Populations of ALTE at known breeding sites within Alaska appear to be in decline since the 1960's. Due to these suspected population declines, substantial uncertainties related to census methods, and other critical information gaps, the Aleutian tern is included on several species watch lists. This proposal is a collaborative effort by a subset of members of the Pacific Seabird Group Aleutian Tern Technical Committee. Specifically, we will finalize a robust statewide monitoring framework for Aleutian terns within the Alaska breeding range and initiate implementation of a statewide survey starting in 2023. Development and implementation of a statewide monitoring framework will lead to a better understanding of the population status and trend of Aleutian terns in Alaska, which has been the overarching objective of the proposals NFWF has previously funded for this species.
