Observers in Port Heiden, Alaska report significantly reduced sea gull populations and fewer gull eggs for subsistence, coinciding with decreased seal numbers and increased fox populations.
Harbor seal looking sick with patches of fur missing.
An Orca (Orcinus orca) carcass has been found on a beach in Port Heiden near Hook Lagoon. Sightings of these whales are a bit rare compared to many other whale carcass sightings and we just wanted to share with you this observation.
Young gray whale found dead on the beach.
A variety of stranded marine mammals were observed in the Port Heiden area between August 17 and 26th.
Two hundred walruses surprised residents on an Alaskan peninsula after arriving en masse on a beach.
Residents saw a few hundred walrus hauled out at the beginning of April. By the end of April, they reported seeing about a thousand. On a recent flight over the shoreline, an ADF&G biologist saw only 100.
The walrus count at this location was approximately 500-1000, and looks like they are here to stay well at least for this season of time before they return to the north.
The herds are increasingly moving around in Bristol Bay, perhaps seeking new feeding grounds, a biologist said.
Walrus in Bristol Bay and Port Heiden are not uncommon in summer. The fact they are present in April is unusual and residents believe factors such as the lack of sea ice, lack of food and warming ocean temperatures may be the reason.
Sea otter population growth not seen in recent history and shellfish harvest have been dropping.
Pacific Walrus haulout at Cape Greig.
Dead whale with interesting dolphin-like face.
The notoriously difficult-to-study Pacific walrus population decreased by about half between 1981 and 1999, likely due to hunting and changes to sea-ice habitat, according to a new USGS study that is considered the most up-to-date and comprehensive so far. The Pacific walrus is being considered for Endangered Species Act protections.
Low seal numbers
Dead walrus observed while assessing for coastal erosion.
Unknown seal pup found near Port Heiden.
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