Faculty Advisor
Hodum, Peter
Area of Study
Science and Mathematics
Publication Date
Summer 2022
Abstract
Human impacts are increasingly affecting the conservation status of many of the world’s species, particularly those less capable of adapting to rapidly changing environments. Seabirds are one of the most endangered groups of birds in the world due to the synergistic impacts of climate change, pollution, human disturbance, bycatch, and overfishing. Marbled Murrelets (MAMUs; Brachyramphus marmoratus) are small diving seabirds currently listed as Endangered by Washington State and Threatened by the federal government. As such, their habitat selection and population distribution are two important metrics by which to measure their response to altered environmental conditions, including their habitat-use patterns. Despite their protected status, MAMU populations continue to decline, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. While the marine distribution and habitat use patterns of MAMUs in most of WA have been well studied, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding marine habitat use in the South Puget Sound.
Award
Mike Dunkle Summer Research Endowed Fund
Recommended Citation
Gerrish, Sam, "Identifying Critical Marine Foraging Habitat of Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus) in South Puget Sound" (2022). Summer Research. 447.
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/summer_research/447
Rights
Publisher
University of Puget Sound