Returning from the field

Jul 19, 2016

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Returning from the fieldWhat good timing! I just got back from the Pribilof Islands, where I was collecting samples for this project (and other projects, science is always a collaborative endeavor). Just wanted to post some pictures here. Stay tuned for more details!
 
This is actually a photo of an Arctic Tern nest on Kodiak Island. Although Kodiak Island is a bit out of our study range, I spent 2 weeks on this island at the beginning of June helping with other research projects and noticed the Arctic tern nests surrounded by plastic debris. It breaks my heart that these birds' homes are impacted by plastic debris.

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About This Project

Plastic marine debris: it’s what you don’t see that may be worse for Arctic Seabirds

University of Alaska Anchorage/Fairbanks

Plastic debris is choking our ocean ecosystems, including the Bering Sea. In this region, the seabirds and their prey mistake plastics for food, resulting in exposure to harmful plastic-associated chemicals like phthalates. We do not know the extent of phthalate exposure nor their effects on seabird health. We aim to build knowledge of phthalate exposure in Bering Sea seabirds to understand effects on reproduction, survival, and ecosystem health.