Alaska Research Support 2014 Octopus Research Expedition 1.30.15

The Alaska Pacific University octopus study started in 1995. We had the opportunity to support their 2014 research cruise with Dr. David Scheele and his crew of research students. He has headed this long term study since its inception. This expedition is a great opportunity for some of his undergraduate and graduate students to get a feel for field research and at the same time contribute to the long term study. The study areas include the shores around Allemar, Busby Island and Green Island in Prince William Sound. They collect samples and record data related to habitat, diet, populations and behavior. They also get a lot of good footage of their octopus subjects. We get to house some of the octopus and other invertebrates on the Cathy G, requiring a good flow of sea water. Many of the students as well as Dr. Scheel are certified in scuba diving and so we get to support them in their research dives as well. Recently they discovered a new species of octopus, so far found only in Prince William Sound. Until then it was believed that only the Giant Pacific octopus was to be found here. Aquetec LLC - Alaska Research Support is looking forward to supporting this study in the future.

Alaska Research Support Naked Island Group 1.3.15

Early last Spring we wrapped up the support for the first year of the Pigeon Guillemot Restoration Project at the Naked Island Group – Prince William Sound. The project is coordinated by USFWS and conducted by staff from USDA APHIS Wildlife Services – Palmer, Alaska. Populations of seabirds such Pigeon Guillemots, Parakeet Auklets, Tufted and Horned Puffins where all hit very hard by the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the populations of Pigeon Guillemots has not yet recovered to anywhere near pre-spill numbers. One of the possible hurdles to recovery is predation by mink. Many believe that the mink found on Naked, Peak and Storey Islands were introduced around the early 1970s. The mink where not noticed by trappers until the late 1990s. Since then the mink population has grown and there was much anecdotal data about large numbers of birds being predated, including the Pigeon Guillemot. After an extensive Environmental Assessment conducted by USFWS, USFS, USDA and GAP Solutions, it was decided that some of the mink should be removed from the islands to reduce predation pressure on the Pigeon Guillemots. This is where the very efficient trapping staff of USDA APHIS Wildlife Services comes in. Spring was already arriving early when we anchored in McPherson Passage, shortly after loading up the crew and gear in Whittier, with very little snow left on the islands for late March. For seven weeks, under permits from ADF&G and USFS, and under strictly controlled circumstances, the trappers went to work on reducing the mink population along certain pre-determined sections of the coast line. For the duration of this time Aquetec LLC provided vessel based lodging, meals and other essential logistical support for the trapping crew. Lodging the crew on a boat that constantly moves around to new areas is less invasive than basing the crew out of camps on the land which can have lasting impacts on a sensitive habitat. Having a large vessel like the Cathy G with ample living space and amenities to ensure the crew’s comfort and safety for the duration of the project was paramount. Also having the versatile support vessel Bayhawk available for fast resupply runs from the Port of Whittier and rescue work was most helpful. The trappers were successful in their mission this year. Their trap sites and other areas were monitored by trail cameras for mink presence and activity. Of course mink can and do reproduce very quickly so it will take a few seasons to make a noticeable difference on the population. The USDA APHIS Wildlife Services trappers where very skilled in their trade and had zero incidental catch. We were honored to be part of this restoration project and look forward to seeing its success grow and reflect in the Pigeon Guillemot populations over the next few seasons. It is great to play a small part of restoring Prince William Sound to its pre-spill days.