i received this today and thought you all might be interested in
reading it, too.

[please note that i edited this message to include shorter line-wraps
-- the content and wording remain unchanged.]


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August 6, 1997 Connie M.J. Barclay


Large Numbers of Seabirds Wash Ashore
Biologists Scramble to Solve Mysterious Die-Off

In two mysterious die-offs, birds continue to wash ashore along
the Alaska Peninsula and on St. Lawrence Island. Murres and puffins
have been found between Gambell and Savoonga and St. Lawrence Island.
Dead kittiwakes, bald eagles and other species have been reported
from Chignik to False Pass.

According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, Vivian
Mendenhall, specimens are being collected from both areas for autopsy,
which should help biologists determine the reasons for the die-off.
She also says that die-offs from different locations and involving
different kinds of birds may have different causes.

Mendenhall says that they have not yet determined the cause of
this die-off. Temporary die-offs in the past have often been due to
lack of food or when ocean conditions are unusual. "However, it is
important to investigate any unusual mortality and check out all
possible causes," she said.

In the meantime, biologists are considering the effect warmer
temperatures could be having, since this year southwestern Alaska
experienced an unusually early spring. The Bering Sea and the Gulf of
Alaska are several degrees above normal temperatures this year, which
biologists say affects the marine ecosystem, including birds.
"Unusual water conditions can change the birds' food supply,"
Mendenhall said.

In May of this year, large numbers of murres died in the area of
Etolin Strait, off northeastern Nunivak Island.

"Seabird die-offs are not uncommon," Mendenhall said. "They have
been observed every decade or two in northern countries." According to
Mendenhall, seabird die-offs studied so far have not affected populations
significantly.

"We plan to combine local information and our studies of specimens
to explain what's causing our birds to die this time. We especially need
help with counting the birds," Mendenhall said. Mendenhall says that
anyone with information should contact her at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service in Anchorage at (907)786-3517, or biologist Karen Laing at
(907)786-3459.

FWS

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