Sea Otter Forage Observations from Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound
Dates
Publication Date
2017-03-03
Start Date
2012
End Date
2024
Last Revision
2024-11-12
Citation
U.S. Geological Survey - Alaska Science Center, and National Park Service - Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network, 2017, Sea otter forage observations from Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound (ver. 2.0, November 2024): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7N29V4R.
Summary
These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long term monitoring program, nearshore component and a seasonal diet study in Kenai Fjords National Park. This dataset consists of observations made of foraging sea otters (Enhydra lutris). Observers used Questar field model spotting scopes and binoculars to identify prey. Date, local time, dive duration, success, prey type, prey size, prey number, handling time and surface time were all recorded. Sites are in Alaska and include locations in Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound. The data in this file were collected from 2012—2024. Version History: First release: March 2017 Revised: November 2024 (ver. 2.0)
Summary
These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long term monitoring program, nearshore component and a seasonal diet study in Kenai Fjords National Park. This dataset consists of observations made of foraging sea otters (Enhydra lutris). Observers used Questar field model spotting scopes and binoculars to identify prey. Date, local time, dive duration, success, prey type, prey size, prey number, handling time and surface time were all recorded. Sites are in Alaska and include locations in Kachemak Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound. The data in this file were collected from 2012—2024.
Version History:
First release: March 2017
Revised: November 2024 (ver. 2.0)
The purpose of these data iare to allow comparison of a set of sea otter forage data metrics across time and geographic location. Metrics include foraging success rate, composition of prey, mean size and/or size frequency distribution of common prey, number of prey items per dive, and rate of energetic return. Comparisons include metrics from one location over time or from one time across locations.