17 Seabirds data
17.1 Bird migration stopover sites: ecology of nocturnal and diurnal raptors at Monhegan Island
17.1.1 Project information
Lead entity: Biodiversity Research Institute
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Chris DeSorbo
PI contact information: chris.desorbo@briloon.org
Data start year: 2010
Data end year: 2010
Spatial scale: Project
17.1.2 Data information
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.1.3 Project description
In the fall of 2010, we conducted surveys of diurnal and nocturnal raptors on Monhegan Island, in mid-coast Maine. We conducted standardized raptor counts daily between 15 September and 18 October, and we surveyed Northern Saw-whet Owls using playback calls and mist nets. We established a station to band migrant raptors and to fit individuals with satellite transmitters to track their daily movements from local to continental scales. This report summarizes the findings of these efforts. Data collected during this study is needed to help inform habitat management decisions, such as those related to siting inshore and offshore wind power facilities, and attempts to determine the value of sites as a stopover for migratory wildlife.
17.2 CoastalAudubonImportantBirdAreas
17.2.1 Project information
Lead entity: NOAA
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown (Private Member upload)
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2025
Data end year: 2025
Spatial scale: USA
17.2.2 Data information
Project link: https://coast.noaa.gov/arcgis/rest/services/OceanReports/CoastalAudubonImportantBirdAreas/MapServer
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.3 Developing seabird bioindicators for the Gulf of Maine: a demographic study of an Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) metapopulation
17.3.1 Project information
Lead entity: University of Illinois
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Lauren Scopel
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: Unknown
Data end year: 2022
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.3.2 Data information
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.3.3 Project description
As climate change proceeds, ecosystems are changing rapidly. Marine ecosystems are complex and difficult to monitor, making the prediction of future changes a daunting task. Seabirds are often suggested as potential bioindicators, yet the development of their data for general predictive use is rare. I, using the data of many collaborators, examined the potential use of Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) diet and demographic data as bioindicators in the rapidly warming Gulf of Maine (GOM) ecosystem. The collapse of the breeding colony at Machias Seal Island, formerly the largest in North America, was primarily driven by unmitigated egg predation by large Larus gulls, not a decline in Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus). At the metapopulation scale, reproductive success of Arctic Terns was subject to multiple environmental interactions. The proximity of a colony to shore was associated with higher diet quality, but also greater predator pressures. Interactions between diet quality, weather, and predator behaviour strongly influenced the reproductive success of terns. At the ecosystem scale, the diets of Arctic and Common Terns (S. hirundo) could be combined with environmental data to describe and track ecosystem states. Arctic Terns were more likely to consume white hake (Urophycis tenuis) and small marine invertebrates, but their dietary trends also tracked measures of the herring stock and fishery. Common Terns were more likely to target high-lipid fish, but they showed stronger spatial trends that limited regional inferences. Finally, I estimated rates of survival, dispersal, and return rates. Arctic Terns have strong dispersal behaviour and regularly leave the major colonies of the GOM, but adult survival has not changed, despite major warming. Multiple types of tern data indicated that the weakest period of the past 30 years was between 2004-2012, when salinity was reduced and small copepods like Centropages typicus were less abundant. Arctic Terns were able to react to major declines in habitat quality, and have adjusted well to recent warming. Although Arctic Terns are affected by both top-down and bottom-up forcing, their diet and demographic data are useful as indicators. Terns could function well as ecosystem, guild-, or site-specific indicators, depending on the desired use.
17.4 Digital aerial surveys for wildlife in the Gulf of Maine
17.4.1 Project information
Lead entity: Biodiversity Research Institute
Partner entities: HiDef Aerial Surveying
PI name: Iain Stenhouse
PI contact information: iain.stenhouse@briwildlife.org
Data start year: 2023
Data end year: 2024
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.4.2 Data information
Project link: https://briwildlife.org/digital-aerial-surveys/
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds, Marine mammals
Data type: spatial
17.4.3 Project description
BRI, in collaboration with HiDef Aerial Surveying, is conducting digital video aerial surveys to obtain ecological baseline data and to inform siting of offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine. Funded by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), surveys will be conducted in 2023–2024 to better understand the distributions of marine wildlife across the Gulf of Maine.
17.5 Ecology of Great Shearwaters in the Western North Atlantic, 2019-2020
17.5.1 Project information
Lead entity: NOAA
Partner entities: NA
PI name: David Wiley
PI contact information: david.wiley@noaa.gov
Data start year: 2019
Data end year: 2024
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.5.2 Data information
Project link: https://portal.atn.ioos.us/#metadata/abfa6a0e-3615-46c5-94d5-f288f9ae5b43/project
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.5.3 Project description
The data consist of Argos location data (excel format) collected from ten Great Shearwaters each year (2013-2019; ongoing). Birds are captured and tagged off the Coast of Massachusetts, USA in July. Birds travel within the Gulf of Maine and the North Atlantic. Depending on tag duration, some birds are tracked to the southern hemisphere. Exhaled gas, blood, feather and fecal samples are taken for investigation of food habits and genetics. Within the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, movement data and relative use are combined with forage fish data to examine the influence of prey abundance and distribution on top predators such as seabirds and these patterns might be influenced by climate change.
17.6 Interspecific and local variation in tern chick diets across nesting colonies in the Gulf of Maine.
17.6.1 Project information
Lead entity: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Partner entities: National Audubon Socienty Seabird Institute; US Geological Survey
PI name: Yakola, K., A. Jordaan, S. Kress, P. Shannon, M.D. Staudinger.
PI contact information: kyakola@gmail.com
Data start year: Unknown
Data end year: 2021
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.6.2 Data information
Project link: https://doi.org/10.1675/063.044.0402
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.7 MDAT Avian Summary Products
17.7.1 Project information
Lead entity: Duke Univ.
Partner entities: Northeast Regional Ocean Council, NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, NOAA NEFSC, Loyola University Chicago
PI name: Patrick Halpin
PI contact information: phalpin@duke.edu
Data start year: 1998
Data end year: 2019
Spatial scale: USA
17.7.2 Data information
Project link: https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/mdat/
Data link: https://mgelmaps.env.duke.edu/mdat/rest/services/MDAT/Avian_SummaryProducts/MapServer/0-131
Metadata link: https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/mdat/Avian/MDAT_Avian_Summary_Products_Metadata.pdf
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.7.3 Project description
Summary products are comprised of data layers from multiple species, and were created to allow quick access to map summaries about potential biological, management, or sensitivity groups of interest. Summary products provide a means to distill hundreds of data layer and time period combinations into more simplified maps that supplement the base layer reference library. These summary products include total abundance or biomass, species richness, diversity, and core area abundance or biomass richness for all modeled/sampled groups of species and are useful tools for seeing broad patterns in the underlying data or model results.
17.8 Movement and Dispersal Patterns of Maine Adult and Subadult Bald Eagles
17.8.1 Project information
Lead entity: Biodiversity Research Institute
Partner entities: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NextEra Energy
PI name: Chris DeSorbo
PI contact information: chris.desorbo@briloon.org
Data start year: 2001
Data end year: Unknown
Spatial scale: State
17.8.2 Data information
Project link: https://briwildlife.org/raptor-program/maine-subadult-bald-eagles/
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.8.3 Project description
BRI began small-scale efforts to band Maine Bald Eagle nestlings in 2001 and by 2004, BRI and collaborators began to evaluate Maine’s Bald Eagle population’s exposure to mercury. In addition to taking samples to be used for contaminant, genetics, and other analyses, researchers placed “silver” bands and red “color bands” on nestlings. The silver band, issued by the federal USGS Bird Banding Lab, contains a unique ID– that band, if recovered, can be linked back to that individual’s original banding location and related information. On the leg opposite the silver band, researchers typically placed a colored band, which, Unlike silver bands, can often be read from a distance with a spotting scope or digital camera. This information can be used to identify the banding origin of that particular eagle.
17.9 NCCOS Assessment: Modeling At-Sea Density of Marine Birds to Support Atlantic Marine Renewable Energy Planning from 1978-2016 (NCEI Accession 0176682)
17.9.1 Project information
Lead entity: NOAA NCCOS
Partner entities: NA
PI name: NOAA NCCOS
PI contact information: ncei.info@noaa.gov
Data start year: 1978
Data end year: 2016
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.9.2 Data information
Project link: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/iso?id=gov.noaa.nodc:0176682
Metadata link: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/iso?id=gov.noaa.nodc:0176682;view=iso
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.9.3 Project description
This dataset provides seasonal spatial rasters of median predicted long-term (1978-2016) relative density of 47 marine bird species throughout the US Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and adjacent waters at a 2-km spatial resolution. Three indications of the uncertainty associated with the model predictions are also provided: 1) seasonal spatial layers indicating areas with no survey effort, 2) seasonal spatial rasters of the precision of predicted relative density of each species characterized as its coefficient of variation (CV), and 3) seasonal spatial rasters of the precision of predicted relative density of each species characterized as its 90% confidence interval. Predicted relative density should always be considered in conjunction with these three indications of uncertainty. Suggested symbology class breaks and labels for mapping predicted relative density and its CV are also included. Finally, this dataset also includes spatial rasters of environmental predictor variables that were used in the predictive modeling.
17.10 Northern gannet, fall migration, utilization distribution
17.10.1 Project information
Lead entity: Northeast Ocean Data
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2012
Data end year: 2016
Spatial scale: USA
17.10.2 Data information
Project link: https://services.northeastoceandata.org/arcgis1/rest/services/MarineLifeAndHabitat/MapServer/59
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.10.3 Project description
These datasets represent some of the results of a study to determine fine-scale use and movement patterns over the course of five years (2012-2016) of over 400 individuals of three species of diving marine birds, Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), and Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus), in Federal waters of the mid-Atlantic U.S. during migration and winter.
17.11 Northern gannet, spring migration, utilization distribution
17.11.1 Project information
Lead entity: Northeast Ocean Data
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2012
Data end year: 2016
Spatial scale: USA
17.11.2 Data information
Project link: https://services.northeastoceandata.org/arcgis1/rest/services/MarineLifeAndHabitat/MapServer/60
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.11.3 Project description
These datasets represent some of the results of a study to determine fine-scale use and movement patterns over the course of five years (2012-2016) of over 400 individuals of three species of diving marine birds, Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), and Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus), in Federal waters of the mid-Atlantic U.S. during migration and winter.
17.12 Northern gannet, winter, utilization distribution
17.12.1 Project information
Lead entity: Northeast Ocean Data
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2012
Data end year: 2016
Spatial scale: USA
17.12.2 Data information
Project link: https://services.northeastoceandata.org/arcgis1/rest/services/MarineLifeAndHabitat/MapServer/61
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.12.3 Project description
These datasets represent some of the results of a study to determine fine-scale use and movement patterns over the course of five years (2012-2016) of over 400 individuals of three species of diving marine birds, Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), and Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus), in Federal waters of the mid-Atlantic U.S. during migration and winter.
17.13 Red throated loon, fall migration, utilization distribution
17.13.1 Project information
Lead entity: Northeast Ocean Data
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2012
Data end year: 2016
Spatial scale: USA
17.13.2 Data information
Project link: https://services.northeastoceandata.org/arcgis1/rest/services/MarineLifeAndHabitat/MapServer/62
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.13.3 Project description
These datasets represent some of the results of a study to determine fine-scale use and movement patterns over the course of five years (2012-2016) of over 400 individuals of three species of diving marine birds, Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), and Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus), in Federal waters of the mid-Atlantic U.S. during migration and winter.
17.14 Red throated loon, spring migration, utilization distribution
17.14.1 Project information
Lead entity: Northeast Ocean Data
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2012
Data end year: 2016
Spatial scale: USA
17.14.2 Data information
Project link: https://services.northeastoceandata.org/arcgis1/rest/services/MarineLifeAndHabitat/MapServer/63
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.14.3 Project description
These datasets represent some of the results of a study to determine fine-scale use and movement patterns over the course of five years (2012-2016) of over 400 individuals of three species of diving marine birds, Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), and Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus), in Federal waters of the mid-Atlantic U.S. during migration and winter.
17.15 Red throated loon, winter, utilization distribution
17.15.1 Project information
Lead entity: Northeast Ocean Data
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2012
Data end year: 2016
Spatial scale: USA
17.15.2 Data information
Project link: https://services.northeastoceandata.org/arcgis1/rest/services/MarineLifeAndHabitat/MapServer/64
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.15.3 Project description
These datasets represent some of the results of a study to determine fine-scale use and movement patterns over the course of five years (2012-2016) of over 400 individuals of three species of diving marine birds, Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), and Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus), in Federal waters of the mid-Atlantic U.S. during migration and winter.
17.16 Surf scoter, fall migration, utilization distribution
17.16.1 Project information
Lead entity: Northeast Ocean Data
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2012
Data end year: 2016
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.16.2 Data information
Project link: https://services.northeastoceandata.org/arcgis1/rest/services/MarineLifeAndHabitat/MapServer/65
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.16.3 Project description
These datasets represent some of the results of a study to determine fine-scale use and movement patterns over the course of five years (2012-2016) of over 400 individuals of three species of diving marine birds, Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), and Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus), in Federal waters of the mid-Atlantic U.S. during migration and winter.
17.17 Surf scoter, spring migration, utilization distribution
17.17.1 Project information
Lead entity: Northeast Ocean Data
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2012
Data end year: 2016
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.17.2 Data information
Project link: https://services.northeastoceandata.org/arcgis1/rest/services/MarineLifeAndHabitat/MapServer/66
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.17.3 Project description
These datasets represent some of the results of a study to determine fine-scale use and movement patterns over the course of five years (2012-2016) of over 400 individuals of three species of diving marine birds, Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), and Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus), in Federal waters of the mid-Atlantic U.S. during migration and winter.
17.18 Surf scoter, winter, utilization distribution
17.18.1 Project information
Lead entity: Northeast Ocean Data
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2012
Data end year: 2016
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.18.2 Data information
Project link: https://services.northeastoceandata.org/arcgis1/rest/services/MarineLifeAndHabitat/MapServer/67
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.18.3 Project description
These datasets represent some of the results of a study to determine fine-scale use and movement patterns over the course of five years (2012-2016) of over 400 individuals of three species of diving marine birds, Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), and Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus), in Federal waters of the mid-Atlantic U.S. during migration and winter.
17.19 Supporting Offshore Wind Siting in the Gulf of Maine, Marine Birds
17.19.1 Project information
Lead entity: Biodiversity Research Institute
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Wing, G
PI contact information: wing.goodale@briwildlife.org
Data start year: 2022
Data end year: 2022
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.19.2 Data information
Project link: https://briwildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BRI-marine-bird-siting-report-for-MDIFW.pdf
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.19.3 Project description
To support the State of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife during the offshore wind commercial planning process, Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) conducted a desktop study and literature review to determine regions of importance for breeding and migrating marine birds in the Gulf of Maine to inform regions of higher and lower risk to marine birds. The study relied on three primary analyses: a buffer around colonial nesting marine bird islands during the breeding season based on the maximum foraging distance; a combined exposure and vulnerability assessment using regional marine bird models; and movement models of three diving bird species.
17.20 Assessing the cumulative impacts of offshore wind on shorebirds throughout the Atlantic Flyway
17.20.1 Project information
Lead entity: The University of Rhode Island
Partner entities: USFWS, CWS, Aquasis, Mount Allison University, Mass Audubon, Manomet
PI name: Rebeca Linhart
PI contact information: rebecalinhart@uri.edu
Data start year: 2023
Data end year: 2027
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.20.2 Data information
Project link: https://database.rwsc.org/details?recordId=recJROSOP3Dcbb9HJ
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.20.3 Project description
We aim to understand the cumulative impacts of offshore wind development on shorebirds across the Atlantic Flyway, considering development areas in Atlantic Canada, the US, and Brazil. We are using a combination of Motus nanotags and Argos satellite tags to track shorebird movements across the flyway. We will incorporate data from multiple species, and plan to use new and existing tagging data for this analysis.
[1] “This data was sourced from: RWSC_early-2025”
17.21 Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (AMAPPS) I, II, and III
17.21.1 Project information
Lead entity: NOAA
Partner entities: BOEM, US Navy, USFWS
PI name: Debra Palka
PI contact information: debra.palka@noaa.gov
Data start year: 2010
Data end year: 2050
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.21.2 Data information
Project link: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/population-assessments/atlantic-marine-assessment-program-protected
Data link: https://apps-nefsc.fisheries.noaa.gov/amappsviewer/
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Acoustic, Marine mammals, Plankton, Sea turtles, Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.21.3 Project description
Visual sightings of cetaceans, seabirds, sea turtles and seals, acoustic detections, location/depth, physical water characteristics, distribution and density of fish and plankton. These models rely on seasonal distribution and abundance data our scientists have collected over multiple years using aerial and shipboard surveys. They also include dive pattern information from individually-tagged turtles and detections from passive acoustic recording devices.
[1] “This data was sourced from: RWSC_early-2025”
17.22 Atlantic Offshore Seabird Dataset Catalog, Atlantic Coast and Outer Continental Shelf, from 1938-01-01 to 2013-12-31
17.22.1 Project information
Lead entity: BOEM
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Allison Sussman
PI contact information: asussman@usgs.gov
Data start year: 1938
Data end year: 2013
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.22.2 Data information
Project link: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/iso?id=gov.noaa.nodc:115356
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.23 Automated detection and classification of wildlife targets in digital aerial imagery – Phase II
17.23.1 Project information
Lead entity: USGS
Partner entities: USFWS, University of California - Berkeley, BOEM
PI name: Kyle Landolt
PI contact information: klandolt.usgs.gov
Data start year: 2021
Data end year: 2024
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.23.2 Data information
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: “research project, synthesis, or technology development”
17.23.3 Project description
The project seeks to improve the efficiency, standardization, and accuracy of airborne waterfowl population surveys and aid in informing harvest and other regulatory decisions, environmental assessments, and impact analyses of potential wildlife exposure to offshore energy development projects in the U.S. High resolution digital imagery collected during aerial surveys of the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf and the Great Lakes will provide the data for algorithm development, as well as baseline information on wildlife distributions and abundance. Algorithms will likely operate in stages, with an initial stage developed to detect possible targets and sort images with and without targets, and subsequent stages to enumerate and classify targets. Labeled image datasets are being developed to train the algorithms. Sea ducks are manually identified and annotated from representative imagery. Annotation of targets will be commensurate with study objectives (initially species level classification) and capture the variability in appearance of targets and target backgrounds to maximize classification accuracy of deep learning algorithms. For this study, we are annotating to the lowest taxonomic level and incorporating information on age, gender, and activity when resolvable. Auxiliary information such as imagery metadata and georeferencing will support advanced analysis with these data in the future.
[1] “This data was sourced from: RWSC_early-2025”
17.24 Cross-taxa Assessment of Habitat Use and Connectivity Relative to Marine Protected Areas in the Gulf of Maine: Implications for Management
17.24.1 Project information
Lead entity: NOAA NEFSC
Partner entities: Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Integrated Statistics, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
PI name: Danielle Cholewiak
PI contact information: danielle.cholewiak@noaa.gov
Data start year: 2021
Data end year: 2026
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.24.2 Data information
Project link: https://cdn.coastalscience.noaa.gov/page-attachments/funding/NCCOS_CRP_RER_FY21_Awards_Summaries.pdf
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Marine mammals, Sea turtles, Seabirds, Elasmobranchs, Pelagic fishes, Coastal fishes
Data type: “research project, synthesis, or technology development”
17.24.3 Project description
We are evaluating how highly migratory and protected species, including cetaceans, fishes, pinnipeds, seabirds, and turtles, are using a network of state and federal marine protected areas in the Gulf of Maine and southern New England regions, and how this overlaps with areas of human use. Understanding the benefits of existing MPAs to species at risk will inform recommendations for potential new or expanded MPAs, and ensure their viability for future generations.
[1] “This data was sourced from: RWSC_early-2025”
17.25 Developing Best Practices and Applying Environmental DNA (eDNA) Tools and in Support of Assessing and Managing Living Marine Species in an Ecosystem-based Context
17.25.1 Project information
Lead entity: BOEM
Partner entities: NOAA NEFSC, Smithsonian Institution, AMAPPS
PI name: Tim White
PI contact information: timothy.white@boem.gov
Data start year: 2021
Data end year: 2023
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.25.2 Data information
Project link: https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/documents/environment/environmental-studies/SDP_2022-2023.pdf
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Sea turtles, Seabirds, Marine mammals, Molluscs
Data type: spatial
17.25.3 Project description
BOEM and the Northeast Fisheries Science Center will evaluate the eDNA “net” for accuracy in resolving community structure in space and through time by comparing taxa identified in water samples with quantified multi-species hotspots (T. White) derived from fisheries and observer-based sampling programs (e.g., AMAPPS). This project proposes identifying which species and guilds eDNA resolves well and those it misidentifies with an ecosystem-based context. For example, seabirds and invertebrates (e.g., clams) have been overlooked in most eDNA studies, even though these communities are essential in BOEM assessments and by other federal agencies. We will evaluate how well eDNA metabarcoding resolves marine communities using retrospective analyses (persistent communities) and simultaneous observations (observers; net tows; aerial cameras). The main objectives are to identify strengths and weaknesses in methodology; address weaknesses by populating genetic databases where feasible, and guide future BOEM projects across the regions.
[1] “This data was sourced from: RWSC_early-2025”
17.26 Ecological baseline study of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf off Maine
17.26.1 Project information
Lead entity: Biodiversity Research Institute
Partner entities: HiDef Aerial Surveying Ltd
PI name: David Bigger
PI contact information: david.bigger@boem.gov
Data start year: 2022
Data end year: 2024
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.26.2 Data information
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds, Sea turtles, Marine mammals
Data type: spatial
17.26.3 Project description
The objective of this study is to obtain contractor support to design and conduct multiseason boat-based and/or aerial-digital marine wildlife surveys and to establish an ecological baseline describing the distribution and abundance of marine seabirds, mammals, and sea turtles on the US OCS off Maine. The effort will coordinate with USFWS and others that may be surveying in the Gulf of Maine. A detailed field plan will be developed describing survey methods, survey protocols, proposed track lines, and survey schedule. The plan will also include details on the collection of digital imagery, methods for processing the images, camera design, and methods for identifying the species, methods to estimate bird flight heights, methods for collection of visible features of potential interest to energy development (such as oceanographic features, vessels, fishing activity [e.g., buoys], and other human uses). The data collected from these baseline surveys will be added into databases like the Compendium of Avian Occurrence Information database and the Ocean Biogeographic Information System Spatial Ecological Analysis of Megavertebrate Populations (OBIS-SEAMAP). Ultimately, the baseline data could then be used to update avian and other wildlife distributional maps like those developed through BOEM’s interagency agreement with NOAA (Winship et al. 2018) and distributed to the regional data portals. BRI website for digital aerial surveys: https://briwildlife.org/digital-aerial-surveys/
[1] “This data was sourced from: RWSC_early-2025”
17.27 Gulf of Maine Breeding Seabird Tracking
17.27.1 Project information
Lead entity: National Audubon Society
Partner entities: USFWS, MDIFW, BRI, Oregon State University, Gettysburg College, University of New Hampshire, Shoals Marine Lab, University of New Brunswick
PI name: Donald Lyons
PI contact information: donald.lyons@audubon.org
Data start year: 2021
Data end year: Present
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.27.2 Data information
Project link: https://seabirdinstitute.audubon.org/programs/island-research-program
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.27.3 Project description
Collect and analyze movement data of seabirds breeding in the Gulf of Maine (GoM) to inform OSW siting, monitoring, and mitigation processes. Collect data during both the breeding and non-breeding periods. Focused on terns, storm-petrels, and alcids.
[1] “This data was sourced from: RWSC_early-2025”
17.28 Maine Department of Marine Resources visual wildlife survey
17.28.1 Project information
Lead entity: Maine Department of Marine Resources
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown
PI contact information: offshorewind@maine.gov
Data start year: 2024
Data end year: 2030
Spatial scale: Project
17.28.2 Data information
Project link: https://www.maine.gov/dmr/node/1467
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds, Marine mammals
Data type: spatial
17.29 Maine eDNA
17.29.1 Project information
Lead entity: University of Maine
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown
PI contact information: https://umaine.edu/edna/contact-us/
Data start year: 2020
Data end year: 2025
Spatial scale: State
17.29.2 Data information
Project link: https://umaine.edu/edna/
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Sea turtles, Seabirds, Plankton, Marine mammals, Groundfish, Elasmobranchs, Pelagic fishes, Bathymetry
Data type: “research project, synthesis, or technology development”
17.29.3 Project description
Maine eDNA is a 5-year research, education, and outreach program that seeks to transform our understanding and sustainability of Maine’s coastal ecosystems via environmental DNA (eDNA) innovations that unlock new scales of inference and new scales of collaboration.
[1] “This data was sourced from: RWSC_early-2025”
17.30 NH Common Tern movement ecology
17.30.1 Project information
Lead entity: Shoals Marine Laboratory
Partner entities: University of New Hampshire, NH Fish and Game, National Audubon Society, USFWS
PI name: Elizabeth Craig
PI contact information: Elizabeth.Craig@unh.edu
Data start year: 2019
Data end year: Present
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.30.2 Data information
Project link: https://www.shoalsmarinelaboratory.org/Seabirds
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.30.3 Project description
Since 2019, our NH-based team has annually deployed high accuracy GPS tags (Pathtrack ltd, nanofix geo+RF; 10-20 per year) on common terns (Sterna hirundo) using leg-loop harness attachments. This work is conducted as part of a collaborative Gulf of Maine group, included in the list of partner entities.
[1] “This data was sourced from: RWSC_early-2025”
17.31 NH Roseate Tern GPS tagging
17.31.1 Project information
Lead entity: Shoals Marine Laboratory
Partner entities: University of New Hampshire, National Audubon Society
PI name: Elizabeth Craig
PI contact information: Elizabeth.Craig@unh.edu
Data start year: 2024
Data end year: Present
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.31.2 Data information
Project link: https://www.shoalsmarinelaboratory.org/Seabirds
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.31.3 Project description
Beginning in 2024, our NH-based team plans to deployed high accuracy GPS tags (Pathtrack ltd, nanofix geo+RF; 10 per year) on roseate terns (Sterna dougallii) using leg-loop harness attachments. This work is conducted as part of a collaborative Gulf of Maine group, included in the list of partner entities.
[1] “This data was sourced from: RWSC_early-2025”
17.32 Project Poop - Diet monitoring of east coast seabirds using fecal DNA
17.32.1 Project information
Lead entity: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Partner entities: Audubon Seabird Institute, FWS, Shoals Marine Lab
PI name: Gemma Clucas
PI contact information: gemma.clucas@cornell.edu
Data start year: 2017
Data end year: Unknown
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.32.2 Data information
Project link: https://www.gemmaclucas.com/research/seabird-diets
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.32.3 Project description
We are collecting fecal samples from seabird colonies along the US east coast and Nova Scotia to monitor the diets of breeding adults and chicks using fecal DNA metabarcoding. Target species are common terns, black skimmers, and Atlantic puffins. Additional species such as roseate terns and Arctic terns are also being monitored at local scales. Data will be used to look at spatial and temporal variation in diet and as an indicator of forage fish availability.
[1] “This data was sourced from: RWSC_early-2025”
17.33 Purple Sandpiper Winter Surveys in Maine
17.33.1 Project information
Lead entity: Maine Natural History Observatory
Partner entities: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
PI name: Elliot Johnston
PI contact information: elliot@mainenaturalhistory.org
Data start year: 2023
Data end year: 2024
Spatial scale: State
17.33.2 Data information
Project link: https://mainenaturalhistory.org/purple-sandpipers/
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.34 Quantifying marine biodiversity through movements and feeding: Assessing coastal marine ecosystem dynamics near estuary mouths
17.34.1 Project information
Lead entity: University of New Hampshire
Partner entities: Gulf of Maine Research Institute, NERACOOS
PI name: Nathan Furey
PI contact information: Nathan.Furey@unh.edu
Data start year: 2022
Data end year: 2027
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.34.2 Data information
Project link: https://marinebon.org/us-mbon/coastal-new-england/
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds, Groundfish
Data type: spatial
17.34.3 Project description
This project, which includes the development of the Coastal New England Marine Biodiversity Observation Network, integrates technologies (acoustic telemetry, environmental DNA [eDNA], and acoustics) to track shifts in local marine biodiversity in both New Hampshire (Isles of Shoals) and southern Maine (Casco Bay) coastal waters. We are also examining how the feeding and movements of two important consumers, the common tern and Atlantic cod, respond to local marine biodiversity through diet analyses and telemetry. Bioenergetics models of these species will be developed to predict how changes in water temperature and diet may affect Atlantic cod and terns. Comparing and contrasting species’ responses to environmental change helps determine the “winners and losers” of climate change. All efforts each year are informed by a variety of stakeholders representing resource managers and non-profit organizations, including New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, National Marine Fisheries Service, Maine Department of Marine Resources, National Audubon Society, and the Piscataqua Region Estuarine Partnership. The team also includes experts in data management and accessibility to ensure data are accessible in a timely manner.
[1] “This data was sourced from: RWSC_early-2025”
17.35 Shorebird Science and Conservation Collective
17.35.1 Project information
Lead entity: Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center
Partner entities: 74 public and private organizations
PI name: Autumn-Lynn Harrison
PI contact information: harrisonal@si.edu
Data start year: 2021
Data end year: Present
Spatial scale: USA
17.35.2 Data information
Project link: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/shorebird-collective
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: “Yes, by request”
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.35.3 Project description
The Shorebird Science and Conservation Collective is a collaborative network comprised of over 70 scientists who have contributed shorebird tracking data collected from more than 3,300 individuals across 36 species to inform on-the-ground conservation. Established in 2021, the Collective serves as a vital bridge between scientists collecting shorebird tracking data and conservation practitioners who need information on shorebird movements to address urgent conservation questions.
[1] “This data was sourced from: RWSC_early-2025”
17.36 MDAT Avian Base Layer Products - Relative Density
17.36.1 Project information
Lead entity: Duke Univ.
Partner entities: Northeast Regional Ocean Council, NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, NOAA NEFSC, Loyola University Chicago
PI name: Patrick Halpin
PI contact information: phalpin@duke.edu
Data start year: 1998
Data end year: 2019
Spatial scale: USA
17.36.2 Data information
Project link: https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/mdat/avian.html
Data link: https://mgelmaps.env.duke.edu/mdat/rest/services/MDAT/Avian_Relative_Density/MapServer
Metadata link: https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/mdat/Avian/MDAT_Avian_Summary_Products_Metadata.pdf
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.36.3 Project description
The Northeast Regional Ocean Council and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) collaborated to fund the development of maps of marine life to support ocean planning and management. Researchers at several institutions who work collaboratively as the Marine-life Data and Analysis Team (MDAT) assembled a collection of new maps that represents one of the largest known efforts globally to assemble and disseminate spatial data for multiple species and taxa of marine life. As part of this effort, NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science developed the maps of marine bird relative density and distribution for the entire Atlantic coast. The methods used to produce the bird maps are published in a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Office of Environmental Studies Program report.
17.37 MDAT Avian Base Layer Products - Relative Density CV
17.37.1 Project information
Lead entity: Duke Univ.
Partner entities: Northeast Regional Ocean Council, NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, NOAA NEFSC, Loyola University Chicago
PI name: Patrick Halpin
PI contact information: phalpin@duke.edu
Data start year: 1998
Data end year: 2019
Spatial scale: USA
17.37.2 Data information
Project link: https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/mdat/avian.html
Data link: https://mgelmaps.env.duke.edu/mdat/rest/services/MDAT/Avian_Relative_Density_CV/MapServer
Metadata link: https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/mdat/Avian/MDAT_Avian_Summary_Products_Metadata.pdf
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.37.3 Project description
The Northeast Regional Ocean Council and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) collaborated to fund the development of maps of marine life to support ocean planning and management. Researchers at several institutions who work collaboratively as the Marine-life Data and Analysis Team (MDAT) assembled a collection of new maps that represents one of the largest known efforts globally to assemble and disseminate spatial data for multiple species and taxa of marine life. As part of this effort, NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science developed the maps of marine bird relative density and distribution for the entire Atlantic coast. The methods used to produce the bird maps are published in a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Office of Environmental Studies Program report.
17.38 MDAT Avian Base Layer Products - Relative Density CI90
17.38.1 Project information
Lead entity: Duke Univ.
Partner entities: Northeast Regional Ocean Council, NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, NOAA NEFSC, Loyola University Chicago
PI name: Patrick Halpin
PI contact information: phalpin@duke.edu
Data start year: 1998
Data end year: 2019
Spatial scale: USA
17.38.2 Data information
Project link: https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/mdat/avian.html
Data link: https://mgelmaps.env.duke.edu/mdat/rest/services/MDAT/Avian_Relative_Density_CI90/MapServer
Metadata link: https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/mdat/Avian/MDAT_Avian_Summary_Products_Metadata.pdf
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.38.3 Project description
The Northeast Regional Ocean Council and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) collaborated to fund the development of maps of marine life to support ocean planning and management. Researchers at several institutions who work collaboratively as the Marine-life Data and Analysis Team (MDAT) assembled a collection of new maps that represents one of the largest known efforts globally to assemble and disseminate spatial data for multiple species and taxa of marine life. As part of this effort, NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science developed the maps of marine bird relative density and distribution for the entire Atlantic coast. The methods used to produce the bird maps are published in a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Office of Environmental Studies Program report.
17.39 Atlas of Seabirds at Sea in Eastern Canada 2006 - 2020
17.39.1 Project information
Lead entity: Government of Canada
Partner entities: Ships of opportunity
PI name: Government of Canada; Environment and Climate Change Canada; Regional Operations, Quebec Region
PI contact information: enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca
Data start year: 2006
Data end year: 2020
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.39.2 Data information
Project link: https://data-donnees.az.ec.gc.ca/data/species/assess/atlas-of-seabirds-at-sea-in-eastern-canada?lang=en
Data link: NA
Metadata link: https://catalogue.ec.gc.ca/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/f612e2b4-5c67-46dc-9a84-1154c649ab4e
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.39.3 Project description
The atlas provides printable maps, Web Services and downloadable data files representing seabirds at-sea densities in eastern Canada. The information provided on the open data web site can be used to identify areas where seabirds at sea are found in eastern Canada. However, low survey effort or high variation in some areas introduces uncertainty in the density estimates provided. The data and maps found on the open data web site should therefore be interpreted with an understanding of this uncertainty. Data were collected using ships of opportunity surveys and therefore spatial and seasonal coverage varies considerably. Densities are computed using distance sampling to adjust for variation in detection rates among observers and survey conditions. Depending on conditions, seabirds can be difficult to identify to species level. Therefore, densities at higher taxonomic levels are provided. more details in the document: Atlas_SeabirdsAtSea-OiseauxMarinsEnMer.pdf. By clicking on “View on Map” you will visualize a example of the density measured for all species combined from April to July - 2006-2020. ESRI REST or WMS map services can be added to your web maps or opened directly in your desktop mapping applications. These are alternatives to downloading and provide densities for all taxonomical groups and species as well as survey effort.
17.40 Motus Seabird Database
17.40.1 Project information
Lead entity: Motus
Partner entities: Birds Canada
PI name: Stuart Mackenzie
PI contact information: smackenzie@birdscanada.org
Data start year: Unknown
Data end year: Present
Spatial scale: Global
17.40.2 Data information
Project link: https://motus.org/
Data link: https://motus.org/dashboard/#
Metadata link:
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.40.3 Project description
Motus is built on a collaborative automated radio telemetry network. This framework provides the unique ability to simultaneously track large numbers of small, flying animals, including birds, bats, and large insects at multiple spatial scales. With a sufficient receiver network in areas of interest, Motus can provide high temporal and geographic precision, over multiple spatial scales, from local to inter-continental.Animals are fitted with uniquely coded small radio transmitters, which can be detected by strategically placed stations up to 20 km away when in flight under optimal conditions. Detection data are stored on the receiving stations, not the transmitters, removing the need to recapture animals. This enables efficient monitoring of diverse species regardless of site fidelity or survival. Data can be uploaded automatically to the centralized Motus database via the internet or cellular networks, eliminating manual downloads.For more details, explore the applications or refer to Taylor et al. (2017) for a comprehensive introduction.
17.41 Digital video aerial surveys of seabirds and marine megafauna in the Gulf of Maine from May 2023 to January 2024
17.41.1 Project information
Lead entity: Biodiversity Research Institute
Partner entities: BOEM, HiDef Aerial Surveying Limited
PI name: Andrew Gilbert
PI contact information: andrew.gilbert@briwildlife.org
Data start year: 2023
Data end year: 2024
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.41.2 Data information
Project link: https://seamap.env.duke.edu/dataset/2316/html
Data link: https://seamap.env.duke.edu/dataset/2316
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Marine mammals, Seabirds, Elasmobranchs, Pelagic fishes
Data type: spatial
17.41.3 Project description
In April 2023, the Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) commissioned HiDef Aerial Surveying Limited (HiDef) to conduct high-resolution digital video aerial surveys in the Gulf of Maine. The surveys aimed to record marine megafauna, seabirds, and human activity. The designated survey area is approximately 5 km off the coast of Maine A total of four surveys were conducted between May 2023 and January 2024. HiDef designed the survey using 2.5 km- and 5 km-spaced transects across the Gulf of Maine survey area, covering approximately 6,673 km².
17.42 SouthCoast Wind Project Final Environmental Impact Statement
17.42.1 Project information
Lead entity: BOEM Office of Renewable Energy Programs
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2021
Data end year: 2024
Spatial scale: Northwest Atlantic
17.42.2 Data information
Project link: https://tethys.pnnl.gov/publications/southcoast-wind-project-final-environmental-impact-statement
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Coastal fishes, Pelagic fishes, Crustaceans, Groundfish, Marine mammals, Sea turtles, Seabirds, Physical oceanography
Data type: “research project, synthesis, or technology development”
17.42.3 Project description
This Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) assesses the potential biological, socioeconomic, physical, and cultural impacts that could result from the construction and installation, operations and maintenance, and conceptual decommissioning of the SouthCoast Wind Project (Project) proposed by SouthCoast Wind Energy LLC (SouthCoast Wind), in its Construction and Operations Plan (COP).
17.43 Seabird nesting islands
17.43.1 Project information
Lead entity: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Jason Czapiga
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2018
Data end year: Unknown
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.43.2 Data information
Project link: https://mdifw-data-maine.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/maine::seabird-nesting-islands-3/about
Metadata link:
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Habitat, Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.44 Piping Plover and Least Tern Essential Habitat
17.44.1 Project information
Lead entity: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Jason Czapiga
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2018
Data end year: Unknown
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.44.2 Data information
Project link: https://mdifw-data-maine.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/maine::piping-plover-and-least-tern-essential-habitat/about
Metadata link:
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Habitat, Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.45 Roseate Tern Essential Habitat
17.45.1 Project information
Lead entity: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Jason Czapiga
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: 2018
Data end year: Unknown
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.45.2 Data information
Project link: https://mdifw-data-maine.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/maine::roseate-tern-essential-habitat-layer/about
Metadata link:
Data availability: Yes
Data categories: Habitat, Seabirds
Data type: spatial
17.46 Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Wildlife Division Seabird Database
17.46.1 Project information
Lead entity: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Partner entities: NA
PI name: Unknown
PI contact information: Unknown
Data start year: Unknown
Data end year: Unknown
Spatial scale: Gulf of Maine
17.46.2 Data information
Project link: http://gomswg.org/aboutseabirds.html
Data link: NA
Metadata link: NA
Data availability: No
Data categories: Seabirds
Data type: spatial