| Abstract: | We review nesting sea duck population declines in Alaska during recent decades and explore the possibility that contaminants may be implicated. Aerial surveys of the surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) , white-winged scoter (M. fusca) , black scoter (M. nigra) , oldsquaw (Clangula hyemalis) , spectacled eider (Somateria fischeri) , and Steller‘s eider (Polysticta stelleri) show long-term breeding population declines, especially the latter three species. The spectacled eider was recently classified threatened under the Endangered Species Act. In addition, three other diving ducks, which commonly winter in coastal areas, have declined from unknown causes. Large die-offs of all three species of scoters during molt, a period of high energy demand, were documented in August 1990, 1991, and 1992 at coastal reefs in southeastern Alaska. There was no evidence of infectious diseases in those scoters. The die-offs may or may not be associated with the long-term declines. Many scoters had elevated renal concentrations of cadmium (high of 375 ?g/g dry weight [dw]). Effects of cadmium in sea ducks are not well understood. Selenium concentrations in livers of nesting white-winged scoters were high ; however, the eggs they laid contained less selenium than expected based on relationships for freshwater bird species. Histological evaluation found a high prevalence of hepatocellular vacuolation (49%) , a degenerative change frequently associated with sublethal toxic insult. Cadmium and selenium mean liver concentrations were generally higher in those birds with more severe vacuolation ; however, relationships were not statistically significant. We do not know if sea duck population declines are related to metals or other contaminants. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 5224966 |
| Citation Author: | Henny, C. J.; Rudis, D.D.; Roffe, T.J.; Robinson-Wilson, E. |
| Citation Contributing Office: | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
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| Citation End Page: | 49 |
| Citation Issue: | S4 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Environmental Health Perspectives Supplement |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 9 |
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| Citation Phsyical Description: | 41-49 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Contaminants and sea ducks in Alaska and the circumpolar region; 1995; Article; Journal; Environmental Health Perspectives Supplement; Henny, C. J.; Rudis, D.D.; Roffe, T.J.; Robinson-Wilson, E. |
| Citation Start Page: | 41 |
| Citation Volume: | 103 |
| Citation Year: | 1995 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Contaminants and sea ducks in Alaska and the circumpolar region; 1995; Article; Journal; Environmental Health Perspectives Supplement; Henny, C. J.; Rudis, D.D.; Roffe, T.J.; Robinson-Wilson, E. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| URL (DOCUMENT): | http://www.ehponline.org/members/1995/Suppl-4/henny-full.html |
| Date Other: | Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:17 -0500 |
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