North Aleutian Basin Information Status and Research Planning Meeting
Proposed Study Profile for FY 2007
Region:
Alaska
Planning Area:
North Aleutian Basin
Title:
Characterization of Benthic Communities
MMS Need for Information: Provides baseline for monitoring. Basis for assessing impacts, for
foodweb assessment; for higher trophic levels and contaminant transfer.
Period of Performance: FY 2007- 2009
Description:
Background: Historic information is out of date, methodology and techniques have improved.
Timing Needs: Needed for the EIS and before exploration.
Objectives: Characterization of present benthic communities. Statistically valid sampling
design. Identify primary foodweb linkages to fisheries, birds and marine mammals. Link with
oceanographic and biological characteristics.
Methods: Grab samples, box cores, and bottom trawls.
Cost and Level of Effort: Two years of field studies, two 2-3 week cruises.
Date information is required: Before the North Aleutian Basin EIS