| Summary: | This dataset documents marine bird observations and processed densities from seasonal Northern Gulf of Alaska (NGA) LTER cruises in 2018-2022. The dataset contains 16 comma separated values (.csv format) files, 2 from each cruise. One file from each cruise documents direct observations of species, numbers, and behavior that were recorded during surveys exported from the marine bird and mammal observation software dLog (Ford 1999). For each file of observation data there is an additional file describing processed densities derived from the dLog survey files and containing marine bird densities (individuals km-2) within 3-km transects. Additionally, this dataset includes a csv file of all the 4-letter taxonomic codes used in the data files. These data are part of the Northern Gulf of Alaska Long Term Ecological Research (NGA LTER) program. The LTER program is a National Science Foundation–funded network of 28 sites nationwide that focus on the influence of long-term and large-scale phenomenon on ecosystems. Additional funding for these seabird observations and processing as a part of the Seward Line Long-term Observation Program (http://www.sfos.uaf.edu/sewardline/) are provided by the North Pacific Research Board (NPRB), the Alaska Ocean Observing System (AOOS), and the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (EVOS) via the Gulf Watch Alaska program (project numbers 18120114-M, 19120114-M). EVOSTC's Gulf Watch Alaska is the long-term ecosystem monitoring program of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council for the marine ecosystem affected by the 1989 oil spill. The Seward Line Long-term Observation Program provides observations on the current state of the Northern Gulf of Alaska ecosystem using ship-based surveys. Surveys were conducted in the Gulf of Alaska during spring (May) and fall (September) from 2006 to 2018 following standard U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) survey protocols.
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