Fellow Project: Development of a Structured-Decision-Making (SDM) Framework to Inform Seabird Habitat Management on Wildlife Refuges
Learn about the research of Carina Kusaka, a 2024 Science to Action Fellow.
Fellow Information
- Carina Kusaka, Oregon State University
- Fellowship: 2024 Science to Action Fellow
- Mentor: Madeleine Rubenstein, National CASC
Project Summary
Seabirds provide important services to humans and the ecosystem, such as ecotourism for local communities, bringing marine nutrients to land, and serving as indicators of ocean health. However, seabirds face challenges from natural and human stressors, including the spread of invasive species, human disturbances, and habitat and dietary changes driven by climate change. In the past few decades, the U.S. Pacific Coast has recorded significant declines for multiple seabird species, such as the iconic tufted puffin. With limited time and resources, and major knowledge gaps in understanding what drivers are impacting seabirds most, managers are confronted with the challenge of prioritization. What conservation actions will be the most beneficial and have the largest positive impact on breeding seabird populations? To address this, I will develop a structured-decision-making (SDM) tool, integrating seabird occupancy data, habitat conditions, climate data, and expert knowledge. This tool will enable managers to evaluate the trade-offs of conservation actions, such as invasive species removal, habitat restoration, or providing nest boxes, and predict their impacts on seabird populations. Through collaboration with stakeholders, our SDM tool will empower managers to make informed decisions in the face of uncertainty and climate change, enhancing the resilience of breeding seabirds and their habitats.
Learn about the research of Carina Kusaka, a 2024 Science to Action Fellow.
Fellow Information
- Carina Kusaka, Oregon State University
- Fellowship: 2024 Science to Action Fellow
- Mentor: Madeleine Rubenstein, National CASC
Project Summary
Seabirds provide important services to humans and the ecosystem, such as ecotourism for local communities, bringing marine nutrients to land, and serving as indicators of ocean health. However, seabirds face challenges from natural and human stressors, including the spread of invasive species, human disturbances, and habitat and dietary changes driven by climate change. In the past few decades, the U.S. Pacific Coast has recorded significant declines for multiple seabird species, such as the iconic tufted puffin. With limited time and resources, and major knowledge gaps in understanding what drivers are impacting seabirds most, managers are confronted with the challenge of prioritization. What conservation actions will be the most beneficial and have the largest positive impact on breeding seabird populations? To address this, I will develop a structured-decision-making (SDM) tool, integrating seabird occupancy data, habitat conditions, climate data, and expert knowledge. This tool will enable managers to evaluate the trade-offs of conservation actions, such as invasive species removal, habitat restoration, or providing nest boxes, and predict their impacts on seabird populations. Through collaboration with stakeholders, our SDM tool will empower managers to make informed decisions in the face of uncertainty and climate change, enhancing the resilience of breeding seabirds and their habitats.