The Spectacled (Somateria fischeri) and Steller’s (Polysticta stelleri) Eider Recovery Team developed Recovery Plans for these two species of eiders. Also, the team regularly reviews and recommends priorities for needed monitoring, research and management actions. Because both eiders occur on the North Slope, we represent the interests of the birds as well as the people of the North Slope.
The Alaska breeding population of Steller’s eiders was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in June 1997. Because Barrow is the only known regular nesting location for Steller’s Eiders in North America, a plan is needed to provide protection for Steller’s Eiders and allow for needed community development and expansion. We are working on a plan to identify areas important to eiders and people, and attempt to provide solutions for conserving eiders while allowing for community expansion and development. Some of the efforts to conserve Steller’s eiders include monitoring nests with aerial and on-ground surveys, brood surveys for information on reproductive success, the installation of hardened trails through heavy-use areas near nesting sites, and public outreach and education. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has taken the lead in aerial (with assistance from the Bureau of Land Management) and on-ground surveys.
