THE IMPACTS OF SEISMIC LINES ON BREEDING MIGRATORY BIRDS IN THE KENDALL ISLAND MIGRATORY BIRD SANCTUARY (CANADIAN ARCTIC)

Amber R. Ashenhurst*
Dr. Susan J. Hannon
University of Alberta
Biological Sciences
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9
Voice: 780-492-1298
Fax: 780-492-9234
E-mail: ambera@ualberta.ca

We examined the effects of seismic lines on breeding migratory birds in the Kendall Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary in 2002 and 2003. A paired design of seismic line and control transects was used for both new seismic lines (0.5-1.5 years) in 2002 and old lines (prior to 1990) in 2003. Sedge/willow meadow, low-centre polygon and upland tundra habitats were studied in 2002 but only the latter two were studied in 2003. Seismic lines affect the abundance of some bird species (Savannah Sparrow, Lapland Longspur, Tree Sparrow, Shorebirds, and Common Redpoll) in sedge/willow meadow habitat of old lines and in preliminary analysis of low-centre polygon and upland tundra habitat of new lines. The remaining birds were either too rare to analyse or had non-significant results. This research will be essential in designing management strategies to minimize the impact of the petroleum industry on bird habitat in this sanctuary.