Seabird study finds diversity and change in Fisherman Bay
The first long-term study of Fisherman Bay seabirds and shorebirds is finding an unexpected diversity of species, while raising concerns about the quality and variety of food in the bay for fish-eating birds such as auklets and ospreys.
Lopez student Kelley Palmer-McCarty, a senior at Western Washington University, designed the study and trained local volunteers as part of the Fisherman Bay Marine Health Observatory, a partnership of Kwi谩ht and WSU Beach Watchers. Kwi谩ht wildlife biologists Charlie Behnke and Amanda Wedow are coordinating local volunteers while Palmer-McCarty completes her degree.