Steller's Eider Management and Research

Management

Management of Steller’s eiders falls under the jurisdiction of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Management by the USFWS is governed by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Sport hunting for this species was closed in 1991. Subsistence hunting is also closed. The Steller’s eider is also protected under the Endangered Species Act.

The USFWS, in cooperation with the North Slope Borough, has developed an education and outreach program designed to protect Steller’s eiders on the breeding grounds. Fox control has also been implemented near Barrow in order to improve nesting success. Regulators are also protecting Steller’s eiders on the wintering grounds by reviewing development plans.

Research

Current research and monitoring has focused on detecting population trends and improving our understanding of breeding biology and annual distribution. Scientists do not know if the Russian-Pacific and Alaskan breeding populations are distinct or if they represent one larger population with some birds breeding in Alaska intermittently. Other research has focused on trying to understand the role of contaminants and predators in limiting population growth.