Home > Explore Data & Reports > Characterization of Benthic Habitats and Contaminant Assessment in Kenai Peninsula Fjords and Bays

Citation:

Hartwell, S.I., D. Dasher, and T. Lomax. 2017. Characterization of Benthic Habitats and Contaminant Assessment in Kenai Peninsula Fjords and Bays. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 221. Silver Spring, MD. 66 pp.

Data/Report Type:

NOAA Technical Memorandum

Description

A baseline environmental characterization of the embayments and fjords on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska was conducted using a sediment quality approach based on sediment chemistry, and benthic invertebrate community structure. Sediment toxicity and resident fish body burdens were also assessed at one bay near an abandoned mine site. The study area was subdivided into seven distinct water bodies on the peninsula’s north side, draining into Kachemak Bay, and two on the western tip of the peninsula, opening into Lower Cook Inlet. Sampling sites for water quality measurements, sediment, and benthic infauna were randomized within each embayment. Concentrations of 140 organic and elemental contaminants were analyzed. Habitat parameters (depth, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, sediment grain size, and organic carbon content) that influence species and contaminant distribution were also measured at each sampling site. A detailed benthic community condition assessment was performed at each site.

Note to readers with disabilities: Some scientific publications linked from this website may not conform to Section 508 accessibility standards due to the complexity of the information being presented. If you need assistance accessing this electronic content, please contact the lead/corresponding author, Primary Contact, or nccos.webcontent@noaa.gov.

Explore Similar Data/Reports

About NCCOS

NCCOS delivers ecosystem science solutions for stewardship of the nation’s ocean and coastal resources to sustain thriving coastal communities and economies.

Stay Connected

Sign up for our quarterly newsletter or view our archives.

NCCOS Multimedia

Visit our new NCCOS Multimedia Gallery. 

Follow us on Social

Listen to our Podcast

Check out our new podcast "Coastal Conversations"