Using a Bayesian Multistate Occupancy Model to Assess Seabird and Shorebird Status in Glacier Bay, Alaska

A Bayesian multistate occupancy model revealed that seabird and shorebird occupancy probabilities vary significantly across species and habitats—such as islands versus glacial outwashes—in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. The study found strong site persistence for most species, with occupancy more likely at sites previously occupied. While area closures showed weak evidence of impact on species occurrence, detection probability differed notably between survey methods (ground vs. vessel) and among states (occupancy, nesting, abundance). This approach optimized the use of existing survey data, offering insights to improve future monitoring efficiency by identifying preferred survey methods and sampling periods for specific waterbird species.

Whitlock, S. L., Lewis, T. M., & Peterson, J. T. (2020). Using a Bayesian Multistate Occupancy Model to Assess Seabird and Shorebird Status in Glacier Bay, Alaska. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 44(3), 451–467. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.1100