Vol. 53 - Alaska Resources Library and Information Services

The approach taken in this analysis is one that considers major life
history stanzas of the species in regards to important biological
and ecological traits, and discusses the modes and extent of oil pollution
as it may affect these stages. Use of life history stanzas is
considered a sound categorical division for comparing and contrasting
physiological, reproductive and ecological changes that occur during a
life cycle (Wooster 1983). Armstrong, et al. (1983b) have provided a
review of oil impact literature and interpreted their data in light of
these life history stanzas. The assertions and hypotheses of Armstrong,
et al. (1983b) have been modified in accordance with the field data
acquired during the present study.
4.5.1 Oil Transport Models and Impact Scenarios
Before relating the biology of red king crab to predictions of oil
impact, it is important to first discuss the physical transport of oil
both horizontally and/or vertically by currents, winds and biological
processes. A brief recount of oil impact scenarios used at OCSEAP
synthesis meetings will illustrate the locations and magnitude of oil
pollution considered to be representative of possible spills along the
NAS and in the St. George Basin. These scenarios will serve as a point
of reference in framing estimates of species' vulnerability based on
data in this report.
Two models of physical transport processes, water movements and biological
interactions and responses to oil in the Bering Sea have been
constructed (Leendertse and Liu 1981; Sonntag, et al. 1980). Several
models of water transport and circulation have been based on net current
directions and velocity (Hebard 1959; Kinder and Schumacher 1981b), and
on methane profiles (Cline, et al. 1981).
Hebard (1959) described currents moving to the northwest through Unimak
Pass, with a component then moving northeast along the North Aleutian
Shelf. Although the direction of the current is highly variable and
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