Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published bySharyl Diana Powell Modified over 9 years ago
1
Janet Clarke, Megan Ferguson, Cynthia Christman, Amelia Brower
2
BWASP, 1979-2012 COMIDA, 1979-1991, 2008-2012 Collect data on spatial and temporal distribution and behavior of all marine mammal species, and provide information near real-time to stakeholders.
3
Line transect aerial surveys Twin turbine aircraft with bubble windows Two dedicated observers plus data recorder Altitude 1000’-1500’ Bowhead whales, gray whales, belugas Over 540,000 on-effort kilometers flown since 1982, mainly in September and October
4
YearTotal Hours Transect Hours Total Kilometers Transect Kilometers 200933314672,27530,326 201027613364,45827,255 2011394189100,18040,006 2012*550269135,18754,929 * preliminary totals
6
Gray whales : Hanna Shoal Farther offshore between Wainwright and Icy Cape Sub-Arctic Cetaceans: 1982-2010: 1 fin whale, 1 humpback whale, 1 harbor porpoise 2011-2012: 5 fin whales, 29 humpback whales, 13 minke whales, 18 killer whales
8
Gray whale calves – 67 (2012) vs. 18 (2011) Walruses – no land haulouts (2012) vs. earliest documented haulout (mid-August 2011) Bowhead whales frequently observed feeding east/southeast of Pt. Barrow (2012) vs. none (2011) Bowhead whales in Chukchi Sea in September and October (2012) vs. few (2011)
9
Large survey area ◦ Encompasses areas both near and far from those of current interest to oil and gas industry. Long-term study ◦ Enables analysis of marine mammal distribution, occurrence and habitat preference over several years; but also allows distinctions between individual years that would not be evident if surveys were sporadic or inconsistent. Collaborations with researchers from other agencies, (field work and year round). Provides near real-time information to interested stakeholders. http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/cetacean/bwasp/index.php
10
BOEM - Jeff Denton and Chuck Monnett NMML - Phil Clapham, Robyn Angliss, Stefan Ball, and numerous ASAMM observers Clearwater Air - Andy Harcombe
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.