More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 1, 2008
- 3,049.26 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- October 6, 2008
- 4,370.34 KB
Song fragments recorded on a tagged juvenile humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) on a winter feeding ground at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, USA.
Marine Mammal Science. 2023.
40:e13110
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 27, 2023
- 2,300.13 KB
Are you my mother? A test of matrilineal social organization in mass strandings and living groups of rough-toothed dolphins.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) are reported to form isolated communities with stable groups around some oceanic islands. Within these communities, this species exhibits cooperative foraging and care-giving behavior including the sharing of large prey. These group behaviors could be driving community level structure where there are clear differences in habitat use between island groups, and limited movement among islands. Similar social characteristics are found in other cetacean species, e.g. killer whales, where individuals remain in maternally related groups indefinitely, forming “extended matrilines” as reflected by a single mitochondrial (mt) DNA haplotype. Here we test the hypothesis that rough-toothed dolphins also form “extended matrilines” using mtDNA control region haplotypes as a marker for maternal lineages. Alternatively, we test the influence of maternal fidelity on group structure within communities. The sample collection comprises adults from Pacific Ocean Islands and the continental Atlantic USA spanning 1976-2010. We sequenced mtDNA from 4 deceased groups (3 mass strandings and 1 bycatch; 350bp; n=28 teeth samples) and 14 living groups (460bp; n=106 skin samples) identifying 22 haplotypes. Differentiation and haplotype diversity were evaluated for groups within island communities in the Hawaiian Islands (Kauai and Hawaii) and Society Islands (Moorea and Raiatea) as well as between islands communities. Our results revealed multiple matrilines in 16 of the 18 groups, allowing us to reject the hypothesis of strict matrilineal structure. Although an AMOVA detected significant differentiation between island communities, groups did not significantly partition any genetic diversity within island communities. This is consistent with permutation tests where no strong signal of matrilineal influence was identified within island communities. Our study provides evidence of genetic structure at the community level, but demonstrates negligible structure at the group level. Fine-scale analyses to evaluate kinship and temporal association patterns are underway to further our understanding of group structure for this species.
- 3,807.46 KB
Biogeographic patterns of Pacific white-sided dolphins based on long-term passive acoustic records.
Diversity and Distributions. 2024.
30:e13903
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Species:Methods:
- June 24, 2024
This study investigates the biogeographic patterns of Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) in the Eastern North Pacific based on long-term passive acoustic records. We aim to elucidate the ecological and behavioural significance of distinct echolocation click types and their implications for population delineation, geographic distribution, environmental adaptation and management.
Strengths and weaknesses of using DCLDE algorithms to track baleen whales and examine their behavior using long-term acoustic recordings with a large-scale hydrophone array.
Detection, Classification, Localization, and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals Workshop .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- June 3, 2024
- 502.82 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2023
This report describes results from vessel surveys and visual species verifications conducted at the Jacksonville Shallow Water Training Range (JSWTR) in the Jacksonville Operating Area (OPAREA).
- 7,883.00 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2022
This report describes results of vessel surveys from a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
- 10,366.95 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2024
This report describes results from vessel surveys and visual species-verification trials conducted at the Jacksonville Shallow Water Training Range (JSWTR) in the Jacksonville Operating Area (OPAREA). This work continues from a multi-institutional monitoring program intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
- 17,443.07 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2019
This proof-of-concept study was undertaken to establish whether wild seals could be successfully captured and tagged in coastal Virginia, because this has not been previously attempted in this area. Further, the study sought to establish the feasibility of using satellite tags to better understand seals’ residency time in Virginia waters, their local habitat utilization patterns, and where they migrate to in the spring. The information gathered from this effort will provide valuable baseline data needed for the future assessment of harbor seal movements and site fidelity along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.
- 8,747.20 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2021
Since 2017, the Navy has undertaken telemetry (tagging) studies in order to characterize seals’ at-sea movements, habitat use, dive behavior, and the environmental variables that may influence their distribution and haul-out patterns. Location-only and depth-sensing tags, which track seals’ movements via satellite transmission, were deployed on seven harbor seals in 2018 and two in 2020 (no tags have been deployed to date on gray seals as part of this study).
- 7,852.03 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 4, 2015
This report documents the findings of a pilot study conducted in 2013 to investigate the efficacy of ground-based surveys as a potential alternative to, or in supplementation of, aerial surveys in detecting strandings of marine mammals and sea turtles (MM/ST) on remote shorelines, in this case the island of Ni‘ihau. In this study, aerial (helicopter) and ground-based (vehicle and horseback) shoreline surveys were conducted concurrently in order to compare the efficacy of each method. Observers scanned the shorelines of Kauai and Ni‘ihau, adjacent to PMRF, for stranded and near-stranded marine mammals and sea turtles within one week after an SCC training event that involved mid-frequency active sonar in August 2013.
- 11,018.81 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2013
HDR, Inc. provided comprehensive monitoring services for an in-water pile driving construction project at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, Washington. Using highly trained marine species observers, field technicians, and acousticians, we ensured client compliance in the face of complex regulatory requirements.
- 194.34 KB
Effects of Pile Driving on Marine Mammal Behavior in Puget Sound, Washington, USA.
ESOMM - 2014 5th International Meeting on the Effects of Sound in the Ocean on Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 7, 2014
Marine mammal (MM) monitoring was conducted during in-water pile driving (PD) at Hood Canal, Washington, during fall 2011. Monitoring was performed on construction days, during active-construction (“AC”, defined as 30 minutes prior to, during, and 30 minutes after PD) and non-construction (“NC”, downtime) periods. Baseline surveys were also conducted throughout Hood Canal on days when no PD occurred. Monitoring and baseline surveys occurred over 53 days. Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) recorded 1,207 sightings totaling 2,269 individual MM.
- 1,481.12 KB
Marine Mammal Behavior in Relation to In-Water Pile Driving in Puget Sound, Washington, USA..
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
Marine mammal (MM) monitoring was conducted during inwater pile driving (PD) at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, Washington in Hood Canal during Fall 2011. Vessel-based monitoring was performed on construction days, during both active-construction (“AC”, defined as 30 minutes prior to, during, and 30 minutes after PD) and non-construction (“NC”, downtime) periods. Baseline surveys were also conducted throughout Hood Canal on days when no PD occurred. Monitoring and baseline surveys occurred over 53 days, during which Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) recorded 1,207 sightings totaling 2,269 individual MM. Species observed included California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), and harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Harbor seals were the most frequently observed MM on construction days (n=782 sightings) and baseline survey days (n=197 sightings). The only cetaceans observed were harbor porpoise (n=68 construction, 34 baseline sightings). Harbor seal sighting rates were lower on construction days than on baseline days (0.73 and 1.80 sightings/observer hour [obs hr], respectively). Likewise, harbor porpoise were sighted less often on construction days than on baseline days (0.13 and 0.31 sightings/obs hr, respectively). On construction days, harbor seal sighting rates were actually higher during AC periods than NC periods (3.31 and 0.23 sightings/obs hr, respectively). This is consistent with MMOs’ qualitative observations that harbor seals (particularly juveniles) appeared to be attracted to PD, and often moved towards the construction area when PD was initiated. On construction days, pinnipeds were most often observed “diving,” “looking,” “sinking,” and “swimming”. During AC, 4% more pinnipeds were observed “diving” vs. NC periods (n=124). On construction days, harbor porpoise were most often observed “traveling”. During AC, 27% fewer harbor porpoise were observed “traveling” vs. NC periods (n=18). Overall, minor behavioral disruptions were observed in relation to PD, and were within “take” numbers in the issued Incidental Harassment Authorization.
- 4,632.51 KB
Mapping marine mammal activity in and near U.S. Navy training areas..
Esri User Conference .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- July 10, 2017
- 8,776.79 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2023
Key results from the 2018 and 2020 tags, detailed methods and results from the 2022 tagging efforts, and where appropriate, cumulative analyses of all 14 satellite-tracked tags deployed to date.
- 9,590.17 KB
Estimation of In-Water Density and Abundance of Harbor Seals.
Journal of Wildlife Management. 2021.
1–7
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- February 22, 2021
Ecologists and managers require accurate population estimates of marine mammals to assess potential anthropogenic threats to these animals. We present estimates of in-water density and abundance of a distinct stock of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) in Hood Canal, Washington, USA. We used aerial line-transect survey data collected from 2013 to 2016 to directly estimate harbor seal density and abundance in the waters of Hood Canal, a deep-water fjord in the Salish Sea. We estimated a correction factor for trackline detection probability from dive and surface time data gathered from regional seal tagging studies, and applied this factor to correct for seals missed on the trackline during surveys.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2020
Status report for the acoustic and visual survey for cetaceans in Behm Canal and Southern Clarence Strait, Alaska, FY22.
- 1,227.95 KB
Calling behavior and localization of blue whales in Southern California.
Detection, Classification, Localization, and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics. June 3–7, 2024. Rotterdam, The Netherlands .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- June 3, 2024
- 478.47 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 29, 2015
This work builds upon and complements longer-term studies of movements and site fidelity of both Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off the North Carolina coast using photo-identiThe objective of this project under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program is to establish baseline occurrence and behavior data for humpback whales in the Hampton Roads mid-Atlantic region by addressing the following questions: • What age classes (juveniles, sub-adults, adults) are utilizing the waters within and adjacent to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay? Do humpback whales exhibit site-fidelity over periods of days to years? Do humpback whales congregate in specific high-traffic and/or high-use U.S. Navy training areas? Do humpback whales spend significant time within or move through areas of U.S. Navy live-fire and MINEX training (Year 2)? What are the relative sound levels humpback whaication (photo-ID)
- 2,036.61 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2017
The objective of this multi-year project under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program has been to establish baseline information on occurrence and behavior of humpback whales near Naval Station Norfolk and within the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Operating Area by addressing the following questions: What age classes (juveniles, sub-adults, adults) are utilizing the waters within and adjacent to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay? Do humpback whales exhibit site fidelity over periods of days to years? Do humpback whales congregate in specific high-traffic and/or high-use U.S. Navy training areas? Do humpback whales spend significant time within or move through areas of U.S. Navy live-fire and mine neutralization exercise (MINEX) training?
- 20,099.67 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2019
The objective of this multi-year project under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program has been to establish baseline information on occurrence and behavior of humpback whales near Naval Station Norfolk and within the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Operating Area by addressing the following questions: What age classes (juveniles, sub-adults, adults) are utilizing the waters within and adjacent to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay? Do humpback whales exhibit site fidelity over periods of days to years? Do humpback whales congregate in specific high-traffic and/or high-use U.S. Navy training areas? Do humpback whales spend significant time within or move through areas of U.S. Navy live-fire and mine neutralization exercise (MINEX) training?
- 8,603.37 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2020
The objective of this multi-year project under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program has been to establish baseline information on occurrence and behavior of humpback whales near Naval Station Norfolk and within the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Operating Area by addressing the following questions: What age classes (juveniles, sub-adults, adults) are utilizing the waters within and adjacent to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay? Do humpback whales exhibit site fidelity over periods of days to years? Do humpback whales congregate in specific high-traffic and/or high-use U.S. Navy training areas? Do humpback whales spend significant time within or move through areas of U.S. Navy live-fire and mine neutralization exercise (MINEX) training?
- 8,657.33 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 25, 2013
Navy Marine Species Observers (MSOs) monitored UNDET training exercises at the Pu‘uloa Underwater Range, located west of the Pearl Harbor entrance channel, on 2 and 4 April 2013. The intent of the exercises was to provide training in precision cutting for harbor clearance or salvage. The primary purpose of the MSO presence was to monitor mitigation measures conducted by Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 (MDSU-1); however, visual surveys were also conducted opportunistically.
- 3,893.15 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2015
The HDR Monitoring Team is tasked to initiate a monitoring project that will provide quantitative data and information on the seasonal occurrence, distribution, and density of protected species (marine mammals and sea turtles) in Chesapeake Bay waters near Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent (PAX) River, roughly from Drum Point, south to Smith Point along the western shore and over to the coastal waters of the eastern shore.
- 1,163.40 KB
North Atlantic right whale sightings and group composition in the VA/NC Mid-Atlantic: 2018–2023.
North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Annual Meeting, 24-25 October 2023, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- October 24, 2023
- 1,607.74 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2024
During HDR Inc.’s 2022/23 field season, baleen whale sightings included humpback whales, North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). This report will focus on results from the humpback whale sightings only
- 1,960.53 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2022
Primary objectives of this project have included the following: Collect baseline occurrence data (location, sex, group size, behavior) of humpback whales (and other species of baleen whales, opportunistically), Obtain identification photographs of humpback whales for inclusion in regional and local catalogs, Collect biopsy samples of humpback whales for sex determination, mitochondrial control region sequencing and microsatellite genotyping of tissue samples, and stable isotope analysis to assess foraging related to prey consumption • Conduct satellite tagging to document seasonal humpback whale movement patterns in the nearshore waters off Virginia Beach, specifically whether the whales spend significant time in areas of high shipping traffic and/or areas of U.S. Navy training exercises
- 9,540.30 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2016
The objective of this project under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program is to establish baseline information on occurrence and behavior of humpback whales near Naval Station Norfolk and within the Virginia Capes Operational Area (VACAPES OPAREA) by addressing the following questions: • What age classes (juveniles, sub-adults, adults) are utilizing the waters within and adjacent to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay? • Do humpback whales exhibit site fidelity over periods of days to years? • Do humpback whales congregate in specific high-traffic and/or high-use U.S. Navy training areas? • Do humpback whales spend significant time within or move through areas of U.S. Navy live-fire and mine neutralization exercise (MINEX) training (Year 2 and Year 3)?
- 9,464.70 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2025
A total of 23 nearshore and mid-shelf vessel surveys were completed during the 2023/24 field season. In total, 43 baleen whale sightings, including 33 sightings of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) composed of 43 individuals, 6 sightings of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) composed of 9 individuals (1 deceased), 3 sightings of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) composed of 3 individuals, and 1 sighting of a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) composed of 1 individual occurred during the 2023/24 field season.
- 3,198.45 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2025
During HDR Inc.’s 2023/24 field season, baleen whale sightings included humpback whales, NARWs, fin whales, minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), and sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis). This report will focus on the photo-ID results from all baleen whale sightings, photogrammetry results from the drone, and status of the MAHWC and Happywhale matching. See Aschettino et al. (2025) and Engelhaupt et al. (2025) for further information and details from the vessel survey and tagging efforts, and Ozog and Engelhaupt (2025) for details from the supporting aerial surveys.
- 6,218.53 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2018
The objective of this multi-year project under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program has been to establish baseline information on occurrence and behavior of humpback whales near Naval Station Norfolk and within the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Operating Area
- 6,005.42 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2021
The objective of this multi-year project under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program has been to establish baseline information on occurrence and behavior of humpback whales near Naval Station Norfolk and within the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Operating Area (OPAREA)
- 8,725.95 KB
Humpback whale affinity for shipping channels near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay can prove fatal.
6th International Bio-logging Science Symposium .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- September 25, 2017
- 5,778.32 KB
Humpback whale presence and habitat-use in high-traffic areas off Virginia.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
The endangered North Atlantic humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrates from six northern feeding grounds in the Gulf of Maine, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Newfoundland/ Labrador, western Greenland, Iceland, and Norway to Caribbean Sea waters during the winter months (Katona and Beard 1990, Christensen et al. 1992, Palsbøll et al 1997). Understanding the occurrence and behavior of humpback whales in the vicinity of United States (U.S.) Navy training and vessel-transiting activities off the coast of Virginia is important in mitigating potentially harmful impacts on the species.
- 9,464.70 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 7, 2026
A total of 22 nearshore and mid-shelf vessel surveys were completed during the 2024/25 field season. In total, 60 baleen whale sightings, including 40 sightings of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) totaling 59 individuals, 10 sightings of North Atlantic right whales (NARWs; Eubalaena glacialis) totaling 22 individuals, 7 sightings of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) totaling 14 individuals, and 3 sightings of individual minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), occurred during the 2024/25 field season. A total of 24 aerial surveys were flown during the 2024/25 field season in association with this effort and the Offshore Cetacean Study (OCS) (A. Engelhaupt et al. 2026); see Ozog and Engelhaupt 2026 for additional details regarding the aerial surveys. Baleen whale sightings from the aerial surveys included humpback (n=45), NARWs (n=8), fin (n=11), and minke (n=3) whales (Ozog and Engelhaupt 2026). During the OCS surveys, baleen whale sightings included fin whales (n=12), humpback whales (n=7), a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus; n=1), a minke whale (n=1), and an NARW (n=1) (A. Engelhaupt et al. 2026). Across this project and the OCS effort, satellite-linked telemetry tags were deployed on one humpback whale, one fin whale, and one NARW. Customized Animal Tracking Solution tags were deployed on two NARWs and two humpback whales. One biopsy sample was collected from the satellite-tagged humpback whale.
- 9,528.24 KB
A closer look at an unusual late-spring aggregation of North Atlantic right whales off Virginia using tag and environmental data.
North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Annual Meeting, Providence, Rhode Island, 23–24 October 2024 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- February 13, 2026
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2024
Since January 2015, HDR Inc. has been monitoring humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) to assess their occurrence, habitat use, and behavior within and near United States (U.S.) Navy training and testing areas off Virginia via the Mid-Atlantic Humpback Whale Monitoring Project.
- 4,043.06 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2023
Since January 2015, HDR Inc. has been monitoring humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) to assess their occurrence, habitat use, and behavior within and near United States (U.S.) Navy training and testing areas off Virginia via the Mid-Atlantic Humpback Whale Monitoring Project.
- 8,609.08 KB
Satellite telemetry reveals spatial overlap between vessel high-traffic areas and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeanglia) near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2025.
7:121
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 11, 2025
From December 2015 to February 2017, 35 satellite tags were deployed on humpback whales to gain a better understanding on the occurrence, movements, site-fidelity, and overall behavior of this species within this high-traffic region.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2011
Preliminary Results from a Deep‐water Ecological Acoustic Recorder (EAR) Deployed off NW Ni‘i hau during RIMPAC‐2010
- 498.53 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2012
Two ecological acoustic recorders (EARs) were deployed on July 17, 2010, one at a depth of 800 meters (m) off the northwest coast (21° 59.613' N, 160° 12.167' W), and the other at a depth of 16 m off the southeast coast of Ni'ihau (21° 47.306' N, 160° 11.964' W). These two sites were selected by personnel from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific to provide acoustic data during the 2010 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in the Hawaii Range Complex.
- 1,006.87 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 11, 2011
Ecological acoustic recorders (EARs) have been deployed around the islands of Oahu and Kauai in a project sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. Detailed information on the EAR was published by Lammers et al. (2008). EARs have been deployed from February, 2009 to the present time around Oahu and from February, 2009 until April, 2011 around Kauai. From April, 2011 four EARs in the waters of Kauai have been deployed along the southern coast.
- 1,372.43 KB
Studying the biosonar activities of deep diving odontocetes in Hawaii and other western Pacific locations.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2014.
136(4,Part 2):2,246
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 31, 2014
Ecological acoustic recorders (EARs) have been deployed at several locations in Hawaii and in other western Pacific locations to study the foraging behavior of deep-diving odontocetes. EARs have been deployed at depths greater than 400 m at five locations around the island of Kauai, one at Ni’ihau, two around the island of Okinawa, and four in the Marianas (two close to island of Guam, one close to the island of Saipan and another close to the island of Tinian).
Currents (Navy's Environmental Magazine). 2011.
Fall 2012
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- September 1, 2011
In May 2011, a rare occurrence took place off the Southern California coast. For the first time since U.S. Navy-funded aerial surveys began in the area in 2008, a group of 20 sperm whales, including four calves, was seen—approximately 24 nautical miles west of San Diego.
Comparison of blue and fin whale behavior, headings, and group characteristics in the Southern California Bight during summer and fall 2008-2010.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
Baseline undisturbed behavior and social patterns of blue (Balaenoptera musculus) and fin whales (B. physalus) are not well described and are needed to identify and understand potential effects of anthropogenic activities. Behavioral data for blue and fin whales were collected during line-transect and focal-follow effort. Initially observed behavior state, heading, and minimum and maximum interindividual dispersal distance were recorded during line-transect sampling. Focal groups were circled for 10-60+ minutes and videotaped from outside Snell’s sound cone to avoid disturbance. During 24,736 km of survey effort, 51 fin whale sightings (85 individuals) and 49 blue whalesightings (81 individuals) were seen. Over 7 hours of video was collected for16 blue and 15 fin focal follows. During the summer seasons, blues (n=48) were seen more commonly than fins (n=35); in fall, fins (n=16) were seen significantly more frequently than blues (n=1). Mean group size was 1.7 whales for both species. Initially observed blue behavior was usually travel (85%) or mill (11%). Observed fin whale behavior was also mostly travel (90%), mill (4%), or surface-active travel (4%). Both species were seen socializing in fall but not summer; foraging was observed in summer through fall. Mean initial dispersal for blues and fins was 9.1 and 14.2 body lengths, respectively. In summer, blues were most frequently (26%) seen headed S; in fall (n=2), they were headed only inshore (E). In summer, fin whales were most commonly headed SSW (26%) or WNW (26%); in fall, they were headed mostly NE (38%) or WSW (38%). Dive/respiration/behavioral event rates were also collected. Both species may directly compete for food based on observations of inter-specific maneuvering for a bait ball. Data represent the most extensive record of systematic undisturbed behavior on these species in SOCAL and include social interactions not previously documented in this region.
- 146.36 KB
Comparison of blue and fin whale behavior and group characteristics in the Southern California Bight (SCB) 2008-2012.
27th Conference of the European Cetacean Society .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 8, 2013
Baseline undisturbed behavior and social patterns of blue (Balaenoptera musculus) and fin whales (B. physalus) are not well described and are needed to identify and understand potential effects of anthropogenic activities in the SCB. In 2008-2012, 72,467 km of aerial line transect and focal-follow effort was conducted in the SCB. Initially observed location, group size, behavior state, heading, and minimum and maximum inter-individual dispersal distance were recorded. Focal groups were circled for 10-60+ minutes and videotaped from outside the plane’s sound cone to avoid disturbance. A total of 122 fin whale sightings (208 individuals) and 65 blue whale sightings (104 individuals) were made. Behavior, occurrence and distribution were related to season, location, bathymetry, and time of day. Blue whales were seen only from summer-fall and concentrated primarily close to shore (
- 3,180.74 KB
Comparison of Blue and Fin Whale Behavior, Headings and Group Characteristics in the Southern California Bight during Summer and Fall 2008-2010.
10th Annual Pathways Student Research Symposium, Galveston, TX .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 9, 2011
Baseline undisturbed behavior/social patterns of blue/fin whales are not well described and are needed to identify and understand potential effects of anthropogenic activities. Behavioral data were collected during aerial effort. Initially observed behavior state, heading, minimum/maximum inter-individual dispersal distance were recorded during line-transect sampling. During the summer seasons, blues were seen more than fins; in fall, fins were seen more. Initially observed blue behavior was usually travel or mill. Observed fin behavior was mostly travel, mill, or surface-active travel. Both species were seen socializing in fall but not summer; foraging was observed in summer through fall. In summer, blues were seen headed S; in fall, headed inshore. In summer, fins were headed SSW or WNW; in fall, they were headed NE or WSW. Data represent the most extensive record of systematic undisturbed behavior on these species in SOCAL and include social interactions not previously documented in this region.
- 238.87 KB
Comparison of blue and fin whale behavior, headings and group characteristics in the Southern California Bight during Summer and Fall 2008-2010.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2012 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 3, 2012
Baseline undisturbed behavior and social patterns of blue (Ba/aenoptera musculus) and fin whales (8. physa/us) are not well described and are needed to identify and understand potential effects of anthropogenic activities. Behavioral data for blue and fin whales were collected during aerial survey line-transect and focal-follow effort. Initially-observed behavior state, group size, heading, and minimum and maximum inter-individual dispersal distance were recorded during line-transect sampling and / or subsequent verification circling by the aircraft. Focal groups were circled for 3- 60+ minutes and videotaped from outside Snell's sound cone to avoid disturbance. During 24,736 km of survey effort, 51 fin whale sightings (86 individuals) and 49 blue whale sightings (84 individuals) were seen . Over 7 hours of video was collected for 16 blue and 15 fin focal follows. During the summer, blues (n=48) were seen more commonly than fins (n=35); in fall, fins (n=16) were seen much more frequently than blues (n= 1 ). Mean group size was 1. 7 whales for both species. Initially observed blue behavior was usually travel (85%) or mill (11%). Observed fin whale behavior was also mostly travel (87%), mill (6%), or surface-active travel (3%). Both species were seen socializing (e.g., touching) in fall but not summer; foraging was observed in summer through fall. Mean initial dispersal for blues and fins was 8 and 16 body lengths, respectively. In summer, blues were most frequently (26%) seen headed S; in fall (n=2), they were headed only inshore (E). In summer, fin whales were most commonly headed SSW (26%) or WNW (26%); in fall, they were headed mostly NE (38%) or WSW (38%). Both species directly compete for food based on observations of inter-specific maneuvering for a bait ball. Data represent the most extensive record of systematic undisturbed behavior on these species in SOCAL and include social interactions not previously documented in this region. Dive / respiration / behavioral event rates were also collected and are currently being analyzed. Bacon, C., M.A. Smultea, B. Wursig, K. Lomac-MacNair, and J. Black.
- 1,075.32 KB
Mixed-species associations seen in the Southern California Bight during aerial surveys 2008-2012.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2013 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2013
Fifteen aerial surveys (72,647 km) occurred during 2008-2012 to monitor occurrence, abundance, and behavior of marine mammals in the Southern California Bight (SCB) on behalf of the U.S. Navy. Thirty-six (2%) of 2,151 total sightings of at least 11 species were mixed-species associations (i.e., at least two different species swimming together/interacting). Little is known about these associations. Risso’s dolphins were most frequently associated with another marine mammal species (19 [7%] of 238 total Risso’s sightings) as follows: with sperm whales (1x), California sea lions (CaSL) (3x), and bottlenose (7x), northern right whale (NRWD) (4x), long-beaked common (1x), unidentified (1x), and common dolphin sp. (2x). Up to 3 species occurred together on 3 different occasions: (1) sperm whales/Risso’s/NRW dolphins, (2) Risso’s/unidentified dolphins/CaSL, and (3) Pacific white-sided/common dolphins with CaSL. The most unusual mixed species sighting was 24 sperm whales (including 4 calves) with 11 Risso’s and ~50 NRW dolphins: Risso’s repeatedly charged adult sperm whales’ heads who responded by dropping their lower jaw, perhaps related to kleptoparasitism. Potential reasons for mixed-species associations include increased protection from predators via dilution, increased prey detection/consumption, and “play” (i.e., fin whale calf touching NRWD). Data include interactions not previously documented in the SCB among these socially complex animal groups.
- 2,082.37 KB
Behavior and group characteristics differ in mixed-species associations (MSA) of cetaceans in the Southern California Bight.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2014 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2014
Effects of mixed-species associations (MSA [at least two different species swimming together and / or inte racting]) on cetacean behavior rarely have been quantified, but are important for identifying and differentiating potential anthropogenic impacts . Baseline marine mammal behavior was assessed during 83 ,005 km of U.S. Navy supported aerial line-transect surveys in the Southern California Bight during 2008-2013.
- 1,649.75 KB
Behavior and group characteristics differ in mixed-species associations of cetaceans in the Southern California Bight.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
Effects of mixed-species associations (MSA [at least two differentspecies swimming together and/or interacting]) on cetacean behavior rarely have been quantified, but are important for identifying and differentiating potential anthropogenic impacts. Baseline marine mammal behavior was assessed during 77,390 km of U.S. Navy supported aerial line-transect surveys in the Southern California Bight during 2008-2013. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess effects of MSA on group size, maximum nearest neighbor distance (a “cohesion” index, in body lengths), behavior state, and heading. Two percent (43) of 2,330 sightings were MSA involving 13 species (5 baleen whales, 7 toothed whales, 1 pinniped). Behavior and group size of some species differed significantly in MSA vs. non-MSA. MSA were predominated by Risso’s dolphins (44%; 19 of 43 MSA). Risso’s dolphins were most frequently associated with bottlenose dolphins (37% of 19 Risso’s MSA groups) followed by northern right whale dolphins (NRWD; 3% of 19). Risso’s dolphins tended to change headings more often in MSA (p
- 1,649.75 KB
Mixed-species associations of marine mammals in the Southern California Bight, with emphasis on Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus).
Aquatic Mammals. 2017.
43:177-184
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2017
This study investigates mixed-species associations among marine mammals in the Southern California Bight, focusing specifically on Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus). Over a six-year period, aerial surveys were conducted to record the frequency and nature of these associations, revealing that Risso's dolphins were the most commonly observed species in mixed interactions. The results indicate a significant decline in the proportion of Risso's dolphins involved in such associations compared to historical records, possibly due to an increase in their relative abundance. The findings underline the importance of monitoring mixed-species associations to understand marine mammal dynamics and ecological interactions.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2024
NOAA Fisheries Science Centers have recently incorporated drifting acoustic spar buoy recorders (DASBRs) into their standard large-scale survey designs. Drifting autonomous instruments have many advantages, especially for species that are difficult to see at the surface, are vocal at depth, and whose sounds have been well characterized such that they can be readily identifiable from autonomous recordings. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center deployed DASBRs throughout the survey region with the goal of collecting data on the occurrence of beaked whales and other cryptic deepdivers. Traditional line-transect assessments for those species are often challenged by very low encounter rates, resulting in density and abundance estimates with high uncertainty, or in some cases, no estimates if groups were not seen during the ‘on-effort’ portions of the survey. Previous experience in the Marianas suggested that encounter rates for beaked whales on the DASBRs would be orders of magnitude higher within the DASBR data than in the visual survey or towed array datasets, likely enabling examination of density for some beaked whale species using the newly developed methods of Barlow et al. (2021a). Here, we detail our methodology to estimate density and abundance using 2021 survey dataset and how 2018 survey data were used to inform the detection parameters. This analysis has resulted in the first preliminary acoustic density and abundance estimates for Cuvier’s and Blainville’s beaked whales in the Mariana Islands region.
- 1,395.83 KB
Incorporating telemetry information into capture-recapture analyses improves precision and accuracy of abundance estimates given spatiotemporally biased recapture effort.
Methods in Ecology and Evolution. 2024.
15:1847–1858.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- February 13, 2024
- 2,529.56 KB
Accounting for sampling bias reveals a decline in abundance of endangered false killer whales in the main Hawaiian Islands.
Endangered Species Research. 2025.
57:325–340
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2025
Volume contents Endang Species Res 57:325-340 (2025) DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01423 copied Accounting for sampling bias reveals a decline in abundance of endangered false killer whales in the main Hawaiian Islands Janelle J. Badger Robin W. Baird Devin S. Johnson Amanda L. Bradford Sabre D. Mahaffy Michaela A. Kratofil Tori Cullins Jens J. Currie Stephanie H. Stack Erin M. Oleson ABSTRACT: We estimated abundance of the endangered main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) insular population of false killer whales Pseudorca crassidens from 1999-2022 using a modeling technique that incorporates animal availability in a capture-recapture analysis. The population was sampled using different sampling methods, resulting in yearly encounter histories of 265 individuals and 53 satellite-tagged whales. Survey effort and animal location data were separately analyzed using kernel density estimators, and the degree of overlap between these 2 processes was used to model detection probability in a Bayesian Jolly-Seber population model. This approach better addresses spatiotemporally variable sampling effort than traditional capture-recapture methods, improving the estimation of reliable abundance trends. Using simulated data, the model was robust to many sampling and ecological complications, such as variable low detectability, unequal tag deployment lengths, and variable social group sizes. Fitting the model to the MHI false killer whale data set, we found that the insular population of false killer whales remains small, with an estimated 139 individuals (95% credible interval, CRI = [114, 162]) in 2022. The population appears to be in decline throughout the study period, with a mean annual percent change of -1.09 (95% CRI = [-2.11, -0.023]) over the entire time series and -3.51 (95% CRI = [-5.08, -1.88]) since 2013, when the population was listed as endangered. Given the magnitude of the decline, identifying which of the many factors affecting this population is most responsible is key in order to guide potential management responses.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- June 3, 2024
- 479.73 KB
Long-term monitoring of Ziphius cavirostris behavior using 3D tracking from fixed hydrophone arrays off Southern California.
Scientific Reports. 2025.
15: 40859 (2025)
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- November 19, 2025
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2018
In August 2017, a marine mammal monitoring project was carried out combining boat-based field efforts and passive acoustic monitoring on and around the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF). Commander, Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) funded five days of small-boat effort and the National Marine Fisheries Service funded an additional six days of effort. Information obtained was compared to previous sightings during small-boat effort by Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) off Kauai and Niihau, during 1,119 hr of effort (19,194 km) over nine different years from 2003 through 2016 (see Baird 2016)
- 2,093.16 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2011
Movements and Spatial Use of Satellite‐tagged Odontocetes in the Western Main Hawaiian Islands: Results of Fieldwork Undertaken off O‘ahu in October 2010 and Kaua‘i in February 2011
- 1,236.87 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 7, 2012
Although considerable information is available on residency patterns and spatial use of odontocetes in the eastern half of the Hawai‘i Range Complex (HRC), much less is known about odontocetes in the western half of the HRC. In the second year of a three-year effort in the western main Hawaiian Islands we undertook surveys off Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau in July/August 2011, to examine spatial use and residency patterns using satellite tags, to provide visual verification of acoustically-detected odontocetes on the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), and to obtain individual identification photographs and biopsy samples for assessment of population identity and structure.
- 3,048.07 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 27, 2012
As part of an assessment of habitat use and movements of odontocetes being undertaken in the western half of the main Hawaiian Islands (see Baird et al. 2011, 2012), field operations funded by Commander, U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet were undertaken off of Kaua‘i in January 2012. There were two primary goals of these operations: 1) providing species verification for acoustic detections by the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) project on the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) hydrophone range (see Moretti et al. 2012); and 2) deploying satellite tags prior to a Submarine Commanders Course (SCC) training event to be undertaken off Kaua‘i in February 2012.
- 2,519.53 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 8, 2013
Here we combine results of field efforts funded through the U.S. Navy’s Living Marine Resources Program (through a three-year grant from the Naval Postgraduate School) as well as additional field time in the study area in 2011 and 2012 funded through the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center and Commander, Pacific Fleet. We also utilize results from research efforts in the eastern main Hawaiian Islands, off Lāna‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island, to help interpret results from photo-identification and satellite tagging.
- 2,159.00 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 16, 2013
A joint project in February 2013 of the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) combined passive acoustic monitoring and boat-based field efforts. There were 1,010 kilometers (km) (55.9 hours [hr]) of small-vessel field effort over the course of the 8-day project. Of the 55.9 hr of survey effort, 64.2 percent was spent within the PMRF instrumented hydrophone range boundaries, and 14.8 percent of the effort was in depths greater than 1,000 meters (m).
- 2,028.91 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 5, 2013
A joint project in July and August 2013 on and around the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) combined passive acoustic monitoring and boat-based field efforts. There were 671 kilometers (36.6 hours [hr]) of small-vessel survey effort over the course of the 8-day project, with 55.1 percent of time (20.2 hr) spent within the PMRF instrumented hydrophone range boundaries. A total of 33.0 hr of acoustic monitoring coincided with the small-vessel field effort.
- 2,118.63 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 24, 2015
A joint project in February 2014 on and around the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) was carried out utilizing combined passive acoustic monitoring and boat-based field efforts. There were 1,287 kilometers (km) (66.3 hours [hr]) of small-vessel survey effort over the course of the 10 day project, with 44.6 percent of search time (29.6 hr) spent within the PMRF instrumented hydrophone range boundaries. A total of 81.7 hr of acoustic monitoring was undertaken during the field effort. There were 26 sightings of five species of odontocetes, six of which were directed by acoustic detections from the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) system.
- 6,792.21 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 2, 2016
A joint project in February 2015 on and around the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) was carried out utilizing combined boat-based field efforts and passive acoustic monitoring from the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) system. There were 1,132 kilometers (63.4 hours [hr]) of small-vessel survey effort over the course of the 13-day project. Weather conditions precluded field operations on 4 days, and strong westerly winds and/or range operations limited access to PMRF on seven additional days, with only 15.1 percent of search time (9.6 hr) spent within the range boundaries.
- 2,992.69 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2017
As part of a long-term U.S. Navy-funded marine mammal monitoring program, in February 2016 a combining boat-based field effort and passive acoustic monitoring was carried out on and around the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF). The U.S. Navy funded five days of small-boat effort and the National Marine Fisheries Service funded an additional two days of effort. There were 859 kilometers (49 hours) of small-vessel survey effort over the course of the seven day project.
- 2,847.59 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 24, 2018
As part of a long-term U.S. Navy-funded marine mammal monitoring program, in August 2017 a combination of boatbased field effort and passive acoustic monitoring was carried out on and around the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kaua‘i prior to a Submarine Command Course scheduled for mid-August 2017. The U.S. Navy funded five days of small-boat effort and the National Marine Fisheries Service funded an additional six days of effort. There were 1,113 kilometers (77.4 hours) of small-vessel survey effort over the course of the 11 day project.
- 4,400.14 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 7, 2019
As part of a long-term U.S. Navy-funded marine mammal monitoring program, in August 2018 a combination of vessel-based field effort and passive acoustic monitoring was carried out on and around the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Kaua‘i prior to a Submarine Commander Course scheduled for mid-August 2018. The purpose of the monitoring effort was to assess the spatial movement patterns and habitat use of cetaceans that are exposed to mid-frequency active sonar and how those patterns influence exposure and potentially responses.
- 10,036.77 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2021
As part of a long-term U.S. Navy-funded marine mammal monitoring program, in February 2020 a combination of vesselbased field effort and passive acoustic monitoring was carried out on and around the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kaua‘i prior to a Submarine Command Course scheduled for mid-February 2020. The purpose of the monitoring effort was to assess the spatial movement patterns and habitat use of cetaceans that are exposed to midfrequency active sonar and how those patterns influence exposure and potentially responses. Results from this effort were compared with previous Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) survey effort and photo-identification and tag data from Kaua‘i, based on surveys in 11 different years since 2003.
- 4,010.56 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 13, 2020
As part of the long-term United States (U.S.) Navy-funded Marine Species Monitoring Program, from 16–24 August 2022, Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) carried out a vessel-based field effort in conjunction with passive acoustic monitoring undertaken by U.S. Navy (Navy) scientists on and around the underwater hydrophone ranges of the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF).
- 2,743.90 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 30, 2023
As part of the long-term United States (U.S.) Navy-funded Marine Species Monitoring Program, from 5-13 August 2023, Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) carried out a vessel-based field effort in conjunction with passive acoustic monitoring undertaken by U.S. Navy (Navy) scientists on and around the underwater hydrophone ranges of the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF).
- 2,846.35 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 13, 2022
As part of the long-term United States (U.S.) Navy-funded Marine Species Monitoring Program, from 1-14 August 2021, a combination of boat-based field effort and passive acoustic monitoring was carried out on and around the underwater hydrophone ranges of the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF).
- 4,288.46 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 17, 2015
The purpose of this report is to summarize information obtained through the remote deployment of Low-Impact Minimally-Percutaneous External-electronics Transmitter (LIMPET) satellite tags on odontocete cetaceans off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, in 2014. This study was undertaken to provide information on spatial use and diving behavior of a number of species of odontocetes, with particular emphasis on Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus).
- 2,545.14 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 28, 2016
The present work is intended to complement ongoing research by Duke University off Cape Hatteras (hereinafter referred to as the Duke program) by providing information on the movement and diving behavior of these species over the medium term (weeks to months). The Duke program is focusing on shorter-term dive behavior (i.e., hours to days) using Digital Acoustic Tags and longer-term movements (i.e., months to years) using photo-identification (photo-ID) techniques
- 5,058.82 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2017
. This report summarizes information obtained through additional field efforts undertaken in 2016, while incorporating results from the first two years of effort. The present work is intended to complement ongoing research by Duke University off Cape Hatteras (hereinafter referred to as the Duke program) by providing information on the movement and diving behavior of these species over the medium term (weeks to months)
- 11,433.38 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2018
This work builds upon and complements longer-term studies of movements and site fidelity of both Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off the North Carolina coast using photo-identification (photo-ID)
- 4,344.84 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2019
This work builds upon and complements longer-term studies of movements and site fidelity of both Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off the North Carolina coast using photo-identification (photo-ID)
- 2,642.94 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2019
A number of species of resident and non-resident odontocetes use the waters of the Kaulakahi Channel between Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, overlapping with the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF). Submarine Command Courses (SCCs) held at PMRF provide an opportunity to assess exposure and measure odontocete reactions to mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) being used in realistic training scenarios. The primary goal of this assessment was to estimate MFAS received levels (RLs) for satellite tagged odontocetes and determine whether any large-scale movements occurred in response to hull-mounted surface ship MFAS exposure. Two prior reports have used odontocete satellite tag data and information on MFAS use to estimate RLs for animals tagged in 2011 through 2015.
- 2,845.77 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2017
The U.S. Navy’s marine species monitoring program addresses four general topics surrounding the impact of midfrequency active sonar (MFAS) on protected species: occurrence, exposure, response, and consequences. Occurrence of odontocete cetaceans on and around the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) has been studied for several years using a combination of satellite tags and photo-identification, demonstrating the existence of resident populations of several species of odontocetes and resulting in considerable information on diving behavior and movement patterns of these species.
- 5,755.31 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 30, 2014
The Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off the island of Kaua‘i is the site of regular United States (U.S.) Navy training, some of which involves mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) use from different types of military sound sources. PMRF includes acoustic instrumentation which allows for passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) capabilities to detect and localize sounds such as vocalizing marine mammals. Recent boat-based studies at PMRF have utilized real-time PAM (in conjunction with the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges project) to detect odontocetes for vectoring a field tagging boat to groups in order to increase the likelihood of deploying satellite tags. The resulting data have allowed for an assessment of habitat use and range of several different species. Some of these boat-based tagging efforts were timed to occur just before Submarine Commanders Courses (SCCs) occurring on PMRF so that animal movements and diving behavior could be measured both before and during sonar use.
- 1,819.34 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2024
As part of the long-term United States (U.S.) Navy-funded Marine Species Monitoring Program, from 11–19 February 2024, Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) carried out a vessel-based field effort in conjunction with passive acoustic monitoring undertaken by the U.S. Navy (Navy) scientists on and around the underwater hydrophone ranges of the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF). The effort was timed to occur immediately prior to the start of a Submarine Command Course (SCC) to allow for collection of movement and dive data that could be used to examine exposure and response of cetaceans to Navy mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS; see Henderson et al. 2021). Eight days of field effort were funded by the Navy, and one day of field work was funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Wildlife Computers SPLASH10-F satellite tags were funded by the Navy for deployment on Navypriority species, and additional tags were provided by Wildlife Computers or CRC for deployment on other species (e.g., humpback whales [Megaptera novaeangliae]). Tags were programmed to collect dive behavior and Fastloc®-Global Positioning System (GPS) data from the time deployed until three and a half days after the end of the SCC and continue to transmit the dive and Fastloc®-GPS data for an additional six days. Starting on either May 2nd or May 3rd, the tags were duty cycled to transmit only every second day, to provide longer-term tracks of individual movements. During the period that tags were collecting dive and Fastloc®-GPS data, tags were programmed to try to obtain Fastloc®-GPS locations only for the 12 hours of the day when there were no or limited satellite overpasses. This programming change from previous Kauaʻi field efforts was taken to minimize temporal gaps in location data during the period that overlapped with and immediately followed the SCC. Field efforts were undertaken out of Kikiaola small boat harbor when conditions allowed for working on or near PMRF, or out of Port Allen when conditions on or near PMRF were not workable.
- 4,707.83 KB
Unintended consequences of using dolphins to catch tuna: Examining the extent and nature of hook and line fishery interactions with pantropical spotted dolphins off the island of Hawai'i.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
In Hawai'i fishermen use a variety of hook and line methods to catch tuna associated with pantropical spotted dolphins. In response to reports of dolphins being hooked in fisheries, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposed recategorizing two fisheries ("charter vessel" and "trolling, rod and reel") in 2011 from Category III (those having a remote likelihood of serious injury/mortality) to Category II (those having occasional serious injury/mortality). After reviewing comments received in response to the proposal, NMFS did not re-categorize the fisheries, in part because of statements that fishing effort around dolphins may have been overestimated and that many vessels just trolled near dolphins, not through groups. We used photo-identification of individually distinctive vessels fishing in association with dolphin groups and observations on the number and behavior of vessels with dolphins to examine the extent and nature of interactions between fishing vessels and spotted dolphins off Hawai'i Island. Since 2010, 34.5% of spotted dolphin encounters had fishing vessels present within the group envelope of the dolphins (mean=3.7, SD=3.5, range=1-19, n=57 of 165 encounters). Two primary fishing methods were used, either trolling through groups of dolphins or repeatedly transiting through a group at high speed to the advancing front of the group and stopping and fishing as the group passed by, with some vessels alternating methods during encounters. Since 2010, 133 different vessels were documented fishing in association with dolphins; of these, 38 (28.6%) were documented on two or more occasions, and 26 were documented in two or more years. A mark-recapture abundance estimate of the number of vessels fishing in association with spotted dolphins in 2012 and 2013 was 322 (CV=0.05). In 2015 NMFS recognized three distinct island-associated populations of spotted dolphins in Hawai'i, including one off Hawai'i Island, thus the population of dolphins involved in these interactions is smaller than originally expected. While many factors likely influence the probability of boats fishing associated with dolphin groups, continued reports of occasional hooking combined with the relatively large number of vessels "fishing" dolphins suggest the fisheries categories should be re-evaluated.
- 92.10 KB
Effects of Navy sonar on whales and dolphins in the Hawaiian Islands: some data, some speculation, some gaps..
Presentation to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (virtual event) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- September 15, 2020
- 5,898.74 KB
LIMPET tagging of Hawaiian odontocetes: Assessing reproduction and estimating survival of tagged and non-tagged individuals.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- December 9, 2013
- 2,262.75 KB
Using dolphins to catch tuna: Assessment of associations between pantropical spotted dolphins and yellowfin tuna hook and line fisheries in Hawai‘i.
Fisheries Research. 2020.
230:105652
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 1, 2020
In Hawaiian waters fishermen use the association between pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) to catch tuna. Targeting fishing effort around or in spotted dolphin groups has the potential to lead to bycatch, and anecdotal reports of hooking dolphins exist. We recorded information on fishing vessels associated with spotted dolphin groups from 2008 through 2018 to inform discussions about potential bycatch. Associations occurred from Oʻahu to Hawaiʻi Island, but were most prevalent off Hawaiʻi Island, where 29.7 % of spotted dolphin groups had fishing vessels present
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 1, 2021
We assess spatiotemporal overlap between false killer whales and nearshore fisheries in Hawai‘i to identify fisheries and regions where interactions are most likely to occur. Interactions with fisheries was cited as the greatest threat to this population's viability as a result of growing evidence over recent decades. We used false killer whale location data from 38 satellite tag deployments (2007–2018) and commercial fishery catch logs from a corresponding period to develop fishery overlap indices (FOIs) from a perspective that should reflect the experience of local fishermen
Odontocete cetaceans around the Main Hawaiian Islands: habitat use and relative abundance from small-boat sighting surveys.
Aquatic Mammals. 2013.
39(3):253-269
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- June 1, 2013
Combining association and movement analyses of short-finned pilot whales in the Hawaiian Islands: evidence for multiple populations within the Hawaiian Archipelago.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
Currently a single stock of short-finned pilot whales is recognized in Hawaiian waters, with an estimated abundance of over 12,000 individuals in the EEZ. However, preliminary genetic results suggest that pilot whales around the main Hawaiian Islands are reproductively isolated from those elsewhere in the tropical Pacific. Since the type and extent of anthropogenic interactions varies both among the main Hawaiian Islands and offshore, we test the hypothesis that there is only a single stock of this species in Hawai‘i using a combination of association analyses of photo-identification data and movement/habitat use analyses from satellite tags. Photographs over 13 years included over 6,500 identifications of 868 distinctive individuals. Satellite tag data from 64 deployments averaged 37 days (max=228 days). Combining tag and association analyses indicate individuals do not mix freely among the islands and suggest the existence of three socially isolated but partially overlapping insular communities and an offshore population. The ranges of the three insular communities are from Ni‘ihau to western O‘ahu, from O‘ahu to Lana‘i, and primarily off Hawai‘i Island. Tagged individuals from these insular communities (n=61 deployments) remained an average of 57.5 km from their tagging location, with a grand mean of depth used and distance from shore of 1,564 m and 15.2 km, respectively. Evidence for an offshore population comes from three individuals tagged in two isolated social clusters with mean distances from their tagging locations of 249 km, with a grand mean of depth used and distance from shore of 4,336 m and 81.1 km (max=381 km) respectively. Anthropogenic interactions vary among the population ranges, with long-line fishing in offshore waters, Navy activities primarily off Ni‘ihau, Kaua‘i and O‘ahu, and vessel-based whale watching and swim-with operations primarily off Hawai‘i Island. As each community is exposed to different anthropogenic threats they should be managed independently.
- 5,597.02 KB
Fishery interactions for three populations of false killer whales in Hawai’i: Assessment using dorsal fin line injuries.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- December 9, 2013
- 4,123.37 KB
Site fidelity, spatial use, and behavior of dwarf sperm whales in Hawaiian waters: using small-boat surveys, photo-identification, and unmanned aerial systems to study a difficult-to-study species.
Marine Mammal Science. 2021.
326-348
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- August 24, 2021
Dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima) have been studied rarely at sea. We used photo-identification, boat- and drone-based behavioral observations, and citizen science photo contributions to examine site fidelity, spatial use, and behavior in Hawaiʻi. Sighting rates were highest in island slope (500–1,000 m) waters. Over 40% of photo-identified individuals were linked by association in the same social network. More than half of the very distinctive individuals were seen more than once, and 28.5% were seen in multiple years, with one individual seen 14 times over a 15-year span. Resighted individuals and those in the main cluster of the social network were found in significantly shallower water than individuals that were not resighted or that were in isolated clusters. Distances between resighting locations suggest small home ranges. This suggests an insular slope-dwelling population that overlaps with an offshore population. Evidence of unsuccessful predatory attempts by large sharks was recorded on four individuals, and linear wounds consistent with interactions with line fisheries were documented on three individuals. Surface and subsurface behavior recorded by drone revealed vigilance behavior likely to minimize predation risk. Lessons learned from this study can be applied elsewhere to increase knowledge of this poorly known and difficult-to-study species.
Long-term strategies for studying rare species: results and lessons from a multi-species study of odontocetes around the main Hawaiian Islands.
Pacific Conservation Biology. 2023.
30:PC23027
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- June 5, 2023
- 3,091.12 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2015
The goals of this study were to determine abundance, habitat use, and distribution patterns of bottlenose dolphins in St. Andrew Bay and adjacent coastal waters in the NSWC PCD Testing Range over two seasons.
- 1,341.67 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2016
The goal of the spring 2016 component of this project was to conduct photographicidentification (photo-id) surveys to determine seasonal (spring) abundance, habitat use, and distribution patterns of bottlenose dolphins in St. Andrew Bay (SAB) and adjacent coastal waters surrounding the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD).
- 312.71 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 1, 2016
The goal of the fall 2016 component of this project was to conduct photographic-identification (photo-id) surveys to determine seasonal (fall) abundance, habitat use, and distribution patterns of bottlenose dolphins in St. Andrew Bay and adjacent coastal waters surrounding the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD).
- 606.33 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2016
The goals of this study were to conduct photographic-identification (photo-ID) surveys during 2015 and 2016 to determine abundance, distribution patterns, habitat use, and site fidelity of bottlenose dolphins in St. Andrew Bay and adjacent coastal waters in the NSWC PCD Testing Range over four sampling periods (July and October 2015, and April and October 2016).
- 2,163.29 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2016
The ultimate goal of this study is to provide the United States (U.S.) Navy with the necessary data to help identify seasonal areas where cheloniid sea turtles are likely to occur in order to inform U.S. Navy environmental planning efforts. This project focuses on the three cheloniid sea turtle species commonly seen in Virginia.
- 4,712.58 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2017
The goal of this report is to provide the United States (U.S.) Department of the Navy (Navy) with the necessary data to help identify seasonal areas where Kemp’s ridley and green turtles are likely to occur in order to inform Navy environmental planning efforts.
- 1,296.69 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2018
Five species of sea turtles occur in Chesapeake Bay and the coastal waters of Virginia with varying regularity. They include the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), Kemp’s ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) (Musick and Limpus 1997). Loggerhead and Kemp’s ridley turtles are the most abundant and regularly occurring species, and green turtle numbers have increased over the past two decades in Virginia (Barco et al. 2015, Swingle et al. 2014, 2015, 2016).
- 1,259.42 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2014
The goal of the project is to assess the occurrence, habitat use, and behavior of loggerhead, green, and Kemp's ridley turtles in the Hampton Roads region to better assess the impacts that U.S. Navy activities may have on these protected species.
- 1,337.08 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 28, 2015
The ultimate goal of this study is to provide the US NAVY with the necessary data to help identify seasonal areas where cheloniid sea turtles are likely to occur in order to inform DOD sea turtle protection efforts. This project focuses on the three cheloniid sea turtle species commonly seen in Virginia, which are the loggerhead sea turtle, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, and green sea turtle (Hager 2014).
- 6,910.62 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2019
Kemp’s Ridley Tagging and Tracking in Chesapeake Bay and Costal Waters of Virginia: Final Report
- 285.40 KB
Acoustic telemetry with sea turtles in Virginia.
GARSCON 2015 (Greater Atlantic Region Stranding Conference 2015). .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2015
The Virginia Aquarium Foundation (VAQF) and the U.S. Navy have been working together since 2013 to determine the efficacy of using acoustic telemetry for investigating the fine scale movements of sea turtles in the vicinity of Navy facilities in southeastern Virginia. To date, we have deployed 56 acoustic tags (VEMCO V16, V13 and V9 69 kilohertz tags), 14 from Jul-Nov of 2013, 24 in 2014 and 18 May-Jul of 2015. The U.S. Navy maintains an array of 71 acoustic receivers (VEMCO VR2W) in southeastern Virginia and downloads and processes data every other month. There is a four to six month delay from the time of detection to VAQF receiving processed tag detection data. For this reason, we will discuss results for turtles tagged in 2013 and 2014. Of the 38 turtles tagged in 2013-14, five were wild caught (incidentally or directly captured) and 33 were stranded, rehabilitated and released. Of the stranded turtles, 14 were caught on recreational hook and line, 13 were cold-stunned and the rest were boat strikes (n=3), diseased (n=2) or entangled in other gear (n=1). In total we deployed tags on 18 loggerheads, 15 Kemp’s ridleys (one was released twice) and 4 green turtles. Of these 15 (83%) of the loggerheads were detected, 11 (73%) of the Kemp’s ridleys were detected and 3 (75%) of the greens were detected. Seven of the turtles stranded dead since release (3 wild and 4 stranded) and of these one was never detected. Seven turtles were released after mid-Oct south of the Navy receiver array and, of these, four were never detected. For loggerheads, Kemp’s and greens that were detected, mean number of detections were 220, 57, and 187, number of different days detected were 6, 3, and 10, and days post-release were 97, 21, and 53 respectively.
- 9,579.31 KB
Evidence of pier fidelity in hooked and released loggerhead and Kemp's ridley sea turtles using acoustic and satellite telemetry.
3rd Southeast Regional Sea Turtle Meeting (SERSTM) .
Loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta density and abundance in Chesapeake Bay and the temperate ocean waters of the southern portion of the Mid-Atlantic Bight.
Endangered Species Research. 2018.
37: 269-287
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- December 13, 2018
We conducted aerial surveys of sea turtles in 2011 and 2012, incorporating corrections for perception and availability bias in Chesapeake Bay and near-shore continental shelf waters of the Mid-Atlantic Bight off the US states of Virginia and Maryland. Results of these surveys and ancillary research to determine surface times for loggerhead turtles provide us with a new baseline population estimate for turtles in the region. Prior surveys were conducted in Chesapeake Bay in the mid-1980s and early 2000s, and in ocean waters in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Although comparison of density estimates not corrected for availability between prior surveys and this effort suggests that the population of sea turtles, especially loggerhead turtles, is higher than previous estimates, differences between surveys may be the result of survey methodologies and cannot be assumed to be true changes in density. Surface time for availability corrections was calculated using dive summaries from satellite telemetry on 27 loggerhead turtles tracked between 2011 and 2015. We calculated stratified seasonal availability corrections for bay and ocean waters based on assumed differences in turtle behavior and water clarity between the 2 habitats. For each habitat, we provided seasonal corrections for 3 detection depth bins (shallow, moderate, and deep) to account for differences in sub-surface detection ranges. Differences and trends toward differences among availability corrections underscore the need to better understand the many variables that affect surface time for sea turtles in temperate waters, and the effect that availability has on abundance and density estimates.
A Comparison of Diving Behavior of Goose-beaked Whales and Dense-beaked Whales From Tagging Studies in Multiple Ocean Basins.
Marine Mammal Science. 2025.
mms70070
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- September 17, 2025
Unique morphological and acoustic characteristics of beaked whales (Mesoplodon sp.) off the west coast of Baja California, Mexico.
Marine Mammal Science. 2021.
38:383–390
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Methods:
- July 1, 2021
Unique morphological and acoustic characteristics of beaked whales (Mesoplodon sp.) off the west coast of Baja California, Mexico
Variation in dive behavior of Cuvier's beaked whales with seafloor depth, time-of-day, and lunar illumination.
Marine Ecology Progress. 2020.
644:199–214
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 1, 2020
Recommended snapshot length for acoustic point-transect surveys of intermittently available Cuvier's beaked whales.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2021.
149(6):3830–3840
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- June 3, 2021
Acoustic point-transect distance-sampling surveys have recently been used to estimate the density of beaked whales. Typically, the fraction of short time “snapshots” with detected beaked whales is used in this calculation. Beaked whale echolocation pulses are only intermittently available, which may affect the best choice of snapshot length. The effect of snapshot length on density estimation for Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) is investigated by sub-setting continuous recordings from drifting hydrophones deployed off southern and central California. Snapshot lengths from 20 s to 20 min are superimposed on the time series of detected beaked whale echolocation pulses, and the components of the density estimation equation are estimated for each snapshot length. The fraction of snapshots with detections, the effective area surveyed, and the snapshot detection probability all increase with snapshot length. Due to compensatory changes in these three components, density estimates show very little dependence on snapshot length. Within the range we examined, 1–2 min snapshots are recommended to avoid the potential bias caused by animal movement during the snapshot period and to maximize the sample size for estimating the effective area surveyed.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Species:
- January 27, 2026
Behavior and Distribution Bull Trout off Washington
Beaked whales and El Niño: evidence for ENSO effects on Blainville’s beaked and goose-beaked whale space use in Hawaiian waters.
Marine Ecology Progress. 2024.
751:189–209.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- December 19, 2024
A comparative spatial analysis of location data from satellite-tagged Blainville’s (Mesoplodon densirostris) and Cuvier’s (Ziphius cavirostris) beaked whales off Hawaii Island..
26th Annual Meeting of the Northwest Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy, May 6, 2023, Newport, Oregon .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- May 6, 2023
- 5,049.97 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2018
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex from January 2013 to June 2017 to detect marine mammal sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at four locations: west of San Clemente Island (1,000 m depth, site H), south of San Clemente Island (1200 m depth, site N), northwest of San Clemente Island (900 m depth, site M) and west of La Jolla, California (500 m depth, site P).
- 5,309.48 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2018
We present progress on the development of methods to investigate the potential impacts of sonar and other anthropogenic activities on calling animals. The basis for this effort is previously collected PAM data from four sites in the years 2006 to 2015. Recording effort at these sites varied between 674 and 2,284 days per site, resulting in 19 years of cumulative acoustic recording during 79 instrument deployments and 227 TB of acoustic recordings. As part of the work in this progress report, automated routines have been established and/or modified to detect and classify acoustic signals of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) and Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius caviostris) as well as Mid-Frequency Active (MFA) sonar pings and explosions.
- 1,935.86 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 1, 2018
Understanding the distribution of cetacean species and their populations over space and time is relevant to conservation, management, and mitigation goals. Geographic differences in Blainville’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) frequency-modulated (FM) echolocation pulses are investigated as a potential tool for population-level discrimination.
- 1,822.92 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2016
Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) provides extensive datasets to examine the behavioral response of cetaceans to anthropogenic sound. Using broadband passive acoustic monitoring, the full range of cetacean sounds and the sounds of naval and other anthropogenic sources are recorded. We have been collecting high-frequency PAM data in the Southern California (SOCAL) region since 2006. Within this dataset are many instances of anthropogenic sound as well as cetacean presence at the locations of naval training.
- 9,064.92 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 13, 2013
This ongoing project will study explosions recorded by passive acoustic monitoring in the Southern California (SOCAL) region between 2009 and 2012, and provide a description of their characteristics and frequency of occurrence. In this region, explosions are used both by the Navy as part of training exercises, and by the commercial fishing industry as a deterrent for marine mammals
- 1,230.02 KB
Diel and lunar variations of marine ambient sound in the North Pacific.
162nd Meeting: Acoustical Society of America .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 3, 2011
Marine ambient sound was recorded on autonomous high-frequency acoustic recording packages (bandwidth 10 Hz to 100 kHz) during long term deployments at multiple sites across the North Pacific, from the high latitude Aleutian Islands to tropical Palmyra Atoll in depths of 600–1 000 m. Most intertropical but no temperate locations showed a distinct diel pattern in ambient sound. The soundscape at each location was unique, yet there was a similar recurring sound of unknown origin in lower latitude locations. This sound had a peak frequency around 3–5 kHz and was recorded only for several hours after sunset. Additionally, at some locations, a broadband acoustic signal with bandwidth up to 60 kHz was recorded at night with crepuscular peaks. Both sound patterns were lunar dependent with lower acoustic levels during full moon phases. Site-specific diel and seasonal acoustic patterns have been observed for various odontocete species. Correlations between odontocete presence and levels of ambient sound are investigated. [Work supported by NOAA-Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, US Navy-N45/PACFLT, ONR, Pacific Life, Ocean Foundation, University of California, San Diego.]
- 43.94 KB
Beaked whale species occurrence in the central Pacific and their relation to oceanographic features.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2016.
140(4,Part 2):3017
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 1, 2016
Mesoscale oceanographic features are a major force in structuring the marine environment through processes such as eddy-induced upwelling, and as such effect distribution and aggregation patterns of all organisms along the food chain. It has been shown that top pelagic predators such as cetaceans react to these environmental changes in different ways. We present analysis of frequency-modulated (FM) echolocation pulses of Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), Blainville’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostis), and an unknown beaked whale species producing FM pulse type “BWC,” possibly ginkgo-toothed beaked whale (M. ginkgodens), at five locations in the central Pacific. The recordings were collected at Pearl and Hermes Reef (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands), Kona (Main Hawaiian Islands), Wake Atoll, Tinian, and Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands) between 2008 and 2015, ranging from 4 to 8 years per site. All three beaked whale species were present at all sites in different proportions throughout the recording periods, with a strong nocturnal pattern only for the “BWC” pulse type, yet without seasonal pattern. We examine the varying presence in the context of remotely sensed oceanographic data, including sea surface height deviation, temperature, and salinity, as well as chlorophyll a and derived primary productivity.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- June 1, 2013
Impact of mid-frequency active sonar on beaked whale echolocation from long-term passive acoustic recordings..
ESOMM-2018, 6th International Meeting on the Effects of Sounds in the Ocean on Marine Mammals, The Hague, The Netherlands, 9-14 September 2018 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- September 9, 2018
- 557.82 KB
Geographic differences in Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) echolocation clicks.
Diversity and Distributions. 2023.
29(4):478–491
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 1, 2023
- 1,743.48 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2019
Two Slocum gliders equipped with digital acoustic monitoring (DMON) instruments were deployed and operated in the mid-Atlantic Bight to the north and south of Cape Hatteras during the winter of 2018-2019. The gliders were remotely piloted to survey along pre-determined transects as local currents allowed, and sensor data were relayed to shore every 2 hours and posted on a publicly accessible website, dcs.whoi.edu. DMON data were reviewed daily by trained NAVFAC personnel, and the results of their review were posted on the same website, distributed to interested parties by text and email message, and made available for display in the Whale Alert app. Of the four baleen whale species monitored, humpback whales were the most commonly encountered, followed by fin, sei, and right whales. Only a single bout of right whale calls was detected by the glider deployed to the north of Cape Hatteras.
- 3,666.80 KB
Mouthline injuries as an indicator of fisheries interactions for false killer whales and pygmy killer whales in Hawai'i.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Evidence from strandings and anecdotal reports indicate that a number of odontocete species interact with near-shore fisheries in Hawai'i. In the absence of observer programs in these fisheries, we evaluated mouthline injuries from known resident populations of false killer whales and pygmy killer whales, to assess the viability of this method to document injuries associated with hook and line fishery interactions. All individuals with mouthlines visible were selected from photo-ID catalogs and scored for presence of mouthline injuries consistent with fisheries interactions. Ninety-seven false killer whales and 47 pygmy killer whales had ≥50% of the mouthline visible using fair to excellent quality photos, with a mean of 67% and 59% mouthline visible, respectively. Preliminary analysis suggests that main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whales have high rates of mouthline injuries- 20% of adult and sub-adult individuals with ≥50% mouthline visible have injuries consistent with fisheries interactions, supporting studies using dorsal fin injuries that indicate individuals from this population regularly interact with fisheries. Pygmy killer whales also appear to interact with fisheries at high rates. Of adult and sub-adult individuals off Hawai'i and O'ahu with ≥50% of the mouthline visible, 31% have injuries consistent with fisheries interactions. Since pygmy killer whales feed primarily at night, and there are few reports of them depredating lines, mouthline injury analysis provides new insight into fisheries interactions for this species. Scars on pygmy killer whales heal white and are easier to detect than healed injuries on false killer whales, thus a greater proportion of individuals with such injuries may be detected for pygmy killer whales. With both species, the proportion of mouthline visible increased the likelihood of mouthline injuries being detected. Injury rates are negatively biased, since those individuals scored as having no mouthline injury may not have had their entire mouthline visible. Further efforts will aim to identify injury rates in short-finned pilot whales and rough-toothed dolphins. An examination of differences in injury rates between age classes, and multi-species comparisons will also be undertaken to better understand fisheries interactions.
- 115.50 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 1, 2020
The overall goal of this study was to include the 2018 survey data in the previous 1991–2014 modeling dataset in order to improve SMDs for the CCE study area. Specific objectives included: Generating multi-year average density surfaces for the Navy and others to use in their long-term (2–7 year) environmental planning efforts; and Providing updated abundance and “minimum population size (Nmin)” estimates as defined in the Guidelines for Assessing Marine Mammal Stocks (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2016).
- 5,465.27 KB
Habitat-Based Density Models for Three Cetacean Species off Southern California Illustrate Pronounced Seasonal Differences.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2017.
4:121. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2017.00121.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- May 10, 2017
The objectives of our study were two-fold: (1) develop spatially-explicit density estimates for winter/spring to support management applications, and (2) compare model-predicted density and distribution patterns to previously developed summer/fall model results in the context of species ecology. We used a well-established Generalized Additive Modeling framework to develop cetacean SDMs based on 20 California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) shipboard surveys conducted during winter and spring between 2005 and 2015.
Habitat-based density estimates for cetaceans within the waters of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone around the Hawaiian Archipelago.
NOAA technical memorandum NMFS PIFSC. 2021.
110. https://doi.org/10.25923/x9q9-rd73
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2021
The Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey (HICEAS) 2017 was conducted in waters within the United States (U.S.) Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the Hawaiian Archipelago (henceforth “Hawaiian EEZ” for brevity) from 6 July through 1 December 2017 (Yano et al. 2018). The primary objective of this line-transect survey was to collect cetacean sighting data to support the derivation of cetacean density estimates using both design-based analyses and habitat modeling techniques.
Evaluating Seasonal vs. Spatial Extrapolation for Cetacean Distribution Models in the California Current.
Marine Mammal Science. 2025.
41(4):e70030
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- June 13, 2025
In this study, winter and spring density estimates for the entire CCE study area were made from SWFSC summer and fall model predictions (temporal extrapolation) and CalCOFI winter and spring model predictions (spatial extrapolation) for short-beaked common dolphin ( Delphinus delphis delphis ), Pacific white-sided dolphin ( Lagenorhynchus obliquidens ), Dall's porpoise ( Phocoenoides dalli ), and fin whale ( Balaenoptera physalus ).
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 3, 2023
For the last five months, Dr. Will Gough has been working at the Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) on a number of goals that will build capacity within Hawaii and advance the Navy’s goals related to the long-term health of protected marine mammal species. These goals relate to Dr. Gough’s expertise working with accelerometry-based biologging tags and include: setting up infrastructure at the MMRP to maintain large quantities of tag data, collecting novel data and expanding existing datasets through field efforts, training members of the Navy and MMRP to work effectively with accelerometry data and biologging devices, develop training materials and short-form workshops to disseminate knowledge of accelerometry data processing and analysis more broadly within the Hawaiian community, and use new and existing datasets to answer questions of relevance to the Navy and other organizations tasked with monitoring and management of protected species.
- 220.81 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 6, 2024
For the period of funding, Dr. Will Gough has been working at the Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) on a number of goals that will build capacity within Hawaii and advance the Navy’s goals related to the long-term health of protected marine mammal species. These goals relate to Dr. Gough’s expertise working with accelerometry-based biologging tags and include: setting up infrastructure at the MMRP to maintain large quantities of tag data, collecting novel data and expanding existing datasets through field efforts, training members of the Navy and MMRP to work effectively with accelerometry data and biologging devices, develop training materials and short-form workshops to disseminate knowledge of accelerometry data processing and analysis more broadly within the Hawaiian community, and use new and existing datasets to answer questions of relevance to the Navy and other organizations tasked with monitoring and management of protected species.
- 271.70 KB
U.S. Navy Integrated Comprehensive Monitoring Program.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
The Integrated Comprehensive Monitoring Program (ICMP) provides an overarching framework for coordination of U.S. Navy marine species monitoring. It is intended for use as a planning tool to focus Navy monitoring priorities pursuant to ESA and MMPA requirements and as an adaptive management tool to analyze and refine monitoring and mitigation techniques over time. It has been developed in direct response to Navy Range permitting requirements established in the various MMPA Final Rules, ESA consultations, and other applicable regulations. In early 2011 the Navy established a Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) consisting of experts in marine mammal ecology, passive acoustic monitoring, and cetacean behavior. The Navy convened the SAG with the initial task of evaluating current monitoring approaches under the ICMP and existing Letters of Authorization and developing objective scientific recommendations that will serve as the basis for a Strategic Plan for Navy monitoring. The Strategic Plan will be integrated as a primary component of the ICMP and provide a comprehensive 3-5 year “vision” for Navy monitoring across geographic regions - serving as guidance for determining how to most efficiently and effectively invest the U.S. Fleet marine species monitoring budget to address ICMP objectives and satisfy Marine Mammal Protection Act Letter of Authorization regulatory requirements for Fleet testing and training activities.
- 169.53 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2024
Three subsurface passive acoustic moorings were deployed in the western Gulf of Alaska on the EcoFOCI fall mooring cruise onboard the F/V Aquila 15 Aug – 14 Sep 2023; recovery is planned for September 2024, funding permitting. These mooring will allow investigation into the seasonal occurrence of many species of vocalizing marine mammals including North Pacific right (NPRW), blue, fin, humpback, minke, gray, sperm, killer, and beaked whales, Dall’s and harbor porpoise, general pinniped sounds, and anthropogenic noise sources such as vessels and seismic airguns. This is important data that the Navy needs to prepare environmental planning documentation, including those for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and ESA documents and consultations. It is also needed to inform the National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Regional Office’s NPRW critical habitat expansion decision. In addition to the field work, processing of existing passive acoustic recordings from three moorings in the WGOA is ongoing, with one site (Barnabus Trough) completed for the high-frequency band. Killer whale vocalizations were detected on 214 of the 358 days with recordings.
- 1,129.99 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 12, 2025
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Alaska Fisheries Science Center has maintained passive acoustic recorder moorings in areas of interest to the US Navy in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). Archival data from three of these sites were analyzed for the timing and occurrence of key cetacean species. In addition, three subsurface passive acoustic moorings were deployed for a year (fall 2023 to fall 2024) in areas of mutual interest to NOAA and the Navy. Two of these new moorings, located along the western GOA slope, were redeployed in 2024.
- 2,832.58 KB
Longitudinal comparisons of digital photography of marine mammals from aircraft and shore.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2014 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2014
Rapid progress and affordability of photographic technology with increasing improvements in image resolution have facilitated advancements in efficiency and alternative approaches in data collection for marine mamma ls. We report these recent improvements by comparing marine mammal photographs taken during 2008-2013 aerial surveys of 16 marine mammal species in the Southern California Bight, shore-based studies of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Galveston Bay, Texas (2011 - 2013), and gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) off Sakhalin Island, Russia (2004 -2010).
- 1,436.95 KB
Longitudinal comparisons of digital photography of marine mammals from aircraft and shore.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
Rapid progress and affordability of photographic technology with increasing improvements in image resolution have facilitated advancements in efficiency and alternative approaches in data collection for marine mammals. We report these recent improvements by comparing marine mammal photographs taken during 2008-2013 aerial surveys of 16 marine mammal species in the Southern California Bight, shorebased studies of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Galveston Bay, Texas (2011-2013), and gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) off Sakhalin Island, Russia (20042010). Various Canon and Nikon high-definition cameras ranging from 8.2-36.3 MP resolution and 70-1600 mm lenses with image stabilization were used during the studies. Results of these photographic comparisons demonstrate the evolution of digital photography advancements with the successful capture of individuals, as well as detailed information for behavioral ecology studies. For example, (1) individual identification of marine mammal species from aircraft not previously reported (Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), killer whales (Orcinus orca), and blue and fin whales (Balaenoptera musculus and B. physalus)), (2) shore-based individual identification of bottlenose dolphins up to 500 m and of gray whales up to 2 km from shore, (3) instantaneous differentiation/confirmation of short-beaked vs. long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis and D. capensis) from 1,500-ft altitude with a 36 MP camera, (4) reduced proportion of “unidentified” dolphin and whale species, and (5) potential tracking of the behavior, social associations and durations, and relative position within the group of some individually identified delphinids and other species not previously studied in this manner. High- definition digital photography reduces costs and acquisition/processing time from earlier “tried and true” analog photography. This facilitates, advances, and compliments the efficacy of data collection for population and behavioral ecology studies on marine mammals, most recently allowing capture of individual identification images at distances of up to 2 km away.
- 1,436.95 KB
Vessel strike encounter risk model informs mortality risk for endangered North Atlantic right whales along the United States east coast.
Scientific Reports. 2025.
736 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-84886-z
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 3, 2025
Seasonal changes in physical oceanography modulate cetacean predator-prey dynamics in the San Diego Trough.
Marine Ecology Progress. 2025.
762:111–133
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- June 12, 2025
In marine ecosystems, cetaceans are large mobile predators that depend on maximizing foraging efficiency. Their presence within a habitat can therefore be strongly related to the modulation of local prey by oceanographic conditions. Understanding how cetaceans are impacted by prey responses to the physical environment is challenging due to the difficulty of collecting presence data of cetaceans and their prey over long, comparable time periods. We used passive and active acoustic recordings collected from moorings within the San Diego Trough, along with physical oceanographic sampling (i.e. in situ, satellite-derived, and ocean general circulation model measurements), to elucidate relationships between cetaceans, their prey, and the physical environment. Our results show that the predator-prey dynamics of some cetaceans within the San Diego Trough are influenced by seasonal changes in the physical oceanographic conditions and processes that shape their prey resources. Specifically, common dolphin Delphinus delphis foraging activity increased during conditions associated with increased presence of diel vertically migrating fish prey. Blue whale Balaenoptera musculus foraging-associated acoustic activity increased during periods with increased presence of mid-water crustacean zooplankton and was replaced with breeding-associated acoustic activity during conditions associated with the waning of mid-water crustacean zooplankton. Fin whale B. physalus foraging-associated calling activity was more complex to model, most likely because these animals have a generalist diet and occupy this area year-round. Our results highlight environmental conditions and features relevant to cetaceans inhabiting this region and may aid in developing better spatially explicit management actions.
U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Compliance and Mitigation Program in the Atlantic: A review.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
The U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet conducts training and testing activities within the Northwest Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, including the use of active sonar and explosives. While training and testing activities have the potential to impact the environment, the Navy employs every means available, without jeopardizing the safety of Sailors or impacting military readiness, to mitigate the potential environmental effects of these activities. Prior to training and testing activities, the Navy consults extensively with environmental regulators to determine appropriate mitigations to protect marine species, particularly marine mammals. Additionally, in order to evaluate the impacts of Navy activities on marine mammals and other protected species, the Navy has implemented a monitoring program to collect data on baseline animal presence, as well as exposure and response to Navy training and testing activities. Passive acoustic monitoring remains a cornerstone of addressing revised long term objectives of the monitoring program, and continues to provide key data on marine mammal presence and behavior. Future work will focus on species classification and animal behavior before, during, and after exposure to potential stressors. This presentation will provide an overview of Navy environmental compliance in the Atlantic, including monitoring efforts. This presentation will also discuss the tools and processes that Navy uses to assess the potential impacts of activities, how mitigation is used to reduce those impacts, and protective measures such as the restrictions employed in the North Atlantic right whale critical habitat areas. The Navy remains committed to marine stewardship and responsible management of the potential impacts of training and testing activities on protected species.
- 91.18 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2016
DDG P Atlantic Aug 2016
- 575.97 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2017
DDG Q Atlantic Aug 2017
- 1,275.28 KB
Opportunistic Offshore Sighting of a Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus).
Southeastern Naturalist. 2023.
22(1):N9-N12
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2023
During a marine mammal vessel survey, a single Perimyotis subflavus (Tricolored Bat) was sighted 103.5 km off the coast of North Carolina. While we cannot determine whether the bat flew unaided from the mainland or stowed away on a ship, this is likely the furthest offshore sighting for the species. The possibility of Tricolored Bats flying offshore could have implications for wind-energy programs or other offshore industries.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2014
CG C Atlantic Aug 2014
- 796.17 KB
U.S. Navy East Coast passive acoustic monitoring efforts from 2009 to present.
7th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 13, 2015
The U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet conducts training and testing activities within the Northwest Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, including the use of active sonar and explosives. In order to evaluate the impacts of these activities on marine mammals and other protected marine species, the Navy implemented a monitoring program to collect data on baseline animal presence, as well as exposure and response to Navy training and testing activities. Passive acoustic monitoring is an important component of the Navy’s monitoring efforts. Between 2009 and 2013, the Navy utilized effort-based monitoring metrics and targeted a number of different training and testing events for monitoring. Passive acoustic data was collected to monitor mysticete migration patterns in the mid-Atlantic, the effects of MFAS on odontocete vocalizations in North Carolina and Florida, and the potential effects of explosive training events off the coast of Virginia Beach, VA. Platforms included Marine Autonomous Recording Units (MARUs), High Frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs), Ecological Acoustic Recorders (EARs), and sonobuoys, among others. Additionally, the Marine Species Monitoring Program has funded the deployment of acoustic recording tags on several marine species including pilot whales and North Atlantic right whales, as well as behavioral response playback experiments with short-finned pilot whales off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. In November 2013, the Navy began replacing effort-based monitoring metrics with objective based monitoring projects as a result of new environmental permits for Atlantic Fleet Training & Testing (AFTT). Passive acoustic monitoring remains a cornerstone of the revised long term goals, and continues to provide key data on marine mammal presence and behavior. Future work will focus on species classification and animal behavior.
- 897.80 KB
Abundance Estimates of False Killer Whales in Hawaiian Waters and the Broader Central Pacific.
NOAA technical memorandum NMFS PIFSC. 2020.
104, 78
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2020
The abundance of two remote and broadly-distributed populations of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in Hawaiian waters was estimated using sighting data collected from ship-based, line-transect surveys conducted by NOAA Fisheries within the central Pacific between 1986−2017, including the three Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem.
Line-transect Abundance Estimates of Cetaceans in U.S. Waters around the Hawaiian Islands in 2002, 2010, and 2017.
NOAA technical memorandum NMFS PIFSC. 2021.
115. https://doi.org/10.25923/daz4-kw84
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:
- January 1, 2021
The Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey (HICEAS) is a recurring ship-based, line-transect survey designed to estimate cetacean abundance in the entirety of the Hawaiian EEZ.
- Blue whale
- Bryde's whale
- Humpback whale
- Minke whale
- Sei whale
- Blainville's beaked whale
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Goose-beaked whale
- False killer whale
- Fraser's dolphin
- Killer whale
- Longman’s beaked whale
- Melon-headed whale
- Pygmy killer whale
- Risso's dolphin
- Rough-toothed dolphin
- Short-finned pilot whale
- Sperm whale
- Spinner dolphin
- Spotted dolphin
- Striped dolphin
Navy collaborates, monitors to better understand sea turtle movements in San Diego Bay.
Currents (Navy's Environmental Magazine). 2015.
Winter 2015/2016:6-13
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 1, 2015
Since the closure of a power plant in the southern part of San Diego Bay, a collaborative monitoring effort among the Navy, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and others has been underway to better understand changes in the movement and behavior of the green sea turtle so that the Navy and this turtle can continue to share the resources in the bay. San Diego Bay is home to one of the largest U.S. Navy complexes in the world and California’s second largest incorporated city. Today, more than 25 percent of the U.S. Navy fleet is homeported in San Diego. Maintaining readiness in this ecosystem without causing harm to the natural resources is an ongoing challenge. There are a variety of threatened and endangered species that rely on the San Diego Bay ecosystem at different stages of their lives. One of these is the East Pacific green sea turtle. The East Pacific green sea turtle is a federally threatened species in San Diego Bay. While the majority of the population has traditionally lived in the quieter south part of the bay, the turtles may be venturing into areas more frequently used for U.S. Navy, recreational, and commercial activities. An increased presence of turtles outside of the southern portion of the bay may have potential implications for management of this species, as there is a higher likelihood of boat strikes and other potentially adverse human interactions.
- 2,037.95 KB
Interactions Between Sperm Whales and Risso's and Northern Right Whale Dolphins off San Diego, CA.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2012 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 3, 2012
Aerial surveys provide a valuable platform to record and document behavior of marine mammals above and below the sea surface. This approach is advantageous in avoiding disturbance from the observational platform while circling outside the sound cone of the plane. Since 2008, the U.S. Navy has instituted a marine mammal monitoring program in southern California from several platforms, including aerial surveys, and has successfully captured previously undocumented behaviors and species interactions during the aerial effort. This included focal behavioral interactions between sperm whales, northern right whale dolphins, and Risso's dolphins on 14 May 2011, 24 nm west of San Diego, CA. This -1.5-hour encounter was documented in detail with high- definition digital photographs and video as the group traveled NE along the edge of a steep underwater drop-off. Risso's dolphins initiated charges towards the heads of the sperm whales on multiple occasions, followed by fast retreats. Sperm whale adults responded by displaying an open lower jaw. Risso's dolphins appeared to direct this behavior only toward adult sperm whales that had recently surfaced from long (> 20 min) dives; it was not directed toward the four calves in the group. Northern right whale dolphins intermingled with the Risso's dolphins and sperm whales, although they did not approach sperm whales as closely or abruptly as the Risso's dolphins. While similar apparently aggressive Risso's dolphin behavior has been documented toward other cetacean species, this is the first known occurrence of head-on charging by Risso's dolphins, accompanied by the elicited jaw display response from sperm whales. The interaction may be similar to aggressive pilot whales behavior towards sperm whales, and may function in acquiring regurgitated sperm whale food, or other needs by the Risso's dolphins.
- 1,074.61 KB
Site fidelity, population identity and demographic characteristics of humpback whales in the New York Bight apex.
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. 2022.
102(1-2):157-165
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- July 11, 2022
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) exhibit maternally driven fidelity to feeding grounds, and yet occasionally occupy new areas. Humpback whale sightings and mortalities in the New York Bight apex (NYBA) have been increasing over the last decade, providing an opportunity to study this phenomenon in an urban habitat. Whales in this area overlap with human activities, including busy shipping traffic leading into the Port of New York and New Jersey. The site fidelity, population composition and demographics of individual whales were analysed to better inform management in this high-risk area. Whale watching and other opportunistic data collections were used to identify 101 individual humpback whales in the NYBA from spring through autumn, 2012–2018.
U.S. environmental compliance and conservation efforts for sea turtles in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
NOAA technical memorandum NMFS PIFSC. 2013.
38-39
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 2, 2013
Environmental stewardship is an integral part of the Navy's mission. It protects and preserves the capabilities of training areas, ensures operational flexibility, and sustains the resources and public support needed to carry out the Navy's mission. The Navy is responsible for compliance with a suite of environmental and natural resources laws and regulations that apply to the marine environment, and in particular, to sea turtles. To comply with these mandates, the Navy works closely with regulatory agencies and must be able to properly evaluate the impacts of at-sea training activities on protected species. In order to institute efforts to minimize these impacts there must be: I) the best available data on the density and distribution of the species in question; 2) the criteria necessary to assess impacts; and 3) the creation of the practical mitigation measures. To meet these objectives, the Navy developed the Navy Marine Species Density Database (NMSDD) which documents density estimates for all sea turtle populations where the Navy primarily trains in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The Navy also established an initial set of quantitative criteria for assessing acoustic impact to sea turtles from sonar and explosives. These data are utilized in regulatory compliance documents to support quantitative modeling and qualitative assessments of the potential impacts of a variety of Navy stressors on sea turtles and their habitats, including but not limited to the use of sonar, explosives, and military expended materials. Additionally, the Navy employs mitigation measures both at-sea and on Navy installations to minimize the impacts of Navy activities on sea turtles and to promote conservation of their populations. Some of these measures include monitoring sea turtle nests on Navy beaches during the nesting season, having trained lookouts to observe mitigation zones during at-sea training activities to minimize potential effects to sea turtles, and conducting or funding sea turtle research to reduce knowledge gaps. The Navy continues to be a leader in environmental stewardship and utilize the best technology and techniques to improve our compliance and conservation efforts with respect to sea turtle populations. However, deficiencies in the amount or quality of data available, as well as access to research, can significantly limit the Navy's ability to assess and mitigate impacts. As a result, the Navy plans to improve partnerships with international, federal, state, and local agencies; public and private organizations; and academic institutions by engaging stakeholders to maximize our effectiveness in addressing environmental issues.
- 762.70 KB
Biologically Important Areas II for cetaceans within U.S. and adjacent waters - West Coast Region.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2024.
11:1283231.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Species:
- March 11, 2024
Here we update U.S. West Coast Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) that were published in 2015 using new data and approaches. Additionally, BIAs were delineated for two species that were not delineated in the 2015 BIAs: fin whales and Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW). While harbor porpoise BIAs remained the same, substantial changes were made for other species including identifying both larger overall areas (parent BIAs) and smaller core areas (child BIAs). For blue, fin, and humpback whales we identified, delineated, and scored BIAs using the overlap between the distribution and relative density from three data sources, leveraging the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches: 1) habitat density models based on Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) line-transect data from systematic ship surveys conducted through 2018, 2) satellite tag data from deployments conducted by three research groups, and 3) sightings of feeding behavior from non-systematic effort mostly associated with small-boat surveys for photo-identification conducted by Cascadia Research Collective. While the previous BIAs were based solely on a more subjective assignment from only the small boat sightings, here we incorporate the other two data sources and use a more rigorous, quantitative approach to identify higher density areas and integrate the data types. This resulted in larger, better-supported, objective BIAs compared to the previous effort. Our methods are also more consistent with the delineation of BIAs in other regions. For SRKWs, the parent BIA was based on a modification of the Critical Habitat boundaries defined by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada; a core BIA highlighting areas of intensified use was identified using both NOAA’s Critical Habitat and kernel density analyses of satellite tag data. Gray whale BIAs were re-evaluated for the migratory corridor of Eastern North Pacific gray whales, for Pacific Coast Feeding Group feeding areas, and for gray whales that feed regularly in Puget Sound.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 24, 2014
The present study provides new and current estimates of cetacean density for the six most commonly encountered cetacean species off southern California based on sighting data collected during 37 quarterly CalCOFI cruises from 2004 to 2013. The current study resulted from a high survey repetition rate that allowed for the examination of inter-annual and seasonal trends in density as well as temporal and spatial patterns of distribution for six common cetacean species off southern California: blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, short-beaked common dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and Dall’s porpoise.
- 4,140.75 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2014
Cetacean distribution, density and abundance in the Southern California Bight were assessed through visual and acoustic surveys during five California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) cruises from August 2012-November 2013. Visual monitoring incorporated standard line-transect protocol during all daylight transits while acoustic monitoring employed a towed hydrophone array during transits and sonobuoys at oceanographic sampling stations. Visual effort included 584 observation hours covering 10,900 kilometers yielding 565 sightings of 15 identified cetacean species.
- 4,333.04 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 1, 2012
Spatial and temporal distribution patterns, density and abundance of cetaceans in the southern California Bight were assessed through visual and acoustic surveys during five California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) cruises from August 2011 – July 2012. Visual monitoring incorporated standard line-transect protocol during all daylight transits while acoustic monitoring employed a towed hydrophone array during transits and sonobuoys at oceanographic sampling stations.
- 4,929.65 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 15, 2010
This report summarizes small boat based research conducted on cetaceans off southern California by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) in collaboration with Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) from August 2009 – July 2010. The primary objectives of this research were to use sighting, photo-identification, biopsy and acoustical sampling techniques to assess the occurrence, distribution and population structure of small cetaceans in a region that is subject to frequent naval exercises; this information is needed to evaluate possible effects from Mid Frequency Active Sonar (MFAS) trials and ultimately for the development of appropriate management protocols.
- 2,641.69 KB
Inter-annual and seasonal trends in cetacean distribution, density and abundance off southern California.
Deep-Sea Research. 2015.
112: 143-157
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2015
Trends in cetacean density and distribution off southern California were assessed through visual line-transect surveys during thirty-seven California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) cruises from July 2004–November 2013. From sightings of the six most commonly encountered cetacean species, seasonal, annual and overall density estimates were calculated. Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were the most frequently sighted baleen whales with overall densities of 0.91/1000km2 (CV=0.27), 2.73/1000km2 (CV=0.19), and 1.17/1000km2 (CV=0.21) respectively. Species specific density estimates, stratified by cruise, were analyzed using a generalized additive model to estimate long-term trends and correct for seasonal imbalances. Variances were estimated using a non-parametric bootstrap with one day of effort as the sampling unit. Blue whales were primarily observed during summer and fall while fin and humpback whales were observed year-round with peaks in density during summer and spring respectively. Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) and Dall’s porpoise (Phocoenoidesdalli) were the most frequently encountered small cetaceans with overall densities of 705.83/1000km2 (CV=0.22), 51.98/1000km2 (CV=0.27), and 21.37/1000km2 (CV=0.19) respectively. Seasonally, short-beaked common dolphins were most abundant in winter whereas Pacific white-sided dolphins and Dall’s porpoise were most abundant during spring. There were no significant long-term changes in blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale, short-beaked common dolphin or Dall’s porpoise densities while Pacific white-sided dolphins exhibited a significant decrease in density across the ten-year study. The results from this study were fundamentally consistent with earlier studies, but provide greater temporal and seasonal resolution. Keywords: Cetaceans; Line transect; Density; Abundance; Distribution; Trends; Southern California; CalCOFI
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 20, 2018
Coral reef surveys were conducted at Farallon de Medinilla (FDM) September 27 – October 1, 2017 by Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center Pacific, Scientific Diving Services (SDS) to satisfy requirements of the Mariana Islands Training and Testing Area Biological Opinion (MITT BO) issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 2015 (NMFS 2015). The primary objectives of this survey were to quantify the abundance and location around the island of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed corals, quantify coral reef health (percent cover of living coral, coral species composition, and coral condition), and compile observations of ordnance impacts
- 7,446.41 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2018
Coral reef surveys were conducted at Farallon de Medinilla (FDM) September 27 – October 1, 2017 by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific), Scientific Diving Services (SDS) to satisfy requirements of the Mariana Islands Training and Testing Area Biological Opinion (MITT BO) issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 2015 (NMFS 2015). Two reports have been produced, based upon the field data obtained. The first report, entitled “Farallon De Medinilla 2017 Coral Reef Survey Report,” is dated May 2018 (Carilli et al. 2018). This document should be regarded as the second report of the 2017 survey results
- 6,300.50 KB
Coral bleaching variability during the 2017 global bleaching event on a remote, uninhabited island in the western Pacific: Farallon de Medinilla, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Bulletin of Marine Science. 2020.
96(4), 785-802
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 1, 2020
Vocalizations of North Atlantic minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata acutorostrata) with direct visual observation off Florida.
JASA Express Letters. 2026.
6 (4)
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- April 16, 2026
Common dolphin whistle responses to experimental mid-frequency sonar.
PLOS One. 2024.
19(4):e0302035
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 26, 2024
Using a network of drifting acoustic buoys in controlled exposure experiments, we investigated the effects of mid-frequency (3–4 kHz) active sonar (MFAS) on whistle production in short-beaked (Delphinus delphis delphis) and long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis bairdii) in southern California. Given the complexity of acoustic behavior exhibited by these group-living animals, we conducted our response analysis over varying temporal windows (10 min– 5 s) to describe both longer-term and instantaneous changes in sound production. We found that common dolphins exhibited acute and pronounced changes in whistle rate in the 5 s following exposure to simulated Navy MFAS.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 20, 2015
In order to further investigate potential changes in behavior in response to MFAS exposure, sounds of marine mammals were recorded in the vicinity of three U.S. Navy training exercises before, during, and after the use of MFAS in Onslow Bay, North Carolina (July 2008), and near Jacksonville, Florida (September–October, and December 2009). The resulting passive acoustic data were analyzed using automated signal-detection software to detect individual sonar transmissions (“pings”), and sounds of North Atlantic right, minke, fin, and sperm whales. In addition, putative right whale “gunshot” sounds that had been detected in an earlier, separate analysis of the Jacksonville recordings were reviewed by two experienced marine mammal acoustic analysts.
- 3,670.26 KB
Adult male Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) engage in prolonged bouts of synchronous diving.
Marine Mammal Science. 2021.
https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12799
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 15, 2021
We tested this prediction by evaluating the diving behavior of animals within social groups off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, considering diving synchrony a proxy for group membership.
Trade-offs in telemetry tag programming for deep-diving cetaceans: data longevity, resolution, and continuity.
Animal Biotelemetry. 2023.
11:23
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- May 29, 2023
We analyze trade-offs in the longevity, resolution, and continuity of data records from non-recoverable satellite-linked tags on deep-diving Ziphius cavirostris in the context of a behavioral response study of acute noise exposure.
Targeted surveillance detected novel beaked whale circovirus in ten new host cetacean species across the Pacific basin.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2023.
9:945289
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 25, 2023
The first cetacean circovirus, beaked whale circovirus (BWCV), was recently reported in a Longman’s beaked whale (Indopacetus pacificus) stranded in Hawai‘i and represents an emergent disease with unknown population impacts. In other species, circovirus infection may cause mortality or opportunistic co-infection by other pathogens. We report on a targeted surveillance of stranded cetaceans in the Pacific basin, including archived beaked whale species, strandings where pathological findings suggested disease presence, mass stranded animals, and additional individuals to represent a broad range of Hawaiian cetacean species. Archived tissues primarily from the brain, kidney, liver, lung, spleen, and lymph nodes of individuals stranded between 2000 and 2020 (n=30) were tested by PCR for the presence of BWCV.
Marine mammal acoustic survey findings from Pagan Island, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted during a survey of marine mammals in nearshore waters surrounding Pagan Island, a remote volcanic island in the western tropical Pacific, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. The objective was to collect baseline information for Department of Defense's CNMI Joint Military Training Environmental Impact Statement. The primary effort was conducted over 11 days in August 2013. Visual/acoustic line-transect surveys were conducted using a towed hydrophone array system during daytime, and moored sonobuoys were deployed at night. Fourteen acoustic encounters occurred during line-transect surveys consisting of the following (subtotal in parentheses): bottlenose dolphin (1), spinner dolphin (1), beaked whales (4), and unidentified dolphins (8). Of this total, eleven were acoustic only encounters and three were concurrently sighted by observers. The four beaked whale acoustic encounters could not be classified in the field so data were post-processed resulting in the following classifications: Blainville's beaked whales (3) and Cuvier's beaked whale (1). Localization ranges (perpendicular to trackline) were between 0.3 and 2 km and varied by species/species groups. Sonobuoys were moored in depths of 30-50m at two sites located off sand beach areas on the west side of the island. Approximately 67 hours of recordings were made for an average recording duration of 7.4 hours per night. The majority of detection events (55) were of dolphins (undetermined species). Sperm whales were detected once by each sonobuoy. In summary, passive acoustic methods were able to detect delphinids, as well as deep diving species during both line-transect surveys and shallow water sonobuoy monitoring sites. Although brief in duration, this effort provided important information about the occurrence of several species of marine mammals documented for the first time at this remote island.
- 91.91 KB
Use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring to assess beaked whale distribution and habitat use in the Gulf of Alaska.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2014 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2014
Beaked whales are among the most poorly understood marine mammals. They are deep-diving odontocetes, spending most of their time submerged with infrequent, short surface intervals. Due to this behavior, they are difficult to study using visual observation methods alone . However, recent advancements in passive acoustic detection and survey techniques have shown to provide viable methods for stu dying beaked whales (Yack et al. 2013). In the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), there is little known abo ut beaked whale abundance and distribution.
- 1,726.45 KB
Insights into foraging behavior from multi-day sound recording tags on goose-beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) in the Southern California Bight.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2024.
11:1415602
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- September 6, 2024
Spatial and temporal separation of toothed whales in the western North Atlantic.
Marine Ecology Progress. 2023.
720:1-24
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Methods:
- January 1, 2023
A diverse group of toothed whale species inhabits the pelagic habitats of the western North Atlantic, competing for overlapping prey resources. Historical data deficits have limited fundamental research into many of these species, such as establishing baselines of distribution and abundance, so their occurrence and habitat use patterns are not well characterized. Periodic cycles in activity have been reported at a range of temporal scales for odontocetes in other regions, such as seasonal movements, foraging activity modulated by lunar cycles, and diel activity patterns. A variety of spatial, temporal, and behavioral separation strategies have also been observed among predator guilds in both marine and terrestrial systems, and these may also contribute to observed spatiotemporal patterns in activity. Recently, passive acoustic data has been applied to monitor odontocete species continuously, with improved detection and species discrimination for some cryptic species. We used a long-term passive acoustic data set collected at sites spanning the western North Atlantic shelf-break region to quantify presence and characterize seasonal, lunar, and diel activity patterns for 10 species. Our results demonstrated strong regional preferences and clear patterns of spatiotemporal separation between species with similar foraging ecology. Latitudinal shifts in seasonal presence peaks may suggest meridional seasonal migrations for some dolphin species. We also observed strong diel activity patterns that were modulated by both seasonal and lunar cycles. This study reveals complex behavioral patterns arising in response to natural cycles playing out over multiple temporal scales and provides new insights into habitat partitioning among toothed whale species.
Identification of western North Atlantic odontocete echolocation click types using machine learning and spatiotemporal correlates.
PLOS One. 2022.
17(3): e0264988
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 24, 2022
A combination of machine learning and expert analyst review was used to detect odontocete echolocation clicks, identify dominant click types, and classify clicks in 32 years of acoustic data collected at 11 autonomous monitoring sites in the western North Atlantic between 2016 and 2019. Previously-described click types for eight known odontocete species or genera were identified in this data set: Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris), Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), Gervais’ beaked whales (Mesoplodon europaeus), Sowerby’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon bidens), and True’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon mirus), Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus)
Multi-regional comparison of scarring and pigmentation patterns in Cuvier’s beaked whales.
Mammalian Biology. 2022.
102:733–750
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Species:Methods:
- April 1, 2022
This study supports the notion that scarring density is indicative of sex for this species, improves the predictive capacity of this metric inter-regionally, and provides a reliable method to estimate the sex of whales in a typical photo-ID catalog, thus supporting vital rate assessments for this data-deficient species.
Variation in Social Structure Among Multiple Stocks of Island-Associated Common Bottlenose Dolphins in Hawaiian Waters.
Marine Mammal Science. 2025.
10.1111/mms.70051
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- July 31, 2025
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2019
This project is intended to provide baseline information on the species composition, density, distribution, and basic behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present within the United States (U.S.) Navy’s Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Operating Area (OPAREA). This study is part of a larger, multi-institutional, marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring program of U.S. Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico supporting Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing (AFTT)
- 4,083.79 KB
Virtual Alaska Marine Science Symposium, 24-27 January 2022 .
More details
Collapse details
Habitats occupied by Chinook salmon in the Gulf of Alaska and in the U.S. Navy’s Temporary Maritime Activities Area..
Alaska Marine Science Symposium, Anchorage, Alaska, January 2023 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- February 1, 2023
- 198.11 KB
2012.
Master's Thesis, Duke University
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- May 31, 2012
Remote biopsy sampling is a common method used to obtain tissue samples from wild cetaceans. Using this technique, researchers typically obtain a small sample of skin and blubber using a biopsy tip fired from a crossbow or modified air rifle. Analysis of these tissues can provide important information on specific identity, sex, pollutant levels, diet, and reproductive status, which are critical to studies of free-ranging cetaceans. Biopsy sampling is generally considered to be a relatively benign procedure, but all prior attempts to evaluate its impact have been subjective assessments of the behavioral response of individuals at the surface. The goal of the present study is to provide a quantitative assessment of the immediate effects of biopsy attempts on the behavior of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) equipped with digital acoustic recording tags (DTags) off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. A biopsy attempt was defined as any instance of contact between a biopsy dart with an animal. A series of five metrics was examined to determine if behavior of whales was affected by a biopsy attempt, including: foraging behavior (number of dives, depth, and number of prey capture attempts); time spent within 3 m of the surface; fine-scale body orientation; fluke rate and amplitude; and group vocalization rate. The short-term reactions to biopsy attempts appear to be ephemeral and should not compromise the fitness of the animal, although the effects of increasing the group vocalization rate after a biopsy attempt should be examined further. The results of this analysis provide the first subsurface, quantitative assessment of the short-term effects of biopsy sampling on cetaceans.
A quantitative analysis of the response of short-finned pilot whales, Globicephala macrorhynchus, to biopsy sampling.
Marine Mammal Science. 2014.
30(2):819-826
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 30, 2014
Remote biopsy sampling has been used for almost 40 yr (Winn et al. 1973) to obtain tissue samples for various analyses, and is particularly important because most cetaceans are difficult or impossible to capture safely at sea (Noren and Mocklin 2011). It is generally assumed that there are few, if any, detrimental effects on the fitness of sampled animals. In support of this assumption, there has only been one documented case of death of a cetacean from a biopsy dart (Bearzi 2000), although it is possible deaths have occurred that have not been described in the published literature. Failure of the dart stopper and the poor body condition of the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) were believed responsible for the death of this animal, as the dart penetrated through its thin blubber layer.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 28, 2022
The Pacific Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (PacMAPPS) survey occurred from 1 August to 26 August 2021, beginning and ending in Kodiak, AK. Over the course of the survey, a total of 2,330 km of on-effort tracklines were surveyed in suitable weather conditions, and a total of 687 sightings of marine mammals were documented (including duplicates and resights).
- 2,637.82 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 18, 2023
This survey implemented visual line transect and passive acoustic methods to assess the presence and distribution and to estimate density and abundance of cetaceans in Behm Canal and central Clarence Strait.
- 1,093.33 KB
Aerial Surveys for Protected Marine Species in the Jacksonville OPAREA: 2017 Annual Progress Report.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2018
This report represents one facet of a collaborative multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
- 16,812.91 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2017
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
- 11,346.94 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2017
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
- 6,962.02 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2016
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast
- 16,962.42 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 1, 2015
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
- 26,430.91 KB
Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) presence and behavior off the mid-Atlantic states of North Carolina and Virginia from 2011 to 2016.
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- April 7, 2017
- 335.58 KB
Protected species monitoring in Onslow Bay, NC: January – December 2010.
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 11, 2011
A protected species monitoring program was initiated in 2007 when the US Navy identified Onslow Bay, NC as a potential site for an Undersea Warfare Training Range. To estimate marine mammal density, distribution and seasonality, traditional visual line transect surveys from both aerial and vessel platforms have been augmented with passive acoustic monitoring techniques. In 2010, 20 aerial (10,939 km of trackline) and 14 vessel (958 km of trackline) survey days were completed. In order of decreasing frequency Tursiops truncatus, Stenella frontalis, Grampus griseus, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Delphinus delphis, and Balaenoptera physalus were sighted. T. truncatus and S. frontalis comprised most sightings in both aerial (85%) and vessel (100%) surveys. Approximately 1,000 digital images were taken for species and individual identification during vessel‐based surveys. To date, six T. truncatus and one S. frontalis have been re‐sighted across seasons and years, suggesting some degree of residency in the study area. Passive acoustic monitoring techniques include towing a four‐element hydrophone array during vessel surveys and deploying High‐frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) on the sea floor. Analysis of towed array recordings suggests that visual surveys detect approximately half of the dolphin groups that were acoustically detected. Hundreds of vocal detections are present in the HARP data, which will provide insights into of diel and seasonal patterns of marine mammal vocalization. This project, now in its fourth year, is providing a valuable long‐term window into abundance and residency patterns of cetaceans in offshore waters of North Carolina.
- 129.32 KB
Abundance, survival, and annual rate of change of Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) on a Navy sonar range.
Marine Mammal Science. 2019.
37(2): 399-419
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 1, 2019
Bayesian mark-recapture estimates of survival, abundance, and trend are reported for Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) using a Navy training range off southern California. The deep-diving beaked whale family is exceptionally vulnerable to mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), which has been implicated in mass strandings and altered foraging behavior. Extremely low sighting probabilities impede studies of population-level impacts of MFAS on beaked whales. The San Nicolas Basin hosts a Navy training range subject to frequent MFAS use and attracts high densities of Z. cavirostris. An 11-year (2007–2018) photo-identification program leveraged automated acoustic detection and location capabilities on the range's 1,800-km2 hydrophone array to enhance capture probability.
Abundance, survival, and annual rate of change of Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) on a Navy sonar range.
Marine Mammal Science. 2020.
37(2): 399-419
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- September 22, 2020
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 7, 2017
This report provides equations to the Commander, Pacific Fleet Environmental Readiness Division to calculate expected levels of the underwater sound field created from explosive sources that may be applied to environmental characterization or UNDET training mission planning on the Pu`uloa Range with respect to possible noise exposure to marine mammals and turtles.
- 2,125.59 KB
A hand-held tool for rapid assessment of underwater sound to inform decision making.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Measurements of underwater noise from pile driving have been collected in San Diego Bay during a marine construction project, to inform placement of marine mammal observers, and adhere to Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) requirements. This presentation will focus on a subset of these measurements made with a hand-held device, or Underwater Sound Level Meter (USLM). The USLM employs an intuitive operating menu, requires no specialized training, and rapidly delivers fully calibrated results expressed in the relevant metric, such as peak level, rms level and sound exposure level. Several examples will be discussed involving the documentation of isopleths associated with the 190 dB and 180 dB isopleths (rms level, dB re 1 µPa) that define Level A injury thresholds for pinnipeds and cetaceans, respectively. One represents a unique set of measurements made during which the USLM documented the evolution of the underwater sound field from impact pile driving versus range every approximately 5 m. This made possible by recording from a small vessel that slowly opened in range from the pile source (the USLM also records its own position via GPS. ) The results of such fine-scale range sampling are also compared with modeling of transmission loss with range from the pile. Stakeholders in both industry and government share the same goal of rapid, calibrated measurements of underwater noise to protect marine life and comply with statuary environmental regulations. The USLM is a time and labor saving device that meets this goal.
- 91.71 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 29, 2013
NOAA Fisheries’ Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program (HMSRP) and U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Environmental initiated a collaborative research effort to investigate potential impacts of naval activities in the HRC. To accomplish this goal, positional data was collected by 13 global positioning system (GPS) telemetry tags deployed over a 2-year period (2010–2011) on 11 individual Hawaiian monk seals, for a total of 38,232 hours (1,593 days).
- 211.44 KB
Long-term passive acoustic recordings track the changing distribution of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) from 2004 to 2014.
Scientific Reports. 2017.
7:13460
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- October 18, 2017
Exploring movement patterns and changing distributions of baleen whales in the western North Atlantic using a decade of passive acoustic data.
Global Change Policy. 2020.
26(9):4812-4840. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15191
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- May 25, 2020
This study assesses the acoustic presence of humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), sei (B. borealis), fin (B. physalus), and blue whales (B. musculus) over a decade, based on daily detections of their vocalizations.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 20, 2015
HDR vessel-based visual monitoring for marine mammals was conducted 1–9 February 2014 in conjunction with Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) satellite-tagging and real time acoustic monitoring by the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) team. These efforts were to aid species-validation projects conducted in and around the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) instrumented range, northwest of Kauai in the Hawaii Range Complex (HRC). The monitoring survey was conducted prior to the commencement of the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Commanders Course (SCC) that took place 17–21 February 2014, which included the use of mid-frequency active sonar.
- 5,095.91 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 24, 2013
In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), the United States (U.S.) Navy has obtained a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Biological Opinion under the Endangered Species Act. The Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC) Monitoring Plan was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permits. The monitoring plan and reporting requirements provide science-based answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed to, and react to, Navy MFAS and explosives. As such, the Navy developed the MIRC Monitoring Plan to conduct activities that meet these monitoring goals.
- 2,561.29 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2016
A shore-based platform, incorporating two high-powered 25 × 150-millimeter binoculars ("Big Eyes"), was evaluated as an alternative approach for surveying marine areas for protected species (marine mammals and sea turtles). During a pilot study at a test site on Oahu (278-meter [m] elevation), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) blows were visible through Big Eyes at 37 kilometers (km) away in Beaufort Sea State (BSS) 2. This suggests the approach could be effective at detecting baleen and sperm whales from long distances, priority species under the United States Department of the Navy's Marine Species Monitoring Program.
- 3,303.10 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2017
Aerial shoreline surveys following U.S. Navy (Navy) training events were conducted in the Hawaii Range Complex to monitor for strandings and to document sightings of marine mammals and sea turtles in an effort to answer the monitoring question: “Do marine mammals strand along shorelines of the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) within 1 week following Navy training events?” This report summarizes marine mammal and sea turtle sighting data obtained during 67.5 hours of aerial survey effort over 16 days in the MHI between 2010 and 2014.
- 7,604.52 KB
Vessel-based Humpback WhaleSurvey in and around Farallon de Medinilla: 29 January − 4 February 2020.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2021
In order for the U.S. military to conduct readiness training with the Mariana Island Training and Testing Study Area (MITT), including the area around Farallon de Medinilla (FDM), the Navy is required to monitor potential impacts of these activities on Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act-listed species. Humpback whales belonging to the North Pacific population are known to use portions of the MITT seasonally for breeding activities, specifically Marpi Reef and shallow waters around Saipan. A small-vessel visual survey for humpback whales was conducted between 29 January 2020 and 1 February 2020 to better understand the use of shallow-water habitat around FDM
- 1,878.86 KB
Surveying marine mammals with high-powered "bigeye" binoculars from a shore-based platform.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
A shore-based platform, incorporating high-powered 25×150mm binoculars ("bigeyes"), was evaluated as an alternative approach for surveying marine areas for protected species (marine mammals and sea turtles). During a pilot study at a test site on Oahu (273m elevation), humpback whale blows were visible through bigeyes 37km away in Beaufort Sea State (BSS) 2. This suggests the approach could be effective at detecting baleen and sperm whales from long distances, priority species under the U.S. Navy's Marine Species Monitoring Program. Systematic scans using bigeyes were performed in Guam over 20 days from a north-facing (193m) and a northeast-facing (157m) shore station in May 2014 and March 2015. These two sites were chosen because of mostly unobstructed views of the ocean, as well as generally high BSS that prohibit visual surveys from small vessels in this area. A SnapZoom digiscoping adapter, equipped with an iPhone or GoPro, was attached to the bigeye eyepiece allowing collection of photos and video, complementing supertelephoto (500-800mm) photography on a DSLR to assist with species confirmation. Observers recorded 33 odontocete sightings comprised of 4 confirmed species (spinner and bottlenose dolphins, pilot and melon-headed whales), but no baleen or sperm whales were observed. Several sightings were distant from shore, including two unidentified dolphins observed 9 km offshore in BSS 6, cued by diving birds, and a group of 160 melon-headed whales 14km offshore in BSS 5. The species observed and the sighting rate of 0.28 per hour, or 1.7 per day, were comparable to results from smallvessel surveys in Guam, suggesting an overall low density of marine mammals, and large whales in particular, during this time of year. These results demonstrate that shore-based surveys can provide an alternative means of surveying an area where use of other research platforms are impractical or cost prohibitive.
- 91.65 KB
Habitat utilization by beaked whales in the western North Atlantic Ocean using passive acoustics.
Marine Ecology Progress. 2025.
754:137-153
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- February 13, 2025
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 24, 2024
The telemetry and survey studies managed by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) was initiated in winter 2021 to collect data on harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) along the U.S. East Coast. The purpose of this field season’s research was to collect baseline data to inform a proposed pinniped behavioral response study and continue long-term pinniped surveys, specifically in the Navy OPAREAS along the northwestern Atlantic coast. A summary of the data collected in previous field seasons can be found in DeAngelis (2023).
- 369.36 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 8, 2026
Over 25 species of cetaceans utilize the shelf break regions of the US eastern seaboard, including several endangered species. Understanding patterns in species distribution, and the anthropogenic and environmental drivers that may impact their distribution, are critical for appropriate management of marine habitats. To better understand patterns in species distribution and vocal activity, NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) collaboratively deployed long-term high-frequency acoustic recording packages (HARPs) at eight sites along the western North Atlantic shelf break. This work was conducted from 2015-2021, with financial support from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Likewise, the U.S. Navy has been monitoring the shelf break region at 3 to 4 sites since 2007. Together these combined efforts bring the total to 11 recording sites spanning the U.S. eastern seaboard, from New England to Florida. This project focuses on analyses of the datasets collected from 2015-2021, with the inclusion of older (pre-2015) datasets where relevant. The focus of our efforts in 2025 have been to make substantial progress in the review of various detector classifications.
- 750.20 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2023
The aim of the 2021-2022 field season’s research, Phase II of the Pinniped BRS, was to continue to obtain data to measure baseline behavior to understand the physical or biotic factors that influence the movement and foraging tactics of harbor and gray seals; the amount of time seals spend in specific areas, paying particular attention to Navy OPAREAS; and, the anthropogenic risks (e.g., noise-producing military activities) seals potentially encounter in nearshore and offshore areas.
- 2,724.17 KB
Passive Acoustic Monitoring for Marine Mammals in the SOCAL Naval Training Area Dec 2012 – Jan 2014.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2015
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex from December 2012 to January 2014 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at three locations: near Santa Barbara Island (880 m), west of San Clemente Island (1000 m), and southwest of San Clemente Island (1300 m). Six baleen whale species were recorded: blue whales, Bryde’s whales, fin whales, gray whales, humpback whales, and minke whales.
- 21,128.75 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2015
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex from January to July 2014 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at three locations: west of San Clemente Island (1,000 m depth, site H), southwest of San Clemente Island (1,200 m depth, site N), and west of La Jolla, California (550 m depth, site P). Sites H and N are located offshore, whereas site P is located nearer to the coast.
- 6,272.07 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2014
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted to detect the presence of marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds in the Navy’s Northwest Training Range Complex (NWTRC) from September 14, 2012 until June 30, 2013. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at the shelf slope near Quinault Canyon. Data analysis methods consisted of detection of sounds by analyst scans of long-term spectral averages (LTSAs) and spectrograms, and by automated computer algorithms when possible. The data were divided into three frequency bands for analysis of marine mammal vocalizations and anthropogenic sounds.
- 16,828.02 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2014
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Gulf of Alaska Temporary Maritime Activities Area (GATMAA) from June 2013 to May 2014 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at five locations: a shelf site offshore Kenai Peninsula (200 m depth, site CA), a continental slope site in deep water (850 m depth, site CB), a slope site offshore Kodiak Island (230 m depth, site KO), a deep offshore site at Pratt Seamount (1000 m depth, site PT), and a deep offshore site at Quinn Seamount (930 m depth, site QN).
- 15,262.96 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2017
Cetacean distribution, density and abundance in the Southern California Bight were assessed through visual and acoustic surveys during eighteen California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) cruises from February 2012-April 2016. Visual monitoring incorporated standard line-transect protocol during all daylight transits while acoustic monitoring employed a towed hydrophone array during transits and sonobuoys deployed at oceanographic sampling stations. Visual effort included 2,031 observation hours covering 31,807 kilometers. A total of 1,914 sightings were made, which included 18 different cetacean species. Acoustic effort included 1m027 sonobuoy deployments and 478 towed array deployments.
- 6,733.49 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 1, 2016
To monitor for the presence of marine mammals, High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) were deployed at two sites within the Navy’s Virginia Capes Range Complex. There were three deployments at one site, located offshore from Cape Hatteras (HAT), between October 2012 and December 2014. There was one deployment at the other site, located offshore from Norfolk Canyon (NFC), between June 2014 and April 2015. Both sites were located approximately 75 nmi offshore in about 1000 m of water.
- 13,765.01 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2015
High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) were deployed from May 2013 to August 2014 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds in the Navy’s Jacksonville Range Complex. The HARPs recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at a site located 60 nm east off the Florida coastline on the continental shelf. Technical malfunctions resulted in loss of data for the period from June 8, 2013 through February 16, 2014. Data analysis consisted of analyst scans of long-term spectral averages (LTSAs) and spectrograms, and automated computer algorithm detection when possible. Three frequency bands were analyzed for marine mammal vocalizations and anthropogenic sounds: (1) Low-frequency, between 10300 Hz, (2) Mid-frequency, between 10-5,000 Hz, and (3) High-frequency, between 1-100 kHz. Three baleen whale species were detected: fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whales. Fin whale detections were limited to February 2014. Humpback whale calls were detected from February to June 2014 with a peak in March 2014. Minke whales were detected in late-February through March 2014. An additional sound called the 5-pulse signal, presumably from a baleen whale, was detected from February to September 2014, with a peak in July. One known odontocete species was detected, Risso’s dolphins, which were detected in low numbers in July 2014. Odontocete signals that could not be distinguished to species were common throughout the recordings. However, eight distinct click types of unknown species origin were found to be present (CT 17, CT 22, CT 25, CT 26, CT 27, CT 27A, CT 30 and CT32). The following anthropogenic sounds were detected: broadband ship noise, Mid-Frequency Active (MFA) sonar, and echosounders. Broadband ships were common throughout the recordings with a peak in detections in May 2014. MFA sonar was detected during all months with recordings, with a peak in June 2013. Echosounder pings were prevalent throughout the recordings.
- 11,503.08 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2013
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted at two sites in the US Navy’s Jacksonville Range Complex during August 2010 – July 2011. These sites are located 50 and 61 nm east of the Florida coastline on the shelf and shelf break at water depths of 40 m – 90 m. Acoustic data collected at these sites provide information on the presence of marine mammals and anthropogenic sound sources. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) documented sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz with recording cycles of 5 minutes every 15 minutes. The data were divided into three frequency bands and data analysis was conducted with analyst scans of long-term spectral averages and spectrograms. Four mysticete whale species were recorded: fin, minke, sei, and humpback. No blue whale, North Atlantic right whale, or Bryde’s whale calls detected. A new call, designated the “5-pulse” was detected and is presumed to be produced by a mysticete whale due to its character, prevalence and intensity. Site A has more hours with calling mysticete whales than site B. However, humpback whale calls were detected only at site B, though these detections were few. The largest number of odontocete detections were attributed to unidentified odontocetes, thought to be primarily bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins. Unidentified odontocetes were detected throughout the year. Overall numbers of detections were higher at site A than site B. There was a diel acoustic activity pattern with greater numbers of echolocation clicks produced at night, likely due to nighttime foraging. Risso’s dolphin echolocation clicks were only detected at site A and only occurred August through March. Five click types, yet to be associated to an odontocete species, were characterized and their seasonal and diel occurrence described. Ship noise was the most common anthropogenic sound at both sites A and B. Both sites had Mid-Frequency Active (MFA) sonar events throughout the period of data collection. At site A, a total of 2,437 MFA sonar pings were detected with a maximum peak-to-peak received level of 173 dB re 1 μPa. Similarly, a total of 2,496 MFA sonar pings were detected at site B, reaching a maximum peak-to-peak level of 166 dB re 1 μPa. Echosounder pings with a variety of primary frequencies (4 – 80 kHz) were found at both sites A and B. Explosions were recorded at both sites, though were more prevalent at site B. A low-frequency tone, referred to as the 130 Hz tone, was recorded at site A. High noise levels, possibly caused by instrument strumming and fluid flow at the sensor, occurred intermittently at both sites and likely decreased the detection range for low-frequency sounds.
- 11,071.40 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2013
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between August 2010 and February 2011 in the Jacksonville, FL, survey area at Site A in 90 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 15 minutes and recorded for 153 days between 26 August 2010 and 25 January 2011. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Calls of fin whales, minke whales, possible sei whales, Risso’s dolphins, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data. A new call type, the “5-pulse” call, presumed to be produced by a mysticete, was also detected in the data.
- 1,063.69 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2013
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between August 2010 and February 2011 in the Jacksonville, FL, survey area at Site B in 35 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 15 minutes and recorded for 160 days between 26 August 2010 and 1 February 2011. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz). Segments of data that did not allow for further analysis due to disk malfunctions or strumming noise were identified. The usable data were then scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Vocalizations of unidentified delphinids were detected in the data. All of the low- and mid-frequency data for this deployment were unusable, thus preventing detection of mysticete calls and mid-frequency active sonar.
- 426.92 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2014
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted within the Navy’s Cherry Point OPAREA during August – December 2011 and July – October 2012 for a total of 105 and 81 days respectively. This site is located approximately 100 miles from the North Carolina coastline on the shelf break. The 2011 deployment was at a water depth of 952 m and the 2012 deployment was at a water depth of 914 m. Acoustic data collected at this site provide information on the presence of marine mammals and anthropogenic sound sources. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz with recording cycles of 5 minutes every 10 minutes. The data were divided into three frequency bands and data were analyzed by scans of long-term spectral averages and spectrograms. Four baleen whale species were recorded: blue, fin, minke, and sei whales. The detections of their calls were made between late August and early December 2011. Blue whale calls were the only baleen whale call type detected in the 2012 deployment. No Bryde’s, humpback, or North Atlantic right whale calls were detected in either deployment. Several different toothed whale species were recorded: Blainville’s, Cuvier’s, and Gervais’ beaked whales, killer whales, pygmy or dwarf sperm whales (Kogia spp.), Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified odontocetes. All species except killer whales were recorded in 2011 and 2012. Killer whales were detected only in 2011. Ship noise was the most common anthropogenic sound in both deployments. MFA was noted during both deployments. A total of 391 pings were detected in 2011 with a maximum peak-to-peak received level of 156 dB re 1 μPa. In 2012, a total of 492 pings were detected with a maximum peak-to-peak received level of 167 dB re 1 μPa. Few echosounder pings over a variety of frequencies (4-80 kHz) were detected during both deployments. Explosions were detected in both deployments, though they were more prevalent in 2011 than 2012. High noise levels, possibly caused by instrument strumming and fluid flow at the sensor, occurred intermittently in both deployments and likely decreased the detection range for low-frequency sounds. This strumming was most prevalent in 2012.
- 13,075.42 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 7, 2026
The Rice’s whale (Balaenoptera ricei; formerly Gulf of Mexico Bryde's whale) is estimated to have a population size of 51 individuals in U.S. waters (Garrison et al., 2020), and was listed as endangered under the ESA in 2019 (84 Federal Register 15446, 87 Federal Register 8981). The majority of modern sightings occur within waters between the 100 and 400 meter isobaths within an area near the De Soto Canyon off northwestern Florida (Rosel et al., 2021; Soldevilla et al., 2017), an area defined as the Rice’s whale core distribution area (Rosel & Garrison, 2022). Occurrence patterns from long-term passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) over the 2010–2024 period and from summer and fall visual surveys during 2018 and 2019 indicate that the whales are found year-round within the core distribution area, but also suggest there may be seasonal movements throughout, and potentially out of, this area. High densities of anthropogenic activities occur throughout the Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico, hereafter GOA), including oil and gas exploration and extraction, fisheries, shipping, and military activities. Many of these activities, including U.S. Navy readiness activities, and Eglin Air Force Base activities, overlap with the whales’ core distribution area. Understanding seasonal distribution and density of Rice’s whales throughout this area will improve understanding of potential impact of human activities, improve the accuracy and precision of impact assessments, and assist in developing effective mitigation measures as needed. To improve management of human-based activities in the core distribution area of these endangered whales, the SEFSC deployed a sparse array of 17 PAM units concurrent with one long-term High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) from May 2021 to March 2023. The PAM moorings were deployed in two lines of nine units each to nearly completely cover the core distribution area over a nearly 2-year period to improve understanding of seasonal and interannual distribution, movement patterns, and habitat use. The moorings used SoundTrap ST500 or ST600 STDs, calibrated long-term recorders capable of continuously recording underwater sound in the 20 Hertz to 48 kHz frequency range, including Rice’s whale calls and ambient noise, for up to 6 months. Additionally, the study leveraged a long-term HARP deployed by the SEFSC, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and collaborators, at the De Soto Canyon site in the Rice’s whale core distribution area over the August 2020 to July 2025 period. At this site, they have continuously recorded ambient noise and other acoustic events in the 10 Hertz to 100 kHz frequency range since 2010 to monitor the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and subsequent restoration activities on cetaceans. Analyses from the combined DC HARP and sparse array of SoundTrap deployments over the 2021-2023 period suggested Rice’s whale detections occurred at all PAM stations throughout the entire year, with detections occurring more commonly on the inshore line compared to the offshore line, and suggested call detections increased to the south in winter and to the north in summer. Additional data collection was recommended to determine whether these patterns were consistent over longer periods, as needed to understand seasonal distribution and density of Rice’s whales. To meet this need, a new 3-year project is being conducted from June 2025 to June 2028 that includes redeploying the PAM array for at least one more year, and conducting analyses of Rice’s whale spatiotemporal occurrence across the new (2025-2026) and historic (2021-2023) datasets. The project objectives include 1) characterizing spatiotemporal distribution of calling Rice’s whales throughout the CDA over three years to understand interannual variation in year-round occurrence patterns; 2) evaluating whether intra-annual habitat use patterns represent consistent seasonal cycles over time; and 3) evaluating longer-term trends in occurrence of calling Rice’s whales as needed for monitoring population recovery. Results from 2021-2023 will be combined with the current effort to yield the three full years of broad coverage passive acoustic data collection. The project is off to a successful start. In June 2025, 17 SoundTrap ST600 STD recorders were deployed at the same study sites from the 2021-2023 period, along with the De Soto Canyon HARP. In January 2026, all 17 SoundTrap recorders were successfully retrieved. Upon initial inspection, acoustic recordings from each instrument were of high quality, yielding a total of 3,524 instrument-days of recording effort. The instruments recorded for a median of 6.9 months each, with most recordings ending in late December or early January. All 17 SoundTrap recorders were serviced and redeployed for another 6-month deployment. They will be retrieved, along with the HARP, in June 2026. Data analyses, including Rice’s whale call detection, localization, and call density estimation will begin in fall 2026.
- 1,348.75 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2017
To meet information needs of the US Navy, Pacific Fleet Environmental, the National Marine Fisheries Service, Marine Mammal Laboratory in collaboration with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted a study of adult male California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) with two objectives: 1) to estimate the number of sea lions that use Navy Facilities in Puget Sound, Washington and 2) to describe how adult male sea lions utilize the waters of Washington as marine foraging areas. To accomplish this, weekly counts of sea lions were conducted at four Navy Facilities in Puget Sound, Washington (WA) to estimate abundance and satellite dive recorders were deployed on adult male California sea lions to obtain data on the proportion of time the animals were hauled out and their distribution and diving behavior as they foraged in inland and coastal waters.
- 6,052.67 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2011
The project’s goal is analysis of passive acoustic monitoring recordings that were obtained by scientists at Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) using Ecological Acoustic Recorders (EAR) devices. The information to be extracted from the recordings is on the presence of marine mammals and the nature of the sounds they make. Some of these historical recordings from 2009 and 2010 coincide with Naval training events in the areas around the islands of Oahu and Kauai. In optimal situations, analysis of days of recordings from a few days before, during, and a few days after the training events were available to characterize the baseline environmental acoustic state before and after events as well as any changes that may occur during events
- 360.57 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2011
Navy Research Funded Year Three Project Reports
- 5,699.30 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 17, 2012
This document contains amplifying technical data and information for the United States Department of the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex Comprehensive Monitoring Report.
- 51,916.96 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2012
The U. S. Navy (Navy) has developed this Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC) Monitoring Plan to provide marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring as required under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. In order to issue an Incidental Take Authorization (ITA) for an activity, Section 101(a)(5)(a) of the MMPA states that National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) must set forth “requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking.” The MMPA implementing regulations in 50 CFR Section 216.104 (a)(13) note that requests for Letters of Authorization (LOAs) must include the suggested means of accomplishing the necessary monitoring and reporting that will result in increased knowledge of the species and of the level of taking or effects to populations of marine mammals that are expected to be present.
- 510.53 KB
Effects of simulated military sonar on sound production by blue whales, sperm whales, Risso’s dolphin, and Cuvier’s beaked whale.
4th International Science Symposium on Bio-logging .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 14, 2011
Whales and dolphins use sound for different functions including echolocation and social communication, and thus changes in sound production patterns are a likely component of any behavioral response to anthropogenic sounds such as military mid-frequency sonar (MFA). To simultaneously log whale and dolphin movements, sound production and reception, and anthropogenic sound exposure levels, we used Dtags (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) and bioacoustic probes (Greeneridge Sciences). Tags were deployed on wild, free-ranging cetaceans in Southern California waters. Tagged animals were then exposed to simulated MFA or, as a control, pseudo-random noise (PRN). In total, the August-September 2010 SoCal10 behavioral response study included 28 playbacks: 19 to blue whales (11 MFA, 8 PRN), 5 to fin whales (3 MFA, 2 PRN), 2 to a single sperm whale (1 MFA, 1 PRN), 1 to a Risso’s dolphin (MFA), and 1 to a Cuvier’s beaked whale (MFA). For this analysis we focus first on baleen whale call production and reception rates (particularly blue whale D calls and variable calls) in relation to sound exposure level, dive behavior, and lunge feeding rates. We then examine echolocation-based foraging behavior and social call production by the toothed whales as a function of sound exposure level. This rich dataset, including multiple cetacean species of conservation concern, provides insight into the wide potential range of responses to sound, and the dependence of those responses on ecological, social and behavioral context. Investigations like SoCal10 can help guide inferences for related topics, such as assessment of population effects of anthropogenic noise.
- 22.83 KB
Assessment of goose-beaked whale responses to mid-frequency active sonar using a hierarchical hidden Markov model.
Movement Ecology. 2026.
14 (28)
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- April 24, 2026
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2014
In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), the United States (U.S.) Navy has obtained a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and a Biological Opinion under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Navy has developed Monitoring Plans for individual Navy Range Complexes, guided by the Integrated Comprehensive Monitoring Program (ICMP), to provide marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring guidelines as required under the MMPA and the ESA (Department of the Navy 2010). The Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) Monitoring Plan, implemented in 2014, was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permits (Department of the Navy 2014). The ICMP provides the overarching framework for coordination of the U.S. Navy Monitoring Program (Department of the Navy 2010). The ICMP outlines objectives for range/project-specific Monitoring Plans and U.S. Navy-funded research relating to the effects of naval training and testing activities on protected marine species (Department of the Navy 2010).
- 2,787.98 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2014
CG B HRC Feb 2014
- 1,918.58 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 21, 2012
A marine mammal species verification and satellite tagging test was carried out as part of the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) program in collaboration with the Cascadia Research Collective from 11 June to 02 August 2012 at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF). The primary objective of the test was to acoustically detect marine mammals at PMRF and vector observers to vocalizing animals. This allowed the team to: 1) Visually verify at-sea species acoustically detected on the PMRF undersea range 2) Deploy satellite tags on marine mammals prior to the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) to monitor animals’ movement before, during and after navy training. 3) Photograph animals to create a photo-ID record for the Hawaii Range Complex 4) Collect biological samples (fecal/biopsy) 5) Document group composition and behavior
- 1,372.72 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 2, 2022
In the Pacific the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) program maintains systems that automatically detect, classify and localize marine mammals in real-time on the U.S. Navy’s deep-water Southern California Antisubmarine Warfare Range (SOAR) in Southern California and Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Hawai’i. Long-term archive data collected on these ranges allows for numerous types of studies on species inhabiting the ranges, including the monitoring of abundance and distribution, behavioral responses to naval activities, and habitat usage. They also provide the opportunity to study ambient noise and soundscapes.
- 4,891.60 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 8, 2020
Beaked whale abundance and vocal behavior were examined at two different U. S. Navy training ranges: for Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) at the Southern California Anti-Submarine Warfare Range (SOAR) between August 2010 through October 2019, and for Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) between 2015 and 2018. The yearly and monthly abundance, mean number of group vocal periods (GVPs), mean duration of the GVPs in minutes, and the mean number of clicks detected per beaked whale group were calculated.
- 6,542.98 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2019
Cuvier’s beaked whale abundance estimates have been obtained at the U.S. Navy’s Southern California Anti-Submarine Warfare Range (SOAR) for the period from August 2010 through November 2018. Data for December 2018 through January 2019 are currently being processed. The data were corrected for effort and spatial variation by applying correction factors as in DiMarzio et al (2017). Since 2010, the Cuvier’s beaked whale abundance at SOAR appears to be stable or slightly increasing.
- 2,763.10 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 26, 2018
In 2016, corrected Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris, Zc) abundance estimates at SOAR were completed for 2010 -2014. The estimates showed no decline in abundance over this 5-year period on the instrumented Southern California Anti-Submarine Warfare Range (SOAR). In 2017, these estimates were updated with data from 2015 through September of 2017 to provide a yearly estimate from 2010 to 2017. Periods of node or in-water hardware outages in past estimates and new data were isolated. Correction factors for these periods were calculated, and revised abundance estimates were produced. As before, the data do not show a decline in abundance on SOAR over the last eight years.
- 1,913.22 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2021
In FY20 the M3R program had six areas of focus for SOAR and PMRF: 1) long‐term data collection and the evaluation of abundance and distribution of Cuvier’s beaked whales at SOAR and Blainville’s beaked whales at PMRF; 2) the effect of two types of mid‐frequency active sonar (MFAS), hull‐mounted and dipping sonar, on Cuvier’s beaked whales at SOAR and Blainville’s beaked whales at PMRF; 3) evaluation of the M3R low‐frequency detector algorithm at SOAR; 4) determination of Autogrouper detection statistics for Blainville’s beaked whales at PMRF; 5) the development of tools to automatically characterize the ambient noise at SOAR using archive files; and 6) the support of on‐site field exercises at SOAR and PMRF with real‐time monitoring using the M3R system.
- 3,651.01 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2020
To better understand the spatial distribution of habitat usage in the Bay by these species, the Navy funded home range analyses of both species based on extant satellite-tagging data for tags deployed from 2014 to 2018.
- 6,723.94 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 10, 2022
Understanding the spatial distribution of a species is required to enact effective conservation. Complications to effective conservation can arise when the distributions of multiple target species are non-overlapping. Conservation efforts meant to protect one species may shift threats into the distribution of another species. Two species of marine turtle, loggerhead Caretta caretta and Kemp’s ridley Lepidochelys kempii, are common seasonally in Chesapeake Bay, a large estuary on the US east coast. Both species are protected under the US Endangered Species Act and face spatially complex threats in the region. We created habitat suitability models for these 2 species to inform conservation efforts in the region and explore the extent of overlap be - tween their distributions. Argos satellite tags were deployed on 24 Kemp’s ridley and 10 loggerhead turtles to record animal locations within the Bay. Boosted regression tree models were created for each species using presence-only animal locations, predicting suitable habitat within the Bay. Habitat for Kemp’s ridley turtles was predicted in shallow, coastal areas of the southern Bay as well as in brackish areas of rivers. Loggerhead turtle habitat was predicted to extend farther north than Kemp’s ridley habitat and was generally found in deeper areas of the middle Bay. There is some evidence that these 2 species are partitioning habitat. Any conservation measures adopted to conserve marine turtles in the Chesapeake Bay should consider the habitat of both species holistically to avoid shifting impacts from one species to another.
- 733.34 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2025
The study team proposed deploying up to 50 Wildlife Computers satellite-linked telemetry tags per year for 3 years, split evenly between Kemp’s ridley and green sea turtles (or as encounters allow), at several sites along the East Coast ranging from Florida (FL) to Massachusetts (MA). In partnership with several rehabilitation and research groups, the study team aims to collect and record sea turtle behavioral data in multiple representative environments and times of year
- 4,815.55 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 8, 2026
Building on Year 1 deployments, Year 2 moved the study toward providing robust, defensible availability bias models for green and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles on the East Coast. The current study results should be interpreted with caution, given the relatively small number of deployments to date, particularly for Kemp’s ridley turtles (n=10 deployments), which limits the available information both spatially and temporally. Collecting 18 months of data and expanding the analysis, compared to 6 months when the 2024 annual report (DiMatteo and Mansfield 2025) was written, reinforced several findings. Availability bias generally increased as the depth threshold at which animals were assumed to be able to be seen increased. This is to be expected as more of the water column is considered to be visible. The availability bias estimates from the 2-m depth histograms and dive behavior were similar.
- 13,940.82 KB
Habitat models and assessment of habitat partitioning for Kemp's ridley and loggerhead marine turtles foraging in Chesapeake Bay (USA).
Endangered Species Research. 2022.
47:91-107
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- February 10, 2022
Understanding the spatial distribution of a species is required to enact effective conservation. Complications to effective conservation can arise when the distributions of multiple target species are non-overlapping. Conservation efforts meant to protect one species may shift threats into the distribution of another species. Two species of marine turtle, loggerhead Caretta caretta and Kemp’s ridley Lepidochelys kempii, are common seasonally in Chesapeake Bay, a large estuary on the US east coast. Both species are protected under the US Endangered Species Act and face spatially complex threats in the region. We created habitat suitability models for these 2 species to inform conservation efforts in the region and explore the extent of overlap between their distributions. Argos satellite tags were deployed on 24 Kemp’s ridley and 10 loggerhead turtles to record animal locations within the Bay. Boosted regression tree models were created for each species using presence-only animal locations, predicting suitable habitat within the Bay. Habitat for Kemp’s ridley turtles was predicted in shallow, coastal areas of the southern Bay as well as in brackish areas of rivers. Loggerhead turtle habitat was predicted to extend farther north than Kemp’s ridley habitat and was generally found in deeper areas of the middle Bay. There is some evidence that these 2 species are partitioning habitat. Any conservation measures adopted to conserve marine turtles in the Chesapeake Bay should consider the habitat of both species holistically to avoid shifting impacts from one species to another.
Normalizing home ranges of immature Kemp's ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) in an important estuarine foraging area to better assess their spatial distribution.
2021.
17(1): 57-71
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2021
Kemp's ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) are critically endangered sea turtles that forage seasonally in Chesapeake Bay, a large estuary on the east coast of the United States. Most of the Kemp's ridley turtles foraging in the bay are immature. When tracking these animals, satellite transmitter retention times have been low compared with adult marine turtles of other species. The immature Kemp's ridleys' small size and rapid growth leads to shorter, more variable deployments, limiting the use of data. These limited data leave critical questions remaining about the animals' habitat usage that are difficult to answer without substantially more deployments. A novel sensitivity analysis using simulated deployments indicated that too few animals were tagged with satellite transmitters to identify all possible home-range areas in the Bay.
Sea turtle density surface models along the United States Atlantic coast.
Endangered Species Research. 2024.
53:227–245
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- February 29, 2024
Spatially explicit estimates of marine species distribution and abundance are required to quantify potential impacts from human activities such as military training and testing, fisheries interactions, and offshore energy development. There are 4 protected species of sea turtle (loggerhead, green, Kemp’s ridley, and leatherback) commonly found along the east coast of the USA, our study area, and which require impact assessments.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 23, 2023
In the Pacific the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) program maintains systems that continuously run algorithms to detect, classify and localize marine mammals year-round on the U.S. Navy’s deep-water Southern California Antisubmarine Warfare Range (SOAR) in Southern California and Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kauai, Hawai’i. Long-term archive data collected on these ranges allows for numerous types of studies on species inhabiting the ranges, including the monitoring of abundance and distribution, behavioral responses to naval activities, and habitat usage. They also provide the opportunity to study ambient noise and soundscapes.
- 6,319.26 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 3, 2025
In the Pacific, the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) program maintains systems that continuously run algorithms to detect, classify and localize marine mammals year-round on the U.S. Navy’s deep-water Southern California Antisubmarine Warfare Range (SOAR) in Southern California and the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i. Long-term archive data collected on these ranges allow for numerous types of studies on species inhabiting the ranges, including the monitoring of abundance, behavioral responses to naval activities, and habitat usage. They also provide the opportunity to study ambient sound levels and soundscapes. In FY24 the M3R program had five goals for SOAR and PMRF: Support real-time monitoring of on-water tagging operations Collection and postprocessing of M3R binary archives and periodic broadband recordings Data preservation: conversion of Alesis recordings to M3R packet recorder format SOAR Continuous Active Sonar Behavioral Response Study (CAS BRS) DICASS sonobuoy receiver adaption in preparation for deployment at SOAR.
- 2,014.85 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 7, 2024
In the Pacific, the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) program maintains systems that continuously run algorithms to detect, classify and localize marine mammals year-round on the U.S. Navy’s deep-water Southern California Antisubmarine Warfare Range (SOAR) in Southern California and the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i. Long-term archive data collected on these ranges allow for numerous types of studies on species inhabiting the ranges, including the monitoring of abundance, behavioral responses to naval activities, and habitat usage. They also provide the opportunity to study ambient sound levels and soundscapes.
- 8,141.88 KB
Vocalization behaviors of minke whales in relation to sonar in the planned Undersea Warfare Training Range off Jacksonville, Florida.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2013.
134(5, part 2)
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2013
Nine Marine Autonomous Recording Units (MARU’s) were deployed in a rectangular array at a site coinciding with the United States (U.S.) Navy’s planned Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) approximately 60150 km offshore Jacksonville, FL (13 September to 8 October and 3 December to 8 January, 2009–2010) at shallow, mid-depth, and deep sites (45, 183, 305 m). Data were reviewed in detail using TRITON (Wiggins, 2007). Event logs were created for each day at every site. Custom-written MATLAB scripts were used to calculate the probability of minke whale vocalization events occurring in the presence and in the absence of mid-frequency sonar. Minke whale vocalization events were completely absent in the fall deployment period, but occurred almost continuously during the winter deployment, indicating a strong seasonal pattern of occurrence. Minke whale vocalizations were detected most frequently at deep-water sites, and only at low levels (
- 42.46 KB
Vocalization behaviors of minke whales in relation to sonar in the planned Undersea Warfare Training Range off Jacksonville, FL.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
Autonomous acoustic recorders are effective for investigating the distribution, occurrence, and acoustic behaviors of a variety of marine mammals in remote and deep-water locations. Nine Marine Autonomous Recording Units (MARU’s) were deployed in a rectangular array at a site coinciding with the United States (U.S.) Navy’s planned Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) approximately 60-150 kilometers offshore Jacksonville, FL. All 9 units were deployed for 26 days in fall (13 September to 8 October) and 37 days in winter (3 December to 8 January) 2009-2010 at shallow, mid-depth, and deep sites (45, 183, 305 meters). The timing of the deployments allowed recordings of cetacean vocalizations and sonar activity to be made before, during, and after two U.S. Navy training exercises. The goal of this study was to characterize minke whale vocal activity in relation to U.S. Navy mid-frequency sonar signals. Data were reviewed in detail using the MATLAB program Triton (Wiggins 2007). Event logs were created for each day at every site. Custom-written MATLAB scripts were used to calculate the probability of minke whale vocalization events occurring in the presence and in the absence of mid-frequency sonar. Minke whale vocalization events were completely absent in the fall deployment period, but occurred almost continuously during the winter deployment, indicating a strong seasonal pattern of occurrence. Minke whale vocalizations were detected most frequently at deep-water sites, but only at low levels (
- 212.40 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 24, 2013
Documenting year-round diversity and distribution of marine mammals off Southern California is important for assessment of effects of potentially harmful anthropogenic activities. Although the waters off Southern California have been surveyed extensively for marine mammals over the past 18 years, such surveys have been periodic and were conducted primarily from summer to fall, thereby missing potential seasonal shifts. We examined seasonal abundance and population density of cetaceans off Southern California from 16 shipboard line-transect surveys conducted quarterly during 2004–08. The study area consisted of 238,494 km² of coastal, shelf, and pelagic oceanic habitat from near-shore waters to 700 km offshore.
- 2,712.72 KB
Comparison of echolocation clicks produced by four killer whale communities in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Visually validated towed hydrophone array recordings made in the presence of four killer whale communities (northern and southern residents, offshores, and west coast transients) were collected during the Pacific Orca Distribution Surveys (PODS) conducted by the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in the winters of 2006-2009, 2012, 2013, and 2015. Killer whale communities are known to exhibit differences in their prey preferences, genetic structure, and acoustic call repertoire, but little is known about differences in echolocation clicks. Over 20,000 echolocation clicks were measured from 49 independent killer whale acoustic encounters that were recorded during these cruises to compare signal parameters between communities. Echolocation click parameters were measured automatically using tools available in PAMGuard software. Results of pairwise comparisons indicated that duration, center frequency, peak frequency, sweep rate, number of zero crossings, and inter-click interval were significantly different (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, p
- 91.96 KB
Changes in the Movement and Calling Behavior of Minke Whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Response to Navy Training.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2021.
8:660122
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- July 8, 2021
We fitted hidden Markov models to 627 tracks that were reconstructed from 3 years of minke whale (B. acutorostrata) vocalizations recorded before, during, and after naval training events at the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii. The fitted models were used to identify different movement behaviors and to investigate the effect of sonar activity on these behaviors. Movement was faster and more directed during sonar exposure than in baseline phases. The mean direction of movement differed during sonar exposure, and was consistent with movement away from sonar-producing ships. Animals were also more likely to cease calling during sonar.
Global distribution of fin whales Balaenoptera physalus in the post-whaling era (1980–2012).
Mammal Review. 2015.
45:197-214
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Species:
- September 16, 2015
The global distribution of fin whales Balaenoptera physalus is not fully understood. Existing maps can be divided into two conflicting categories: one showing a continuous global distribution and another showing an equatorial hiatus (gap in the global distribution) between approximately 20°N and 20°S. Questions also remain about the seasonal distribution of fin whales. To explore the suggested equatorial hiatus and seasonal distribution patterns, we synthesised information on fin whale distribution in the post-whaling era (1980–2012) from published literature, publicly available reports and studies conducted by various organisations. We created four seasonally stratified maps showing line-transect density estimates, line-transect survey effort, acoustic detections, and sightings. An equatorial hiatus in the global distribution of fin whales during the postwhaling era is supported by numerous line-transect surveys and by the rarity of equatorial acoustic detections and sightings, and corroborated by whaling era reports, morphological analyses, and genetic analyses. Our synthesis of post-whaling era data is consistent with results from other studies indicating that fin whales are more abundant at higher latitudes during warmer months and more abundant at lower latitudes (although these latitudes are still greater than 20°) during colder months. However, our synthesis and results from other studies also indicate that some fin whales in both hemispheres remain in higher latitudes (50°–60° north or south) during colder months and in lower latitudes (to approximately 20°–30° north or south) during warmer months, indicating that seasonal fin whale movements differ from the seasonal migrations of blue whales Balaenoptera musculus and humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae. Our maps of global fin whale distribution provide a comprehensive picture of current knowledge and highlight important geographical and temporal data gaps. Surveys should be conducted within the identified data gaps in order to increase fine-scale spatial and temporal knowledge of distribution patterns, improve fin whale taxonomy, and identify areas of elevated fin whale densities that may require management of threats, such as ship strikes.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2012
For August 2012 through August 2013, the U.S. Navy proposes to keep the same level of monitoring effort in the Southern California Range Complex as was committed to and accomplished annually previously from 2011-2012 (DoN 20111).
- 324.76 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 25, 2019
Passive acoustic monitoring has been conducted along the U.S. west coast, from Central California to Cape Flattery, to monitor movements of endangered Southern resident killer whales (SRKW). Since 2008, four to seventeen Ecological Acoustic Recorders (EARs) have been deployed, depending on the year and available funding. The rate of successful data acquisition has varied each year due to fishery interactions and equipment failures. EARs were programmed to record on a 5–10% duty cycle depending on the year of deployment, resulting in 30–90 seconds of continuous recording every 300–600 seconds with a sampling rate of 25 kHz.
- 1,398.03 KB
Passive acoustic monitoring reveals spatiotemporal segregation of two fish-eating killer whale Orcinus orca populations in proposed critical habitat.
Endangered Species Research. 2021.
44:253-261. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01099
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2021
We used passive acoustic monitoring at 15 sites along the coast of Washington State, USA, to assess habitat use patterns of 2 sympatric populations of fish-eating killer whales Orcinus orca: northern residents (NRKW) and southern residents (SRKW).
A comparison of EAR and SoundTrap performance for acoustic monitoring of resident killer whales.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2021.
150:A283
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 1, 2021
In this study, we co-located Ecological Acoustic Recorders (EARs) and SoundTraps at five locations along the Washington coast, analyzed each data set separately, and compared the results. Preliminary analysis of these data resulted in a 1.6 to 3.4 times increase in the number of days with RKW detections in the SoundTrap data compared to the EAR data depending on location. We will present the results of this comparison, investigate potential causes of the differences between recorder type, and highlight the implications of these differences to previous knowledge of RKW movements along the Washington coast.
More than just a migration corridor: Important North Atlantic right whale surface-active behaviors observed in the western Mid-Atlantic.
North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Annual Meeting, 24-25 October 2023, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- October 24, 2023
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 7, 2015
A combination of visual line-transect survey, photo-identification (photo-ID), and automated acoustic monitoring methods is being used to gather important baseline information on the occurrence, distribution, and density of marine mammals near Naval Station Norfolk and adjacent areas. The study area was chosen to cover areas where United States (U.S.) Navy activity is substantial, including Chesapeake Bay waters near Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, as well as a Mine Exercise (MINEX) Area (W-50) in the Atlantic off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Forty-seven line-transect surveys were completed in two zones (INSHORE and MINEX) between August 2012 and December 2014, with 5,106 kilometers (km) and 276.5 hours completed on-effort.
- 20,191.62 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2016
A combination of visual line-transect survey, photo-identification (photo-ID), and automated acoustic monitoring methods was used to gather important baseline information on the occurrence, distribution, and density of marine mammals near Naval Station Norfolk (NSN) and adjacent areas. The study area was designed to cover areas where United States Navy activity is substantial, including Chesapeake Bay waters near NSN and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, as well as a Mine Exercise (MINEX) Area (W-50) in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia
- 14,259.08 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2024
Taking into consideration the multiple intermediate scientific objectives in the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Planning Process (DoN 2013), the goals of this study are to assist the U.S. Navy and regulatory agencies with environmental planning and compliance by addressing the following questions: Which cetacean species occur within the VACAPES OPAREA off Virginia, and how does occurrence fluctuate seasonally? What are the baseline behaviors and ecological relationships of offshore cetaceans within the study area? Do individual cetaceans exhibit site fidelity within specific regions of the study area over periods of weeks, months, or years? What is the seasonal extent of cetacean movements within and around U.S. Navy VACAPES training range boxes? Do cetaceans spend significant time within or primarily move through areas of U.S. Navy live-fire or Anti-Submarine Warfare training events?
- 4,190.34 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2022
The United States (U.S.) Navy routinely conducts training and testing activities in the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Operating Area (OPAREA) off the mid-Atlantic and Southeast U.S. The region encompassing the deeper waters of the continental shelf, shelf break, and continental slope has been recognized as an important habitat for multiple species of cetaceans. Kenney and Winn (1986) showed that the shelf edge from Cape Hatteras to Georges Bank was the second most intensively used cetacean habitat off the northeastern U.S. based on 3 years of surveys conducted by the Cetacean and Turtle Assessment Program (CETAP 1982). This progress report includes all offshore monitoring activities conducted in 2021. The goals of this effort focus on addressing fundamental information gaps related to marine mammal occurrence, exposure, and response as identified by the U.S. Navy’s Integrated Comprehensive Monitoring Program (DoN 2010) and recommendations provided by a Scientific Advisory Group review (DoN 2011).
- 4,758.82 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 7, 2017
Taking into consideration the multiple intermediate scientific objectives in the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Planning Process (DoN 2013b), the goals of this study are to assist the U.S. Navy and regulatory agencies with environmental planning and compliance by addressing the following questions: • Which cetacean species occur over the outer continental shelf to the east of NSN, and how does occurrence fluctuate seasonally? • What are the baseline behaviors and ecological relationships of offshore cetaceans within the study area? • Do individual cetaceans exhibit site fidelity within specific regions of the study area over periods of weeks, months, or years? • What is the seasonal extent of cetacean movements within and around U.S. Navy VACAPES training range boxes? • Do cetaceans spend significant time within or primarily move through areas of U.S. Navy live-fire or Anti-Submarine Warfare training events?
- 4,742.41 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2018
Taking into consideration the multiple intermediate scientific objectives in the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Planning Process (DoN 2013b), the goals of this study are to assist the U.S. Navy and regulatory agencies with environmental planning and compliance by addressing the following questions: Which cetacean species occur over the outer continental shelf to the east of NSN, and how does occurrence fluctuate seasonally? What are the baseline behaviors and ecological relationships of offshore cetaceans within the study area? Do individual cetaceans exhibit site fidelity within specific regions of the study area over periods of weeks, months, or years? What is the seasonal extent of cetacean movements within and around U.S. Navy VACAPES training range boxes? Do cetaceans spend significant time within or primarily
- 6,780.82 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2019
Taking into consideration the multiple intermediate scientific objectives in the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Planning Process (DoN 2013b), the goals of this study are to assist the U.S. Navy and regulatory agencies with environmental planning and compliance by addressing the following questions: Which cetacean species occur over the outer continental shelf to the east of NSN, and how does occurrence fluctuate seasonally? What are the baseline behaviors and ecological relationships of offshore cetaceans within the study area? Do individual cetaceans exhibit site fidelity within specific regions of the study area over periods of weeks, months, or years? What is the seasonal extent of cetacean movements within and around U.S. Navy VACAPES training range boxes? Do cetaceans spend significant time within or primarily
- 6,402.34 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2020
Taking into consideration the multiple intermediate scientific objectives in the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Planning Process (DoN 2013b), the goals of this study are to assist the U.S. Navy and regulatory agencies with environmental planning and compliance by addressing the following questions: Which cetacean species occur over the outer continental shelf to the east of NSN, and how does occurrence fluctuate seasonally? What are the baseline behaviors and ecological relationships of offshore cetaceans within the study area? Do individual cetaceans exhibit site fidelity within specific regions of the study area over periods of weeks, months, or years? What is the seasonal extent of cetacean movements within and around U.S. Navy VACAPES training range boxes? Do cetaceans spend significant time within or primarily
- 9,368.29 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2021
Taking into consideration the multiple intermediate scientific objectives in the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Planning Process (DoN 2013b), the goals of this study are to assist the U.S. Navy and regulatory agencies with environmental planning and compliance by addressing the following questions: Which cetacean species occur over the outer continental shelf to the east of NSN, and how does occurrence fluctuate seasonally? What are the baseline behaviors and ecological relationships of offshore cetaceans within the study area? Do individual cetaceans exhibit site fidelity within specific regions of the study area over periods of weeks, months, or years? What is the seasonal extent of cetacean movements within and around U.S. Navy VACAPES training range boxes? Do cetaceans spend significant time within or primarily
- 3,862.99 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2025
Taking into consideration the multiple intermediate scientific objectives in the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Planning Process (DoN 2013), the goals of this study are to assist the U.S. Navy and regulatory agencies with environmental planning and compliance
- 7,272.43 KB
In the strike zone? Tag data provides a better understanding of dive and surface behavior of North Atlantic right whales in the western Mid-Atlantic.
24-25 October 2023, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- October 24, 2020
- 3,074.71 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 8, 2026
This progress report summarizes offshore monitoring activities conducted between September 2024 and August 2025. The overarching objectives of the OCS remain focused on addressing key information gaps related to cetacean occurrence, exposure, and response within the conceptual framework for the U.S Navy Marine Species Monitoring Program.
- 5,333.11 KB
Seasonal variation of occurrence, distribution, and density of bottlenose dolphins in the southern Chesapeake Bay and Virginia coastline.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
A combination of visual line-transect survey and photo-identification methods is being used to gather baseline information on the occurrence, distribution, and density of marine mammals near areas of substantial U.S. Navy activity in Virginia. Forty-seven line-transect surveys were completed in two zones (INSHORE and MINEX) between August 2012 and December 2014, with 5,106 km and 276.5 hours completed on-effort. The majority of sightings were of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), although humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and shortbeaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) were also sighted. Conventional line-transect analysis of bottlenose dolphin sightings showed both spatial and seasonal variation in density (D) and abundance (N), with greatest abundance in the MINEX zone during fall months, followed closely by the INSHORE zone during fall months. Densities in the INSHORE zone were calculated as 4.12 individuals per km2 (abundance [N] =1,279) in fall, 0.45 (N=138) in winter, 1.02 (N=316) in spring, and 2.86 (N=887) in summer. Densities in the MINEX zone were calculated as 2.23 individuals per km2 (N=1,333) in fall, 0.06 (N=35) in winter, 0.24 (N=145) in spring, and 1.19 (N=709) in summer. Nineteen photo-ID surveys were completed, and a catalog was created using photos taken during both dedicated photo-ID and line-transect surveys. Approximately 500 unique individuals were added to the catalog from the first year of survey efforts. Re-sighting rates across surveys were low, indicating an open population, with short-term visits to the area. Most re-sightings were less than 3 months and 21 km apart, and between-year re-sightings showed seasonal occurrence in the study area-with animals not sighted for the majority of the year then returning the following year in the same season. Further analyses are needed to better define the distribution patterns of the dolphins utilizing the area, and the extent of overlap with bottlenose dolphin stocks along the coast.
- 91.82 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 22, 2014
A combination of visual line-transect survey, photo-identification (photo-ID), and automated acoustic monitoring methods is being used to gather important baseline information on the occurrence, distribution, and density of marine mammals near Naval Station Norfolk (NSN) and adjacent areas. The study area was chosen to cover areas where United States (U.S.) Navy activity is substantial, including Chesapeake Bay waters near Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek (LC), and JEB Fort Story, as well as a Mine Exercise (MINEX) Area (W-50) in the Atlantic off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- 10,009.83 KB
Distribution, abundance and sighting patterns of multiple stocks of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in coastal Virginia waters.
Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. 2022.
23(1):109–125
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 28, 2022
Three stocks of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are currently known to co‐occur in the coastal waters off Virginia. A combination of visual line‐transect survey and photo‐identification (photo‐ID) methods was used to gather information on the occurrence, distribution and density of bottlenose dolphins in the coastal areas of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Sixty‐one line‐transect surveys were completed in two zones (inshore and offshore) between August 2012 and August 2015, with on‐effort coverage of 6,550 kilometres (km) of trackline over 349.6 hours.
Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) sightings off the coast of Virginia.
Marine Biodiversity Records. 2020.
13:6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41200-020-00189-y
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- May 27, 2020
We report on two sightings of individual blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) off the coast of Virginia during marine mammal surveys. On 11 April 2018, during a vessel survey off the coast of Virginia, a single blue whale was observed approximately 100 km east-northeast of Virginia Beach. On 10 February 2019, another single blue whale was recorded during an aerial survey approximately 135 km east-southeast of Virginia Beach
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 15, 2015
In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) and underwater explosives, the Navy has obtained from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) a Letter of Authorization (LOA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and a Biological Opinion under the Endangered Species Act.
- 350.57 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 29, 2012
Results from the second year of a three-year project investigating the distribution, demographics, and behavior of cetaceans in the US Navy’s Southern California operational area are summarized. Eighteen small vessel surveys for cetaceans, which included species verification tests in conjunction with M3R (Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Undersea Ranges) acoustic monitoring at the Southern California Anti-submarine Warfare Range (SOAR), as well as photo-identification, satellite tagging, and biopsy sampling of species of interest, were conducted in July 2011 and January and March 2012. 112 groups of 14 cetacean species were encountered. Twenty-one satellite tags, some depth reporting, were deployed on four species, with an emphasis on Cuvier’s beaked and fin whales. Among other findings, preliminary results of photo-identification studies combined with results from satellite tag data suggest that both Cuvier’s beaked whales and fin whales may have population sub-units with higher than expected residency to the Southern California Bight. Beaked whales particularly show this higher than expected residency to SOAR.
- 3,587.99 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 12, 2014
This report summarizes data collected during small-vessel surveys for cetaceans in the Southern California Bight (SCB), with a focus on the Southern California Offshore Range Complex (SCORE), from June 2010–January 2014. Detailed annual progress reports were prepared after each survey year through 2013 and are available online through the Naval Postgraduate School. This final report emphasizes analyses that combine data across study years, particularly with respect to two focal species: Cuvier’s beaked (Ziphius cavirostris, Zc) and fin (Balaenoptera physalus, Bp) whales.
- 3,443.92 KB
Sitka WhaleFest, Sitka Sound Science Center, November 2-5, 2023, Sitka, Alaska .
More details
Collapse details
Movements and residency of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the California Current System.
Mammalian Biology. 2022.
1-18
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- September 15, 2022
Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) along the western United States are managed as a single stock whose range overlaps with the California Current System (CCS). We used sighting histories of 932 individual fin whales photographed in the CCS from 1987 to 2018 to investigate movements and residency patterns within and among latitudinal regions. While 167 whales (18%) were sighted in multiple years, only 4 were documented in both the Northern and Southern CCS, with a boundary at 38.5 °N. A permutation test of annual recaptures suggested movements among latitudinal regions of the CCS occurred significantly less than expected if whales moved freely within current stock boundaries.
Sighting Characteristics and Photo-Identification of Cuvier’s Beaked Whales (Ziphius cavirostris) Near San Clemente Island, California: A Key Area for Beaked Whales and the Military?.
Marine Biology. 2009.
156:2631-2640
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 1, 2009
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2010
In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), the Navy has obtained a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. The Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) Monitoring Plan, finalized in December 2008 for implementation in January 2009, was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permit. The monitoring plan and reporting will provide science-based answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed and reacting to Navy MFAS.
- 485.14 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2010
In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), the United States (U.S.) Navy has obtained a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) Monitoring Plan, finalized in December 2008 for implementation in January 2009, was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permit. The monitoring plan and reporting will provide science-based answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed and reacting to Navy MFAS. The objectives of the monitoring plan are to address the following questions: Are marine mammals and sea turtles exposed to MFAS at regulatory thresholds of harm or harassment? If so, at what levels and how frequently are they exposed? 1. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS in the HRC, do they redistribute geographically in the HRC as a result of repeated exposure? If so, how long does the redistribution last? 2. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS, what are their behavioral responses? Are they different at various levels? 3. What are the behavioral responses of marine mammals and sea turtles that are exposed to various levels and distances from explosives? 4. Are the Navy’s suite of mitigation measures for MFAS and explosives (e.g., Protective Measures Assessment Protocol [PMAP], measures agreed to by the Navy through permitting and consultation) effective at avoiding harm or harassment of marine mammals and sea turtles?
- 770.91 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2011
The monitoring plan and reporting will provide science‐based answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed and reacting to Navy MFAS. The objectives of the monitoring plan are to address the following questions: 1. Are marine mammals and sea turtles exposed to MFAS at regulatory thresholds of harm or harassment? If so, at what levels and how frequently are they exposed? 2. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS in the HRC, do they redistribute geographically in the HRC as a result of repeated exposure? If so, how long does the redistribution last? 3. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS, what are their behavioral responses? Are they different at various levels? 4. What are the behavioral responses of marine mammals and sea turtles that are exposed to various levels and distances from explosives? 5. Are the Navy’s suite of mitigation measures for MFAS and explosives (e.g., Protective Measures Assessment Protocol [PMAP], measures agreed to by the Navy through permitting and consultation) effective at avoiding harm or harassment of marine mammals and sea turtles?
- 532.11 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2011
In order to address requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act Letters of Authorization permitted to the U.S. Navy, three U.S. Navy civilian marine mammal observers (MMOs; Ms. Amy Farak, Ms. Julie Rivers, and Dr. Robert Uyeyama) and one U.S. Navy contractor (Dr. Thomas A. Jefferson) participated in two consecutive ASW exercise events in the Hawaii Range Complex from 15‐22 February, 2011 (Figure 1). These MMOs were stationed aboard a U.S. Navy destroyer, hereafter referred to as DDG‐D. The goals of the monitoring and this study were to: 1. Collect data to assess the effectiveness of the Navy lookout team. 2. Obtain data to characterize the possible exposure of marine species to mid‐frequency active sonar (MFAS). 3. Achieve close coordination between the contracted aerial survey team, Navy aircraft on the range, range control, and th
- 920.44 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 3, 2010
DDG B Atlantic June 2010
- 352.36 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2011
CG A HRC Nov 2010
- 514.02 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2010
FFG-A Hawaii Range Complex FEB 2010
- 2,197.92 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 2, 2010
DDG A Atlantic March 2010
- 341.28 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2011
DDG D HRC Feb 2011
- 972.33 KB
Modeling of zones of influence and ambient noise metrics to inform decision making.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Measurements of underwater noise from pile driving were collected in San Diego Bay during a marine construction project to inform placement of marine mammal observers, and adhere to Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) requirements. This work presents the modeling of Zones of Influence (ZOIs) for pile driving noise as well as results from ambient noise monitoring. Results from real-time monitoring showed good agreement with the modeling isopleths associated with the 190 dB and 180 dB isopleths (rms level, dB re 1 µPa) that define Level A injury thresholds for pinnipeds and cetaceans, respectively. Ambient noise measurements were also collected in the bay; we evaluate the L10, L50 and L90 exceedance levels (where Lx means these values were exceeded x% of the time) from a regulatory standpoint.
- 91.82 KB
Estimation of acoustic-based detection functions for sperm whale encounters in the Northern Mariana Islands.
6th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 12, 2013
A three month visual and acoustic line-transect survey of a large (584,800 km2) study area centered on the Northern Mariana Islands (MISTCS) was conducted in winter of 2007 (DoN 2007). Line-transect survey and analytical methods are well developed for estimating abundance of marine mammals using visual sighting data. These methods also can be applied to acoustic data when a perpendicular distance from the trackline to the "detection" is obtained. Sperm whales produce distinctive broadband (100 Hz to 25 kHz) echolocation signals. Although sperm whales typically produce "regular" clicks, males are known to produce high amplitude clicks with slow inter-click intervals (i.e. "slow" clicks). Previous studies have used a combination of acoustic and visual survey methods to estimate sperm whale densities. The aim of this study was to use acoustic localizations of sperm whales to estimate a detection function for the MISTCS study area. Sperm whale acoustic encounters were post-processed using PAMGuard software to obtain "click files" that were then processed using Rainbow Click software (IFAW). Rainbow Click was used to visualize time/bearing and map displays of detected clicks and associated bearing estimates, and mark individual click trains ("events") for each encounter. Target motion analysis methods utilizing a least squares algorithm to calculate perpendicular distances to each "animal/event" were applied using custom MATLAB code that interfaced with Rainbow Click. Next, perpendicular distances and transect length data were imported into the software program Distance (6.0 release 2) to model detection functions. Models were fit for all clicks types combined, regular clicks only, and slow clicks only. Slow and regular click localizations exhibited different shapes in their distribution, likely because slow clicks have higher amplitudes and can be detected over greater ranges than regular clicks. A discussion of these results and comparisons to similar research using acoustic-based line-transect data will be presented.
- 189.52 KB
Western Pacific Ocean Sperm Whale Coda Repertoires.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2013. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2013
Sperm whales are highly social cetaceans that live in matrilineal family units and inhabit all ocean basins from the tropics to polar regions. They produce stereotyped patterns of 3 to 40 broadband clicks, termed “codas,” that typically occur within a period of less than 3 seconds. Coda repertoires are unique for different sperm whale social units. These have been referred to as "dialects" and can be assigned to one of several larger social groups termed "vocal clans," which have been used to define sperm whale population structure. Extensive studies of vocal clans have been conducted in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP), however little is known about sperm whale coda repertoires in the western Pacific Ocean. Codas can be classified into types according to the number and temporal pattern of the clicks. Rendell and Whitehead (2003) identified five vocal clans across the ETP and south Pacific oceans. The three dominant clans are termed “regular,” “+1” and “short” based on the predominant coda type represented in the repertoire. We reviewed codas recorded from independent sperm whale groups that were acoustically and visually encountered during two marine mammal surveys in the Northern Mariana Islands and Palau regions, conducted in 2007 and 2012 respectively. Using the sperm whale click detector module and event identification modules in the acoustic processing software PAMGuard, we isolated and identified coda inter-click intervals for ten sperm whale groups from the Mariana Islands survey and three groups from the Palau survey. Three bioacousticians classified each coda to type. Codas that were not classified the same by two or more bioacousticians were excluded from further analysis. This qualitative process of identifying coda types resulted in large representation of the "regular" vocal clan. The identification of regular vocal clans within this region has implications for understanding the culturally-linked stock distribution and population structure of sperm whales in this region and across the Pacific Ocean. Several studies have evaluated the relationship between genetic variation and vocal repertoire to inform sperm whale stock management. To better understand the potential relationship between genetics and population structure of sperm whale stocks within the Pacific Ocean basin, we recommend future studies of sperm whales in the western Pacific Ocean that include genetic sampling paired with passive acoustic monitoring.
- 321.30 KB
Central and western Pacific blue whale song and occurrence.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2016.
140(4,Part 2):3295
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 1, 2016
Blue whale (Balenoptera musculus) occurrence in the central and western Pacific is not fully understood. However, passive acoustics offer an effective way to monitor remote sites. Blue whale songs are regionally distinct, and their stereotyped characteristics may be used to distinguish populations. Most blue whale song consists of multiple, pulsed and tonal units. However, song in the central and western Pacific consists of only simple tonal units. We investigated song variability of Hawaii, Wake Atoll, Palmyra, and Tinian in the Mariana Islands Archipelago, and highlight differences between blue whale songs amongst sites. Song calls of two different frequencies were recorded by High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages. Detailed measures of call frequency were taken along the contours of tonal calls and patterning of song sequences was evaluated for recordings from the four locations during 2012 and 2013. The spatial and temporal occurrence of these patterns is discussed.
Ecological inferences about marine mammals from passive acoustic data.
Biological Reviews. 2023.
98:1633–1647
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Methods:
- May 4, 2023
Monitoring on the basis of sound recordings, or passive acoustic monitoring, can complement or serve as an alternative to real-time visual or aural monitoring of marine mammals and other animals by human observers. Passive acoustic data can support the estimation of common, individual-level ecological metrics, such as presence, detection-weighted occupancy, abundance and density, population viability and structure, and behaviour. Passive acoustic data also can support estimation of some community-level metrics, such as species richness and composition. The feasibility of estimation and certainty of estimates is highly context dependent, and understanding the factors that affect the reliability of measurements is useful for those considering whether to use passive acoustic data. Here, we review basic concepts and methods of passive acoustic sampling in marine systems that often are applicable to marine mammal research and conservation. Our ultimate aim is to facilitate collaboration among ecologists, bioacousticians, and data analysts.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 21, 2015
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic coast. The program began in 2007, with baseline aerial and vessel surveys and a passive acoustic monitoring program in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, and has since expanded to include study areas off Jacksonville, Florida, and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Off Cape Hatteras, four years of surveys have provided information on the complex patterns of distribution and diversity of the marine mammals and sea turtles in this highly productive area. The current report builds on this past body of work and describes activities conducted during both the Deep Divers and Satellite Tagging projects conducted off Cape Hatteras between January and December 2014. This constitutes the second year of the Deep Divers project, which focuses on the distribution and ecology of several deep-diving odontocete species, including: beaked whale (Cuvier’s beaked whale: Ziphius cavirostris and Mesoplodon spp.); short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus); and sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). To achieve a more robust picture of the medium-term movement patterns of these and other odontocete cetaceans in the Cape Hatteras survey area, we began a satellite tagging project during the reporting period. Satellite tagging effort and associated sightings are presented here; preliminary analyses of movement data are available in a separate report generated by the Cascadia Research Collective (see Baird et al. 2015). All survey effort in the Cape Hatteras study site this year was dedicated to Deep Divers and Satellite Tagging projects, so we also report ongoing photographic identification work for this area in this report.
- 6,832.28 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 12, 2016
This report describes results from a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast. This program began in 2007, with baseline aerial and vessel surveys and a passive acoustic monitoring program in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, and has since expanded to include study areas off Jacksonville, Florida and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
- 8,776.04 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2019
This report describes results of vessel surveys from a multi-institutional monitoring project 3 intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and 4 baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy 5 range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
- 1,872.41 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 21, 2015
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic coast.
- 6,832.28 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2016
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. 5 Atlantic coast.
- 7,290.16 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2017
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic coast
- 4,706.18 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2017
This report describes results of vessel surveys from a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
- 9,204.20 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2018
This report describes results of vessel surveys from a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
- 1,453.74 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2019
This report summarizes the aerial survey effort conducted at the JAX site from 2009 through 2017. The monitoring project was intended to provide information on the species composition, density, and spatial distribution of marine mammals and sea turtles present in Navy’s JAX operating area (OPAREA), with particular focus on the intended site of the USWTR. These aerial surveys extended over nine years and yielded a very detailed seasonal picture of the occurrence, distribution and abundance of marine mammals and sea turtles in the region. This work also provides an important baseline against which future changes in the marine mammal and sea turtle fauna can be assessed.
- 2,580.34 KB
Should I stay or should I go: Movement and residency patterns of satellite tagged pilot whales offshore of Cape Hatteras, NC.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
We deployed 20 Low-Impact Minimally-Percutaneous External-electronics Transmitter (LIMPET) satellite-linked transmitters and dive recorders on short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off Cape Hatteras, NC during the summer of 2014. Our objective was to obtain information on medium-term movement and diving patterns of individual animals to complement existing information on long-term residency patterns derived from photo-identification and shortterm diving behavior from Digital Acoustic Tags. We deployed 14 location-only (SPOT5) tags and six MK 10-A tags, which provided information on depth of dive, as well as location data. We received transmissions and data from these tags for up to 194 days (median=43 days). Tagged individuals ranged from Onslow Bay, NC north to Georges Bank, MA, and east to the New England seamounts. Most tagged individuals showed a very strong affinity for the continental shelf break, but there was wide variation in movement patterns and habitat use at the individual level. Maximum distances from the tagging location ranged from 7 - 1192 km (median=252 km), while cumulative distances traveled spanned 55 - 7564 km (median=2322 km). Despite these long-distance movements, however, we observed a high degree of site fidelity of short-finned pilot whales off Cape Hatteras, with 25 inter-annual and inter-season photographic matches (11%) in a preliminary catalog of 229 individuals. Some individuals have been matched over periods of up to six years. We matched three of the satellite-tagged animals (15%) to our existing photo-identification catalog. One hypothesis for this apparent conundrum is that the shelf break offshore of Cape Hatteras, NC is an important area for this species, to which individuals return frequently. We are conducting additional satellite tagging efforts off Cape Hatteras, NC and continuing to examine photo-identification records and social structure of short-finned pilot whales to further refine patterns of their long-term spatial and habitat use of the species in the Northwest Atlantic.
- 91.96 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2018
Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) are deep-diving odontocetes with broad distributions, and are of conservation concern given their history of increased injury and mortality resulting from direct interactions with fisheries and mass strandings resulting from mid-frequency active sonar. In the western North Atlantic, basic information on the spatiotemporal distribution, movement patterns, habitat preferences, home ranges, and residency of these highly mobile species are still unknown.
Residency and movement patterns of Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius Cavirostris) off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA.
Marine Ecology Progress. 2021.
660: 203-216. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13593
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2021
Here we describe the spatial ecology of 20 Cuvier’s beaked whales equipped with satellite-linked tags off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA, between 2014 and 2017.
Occurrence and distribution of marine mammals in a proposed Undersea Warfare Training Range off Jacksonville, FL.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
The U.S. Navy has proposed establishing an Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) in an area between 60 and 150 km off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. To establish baseline information on the occurrence and distribution of marine mammals in this area we conducted aerial and shipboard line-transect surveys and a passive acoustic monitoring program. Here we report the results of aerial and shipboard line-transect surveys conducted between January 2009 and April 2011. During this period, we flew 42,895 km of aerial tracklines and recorded 477 sightings of ten cetacean species (n=5,736 individuals). Tursiops truncatus was encountered most commonly (202 sightings, n=1,699), followed by Stenella frontalis (184 sightings, n=3,213). Other species observed during aerial surveys include Grampus griseus (n=350), Globicephala macrorhynchus (n=174), Steno acutorostrata (n=13), Eubalaena bredanensis (n=118),Balaenoptera glacialis (n=3), Physeter macrocephalus (n=2), Kogia spp. (n=1), and Megaptera novaeangliae (n=1). In 35 vessel surveys totaling 2,486 km we encountered three cetacean species in 77 sightings (n=576). S. frontalis and T. truncatus were observed most often, followed by G. griseus (n=351, 160, and 43, respectively). T. truncatus was observed throughout the entire survey area, but S. frontalis and S. bredanensis were seen exclusively on the continental shelf. All E. glacialis sightings, including a rare observation of an offshore birth, occurred on the western edge of the survey area. All other species were detected only in pelagic waters. Stenella frontalis, T. truncatus, and G. griseus were observed throughout the year (12, 11, and 9 calendar months, respectively); G. macrorhynchus and S. bredanensis were detected from April to October, and all mysticete species were seen only between December and March. This monitoring program, combining a variety of survey modalities, is providing a rich picture of the cetacean fauna in these poorly studied offshore waters.
- 147.41 KB
Observations of a western North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) birth offshore of the protected southeast U.S. critical habitat.
Marine Mammal Science. 2011.
27(3):E234-E240
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- July 1, 2011
The observations of this parturition event, along with the data presented by Patrician et al. (2009), and sightings of newly identified NARW neonates in waters off North Carolina and South Carolina (Waring et al. 2009), demonstrate that some rightwhalesgivebirthoutsidetheSEUSRightWhaleCriticalHabitat.Thisbirthing event also occurred offshore of the recently established SEUS Seasonal Management Area (U. S. Federal Register 2008) and in a region that has not before been the focus of systematic surveys. The observation of the birth of a NARW offers interesting biological insights into this critically endangered whale, but also identifies the need to investigate appropriate critical habitats and associated management areas vital to the continued recovery of this species.
Protected Species Monitoring in the Proposed Undersea Warfare Training Range Offshore of Jacksonville, FL .
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium). .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 22, 2013
A multi-institutional marine protected species monitoring program involving aerial, vessel and acoustic surveillance techniques was implemented at the proposed Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) offshore of Jacksonville, Florida in January 2009. Visual surveys, in conjunction with acoustic sampling methods, have been conducted to investigate cetacean and sea turtle occurrence, distribution and abundance. Through December 2012 a total of 722 aerial tracklines (60687 km) were flown, resulting in 641 cetacean sightings, encompassing 8079 individuals. Tursiops truncatus and Stenella frontalis were the most frequently encountered, followed by Grampus griseus, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, Steno bredanensis, Eubalaena glacialis, Megaptera novaeangliae, Physeter macrocephalus, and Kogia spp. Cetaceans were encountered 126 times during the 3403 km of vessel surveys, totaling 950 individuals. Sightings consisted of S. frontalis, T. truncatus, G. macrorhynchus, and G. griseus. Across all visual platforms, T. truncatus were encountered throughout the range, whereas S. frontalis, S. bredanensis, and E. glacialis were recorded exclusively in shelf waters. All other species were detected only in pelagic waters. The towed passive acoustic array was deployed during 21 vessel surveys, generating 24.2 hours of recordings, detecting all four sighted species. High frequency acoustic recording packages (HARPs) were deployed at two sites in the study area for long‐term passive acoustic monitoring. The HARP data have been analyzed for diel, seasonal, and interannual trends in cetacean occurrence. Surveys are scheduled to continue in order to asses long‐term habitat usage patterns in the USWTR.
- 399.45 KB
Movement and residency patterns of satellite tagged odontocetes offshore of Cape Hatteras, NC.
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 27, 2015
We deployed satellite-linked transmitters and dive recorders on several odontocete species off Cape Hatteras, NC as part of a multi-institutional marine protected species monitoring program, involving vessel, aerial, and acoustic survey methods. Our objective was to obtain information on medium-term movement and diving patterns of individual animals to complement existing information on long-term residency patterns derived from photo-identification and short-term dive records obtained from Digital Acoustic Tags (DTags). We deployed 29 Low-Impact Minimally-Percutaneous Externalelectronics Transmitter (LIMPET) tags on individuals of four species during the summer of 2014: 20 Globicephala macrorhynchus, 5 Tursiops truncatus, 3 Ziphius cavirostris, and 1 Delphinus delphis. Nineteen location-only (SPOT5) tags were deployed, while ten tags provided information on depth of dive, as well as location data (MK 10-A). We received data from these tags for up to 193 days. Tagged individuals ranged from Onslow Bay, NC north to Georges Bank, MA, and east to the New England seamounts. Pilot whales in particular showed a very strong affinity for the continental shelf break, but there was variation in movement patterns at both the species and individual levels. Maximum dive depths were 2,800 m for beaked whales (n=2), 1,104 m for pilot whales (n=4) and 944 m for pelagic bottlenose dolphins (n=2). We either re-sighted or matched five of the tagged animals (17%) to our existing photo-identification catalogs. Our results show both strong habitat affinities for these animals and a high and surprising degree of residency, especially for the beaked whales and bottlenose dolphins. We hope to conduct additional tagging efforts off Cape Hatteras, NC and Jacksonville, FL to further refine patterns of long-term spatial and habitat use of odontocetes in the Northwest Atlantic.
- 93.52 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 8, 2026
During freshwater residency which extends from spring to fall, adult Gulf Sturgeon undergo a prolonged period of fasting before transiting to marine foraging areas (Mason and Clugston 1993). The lack of freshwater foraging focuses the role of marine habitats in subsequent reproductive success and ultimately is key to the recovery of this species. Improving the limited understanding of marine habitat requirements is emphasized in the Gulf Sturgeon Recovery Plan, which highlights the need for multi-year tracking studies and will also assist in the Biological Assessment required under Section 7 of the ESA. This project, which leveraged large numbers of pre-existing transmitters and passive acoustic receivers, provided much needed information to the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) on the spatial temporal patterns of occupancy for the ESA listed Gulf Sturgeon in the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Panama City Division Testing Range and the Panama City OPAREA. This information can be used to provide a framework for subsequent efforts to examine the exposure and response to Navy activities as well as the consequences of these responses on this imperiled species.
- 1,695.33 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2019
The goal of our project “Southern California Beaked Whale Occurrence from Towed Array Surveys” is to support the US Navy environmental compliance requirements for monitoring marine mammals. This research effort is performed by the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) in La Jolla, CA as part of a larger effort. Data collected by a shipboard towed array acoustic survey for marine mammals is being analyzed. These data will provide for spatial assessment of Southern California beaked whale occurrence from towed array surveys.
- 1,214.61 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2016
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) was deployed from August 2014 to July 2015, with recordings made between August 2014 and May 2015, to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds in the Navy’s Jacksonville Range Complex. The HARP was located 83 nm off the Florida coastline on the continental slope.
- 6,460.28 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2017
To monitor for the presence of marine mammals, a High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) recorded within the Navy’s Virginia Capes Range Complex, offshore from Cape Hatteras (HAT), between April 2015 and January 2016. The HAT site was located approximately 75 nm offshore in about 1000 m of water.
- 12,603.69 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2021
A passive acoustic monitoring survey using mobile underwater gliders was conducted from 7 February to 31 March 2020 in the Southern California Bight, with the goal of characterizing the temporal and spatial distribution of odontocetes and mysticetes in the region. Initially, the focus of this Project was on beaked whales. However, upon recovery of the gliders post-deployment, it was discovered that neither glider recorded any useable data above 2.5 kilohertz, well below the frequency of beaked whale vocalizations. It was then decided to analyze the available data for baleen whale and sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) vocalizations, which was originally a focus of secondary importance for the Project.
- 10,695.91 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2011
Cetacean distribution and abundance are reported from the first systematic line-transect visual survey in the waters of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The survey was conducted during January–April 2007 following standard line-transect protocols. Trackline coverage (11,033 km) was dominated by high sea states (88.2%); however, 13 cetacean species were recorded.
- 3,581.88 KB
Distribution and Abundance Estimates for Cetaceans in the Waters of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Pacific Science. 2011.
Vol. 65, no. 3:321 – 343
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2011
Cetacean distribution and abundance are reported from the first systematic line-transect visual survey in the waters of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The survey was conducted during January–April 2007 following standard line-transect protocols.
Distribution and Abundance Estimates for Cetaceans in the Waters off Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Pacific Science. 2011.
63(3):321-343
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 1, 2011
Cetacean distribution and abundance are reported from the first systematic line-transect visual survey in the waters of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The survey was conducted during January – April 2007 following standard line-transect protocols. Trackline coverage (11,033 km) was dominated by high sea states (88.2%); however, 13 cetacean species were recorded. The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) was the most frequently encountered whale, followed by Bryde’s and sei whales (Balaenoptera edeni and B. borealis, respectively). Occurrence of the sei whale is unique, because the species had not been confirmed to occur south of 20° N. The pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) was the most frequently sighted delphinid, followed by the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) and false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens). Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were acoustically detected and later seen off Saipan. Numerous cetacean sightings were associated with steep bathymetric features including the West Mariana Ridge, the Mariana Ridge, and the Mariana Trench. Abundance estimates were based on 80 on-effort sightings for 12 species. Species were pooled into three separate groups for estimating detection probabilities: Balaenoptera spp., blackf ish (medium-size odontocetes), and small dolphins. A separate detection function was generated for the sperm whale. Precision of abundance estimates are very low for all species due to low sighting rates and high sea states; however, these abundance estimates serve as the best scientific data available for the area and establish vital baseline information for future research efforts.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2021
The United States Navy developed monitoring questions for the Mariana Islands Training and Testing (MITT) study area under the Mariana Islands Range Complex Monitoring Plan (MIRCMP), including questions specifically related to marine turtles as required under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. To support the needs of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Environmental Readiness Office, the Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program (MTBAP) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been conducting research on marine turtle abundance and spatial-temporal ecology in the nearshore waters of Saipan, Tinian, and Guam since 2013, under a series of Interagency Agreements (IAA).
- 674.99 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2022
In 2013, under an inter-agency agreement (IAA) between the United States Navy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NOAA began conducting in-water surveys to record and quantify observations of marine turtles around the Mariana Archipelago. When observed, attempts were made to hand-capture turtles and equipthem with satellite tags in an effort to better understand their spatial ecology.
- 349.81 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2020
Understanding the spatio-temporal movements of animals is an integral component of wildlife conservation and management. Marine turtles are species of conservation concern and satellite telemetry is a primary research tool used to study their movements, providing high accuracy location data in near “real time”, thus facilitating rapid identification of movements and key habitats.
- 5,020.67 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2024
Understanding the spatio-temporal movements of animals is an integral component of wildlife conservation and management. Sea turtles are species of conservation concern and satellite telemetry is a primary research tool used to study their movements, providing high accuracy location data in near “real time,” thus facilitating rapid identification of movements and key habitats.
- 5,706.75 KB
Fine scale movements and swimming kinematics of blue whales off southern California including reaction to simulated military sonar.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
The effects of anthropogenic sound on marine mammal behavior remains poorly understood, particularly with respect to fine-scale movement patterns. We exposed tagged blue whales to simulated navy sonar during the SOCAL10 behavioral response study in Southern California. We used two different high-resolution, suctioncup digital archival tags to examine fine-scale whale movement: DTAGs and Bioacoustic Probes. The Bioacoustic probe, which included a hydrophone, a pressure transducer, and a dual-axis accelerometer, allowed us to estimate speed and pitch. The DTAGs are equipped with stereo hydrophones, a pressure transducer, and three-axis accelerometers and magnetometers. These sensors allowed us to determine fine-scale movement in three dimensions and received levels of sound. Our study included 19 sound exposures, consisting of 11 playbacks of mid-frequency sonar and 8 control playbacks of pseudo-random noise. We analyzed 24 parameters related to dive and body kinematics for each dive before, during and after sound exposure. Statistical models were applied to assess the significance of changes in these parameters in relation to the received sound level and distance from the source to the whale. During some exposures there were increases in speed and changes in ascent behavior as well as an apparent displacement away from the sound source after the onset of exposure. However, no clear responses were seen in these behaviors for other exposures. Given the range of factors that can characterize behavior and the potential for infrequent or subtle reactions, these data highlight the need for sufficient baseline data and a comprehensive understanding of the behavioral (social interactions), ecological (prey distribution), and evolutionary (fight or flight) contexts in which assessments of sound effects are made. Blue whales produce low-frequency calls and have generally not been considered sensitive to mid-frequency sounds, however, the current study indicates they may respond under certain situations.
- 146.02 KB
Satellite-tagging and photo-ID provide further evidence of multiple island-associated populations of common bottlenose dolphins in the main Hawaiian Islands.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
In 2011 the National Marine Fisheries Service recognized four separate island-associated stocks of common bottlenose dolphins within the main Hawaiian Islands, based on photoidentification studies over a 7-year period (2000-2006) as well as genetic analyses of skin biopsy samples. However, uncertainty remains regarding movements outside of the photoID study areas due to spatial biases in sampling effort, particularly the general restriction of small-boat based sampling efforts to the leeward sides of the islands. Since these earlier studies, we have obtained an additional seven years of photoidentification data (2007-2013) from among all the island areas, and deployed satellite tags on nine individual bottlenose dolphins from three of the four stocks (Kaua‘i/Ni‘ihau, 4islands, Hawai‘i Island). Here we assess movements using photo-ID and satellite tag data to ascertain whether these new data sets support or refute the designation of four islandassociated stocks. The photo-ID catalog spanning 2000-2013 includes 1,130 identifications of 509 distinctive individuals. Earlier analyses documented no movements among island areas; with the larger sample size, movements of one individual from O‘ahu to Moloka‘i, across stock boundaries has been documented, although this individual was not observed associating with the main social cluster documented from the 4island stock. Satellite tagged individuals traveled an average of 1,208 km with average tag attachment durations of 18 days (range 9-34), yet median distance from deployment location was only 21 km (maximum distances from deployment location range = 38.6 to 61.4 km). All tagged individuals remained within their recognized stock boundaries, and individuals used both leeward and windward sides of the islands, suggesting the spatially-biased boat-based efforts sample individuals that use both sides of the islands. Our results support earlier assessments of limited movements among island areas and the existence of multiple island-associated populations of this species in the Hawaiian Archipelago.
- 8,528.55 KB
Daily energetic expenditure and energy consumption of short-finned pilot whales.
Journal of Experimental Biology. 2025.
228(21):jeb249821
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- November 1, 2025
Diving is one of the most important behaviors undertaken by marine mammals. Pilot whales (Globicephala spp.) are oceanic dolphins that regularly forage at extreme depths (∼600–1000 m) and maintain body sizes similar to beaked whales. They are also listed as data deficient, with little known about their population dynamics. To help fill this knowledge gap, we estimated their energetic demands through a combination of multiple data streams (e.g. unoccupied aerial systems photogrammetry, high-resolution accelerometry tag data, stomach content analysis and long-duration dive data from satellite tags) from short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) in Hawaiian waters. We estimated and compared pilot whale field metabolic rates from breathing frequency against a more granular cost of transport method developed from morphometrics and swimming kinematics, finding that these methods gave similar estimates of energetic expenditure during foraging dives.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 24, 2015
A Distance based visual line-transect survey was designed to gather baseline data on the occurrence, distribution, and population estimations of marine mammals near Silver Strand Training Complex (SSTC) and San Diego Bay (SDB). During the warm and cool season periods between October 2013 and September 2014, seventeen survey days were completed (890.8 km) in SSTC and north San Diego Bay (NSDB). During the course of these efforts, 280 observations were made in the survey areas. Six marine mammal species were sighted, with the predominant species being California sea lions (Zalophus californianus [SSTC, n=132] and NSDB, n=109). Odontocete observations (n=26) were largely comprised of Tursiops truncatus and Delphinus spp. Mysticete whales (Eschrichtius robustus) were sighted in nearshore shallow waters of SSTC during January, February, and April–June.
- 7,737.30 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Methods:
- May 13, 2025
Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is a key technology for studying marine mammal populations. PAM typically generates large volumes of data that contain signals from multiple overlapping sources. To extract meaningful information from these data, automated tools are required that can cope with multiple sources, missed detections, and false alarms. This paper presents the Multiple-Animal Model-Based Acoustic Tracking (MAMBAT) framework, which integrates model-based localization with Bayesian multi-target tracking to automatically track multiple sound sources using acoustic data from wide baseline arrays. MAMBAT leverages a “Track-before-Localize” strategy followed by a “Localize-then-Track” strategy that does not require detection, classification, or association steps. The framework’s effectiveness is demonstrated through application to real-world datasets that contain multiple sperm whales from two ocean basins. MAMBAT advances our ability to monitor marine mammal distribution, abundance, and behavior, with potential to provide valuable information for conservation and management efforts.
Automated Acoustic Tracking of a Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) using a Wide Baseline Array of Sensors.
FUSION. 2024.
1–7
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Species:Methods:
- July 11, 2024
Underwater acoustics is a key tool for monitoring marine environments and understanding marine mammal populations. However, extracting meaningful information from passive acoustic recordings poses challenges due to overlapping signals, species-specific vocalization behavior, and missed and false detections. Many methods for marine mammal tracking and localization rely on human operators for signal detection and measurement association, which is a subjective and laborious process. In this paper we demonstrate a fully automated framework for marine mammal tracking and localization using wide-baseline arrays based on a multi-target Bayesian approach. Leveraging a “track-before-localize” strategy and fusing information from multiple sensors and virtual sensors, the framework eliminates the need for detection, classification, or association steps, thereby improving efficiency and objectivity. The feasibility and performance of the proposed framework are demonstrated using real-world data of a clicking sperm whale from the US Navy’s AUTEC test range.
Navy Living Marine Resources Meeting, Santa Barbara, California. November 2023 .
More details
Collapse details
SMART SEED Annual Review. Tysons, Virginia .
A decade of change and stability for fin whale song in the North Atlantic.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2024.
11:1278068
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- May 12, 2024
Fin whale song is a ubiquitous low-frequency pulsing that has been recorded in every ocean basin. In recent years, the complexity of fin whale song has been realized. In the North Atlantic, this song is made up of two low-frequency note types (A and B notes) and one higher-frequency note type (upsweeps). The A and B notes are produced with both singlet and doublet inter-note intervals. These song patterns are interwoven throughout an individual’s song and have been observed to shift over time, both gradually and suddenly. Like many baleen whales, the population size of fin whales is poorly defined. Passive acoustic monitoring has been suggested as a way to estimate abundance if a cue rate or calling rate can be determined. In this study, we used recordings from 119 fin whale tracks from 2013–2023 generated from passive acoustic recorders in the North Atlantic to define fin whale song patterns in this ocean basin, identify changes in these song patterns over time, and calculate cue rates. T
Oral Presentation, Effects of Sound on Marine Mammals, Beaufort, North Carolina, 15-18 March 2022 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- March 15, 2022
Singing Fin Whale Swimming Behavior in the Central North Pacific.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2021.
8:696002
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- September 2, 2021
Male fin whales sing using 20 Hz pulses produced in regular patterns of inter-note intervals, but little is known about fin whale swimming behavior while they are singing. Even less is known about fin whales in Hawaiian waters because they have rarely been sighted during surveys and passive acoustic monitoring has been limited to sparse hydrophone systems that do not have localization capabilities. We hypothesized that fin whale kinematics may be related to their singing behavior, or external variables such as time and sea state. To investigate this hypothesis, we analyzed 115 tracks containing 50,034 unique notes generated from passive acoustic recordings on an array of 14 hydrophones from 2011 to 2017 at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility off Kauai, Hawaii.
The Lombard effect in singing humpback whales: Source levels increase as ambient ocean noise levels increase.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2020.
8(2):542–555
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- August 1, 2020
Many animals increase the intensity of their vocalizations in increased noise. This response is known as the Lombard effect. While some previous studies about cetaceans report a 1 dB increase in the source level (SL) for every dB increase in the background noise level (NL), more recent data have not supported this compensation ability. The purpose of this study was to calculate the SLs of humpback whale song units recorded off Hawaii and test for a relationship between these SLs and background NLs.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 2, 2025
For this project, time-lapse trail cameras were placed at two survey areas in southeastern Virginia in order to monitor all of the known haul-out sites in the region. Wildlife “trail” cameras are cost effective tools for collecting large amounts of data while limiting the impact to the animals as compared to traditional visual surveys (Koivuniemi et al., 2016; Wearn & GloverKapfer, 2019). Trail cameras are especially effective for monitoring wildlife in remote locations and sampling multiple sites for extended periods of time. The use of these cameras offer the ability to monitor haul-out sites in adverse marine and weather conditions with relatively low personnel demands. Objectives for this study are to: 1) improve the understanding of local haul-out patterns; 2) monitor seasonal patterns and the numbers of seals hauled out; 3) investigate any haul-out patterns in relation to environmental factors; and 4) investigate differences between vessel and drone-based surveys and time-lapse camera data collection.
- 2,162.44 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2023
Objectives for this study are 1) to improve the understanding of local and seasonal haul-out patterns, and the numbers of seals hauled out during daylight hours; 2) to investigate any haul-out patterns in Pinniped Time-lapse Camera Surveys, Virginia: 2019-2022 Final July 2023 | 3 relation to environmental factors; and 3) to investigate differences between vessel-based surveys and time-lapse camera data collection.
- 2,860.02 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2020
The goal of the study was to use the spatial and temporal data provided through continuous long-term tracking to define occupancy and migration patterns of Atlantic sturgeon so that the Navy may conduct a more informed assessment of potential impacts of their activities on the species.
- 76,860.04 KB
Acoustic detection of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) vocalizations using SSQ53F sonobuoys modified for autonomous data collection.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
SSQ53F sonobuoys provide an expendable acoustic monitoring capability for Navy aircraft and surface vessels. Data is transmitted from the buoy to a receiver system on either platform via selectable VHF frequencies. While this sensor has proven valuable in nonmilitary marine mammal detection and localization scenarios, VHF interference encountered during near shore monitoring often precludes continuous coverage. The use of autonomous recording packages, constructed from expended SSQ-53F hardware and hydrophones would provide a cost effective solution to this challenge. In August of 2010, five recording packages were deployed during a three day visual and acoustic survey onboard the U.S. Naval Academy’s 109’ research vessel. The survey was conducted in support of the monitoring plan for the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Letter of Authorization under the MMPA. When deployed, the constant shallow omni-directional (CSO) hydrophone output voltage was recorded directly from the sonobuoy’s Electronic Function System (EFS) circuit board at a 96 kHz sampling rate using a MicroTrack II digital recorder. The packages proved successful as numerous Tursiops truncatus vocalizations were detected. Sonobuoy deconstruct, feasibility test methodology, and lessons learned will be presented.
- 157.72 KB
Acoustic detection of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) vocalizations using SSQ53F sonobuoys modified for autonomous data collection.
Fifth International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization, and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 21, 2011
SSQ53F sonobuoys provide a reliable though expendable passive monitoring capability for both aircraft and surface Navy vessels. Acoustic data is transmitted from the buoy to a receiver system on either platform via selectable VHF frequencies. While this sensor has proven valuable in most marine mammal detection and localization applications, monitoring regions with significant VHF interference preclude continuous coverage. The use of GPS tracked, autonomous recording packages, constructed from expended SSQ-53F hardware and hydrophones would best suit this purpose. In August of 2010, five “spar buoy” packages were deployed during a three day visual and acoustic survey onboard the U.S. Naval Academy’s 109 foot research vessel in the Virginia Capes Operating Area. Portions of the survey track were within 3 miles of the Virginia coastline and as expected, VHF interference was encountered. When deployed, the constant shallow omni-directional (CSO) hydrophone output voltage was recorded directly from the sonobuoy’s Electronic Function System (EFS) circuit board at a 96 kHz sampling rate using a MicroTrack II digital recorder. The system proved successful as numerous Tursiops truncatus vocalizations were detected. S onobuoy deconstruct, feasibility test methodology, and lessons learned will be presented.
- 575.41 KB
Marine mammal monitoring during a Navy explosives training event off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Fifth International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization, and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 21, 2011
Navy explosives training events pose a risk to marine mammals and sea turtles. In order to minimize the potential impacts and in support of the monitoring plan for the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Letter of Authorization under the MMPA, visual and acoustic surveys were conducted during explosive training events conducted in August of 2009, 2010 and 2011. Each year's monitoring plan consists of visual and acoustic surveys onboard the U.S. Naval Academy's 109 foot research vessel one day prior to, during and following the explosive training events. In 2009, visual surveys were conducted and a single hydrophone was deployed as a feasibility study and approximately 20 minutes of acoustic data was collected. I n 2010, visual and acoustic surveys were conducted which included the use of five SSQ53F sonobuoys modified for autonomous use. Approximately 20 hours of acoustic data was collected over three days. The August 2011 monitoring cruise will include visual surveys and will utilize six autonomous hydrophones able to record data locally with a sampling rate of 96 kHz. Methods, preliminary results, and lessons learned will be presented.
- 574.61 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 4, 2010
DDG C SOCAL July 2010
- 1,184.62 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2022
Autonomous passive acoustic recorders have been used for the past 15 years to monitor the coastal occurrence of Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW), other marine mammals, and anthropogenic noise in and adjacent to the Navy’s NWRTC in Washington State. The five autonomous acoustic recorders in and adjacent to the Navy’s NWTRC were successfully recovered in early September 2021 and new moorings were redeployed at each site.
- 355.18 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 29, 2015
In this analysis, we integrate limited acoustic detections over a 7-year period with two other data sources: opportunistic visual sightings, and output from a state-space movement model fit to the locations from a single satellite-tagged individual. We illustrate a case study with an application to endangered Southern Resident killer whales, where the focus is understanding the coastal habitat use of this population in winter and spring months. Predictions from our state-space movement model suggest in winter of 2014, SRKWs spent the highest density of time located off the Columbia River and near Westport. Other areas with concentrated effort included off the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, and near the Mad and Eel rivers in Northern California.
- 2,722.69 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2018
We integrated opportunistic visual sightings, and the output from an updated state-space movement model fit to the locations from several satellite-tagged Southern Resident killer whales to fill in the detection gaps in the acoustic detections of this population in the coastal waters of the U.S. over a 4-year period when satellite tags were not deployed
- 2,610.25 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2017
Remotely deployed telemetry tags were used to assess the movements and occurrence of the whales in the winter, and passive acoustic recorders deployed in areas thought to be frequently used by the whales, were used to assess their seasonal occurrence in these areas. These data will be used to provide information to better understand their seasonal occ
- 2,040.50 KB
False killer whales and fisheries in Hawaiian waters: evidence from mouthline and dorsal fin injuries reveal ongoing and repeated interactions.
Endangered Species Research. 2024.
55:273–293
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- December 18, 2024
Diving Behavior of Common Bottlenose Dolphins Around the Main Hawaiian Islands: Individual Variation and Responses to Diel and Lunar Cycles.
Marine Mammal Science. 2026.
Volume 4217, Issue 3
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- July 26, 2026
Marine mammals and sonar: Dose-response studies, the risk-disturbance hypothesis and the role of exposure context.
Journal of Applied Ecology. 2017.
55:396-404
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Methods:
- June 19, 2017
Behavioural response studies have greatly improved our understanding of the potential effects of naval sonar on marine mammals. Despite data gaps, we believe a dose-response approach within a risk-disturbance framework will enhance our ability to predict responsiveness for unstudied species and populations. We advocate for (1) regulatory frameworks to utilize peer-reviewed research findings when making predictions of impact, (2) regulatory frameworks to account for the inherent uncertainty in predictions of impact and (3) investment in monitoring programmes that are both directed by recent research and offer opportunities for validation of predictions at the individual and population level.
Changes in the Spatial Distribution of Acoustically Derived Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) Tracks in Response to Navy Training.
Aquatic Mammals. 2019.
45(6):661–674
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- November 1, 2019
Exploring the biodiversity of cetacean communities along the western North Atlantic Ocean shelf-break.
Royal Society. 2025.
12 (7): 241658
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- July 1, 2025
Follow-up observations of satellite-tagged sperm whales in the Gulf of Mexico for evaluation of potential tag effects and wound healing.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Long-term implantable satellite tags provide valuable distribution and behavior information for wide-ranging large whales. Follow-up observations of whales tagged with these telemetry devices are critical in evaluating potential health effects from tagging, but are especially difficult for species with cosmopolitan distributions with the ability to travel 100+ km/day. Sperm whales in the Gulf of Mexico are good subjects for such studies, in that animals can be predictability relocated year-round in areas around bathymetric features and have been tagged over a period of many years. A total of 134 Argos satellite-monitored radio tags were deployed on sperm whales from 2001 to 2013: 94 Telonics ST-15 location-only tags (1.9 cm diameter, 26.3 cm long implantable portion), 20 Wildlife Computers Spot-5 location only tags (2.1 cm diameter, 27.2 cm long implantable portion), and 20 Wildlife Computers MK-10 Advanced Dive Behavior tags (2.6 cm diameter, 24.8 cm long implantable portion). Whales were photographed at the time of tagging for identification and to assess tag application. Follow-up observations were undertaken in subsequent tagging seasons and on dedicated resighting trips. Twenty-nine whales were resighted (some up to four times in multiple years) from 1 day to 10 years after tagging. Fifteen of these had tags still attached and 28 were resighted without tags. Some whales were initially resighted with tags, but without tags on subsequent observations. Swelling occurred at two tag sites. Scars after tag loss consisted of fully re-pigmented divots (1-3 cm deep by 4-8 cm diameter). None of the resighted whales showed signs of emaciation or having other health issues, and their behavior was similar to that of untagged whales. One whale was observed with a new calf one year after tagging. These results indicate that satellite tagging poses little or no observable adverse health effects for sperm whales.
- 91.67 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2010
The results of marine mammal monitoring reported here for RIMPAC 2010 represent the first monitoring effort under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program (Contract # N62470-10-D-3011) issued to engineering-environmental Management, Inc., an HDR company (HDR|e²M). The monitoring effort for RIMPAC 2010 consisted of the following: Vessel-based line transect surveys to assess the diversity, distribution, and behavior of target species (e.g., marine mammals and sea turtles) Installation of one shallow- and one deep-water passive acoustic monitors (PAMs) in waters off Ni'ihau.
- 846.17 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 1, 2011
The objective of this current survey effort was to conduct baseline surveys to further document marine mammal and sea turtle occurrence in nearshore waters around the island of Guam. This report presents the results of the Guam Marine Species Monitoring Survey conducted on the MV Island Girl from February 17 to March 3, 2011.
- 786.14 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2011
This report presents the results of marine mammal monitoring for the Koa Kai 11‐1 training event, and represents the continued monitoring efforts under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program. The objectives of the vessel‐based monitoring effort for Koa Kai 11‐1 consisted of the following: Perform focal behavioral follows of marine mammals during the course of a training event involving ASW. Assess the occurrence, distribution, and behavior of target species (marine mammals and sea turtles) using a vessel‐based line transect survey within the HRC in waters within or adjacent to the area where ships were training. Locate individual false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens), pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata), and short‐finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) tagged by Dr. Robin Baird with Cascadia Research. Investigate the occurrence, distribution, and behavior of target species (marine mammals and sea turtles) using vessel‐based line transect survey in waters within or adjacent to the area where Navy ships were training
- 2,377.86 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2012
In order to support the U.S. Navy in meeting regulatory requirements for monitoring established under the Final Rules and to provide a mechanism to assist with coordination of program objectives under the ICMP, this survey was conducted to confirm the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) acoustic detections and marine mammal satellite tagging was prior to a training event, the Submarine Commander’s Course exercise, which would be conducted in the same area during February 2012.This report presents the methods and preliminary results of a vessel-based visual and acoustic survey effort that was conducted in conjunction with a tagging and species-validation project
- 2,313.85 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 31, 2012
The overall objective of the ICMP is to assimilate relevant data collected across U.S. Navy range complexes in order to answer questions pertaining to the impact of MFAS and explosives on marine mammals and sea turtles.
- 11,672.29 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2012
The first phase to integrate the historical sum of these U.S. Navy-sponsored visual survey efforts for marine species monitoring in the HRC was prepared by Uyeyama (2011). This report represents the second phase of that effort and presents an overview of monitoring survey effort to date in the HRC. Available data from visual surveys performed by both contractor-led efforts and U.S. Navy in-house surveys was compiled and processed in order to: 1. Create a geographic information system (GIS)-based summation of all survey tracks that can be easily visualized. 2. Construct a geo-referenced database of sightings that can be queried by species, observer platform, Beaufort Sea State (BSS), season, or other sighting/survey variables. 3. Conduct an enhanced analysis of sighting success with respect to survey platform, field protocol, and environmental conditions. 4. Inform and adjust data collection procedures on future surveys as needed to reflect lessons learned from sighting data compilation efforts presented here. 5. Provide information to enhance informed management of marine protected species in the HRC and support the adaptive management process that is part of the ICM
- 19,704.58 KB
- Hawaiian Monk Seal
- Green turtle
- Bryde's whale
- Humpback whale
- Minke whale
- Sei whale
- Blainville's beaked whale
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Goose-beaked whale
- Fraser's dolphin
- Killer whale
- Longman’s beaked whale
- Melon-headed whale
- Pantropical spotted dolphin
- Pygmy killer whale
- Risso's dolphin
- Rough-toothed dolphin
- Short-finned pilot whale
- Spinner dolphin
- Striped dolphin
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2012
In September of 2011, four passive acoustic monitoring devices were deployed in the Marianas Island Range Complex (MIRC). These Ecological Acoustic Recorders, or “EARs”, were developed by Marc Lammers and Whit Au at the University of Hawai’i/Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology. The dates, locations, and deployments depths for the four instruments are summarized in Table 1. Deployments were made to the northwest and southwest of Guam, one to the north off Saipan, and one to the southwest of Tinian.
- 320.24 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2012
This report presents the results of the Guam and Saipan Marine Species Monitoring: Winter-Spring Survey conducted on the motor vessel (M/V) Sea Fantasy (Guam survey) and the M/V Super Emerald (Saipan survey) from 15 to 29 March 2012. The objective of the 2012 survey effort was to conduct baseline surveys to further document marine mammal and sea turtle occurrence in nearshore waters around the island of Guam and Saipan. The approach primarily followed opportunistic survey protocols used in recent surveys around Guam (Ligon et al. 2011; HDR 2011), which remained within 10 kilometers (km) or 5.4 nautical miles (NM) of the coastline.
- 998.39 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 19, 2024
This report presents a geographic information system (GIS)-based overview of the sighting records obtained during marine species monitoring effort (a total of 12 U.S. Pacific Fleet-funded surveys) to date in the MIRC. Also included are incidental marine mammal and sea turtle sightings made since 1965 on non-dedicated surveys in the region.
- 14,571.64 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2013
A working group of experts (i.e., biologists, acousticians, and other researchers with extensive experience working in the Hawaii Range Complex [HRC]) was convened in San Diego, California, for an HRC Data Analysis Planning Meeting on 10 and 11 September 2012. The purpose of the meeting was to assess how existing HRC monitoring data can be used to support the United States (U.S.) Pacific Fleet’s regulatory requirements to determine the: 1) presence/absence, abundance, and density of marine mammals and sea turtles in the HRC; and 2) behavioral responses of marine mammals and sea turtles to U.S. Navy training exercises, including mid-frequency active sonar and underwater detonations.
- 499.18 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2021
Large aggregations of both the Northern distinct population segment (DPS) and ESA-listed Southern DPS of the green sturgeon Acipenser medirostris can be found congregating in Washington’s coastal estuaries mid-summer. This provides a unique opportunity to capture and study this elusive species. Existing telemetric data indicates that these fish make long migrations along the Pacific Coast with a possible year-round presence in near-shore marine waters along Washington and Oregon’s coastline. The U.S. Navy is interested in evaluating the impacts of military training and testing operations to protected species and, for the purpose of this project, is specifically interested in assessing impacts to the threatened Southern DPS of green sturgeon.
- 3,427.98 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 20, 2022
The Southern distinct population segment (DPS) of green sturgeon Acipenser medirostris is federally listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Large aggregations of both the Northern DPS and Southern DPS of green sturgeon can be found congregating in Washington’s coastal estuaries mid-summer. This provides a unique opportunity to capture and study this elusive species. Existing telemetric data indicates that these fish make long migrations along the Pacific Coast with a possible year-round presence in near-shore marine waters along Washington and Oregon’s coastline. The U.S. Navy is interested in the occurrence of the threatened Southern DPS of green sturgeon in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) study area, which is offshore of Washington, Oregon, and northern California.
- 5,224.19 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 3, 2023
The Southern distinct population segment (sDPS) of green sturgeon Acipenser medirostris is federally listed as a threatened species under the United States (U.S.) Endangered Species Act (ESA). Large aggregations of both the Northern distinct population segment (nDPS) and sDPS of green sturgeon can be found congregating in Washington’s coastal estuaries mid-summer. This provides a unique opportunity to capture and study this elusive species. Existing telemetric data indicates that these fish make long migrations along the Pacific Coast with a possible year-round presence in near-shore marine waters along Washington and Oregon’s coastline. The U.S. Navy is interested in the occurrence of the threatened sDPS of green sturgeon in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) study area, which is offshore of Washington, Oregon, and northern California.
- 8,705.32 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2015
Time difference of arrival (TDOA) methods for acoustically localizing multiple marine mammals have been applied to recorded data from the Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility in order to localize and track humpback whales.
- 2,759.72 KB
Cue rate and track kinematics of calling Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera brydei) transiting through the U.S. Pacific Missile Range Facility (PRMF).
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
A Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) method was used to acoustically localize vocalizing Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera brydei) on the Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Hawaii. Over 130 days of data were recorded from 2011- 2015, resulting in over 12 Bryde's tracks. The tracks were analyzed for cue rates, swim patterns, bearing, directivity, speed, and dive depths. In six of the encounters the Bryde's appear to be traveling in fairly constant headings (typically south-southwest or westerly) crossing the range area over distances ranging from 12 to 27 km over time periods of 1.5 to 6 h with estimated swim speeds up to 12 km/h. Vocalizing whales produced acoustic cues every 3-7 minutes while transiting. Although the occurrence of transiting Bryde's whales is relatively low, the tracks can provide valuable information about the habitat use of this offshore region, particularly because both visual surveys and animal tagging is difficult in this area.
- 91.57 KB
Swim track kinematics and calling behavior attributed to Bryde’s whales on the Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2016.
140:4170-4177
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- December 1, 2016
Swimming and acoustic calling behavior attributed to Bryde’s whales in the central North Pacific.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2024.
11:1305505
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 2, 2024
A unique acoustic call type was identified and attributed to Bryde’s whales in the central North Pacific in 2015, but little is known about the distribution, calling behavior, or swimming behavior of Bryde’s whales in the region. Acoustic detections attributed to Bryde’s whales were used to localize and track individual whales on the U.S. Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i. This study included 150 acoustically derived tracks from recordings spanning the years 2011–2022 with recording effort in nearly every month. Bryde’s whale movement was examined relative to calendar year, day of year, hour of day, wind speed, and acoustic calling rate. Hidden Markov models were used to identify two kinematic states (slower, less directional movement and faster, more directional movement). The findings indicate that Bryde’s whales were more likely to travel in a faster and more directional state during the daytime than at night and between May and August when compared to other times of year. The along-track acoustic cue rate was examined for 118 tracks, and the findings indicate a possible lengthening of the median inter-call interval over the duration of the study period. These results are an important first step in understanding more about behavior in Bryde’s whales, a relatively under-studied species.
Minke whales change their swimming behavior with respect to their calling behavior, nearby conspecifics, and the environment in the central North Pacific.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2023.
10:1148987
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 10, 2023
Behavioral responses to sonar have been observed in a number of baleen whales, including minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Previous studies used acoustic minke whale boing detections to localize and track individual whales on the U.S. Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Kaua ‘i, Hawai‘i before, during, and after Navy training activities. These analyses showed significant changes in central North Pacific minke whale distribution and swimming behavior during Navy sonar events. For the purposes of contextualizing changes in animal movement relative to Navy sonar, we expanded on this research to examine the natural variation in minke whale movement when Navy sonar was not present. This study included 2,245 acoustically derived minke whale tracks spanning the years 2012–2017 over all months that minke whales were detected (October–May).
Lombard effect: Minke whale boing call source levels vary with natural variations in ocean noise.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2020.
147(2), 698-712
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- February 3, 2020
Minke whales were acoustically detected, localized, and tracked on the U.S. Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility from 2012 to 2017. Animal source levels (SLs) were estimated by adding transmission loss estimates to measured received levels of 42 159 individual minke whale boings. Minke whales off Hawaii exhibited the Lombard effect in that they increased their boing call intensity in increased background noise. Minke whales also decreased the variance of the boing call SL in higher background noise levels. Although the whales partially compensated for increasing background noise, they were unable or unwilling to increase their SLs by the same amount as the background noise. As oceans become louder, this reduction in communication space could negatively impact the health of minke whale populations. The findings in this study also have important implications for acoustic animal density studies, which may use SL to estimate probability of detection.
The 9th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization, And Density Estimation of Marine Mammals Using Passive Acoustics, Honolulu, Hawaii, 7–11 March 2022 .
More details
Collapse details
Navy Living Marine Resources Meeting, Santa Barbara, California. November 2023. .
More details
Collapse details
Fin Whale Song Patterns Shift Over Time in the Central North Pacific.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2020.
7:907
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 28, 2020
Male fin whales sing by producing 20 Hz pulses in regular patterns of inter-note intervals. While singing, fin whales may also alternate the frequency ranges of their notes. Different song patterns have been observed in different regions of the world's oceans. New song patterns suddenly emerging in an area have been hypothesized to either be indicators of new groups of whales in the area or signs of cultural transmission between groups. Since the status of fin whales around Hawaii is unknown and visual surveys are expensive and difficult to conduct in offshore areas, passive acoustic monitoring has been proposed as a way to monitor these whales. We used passive acoustic recordings from an array of 14 hydrophones to analyze the song patterns of 115 fin whale encounters made up of 50,034 unique notes off Kauai, Hawaii from 2011 to 2017.
Twelve years of fin whale song evolution in the central North Pacific.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2025.
12:1642598
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 13, 2025
Fin whale song consists of low frequency notes arranged in regular, repeating patterns of note type pairings and inter-note intervals (INIs). In the central North Pacific, fin whales use two downswept note types (A and B notes) with both singlet and doublet INIs that are interwoven throughout a song. These song patterns have been observed to change over time. Fin whale population size, structure, distribution, and connectedness are poorly understood, but monitoring their songs can help fill these knowledge gaps. In this study, we examine fin whale song patterns and their evolution across 12 years (2011–2023) with a focus on the most recent 5.5 years (2017–2023), expanding on our previous work.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2015
Beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) consist of at least 21 different species in six genera with relatively little known about many of the species. Research on this family of odontocetes has increased in the last two decades as a result of a mass stranding event of beaked whales in the Bahamas in 2000 in association with a U.S. Navy training event. Results of this research have identified echolocation click characteristics for several species from different areas of the world based upon both tag data and passive acoustic monitoring data
- 184.39 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 18, 2021
This report summarizes the development and application of substantially upgraded analytical methods to quantify the movement and diving behavior of satellite tagged odontocetes before, during, and after Submarine Command Course (SCC) training events at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, including their predicted exposure and potential response to mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) during these events
- 2,915.87 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2025
Beaked whales (Family Ziphiidae; Order Cetacea) are the least well-described group of marine mammals because they conduct very long deep dives, spend little time on the surface where they display cryptic behavior, and are difficult to identify due to the similarity between species. Beaked whales are also known to be susceptible to high-energy sound sources in the ocean (e.g. seismic research, sonars used by military activities).
- 1,136.54 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2025
In August 2023 and February 2024, Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) conducted small boat-based satellite tagging of odontocetes at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), with acoustic support from Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific and Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Newport, directing the tagging boat towards locations of acoustic detections on the range. Seventeen days of tagging effort were conducted over the two years during the biannual Submarine Command Course (SCC) training events. In total 19 odontocetes were tagged: 14 short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), 3 common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), 1 pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata), and 1 melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra). Additionally, 3 humpback whales (Megaptera noveangliae) were tagged in concert with this effort to test new tags, and that data was also analyzed herein
- 8,338.72 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2024
Tagging of cetaceans on or near active U.S. Navy training ranges provides for opportunistic behavioral response studies as the animals are exposed to real-world Navy training and testing activity, as compared to short duration-controlled exposure studies. Four Blainville’s beaked whales were satellite-tagged on the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off the island of Kaua‘i in the Hawaiian Islands in 2014, 2021, and 2022. The animal tagged in 2014 left the area immediately, but their tag data still provides useful baseline information of behavior and habitat use in the area. Two Blainville’s beaked whales were tagged from the same group in 2021. They remained together and were highly synchronized in their dive and movement behavior until the onset of mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), at which time the whales appeared to separate. The dive behavior of the two animals tagged in 2021 were compared to acoustically detected group vocal periods (GVPs) on the range; 23 deep foraging dives were matched to GVPs, including three during MFAS exposures from three sources: hull-mounted MFAS, active sonobuoys, and helicopter-dipping MFAS.
- 4,460.72 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2024
This report summarizes the results of satellite-tagging efforts conducted before Submarine Command Course (SCC) training events in August 2021 and 2022, at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off the island of Kauaʻi. Researchers tagged 21 delphinids to observe their behavior before, during, and after the SCCs, to estimate received levels (RLs) of mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS).
- 5,346.69 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2021
This report summarizes the field effort from 15 – 28 November, 2020, to locate and document a species of beaked whales that had previously only been acoustically detected. While the species of interest was again recorded on acoustic drift buoys, a previously undescribed species of beaked whale was unexpectedly encountered instead. This new species has external morphological characteristics and a new echolocation pulse type that do not match any previously observed or recorded species and therefore may represent a newly described species. In addition to this species of beaked whale, we encountered and photographed three species of dolphin as well as humpback whales, and recorded two other species of beaked whales on the acoustic recorders.
- 9,012.04 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2022
An expedition was conducted with the goal of visually locating, acoustically recording, and obtaining biopsy samples of the Mesoplodon beaked whales that were encountered in 2020 and produce BWB pulses, as well as locating the beaked whales that produce the BW43 echolocation pulse in order to conclusively determine what species produce each of the pulse types.
- 1,398.13 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 1, 2023
In September 2023, a third multi-week expedition was conducted off the coast of Baja California, Mexico to relocate the unknown species of beaked whales encountered in 2020 as well as look for the BW43 beaked whale. Daily non-systematic searches were carried out close to shore off Bahia San Quintín
- 1,846.76 KB
Quantifying the Behavior of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and Potential Responses to Sonar.
Aquatic Mammals. 2019.
Vol 45, Iss 6
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 1, 2019
Behavior and habitat use of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on a US Navy training range.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
A Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) method was used to acoustically localize singing humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on the US Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Hawaii. 2090 hours of recorded data were collected during non-training event periods between September and June, 2011-2014. Eighty-one three-dimensional tracks were obtained with one to six tracks occurring on 42 separate days. The minimum detection rate occurred in January 2012 with 0.01 dives per hour of effort, and a maximum detection rate of 0.18 dives per hour of effort occurred in March 2011. Tracks were determined to fall into three behavioral categories - Travel, Localized Dive, and Mill. Metrics including bearing, directivity, speed, and dive depths were measured and compared between behavior categories, as well as across the breeding season. While the mean track bearings were not statistically different across months, the range of bearings was more restricted in December-February (152° - 250°, S-SW) than in March-May (114° - 346°, SE-NNW). Tracks of Travel behavior had the highest mean speed, longest distances, deepest dives, and the most direct path. Localized Dives had the least direct path and occurred over the shortest distances. Most tracks started and finished during the daytime period with some continuing into the night, but no tracks started and ended at night, indicating some diel periodicity to the behavior in this area. This analysis can provide valuable information about the habitat use of an offshore portion of humpback whale breeding grounds and the baseline behavior of humpback whales on a US Navy range.
- 91.64 KB
Beaked Whale Behavioral Responses to Navy Mid-Frequency Active Sonar.
Springer Cham. 2023.
Living reference work entry
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Methods:
- August 22, 2023
Although beaked whales remain a cryptic and elusive family, much has been learned about their dive and foraging behavior in the last few decades through the use of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) and a variety of tagging methods. Species-specific echolocation pulses can be used to acoustically track individuals and groups, and biologging tags provide information on dive and movement behavior. These technologies have also provided a window into how beaked whales behaviorally respond to Navy mid-frequency active sonar, which in turn may elucidate maladaptive behaviors that could lead to stranding. This chapter reviews existing knowledge about beaked whale behavioral responses to anthropogenic sound sources in general, and to Navy sonars in particular. By understanding the breadth of ways beaked whales behaviorally respond, the scientific community can continue to work toward recognizing and mitigating responses that could lead to stranding, as well as determining the population-level implications of impacts on individuals.
Baleen whale responses to a high frequency active pinger: Implications for upper frequency hearing limits.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2016.
140(4, Part 2):3412
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 1, 2016
In order to test the possibility of using high frequency pinger tags to track baleen whales on Navy instrumented ranges, three blue (Balaenoptera musculus) and one humpback (Megaptera novaeangliaea) whales were exposed to two high frequency pingers. The pinger frequencies were 37 and 45 kHz, with estimated received levels between 106 and 134 dB re 1 lPa. The whales were monitored prior to the exposure in order to establish their behavioral state and to acclimate them to the presence of the boat. Two of the blue whales were deep feeding, while the third blue whale and the humpback whale were traveling with intermittent bouts of possible foraging near the surface. Each exposure lasted approximately 30—40 minutes, and the whales were observed for an additional two to three surfacing intervals post-exposure. None of the blue whales demonstrated any behavioral response. The humpback whale’s response was inconclusive, as other foraging animals entered the area at the same time; however, it is likely there was no response. These data may begin to provide information on the upper frequency limits of baleen whale hearing, as these species have responded to Navy sonar-like sounds at lower frequencies but similar received levels and behavioral states.
Navy Marine Species Monitoring Meeting, San Diego, California, April 2022 .
More details
Collapse details
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 8, 2026
Two projects, one in the Atlantic Ocean and one in the Pacific Ocean, have simultaneously collected data from satellite-linked tags from a large number of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus; 54 from the Atlantic and 140 from the Pacific (50 from from Kaua’i), Tables 1 and 2). Pilot whales were exposed to MFAS in both areas, either opportunistically during a biannual training event at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Hawai.i, or during controlled exposure experiments (CEEs) associated with the Atlantic Behavioral Response (BRS) project off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, where experimentally simulated or operational SQS-53C sonars from surface warships were used (Figure 1). In addition, all tagged animals have some additional data known about their social relationships and context. Off Cape Hatteras this includes at minimum the number of other animals in the group they were tagged with and some photo-identification information about the associated population; off Kaua.i this includes information known about social network-derived relationships in the island-associated population and potential individual exposure histories. These data, along with newly developed spatial movement modeling techniques (Hanks et al., 2015; Johnson et al., 2021) adapted to satellite-linked tag data, create a natural experiment to evaluate and understand possible behavioral responses of shortfinned pilot whales to MFAS exposures in two different populations and environments.
- 644.89 KB
The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life, Berlin, Germany, 10-15 July 2022 .
Behavior and inter-island movements of satellite-tagged humpback whales in Hawai’i, USA.
Marine Ecology Progress. 2022.
685:197-213
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2022
Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae encountered off the island of Kaua’i, Hawai’i, USA, in 2017, 2018, and 2019 were photo-identified, and 19 whales were equipped with satellite telemetry tags to track their inter-island movements and use their movement behavior to estimate when and where the whales changed their behavior from breeding to migration. Fluke photographs were matched in the online photo-ID repository HappyWhale to track individual observation histories and movement records within the islands and on their way to their feeding grounds. Tag attachment periods were relatively short, with transmissions lasting 1.6-12.5 d. Movement behavior models were developed using hidden Markov models; whales in proximity to land were found to remain in area-restricted search or an intermediate behavior state, while whales that moved between islands or offshore tended to transition into directed travel behavior. Movement patterns and routes were similar between animals and across years, particularly when they transited between Kaua’i and O’ahu and began migrating from Ni’ihau to the first seamounts of the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Dive data were also analyzed in association with the movement behavior. Whales that transited between Kaua’i and O’ahu as well as those in offshore waters conducted repeated series of deep (>100 m) dives only at night, whereas whales that remained in nearshore waters conducted less frequent and less deep dives day or night. These results provide insight into the inter-island movements and behavior of humpback whales while on the Hawaiian breeding grounds as well as where and how their behavior transitioned into migration.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2018 .
More details
Collapse details
Dive and movement behavior of a humpback whale competitive group and a multiday association between a primary escort and female in Hawaiʻi..
Marine Mammal Science. 2022.
835-846
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 1, 2022
This paper describes a unique situation in which four of the seven members of a competitive group were tagged with Wildlife Computers SPLASH10 F-333 tags and their dive behavior was recorded for a large portion of the encounter. In addition, the primary escort and nuclear animal (referred to as the female from here on) remained together for at least 4 days before the tag on the female stopped transmitting. The location, movement behavior, and dive behavior of these two whales were highly correlated. The events of the competitive pod encounter are detailed herein, with a focus on the dive behavior of the four tagged whales, along with a description of the movement and dive behavior of the primary escort and female during their 4-day association.
Exposure and response of satellite-tagged Blainville’s beaked whales to mid-frequency active sonar off Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i.
Movement Ecology. 2025.
13(29)
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 21, 2025
To study their behavior relative to extended periods of realistic Navy training, satellite-transmitting tags were deployed on four Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) on the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kaua‘i. Tags were deployed in 3 years, ahead of Submarine Command Courses (SCCs) with multiple sources of MFAS. Dive behavior of two tagged together were compared to acoustically detected group vocal periods (GVPs) on the range. Pre-exposure dive behavior metrics were compared to those during exposures. Horizontal movement behavior metrics were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric and Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison tests.
Behavioral Response of Blainville’s Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) to U.S. Navy Training Activity.
8th International Bio-Logging Science Symposium. 4–8 March 2024. Tokyo, Japan .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- March 4, 2024
- 2,030.26 KB
Occurrence and habitat use of foraging Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) on a U.S. Navy range in Hawaii.
Aquatic Mammals. 2016.
42(4):549-562
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 1, 2016
Identifying behavioral states and habitat use of acoustically tracked humpback whales in Hawaii.
Marine Mammal Science. 2018.
34:701-717
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 5, 2018
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2020
The 2018 California Current Ecosystem Survey (CCES) was a joint project of the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division (MMTD) and the Fisheries Resources Division (FRD) of National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC). The survey was conducted over the course of 7 legs aboard the NOAA ship Reuben Lasker between 26 June and 4 December 2018 (Table 1). CCES was an assessment survey for coastal pelagic fish stocks, marine mammals, seabirds, and oceanography along the west coasts of southern Canada (Vancouver Island), US, and northern Mexico (Baja California), out to a distance of approximately 200 nautical miles offshore (Fig. 1). MMTD and FRD worked jointly aboard the vessel during Legs 1 through 4 (OMAO Project No. RL-18-03) (Tables 1, 2a, and 2b), during which the vessel surveyed off the coasts of Vancouver Island and the US West Coast. Only MMTD operations were conducted during Legs 5 through 7 (OMAO Project No. RL-19- 01), during which the vessel surveyed off the US West Coast and Mexico. This document covers the work conducted by MMTD (MMTD Survey No. 1651). Work conducted by FRD is presented separately (Stierhoff et al. 2019).
- 3,239.97 KB
Time-discretization approximation enriches continuous-time discrete-space models for animal movement.
Annals of Applied Statistics. 2023.
17(1):740–760
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:
- March 1, 2023
Continuous time discrete state models are a valuable tool for explaining animal movement. However, data collection to fit such models over a specified window of time can be misaligned with the actual realization of the movement process. This necessitates approximate model fitting, at present, through approximate imputation distributions (AIDs). Here, we propose a direct time-discretization approximation to the likelihood.
Kernel density estimation of conditional distributions to detect responses in satellite tag data.
Animal Biotelemetry. 2022.
10(1):1-15
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- September 27, 2022
To identify possible behavioral responses in dive data collected from satellite-linked time–depth recorders, and to inform the selection and parameters for subsequent individual and population-level response analyses, we propose to use kernel density estimates of conditional distributions for quantitative comparison of pre- and post-exposure behavior.
Continuous-Time Discrete-State Modeling for Deep Whale Dives.
Journal of Agricultural, Biological and Environmental Statistics. 2021.
180–199
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:
- January 16, 2021
Understanding unexposed/baseline behavior of marine mammals is required to assess the effects of increasing levels of anthropogenic noise exposure in the marine environment. However, quantifying variation in the baseline behavior of whales is challenging due to the fact that they spend much of their time at depth, and therefore, their diving behavior is not directly observable. Data collection employs tags as measurement devices to record vertical movement. We focus here on satellite tags, which have the advantage of collection over a time window of weeks.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2010
This report summarizes work conducted in FY2009-FY2010 with Navy support to characterize marine mammal sounds related to passive acoustic monitoring in the Hawaii Range Complex (HRC). Existing acoustic data from the Hawaii Range Complex area were analyzed to provide better descriptions of acoustic signals by species.
- 1,122.87 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 30, 2009
This report summarizes data analysis for deployment of a High Frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) in the southern California (SOCAL) offshore region. The HARP records broadband (10 Hz – 100 kHz) acoustic data, including both marine animal and anthropogenic sound. This report summarizes initial analysis to detect the presence of marine mammals by species as well as the occurrence of naval sonar and other anthropogenic sound events.
- 5,022.29 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 15, 2010
This report summarizes the underwater sounds detected during a series of deployments of a High Frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) in the southern California (SOCAL) offshore region. The HARP records broadband (10 Hz – 100 kHz) acoustic data, including both marine animal and anthropogenic sound. This report summarizes initial analysis to detect the presence of marine mammals by species as well as the occurrence of naval sonar and other anthropogenic sound events.
- 4,006.74 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2018
Marine mammal surveys, initiated as part of the CalCOFI cruises in 2004, were continued during 2016-2017. Visual monitoring incorporated standard line-transect survey protocol which includes two experienced observers scanning for marine mammals during transits between CalCOFI stations.
- 1,472.91 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2016
Progress is reported on efforts to estimate the density of Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), using passive acoustic monitoring data collected with Navy support at sites in the Southern California Bight. Two methods for estimating weekly densities of beaked whales are presented, one based on the number of echolocation clicks detected (click counting) and the other based on the presence of clicks during 1-min time bins indicating the presence of animal groups (group counting). The click-based method requires an estimate of mean click production rate, while the group-based method requires the proportion of 1-min bins a group is vocally active. These parameters are obtained from tagging and tracking data collected for Cuvier’s beaked whales in Southern California and other locations.
- 3,764.33 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2012
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex during May 2011 – March 2012 to detect the presence of marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. Highfrequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz with nearly continuous temporal coverage at a site near Santa Barbara Island (site M) and at a site west of San Clemente Island (site H). Data analysis consisted of detection of sounds of interest by analyst scans of long-term spectral averages and spectrograms, and by automated computer algorithm detection when possible. Representative sounds are presented in this report, as well as details of the computer algorithms used to detect them.
- 37,599.29 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2011
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted at two sites in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex during April 2010 – April 2011. These data provide information on the presence of marine mammals and anthropogenic sound sources. High‐frequency acoustic recording packages documented sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz with nearly continuous temporal coverage at a site near Santa Barbara Island (site M) and a site south of San Clemente Island (site N). For this reporting period, 8,099 hours of acoustic recordings were obtained from site M and 7,779 hours of recordings from site N. Data analysis methods consisted of analyst scans of long‐term spectral averages and spectrograms. The data were divided into three frequency bands and each band was analyzed for the sounds of marine mammal species or anthropogenic sources. Representative sounds are presented.
- 21,362.89 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 1, 2010
This report summarizes the underwater sounds detected during a series of deployments of a High Frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) in the southern California (SOCAL) offshore region. The HARP records broadband (10 Hz – 100 kHz) acoustic data, including both marine animal and anthropogenic sound. This report summarizes initial analysis to detect the presence of marine mammals by species as well as the occurrence of naval sonar and other anthropogenic sound events.
- 4,006.74 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2009
This report summarizes data analysis for deployment of a High Frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) in the southern California (SOCAL) offshore region. The HARP records broadband (10 Hz – 100 kHz) acoustic data, including both marine animal and anthropogenic sound. This report summarizes initial analysis to detect the presence of marine mammals by species as well as the occurrence of naval sonar and other anthropogenic sound events.
- 5,022.29 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2018
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted using High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) deployed in waters offshore of Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida with support from the US Navy during 2016 - 2017. The HARPs recorded underwater sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz. Data analysis consisted of analyst scans of long-term spectral averages (LTSAs) and spectrograms, and automated computer algorithm detection when possible. Three frequency bands were analyzed for marine mammal vocalizations and anthropogenic sounds: (1) Lowfrequency, between 10-1000 Hz, (2) Mid-frequency, between 1,000-5,000 Hz, and (3) Highfrequency, between 1-100 kHz.
- 5,208.04 KB
- Blue whale
- Bryde's whale
- Fin whale
- Minke whale
- North Atlantic right whale
- Sei whale
- Atlantic white-sided dolphin
- Blainville's beaked whale
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Clymene dolphin
- Common dolphin
- Goose-beaked whale
- Dwarf sperm whale
- False killer whale
- Gervais' beaked whale
- Killer whale
- Northern bottlenose whale
- Risso's dolphin
- Rough-toothed dolphin
- Short-finned pilot whale
- Sowerby's beaked whale
- Sperm whale
- Spotted dolphin
- Striped dolphin
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 3, 2019
The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center’s (PIFSC) Cetacean Research Program (CRP) has conducted visual surveys for cetaceans in the waters surrounding Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) since 2010 as part of an ongoing effort to develop a record of cetacean occurrence in the region. During 24 August–9 September 2018, non-systematic visual surveys were conducted from small vessels off Saipan, Tinian, Aguijan, and Guam. A total of 1,168 km of trackline was surveyed and most was in Beaufort sea states of 2–4 (73%) and swell heights of 0–4 ft (71%). Twenty cetacean groups were encountered, resulting in the collection of 6,437 photos, 33 biopsy samples, and the deployment of 5 satellite tags.
- 3,454.46 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2019
The PIFSC CRP has conducted research on cetaceans in the Mariana Archipelago since 2010. A cooperative effort with funding from U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet and PIFSC has included summer and winter small-boat surveys off the southernmost islands (Saipan, Tinian, Aguijan, Rota, and Guam), development of photo-ID catalogs, analysis of collected tissue samples and satellite telemetry tag data, and shipboard visual and PAM surveys in portions of the EEZ in 2010 and 2015. PIFSC has maintained long-term PAM on moored recorders off Saipan and Tinian (since 2010) and off Pagan (since 2015) as part of the Pacific Islands Passive Acoustic Network (PIPAN). The goal of these efforts is to collect the data necessary to conduct population assessments for cetaceans within the Mariana Archipelago, including the determination of their occurrence, population structure and abundance, movements, distribution, and habitat use.
- 6,884.39 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 17, 2018
The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center’s (PIFSC) Cetacean Research Program (CRP) has been conducting visual surveys and long-term acoustic monitoring for cetaceans in the waters surrounding Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) as part of an ongoing effort to develop a record of cetacean occurrence in the region. Visual surveys have been conducted aboard small boats (7.6–12.2 m) since 2010 off the southernmost islands of the Mariana Archipelago (Guam, Rota, Saipan, Tinian, and Aguijan). These surveys include the collection of photographs for individual identification, tissue samples for genetic analysis of population structure, and the deployment of satellite tags for assessment of individual movements throughout the broader region.
- 2,542.16 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 2, 2017
The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center’s (PIFSC) Cetacean Research Program (CRP) has been conducting visual surveys and long-term acoustic monitoring for cetaceans in the waters surrounding Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) as part of an ongoing effort to develop a record of cetacean occurrence in the region. Visual surveys have been conducted aboard small boats (7.6-12.2 m) since 2010 off the southernmost islands of the Mariana Archipelago (Guam, Rota, Saipan, Tinian, and Aguijan). These surveys include the collection of photographs for individual identification, tissue samples for genetic analysis of population structure, and the deployment of satellite tags for assessment of individual movements throughout the broader region
- 2,999.73 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2016
The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center’s (PIFSC) Cetacean Research Program (CRP) has been conducting visual surveys and long-term acoustic monitoring for cetaceans in the waters surrounding Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) as part of an ongoing effort to develop a record of cetacean occurrence in the region. Visual surveys have been conducted aboard small boats (7.6-12.2 m) since 2010 off the southernmost islands of the Mariana Archipelago (Guam, Rota, Saipan, Tinian, and Aguijan). These surveys include the collection of photographs for individual identification, tissue samples for genetic analysis of population structure, and the deployment of satellite tags for assessment of individual movements throughout the broader region.
- 3,259.39 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 27, 2015
The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center’s (PIFSC) Cetacean Research Program (CRP) has been conducting visual surveys for cetaceans in the waters surrounding Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and collecting long-term passive acoustic monitoring data at two sites in CNMI as part of an ongoing effort to develop a record of cetacean occurrence in the region. Visual surveys, conducted aboard small boats (7.6 – 12.2 m), have been ongoing since 2010 off the southern Mariana Islands of Guam, Rota, Saipan, Tinian, and Aguijan. T
- 3,614.97 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 2, 2014
an effort to further develop a record of cetacean occurrence in the region, as well as to gather photos and biopsy samples and deploy satellite tags for population studies, the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center's (PIFSC) Cetacean Research Program (CRP) conducted surveys for cetaceans in the waters surrounding Guam and the CNМІ (Figure 1) during 2010-2014. This research was carried out in partnership with the U.S. Navy and is expected to continue through 2015. Detailed reports for each survey year were submitted to the Navy (Oleson and Hill 2010, Ligon et al. 2011, Hill et al. 2012, Hill et al. 2013).
- 4,374.27 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2013
A long-term goal of this research is the evaluation of the population status of each cetacean stock. This includes producing population abundance estimates using mark-recapture techniques. The first step in the process is the creation of species photo-identification catalogs, which began during the summer of 2012
- 2,353.37 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2013
e Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center’s (PIFSC) Cetacean Research Program (CRP) conducted surveys for cetaceans in the waters surrounding Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in an effort to further develop a record of cetacean occurrence in the region.1 This was the fourth year conducting cetacean surveys aboard small boats (7.6 – 12.2 m) around the southern Mariana Islands of Guam, Rota, Saipan, Tinian, and Aguijan (Fig. 1). This project was carried out in partnership with the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet by a team of four primary personnel (Table 1). The collected data are being used to reveal the occurrence and distribution, stock structure, and movements of cetaceans within the study area.
- 1,488.70 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2012
The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center’s (PIFSC) Cetacean Research Program (CRP) conducted surveys for cetaceans in the waters surrounding Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) (Figure 1) in an effort to further develop a record of cetacean occurrence in the region and to gather photos and biopsy samples for population studies. This project was carried out in partnership with the U.S. Navy Commander, Pacific Fleet by a team of six primary personnel (Table 1).
- 1,134.77 KB
Found: a missing breeding ground for endangered western North Pacific humpback whales in the Mariana Archipelago.
Endangered Species Research. 2020.
41:91-103
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 1, 2020
Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) of the Marianas.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Prior to this study, very little was known about short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus; SFPW) in the Marianas. Small-boat surveys were conducted on 152 days in February - September 2010-2014 within the waters surrounding the southernmost islands of the Mariana Archipelago. Photo-identification data from 19 encounters with SFPWs and satellite-tag data from 6 encounters with SFPWs were used to investigate individual associations, movements, and space use. A total of 178 distinctive individuals were used in the analysis. Over half (63%) were photographed more than once across multiple years. A network diagram of cataloged individuals suggests there may be separate social networks within the southern Marianas. Ten location-only (SPOT-240C, Wildlife Computers) and one location-depth (SPLASH-292B, Wildlife Computers) satellite tags were deployed in the summer of 2013 and 2014. Individual kernel densities estimates (kde) were calculated for tagged SFPWs with >30 (2 daily) tag locations during summer (June-August). These kdes were then combined to get a single kde for all tagged SFPWs, as well as for each of the two largest social networks in order to estimate probability density contours to find areas with the highest probability of use (10%), core areas (50%), and home ranges (95%) during summer. The areas with highest probability of use during summer were off the west sides of Guam and Rota with no overlap between the two networks. Overlap occurred in both core areas and home ranges. Satellite tag data indicate occasional distant offshore movements by individuals, up to 417 km from shore, though the median distance from shore (17 km) indicates a greater use of near island waters. The location-depth tag duration was 35 days during which 1,321 dives ≥30 m were recorded. The deepest dive recorded was 1,183 m with a 16 min duration. The longest dive was 24 min to a depth of 512 m.
- 111.97 KB
Cetacean Research in the Marianas.
NMFS-PIFSC External Program Review of Protected Species Science .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 16, 2026
Goals: Understand species occurrence and distribution. Determine the population structure and abundance of the those species. Study the movements and habitat use of individuals and populations. Methods: Small boat-based and ship-based surveys. Passive acoustic recordings (HARPs & towed array). Photo-ID, biopsy sampling, and satellite tagging.
- 5,971.92 KB
Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) of the Mariana Archipelago: Individual affiliations, movements, and spatial use.
Marine Mammal Science. 2019.
35:3(797-824)
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- July 1, 2019
Killer Whales in the Central Tropical Pacific: Occurrence, Resightings, Morphology, and Acoustics.
Marine Mammal Science. 2026.
Volume 42, Issue 3
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- May 11, 2026
Using individual-based bioenergetic models to predict the aggregate effects of disturbance on populations: A case study with beaked whales and Navy sonar.
PLOS One. 2023.
18(8):e0290819
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- August 31, 2023
Anthropogenic activities can lead to changes in animal behavior. Predicting population consequences of these behavioral changes requires integrating short-term individual responses into models that forecast population dynamics across multiple generations. This is especially challenging for long-lived animals, because of the different time scales involved. Beaked whales are a group of deep-diving odontocete whales that respond behaviorally when exposed to military mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), but the effect of these nonlethal responses on beaked whale populations is unknown. Population consequences of aggregate exposure to MFAS was assessed for two beaked whale populations that are regularly present on U.S. Navy training ranges where MFAS is frequently used. Our approach integrates a wide range of data sources, including telemetry data, information on spatial variation in habitat quality, passive acoustic data on the temporal pattern of sonar use and its relationship to beaked whale foraging activity, into an individual-based model with a dynamic bioenergetic module that governs individual life history.
Models Incorporating Non-Stationarity Improve Detection of Climate-Driven Range Shifts in Odontocetes.
Diversity and Distributions. 2026.
32 (2)
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- March 12, 2026
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2013
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between July 2010 and June 2011 in Onslow Bay at Site A in 171 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 10 minutes and recorded for 216 days between 30 July 2010 and 3 March 2011. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for two frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Calls of blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, North Atlantic right whales, possible sei whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 1,673.75 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 3, 2015
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between October 2012 and August 2013 in Onslow Bay at Site E in 853 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 10 minutes and recorded for 250 days between 24 October 2012 and 30 June 2013. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Calls of blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, possible sei whales, Blainville’s beaked whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales, Gervais’ beaked whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified odontocetes and mysticetes were detected in the data.
- 2,799.53 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2013
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between February and July 2011 in the Jacksonville, FL, survey area at Site A in 91 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 15 minutes and recorded for 164 days between 1 February 2011 and 14 July 2011. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Vocalizations of Risso’s dolphins and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data. Much of the low- and mid-frequency data were unusable, thus preventing detection of mysticete calls and mid-frequency active sonar.
- 573.76 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2013
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between February and July 2011 in the Jacksonville, FL, survey area at Site B in 37 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 15 minutes and recorded for 163 days between 2 February 2011 and 14 July 2011. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Calls of humpback whales and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 526.99 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2013
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between March and October 2012 in the Cape Hatteras survey area at Site A in approximately 950 m. This HARP sampled continuously at 200 kHz and recorded for 28 days between 15 March 2012 and 11 April 2012. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for two frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Calls of fin whales, minke whales, beaked whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 370.58 KB
Passive Acoustic Monitoring for Marine Mammals at Site A in Onslow Bay, October 2007 – January 2008.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between October 2007 and May 2008 in Onslow Bay at Site A in 162 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 10 minutes, with the exception of the period from January 1 – 16, 2008, when it recorded continuously due to an instrumentation malfunction, and recorded for 98 days between 10 October 2007 and 16 January 2008. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for two frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Calls of blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, possible sei whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 1,395.18 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between May and November 2008 in Onslow Bay at Site B in 232 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 10 minutes and recorded for 103 days between 30 May 2008 and 10 September 2008. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for two frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Vocalizations of blue whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 1,109.07 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between April and September 2009 in Onslow Bay at Site A in 174 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 10 minutes and recorded for 107 days between 24 April 2009 and 9 August 2009. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for two frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Vocalizations of Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 977.21 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between November 2009 and February 2010 in Onslow Bay at Site A in 171 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 15 minutes and recorded for 108 days between 8 November 2009 and 24 February 2010. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for two frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Calls of blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, possible sei whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 1,373.54 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between November 2009 and April 2010 in Onslow Bay at Site C in 335 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 15 minutes and recorded for 163 days between 8 November 2009 and 20 April 2010. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for two frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Calls of blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, humpback whales, possible sei whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 1,526.63 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between July 2010 and February 2011 in Onslow Bay at Site D in 338 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 10 minutes and recorded for 210 days between 30 July 2010 and 24 February 2011. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for two frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Calls of blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, possible sei whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified odontocetes were detected in the data.
- 3,241.19 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between August 2011 and July 2012 in Onslow Bay at Site E in 952 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 10 minutes and recorded for 105 days between 19 August 2011 and 1 December 2011. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Calls of blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, possible sei whales, an unidentified beaked whale species, Blainville’s beaked whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales, Gervais’ beaked whales, killer whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 1,903.07 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between July and October 2012 in Onslow Bay at Site E in 914 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 10 minutes and recorded for 81 days between 14 July 2012 and 2 October 2012. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations. Calls of blue whales, Blainville’s beaked whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales, Gervais’ beaked whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 1,321.32 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2017
The U.S. Navy has been using High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) to conduct passive acoustic monitoring in waters offshore of Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida to determine patterns of occurrence and distribution of cetacean species and anthropogenic sounds since 2007. The datasets discussed in this annual report came from seven HARP deployments made from 2012 through 2016: one near Norfolk Canyon, off the coast of Virginia (982 meter [m] depth) between June 2014 and April 2015; four off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina (850–980 m depths) between October 2012 and April 2016; and two off Jacksonville, Florida (800–806 m depths) between August 2014 and April 2016.
- 7,021.28 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2016
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between August 2014 and July 2015 in the Jacksonville, FL, survey area at Site D in 806 m. This HARP sampled continuously at 200 kHz and recorded for 279 days between 23 August 2014 and 29 May 2015. The data were divided into three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned manually for marine mammal vocalizations using Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) and automated computer algorithm detection when possible. Vocalizations of fin whales, minke whales, sei whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Blainville’s beaked whales, Gervais’ beaked whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 1,876.70 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 16, 2016
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between June 2014 and April 2015 in Norfolk Canyon, VA, at Site A in 982 m. This HARP sampled continuously at 200 kHz and recorded for 290 days between 19 June 2014 and 5 April 2015. The data were divided into three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations using Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) and automated detectors. Vocalizations of blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, sei whales, humpback whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales, Gervais’ beaked whales, possible Sowerby’s beaked whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 2,844.76 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 16, 2016
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between October 2012 and May 2013 in the Cape Hatteras, NC, survey area at Site A in 970 m. This HARP sampled continuously at 200 kHz and recorded for 212 days between 9 October 2012 and 9 May 2013. The data were divided into three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations using Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) and automated detectors. Vocalizations of blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, sei whales, North Atlantic right whales, humpback whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales, Gervais’ beaked whales, Blainville’s beaked whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 2,669.81 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 17, 2016
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between May 2013 and March 2014 in the Cape Hatteras, NC, survey area at Site A in 970 m. This HARP sampled continuously at 200 kHz and recorded for 290 days between 29 May 2013 and 15 March 2014. The data were divided into three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations using Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) and automated detectors. Vocalizations of blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, sei whales, North Atlantic right whales, humpback whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales, Gervais’ beaked whales, Blainville’s beaked whales, possible Sowerby’s beaked whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 2,842.35 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 17, 2016
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between May 2014 and April 2015 in the Cape Hatteras, NC, survey area at Site A in 850 m. This HARP sampled continuously at 200 kHz and recorded for 217 days between 9 May 2014 and 11 December 2014. The data were divided into three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations using Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) and automated detectors. Vocalizations of blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, sei whales, North Atlantic right whales, humpback whales, Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales, Gervais’ beaked whales, Blainville’s beaked whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 2,212.30 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 1, 2014
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between March and August 2010 in Jacksonville, FL, at Site B in 38 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 15 minutes and recorded for 164 days between 9 March 2010 and 19 August 2010. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations and mid-frequency active sonar. Vocalizations of humpback whales, sperm whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 471.17 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 4, 2015
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between September 2009 and February 2010 in Jacksonville, FL, at Site A in 83 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 15 minutes and recorded for 91 days between 16 September 2009 and 15 December 2009, at which point the hydrophone was damaged possibly from an animal bite. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 10 kHz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations and mid-frequency active sonar. Vocalizations of minke whales, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 923.56 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 4, 2015
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between February and August 2010 in Jacksonville, FL, at Site A in 89 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 15 minutes and recorded for 159 days between 22 February 2010 and 30 July 2010. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 10 kHz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations and mid-frequency active sonar. Vocalizations of minke whales, sperm whales, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 875.26 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 4, 2015
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between May 2013 and February 2014 in the Jacksonville, FL, survey area at Site C in 94 m. This HARP sampled continuously at 200 kHz and recorded for 39 days between 13 May 2013 and 20 June 2013. The data were divided into three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations using Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs). Vocalizations of unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 498.92 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in Navy range complexes along the Atlantic coast. This program began in 2007, with baseline aerial and vessel surveys and a passive acoustic monitoring program in Onslow Bay, North Carolina and has since expanded to include study areas off Jacksonville, Florida and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. In Onslow Bay, six years of monitoring have yielded a comprehensive picture of the density, distribution and abundance of marine mammals and sea turtles and provided new insights into residency patterns among pelagic delphinid cetaceans in this region. More than four years of monitoring in Jacksonville have provided similar information on the density and distribution of marine mammals and sea turtles in this area. In Cape Hatteras, almost three years of surveys have provided preliminary information on the complex patterns of distribution and diversity of the marine mammals and sea turtles in this highly productive area. The current report builds on this past body of work and describes passive acoustic monitoring activities that occurred at these three sites between January and December 2013.
- 4,410.11 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 4, 2015
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between April and September 2009 in Jacksonville, FL, at Site B in 37 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 15 minutes and recorded for 157 days between 2 April 2009 and 5 September 2009. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 10 kHz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations and mid-frequency active sonar. Vocalizations of sperm whales and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 629.08 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 4, 2015
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between February 2014 and August 2014 in the Jacksonville, FL, survey area at Site C in 88 m. This HARP sampled continuously at 200 kHz and recorded for 188 days between 17 February 2014 and 23 August 2014. The data were divided into three frequency bands (10 Hz – 1000 Hz, 500 Hz – 5000 Hz, and 1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for marine mammal vocalizations using Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs). Vocalizations of fin whales, minke whales, humpback whales, Risso’s dolphins, and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data. A 5-pulse signal, previously described in the Jacksonville area, was also heard.
- 1,110.20 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 28, 2015
In October 2005, the U.S. Department of the Navy proposed the installation of an Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) in one of four sites along the Atlantic coast, for the purpose of anti-submarine warfare training using mid-frequency tactical sonar (1-10 kilohertz [kHz]) in shallow waters. The initial preferred site for the USWTR was Onslow Bay, North Carolina.
- 5,329.59 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2016
The primary objectives of the passive acoustic 26 monitoring program are to: 1) Determine the patterns of occurrence at each monitoring site; 2) Compare patterns of occurrence to better understand distributional patterns; and 3) Document species-specific characteristics of the vocalizations of marine mammal species 30 in each area.
- 9,348.40 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2018
The U.S. Navy has been using High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) to conduct passive acoustic monitoring in waters offshore of Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida to determine patterns of occurrence and distribution of cetacean species and anthropogenic sounds since 2007. Many baleen whale species and six known odontocete taxa (Kogia spp., Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavisrostris), Gervais’ beaked whale (Mesoplodon europaeus), and Blainville’s beaked whale (M. densirostris)) had previously been identified within these recordings; however, a much larger number of detections of unidentified odontocete clicks remained. This work looked at steps toward classification of these unidentified odontocete clicks.
- 10,763.43 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 10, 2015
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP; Wiggins and Hildebrand 2007) was deployed between April and September 2009 in Jacksonville, FL, at Site A in 82 m. This HARP sampled at 200 kHz for 5 minutes of every 15 minutes and recorded usable data for 54 days between 2 April 2009 and 25 May 2009. Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) were created for one frequency band (1 kHz – 100 kHz) and scanned for odontocete vocalizations. Vocalizations of sperm whales and unidentified delphinids were detected in the data.
- 297.71 KB
Monitoring Marine Mammals in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, Using Passive Acoustics.
2026.
PhD Dissertation Duke University
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 13, 2026
Passive acoustic monitoring is being used more frequently to examine the occurrence, distribution, and habitat use of cetaceans. Long-term recordings from passive acoustic recorders allow the examination of diel, seasonal, and inter-annual variation in the occurrence of vocalizing marine mammals. With the increased use of passive acoustics as a tool for studying marine mammals, the ability to classify calls to the species level is becoming more important. While studies have found distinctive vocalizations in some cetacean species, further work is required in order to differentiate the vocalizations of delphinid species. I sought to classify odontocete vocalizations to species and to describe temporal variation and depth-related differences in the occurrence of cetacean vocal events detected in archival passive acoustic recordings in Onslow Bay, North Carolina. To determine if odontocete species in offshore waters of North Carolina could be distinguished by their whistles and clicks, I used a towed hydrophone array to make acoustic recordings of species encountered during concurrent visual and acoustic surveys between 2007 and 2010. I recorded whistles from four species (Atlantic spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, and short-finned pilot whales) and clicks from five species (Risso's dolphins in addition to the four species listed above). After running a classification and regression tree (CART) analysis on 22 measured variables from the contours of four species' whistles, I generated an optimal classification tree that had a correct classification rate of 74.2%. My results indicate that species-specificity exists in the four species' whistles. My examination of the spectral structure of clicks showed that only Risso's dolphins produced clicks with distinctive spectral banding patterns, although I found that other click parameters, particularly peak and center frequency, might be useful in differentiating the other species. I then used the distinctive banding pattern that I observed in Risso's dolphin clicks to identify this species in recordings made by archival passive acoustic recorders that were deployed at various times and locations between 2007 and 2010. I used these recordings to determine how vocal events varied temporally and spatially in Onslow Bay. My analysis of vocal events observed in these recordings showed that Risso's dolphins, sperm whales, and other delphinids are present in Onslow Bay throughout the year; Kogia spp. occur sporadically; and fin and minke whales produce calls that can be detected only between late fall and early spring. I also detected low-frequency downsweeps and two types of low-frequency pulse trains produced by unknown species. After looking at the occurrence of fin whale 20-Hz pulses in relation to downsweeps, I suggest that the downsweeps are produced by sei whales due to the lack of overlap in occurrence. When I looked for diel patterns in the odontocete vocal events, I found a nocturnal increase in the occurrence of clicks from Risso's dolphins and sperm whales, but no diel variation in Kogia clicks. I also found that unidentified delphinids showed either an increase in click events at dawn or at night, depending on the time of year and recording location. Finally, my analysis of acoustic data from five recorders deployed in three different depth ranges revealed that there was greater unidentified delphinid and sperm whale vocal activity on recorders located in deep waters, suggesting a greater diversity and density of animals in deeper waters of Onslow Bay. Together, the results of my dissertation demonstrate the value of passive acoustic monitoring in understanding the distribution and temporal trends in cetacean occurrence, and highlight the importance of classifying sounds to the species level in order to better understand the temporal and spatial patterns found.
The influence of habitat and time of day on the occurrence of odontocete vocalizations in Onslow Bay, North Carolina.
Marine Mammal Science. 2013.
29(4):E411-E427
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- July 1, 2013
To determine whether the occurrence and duration of odontocete vocal events varied by depth or time of day in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, we analyzed acoustic data collected by five underwater recorders. These recorders were deployed in July 2008 at three depths: two in shallow (64–73 m), one in medium (236 m), and two in deep (~366 m) water. We found that habitat influenced the occurrence of odontocete vocalizations, with significantly greater daily vocal activity from delphinids on recorders in deeper waters and sperm whale clicks recorded only on the medium and deep recorders. These findings suggest that a greater diversity and occurrence of animals are located in waters beyond the shelf break in this area, a conclusion supported by visual surveys. We also found an increase in the occurrence of delphinid clicks at night on the shallow and deep recorders, likely reflecting nocturnal foraging activity, and a regular nocturnal occurrence of sperm whale clicks on the mediumdepth recorder located near the shelf break, suggesting that one or more sperm whales moved into that area to feed at night. These observations improve our understanding of the occurrence and behavior of odontocetes in this region of the U.S. Atlantic seaboard.
Temporal variation in odontocete vocal events in Onslow Bay, North Carolina.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
Long-term recordings from passive acoustic monitoring allow examination of diel, seasonal, and inter-annual variation in the occurrence of vocalizing marine mammals. We used High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) to determine how odontocete vocal events varied temporally in Onslow Bay, North Carolina from October 2007 to April 2010. The recordings showed Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, and unidentified delphinids are present throughout the year, with sporadic occurrence of Kogia spp. Risso’s dolphins and sperm whales showed a nocturnal increase in the occurrence of clicks; Kogia spp. showed no significant diel variation in the occurrence of clicks; and unidentified delphinids showed either an increase in vocal events at dawn or at night, depending on the time of year and recording site. From mid-November to January, a pattern of long-duration and clustered vocal events is evident in the latenight, early-morning period at a shallow site along the shelf break. These signals were not seen at a deeper site during the same time period, suggesting that animals are moving toward the shelf break area, are staying in the shallow area for longer periods of time, are composed of larger group sizes, and/or are from a migratory species or stock. In addition, these extended vocal events may be indicative of a behavioral change, such as an increase in foraging. Future studies will focus effort on discriminating vocalizations belonging to unidentified delphinids as the majority of the vocalizations came from this group and could shed light on the species responsible for the dawn increase in vocal events.
- 146.32 KB
Heard but not seen: Occurrence of Kogia spp. along the western North Atlantic shelf break.
Marine Mammal Science. 2018.
34: 1141-1153
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:
- March 15, 2018
The two species in the family Kogiidae, the pygmy (Kogia breviceps) and dwarf (K. sima) sperm whales, are found worldwide in tropical and temperate waters (Jefferson et al. 1993). These cryptic species (hereafter referred to as Kogia) are difficult to detect during visual surveys due to their small size and inconspicuous surfacing behavior (McAlpine 2009). When sighted, both species are found in small groups (Jefferson et al. 1993) and avoid vessels (Würsig et al. 1998). They do not show their flukes when they dive (McAlpine 2009) and sometimes merely sink from the surface (Willis and Baird 1998). Their blow is seldom visible, and they often lie motionless at the surface (Leatherwood et al. 1976, McAlpine 2009).
Echolocation behavior of endangered fish-eating killer whales (Orcinus orca) recorded from digital acoustic recording tags (DTAGs): Insight into subsurface foraging activity.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2016.
140(4, Part 2):3130
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Species:Methods:
- October 1, 2016
Killer whales are apex predators with diet specializations that vary among ecotypes. Resident killer whales use broadband echolocation clicks to detect and capture fish prey in their underwater environment. Here, we describe the echolocation behavior of endangered Southern Resident killer whales using DTAGs to determine subsurface foraging activity and to assess the effects of vessel and noise on foraging behavior. We deployed 29 DTAGs on individually-identified killer whales and collected complimentary field data over four seasons in summer habitat. DTAGs had two hydrophones that each recorded sound at sampling rates of 192 or 240 kHz, and other sensors to reconstruct whale movement. Prey remains were opportunistically collected during tag deployments to validate feeding. Echolocation signals of the tagged whale were inferred from spectral content and the angle of arrival that corresponded to tag placement. Preliminary results reveal that individuals produced steady click trains during shallow dives then dove to deeper depths while clicking at higher repetition rates that graded into bottom-associated low-level buzzes before ascent occurred. These results, together with movement data, are reliable subsurface foraging cues in this endangered population that can be used to assess vessel effects on foraging behavior.
Protected Species Monitoring in the Proposed Undersea Warfare Training Range Offshore of Jacksonville, FL: January – December 2010 .
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2011
A multi-institutional, marine protected species monitoring program, involving aerial, vessel and acoustic surveillance techniques, has been implemented at the proposed Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) offshore of Jacksonville, Florida. This abstract reports on the second year of aerial and vessel visual line-transect and acoustic surveys used to investigate cetacean and sea turtle occurrence, distribution and abundance. During aerial surveys, a total of 269 track‐lines (22,695 km) were completed, the majority of which were flown in low Beaufort Sea State (BSS) conditions (94% in BSS 3 or lower). A total of 3,285 cetaceans were recorded in 286 sightings. Tursiops truncatus and Stenella frontalis were the most frequently encountered, followed by Grampus griseus, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, Steno bredanensis, Eubalaena glacialis, Megaptera novaeangliae, and Physeter macrocephalus. On March 20, an E. glacialis birth was observed, an event which has only been witnessed once before. Cetaceans were encountered 46 times during the 18.5 days of vessel surveys. Sightings consisted of S. frontalis, T. truncatus, G. macrorhynchus, and G. griseus. The towed passive acoustic array was deployed during 12 vessel surveys, generating a total of 13.75 hrs of recordings including all four sighted species. Two autonomous high frequency acoustic recording packages (HARPs) were deployed in the study region between March 1‐December 31 for long‐ term passive acoustic monitoring. HARP recordings have been recovered from the seafloor and are being analyzed for diel, seasonal, and interannual trends in cetacean occurrence. Surveys are scheduled to continue through 2012 to provide long‐term habitat usage patterns in the USWTR.
- 175.57 KB
The acoustic behavior of minke whales in relation to mid-frequency active sonar.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
A preliminary analysis of minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) acoustic behavior using data collected from Marine Acoustic Recording Units moored off Jacksonville, Florida in the fall and winter of 2009-2010 indicated that the duration of detected minke whale pulse trains was negatively influenced by the presence of Mid-Frequency Active Sonar (MFAS) activity. Other possible responses to MFAS include changes in characteristics of vocalizations, and movement away from the study area, which would result in a perceived change in vocal activity. Due to a low sample size, more data were needed to further investigate this potential change in vocal activity. Additional analysis was conducted by examining the occurrence and characteristics of minke whale pulse trains twenty-four hours before, during, and twenty-four hours after sonar activity. Acoustic data used for this analysis were collected in 2010-2012 with four High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) deployed off of Jacksonville, Florida, Onslow Bay, North Carolina, and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Periods of MFAS activity were detected and characterized using custom MATLAB® code (SonarFinder). Of the four datasets analyzed, two contained minke whale pulse trains that occurred before, during, and/or after periods of MFAS activity. Over 120 hours of recordings containing minke whale pulse trains from 49 encounters (a sequence of pulse trains with no more than 30 minutes between calls) were reviewed. Pulse trains were annotated and characterized by pulse train type (slow-down, speed-up, or constant), signal to noise ratio (SNR), and frequency range. Only pulse trains with an SNR of greater than 8dB were further analyzed to measure additional variables, including duration and pulse repetition rate. Our statistical analysis to assess changes in the occurrence and characteristics of minke whale pulse trains in relation to MFAS activity will provide insight into minke whale behavior and help guide the development of mitigation strategies for this species.
- 92.11 KB
Source levels and spectral characteristics of sound produced during pile driving at US East Coast Navy Installations.
4th International Conference on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- July 10, 2016
- 2,143.89 KB
Near real-time passive acoustic monitoring of baleen whales from autonomous platforms in the Gulf of Maine.
4th International Conference on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- July 10, 2016
- 2,716.21 KB
Passive acoustic monitoring for marine mammals during Navy explosives training events off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia..
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2013.
134(5, Part 2):4045
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2013
Navy training events involving the use of explosives pose a potential threat to marine mammals. This study used passive acoustic and visual monitoring data to evaluate marine mammals’ behavioral responses to noise from explosive events. Monitoring was conducted during five training events in the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Range Complex during August/September of 2009–2012. Passive acoustic monitoring methods ranged from a single hydrophone to an array of sonobuoys monitored in real time. Visual monitoring effort over the five events totaled approximately 34 h (day before events: 10.1 h; days of events: 22.3 h; day after events: 1.5 h), yielding a total of 27 marine mammal sightings. Approximately 54 h of acoustic data were collected before, during, and after the five events. Behavioral changes were evaluated based on analysis of vocalizations detected before, during, and after explosions and concurrent data from visual sightings. For time periods with both visual and acoustic monitoring data, detection methods were compared to evaluate effectiveness. Continuing use and evaluation of both visual and passive acoustic methods for monitoring of explosive training events will improve our knowledge of potential impact resulting from explosive events and help improve management and conservation of marine mammals.
- 46.77 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2024
The U.S. Navy conducts military training and testing in Pacific Northwest range areas to prepare combat-ready military forces, whereas NOAA Fisheries is responsible for managing threatened and endangered species in marine waters and providing permits to the U.S. Navy. NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Navy share the common goals of minimizing the impact of military training and testing activities on endangered species without compromising training and testing efforts and reducing adverse environmental effects. This work provides vital geographic and distributional data within the Navy’s range areas, allowing the Navy the flexibility to proceed with training and testing while providing protective measures for both salmonids and killer whales. This research jointly studied Chinook salmon and Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT study area) Range. The authors used acoustic telemetry to map salmon behavior and overlap with SRKW occurrence. By tracking Chinook salmon, SRKW's primary prey, the project aims to guide actions to conserve both species. The data will help adjust activities to minimize harm to these protected species. From May to September 2023, 101 Chinook salmon were caught, tagged, and released north of the Columbia River near the Washington Coast. Acoustic transmitters were surgically implanted into the fish, allowing them to be detected by stationary receivers deployed in the ocean, estuaries, and nearby rivers. The fish's locations and movements were recorded and used to Submitted in Support of the U.S. Navy’s 2023 Annual Marine Species Monitoring Report for the Pacific STANDARD FORM 298 Back (Rev. 8/98) assess their spatial distribution and behavior. SRKW detections were also collected from March to October 2023 at 15 passive acoustic moorings on the Washington coast. These acoustic moorings, in combination with the 69 kHz receivers, are currently in operation. All but one of the salmon tagged so far were Snake River spring/summer Chinook ESU and the remaining Chinook origin is yet to be determined. Tasks the are still to be completed include tagging an estimated 60 Chinook salmon and analyzing concurrently collected SRKW data. Spring-run Chinook salmon that are returning to the Columbia River are b
- 3,071.87 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 8, 2026
This year-round telemetry study, managed by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) since May 2021, monitors ESA-listed Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus, threatened) and shortnose sturgeon (A. brevirostrum, endangered) in the lower Kennebec River and adjacent coastal waters. The 2019 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Biological Opinion (GARFO-2019-01719) for Kennebec River maintenance dredging recommended future studies to characterize year-round habitat use by the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segments (DPS) of Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon. The monitoring array extends from Dresden, Maine downriver to Fort Popham, with offshore stations forming a curtain between the Fox-Seguin Islands and the Jackknife Ledge Dredge Disposal area (Fig 1). This array is designed to track tagged sturgeon, but also records movements of other tagged migratory species, such as white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). The project’s objectives are to support U.S. Navy environmental compliance and permitting associated with the Kennebec River Federal Navigation Project and activities near Bath Iron Works (BIW), while identifying optimal dredging windows that maintain operational readiness and minimize impacts to ESA-listed species. These monitoring data provide a year-round environmental baseline to support Navy consultations and regulatory decision-making related to dredging and other in-water activities. Specific goals include: monitoring year-round presence and migration patterns of both sturgeon species; documenting sturgeon activity near Bath Iron Works; increasing the number of tagged sturgeon; and recording coastal movements of sturgeon and NOAA-designated highly migratory species offshore from Popham Beach.
- 519.30 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:
- January 1, 2025
Statistical Analysis of Marine Mammal Stranding Events
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2017
In order to better assess the impacts of pile-driving activities, the U.S. Navy has collected data at six locations where 93 pile driving events occurred in which noise levels were measured over a 3-year period of airborne and underwater empirical acoustic noise-level data collected during pile-driving construction projects along the Mid-Atlantic corridor.
- 10,612.93 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 29, 2013
This report summarizes the hydroacoustic monitoring results for sheet piles and H-Piles at the Joint Expeditionary Force Base Little Creek and 24-inch concrete pile at Craney Island near Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia. The plan was to measure sheet piles on 28 and 30 May and measure concrete piles driven on 29 May.
- 7,233.17 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2015
This report summarizes the underwater and airborne noise monitoring results for impact driving 24-inch (61 centimeter) square concrete piles and vibratory driving timber piles at the Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia
- 1,386.24 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2015
This report summarizes underwater and airborne acoustic monitoring results for pile-driving at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida during through 11 June 2015. Both 96.5- centimeter (cm) (38-inch [in]) × 45.7-cm (18-in) king piles and 122-cm (48-in) sheet piles were installed.
- 2,294.67 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2015
This report summarizes the underwater and airborne noise monitoring results for (36-inch [91.4 cm] and 48-inch [121.2 cm]) steel shell piles at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard Annex in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Figure 1). The piles driven were structural piles being driven to reinforce the existing Pier
- 3,630.10 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 1, 2015
This report summarizes underwater and airborne acoustic monitoring results for removal of piles associated with the training exercise related to the removal of the Elevated Causeway (ELCAS) at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia. On 10 and 11 September 2015, multiple 61-centimeter diameter (24-inch) steel pipe piles were removed. All pile-extractions were accomplished using an APE 150 Vibratory Driver Extractor; which has an eccentric moment of 23.35 kilogram-force-meter (2,200 pound-force inch). Noise levels were measured for 13 piles
- 3,803.29 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2016
This report summarizes underwater and airborne acoustic monitoring results for the installation of piles associated with the training exercise related to the construction of the Elevated Causeway (ELCAS) at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia. On 26, 27, and 28 April 2016, multiple 24-inch (61-centimeter) diameter steel pipe piles were installed.
- 1,941.09 KB
Scales of blue and fin whale feeding behavior off California, USA, with implications for prey patchiness.
Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 2019.
7:338. doi: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00338
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- September 9, 2019
Intermediate-duration archival tags were attached to eight blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus; four females, three males, one of unknown sex), and five fin whales (B. physalus; two females, one male, two of unknown sex) off southern California, USA, in summer 2014 and 2015. Tags logged 1-Hz data from tri-axial accelerometers, magnetometers, and a depth sensor, while acquiring Fastloc GPS locations.
Diving and foraging behavior of blue whales tracked with intermediate-duration Advanced Dive Behavior tags off Southern California.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
We deployed four Advanced Dive Behavior tags on blue whales near Pt. Mugu, California, in August 2014. The tags recorded data at 1 Hz from 3-axis accelerometers, magnetometers, and a pressure sensor (depth), while also recording FastLoc GPS locations. Tag attachment duration ranged from 18.3-20.0 d, recording 1068-2918 dives and 185-2539 GPS locations while attached. Whales foraged near the tagging area for up to seven days before dispersing as far as Ensenada, Mexico, and Cape Mendocino, California. Foraging lunges were detected as peaks in the Minimum Specific Acceleration and Jerk during dives, and foraging effort was summarized by identifying sequences of dives (foraging clusters) with no more than three consecutive non-foraging dives. The median foraging cluster contained 10 dives over 1.6 h bouts (min = 3 dives over 0.4 h; max = 68 dives over 12.3 h). Variability between foraging clusters in terms of median dive depth, duration, and number of lunges per dive likely reflects local prey availability. The number and duration of foraging clusters decreased substantially during more linear travel segments after departure from the tagging area. The area covered by lunge clusters was calculated for two tracks with high numbers of GPS locations (2297 and 2539 locations) to compare the spatial scales of foraging effort. Foraging clusters were generally small (median = 1.2 and 1.5 km2, respectively) and temporally distinct (median = 1.8 h and 2.2 h apart, respectively) for both whales. The two whales were in close proximity (
- 91.83 KB
Ecological drivers of movement for two sympatric marine predators in the California current large marine ecosystem.
Movement Ecology. 2025.
13(1):19
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 18, 2025
We fitted movement models to 14 years of blue whale satellite tracking data and 13 years of fin whale data to characterize their movement persistence, with higher move persistence values representing more directional movement and lower move persistence values representing less directional movement. Models were evaluated against a range of physical and biological environmental predictors to identify significant correlates of low move persistence (i.e., presumed intensified foraging behavior). We then used data from a subset of sensor-equipped tags that monitored vertical behavior (e.g., dive and feeding), in addition to movement, to test the relationship between vertical behavior and movement persistence.
An at-sea assessment of Argos location accuracy for three species of large whales, and the effect of deep-diving behavior on location error.
Animal Biotelemetry. 2020.
10.1186/s40317-020-00207-x
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Species:Methods:
- June 7, 2020
Argos satellite telemetry is used globally to track terrestrial and aquatic megafauna, yet the accuracy of this system has been described empirically only for a limited number of species. We used Argos-linked archival tags with Fastloc GPS deployed on free-ranging sperm (Physeter macrocephalus), blue (Balaenoptera musculus), and fin (B. physalus) whales to derive empirical estimates of Argos location errors for these species, examine possible behavior-related differences, and test the effect of incorporating species-specific error parameters on performance of a commonly used movement model.
Quantifying the response of Blainville's beaked whales to U.S. naval sonar exercises in Hawaii.
Marine Mammal Science. 2022.
38(4):1549-1565
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- June 3, 2022
Behavioral responses of beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) to naval use of mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) have been quantified for some species and regions. We describe the effects of MFAS on the probability of detecting diving groups of Blainville's beaked whales on the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Hawaii and compare our results to previously published results for the same species at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) in the Bahamas. We use passive acoustic data collected at bottom-mounted hydrophones before and during six naval training exercises at PMRF along with modelled sonar received levels to describe the effect of training and MFAS on foraging groups of Blainville's beaked whales. We use a multistage generalized additive modeling approach to control for the underlying spatial distribution of vocalizations under baseline conditions.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2013
The U.S. Navy developed the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC) Monitoring Plan to provide required monitoring of protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972) and the Endangered Species Act (1973). Of the 5 species of sea turtle associated with the MIRC this interim report provides preliminary data on the habitat and movements of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the nearshore waters of Saipan, Tinian, Guam – and the waters in between during migration.
- 1,200.48 KB
Rare sightings of Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera brydei/edeni) in the Southern California Bight.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 4, 2012
Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera brydei/edeni) have been considered an anomalous occurrence in the Southern California Bight (SCB). Thus, they typically have been excluded from species lists associated with SCB management documents. In the last 40 years only two visual sightings of Bryde’s whales were documented in California waters, the last one in 1991 (Carretta et al. 2007). This is despite extensive systematic vessel and aerial surveys and presumed recent recordings of Bryde’s whale vocalizations in the SCB. Bryde’s whales are notoriously difficult to differentiate in the field and from fin (B. physalus) and sei whales (B. borealis), given the subtle differences in physical characteristics. Between August 2006 and September 2010, we photo-documented five sightings of five single Bryde’s whales in the SCB. Two of the five sightings occurred in October 2008 and September 2010 during 33,880 km of aerial surveys. The remaining three sightings occurred during small-vessel surveys that included offshore waters: two in June 2006 and one in September 2010. These sightings combined with other reports of presumed vocalizations suggest that Bryde’s whale numbers may be increasing in the SCB. This may be related to global warming, large-scale oceanographic events (e.g., El Niño and La Niña) and resulting changes in prey availability. However, no clear association pattern was evident between ENSO events and our sightings. The recent sightings reported herein indicate that the Bryde’s whale should be considered as a species present in the SCB and photodocumentation is critical to ascertain species.
- 1,555.47 KB
Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei/edeni) sightlngs in the Southern California Bight.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2012 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 3, 2012
Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera brydeij edem) have been considered an anomalous occurrence in the Southern California Bight (SCB). Thus, they typically have been excluded from species lists associated with SCB management documents. In the last 40 years only two visual sightings of Bryde's whales were documented in California waters, the last one in 1991 (Carretta et al. 2008). This is despite extensive systematic vessel and aerial surveys and presumed recent recordings of Bryde's whale vocalizations in the SCB. Bryde's whales are notoriously difficult to differentiate in the field, both from each other and also from fin (B. physa/us) and sei whales (B. borealis), given the subtle differences in physical characteristics. Between August 2006 and September 2010, we photo-documented five sightings of five single Bryde's whales in the SCB. Two of the five sightings occurred in October 2008 and September 2010 during 33,880 km of aerial surveys. The remaining three sightings occurred during small-vessel surveys that included offshore waters: two in June 2006 and one in September 2010. These sightings combined with other reports of presumed vocalizations suggest that Bryde's whale numbers may be increasing in the SCB. This may be related to global warming, large-scale oceanographic events (e.g., El Nino and La Nina) and resulting changes in prey availability. Recent sightings reported herein indicate that the Bryde's whale should be considered as a species present in the SCB and photo-documentation is critical to ascertain species.
- 1,033.33 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2009
The objectives of the monitoring plan are to answer the following questions: 1. Are marine mammals and sea turtles exposed to MFAS at regulatory thresholds of harm or harassment? If so, at what levels and how frequently are they exposed? 2. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS in the HRC, do they redistribute geographically in the HRC as a result of repeated exposure? If so, how long does the redistribution last? 3. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS, what are their behavioral responses? Are they different at various levels? 4. What are the behavioral responses of marine mammals and sea turtles that are exposed to various levels and distances from explosives? 5. Are the Navy’s suite of mitigation measures for MFAS and explosives (e.g., Protective Measures Assessment Protocol [PMAP], measures agreed to by the Navy through permitting and consultation) effective at avoiding harm or harassment of marine mammals and sea turtles?
- 401.94 KB
Acoustic observation of the reaction of rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) to vocalizations, most likely from killer whales (Orcinus orca), off Kaua‘i.
Marine Mammal Science. 2019.
1-7
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- July 1, 2019
From 4 to 14 August 2017 researchers from Cascadia Research Collective undertook a field project off the western shore of Kaua‘i.2 This field exercise, like several others in recent years, was conducted in collaboration with engineers from the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) program (Jarvis et al. 2014). The U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) has a large array of 219 bottom-mounted hydrophones located off the west side of Kaua‘i. This array of hydrophones allows for passive acoustic monitoring of marine mammals over an area of approximately 2,500 km2 . The M3R system at PMRF has the ability to automatically detect, classify and localize certain acoustically active animals and also allows trained operators to monitor the acoustic activity on each hydrophone individually via real-time spectrogram displays.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2017
The U.S. Navy requires information about the in-water density and abundance of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in various parts of Hood Canal, Washington, to evaluate impacts and estimate exposure to Navy activities that may cause acoustic disturbance (e.g., use of sonar, pile driving, and other marine construction). To determine the best approach for estimating in-water density and abundance of harbor seals in Hood Canal using existing data, a workshop was held in October 2015 in Seattle, Washington, and was attended by experts and scientists with experience in the region. S
- 8,865.63 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 30, 2013
We conducted 18 aerial surveys in the marine waters around San Clemente Island, California, from October 2008 to July 2013, to obtain both observations of marine mammal behavior and data suitable for developing marine mammal density estimates. The primary platform used was a Partenavia P68-C or P68-OBS (glass-nosed) high-wing, twin-engine airplane. Density and abundance estimates were made using line-transect methods and the software DISTANCE 6.0.
- 2,384.70 KB
Sightings and satellite tracking of a blue/fin whale hybrid in its wintering and summering ranges in the Eastern North Pacific.
Advances in Oceanography & Marine Biology. 2021.
2(4):1-9
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 25, 2021
We report 20 photo-documented sightings of a blue/fin whale hybrid between 2004 and 2020, in its wintering and summering ranges in the Gulf of California, Mexico, and southern California, USA, respectively. The whale was confirmed to be a hybrid by genetic testing using a reference dataset of non-hybrid blue and fin whales. It was also tracked by satellite for 28 days in 2015, showing its feeding range extended to the Big Sur area of central California. Information is presented to assist in field identification of blue/fin whale hybrids.
Southern California Bight marine mammal density and abundance from aerial surveys, 2008-2013.
2026.
7(2):14-30
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 16, 2026
We conducted 18 aerial surveys for marine mammals in the Southern California Bight in the vicinity of San Clemente Island from October 2008 to July 2013. Data were collected to obtain density and abundance estimates, as well as focal behavioral observations of marine mammals. The primary platform used was a Partenavia P68-C or P68-OBS (glass-nosed) high-wing, twin-engine airplane. A total of 76,989 km were flown with 2,510 marine mammal groups sighted. Nineteen marine mammal species were identified. Density and abundance estimates were made using line-transect methods and DISTANCE 6.0 software. Due to limited sample sizes for some species, sightings were pooled to provide 4 detection function estimates for baleen whales, large delphinids, small delphinids, and California sea lions. Estimates were limited to species observed at least 20 times during line-transect effort
Harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) recovery in the inland waters of Washington: Estimates of density and abundance from aerial surveys, 2013–2015.
Canadian Journal of Zoology. 2025.
505-515
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 10, 2025
The harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena (L., 1758)) used to be common in Puget Sound, Washington, but virtually disappeared from these waters by the 1970s. We conducted systematic aerial line-transect surveys (17 237 km total effort) for harbor porpoises, with the goal of estimating density and abundance in the inland waters of Washington State.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2014
This report summarizes information from 24 U.S. Navy-funded aerial surveys of pinniped haulout sites in the inland waters of Washington State conducted between March 2013 and February 2014 by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- 2,946.44 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2013
The objectives of this TO are to conduct aerial surveys of the study area in order to: 1) provide estimates of seasonal abundance for seals and sea lions, 2) identify seasonal distribution patterns for seals and sea lions, 3) collect data to determine seal and sea lion densities, and 4) provide harbor seal abundance data needed by NMFS to prepare a Stock Assessment Report (SAR) for the Washington inland waters harbor seal stock. Additionally, the atlas showing pinniped haulouts for these waters (Jeffries et al. 2000) has not been updated in 13 years and will be revised as well.
- 1,959.27 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2014
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted at a site in the US Navy’s Jacksonville Range Complex during 9 March – 26 August 2010. The site is located 50 nm east of the Florida coastline on the continental shelf. Acoustic data collected at this site provide information on the presence of marine mammals and naval sonar. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz with recording duty cycles of 5 minutes every 10 minutes. The data were divided into two frequency bands: (1) low frequencies, between 1 – 1000 Hz, and (2) mid frequencies, between 500 – 5000 Hz. These data were not analyzed for high frequency marine mammal sounds, such as the echolocation clicks of delphinids. Data were analyzed by scans of long-term spectral averages and spectrograms. High ambient noise levels, caused by instrument strumming and fluid flow at the sensor, were prevalent during this deployment and decreased detection ability for low-frequency sounds. Only one species of baleen whale—the humpback whale—was detected. Humpback non-song calls were detected during two days in March 2010. No blue whale, fin whale, Bryde’s whale, minke whale, North Atlantic right whale, or sei whale calls were detected in this deployment. Anthropogenic sound in the form of Mid-Frequency Active Sonar (MFA) was detected throughout this deployment. It was most common in late March 2010.
- 4,037.99 KB
U.S. Navy funded marine mammal monitoring in the Gulf of Alaska 2011-2014.
Alaska Marine Science Symposium 2013 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 21, 2013
The U.S. Navy’s framework for marine mammal monitoring in the Gulf of Alaska will be presented. Regulatory permit drivers, ongoing monitoring and future monitoring through 2015 will be described. Ongoing monitoring in agreement with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) includes deployment of two bottom-mounted highfrequency acoustic recording packages (HARP) from Scripps Institute of Oceanography. These devices were deployed on the shelf (200 m) and slope (1100 m) south of Seward, Alaska, in July of 2011. Data was recovered in May 2012, returned to Scripps for analysis, and the HARPs subsequently redeployed at the same locations for continued recording. Refinements in classification and analysis have benefited greatly from improvements identified from similar Navy-funded monitoring at other locations within the Pacific over the past eight years. A technical report on the Gulf of Alaska HARP analysis including species identification, seasonality, and identification of anthropogenic sounds will be presented by the Navy to NMFS in December 2013, and publically available by early 2013. New monitoring has also begun in 2012. A third Gulf of Alaska HARP was deployed offshore at Pratt Seamount (990 m) in September 2012. This HARP along with the previous two HARPs will have data retrieved in May 2013 for subsequent December 2013 reporting. In addition, the Navy is funding a vesselbased visual line transect survey within the Gulf of Alaska in the spring to summer 2013 time frame. This survey, similar to a Navy-funded one in 2009, will be conducted in association with NMFS to included visual transects, towed and sonobuoy passive acoustics, and where possible marine mammal biopsies and satellite tagging. Results from this survey should be available later in 2013.
- 2,259.34 KB
U.S. Navy Funded Marine Mammal Monitoring Efforts In California 2008-2010.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2011 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 21, 2011
The U.S. Navy represented by the Pacific Fleet Environmental Directorate, Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Readiness and Energy, Office of Naval Research, and Naval Postgraduate School, fund significant marine mammal monitoring programs within California. The bulk of this effort occurs within the Southern California Bight. In an endeavor coordinated with the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to address specific questions, efforts are underway to deploy a variety of research tools as a collection of focused, collaborative studies. Monitoring methods include research elements designed to collect data in support of region-specific monitoring and also contribute to the overall body of marine mammal knowledge. Research elements include visual surveys from airplanes and vessels, passive acoustic monitoring from bottom-mounted systems, photolD, biopsies, and marine mammal tagging. The framework for monitoring and results from August 2008 to August 2010 will be presented. During this period over 35,570 nautical miles of ocean were visually surveyed representing 2,285 hours of effort. There were 2,714 sightings of an estimated 155,375 marine mammals. Over 29,700 hours of passive acoustic recordings were obtained and are undergoing continued analysis. In addition, 24,000 digital photographs were taken of marine mammals, and 18 hours of digital video taken of various marine mammal behaviors. There were also 139 individual tissue biopsies, and 31 satellite tracking tags attached to various species. Continuing efforts in 2011 will employ many of the same techniques used previously. The Navy's annual monitoring reports for 2009 and 2010 are publically available and posted on NMFS' Office of Protected Resources website.
- 795.19 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 5, 2024
The goal of this study is to document the presence and abundance of seals in Virginia and to gain an increased understanding of the seasonal occurrence, habitat use and haul-out patterns of seals near several important U.S. Navy installations, training and testing areas, and vessel transit routes. This report discusses the survey results for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 field seasons as well as the analyses conducted using data from the 2014-2024 field seasons.
- 3,004.15 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 15, 2016
This report summarizes field research activities conducted in November 2015 by the PIFSC Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program (MTBAP), in collaboration with local partners on Saipan and Guam
- 924.60 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2021
The goal of this study is to document the presence and abundance of seals in Virginia and to gain an increased understanding of the seasonal occurrence, habitat use and haul-out patterns Pinniped Haul-out Counts and Photo-ID, Virginia: 2019/2020 Annual Progress Report Final February 2021| 2 of seals near several important U.S. Navy installations, testing and training areas, and vessel transit routes. This report discusses the survey results for the 2019/2020 field season as well as the analyses conducted using data from all six field seasons.
- 2,545.03 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2022
The goal of this study is to document the presence and abundance of seals in Virginia and to gain an increased understanding of the seasonal occurrence, habitat use and haul-out patterns of seals near several important U.S. Navy installations, testing and training areas, and vessel transit routes. This report discusses the survey results for the 2020/2021 field season as well as the analyses conducted using data from all seven field seasons.
- 3,227.31 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2023
The goal of this study is to document the presence and abundance of seals in Virginia and to gain an increased understanding of the seasonal occurrence, habitat use and haul-out patterns of seals near several important U.S. Navy installations, training and testing areas, and vessel transit routes. This report discusses the survey results for the 2021/2022 field season as well as the analyses conducted using data from all eight field seasons.
- 8,159.35 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2014
There are two questions from the FY13-15 Monitoring Plan that primarily guide this project. First, are there locations of greater cetacean and/or sea turtle concentration around Guam, Saipan and Tinian? Second, what is the occurrence and/or habitat use of sea turtles in areas that the Navy conducts underwater detonations?
- 1,874.51 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 1, 2015
Sea Turtle Tagging in MIRC (Progress Report) -2014 progress report
- 2,020.53 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 21, 2018
The goal of this study is to document the presence and abundance of seals in Virginia and to gain an increased understanding of the seasonal occurrence, habitat use and haul-out patterns of seals near several important U.S. Navy installations, testing and training areas, and vessel transit routes.
- 2,359.32 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 5, 2020
The goal of this study is to document the presence and abundance of seals in Virginia and to gain an increased understanding of the seasonal occurrence, habitat use and haul-out patterns of seals near several important U.S. Navy installations, testing and training areas, and vessel transit routes. This report discusses the survey results for the 2018/2019 field season as well as the analyses conducted using data from all five field seasons.
- 2,501.73 KB
Discrete-space continuous-time models of marine mammal exposure to Navy sonar.
Ecological Applications. 2022.
32
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2022
Assessment of the population-level consequences of anthropogenic disturbance requires robust and efficient tools to quantify the levels of aggregate exposure for individuals in a population over biologically relevant time frames. We propose a discrete-space, continuous-time approach to estimate individual transition rates across the boundaries of an area of interest, informed by telemetry data collected with uncertainty. The approach allows inferring the effect of stressors on transition rates, the progressive return to baseline movement patterns, and any difference among individuals. We apply the modeling framework to telemetry data from Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) tagged in the Bahamas at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC), an area used by the U.S. Navy for fleet readiness training.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 2, 2019
DDG U Atlantic Sept. 2019
- 863.23 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2016
DDG O Atlantic March 2016
- 1,053.36 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2018
DDG S Atlantic June 2018
- 1,289.75 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2019
CG D Atlantic March 2019
- 980.74 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2015
DDG M Atlantic April 2015
- 517.39 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 28, 2026
Annual technical progress report on pinniped haul-out counts and photo-ID analyses.
- 3,202.08 KB
Behavioral responses of satellite tracked Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) to mid-frequency active sonar.
Marine Mammal Science. 2019.
1–18
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- June 17, 2019
The vulnerability of beaked whales (Family: Ziphiidae) to intense sound exposure has led to interest in their behavioral responses to mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS, 3–8 kHz). Here we present satellite-transmitting tag movement and dive behavior records from Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) tagged in advance of naval sonar exercises at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) in the Bahamas. This represents one of the largest samples of beaked whales individually tracked during sonar operations (n = 7).
Guadalupe fur seal pup production predicted from annual variations of sea surface temperature in the southern California Current Ecosystem.
ICES Journal of Marine Science. 2022.
79(5):1637-1648
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- July 1, 2022
We evaluated the effects of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) in the southern California Current Ecosystem on the annual Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) pup production, a species recovering from near extinction. Pup counts from 1991 to 1993 and from 2006 to 2019 were used to estimate deviations from a long-term trend as a proxy for the population's reproductive success.
Differences in melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra) whistle characteristics between sympatric populations in Hawaii.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
Melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) are found throughout the tropics, primarily in pelagic waters but with some being found near-shore around oceanic islands. This species is considered to be sensitive to sound, with one nearmass stranding event in Hawaiian waters associated with a naval exercise. However, relatively little is known of the acoustic behavior of this species. Here we combine multiple passive acoustic tools, including suction-cup attached acoustic tags (DTAGs) and a broadband recorder, the DMON, to gather baseline, broadband bioacoustic behavior data for melon headed whales. Further, two distinct melon-headed populations are compared: the Kohala resident population (KRP) and the Hawaiian Islands population (HIP). DMONs recorded from a towfish and drifter buoy setup. Three animals were tagged, two from the KRP population (estimated group sizes 280 and 350 ! individuals) and one from the HIP population (estimated group size of 350 individuals). In total, 1096 and 329 whistles have been identified from the KRP and HIP tag recordings, respectively. Analyses included spectral and temporal characteristics of the whistles, variability of these signals and whistle type categorizations. Data suggest variation between melon-headed whale populations in whistle duration (mean: KRP – 0.99 s; HIP – 0.75 s), start frequency (mean: KRP – 5.1 kHz; HIP – 5.8 kHz), end frequency (mean: KRP – 4.8 kHz; HIP – 11.5 kHz), peak frequency (mean: KRP – 5.5 kHz; HIP – 7.6 kHz), and centroid frequency (mean: KRP – 7.7 kHz; HIP – 10.1 kHz). No overlap in whistle type was apparent between or within populations, which suggests that individual animals may produce semi-stereotyped calls. These are the first broadband comparisons of melon-headed whale signals. The whistle characterization differences suggest automatic detection and classification algorithms can be used to identify melon-headed whales in Hawaiian waters.
- 328.32 KB
Night and Day: Diel Differences in Ship Strike Risk for Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the California Current System.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2019.
6:730
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- November 27, 2019
Diel Dive Behavior of Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Southern California Bight.
Aquatic Mammals. 2019.
45(2)
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 1, 2019
Visual assessment of LIMPET tag site healing in Cuvier’s beaked whales and fin whales.
Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. 2026.
5:149–166
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- February 4, 2026
Implanted or anchored telemetry devices are valuable tools in cetacean research, especially for species whose habitats and ranging patterns limit the collection of movement and behavioural data by less invasive methods. In this study, 130 Low‐Impact Minimally Percutaneous External Transmitter (LIMPET) tags were deployed on Cuvier’s beaked whales and fin whales. LIMPET tags are small Type A (anchored) tags which are remotely deployed and secured on or near the dorsal fin using medical‐grade titanium darts. They transmitted data via satellite for weeks to months (mean = 34 days, range 1–239 days). Most of these tagged whales (n = 123) were photo‐identified at deployment.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 18, 2013
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex during March 2012 through December 2012 to detect the presence of marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz with continuous temporal coverage at a site near Santa Barbara Island (site M), at a site west of San Clemente Island (site H), and a site southwest of San Clemente Island (site N).
- 21,219.45 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2013
Passive acoustic monitoring using High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) was conducted at two sites in the Navy’s Northwest Training Range Complex; one on the continental shelf near Cape Elizabeth (CE) and the other at the shelf slope near Quinault Canyon (QC). The inshore shelf site was monitored from December 2011 until January 2012, and the offshore shelf slope site was monitored from December 2011 until July 2012. In this report, information on the presence of marine mammals and anthropogenic sounds collected at these sites is presented.
- 4,259.08 KB
Bryde’s whale seasonal range expansion and increasing presence in the Southern California Bight from 2000 to 2010.
Deep-Sea Research. 2012.
65:125-132
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 1, 2012
Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni) are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific Ocean, but few studies have explored the presence of Bryde’s whales at the boundary of their distribution range. Such studies are increasingly relevant as climate impact models predict the range expansion of warm water species towards the poles in response to ocean warming. Like other baleen whales, Bryde’s whales produce distinct low frequency (o60 Hz) calls, which can be used for long-term acoustic monitoring of whale presence in an area. Autonomous passive acoustic recorders deployed at f ive sites in the Southern California Bight (SCB) were used to investigate the presence of Bryde’s whales in temperate waters from 2000 to 2010. Calling Bryde’s whales were observed in the SCB from summer to early winter, indicating a seasonal poleward range expansion. There was a significant increase in the presence of calling Bryde’s whales in the SCB between 2000 and 2010, but no significant correlation was found between Bryde’s whale presence and local sea surface temperature. Bryde’s whale occurrence is likely driven by prey availability within the California Current ecosystem, which is affected by seasonal and inter-annual changes in climate and oceanographic conditions. Continued monitoring of Bryde’s whales and their prey in the eastern North Pacific is needed to provide a longer time series and determine the full effect of climate variability and ocean warming on the distribution of this species.
Bryde’s whale seasonal range expansion and increasing presence in the Southern California Bight from 2000 to 2010.
Deep-Sea Research. 2012.
65:125-132
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 2, 2012
Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni) are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific Ocean, but few studies have explored the presence of Bryde’s whales at the boundary of their distribution range. Such studies are increasingly relevant as climate impact models predict the range expansion of warm water species towards the poles in response to ocean warming. Like other baleen whales, Bryde’s whales produce distinct low frequency (o60 Hz) calls, which can be used for long-term acoustic monitoring of whale presence in an area. Autonomous passive acoustic recorders deployed at f ive sites in the Southern California Bight (SCB) were used to investigate the presence of Bryde’s whales in temperate waters from 2000 to 2010. Calling Bryde’s whales were observed in the SCB from summer to early winter, indicating a seasonal poleward range expansion. There was a significant increase in the presence of calling Bryde’s whales in the SCB between 2000 and 2010, but no significant correlation was found between Bryde’s whale presence and local sea surface temperature. Bryde’s whale occurrence is likely driven by prey availability within the California Current ecosystem, which is affected by seasonal and inter-annual changes in climate and oceanographic conditions. Continued monitoring of Bryde’s whales and their prey in the eastern North Pacific is needed to provide a longer time series and determine the full effect of climate variability and ocean warming on the distribution of this species.
Bryde's whale seasonal range expansion In the eastern North Pacific.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2012. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 3, 2012
Climate impact models predict the range expansion of warm water species towards the poles in response to ocean warming. Bryde's whales (Ba/aenoptera edem) are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific Ocean, but few studies have explored the presence of Bryde's whale at the boundaries of their distribution ranges. Like other baleen whales, Bryde's whales produce distinct low frequency (
- 1,033.33 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2017
Ten bottom mounted passive acoustic recorders are deployed off the coast of Virginia and will be maintained for two years. A combination of high-frequency Autonomous Multichannel Acoustic Recorders (AMAR), and low-frequency Marine Autonomous Recording Units (MARU) was deployed in two spatial configurations with the AMARs in a linear array extending east from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay across the continental shelf, and MARUs deployed as a synchronized localization array within the WEA.
- 1,390.95 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2015
A passive-acoustic glider survey was conducted in the Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) between 11 December 2014 and 26 January 2015. The goal of the project was to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of odontocetes and mysticetes in offshore areas south of the Main Hawaiian Islands. The survey was essentially an exploration of offshore seamounts and adjacent abyssal areas.
- 5,370.91 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2015
A passive-acoustic glider survey was conducted in the Quinault Range Site (QRS) off the Washington coast between 11 June and 12 July 2012. This glider survey was conducted with funding from the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR); awards # N00014-10-1-0515 and # N00014-08-1-1082. The survey was part of the development effort of the passive-acoustic Seaglider, which is currently being used for a marine mammal monitoring project funded by U.S. Pacific Fleet through contract N62470-10D-3011, task orders KB23 and KB25, with Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific. The purpose of this field trial was primarily to test the general functionality of the passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) board and a new onboard acoustic data-storage system (Revision A).
- 5,241.53 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2016
A passive-acoustic glider survey was conducted in the Gulf of Alaska Temporary Maritime Activities Area (GoA-TMAA) between 11 July and 21 August 2015 (data collection period: 11 July through 11 August 2015). The goal of the project was to investigate the spatial distribution and temporal occurrence of odontocetes and mysticetes in the northern Gulf of Alaska. The survey focused primarily on the shelf break area between Middleton Island and Kodiak Island. The Gulf of Alaska is generally difficult to survey, and thus the knowledge about the abundance and distribution of cetaceans in this area is limited. Any additional effort improves the understanding and awareness of marine mammal occurrence in the GoA-TMAA.
- 7,691.50 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2016
A passive-acoustic glider survey was conducted off the Kona, Hawaii, coast between 16 and 26 March 2010. This glider survey was conducted with funding from the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research; awards # N00014-10-1-0515 and # N00014-08-1-1082. The survey was part of the development effort of the passive-acoustic Seaglider. The purpose of this field trial was primarily to test the general functionality of the passive-acoustic monitoring (PAM) board and a new onboard acoustic data-storage system (Revision A).
- 4,111.60 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2016
A passive-acoustic glider survey was conducted in the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC) between 2 March and 27 April 2015 (data collection period: 6 March–7 April 2015). The goal of the project was to investigate the spatial distribution and temporal occurrence of odontocetes and mysticetes in offshore areas east of the Mariana Islands. The survey was essentially an exploration of offshore areas adjacent to Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. The areas east of the Mariana Islands are difficult to access and survey, and thus not much is known about the abundance and distribution of cetaceans in these offshore areas. Few dedicated marine mammal surveys have been conducted in these waters to date, and any additional effort improves the understanding and awareness of marine mammal occurrence in MIRC.
- 18,821.67 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2015
A passive-acoustic glider survey was conducted in the Mariana Islands Range Complex between 19 September and 14 November 2014. The goal of the project was to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of odontocetes and mysticetes in offshore areas adjacent to Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.
- 7,252.06 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2015
A passive-acoustic glider survey was conducted in the Mariana Islands Range Complex between 19 September and 14 November 2014. The goal of the project was to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of odontocetes and mysticetes in offshore areas adjacent to Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.
- 7,579.63 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2024
A total of six Rockhopper passive acoustic recording units were deployed off the west coast of Guam in the Mariana Islands Training and Testing (MITT) study area to acoustically monitor beaked whales and mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). Five units were deployed in an array configuration with a 1 kilometer (km) baseline in the northern part of the survey area to locate beaked whale echolocation clicks and derive a probability of detection function necessary for estimating density. An additional sixth unit was deployed approximately 15 km south of the array to investigate spatiotemporal variability in beaked whale encounters in the survey area.
- 12,160.92 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2018
Ten bottom-mounted passive acoustic recorders have been deployed off the coast of Virginia beginning in July 2015 and was maintained for two years. A combination of high-frequency Autonomous Multichannel Acoustic Recorders (AMARs), and low-frequency Marine Autonomous Recording Units (MARUs) was deployed in two spatial configurations (Figure 1), with the AMARs in a linear array extending east from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay across the continental shelf and MARUs deployed as a synchronized localization array within the WEA.
- 1,171.17 KB
Fin whale song variation in the southeast and middle Atlantic.
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- April 7, 2017
- 227.02 KB
Biologically Important Areas II for cetaceans within U.S. and adjacent waters – Hawaiʻi Region.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2023.
10:21
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 25, 2023
In this assessment we incorporated published and unpublished information to delineate and score Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) for cetaceans in the Hawaiʻi region following standardized criteria. Twenty-six cetacean species have been documented in Hawaiʻi. Eleven odontocete species have distinct small populations resident to one or more island areas: rough-toothed dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, common bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, short-finned pilot whales, false killer whales, pygmy killer whales, melon-headed whales, Blainville’s beaked whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales, and dwarf sperm whales.
Life history and social structure as drivers of persistent organic pollutant levels and stable isotopes in Hawaiian false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens).
Science of the Total Environment. 2020.
Volume 733
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- September 1, 2020
False killer whales are long-lived, slow to mature, apex predators, and therefore susceptible to bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Hawaiian waters are home to three distinct populations: pelagic; Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) insular; and main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) insular. Following a precipitous decline over recent decades, the MHI population was listed as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act in 2012. This study assesses the risk of POP exposure to these populations by examining pollutant concentrations and ratios from blubber samples (n = 56) related to life history characteristics and MHI social clusters.
Ecological contexts of diving behavior in Hawaiian false killer whales.
Movement Ecology. 2026.
Volume 14 (17)
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- March 6, 2026
Insights Into the Vertical and Horizontal Movements of a Cooperative Forager, the False Killer Whale, in Hawaiʻi.
Marine Mammal Science. 2026.
43:e70309
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- October 23, 2026
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2025
Vessel Surveys and Visual Species: Verification Trials at the Jacksonville Shallow Water Training Range
- 5,953.46 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 8, 2026
This report describes results from vessel surveys and visual species-verification trials conducted at the Jacksonville Shallow Water Training Range (JSWTR) within the Jacksonville Operating Area (OPAREA) during 2025. This work continues from the original multi-institutional monitoring program intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
- 8,648.50 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2009
In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), the Navy has obtained a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. The Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) Monitoring Plan, finalized in December 2008 for implementation in January 2009, was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permit. The monitoring plan and reporting will provide sciencebased answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed and reacting to Navy MFAS. The objectives of the monitoring plan are to answer the following questions: 1. Are marine mammals and sea turtles exposed to MFAS at regulatory thresholds of harm or harassment? If so, at what levels and how frequently are they exposed? 2. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS in the HRC, do they redistribute geographically in the HRC as a result of repeated exposure? If so, how long does the redistribution last? 3. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS, what are their behavioral responses? Are they different at various levels? 4. What are the behavioral responses of marine mammals and sea turtles that are exposed to various levels and distances from explosives? 5. Are the Navy’s suite of mitigation measures for MFAS and explosives (e.g., Protective Measures Assessment Protocol [PMAP], measures agreed to by the Navy through permitting and consultation) effe
- 1,399.23 KB
Using Passive Acoustics to Monitor the Presence of Marine Mammals During Naval Exercises.
The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life. 2012.
641-643
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 1, 2012
The US Navy has been collecting data on the presence of marine mammals in conjunction with Navy exercises involving active sonar activity. During July 2008, the US Navy performed antisubmarine warfare training exercises in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, using midfrequency active sonar (1–10 kHz). The exercises were conducted in one of the potential sites of the proposed east coast Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR). As part of the monitoring effort for these exercises, five bottom-mounted passive acoustic recorders were deployed in Onslow Bay. The recordings contain hundreds of odontocete vocalizations, including Globicephala sp. (pilot whales) and Physeter macrocephalus (sperm whales), occurring before, during, and after the sonar events.
Using passive acoustics to monitor the presence of marine mammals during Naval exercises.
Fifth International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization, and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 21, 2011
During 2008 and 2009, we were able to passive acoustically monitor marine mammals in the presence of U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare training exercises using mid-frequency tactical sonar. The exercises were conducted in the potential sites of the proposed east coast Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR). As part of the monitoring effort for these exercises, up to nine bottom-mounted passive acoustic recorders were deployed in Onslow Bay and Jacksonville USWTR sites. The recorders sampled continuously at 32 kHz and 2 kHz for approximate three weeks. We analyzed these acoustic recordings for marine mammal vocalizations and sonar activity using spectrogram correlation detector. The recordings contain hundreds of odontocete vocalizations, including pilot whales (Globicephala sp.) and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), occurring before during and after the sonar events. A review of a subsample of the acoustic data revealed several instances of unidentified odontocetes apparently mimicking sonar signals with frequency modulated whistles of similar frequencies. Ongoing and future efforts will include deploying the recorders at the Jacksonville site in a tighter configuration and synchronizing them in time to localize vocalizations. This effort will provide insight on the proximity and movement of marine mammals in conjunction with Navy exercises occurring in area. These recorders yield important information about the presence and vocal activity of odontocetes during these naval exercises.
- 575.75 KB
Using Passive Acoustics to Monitor the Presence of Marine Mammals during Naval Exercises.
6th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 12, 2013
Passive acoustic data collected from Marine Autonomous Recording Units during fall (13 September to 8 October) and winter (3 December to 8 January) 2009-2010 were analyzed for acoustic detections of marine mammals and patterns resulting from these detections. The study site coincided with the United States (U.S.) Navy’s planned Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) located approximately 60-150 kilometers off Jacksonville, Florida. Acoustic data consisted of both 2-kilohertz (kHz) and 32-kHz sample rate recordings. Data were initially reviewed using long-term spectral averages, and then evaluated in greater detail from spectrograms using the MATLAB program Triton (Wiggins 2007). Probability of vocalization event occurrence was calculated for each species relative to sonar events. Species and species groups detected included minke whale, North Atlantic right whale, sei whale, (probable) humpback whale, sperm whale, blackfish, and unidentified delphinids. Results indicated that minke whales were present almost continuously during the winter deployment period. Right whale vocalizations were most concentrated during winter, as expected, but were also detected at deep sites (>300 meters), which was somewhat unexpected. Sperm whales occurred exclusively near the continental shelf break, and showed a strong diel pattern with almost all vocalization events occurring between dawn and dusk. There were less obvious patterns for delphinid vocalization events, perhaps because of the grouping of species. Future efforts will include improving species-specific analysis of delphinids. Blackfish were detected relatively infrequently but were most common at the shallow-water sites. Minke whales showed the strongest relationship between sonar events and vocalizations. The probability of minke whale vocalization events occurring in the presence of sonar activity was much less than in the absence of sonar. The results reported here provide an assessment of marine mammal occurrence and distribution within the U.S. Navy’s planned USWTR and insights on species-specific vocal responses to sonar events.
- 189.95 KB
Using passive acoustics to monitor the presence of marine mammals during naval exercises.
3rd International Conference on The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 11, 2013
September to 8 October) and winter (3 December to 8 January) 2009-2010. These data were analyzed for acoustic detections of marine mammals and navy sonar. Patterns of vocalizations, including seasonal and diel trends and effects of sonar activities were characterized. The study site coincided with the United States (U.S.) Navy’s planned Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) located approximately 60‑150 kilometers off Jacksonville, Florida. The probability of vocalization events were calculated for each species relative to sonar events. Results indicated that minke whales were present almost continuously during the winter deployment period. Right whale vocalization events were most concentrated during winter, as expected, but also were detected at deep sites (>500m), which was somewhat unexpected. Sperm whale vocalization events occurred exclusively near the continental shelf break, and showed a strong diel pattern with almost all vocalization events occurring between dusk and dawn. There were less obvious patterns for delphinid vocalization events, possibly because we were not able to identify detections to species, and thus multiple species were grouped into one generic category. Blackfish were detected relatively infrequently but were most common at the shallow-water sites. Minke whales vocalization events had a strong negative relationship with sonar events when data from all sites were combined. These results provide an assessment of marine mammal occurrence and distribution within the U.S. Navy’s planned USWTR and important insights on species specific vocal responses, or lack of, to sonar events.
- 416.00 KB
Using passive acoustics to monitor the presence of odontocete cetaceans during naval exercises in Onslow Bay, NC.
18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- October 12, 2009
- 65.08 KB
Feeding-area home ranges for gray whales: A comparison between stocks.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Satellite tags were applied to 59 gray whales from three stocks: 17 on Eastern gray whales (EGW) in Baja California, Mexico, in 2005; 35 on Pacific Coast Feeding Group gray whales (PCFG) off Oregon and northern California in 2009- 2013; and 7 on Western gray whales (WGW) off Sakhalin Island, Russia, in 2010 and 2011. Tracking periods ranged from 3-408 days. A Bayesian switching state-space model (SSSM) was applied to Argos locations for each whale to create regularized tracks and estimate movement behavior. Migratory- and breeding-area locations, identified by visual inspection and behavioral mode classification from SSSM, were eliminated from the tracks. Local convex-hull utilization distributions were calculated for the remaining locations to determine feeding area home ranges (90% isopleths) and core areas (50% isopleths). EGWs had home ranges in the Bering and Chukchi seas, ranging from 7,066-30,650 km2. Home ranges for PCFG whales extended from northern California to Southeast Alaska and ranged from 81-13,634 km2. WGWs had very small home ranges near Sakhalin Island, ranging from 285-4,937 km2. Home ranges were significantly larger for EGWs than for either PCFG whales or WGWs (Kruskal Wallis p=0.02). Core area sizes ranged from 11-12,934 km2 for all whales and were largest for EGWs and smallest for WGWs; however these differences were not statistically significant (Kruskal Wallis p=0.06). Neither home range nor core area sizes were related to the number of days or number of SSSM locations used in the analyses (linear regressions p-values > 0.20). The differences in home-range sizes suggest differences in quality and/or quantity of food resources encountered by these three stocks and may also be a reflection of stock demographics. These results provide valuable information about high-use feeding areas for gray whales throughout the Pacific and suggest potential differences in sensitivities to changes in feeding-area habitat.
- 91.49 KB
Blue and fin whale residence time and occupancy in Navy training and testing areas off the US West Coast.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2024.
11:1471310
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- November 26, 2024
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2015
A long-term passive acoustic monitoring program was initiated in 2011 by the United States Navy Pacific Fleet to investigate the occurrence of cetaceans in waters within the main Hawaiian Islands under the Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) monitoring plan. As a part of this monitoring plan, four ecological acoustic recorders (EARs) were deployed at locations around the islands of Ni‘ihau and Kaua‘i, to the west of Kaua‘i. These EARs recorded data over three deployment periods: July to December 2011, January to May 2012, and July 2012 to February 2013. They were programmed to record at a sampling rate of 80 kilohertz (kHz) with a duty cycle of 30 seconds “on” either every 5 or 10 minutes, depending on the deployment.
- 4,844.15 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2017
Mine neutralization exercise (MINEX) activities that utilize underwater detonations (UNDET) have the potential to injure or kill marine mammals occurring in close proximity. To better understand the impact of MINEX training on marine mammals, an effort was begun in August 2012 to monitor odontocete activity at the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Range Complex MINEX site using passive acoustic methods as part of the United States Navy’s Integrated Comprehensive Monitoring Program. The initial objectives of the project were to establish the daily and seasonal patterns of occurrence of dolphins in the VACAPES W-50 MINEX training range, to detect explosions related to MINEX activities, and to determine whether dolphins in the area show evidence of a response to MINEX events.
- 2,187.29 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2014
Mine neutralization exercise (MINEX) activities involving underwater detonations have the potential to injure or kill marine mammals occurring in the same area. To better understand the impact of MINEX training on marine mammals, effort began in August 2012 to monitor odontocete activity at the Virginia Capes Range Complex MINEX site using passive acoustic methods as part of the Navy’s Integrated Comprehensive Monitoring Program. The initial objectives of the project were to establish the daily and seasonal patterns of occurrence of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the training area, to detect detonations related to MINEX activities, and to determine whether dolphins in the area show evidence of a response to MINEX events
- 933.77 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 23, 2015
Mine neutralization exercise (MINEX) activities that utilize underwater detonations (UNDET) have the potential to injure or kill marine mammals occurring in close proximity. To better understand the impact of MINEX training on marine mammals, an effort was begun in August 2012 to monitor odontocete activity at the Virginia Capes Range Complex MINEX site using passive acoustic methods as part of the United States Navy’s Integrated Comprehensive Monitoring Program
- 2,206.23 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 1, 2016
Mine neutralization exercise (MINEX) activities that utilize underwater detonations (UNDET) have the potential to injure or kill marine mammals occurring in close proximity. To better understand the impact of MINEX training on marine mammals, an effort was begun in August 2012 to monitor odontocete activity at the Virginia Capes Range Complex MINEX site using passive acoustic methods as part of the United States Navy’s Integrated Comprehensive Monitoring Program. The initial objectives of the project were to establish the daily and seasonal patterns of occurrence of dolphins in the Virginia Capes W-50 MINEX training area, to detect explosions related to MINEX activities, and to determine whether dolphins in the area show evidence of a response to MINEX events.
- 1,983.68 KB
The characteristics of dolphin clicks compared across recording depths and instruments.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2016.
139(4,Part 2):3131
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Methods:
- October 1, 2016
The identification of delphinid species on the basis of the characteristics of their acoustic signals is an important aspect of many passive acoustic monitoring efforts. The development of species classifiers relies on the assumption that species-specific signal characteristics will be consistent across different recording scenarios, including depth and instrumentation. However, this assumption has largely remained untested. Here, we report on an effort to examine whether and how the properties of echolocation clicks obtained from different delphinid species vary as a function of recording depth and the instrument employed. Field recordings of seven species of dolphins were obtained off Kona, Hawaii, and San Diego, CA, using a 250 m vessel-based vertical array composed of five microMARS recorders, two SoundTrap recorders, and four C75 broadband dipping hydrophones (Cetacean Research Technology). The clicks obtained were characterized on the basis of their spectral properties and duration for each recording depth and also compared among different instruments deployed at the same depth. Both depth and recording instrumentation influenced the click characteristics observed. However, the click properties of some species varied to a greater degree than others. These results suggest that developing species-specific classifiers based on dolphin clicks should be approached with caution and carefully validated.
Investigating the response of coastal dolphins to mine exercise (MINEX) training activities.
Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 26, 2015
Mine detonation exercises in coastal waters have the potential to disturb, injure or even kill marine mammals occurring in the same area. To address concerns about this possibility at the U.S. Navy’s Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Range Complex, an effort was begun in August 2012 to monitor odontocete activity at the mine exercise (MINEX) training range using passive acoustic methods. The objectives of the project were to establish the daily and seasonal patterns of occurrence of dolphins in the VACAPES MINEX training area, to detect explosions related to MINEX activities, and to determine whether dolphins in the area show evidence of a response to MINEX events. Data from moored recorders were analyzed for the daily presence/absence of dolphins and their acoustic activity was quantified in detail for the period prior, during and after MINEX activities, as well as at various distances from the training site. The results reveal that dolphins exhibit a short-term acoustic response immediately following an explosion event. Acoustic activity increases briefly and then declines substantially. There is also evidence of a decrease in overall acoustic activity lasting several hours following the exercise. Current analyses aim to establish whether the observed response represents a shift in acoustic behavior or a spatial redistribution of the animals.
- 1,874.75 KB
Investigating the response of coastal dolphins to mine exercise (MINEX) training activities.
OCEANOISE2015 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 11, 2015
The naval forces of many countries conduct mine detonation exercises in coastal waters as part of their regular training. These exercises have the potential to disturb, injure or even kill marine mammals occurring in the same area. To address concerns about this possibility at the U.S. Navy’s Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Range Complex, an effort was begun in August 2012 to monitor odontocete activity at the mine exercise (MINEX) training range using passive acoustic methods. The objectives of the project were to establish the daily and seasonal patterns of occurrence of dolphins in the VACAPES MINEX training area, to detect explosions related to MINEX activities, and to determine whether dolphins in the area show evidence of a response to MINEX events. Up to four Ecological Acoustic Recorders programmed to achieve continuous monitoring were deployed and refurbished approximately every two months. The data were analyzed for the daily presence/absence of dolphins and their acoustic activity was quantified in detail for the period prior, during and after MINEX activities, as well as at various distances from the training site. The results indicate that dolphins are present daily in or near the MINEX range, a finding that supplements limited visual survey information due to restricted regular access to the MINEX area. The data also reveal that dolphins exhibit a short-term acoustic response immediately following an explosion event. Acoustic activity increases briefly and then declines substantially. There is also evidence of a decrease in overall acoustic activity lasting several hours following the exercise. Current analyses aim to establish whether the observed response represents a shift in acoustic behavior or a spatial redistribution of the animals. These results underscore the value of long-term monitoring to inform the military on the potential impacts on marine mammal populations from training exercises involving underwater explosions.
- 1,874.75 KB
Response by coastal dolphins to naval mine exercise (MINEX) training activities off Virginia Beach, USA.
Fourth International Conference on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 10, 2016
The naval forces of many nations conduct mine detonation exercises in coastal waters as part of their regular training. These exercises have the potential to disturb, injure, or even kill marine mammals occurring in the same area. To address concerns about this possibility at the US Navy’s Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Range Complex, an effort was conducted to monitor odontocete activity at the mine exercise (MINEX) training range using passive acoustic methods. The objectives of the project were to document the daily and seasonal patterns of occurrence of dolphins in the VACAPES MINEX training area, to detect explosions related to MINEX activities, and to investigate potential behavioral and acoustic responses of dolphins to MINEX events. Up to four ecological acoustic recorders programmed to achieve continuous monitoring were deployed at various distances from the known “epicenter” of training events and were refurbished approximately every two months. Dolphins were detected near the training area year round, with ~97% of monitored days containing some dolphin acoustic signals. However, there was also clear seasonal variability, with a consistent period of low occurrence or reduced acoustic activity during the winter months.
- 479.71 KB
The acoustic response of coastal dolphins to mine exercise (MINEX) training activities.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
Mine exercise (MINEX) activities have the potential to injure or kill marine mammals occurring in the same area. In March 2011 three common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) were killed at the Silver Strand Training Complex off San Diego, California during a Navy training exercise using underwater explosives. In response to this incident, an effort was begun in August 2012 to monitor odontocete activity at the Virgina Capes (VACAPES) Range Complex MINEX site using passive acoustic methods as part of the Navy’s Integrated Comprehensive Monitoring Program. The objectives of the project were to establish the daily and seasonal patterns of occurrence of dolphins in the VACAPES MINEX training area, to detect explosions related to MINEX activities, and to determine whether dolphins in the area show evidence of a response to MINEX events. Two Ecological Acoustic Recorders programmed to achieve continuous monitoring were deployed and refurbished approximately every two months. The data were analyzed manually for the daily presence/absence of dolphins and their acoustic activity was quantified in detail for the period prior, during and after MINEX activities, which can occur in the range multiple times per month. The results indicate that dolphins are present daily in or near the MINEX range, a finding that was not anticipated based on vessel survey information. The data also reveal that dolphins exhibit a short-term acoustic response immediately following an explosion event. Acoustic activity increases briefly and then declines substantially. There is also evidence of a decrease in overall acoustic activity lasting several hours following the exercise. However, it is not clear yet whether the response represents a shift in acoustic behavior or a spatial redistribution of animals. These results underscore the value of long-term monitoring to inform the military on the potential impacts on marine mammal populations from training exercises involving underwater explosions.
- 6,342.24 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:Methods:
- March 2, 2026
The naval forces of many nations conduct mine detonation exercises in coastal waters as part of their regular training. These exercises have the potential to disturb, injure or even kill marine mammals occurring in the same area. To address concerns about this possibility at the U.S. Navy’s Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Range Complex, an effort was conducted to monitor odontocete activity at the mine exercise (MINEX) training range using passive acoustic methods. The objectives of the project were to document the daily and seasonal patterns of occurrence of dolphins in the VACAPES MINEX training area, to detect explosions related to MINEX activities, and to investigate potential behavioral and acoustic responses of dolphins to MINEX training events. Dolphins were detected almost daily in the training area. Acoustic activity levels approximately 1 km from the epicenter of training were examined for 22 events and were found to be on average lower during both the day of and the day following the event, suggesting that animals either reduced their signaling, left the area, or both.
Acoustic monitoring of coastal dolphins and their response to naval mine neutralization exercises.
Royal Society. 2017.
4:170558
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- November 1, 2017
To investigate the potential impacts of naval mine neutralization exercises (MINEX) on odontocete cetaceans, a long-term passive acoustic monitoring study was conducted at a US Navy training range near Virginia Beach, USA. Bottom-moored acoustic recorders were deployed in 2012–2016 near the epicentre of MINEX training activity and were refurbished every 2–4 months. Recordings were analysed for the daily presence/absence of dolphins, and dolphin acoustic activity was quantified in detail for the hours and days before and after 31 MINEX training events. Dolphins occurred in the area year-round, but there was clear seasonal variability, with lower presence during winter months. Dolphins exhibited a behavioural response to underwater detonations. Dolphin acoustic activity near the training location was lower during the hours and days following detonations, suggesting that animals left the area and/or reduced their signalling. Concurrent acoustic monitoring farther away from the training area suggested that the radius of response was between 3 and 6 km. A generalized additive model indicated that the predictors that explained the greatest amount of deviance in the data were the day relative to the training event, the hour of the day and circumstances specific to each training event.
Echolocation click discrimination for three killer whale ecotypes in the Northeastern Pacific.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2022.
151(5):3197-3206
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Species:Methods:
- May 12, 2022
Three killer whale ecotypes are found in the Northeastern Pacific: residents, transients, and offshores. These ecotypes can be discriminated in passive acoustic data based on distinct pulsed call repertoires. Killer whale acoustic encounters for which ecotypes were assigned based on pulsed call matching were used to characterize the ecotype-specific echolocation clicks. Recordings were made using seafloor-mounted sensors at shallow (∼120 m) and deep (∼1400 m) monitoring locations off the coast of Washington state.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 1, 2010
Use and Behavioral Monitoring of Hawaiian Monk Seals in Proximity to the Navy Hawaii Range Complex
- 960.34 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 30, 2011
In 2010, NOAA Fisheries’ Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program (HMSRP) and U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Environmental TO initiated a collaborative research effort to investigate potential impacts of naval activities in the HRC on monk seals. This multi‐year study is ongoing and the intent of this interim report serves as an update on completed field activities and review current results and future analyses
- 5,995.51 KB
A preliminary home-range analysis of loggerhead sea turtles released in Virginia, USA.
Southeast Regional Sea Turtle Meeting .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 4, 2015
We conducted a home-range analysis on 23 loggerheads that the Virginia Aquarium has tracked since 2011. Of the 23 - 17 were rehabilitated and six were wild caught. All rehabilitated animals were released in Virginia, 13 were released in the Atlantic Ocean, six from beaches located in Virginia Beach, and five from Chesapeake Bay beaches. Three wild caught loggerheads were captured using a dip net and released approximately 115km offshore of Virginia Beach, VA. Two wild caught turtles were recovered from pound net heads on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and released near their recovery locations. The remaining wild caught turtle was captured in netted swimming enclosure on the James River. We released 12 loggerheads May-June, five July-August, five September-October, and one in November. Location data collection periods ranged from 20 to 299 days. All transmitters were applied to the second and/or third vertebral scutes using Sita Anchor-Fix™ epoxy. We deployed six Sea Mammal Research Unit and eight Wildlife Computers tags. We applied the Movebank (http://www.movebank.org) Douglas filtering algorithm to all records and set the parameters to select the records with the best accuracy within 24 hour time frames. Location points collected in the first 48 hours post-release were removed.
- 5,238.95 KB
Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) behavior and group dynamics as observed from an aircraft off southern California.
Animal Behavior and Cognition. 2016.
3:1-21
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- February 1, 2016
Group behavior and interactions of endangered blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) have not been systematically studied. Such behavioral data are often overlooked when assessing anthropogenic effects. Yet behavioral data are necessary to compare “normal” behaviors with behavior affected by anthropogenic factors of concern relative to effective management and recovery of blue whales. For a baseline study, we hypothesized that the response variables sighting rate, group size, calf presence and group cohesion (i.e., spacing between individuals within a group) differed according to the spatio-temporal explanatory variables behavioral state, time of day, season, water depth and distance from shore. To address our hypotheses, we flew systematic line transect surveys in southern California and collected focal group data.
Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) behavior and group dynamics as observed from an aircraft off southern California 2008-2013.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Group behavior and interactions of endangered blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) have not been systematically studied. We hypothesized that response variables of blue whale sighting rate, group type and cohesion differed by the explanatory variables behavior state, time of day, season, water depth and distance from shore. To address our hypotheses, we flew systematic line transect surveys in southern California and collected focal group data. Chi-square contingency table and G² analyses were used to assess statistical relationships between response and explanatory variables. Observation effort totaled 87,555 km involving 18 (1-week-long) aerial surveys spanning Jan-Dec 2008-2013. Seventy blue whale groups (117 individuals) were seen, ranging in size from 1-6 whales (mean = 1.7, SD = 1.20). Results supported our hypotheses that blue whale group characteristics were influenced by behavior state and spatiotemporal variables. Sighting rates were significantly highest during summer followed by spring, fall and winter (p
- 112.84 KB
Diurnal Behavior and Group Size Patterns of Common Dolphins (Delphinus sp.) during 2008-2010 Aerial Surveys off San Diego, California.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
Aerial surveys offer an ideal observation platform to document the behavior and group size of dolphin species over a wide range in offshore waters in a short period. Eight aerial surveys were conducted near San Clemente Island off southern California, Oct/Nov 2008, Jun/Jul/Nov 2009 and May/Jul/Sep 2010 to monitor behavior of marine mammal species using line-transect and focal-behavioral circling methods. An estimated 94,867 short-beaked (Delphinus delphis) and long-beaked (D. capensis) common dolphins were observed during 346 separate events. Number of sightings, mean group size and initial group behavior state were recorded and compared by diurnal periods. Daytime observation hours were divided into three periods, following the methods of Bearzi et al. (1999): “morning” (0801-1159)(n = 71 sightings, individuals =22,777), “early afternoon” (1200-1559)(n = 191, individuals = 52,926), and “late afternoon” (1600-1959)(n = 85, individuals = 19,164). Sighting rates were highest in the early afternoon (4.1 indiv/km) followed by late afternoon (3.9 indiv/km) and morning (3.3 indiv/km). Mean group size was highest in the “morning” (321 ± 455.8), followed by “early afternoon” (277 ± 354.5) and “late afternoon” (225.5 ± 276.0). During the “morning”, initial group behavior was most frequently surface-active mill (65%) followed by travel(29%). During the “early afternoon”, travel (36%) occurred most frequently,followed equally by surface-active travel (28%) and surface-active mill (28%).During the “late afternoon”, travel (37%) and surface-active mill (36%) occurred most frequently, followed by surface-active travel (27%). Social and apparent foraging behaviors typically occurred during surface-active behavior states. Results suggest that groups of common dolphins of both species aggregate in larger numbers and are generally more surface-active during the morning than early and late afternoon, potentially corresponding with socializing and foraging strategies. Further data gathering and multivariate analyses are underway to elucidate more specific diurnal trends and behavioral correlations.
- 175.92 KB
Diurnal Behavior and Group Size Patterns of Common Dolphins (Delphinus sp.) during 2008-201 0 Aerial Surveys off San Diego, California.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2012. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 2, 2012
Aerial surveys offer an ideal observation platform to document the behavior and group size of dolphin species over a wide range in offshore waters in a short period. Eight aerial surveys were conducted near San Clemente Island off southern California, Oct/ Nov 2008, jun/Jui/Nov 2009 and May/Jui /Sep 2010 to monitor behavior of marine mammal species using line-transect and focal-behavioral circling methods. An estimated 94,867 short-beaked (Delphinus de/phis) and longbeaked (Delphinus capensis) common dolphins were observed during 346 separate events. Number of sightings, mean group size and initial group behavior state were recorded and compared by diurnal periods. Daytime observation hours were divided into three periods, following the methods of Bearzi et al. (1999): "morning" (08:01-11 :59)(n = 71 sightings, individuals= 22,777), "early afternoon" (12:00-15:59)(n = 191, individuals= 52,926), and "late afternoon" (16:00-19:59)(n = 85, individuals= 19,164). Sighting rates were highest in the early afternoon (4.1 indiv/km) followed by late afternoon (3.9 indiv/km) and morning (3.3 indiv/km). Mean group size was highest in the "morning" (321 ± 455.8), followed by "early afternoon" (277 ± 354.5) and "late afternoon" (225.5 ± 276.0). During the "morning", initial group behavior was most frequently surface-active mill (44%) followed by travel (29%) and surface active travel (13%). During the "early afternoon", travel (35%) occurred most frequently, followed by surface-active mill (33%) and surface- active travel (24%). During the "late afternoon", surface-active mill (35%) occurred most frequently, followed by travel (28%) and surface-active travel (27%). Social and apparent foraging behaviors typically occurred during surface-active behavior states. Results suggest that groups of common dolphins of both species aggregate in larger numbers and are generally exhibiting more surface-active mill behavior during the morning than early and late afternoon, potentially corresponding with socializing and foraging strategies. Further data gathering and multivariate analyses are underway to elucidate more specific diurnal trends and behavioral correlations.
- 1,019.53 KB
Assessing 'Observer effect' from an aerial platform during marine mammal focal observations on Risso's dolphins, short-beaked common dolphins and killer whales in the Southern California Bight.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2014 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2014
We systematically video-documented the behavior of a subsample of Risso's dolphins, short-beaked common dolphins (SBCD) and killer whales in the Southern California Bight (SCB) (2009-20 11) to assess whether the observation aircraft (fixed-wing Partenavia) affected selected behavioral variables .
- 8,074.85 KB
‘Observer effect’ from an aerial platform during marine mammal focal observations on Risso’s dolphins, short-beaked common dolphins and killer whales in the Southern California Bight.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
We video-documented the behavior of Risso’s dolphins, shortbeaked common dolphins (SBCD) and killer whales in the Southern California Bight (SCB) (2008-2012) to assess whether the observation aircraft (fixed-wing Partenavia) affected selected behavioral variables. Focal observations were conducted from the aircraft to examine potential changes in group cohesion (minimum and maximum distance between nearest neighbors in body lengths [BL]) and heading reorientation rate, to the plane circling at altitude ~700, 1000, 1500 and 2000 feet (ft). Dependent parameters were selected because previous studies show they are indicative of disturbance to anthropogenic or natural threatening stimuli. Five focal sessions were analyzed: two Risso’s dolphins, two SBCD, and one killer whale. A total of 67 minutes (min) was spent observing Risso’s dolphins, 65 min SBCD and 29 min killer whales. Focal sessions were pooled by species and data were divided into four plane altitude categories: 1750 ft. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the null hypothesis that maximum cohesion and reorientation do not vary significantly based on plane altitude. Results suggest that our small plane circling at radial distance 750-1000 ft and altitude 750-2000 ft did not cause measurable changes in cohesion and reorientation, of the three species (based on small sample size). For cohesion (C) and reorientation (R) no significant effects were found (Risso’s dolphin: p = 0.091 and 0.258; SBC: p = 0.068 and 0.847; killer whale: p = 0.270 and 0.060 [C and R, respectively]). Results suggest that “undisturbed” baseline observations can be made on these species from our aircraft within parameters examined. This is important when using the aircraft to assess baseline marine mammal behavior and potential effects of anthropogenic activities relative to management and conservation needs.
- 8,074.85 KB
Identifying social clusters of endangered main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whales.
Endangered Species Research. 2023.
51:249–268
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- August 3, 2023
The presence of distinct social groups within an animal population can result in heterogeneity in many aspects of its life history and ecology. The ability to accurately assess social group membership increases with the number of times individuals are identified, but obtaining sufficient sightings of rarely encountered species can be difficult. Three social clusters were previously identified for the endangered population of false killer whales Pseudorca crassidens around the main Hawaiian Islands, using modularity among associations within a 12 yr photographic dataset with no restrictions on the number of times seen. In this study, we used photo-identification data over a 23 yr period to reassess the number and membership of social clusters, restricted to individuals seen on at least 5 different days. We compared the robustness of clustering assignments from 6 community detection algorithms using modularity and found that the 3 highest-ranking algorithms all identified the same number (4) and membership of social clusters. Spatial use of clusters varied among the islands, with 3 of the 4 clusters encountered regularly only off 1 or 2 of the 3 main island study areas. Comparison of genetic differentiation among social clusters revealed significant differentiation in nuclear DNA. Furthermore, all individuals in 2 of the clusters possess the same mitochondrial DNA haplotype, while in the other 2 clusters, approximately 40% of animals possess a second haplotype. This level of clustering and associated heterogeneity within the population may have implications for mark−recapture abundance estimation, as well as for mitigating exposure to anthropogenic activities, including interactions with fisheries.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2017
The development of the MAHWC is currently in the first year of the proposed three-year project. The overarching goal of this project is to facilitate exchange of information among researchers who have been involved in humpback whale photo-ID efforts over the last 40 years in the North Atlantic. To accomplish this, three key objectives must be achieved: 1. A data sharing agreement must be developed and agreed upon among the contributors of the catalog. 2. Standardized protocols for data/image submission and quality assurance need to be established. 3. A streamlined mechanism for exchange of information between the MAHWC, larger regional catalogs and contributors must be designed.
- 777.99 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2019
The web-based MAHWC is intended to be a high-quality scientific product that will inform users of the identity, residency, site fidelity, and habitat use of humpback whales in the waters off the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States. Simplifying and standardizing submissions from the mid-Atlantic to the broader regional and North Atlantic catalogs also will permit a more efficient exchange of information between regions. This tool will benefit researchers, managers, and educators by supporting informed management and environmental planning. This report describes the progress for development of the web-based MAHWC for 2018.
- 208.96 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2017
The survey site includes an approximately 6,500-square-kilometer area off the coast of Virginia extending from the southern portion of the eastern shore of Virginia to the North Carolina/Virginia state border. The aerial survey design was established based upon advisements from the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) at the University of St. Andrews and objectives identified by the U.S. Navy
- 7,464.32 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2018
This project contributes to the overall community effort to help monitor the West Indies Distinct Population Segment and complements existing Navy marine species monitoring efforts.
- 341.67 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2016
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, Inc. (VAQF) has been tasked to conduct aerial surveys for the continental shelf region off the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay within the Virginia Capes Operating Area (VACAPES OPAREA) to provide marine species monitoring services. The current study area encompasses an approximately 6,500-squarekilometer area off the coast of Virginia extending from the southern eastern shore of Virginia to the North Carolina/Virginia state border
- 533.50 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2018
Evidence of seasonal use, foraging, and site fidelity from mark‐recapture efforts suggest the midAtlantic may provide important seasonal habitat for mysticetes (Swingle et al. 1993, Barco et al. 2002, Salisbury et al. 2015, Mallette et al. 2016).
- 12,889.24 KB
Baleen Whale Occurrence in the Waters Off Virginia and North Carolina, U.S.A. From 2001 to 2019.
Marine Mammal Science. 2026.
42:e70179
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- June 16, 2026
Eighteen years of visual survey and strandings data were used to describe baleen whale occurrence along the continental shelf of Virginia and North Carolina, U.S.A. This region experiences heavy anthropogenic use, which poses risks for mortality and injury to baleen whales. Between 2001 and 2019, six species of baleen whales were recorded, and whales occurred year-round. The total number of (on-and off-effort) sightings and strandings amounted to 838 whales, including humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae, n = 503), fin (Balaenoptera physalus, n = 197), North Atlantic right (Eubalaena glacialis, NARW, n = 76), common minke (B. acutorostrata, n = 51), sei (B. borealis, n = 10), and blue (B. musculus, n = 1) whales. Spatial modeling and abundance estimates indicated whale density and distribution changed seasonally. The highest densities of all whales combined occurred in winter and spring. Across seasons, average densities were highest in the northern portion of the study area. Ninety percent of NARW sightings were outside the designated Seasonal Management Areas in place for their protection. The stranding record offered a complementary view of species richness and seasonality. This study provides a baseline of baleen whale occurrence in an area experiencing increasing anthropogenic pressures (e.g., ship traffic and offshore wind-energy development).
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2017
Create a regional catalog of high quality humpback whale identification images and sighting data in collaboration with contributors from the mid-Atlantic region. Develop a searchable online photo-id catalog for humpback whales sighted outside traditional feeding and breeding areas off the U.S, mid-Atlantic states to inform the Navy of the site fidelity and habitat use of humpbacks sighted in Navy training areas. Produce a collaborative report/manuscript on humpback whale sighting, residency and site fidelity in the U.S. mid-Atlantic with collaborators and contributors as co-authors. Explore feasibility of integrating other images (aerial survey and stranded animal) into the catalog to enhance sighting contributions collected from additional platforms and to build a robust collection of individually identified humpback whales.
- 825.47 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 30, 2013
eaked whales (family Ziphiidae) were automatically detected post exercise in recorded acoustic data collected before, during and after a February 2012 U.S. Naval training event at the PMRF, Kauai, Hawaii.
- 1,257.85 KB
U.S. Navy Marine Species Monitoring Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, April 2022 .
More details
Collapse details
Dive characteristics of Cross Seamount beaked whales from long-term passive acoustic monitoring at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauaʻi.
Marine Mammal Science. 2022.
39(1):22-41
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- July 28, 2022
Beaked whale foraging pulses were detected on the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, via long term passive acoustic monitoring. The unidentified pulses do not match foraging pulses of known species on the range but are similar to the unidentified beaked whale first detected at Cross Seamount, Hawaiʻi. Although there has not been a visual confirmation of the unidentified beaked whale species, analysis of data collected from 2007 to 2019 has identified beaked whale foraging dive characteristics from echolocation pulses.
Dive characteristics of Cross Seamount beaked whales from long-term passive acoustic monitoring at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauaʻi.
Marine Mammal Science. 2023.
39(1):22–41
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2023
Beaked whale foraging pulses were detected on the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, via long term passive acoustic monitoring. The unidentified pulses do not match foraging pulses of known species on the range but are similar to the unidentified beaked whale first detected at Cross Seamount, Hawaiʻi. Although there has not been a visual confirmation of the unidentified beaked whale species, analysis of data collected from 2007 to 2019 has identified beaked whale foraging dive characteristics from echolocation pulses.
Impacts of U.S. Navy training events on Blainville’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) foraging dives in Hawaiian waters.
Aquatic Mammals. 2016.
42(4):507-518
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 1, 2016
Introgressive hybridization of Fraser's dolphin mitochondrial and nuclear DNA into Mariana Islands bottlenose dolphins.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Introgressive hybridization, in which genetic material from one species persists in the genome of another species following hybridization, can result in gene trees that do not match species trees and seriously mislead phylogenetic studies. This is particularly true in studies based solely on mitochondrial DNA, as introgression of maternally-inherited genomes is predicted to occur far more rapidly and persist longer than introgression of nuclear genomes. Introgressive hybridization has long been suspected as a source of taxonomic confusion in the Delphinidae. We detected mitochondrial introgressive hybridization in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) sampled around the southern islands of the Mariana Archipelago, where five out of 15 animals possess haplotypes characteristic of Fraser's dolphins (Lagenodelphis hosei). We used mitochondrial sequence data and genotypes from 14 nuclear microsatellite loci to further examine introgression of Fraser's dolphin DNA into the Mariana Islands population of bottlenose dolphins. We compared the Mariana Islands samples to bottlenose dolphin samples from elsewhere in the western Pacific and the Hawaiian Archipelago and to Fraser's dolphin samples from throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans to investigate the extent and origin of hybrid ancestry in Mariana Islands bottlenose dolphins. We estimate that the Mariana Islands animals derive approximately 14% of their nuclear ancestry from Fraser's dolphins. The fact that every Mariana Islands sample showed evidence of nuclear introgression, combined with the fact that those exhibiting mitochondrial introgression all share the same Fraser's dolphin haplotype, suggests that there was a single hybridization event far enough in the past to allow Fraser's dolphin nuclear DNA to permeate the population. The Mariana Islands samples exhibited low genetic diversity compared to other bottlenose dolphin populations, suggesting that they represent a small, genetically isolated population.
- 91.93 KB
Introgressive hybridization of Fraser's dolphin mitochondrial and nuclear DNA into Mariana Islands bottlenose dolphins.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 14, 2015
Introgressive hybridization, in which genetic material from one species persists in the genome of another species following hybridization, can result in gene trees that do not match species trees and seriously mislead phylogenetic studies. This is particularly true in studies based solely on mitochondrial DNA, as introgression of maternally-inherited genomes is predicted to occur far more rapidly and persist longer than introgression of nuclear genomes. Introgressive hybridization has long been suspected as a source of taxonomic confusion in the Delphinidae. We detected mitochondrial introgressive hybridization in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) sampled around the southern islands of the Mariana Archipelago, where five out of 15 animals possess haplotypes characteristic of Fraser's dolphins (Lagenodelphis hosei). We used mitochondrial sequence data and genotypes from 14 nuclear microsatellite loci to further examine introgression of Fraser's dolphin DNA into the Mariana Islands population of bottlenose dolphins. We compared the Mariana Islands samples to bottlenose dolphin samples from elsewhere in the western Pacific and the Hawaiian Archipelago and to Fraser's dolphin samples from throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans to investigate the extent and origin of hybrid ancestry in Mariana Islands bottlenose dolphins. We estimate that the Mariana Islands animals derive approximately 14% of their nuclear ancestry from Fraser's dolphins. The fact that every Mariana Islands sample showed evidence of nuclear introgression, combined with the fact that those exhibiting mitochondrial introgression all share the same Fraser's dolphin haplotype, suggests that there was a single hybridization event far enough in the past to allow Fraser's dolphin nuclear DNA to permeate the population. The Mariana Islands samples exhibited low genetic diversity compared to other bottlenose dolphin populations, suggesting that they represent a small, genetically isolated population.
- 91.93 KB
Evidence of a small, island-associated population of common bottlenose dolphins in the Mariana Islands.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2026.
10:1254959
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- February 16, 2026
Small, island-associated populations of cetaceans have evolved around numerous oceanic islands, likely due to habitat discontinuities between nearshore and offshore waters. However, little is known about the ecology and structure of cetacean populations around the Mariana Islands, a remote archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean. We present sighting, photo-identification, and genetic data collected during twelve years of surveys around these islands that reveal the existence of a small, island-associated population of bottlenose dolphins.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 8, 2011
This report provides information relative to marine mammals at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) before, during and after the Feb 2011 Submarine Commanders Course exercise (SCC) between 11 and 22 Feb 2011.
- 837.64 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 27, 2010
This report provides passive acoustic evidence of the presence of beaked and minke whales on the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) instrumented acoustic range (BSURE and BARSTUR) before and after the Feb 2010 Submarine Commanders Course training event (SCC).
- 532.75 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 15, 2016
This report summarizes field research activities conducted between 23 October and 24 November 2016 by the PIFSC Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program (MTBAP), in collaboration with local partners on Saipan and Guam
- 2,422.75 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 16, 2012
Sound pressure levels that sighted marine mammals were exposed to from AN/SQS-53C sonar transmissions are estimated during the Feb 2011 Submarine Commanders Course training event (SCC) at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kauai, Hawaii.
- 453.56 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 20, 2015
Low frequency pulsed signals between 12 and 64 Hz have been detected, localized and tracked automatically using acoustic data recorded at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii (PMRF)
- 622.82 KB
Rough-toothed dolphin exposures to U.S. Navy mid-frequency active sonar at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Hawai‘i.
Detection, Classification, Localization, and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals Workshop. June 3–7, 2024. Rotterdam, The Netherlands .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- June 3, 2024
- 480.76 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2022
This report documents Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific marine mammal monitoring efforts in fiscal year (FY) 2021 for Commander, Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i.
- 8,971.43 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 1, 2021
This report documents Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC Pacific) marine mammal monitoring efforts in fiscal year (FY) 2020 for Commander, Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kauai, Hawaii.
- 5,007.00 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 20, 2020
This report documents Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC Pacific) marine mammal monitoring efforts in fiscal year (FY) 2019 for Commander, Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kauai, Hawaii.
- 8,708.37 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 3, 2019
This report documents Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific marine mammal monitoring efforts in FY18 for COMPACFLT at PMRF in Kauai, Hawaii.
- 2,687.96 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 31, 2018
This report documents Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) marine mammal monitoring efforts in FY17 for Commander, Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kauai, Hawaii.
- 4,775.66 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 28, 2017
This report documents SSC Pacific marine mammal monitoring efforts in FY16 for COMPACFLT at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), including during U.S. Navy mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) training.
- 1,722.70 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 3, 2016
This report documents Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) marine mammal monitoring efforts in FY15 for COMPACFLT at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kauai, Hawaii, including during U.S. Navy mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) training.
- 4,024.84 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 29, 2014
Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) were acoustically detected and localized, via their boing vocalizations, using recorded data from the US Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) located off Kauai, Hawaii. All available recorded data (766 h) from 24 seafloor mounted hydrophones were processed to localize boing calling minke whales associated with US Navy training events which occurred in the month of February over three years (2011–2013).
- 949.81 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 15, 2012
Sound pressure levels (SPLs) are estimated for beaked whale groups exposed to midfrequency active (MFA) sonar activity during a US Navy training event which occurred Feb 2011 at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii. B
- 426.89 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 3, 2016
This report documents Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) marine mammal monitoring efforts in FY15 for COMPACFLT at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kauai, Hawaii, including during U.S. Navy mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) training. Data products (both recorded hydrophone data and standard PMRF range products) were obtained and analyzed. Collaborative efforts with R. Baird and B. Southall were also performed involving estimating received levels for tagged animals that were exposed to MFAS during training activities.
- 4,024.84 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 28, 2017
This report documents SSC Pacific marine mammal monitoring efforts in FY16 for COMPACFLT at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), including during U.S. Navy mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) training. Data products (i.e., recorded hydrophone data, standard PMRF range products, and range craft deployed calibrated hydrophone data) were obtained and analyzed using custom detection, classification and localization tools described herein.
- 1,722.70 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2023
This report documents Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC Pacific) marine mammal monitoring efforts in fiscal year (FY) 2022 for Commander, Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kaua'i, Hawai
- 6,631.24 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2019
The overall objective is to collect field data that will enable the Navy and the NMFS to better understand the distribution and habitat use of sea turtles in Guam and the CNMI.
- 3,376.54 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2018
The Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program (PIFSC, NOAA Fisheries), together with local partners, conducts marine turtle surveys and in-water captures of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata).
- 3,653.04 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2025
This report documents the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific Whale Acoustic Reconnaissance Project (WARP) Laboratory’s marine mammal monitoring efforts in fiscal year (FY) 2024 for Commander, Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i.
- 6,328.43 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 9, 2024
This report documents the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific Whale Acoustic Reconnaissance Project (WARP) Laboratory’s marine mammal monitoring efforts in fiscal year (FY) 2023 for Commander, Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i.
- 10,102.05 KB
The 9th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization, And Density Estimation of Marine Mammals Using Passive Acoustics, Honolulu, Hawaii, 7-11 March 2022. Navy Marine Species Monitoring Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, April 2022. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- March 7, 2022
North Pacific minke whales call rapidly when calling conspecifics are nearby.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2022.
9:897298
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2022
North Pacific minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) boing calls are commonly detected in Hawaiian waters. When producing boing vocalizations, minke whales seem to be in one of two calling behavioral states. Most often minke whales produce boings with inter-call intervals of several minutes, but sometimes minke whales call rapidly with inter-call intervals of less than a minute. Since minke whales are difficult to detect visually, cue-rate-based density estimation using passive acoustic monitoring has been proposed. However, the variables that influence cue rate or calling rate are poorly understood in most whales, including minke whales. We collected passive acoustic recordings from 47 bottom-mounted hydrophones at the Pacific Missile Range Facility’s instrumented range off the coast of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi to test the hypothesis that minke whales call more rapidly when closer in proximity to other calling conspecifics.
Estimating received levels for acoustically tracked whales from Navy mid-frequency active sonar.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2018.
144: 1885-1886
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- September 1, 2018
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 10, 2016
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2016.
140(4, Part 2):3413
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2016
Opportunistic behavioral responses of baleen whales to disturbances from US Navy mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) training at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawai’i, are being studied utilizing passive acoustic recordings. Automated passive acoustic detection, classification, localization, and tracking analyses of the data have shown a behavioral response in terms of a reduction, or cessation, of minke whale “boing” calling in response to US Navy training during the month of February 2011, 2012, and 2013 over a study area of 3,780 km2. The reduced calling is expressed as reduced minimum densities in the study area by utilizing acoustically localized individual whale counts. In February 2011, the density before sonar training was 3.64 whales while the density during sonar training was 0.69 whales (95% confidence intervals of 3.31-4.01 and 0.27- 1.8 whales, respectively). Individual ship-whale encounters have been observed to show cessation of calling from ship approaches without MFAS activity as well as ship approaches with MFAS. Sound Pressure Levels and Cumulative Sound Exposure Levels animals are exposed to are being estimated for evaluation of dose-response relationships. Tracking individual whales allows investigation of kinematics coupled with acoustic call details to establish baseline behaviors for comparison with observations during US Navy training.
Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) respond to navy training.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2015.
135:2533-2541
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- May 1, 2015
Information on baleen whales derived from localized calling individuals at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Hawaii.
7th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 13, 2015
Passive acoustic monitoring automated processes for detection, classification, model-based localization and tracking have been utilized for multiple species of baleen whales using recorded data from 47 off-shore, bottom-mounted broadband hydrophones at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii. Automatically detected baleen whales calls’ start times are compared with model-based localizations start times for determining locations where calls were emitted. Kinematic tracks are generated from localizations when multiple parameters exceed thresholds. The kinematic tracks support the notion of a single individual being tracked when call types, intervals, swim speeds and behaviors match what is known for a species. Localization and tracking capabilities increase knowledge of the species monitored by providing: density estimates based upon counts of animals which call, which are more informative than density of calls, directly measured cue rates of animals which call, species utilization of the various habitats being monitored, and different behavioral states of animals can be inferred. Information derived from kinematic tracks such as swim speeds and animal headings lead to basic behavioral observations such as ‘traveling’ (animals moving through the area at fairly constant headings and speeds) and ‘milling’ (where animals remain in the area for long periods of time with many heading and speed changes). Examples are provided for rarely sighted, but acoustically localized and tracked, minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Bryde’s (Balaenoptera brydei) whales. Behavioral responses of localized minke whales to Navy training have shown lower densities of calling animals in the area during Navy training compared to other periods of time.
- 897.81 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2023
Coral reef surveys were conducted at Farallon de Medinilla (FDM) August 14–19, 2022 by Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific Scientific Diving Services (SDS) to satisfy requirements of the Mariana Islands Training and Testing Area Biological Opinion (MITT BO) issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 2020 (NMFS 2020). This report fulfills portions of Terms and Conditions (T&C) 2b and 2c of the 2020 MITT BO (NMFS 2020). T&C 2b includes the requirement for the Navy to “provide reports of any observed inwater effects (e.g., crater size, observed mortality) to corals resulting from detonations of high-explosive ordnance as they are discovered...during coral reef surveys...” T&C 2c states “The Navy shall, no less than once every five years, survey coral reef habitat around FDM within 30 m of water depth. These surveys will be structured to confirm presence or absence and abundance of Endangered Species act (ESA)-listed corals and to assess general trends in coral reef species composition, percent coral coverage, and condition (disease, predators, extent of breakage, etc.).” The primary objectives of the 2022 field survey were to quantify the abundance and location around the island of ESA-listed corals, quantify coral reef health (percent cover of living coral, coral species composition, and coral condition), and compile observations of ordnance impacts. Secondary objectives were to record incidental observations of any other ESA-listed species encountered while fulfilling the primary objectives.
- 11,917.89 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2013
Pacific coast feeding group (PCFG) gray whales are a group of eastern North Pacific gray whales which do not migrate up to the arctic during the summer feeding season. Individuals have been repeatedly sighted in multiple years at locations ranging from northern California to southeast Alaska from late spring through fall (Calambokidis et al. 2002, Swartz et al. 2006). This report presents preliminary data from a satellite tagging project conducted to identify PCFG gray whale movements in and around the Pacific Northwest in association with the United States Navy’s (Navy) Northwest Training Range Complex (NWTRC).
- 5,338.98 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2018
OSU conducted a 4-year (2014–2017) tagging and tracking study on eastern North Pacific blue whales and fin whales to determine their movement patterns, occurrence, and residence times within U.S. Navy training and testing areas, as well as NMFS-identified BIAs. Tracking periods ranged from 0.6 to 283.8 d. Blue whale locations ranged from the northern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to very close to the equator, while fin whales were from Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, to the northern coast of Baja California, Mexico.
- 15,319.91 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2017
Blue and fin whale tagging efforts took place off the southern and central coast of California during one 30-day cruise aboard the research vessel (R/V) Pacific Storm. Nineteen tags were deployed on blue whales (11 LO, 8 DM) between July 14 and August 3, 2016.
- 4,304.31 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2017
This report details the results of three years (2014-2016) of tracking data for blue and fin whales (Balaenoptera musculus and B. physalus, respecitvely) tagged in southern California waters, as well as one season of tracking data for humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) tagged off the Oregon coast. T
- 37,464.48 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 15, 2016
In 2015 Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute (OSU/MMI) conducted a second year of tagging operations in support of the United States (U.S.) Navy’s marine mammal studies in the offshore waters of the Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL) portion of the Hawaii-Southern California Training and Testing Study Area as well as the existing Northwest Training Range Complex (NWTRC), Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport Range Complex (together known as the Northwest Training and Testing Study Area). The focus of these studies is to address key science objectives the Navy has committed to complete as part of regulatory requirements promulgated from the National Marine Fisheries Service.
- 3,727.83 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 25, 2016
A 2-year tagging and tracking study was conducted on eastern North Pacific blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) to determine their movement patterns, occurrence, and residence times within Navy training and testing areas along the U.S. West Coast.
- 13,112.42 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 31, 2015
Twenty-four blue whales [20 location-only tags, 4 Advanced Dive Behavior (ADB) tags] and six fin whales (3 locationonly tags, 3 ADB tags) were tagged in August 2014 between Mugu Canyon, west of Malibu, and San Diego. CA .There was a great deal of individual variation in the tracks of both blue and fin whales, with blue whale locations extending from the northern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia to the Costa Rica Dome area off Central America, and those of fin whales extending from southern Oregon to central Baja California
- 11,172.92 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 9, 2020
This work is in support of marine species monitoring activities by the United States (US) Navy in its training and testing range complexes in the Pacific Ocean. Specifically, the study seeks to help delineate humpback whale Distinct Population Segments found off the US West Coast, as well as to describe their feeding-season home range, migration to the breeding areas, diving behavior, habitat use, and ecological characteristics.
- 4,858.24 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 27, 2019
The purpose of this Cooperative Agreement between Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW) and Oregon State University (OSU) is to support marine mammal studies in compliance with the Letters of Authorization and Biological Opinions issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to the Navy for activities in all Pacific Ocean testing and training range complexes. With regard to humpback whales, in 2016 NMFS divided the global population into fourteen Distinct Population Segments (DPS) for purposes of listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Four DPS were designated for the North Pacific based on the location of distinct breeding areas (Federal Register 2016a, b): “Western North Pacific”, “Hawaii”, “Mexico”, and “Central America”. The corresponding ESA status is “Endangered” for both the Western North Pacific (estimated at 1,066 animals; Wade 2017) and the Central America DPS (estimated at 783 animals; Wade 2017); “Threatened” for the Mexico DPS (estimated at 2,806 animals; Wade 2017); and “Not Listed” for the Hawaii DPS (estimated at 11,571 animals; Wade 2017) (Federal Register 2016a, b).
- 699.95 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 25, 2019
This report presents detailed results from the tagging, biopsy sampling, and photo-identification (photo-ID) efforts conducted in Hawaii in 2018, as well as results from previous OSU studies of humpback whales in Hawaii from 1995 to 2015. Whale use of Navy training and testing areas as well as their use of NMFS-identified Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) in Hawaii and Alaska is also examined.
- 17,161.72 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 15, 2019
This Preliminary Summary provides an overview of field survey methodologies as well as initial summaries of the data collected through 1 July 2019. Twenty-five tags were deployed and Argos satellite locations were received from 24 of them.
- 3,650.20 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2019
This report presents detailed results from the tagging, biopsy sampling, and photo-ID efforts conducted in Hawaii in 2018, as well as results from previous OSU studies of humpback whales in Hawaii from 1995 to 2015. Whale use of Navy training and testing areas as well as their use of NMFS-identified Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) in Hawaii and Alaska is also examined.
- 991.13 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 19, 2018
This report presents detailed results from the tagging, biopsy sampling, and photo-identification efforts conducted off southern and central California in summer and off Oregon in fall, as well as results from previous OSU studies of humpback whales in California, Oregon, Southeast Alaska, and the Aleutian Islands during 1997–2016.
- 9,217.32 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 22, 2017
Through the use of satellite telemetry and genetic analyses, this project will provide greater detail on which subpopulations of humpback whales use the Navy activity areas in the North Pacific Ocean. Satellite tag deployments will occur off California and Oregon/Washington (summer/fall 2017) and Hawaii (winter/spring 2018) to track the migrations of humpback whales throughout the Pacific basin for multiple weeks to multiple months after deployment.
- 3,945.81 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2014
The purpose of this study was to understand the offshore distribution of gray whales and the potential for overlap with Navy activities.
- 2,453.91 KB
The development of an intermediate-duration tag to characterize the diving behavior of large whales.
Ecology and Evolution. 2016.
7:585-595
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- December 20, 2016
Here, we present a novel configuration of a transdermally attached biologging device called the Advanced Dive Behavior (ADB) tag.
Rare Sightings of Bryde’s Whales (Balaenoptera brydei/edeni) in the Southern California Bight.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera brydei/edeni) have been considered an anomalous occurrence in the Southern California Bight (SCB). Thus, they typically have been excluded from species lists associated with SCB management documents. In the last 40 years only two visual sightings of Bryde’s whales were documented in California waters, the last one in 1991 (Carretta et al. 2008). This is despite extensive systematic vessel and aerial surveys and presumed recent recordings of Bryde’s whale vocalizations in the SCB. Bryde’s whales are notoriously difficult to differentiate in the field, both from each other and also from fin (B. physalus) and sei whales (B. borealis), given the subtle differences in physical characteristics. Between August 2006 and September 2010, we photo-documented five sightings of five single Bryde’s whales in the SCB. Two of the five sightings occurred in October 2008 and September 2010 during 33,880 km of aerial surveys. The remaining three sightings occurred during small-vessel surveys that included offshore waters: two in June 2006 and one in September 2010. These sightings combined with other reports of presumed vocalizations suggest that Bryde’s whale numbers may be increasing in the SCB. This may be related to global warming, largescale oceanographic events (e.g., El Niño and La Niña) and resulting changes in prey availability. Recent sightings reported herein indicate that the Bryde’s whale should be considered as a species present in the SCB and photo-documentation is critical to ascertain species.
- 146.50 KB
A summary of visual marine mammal monitoring and baseline surveys in the U.S. Navy's Pacific operating areas of Hawaii, Southern California, Gulf of Alaska and the Marianas Islands 2006-2009..
18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- October 12, 2009
- 73.43 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2018
In 2015, to serve the operational needs of the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing program, survey effort was extended north into Virginia creating the Norfolk Canyon survey area. Three years of aerial surveys at this site have provided preliminary information on the distribution and diversity of cetaceans and sea turtles. The current report builds on this past body of work and describes aerial survey monitoring activities at the Norfolk Canyon study area in 2017.
- 7,585.81 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2018
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
- 6,923.15 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2017
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
- 17,701.32 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 1, 2015
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
- 19,502.08 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in Navy range complexes along the Atlantic coast. This program began in 2007, with baseline aerial and vessel surveys and a passive acoustic monitoring program in Onslow Bay, North Carolina and has since expanded to include study areas off Jacksonville, Florida and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. In Onslow Bay, six years of monitoring have yielded a comprehensive picture of the density, distribution and abundance of marine mammals and sea turtles and provided new insights into residency patterns among pelagic delphinid cetaceans in this region. More than four years of monitoring in Jacksonville have provided similar information on the density and distribution of marine mammals and sea turtles in this area. In Cape Hatteras, almost three years of surveys have provided preliminary information on the complex patterns of distribution and diversity of the marine mammals and sea turtles in this highly productive area. The current report builds on this past body of work and describes monitoring activities that occurred between January and December 2013.
- 8,719.07 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in Navy range complexes along the Atlantic coast. This program began in 2007, with baseline aerial and vessel surveys and a passive acoustic monitoring program in Onslow Bay, North Carolina and has since expanded to include study areas off Jacksonville, Florida and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. In Onslow Bay, six years of monitoring have yielded a comprehensive picture of the density, distribution and abundance of marine mammals and sea turtles and provided new insights into residency patterns among pelagic delphinid cetaceans in this region. More than four years of monitoring in Jacksonville have provided similar information on the density and distribution of marine mammals and sea turtles in this area. In Cape Hatteras, almost three years of surveys have provided preliminary information on the complex patterns of distribution and diversity of the marine mammals and sea turtles in this highly productive area. The current report builds on this past body of work and describes monitoring activities that occurred between January and December 2013.
- 10,899.34 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2016
This report details part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information 3 on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine 4 mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. 5 Atlantic Coast.
- 7,438.82 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in Navy range complexes along the Atlantic coast. This program began in 2007, with baseline aerial and vessel surveys and a passive acoustic monitoring program in Onslow Bay, North Carolina and has since expanded to include study areas off Jacksonville, Florida and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
- 20,130.06 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 16, 2009
This document comprises the second annual progress report to the Department of the Navy for the reporting period of July 2008 through June 2009 (Year Two). It includes data from the monitoring program for protected marine species at the proposed site of an Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) in Onslow Bay, North Carolina.
- 24,884.42 KB
Species diversity and abundance at a cetacean "hot spot" off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
We have been conducting ongoing monthly aerial surveys off Cape Hatteras, NC, USA as part of the US Navy's marine species monitoring program in the Atlantic since 2011. We utilize line transect survey methods and extensively photograph all sightings to confirm species identification. Survey tracklines extend from shallow continental shelf waters, across the shelf break, to deep pelagic waters. From May 2011 through December 2014, 26,131km of trackline were flown, and 9,941 individual cetaceans were documented during 437 encounters. Nineteen species of cetaceans, including three mysticetes (Balaenoptera physalus, B. acutorostrata, Megaptera novaeangliae), five deep-divers (Physeter microcephalus, Kogia spp., Ziphius cavirostris, Mesoplodon europaeus, M. mirus), and eleven delphinids (Tursiops truncatus, Stenella frontalis, S. attenuate, S. coeruleoalba, S. clymene, S. longirostris, Steno bredanensis, Peponocephala electra, Lagenodelphis hosei, Grampus griseus and Globicephala macrorhynchus) were encountered. Similar surveys at the adjacent Onslow Bay, NC site yielded only 257 sightings (4,773 individuals representing nine species) despite nearly two times the survey effort flown (48,698km). At Cape Hatteras, minimum abundance estimates (i.e. uncorrected for availability or perception bias) were generated using spatio-temporal density surface modelling for species with sufficient detections. Predicted monthly abundance of T. truncatus varied between 170 (95% confidence interval; 0 - 17,100) and 3,450 (300 - 8,510). Monthly Stenella spp. abundance varied between 110 (0 - 360) and 1,720 (400 - 5,390). Monthly abundance of G. macrorhynchus varied between 10 (0 - 960) and 1,230 (220 - 4,300). These results demonstrate that the waters off Cape Hatteras support both higher diversity and density of cetaceans than adjacent waters along the US Atlantic coast. This site is included in the area of interest identified in six pending permits for large-scale, commercial seismic surveys. We suggest that the high density and diversity of cetaceans at this site warrants a special degree of concern by the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
- 92.54 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 22, 2013
This is the fifth progress report of a monitoring program for protected marine species in waters offshore Cape Hatteras and Onslow Bay, North Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida. The results of aerial line transect surveys and vessel-based photo-ID surveys and passive acoustic monitoring are reported for the period from January 2012 through December 2012.
- 49,501.51 KB
Cetacean species diversity observed during four years of survey effort in Onslow Bay, NC, USA.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
From June 2007 to April 2011, dedicated aerial and vessel surveys were conducted in a 1,713 km² area in Onslow Bay, NC, identified as a site alternative for a US Naval sonar training range. The site straddles the shelf-break and incorporates shallow, shelf and deeper, pelagic waters. The surveys were designed to investigate occurrence, density, and distribution of protected marine species. Sixty-seven complete aerial surveys covering 48,674 km, and 67 single track-line vessel surveys covering 5,642 km, were conducted. Tursiops truncatus, the most frequently encountered species, was recorded during every calendar month and observed throughout the range. This species displayed two distinct color patterns; dolphins east of the continental shelf break exhibited a white peduncle and were sighted in larger groups, while animals on the shelf were more uniform in color and were sighted in smaller groups. Stenella frontalis, the second most commonly encountered species, was sighted in 10 of 12 calendar months, and had a distribution restricted to inshore continental shelf waters. Globicephala macrorhynchus, Grampus griseus and Steno bredanensis occurred less frequently and were commonly encountered in summer. Only these five species were recorded during the first 33 months of effort. In the subsequent 14 months four additional species, Delphinus delphis, Balaenoptera physalus, Balaenoptera acutorostrata and Megaptera novaeangliae were observed in winter and spring months. The appearance of two “colder” water species, D. delphis and B. physalus, on the same day raises questions about oceanographic features that influence conditions inside the survey area. Variation in Gulf Stream position, and the presence of warm and/or cold core eddies, likely influences cetacean presence at this site in winter months. On-going efforts will be aimed at establishing the relationship between cetacean occurrence and local oceanographic conditions within this site
- 445.59 KB
Protected species monitoring in Onslow Bay, NC: January – December 2009.
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- March 26, 2010
- 457.61 KB
Winter occurrence of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the South Atlantic Bight.
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 22, 2013
In the western North Atlantic, the winter distribution of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), and the location of their calving grounds, are poorly known. Mitchell (1991) used rare sightings of adults and calves to suggest that minke whales winter from the West Indies east to Bermuda. Here we report recent survey data that suggest minke whales also utilize offshore waters of the South Atlantic Bight during winter. We conducted monthly aerial and long‐term acoustic surveys at two offshore sites ‐ Onslow Bay, NC and Jacksonville, FL ‐ fom June 2007 to April 2011, and January 2009 to April 2011, respectively. Minke whales were visually detected twice at the Onslow site and nine times at the Jacksonville site, during the months from December to February. Calves were observed a single time at each of the two survey sites. At each site the number of acoustic detections exceeded visual observations; minke whales were acoustically detected from November through April. A review of minke whale sightings (n= 22) made available by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium (1980-2010) suggests a similar seasonal and geographical distribution pattern in the mid‐ and southeast Atlantic. Since 1992, all nine recorded strandings of minke whales in the southeast US have been of calves, and seven of these stranded in winter or spring (data provided by NOAA SER). These recent data add to the results of Mitchell (1991) and suggest that the winter migratory and/or calving grounds extend to the offshore waters from North Carolina to Florida.
- 399.87 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 27, 2010
This is the third annual progress report of a monitoring program for protected marine species at two proposed sites of Undersea Warfare Training Ranges (USWTR) in Onslow Bay, North Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida. The reporting period for this document extends from July 2009 through June 2010.
- 37,227.84 KB
Calls of North Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis contain information on individual identity and age class.
Endangered Species Research. 2026.
30:157-169
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 2, 2026
Passive acoustic monitoring is a powerful tool that allows remote detection of marine mammals through their vocalizations. While call detection provides information on species presence, additional information may be contained within the vocalizations that could provide more information regarding the demographics and/or number of individuals in a particular area based on passive acoustic detections. The North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis produces a stereotyped upswept call, termed the upcall, that is thought to function as a long-distance contact call in this species. As such, the call is likely to contain cues providing information about the individual producing it. The goal of this study was to test whether the right whale upcall could potentially encode information related to the identity and age of the caller. Using upcalls recorded from 14 known individuals through non-invasive suction cup archival acoustic tags, we demonstrate that the upcall does contain sufficient information to discriminate individual identity and age class, with average classification levels of 72.6 and 86.1%, respectively. Parameters measured from the fundamental frequency, duration, and formant structure were most important for discrimination among individuals. This study is the first step in demonstrating the feasibility of obtaining additional data from passive acoustic monitoring to aid in the conservation efforts for this highly endangered species.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:Species:
- May 15, 2015
According to the source-filter theory proposed for human speech, physical attributes of the mammalian vocal production mechanism combine independently to result in individually distinctive vocalizations. In the case of stereotyped calls with all individuals producing a similar frequency contour, formants resulting from the shape and size of the vocal tract may be more likely to contain individually distinctive information than the fundamental frequency resulting from the vibrating source. However, the formant structure resulting from such filtering has been historically undervalued in the majority of studies addressing individual distinctiveness in nonhuman species. The upcall of the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is characterized as a stereotyped contact call, and visual inspection of upcall spectrograms confirms presence of a robust formant structure. Here I present results testing age, sex, and individual distinctiveness of upcalls recorded from archival, suction cup mounted tags (Dtags). Multiple measurements were made using the fundamental frequency contour, formant structure, and amplitude of the upcalls. These three variable groupings were then tested alone and in combination with other groupings to assign upcalls to age classes based on reproductive maturity, age classes based on size, sex, and individual whales. To compare multiple classification methods, I used both discriminant function analysis and a classification and regression tree to classify calls to appropriate groups. In all analyses, the percentage of calls correctly assigned to the correct group—age, sex, individual—was significantly higher than chance levels. These results represent the first quantitative analysis of individual distinctiveness in mysticete whales and provide a baseline for further development of acoustic detection techniques that could be used to noninvasively track movements of whales across multiple habitats.
Geographic distribution of the Cross Seamount beaked whale based on acoustic detections.
Marine Mammal Science. 2024.
40(1):164–183
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2024
Beaked whales produce frequency-modulated echolocation pulses that appear to be species-specific, allowing passive acoustic monitoring to play a role in understanding spatio-temporal patterns. The Cross Seamount beaked whale is known only from its unique echolocation signal (BWC) with no confirmed species identification. This beaked whale spans the Pacific Ocean from the Mariana Archipelago to Baja California, Mexico, south to the equator, but only as far north as latitude 29°N. Within these warm waters, 92% of BWC detections occurred at night, 6% during crepuscular periods, and only 2% during daylight hours.
Resource Selection Function analyses: Assessing habitat use relative to behavior and resource characteristics/availability for five common marine mammal species in the Southern California Bight.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2014 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2014
In 2008- 2012, fifteen aerial surveys of systematic line-transects were conducted in the Southern Californ ia Bight to monitor and obtain baseline data on occurrence, distribution, density, abundance and behavior of marine mammals. Site characteristics at marine mammal locations were analyzed by estimating Resource Selection Functions (RSF) which quantified and described baseline habitat use as a precursor to assessing potential changes in these patterns relative to anthropogenic activities, including Navy exercises.
- 410.04 KB
Resource Selection Function Analyses: Assessing habitat use relative to behavior and resource characteristics/availability for five common marine mammal species in the Southern California Bight.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
In 2008-2012, fifteen aerial surveys of systematic line-transects were conducted in the Southern California Bight to monitor and obtain baseline data on occurrence, distribution, density, abundance and behavior of marine mammals. Site characteristics at marine mammal locations were analyzed by estimating Resource Selection Functions (RSF) which quantified and described baseline habitat use as a precursor to assessing potential changes in these patterns relative to anthropogenic activities, including Navy exercises. For RSF analyses, characteristics at marine mammal locations were contrasted to characteristics at 35,167 randomly selected “available” locations in the study area. RSFs were estimated via the use-availability approach and predicted probability of species occurrence at all locations in the study area as a function of seven covariate habitat variables. Models for five species (n= 60 fin and 40 gray whale groups, 135 Risso’s and 31 bottlenose dolphin groups, 157 California sea lion groups) were fit for three behavior states (mill, rest/slow travel, medium/fast travel) and all behavior combined to document behavior and habitat associations. Species differed in habitat use and corresponding habitat associations. For example, medium-fast traveling fin whales were significantly associated with deep water over relatively flat basins/plateaus (p=0.0017). Fin whales also had significantly higher probability of using the San Nicolas Basin (p=0.0517). For Risso’s dolphins, rest/slow travel was associated with deeper water (i.e., steep ridges) (p=0.0803). These patterns suggest fast movement across basins and rest/slow travel over ridges. The RSF approach has been successfully implemented for terrestrial systems, quantitatively documenting changes in habitat-use patterns in response to human activities. Results herein illustrate successful application of RSF to pelagic marine mammals, quantitatively considering the role of behavior in habitat selection. Data provide an important 5-year baseline for little-known species to compare potential future changes in habitat selection patterns, assisting in conservation/management decisions in a relatively high anthropogenic use area.
- 1,368.72 KB
Right Whale News. 2012.
20:5-6
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 1, 2012
In response to permit requirements, the Navy has funded a series of surveys to be conducted off the US Atlantic coast to monitor protected species distribution. One of these survey efforts off Jacksonville, Florida, has recently finished three years of effort. The surveys have been conducted on a monthly basis year round since 2009 and include aerial, vessel and acoustic monitoring. Surveys will continue at the JAX site on a regular monthly basis. There have also been protected species monitoring surveys of a site off Onslow Bay, North Carolina, which were expanded in 2011, the protected species monitoring surveys were expanded to include a large region off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. These surveys are designed to assess seasonal distribution of marine mammals, specifically deep diving pilot and beaked whales off the continental shelf break. All visual monitoring sightings have been loaded onto the OBIS SEAMAP website and can be found at http://seamap.env.duke.edu/ . Enter a species or location of interest when in the website to see plots of sighting locations. Or, if specifically interested in the Jacksonville surveys, you can go to the ―Browse Datasets‖ tab and draw down to University of North Carolina Wilmington and view the USWTR JAX data sets.
Right Whale News. 2010.
18(2)
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- May 1, 2010
Aerial and vessel surveys continue on a monthly basis at the proposed Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. As of 20 May 2010, a total of 296 tracklines have been surveyed since January 2009, 131 of which were flown since January 2010 (Table 2). Since commencing vessel surveys in July 2009, a total of 17 surveys have been conducted, with six occurring in 2010. Two High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) were recovered and downloaded this January. Both units were refurbished and are currently deployed. Right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) have been observed in or near the JAX USWTR survey area three times since starting surveys in 2009 (Table 3). On 20 March 2010, a single, large right whale was sighted at 10:20 at the western end of a trackline. The whale was observed for 27 minutes prior to the birth of a neonate. The neonate appeared at the surface after the adult had remained submerged, out of view, for several minutes. The aerial survey team continued observations for approximately 19 minutes before leaving the site and returning to land. At this point, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission aerial survey team moved in to continue documentation. Using photos taken by the two aerial survey teams, the New England Aquarium later confirmed the female whale as “Derecha,” #2360 in the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog. The sighting of the birth is notable because it occurred outside existing critical right whale habitat, because of its proximity to the proposed USWTR site, and because it was only the second North Atlantic right whale birth observed (the other reported by Zani et al. Aquatic Mammals 2008 34(1): 21-24). The sighting is currently being prepared for publication. In addition to the witnessed birth, a lone male right whale (# 2303) was observed and photographed on 20 March at the western end of a trackline. On 2 April 2010, a right whale cowcalf pair was encountered during off-effort transit out to the range, approximately 2 nm from the western edge of the survey tracklines. The mother was identified as right whale #3360. Other cetacean species observed from 1 January through 20 May 2010 include sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). All marine mammal sightings have been posted to the OBIS SEAMAP website and can be searched by species for sighting date and location.
Patterns of cetacean species occurrence, distribution and density at three sites along the continental shelf break of the U.S. Atlantic coast.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
As part of the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet Testing and Training program, we are monitoring the occurrence, distribution and density of cetaceans at three offshore sites along the U.S. Atlantic coast. We are using an identical suite of survey methods (line transect surveys, photo-identification, biopsy sampling and passive acoustic monitoring) at each 500nm2 reference site. Surveys began in Onslow Bay, NC in 2007, Jacksonville, FL in 2009 and Cape Hatteras, NC in 2011. To date we have conducted 48674km, 60687km, and 14213km of aerial surveys with 6883km, 3403km and 2443km of vessel surveys and 1201 days, 1264 days and 28 days of High frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) recordings at Onslow, Jacksonville and Cape Hatteras, respectively. In both Onslow and Jacksonville, the cetacean fauna is dominated by Tursiops truncatus, with densities of 0.034/km2 and 0.025/km2 respectively and Stenella frontalis, with densities of 0.027/km2 and 0.045/km2 respectively. S. frontalis was encountered exclusively over the continental shelf. Grampus griseus and Globicephala macrorhynchus were the most commonly encountered pelagic odontocetes at these two sites. Species richness is much greater at Cape Hatteras than at the two southern sites (with 18 species sighted at Cape Hatteras, 10 at Jacksonville and 9 at Onslow), with the inclusion of several boreal species during colder months and the common occurrence of several deep-diving odontocetes, including Physeter macrocephalus, Ziphius cavirostris and Mesoplodon spp. Mysticetes, including Balaenoptera acutorostrata, B. physalus, Eubalaena glacialis, and Megaptera novaeangliae, were encountered only during winter at all three sites. In addition, we have detected the calls of two species on bottom-mounted HARPS that were not observed during visual surveys, including B. musculus and likely B. borealis. We highlight the particularly high diversity of cetaceans at the Cape Hatteras shelf break and suggest that this is a hotspot of species richness in the North Atlantic.
- 2,695.32 KB
Patterns of cetacean species occurrence, distribution and density at three sites along the continental shelf break of the U.S. Atlantic coast.
Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) 2014 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 11, 2026
As part of the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet Testing and Training program, we are monitoring the occurrence, distribution and density of cetaceans at three offshore sites along the U.S. Atlantic coast. We are using an identical suite of survey methods (line transect surveys, photoidentification, biopsy sampling and passive acoustic monitoring) at each 500nm2 reference site. Surveys began in Onslow Bay, NC in 2007, Jacksonville, FL in 2009 and Cape Hatteras, NC in 2011. To date we have conducted 48674km, 60687km, and 14213km of aerial surveys with 6883km, 3403km and 2443km of vessel surveys and 1201 days, 1264 days and 28 days of Highfrequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) recordings at Onslow, Jacksonville and Cape Hatteras, respectively
- 2,610.43 KB
Year-round presence of beaked whales off Cape Hatteras North Carolina.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
We conducted monthly aerial surveys off Cape Hatteras, NC, USA as part of an ongoing monitoring project of sites utilized by the US Navy for training and testing activities along the US Atlantic coast. Survey tracklines extend from shallow continental shelf waters, across the continental shelf break, to deep pelagic waters. During surveys we record the geographic position of each marine mammal sighting, take extensive photographs of each animal, and review these images in the lab to confirm species identification. Characteristics utilized to identify beaked whales to species are based upon our sightings of adult males with erupted teeth and from comparisons with images of stranded animals. Between May 2011 and December 2014, we recorded 63 beaked whale sightings, representing 173 individuals. Beaked whales were observed in every month of the year, with the highest number of sightings (n=42) from May through August. The most commonly encountered species, observed in every month of the year, was Ziphius cavirostris (n=36 sightings, 106 individuals). Mesoplodon spp. (n=27 sightings, 67 individuals) were encountered in all months except September and October. Five of these mesoplodont sightings could be identified to species with M. europaeus (n=4 sightings, 12 individuals) and M. mirus (n=1 sighting, 2 individuals) identified from May through July. All beaked whales were encountered along the continental shelf break suggesting a restricted distribution. This area has recently been opened by the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to offshore oil and gas exploration. The geographic distribution of beaked whales off Cape Hatteras overlaps the "Manteo Prospect" and is included in the areas of interest identified in six pending permits for large-scale, commercial seismic surveys. The cumulative impacts of seismic surveys are of special concern as deep-diving beaked whales have been shown to be vulnerable to high-amplitude, impulsive anthropogenic sounds.
- 91.92 KB
Right Whale News. 2009.
17/3
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- August 1, 2009
As described in the May 2009 RWN, part of the Navy’s USWTR program is a bio-monitoring program in the area of the proposed training range. The joint Duke University/UNC Wilmington USWTR JAX survey team is now housed in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Orion Aviation is contracted to provide Cessna 337 aircraft used for the aerial surveys. Vessel survey work is being conducted on the 38’ Duffy RV Two Angels that is contracted from Alex Loer. Aerial surveys have been conducted monthly (weather permitting) since January, with nineteen days of effort to date. Vessel surveys began in July and six days of effort have been undertaken thus far. Aerial and vessel survey effort is scheduled to be conducted monthly through at least the fall and winter. No right whales have been sighted on the USWTR trackline surveys to date.
Right Whale News. 2010.
18(1):5-6
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- February 1, 2010
Survey effort continues at the proposed Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. The aerial survey effort that began in January 2009 is designed to cover the 10 track lines on the site at least twice per month and extra effort has been made to conduct additional aerial surveys during the right whale calving season. Additionally, shoulder data were collected during November 2009 in the form of on-effort transit legs to and from the survey site. Once the EWS right whale surveys end, shoulder data will be collected again through May 2010. To date, 185 USWTR track lines (approximately 16,000 km or 8,600 nautical miles) have been flown. Vessel survey effort that began in July 2009 takes place on the same track lines. Prior to the start of the right whale calving season a protocol was adopted for the research vessel when operating in right whale habitat. The vessel slows to 12 knots and posts watches while underway during daylight. Through January 2010, 14 vessel surveys have been conducted. A towed hydrophone array is deployed during vessel surveys to obtain simultaneous visual and acoustic data. Additionally, two High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) are deployed at the USWTR site and are collected, downloaded and re-deployed every six months. No right whales have been sighted during any survey effort in the USWTR site. Right whales have been observed during vessel and aerial transits through the Right Whale Critical Habitat (RWCH). When right whales are observed from the plane during transit through the RWCH, observers note the location but the plane does not break track or descend from its agreed-upon 3000 ft. transit altitude. When encountered during vessel transits, location and ID photographs are obtained. Other species of marine mammals have been observed in the USWTR site including the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), which was encountered during January and February 2009. Several odontocete species have been encountered during aerial and vessel surveys, with Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) being the most commonly observed species, followed by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis), and dwarf or pygmy sperm whale (Kogia sp.). In addition, short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) were encountered during off-effort transit through the USWTR survey area.
Mid-Atlantic aerial surveys for marine mammals, sea turtles and other large marine vertebrates 1998-2012.
Mid-Atlantic Wildlife Surveys, Modeling, and Data Workshop (DOE Wind and Water Power Program Workshop) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- July 25, 2012
- 2,839.72 KB
Distribution and abundance of beaked whales (Family Ziphiidae) off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, U.S.A.
Marine Mammal Science. 2018.
34:997-1017
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 30, 2018
Beaked whales are vulnerable to the impacts of disturbance from several sources of anthropogenic sound. Here we report the distribution and abundance of beaked whales off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, U.S.A., an area utilized by the U.S. Navy for training exercises, and of particular interest for seismic geophysical surveys. From May 2011 through November 2015, monthly aerial surveys were conducted at the site. Beaked whales were encountered 74 times (n = 205 individuals) during these surveys. Ziphius cavirostris, the most commonly encountered species, was observed in every month of the year. Mesoplodon spp. were encountered in ten months of the year. Photographs of adult males with erupted teeth permitted six sightings to be identified conclusively as M. europaeus; M. mirus was also photographed just outside the study area. Beaked whale surface densities stratified by depth (0.005–0.007/km2) were among the highest reported in the world for small ziphiids. A quantitative comparison of sightings and stranding records suggests that strandings do not accurately reflect the relative abundance of beaked whale species in this area. We conclude that Cape Hatteras, at the convergence of the Labrador Current and Gulf Stream, is a particularly important year-round habitat for several species of beaked whales.
Year-round presence of beaked whales off Cape Hatteras North Carolina.
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2016
We conducted monthly aerial surveys off Cape Hatteras, NC, USA as part of an ongoing monitoring project of sites utilized by the US Navy for training and testing activities along the US Atlantic coast. Survey tracklines extend from shallow continental shelf waters, across the continental shelf break, to deep pelagic waters. During surveys we record the geographic position of each marine mammal sighting, take extensive photographs of each animal, and review these images in the lab to confirm species identification. Characteristics utilized to identify beaked whales to species are based upon our sightings of adult males with erupted teeth and from comparisons with images of stranded animals we have confirmed species ID.
- 205.10 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2013
Mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) includes a variety of signal types that generally range between 1 kHz and 10 kHz and consist of either constant-frequency or frequency-modulated signals, or some combination of both. "SonarFinder" is a semi-automated MATLAB-based program that is designed to detect and provide metrics on MFAS and assess its effects on marine mammal acoustic behaviors. SonarFinder is intended for use on large acoustic datasets, such as those collected from autonomous recorders and other passive acoustic systems. This software can be used to analyze any acoustic recordings saved in standard .wav format. It can batch process (i.e. unattended) all .wav files in a user-specified directory, and output all detector results to a set of excel spreadsheets. SonarFinder uses a 3-stage process to differentiate "true" sonar from noise and transient signals (i.e. false positives). Each stage uses different criteria to detect potential sonar signals. Only detections which pass the criteria of all three stages are logged as sonar. SonarFinder measures frequency and time domain variables to characterize and classify sonar pings. It also has the capability of comparing detections to a spreadsheet of known sonar events (e.g. a previously annotated dataset) to evaluate the performance of the parameter settings selected for a dataset. In addition, output from the detector can be automatically compared to a user-supplied log of marine mammal detections to investigate correlations between a biological parameter and the sound pressure level of the recording.
- 1,473.89 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 1, 2026
Anthropogenic noise may significantly impact exposed marine mammals. This work studied the vocalization response of endangered blue whales to anthropogenic noise sources in the mid-frequency range using passive acoustic monitoring in the Southern California Bight. Blue whales were less likely to produce calls when mid-frequency active sonar was present. This reduction was more pronounced when the sonar source was closer to the animal, at higher sound levels. The animals were equally likely to stop calling at any time of day, showing no diel pattern in their sensitivity to sonar. Conversely, the likelihood of whales emitting calls increased when ship sounds were nearby. Whales did not show a differential response to ship noise as a function of the time of the day either. These results demonstrate that anthropogenic noise, even at frequencies well above the blue whales’ sound production range, has a strong probability of eliciting changes in vocal behavior. The long-term implications of disruption in call production to blue whale foraging and other behaviors are currently not well understood.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2021
In February 2020, a passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) survey using Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs, aka “gliders”) was performed off Southern California using two Seagliders™ equipped with Passive Miniature Acoustic Recorder (PMAR)-XL acoustic processing boards, manufactured by Hydroid, Inc. (formerly a subsidiary of Kongsberg Marine, now a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries).
- 2,840.38 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- October 1, 2018
Dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) echolocation clicks from Guam (Western North Pacific Ocean).
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2016.
140(4, Part 2):3415
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 1, 2016
The cryptic species of the genus Kogia, including the dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) and the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), are very difficult to observe in any but the most calm sea conditions. However, recordings of signals from wild and captive animals reveal that they echolocate at high frequencies (peak frequencies > 100 kHz) which makes passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) a possibility. We present details from a recent encounter with K. sima in the wild near the island of Guam (Western North Pacific Ocean). Three individuals were observed during a small-boat, visual survey in May 2016, and recordings were collected using a Compact Acoustic Recording Buoy (CARB). These clicks, with mean peak frequency of 126 kHz ( + /- 4.3 kHz), mean click duration of 72 us ( + /- 21 us), and -3 dB bandwidth 5.5 kHz ( + /- 1.6 kHz), had similar properties to recordings of wild K. sima from the Bahamas (Atlantic Ocean), and also appear similar to published recordings from K. breviceps (Madsen et al. 2005). Available data and analyses to date do not allow for absolute determination between the two Kogia species at this time, but recordings such as these bring us closer to definitive species classification.
Varying-Coefficient Stochastic Differential Equations with Applications in Ecology.
Journal of Agricultural, Biological and Environmental Statistics. 2021.
446–463 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13253-021-00450-6
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:
- March 26, 2021
We propose a flexible model for SDEs with time-varying dynamics where the parameters of the process are nonparametric functions of covariates, similar to generalized additive models. Combining the SDE and nonparametric approaches allows for the SDE to capture more detailed, non-stationary, features of the data-generating process.
Continuous-time modelling of behavioural responses in animal movement.
Annals of Applied Statistics. 2023.
17(4):3570–3588
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Methods:
- December 1, 2023
We propose varying-coefficient stochastic differential equations (SDEs) as a flexible framework to model such data with two components: (1) time-varying baseline dynamics, modelled with nonparametric or random effects of time-varying covariates, and (2) a nonparametric response model, which captures deviations from baseline. SDEs are specified in continuous time, which makes it straightforward to analyse data collected at irregular time intervals, a common situation for animal tracking studies. We describe how the model can be embedded into a state-space modelling framework to account for measurement error. We present inferential methods for model fitting, model checking, and uncertainty quantification (including on the response model). We apply this approach to two behavioural response study data sets on beaked whales: a satellite track and high-resolution depth data. Our results suggest that the whales’ horizontal movement and vertical diving behaviour changed after exposure to the sound source, and future work should evaluate the severity and possible consequences of these responses.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- December 19, 2022
We describe how the model can be embedded into a state-space modelling framework to account for measurement error. We present inferential methods for model fitting, model checking, and uncertainty quantification (including on the response model). We apply this approach to two behavioural response study data sets on beaked whales: a satellite track, and high-resolution depth data.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 3, 2011
Aerial Survey Monitoring for Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles in the Hawaii Range Complex in Conjunction with Two Navy Training Events. SCC and USWEX February 16 ‐ March 5, 2011. Final Field Report.
- 1,239.74 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 22, 2004
Aerial surveys of marine mammals were performed as part of the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Undersea Acoustic Ranges (3MR) program. Surveys were performed in three regions: a) Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sands, Kauai (BSURE and BARSTUR ranges; Jul 12-Nov 17, 2002); b) Bahamas (Northwest Providence Channel and AUTEC range; Jan 4-12, 2003); and c) main Hawaiian Islands (Feb 21–Apr 5, 2003). The mission was to identify species and record positions and composition of all marine mammal pods sighted. These data were made available to co-investigators (Martin and Moretti) of the 3MR program in order to correlate the visual positions with acoustic localizations using Navy assets. All surveys were flown in a twin-engine Partenavia aircraft at 100 knots airspeed and 244 m altitude. Four personnel participated on each flight including one observer on each side of the aircraft, data recorder and pilot. Methods used were consistent with those of modern distance sampling theory.
- 883.12 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 25, 2006
A total of six aerial surveys of marine mammals were performed on dates corresponding with scheduled dates for “choke point” maneuvers of the “Rim of the Pacific” (RIMPAC) joint military exercises in Hawaiian waters. Three surveys were performed in the vicinity of the Kaulakahi Channel (between Kauai and Niihau) (July 16, 17 and 20) and three were performed in the Alenuihaha Channel (between Hawaii and Maui) (July 24-26). The mission of the surveys was to detect, locate and identify all marine mammal species in the target areas using methods consistent with modern distance sampling theory.
- 488.71 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 10, 2007
Aerial surveys of marine mammal and turtle species were conducted during the period Aug. 13- 17, 2007 following completion of the “Valiant Shield” naval exercises in waters off the Northern Mariana Islands. Surveys encompassed approximately 2,352 km of linear effort, with transect grids distributed randomly throughout a 163,300 km2 target area.
- 2,743.09 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 7, 2015
Aerial shoreline surveys for marine mammals and sea turtles were conducted subsequent to two U.S. Commander Pacific Fleet training events in the Hawaii Range Complex. The surveys involved circumnavigation of the island of Kauai in January–February and the islands of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe in August. Both the Koa Kai and Rim of the Pacific Exercise or “RIMPAC” involved the use of mid-frequency active sonar.
- 3,153.71 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2010
Aerial Survey Monitoring for Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles in the Hawaii Range Complex in Conjunction with a Navy Training Event
- 1,077.43 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2012
Aerial surveys to monitor marine mammals and sea turtles (MM/ST) were conducted in conjunction with a U.S. Commander Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) training event in the Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) on the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Barking Sands Tactical Underwater Range (BARSTUR) and Barking Sands Underwater Range Extension (BSURE) between Kauai and Ni'ihau, Hawaii during the period February 15 to 25, 2012
- 1,498.37 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2013
Aerial surveys of marine mammals and sea turtles (MM/ST) were conducted in the waters off the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kauai, Hawaii, during the periods Feb 19–21 and Aug 12–13, 2013 in conjunction with Submarine Commander Course (SCC) training events.
- 895.41 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 25, 2009
Aerial Survey Monitoring for Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles off Oahu, Hawaii, in Conjunction with a Unit Level Training Event and Underwater Detonations
- 2,930.41 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 11, 2013
The purpose of this preliminary report is to describe the status of progress on data analysis and describe the relevant research questions that may be addressed. Of the five research questions identified in the U.S. Navy’s Hawaii Range Complex Monitoring Plan (DoN 2008), two of them were judged to be addressable using the focal-follow approach: 1. Question 1: “Are marine mammals (and sea turtles) exposed to MFAS, especially at levels associated with adverse effects? If so, at what levels are they exposed?” 2. Question 3: “If marine mammals (and sea turtles) are exposed to MFAS, what are their behavioral responses to various received levels?”
- 916.15 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 23, 2015
Aerial surveys to monitor marine mammals and sea turtles (MM/ST) were conducted in conjunction with a U.S. Commander Pacific Fleet training event in the Hawaii Range Complex on the Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands Tactical Underwater Range and Barking Sands Underwater Range Extension between Kauai and Niihau, Hawaii during 18–20 February 2014. The Submarine Commander’s Course (SCC) training event was conducted during 17–20 February 2014. Two surface ships, both equipped with the AN/SQS-53C sonar, participated in the February 2014 training.
- 2,143.16 KB
Results of aerial surveys conducted in conjunction with US navy training events off southern California Oct/Nov 2008.
18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- October 12, 2009
- 71.14 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 1, 2017
Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina concolor) distribution along the U.S. Atlantic coast has shifted in recent years, with an increased number of seals reported in southern New England. Narragansett Bay is an ecosystem with a substantial seasonal harbor seal presence and extensive commercial and recreational boating traffic, shoreline development pressure, and Navy activities. To better understand harbor seal haulout usage in this system we have been conducting regular, opportunistic observations of seal abundance, seal behavior, potential disturbance, and environmental conditions at a haulout site off Naval Station Newport, from 2010 - 2017.
- 1,499.83 KB
Photo-identification and haulout counts of pinnipeds in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island and Chesapeake Bay, Virginia.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina concolor) and gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) distribution along the U.S. Atlantic coast has shifted in recent years, with an increased number of seals reported in southern New England and the mid-Atlantic region (Kenney 2014; Waring et al. 2014). Data from NOAA surveys have previously shown New Jersey as the southern extent for harbor and gray seals (NOAA 2015a), with occasional sightings and strandings reported as far south as Florida and North Carolina for harbor and gray seals, respectively (Waring et al. 2014). NOAA now reports that a small group of harbor seals (
- 92.14 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 1, 2016
The overall goal of this project is to gain an understanding of seal movement and behavior to assist the Navy in determining potential impacts from Navy training and testing. Monitoring the Naval Station Newport site will help the Navy understand trends in seasonal movements, site fidelity, and relative abundance in close proximity to Navy activity. By establishing a record of seal presence and abundance, we can further our understanding of the general ecology of the population in Narragansett Bay, and whether this population is impacted by present or future human disturbance
- 1,465.28 KB
Got Milk? Aircraft Observations Provide Rare Glimpses into Whale Calf Nursing and Back Riding.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
Nursing behavior by large cetaceans in situ is not well described. During ~30,000 km of aerial surveys off Southern California to monitor marine mammals in 2008-2011, nursing behaviors were documented for three species: Eastern Pacific gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), fin whale (Baleanoptera physalus) and killer whale (Orcinus orca). Photographs, video, notes and audio recordings were used to analyze mother-calf interactions. Back riding occurred in gray and fin whales, as described for bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) mother-calf pairs by Würsig et al. (1999). During slow sub-surface travel, a fin whale calf swam alongside mother’s peduncle area, touching her head-first for short (
- 156.05 KB
Recent winter sightings of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the South Atlantic Bight.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
The summer feeding grounds of the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the western North Atlantic are well-documented, but its winter distribution and the location of its calving grounds are currently unknown. Sporadic winter sightings and strandings in the Caribbean and Florida suggest an offshore breeding and calving area somewhere in this region (Mitchell 1991). We present recent sightings of minke whales in the South Atlantic Bight during winter, and examine these together with historical sighting and stranding records from the region. We conducted monthly aerial surveys at two proposed U.S. Naval training exercise areas in Onslow Bay, North Carolina (June 2007 to April 2011) and off Jacksonville, Florida (January 2009 to April 2011). Minke whales were observed nine times (13 individuals) in the Jacksonville site: six singles, two pairs, and one mom/neonate pair with an adult escort. In the Onslow Bay site, minke whales were encountered twice (one single and one mom/calf pair). All sightings occurred in winter, between late December and February, in waters offshore of the continental shelfbreak. A review of historical (1980-2010) sightings (n=22, provided by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium) and strandings (n=6, provided by NOAA Fisheries) in the mid- and southeast Atlantic, revealed that most minke whale sightings occurred during winter and spring (15 and 4, respectively), rather than in summer and fall (3 and 0, respectively). Most winter sightings (10 of 15) occurred off Florida, while all spring and summer sightings (7) occurred off North Carolina and Virginia. All strandings were of calves and occurred in North Carolina, with most in winter and spring (5 of 6). These data suggest that the southeastern U.S. may be an important habitat for minke whales in winter, and may include their calving grounds.
- 1,047.25 KB
Got Milk? Aircraft Observations Provide Rare Glimpses into Whale Calf Nursing and Back Riding.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2012. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 3, 2012
Nursing behavior by large cetaceans in situ is not well described. During -30,000 km of aerial surveys off Southern California to monitor marine mammals relative to U.S. Navy military training activities (2008-2011 ), nursing behaviors were documented for three species: Eastern Pacific gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), fin whale (Ba/aenoptera physa/us) and killer whale (Orcinus orca). Photographs, video, notes and audio recordings were used to analyze mother-calf interactions. Back riding occurred in gray and fin whales, as described for bowhead whale (Ba/aena mysticetus) mother-calf pairs by Wursig et al. (1999). During slow sub-surface travel, a fin whale calf swam alongside mother's peduncle area, touching her head-first for short (
- 1,020.09 KB
Southern California Bight marine mammal density and abundance from aerial surveys 2008-2013.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 30, 2015
We conducted 18 aerial surveys for marine mammals in the Southern California Bight around San Clemente Island from October 2008 to July 2013. Data were collected to obtain density and abundance estimates, as well as focal behavioral observations of marine mammals. The primary platform used was a Partenavia P68-C or P68-OBS (glass-nosed) highwing, twin-engine airplane. A total of 76,989 km were flown with 2,510 marine mammal groups sighted. Nineteen marine mammal species were identified. Density and abundance estimates were made using line-transect methods and DISTANCE 6.0 software. Due to limited sample sizes for some species, sightings were pooled to provide four detection function estimates for baleen whales, large delphinids, small delphinids, and California sea lions. Estimates were limited to species observed at least 20 times during line-transect effort. For the May-October warm-water season, the estimated average numbers of individuals present were as follows: short-beaked common dolphins (8,520), long-beaked common dolphins (3,314), Risso’s dolphins (1,450), California sea lions (818), bottlenose dolphins (496), fin whales (137), and gray whales (6). During the November-April cold-water season, estimates were: short-beaked common dolphins (15,955), longbeaked common dolphins (6,440), California sea lions (1,454), Risso’s dolphins (993), bottlenose dolphins (290), gray whales (221), and fin whales (140). Several other species were observed for which sightings were too few to estimate numbers present and/or were seen only off effort: blue, Bryde’s, minke, humpback, sperm, Cuvier’s beaked, and killer whales; Pacific white-sided and northern right whale dolphins; Dall’s porpoise; and northern elephant and harbor seals.
- 1,969.40 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2017
In FY16, the following tasks were completed by Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) in the Tongue of the Ocean off Andros Island in the Bahamas and the Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) currently under development off Jacksonville Florida.
- 635.46 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2017
Monitoring, passive acoustic monitoring, marine mammals, beaked whales, abundance, Hawaii Range Complex, Southern California Range Complex, Pacific Missile Range Facility, Southern California Offshore Range, mid-frequency active sonar
- 1,614.65 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 12, 2015
Via funding from the Living Marine Resource (LMR) program, ONR and U.S. Pacific Fleet, the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) program is developing and implementing the requisite tools and methods to assess the long-term effect of Navy operations on cetaceans in the Southern California (SOCAL) Range Complex, particularly those operations using Mid-Frequency Active (MFA) sonar, with a focus on Cuvier’s beaked whales and fin whales.
- 1,224.61 KB
Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Species Verification and Satellite Tagging Test: January 2012.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2012
During January 2012, with funding provided by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) N45 Energy and Environmental Readiness Division, the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges ( M3R) program supported a marine mammal species verification and satellite tagging test on the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) prior to a Submarine Commander Course (SCC)
- 1,778.01 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2012
During FY2012, with funding provided by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) N45 Energy and Environmental Readiness Division, the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) program carried out several acoustic monitoring efforts to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of cetacean species on the Southern California Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Range (SOAR) , to document the reaction of these species to sonar with a focus on beaked whales, and to provide a means of longterm passive acoustic monitoring. Specifically, M3R participated in a number of marine mammal species visual verification and tagging tests, ONR-sponsored glider tests, the SOCAL 2011-12 Behavioral Response Study (BRS), and for the first time conducted low-frequency acoustic monitoring of baleen whales.
- 2,344.53 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2015
With funding from the Living Marine Resources (LMR) Program, the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) passive acoustic monitoring system has been installed at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF). The overall goal of the program is to provide tools and methodologies for long-term monitoring of marine mammal populations. The program is laying the groundwork needed to adapt combined passive acoustic, tagging, and visual monitoring methods for animals and conditions at PMRF. For sonar-sensitive Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris; Md), the short- and long-term distribution, density, and habitat can be measured provided basic behavioral data such as group size and dive rates at PMRF are known.
- 2,873.86 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 2, 2016
For each of the major Navy ranges, the initial goal is to provide a Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) system that can be run with minimal operator intervention to collect passive acoustic detection archives on a nearly continuous basis. These archive files provide an electronic record of marine mammal acoustic activity and sonar activity, as well as marine mammal localization data from multiple algorithms with a focus on Blainville’s (Mesoplodon densirostris, Md) and Cuvier’s (Ziphius cavirostris, Zc) beaked whales. As algorithms become available and are incorporated into the system, algorithm-specific reports can be seamlessly integrated into the archives to provide a timesynchronous history of events.
- 1,333.12 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2016
In 2015 field efforts were carried out at the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) during two time periods prior to the spring and fall Submarine Commander Courses (SCC). The tests were conducted under the auspice of the Living Marine Resources Program (LMR) and the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The first took place April 23rd – May 11th, and the second October 24th – November 6th. There was an additional test conducted from August 10th – 23rd when range activity was low and weather conditions are generally better, thus maximizing the opportunities for locating and tagging beaked whales to gather baseline data.
- 267.04 KB
Marine mammal passive acoustics applied to the monitoring of long-term trends in beaked whale abundance and to the derivation of a behavioral risk function for exposure to mid-frequency active sonar.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2016.
140(4, Part 2):3413-3414
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:
- October 11, 2016
Knowledge of Cuvier’s (Ziphius cavirostris) and Blainville’s (Mesoplodon densirostris) beaked whales’ distinct dive and vocal behavior has allowed for the development of multiple methods of passive acoustic abundance and density estimation (Marques et al., 2009, Moretti et al., 2010). These methods are being applied to multiple years of data to estimate long-term trends in abundance for Blainville’s beaked whales at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) in the Bahamas and at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Hawaii, and for Cuvier’s beaked whales at the Southern California Offshore Range (SCORE). These passive acoustic beaked whale dive data were combined with sonar and Range ship-track data to derive a behavioral risk function for Blainville’s beaked whales at AUTEC, and are being extended to Cuvier’s beaked whales at SCORE and Blainville’s beaked whales at PMRF. The behavioral risk function maps the probability of beaked whale dive disruption as a function of the receive level of mid-frequency active sonar. The risk function and long-term trend analysis will help inform environmental policy going forward.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 29, 2021
Information on green sturgeon occurrence in Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca is needed to ensure that potentially harmful human actions do not impact this species, particularly the southern distinct population segment (DPS), which is listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. We reviewed acoustic detection data from 2002 to 2019 for incidence of acoustically tagged green sturgeon in these areas.
- 2,312.23 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2020
Since 2007, visual and acoustic cetacean monitoring efforts in the Mariana Islands have documented the occurrence of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) during winter months. However, these efforts have focused mainly around the southern portion of the archipelago, in particular Saipan and Tinian. This report presents an analysis of passive acoustic data for humpback whale song near the islands of Maug and Pagan in the northern portion of the archipelago.
- 1,024.37 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 2, 2014
A long-term passive acoustic monitoring program was initiated in 2011 by the United States (U.S.) Navy Pacific Fleet in waters off Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands to investigate the occurrence of cetaceans and mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). Four ecological acoustic recorders (EARs) were deployed at two sites off Guam, one at Saipan, and one at Tinian on September 2011. The four EARs wereretrievedand redeployed at the same sites in April 2012.Three of the four EARs wereretrieved in January 2013.
- 3,302.53 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 29, 2015
A long-term passive acoustic monitoring program was initiated in 2011 by the United States Navy Pacific Fleet in waters off Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to investigate the acoustic occurrence of cetaceans in support of the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC) monitoring plan. Four ecological acoustic recorders (EARs) were deployed at two sites off Guam, one at Saipan and one at Tinian, in September 2011 and again in April 2012. EAR recording durations ranged from 63 to 119 days during the first deployment (September 2011–January 2012) and 16 to 168 days during the second deployment (April–September 2012). An EAR deployed southwest of Guam was unrecoverable after the second deployment.
- 4,579.17 KB
Cetacean occurrence from passive acoustic monitoring in Guam and the Mariana Islands, 2011-2012.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
To understand cetacean occurrence in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Navy initiated long-term passive acoustic monitoring in 2011. Data were recorded in September 2011 - January 2012 and April - September 2012 by ecological acoustic recorders (EARs) deployed at two sites off Guam, one at Saipan, and one at Tinian, at depths of 750 - 950 meters. Manual and/or automated analyses were conducted to detect sounds from dolphins, sperm whales, baleen whales, beaked whales, and mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). Dolphin and sperm whale presence were greatest at the north Guam EAR compared to other sites. Dolphins were more prevalent in spring and summer than in autumn and winter, whereas the reverse was true for sperm whales. Spatial and seasonal patterns varied for dolphin encounters grouped by whistle frequency (above, below, or both above and below 10 kHz), indicating spatiotemporal differences in species assemblages. Humpback whale song was detected at Saipan in December 2011 and April 2012. Three unidentified baleen whale calls were detected in October-November 2011 at the north Guam EAR, and no other baleen whale calls were detected. Beaked whale clicks were automatically detected in
- 91.69 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 2, 2012
FFG B Atlantic July 2019
- 370.24 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2016
In December 2010, the South Bay Power Plant (SBPP) was decommissioned. Changes to green turtle (Chelonia mydas) behaviors were most likely a result of the cessation of the warm-water effluent that resulted in decreasing water temperatures. Although South Bay will most likely remain the preferred habitat for San Diego Bay (SDB) green turtles, it is possible the range of these turtles may expand out of South Bay and into other more frequently used parts of SDB. An increased presence of turtles outside of the southern portion of SDB may have potential implications for management of this species, as there is a greater likelihood of boat strike and potential interactions with U.S. Navy, commercial, and recreational activities
- 1,832.64 KB
A complex baleen whale call recorded in the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2016.
140(3): EL274-EL279
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- September 1, 2016
In fall 2014 and spring 2015, passive acoustic data were collected via autonomous gliders east of Guam in an area that included the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument. A short (2-4 s), complex sound was recorded that features a ∼38 Hz moan with both harmonics and amplitude modulation, followed by broad-frequency metallic-sounding sweeps up to 7.5 kHz. This sound was recorded regularly during both fall and spring surveys. Aurally, the sound is quite unusual and most resembles the minke whale "Star Wars" call. It is likely this sound is biological and produced by a baleen whale.
Aerial and vessel surveys of the undersea warfare training range site alternative in Onslow Bay, NC, USA.
18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- October 12, 2009
- 65.66 KB
Protected species monitoring in the proposed Under Sea Warfare Training Range Off-Shore of Jacksonville, FL: January - December 2009.
Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 26, 2010
A multi-institutional, marine protected species monitoring program, involving aerial, vessel and acoustic surveillance techniques, has been implemented at the proposed Under Sea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) offshore of Jacksonville, Florida. Here we report on aerial and vessel visual line-transect and acoustic towed array surveys conducted between January – December 2009 to investigate cetacean and sea turtle species occurrence, distribution and abundance at the USTWR site. Ten 87 km track-lines spaced 6.5 km apart transect the 1295 km2 USWTR box, which is located between 60 and 150 km offshore. Aerial surveys were flown in a Cessna Skymaster at an altitude of 300m and 185 km/h. A total of 155 track-lines (13,485 km) were surveyed, the majority flown in low Beaufort Sea State (BSS) conditions (92 % in BSS 3 or lower) to maximize sighting conditions. A total of 1,622 cetaceans were recorded in 130 separate sightings. Stenella frontalis were most frequently encountered, followed by Tursiops truncatus, unidentified delphinids, Grampus griseus, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, Kogia spp. and Steno bredanensis. T. truncatus were encountered throughout the range whereas S. frontalis and S. bredanensis were recorded exclusively in shallow, shelf waters, and G. griseus, B. acutorostrata, and Kogia spp. were found offshore of the shelf break. Between July and October, 11 vessel surveys were conducted on a 12m Duffy. There were 24 cetacean sightings while on-effort. Sightings consisted of S. frontalis, T. truncatus, and G. griseus in order of abundance. Furthermore, two off-effort groups of Globicephala macrorhynchus were encountered. The towed acoustic array was deployed during nine vessel surveys, generating a total of 10.5 hrs of recordings. Two high frequency acoustic recording packages (HARPs) were also deployed in the study region during this time for long-term acoustic monitoring. Surveys are scheduled to continue through 2010 to provide long-term habitat usage patterns in the USWTR.
- 454.04 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2006
Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Mitigation and Monitoring Measures as Required Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) Incidental Harassment Authorization and National Defense Exemption from the Requirements of the MMPA for Mid-Frequency Active Sonar Mitigation Measures. 7 December 2006.
- 735.87 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 10, 2020
As the population of Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus townsendi or A. philippii townsendi) continues to recover, this species, which is listed as threatened in the U.S. and endangered in México, is increasingly common in their historical range extending from central México to Washington State. Relatively little is known about this species compared with other pinnipeds that occur in the California Current System. Accurate and current population estimates are lacking because censuses at the only rookery have been sparse and sporadic, and there is a paucity of data on at-sea movements because few individuals have been tracked using telemetry instruments. Therefore, the goal of this multiyear study was to better understand Guadalupe fur seal abundance, behavior, distribution, and habitat use, and to determine the degree to which this recovering population uses U.S. Navy training and testing ranges in the Northeast Pacific.
- 4,612.11 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 21, 2020
Guadalupe fur seals are listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and endangered under Mexican law. However, prior to the first year of this study in 2018, the last full census for this species was in 2010, making it difficult to develop current and accurate population estimates and trends. To determine the degree to which this recovering population uses U.S. Navy training and testing ranges in the North Pacific, updated population information for Guadalupe fur seals is needed in addition to tracking at-sea movement patterns using satellite transmitters. Similar to 2018, during the 2019 summer breeding season, direct counts of Guadalupe fur seals were conducted at Guadalupe Island and San Benito Archipelago, México.
- 1,823.98 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 30, 2019
The goal of this project, therefore, is to better understand Guadalupe fur seal abundance, behavior, distribution, and habitat use and determine the degree to which this recovering population uses U.S. Navy training and testing ranges in the North East Pacific.
- 8,250.12 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2019
The goal of this project, therefore, is to better understand GFS abundance, behavior, distribution, and habitat use and determine the degree to which this recovering population uses U.S. Navy training and testing ranges in the North East Pacific. There are two principle components of this project: (1) updating overall population information for GFS, and (2) tracking the at-sea movement patterns of GFS using satellite transmitters.
- 2,935.44 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2013
During 2007, the first large-scale survey for marine mammals and sea turtles -- the Mariana Islands Sea Turtle and Cetacean Survey (MISTCS) -- was conducted in the Navy’s Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC; DoN 2007, Fulling et al. 2011). The survey region encompassed approximately 584,800 square kilometers (km2) and was a rectangle bounded by 18° – 10° N and 142° –148° E. The survey used standard line-transect methodology and also included passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) using a towed hydrophone array system.
- 12,713.19 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2012
During 2007, the first large-scale survey for marine mammals and sea turtles -- the Mariana Islands Sea Turtle and Cetacean Survey (MISTCS) -- was conducted in the Navy’s Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC; DoN 2007, Fulling et al. 2011). The survey region encompassed approximately 584,800 square kilometers (km2 ) and was a rectangle bounded by 18° – 10° N and 142° –148° E. The survey used standard line-transect methodology and also included passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) using a towed hydrophone array system
- 17,743.21 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2010
A primary goal of this study is to compare characteristics of boings recorded in the Hawaiian Islands (central North Pacific) to other regions in the central and western and North Pacific (e.g. the Northern Mariana Islands). These results will be used to elucidate stock identities and population characteristics for Balaenoptera acutorostrata in the Pacific Islands. Another goal is to estimate the local abundance of calling Balaenoptera acutorostrata for our main study sites off the Hawaiian Island of Kauai and around the Marianas Islands. Finally, we are collecting information which is being used to assess the calling rates of Balaenoptera acutorostrata.
- 158.69 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
Acoustic data collected from Marine Autonomous Recording Units during 26 days in fall (13 September to 8 October) and 37 days in winter (3 December to 8 January) 2009-2010 were analyzed for acoustic detections of marine mammals and patterns resulting from these detections. The study site coincided with the United States (U.S.) Navy’s planned Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) located approximately 60 to 150 kilometers offshore Jacksonville, Florida
- 7,367.16 KB
Estimation of minke whale abundance from an acoustic line transect survey of the Mariana Islands.
Marine Mammal Science. 2017.
33:574-592
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 6, 2017
The minke whale is one of the most abundant species of baleen whales worldwide, yet is rarely sighted in subtropical waters. In the North Pacific, they produce a distinctive sound known as the “boing,” which can be used to acoustically localize individuals. A vessel-based survey using both visual and passive acoustic monitoring was conducted during the spring of 2007 in a large (616,000 km2) study area encompassing the Mariana Islands.
Analysis of passive acoustic recordings made during a three month survey of cetaceans off the Northern Mariana Islands in the western North Pacific..
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 21(4, Part 2):3456. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2012
Passive acoustic monitoring using was used to complement a line-transect survey of marine mammals for a large (~580,000 km2) study site centered on the Northern Mariana Islands in the western North Pacific. A twoelement towed hydrophone array was used to monitor and record during daylight hours. Sonobuoys were deployed opportunistically on sightings and areas of interest. Extremely poor sighting conditions hindered visual efforts but not the passive acoustics effort. Over 70 days of survey effort was completed from mid-January to April, 2007. Approximately 220 ‘unique acoustic detections’ were made, of which 155 (70%) were preliminarily identified to 14 different species. The most frequent whale detected was the sperm whale (65), followed by minke whales (30) and humpback whales (12), respectively. The first recordings of calls from Sei whales in this region are characterized. Post-processing of minke and sperm whales recordings resulted in approximately 30 and over 70 localizations, respectively. We present the first acoustic-based estimates for minke whales abundance in this region. Numerous unidentified odontocete whistles were analyzed using ROCCA, a semi-automated whistle classification program, with promising results. We provide recommendations for additional analyses and improvements to methods of collecting and post-processing passive acoustic data on marine mammals.
- 42.81 KB
U.S. Navy funded marine mammal monitoring In Southern California 2008-2012.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2013 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2013
The U.S. Navy represented by the Pacific Fleet Environmental Readiness Division, Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Readiness and Energy, and Office of Naval Research fund significant marine mammal monitoring programs within Southern California. In an endeavor coordinated with the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service to address specific questions, efforts are underway to deploy a variety of research tools as a collection of focused, collaborative studies. Monitoring methods include research elements designed to collect data in support of regionspecific monitoring and also contribute to the overall scientific body of marine mammal knowledge. Research elements include visual surveys from airplanes and vessels, passive acoustic monitoring from bottom-mounted systems, photoID, biopsies, and marine mammal tagging. The framework for monitoring and results from August 2008 to August 2012 will be presented. During this period over 76,400 nautical miles of ocean were visually surveyed representing 4,450 hours of effort. There were over 4,660 sightings of an estimated 338,875 marine mammals. Over 45,000 hours of passive acoustic recordings were obtained and are undergoing continued analysis. In addition, 64,693 digital photographs were taken of marine mammals, and 45 hours of digital video taken of various marine mammal behaviors. There were also 241 individual tissue biopsies, and 74 satellite tracking tags attached to various species. Continuing efforts in 2013 will employ many of the same techniques used previously. The Navy’s annual monitoring reports for 2009, 2010, and 2011 are publically available and posted on NMFS’ Office of Protected Resources website as well as a new public Navy monitoring website.
- 324.06 KB
Sights and sounds in the sky: integrated acoustic/visual aerial monitoring of marine mammal behaviors using sonobuoys and videography.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2013 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2013
We conducted aerial-based monitoring of marine mammal behaviors off the Southern California Bight for 7 days during the winter and spring of 2012. We integrated visual methods (visual observations and videography) with passive acoustic methods (sonobuoys) to study behaviors of cetacean groups. We processed data in real-time, and post-survey, using custom-developed software (Difar-Matlab and Mysticetus). We deployed 23 sonobuoys (model AN/SSQ-53F) through a belly chute, with only a 9% (n=2) failure rate. Over 16 hours of acoustic data were recorded and analyzed from 23 inflight hours. We acoustically detected and recorded sounds from focal groups of fin whales, gray whales, humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins, using DIFAR sonobuoys, and from Risso’s dolphins using omni-directional sonobuoys. A possible case of Risso’s dolphin call-matching with sonar (e.g. mimicry) was detected. Fin whales were the most commonly encountered species, as they migrated northward through the study area. We recorded high signal-to-noise acoustic signals and videography from five fin whale focal groups. We plotted bearings to sequential fin whale calls with call sources emanating from different directions, indicating counter-calling. During post-processing, we integrated visually estimated animal locations with acoustically determined bearings and/or localizations. Results indicate that fin whales did not call when at the surface. We greatly improved real-time and post-processing capabilities via integration of hardware and upgrades to software. Additional surveys and improvements to the system are planned to increase our understanding of marine mammal behaviors and the effects of anthropogenic activities. [Work sponsored by NAVFAC Southwest Division]
- 324.11 KB
Autonomous recorder based monitoring of marine mammal acoustic behaviors in relation to mid-frequency active sonar and other variables.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
Passive acoustic data were collected from nine Marine Autonomous Recording Units (MARUs) deployed in a rectangular array 60-150 km off Jacksonville FL, USA. Units were deployed for 26 days during fall 2009, and 37 days in winter 2009-2010. The study area coincides with the U.S. Navy’s planned Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR). Data were manually reviewed using the MATLAB program Triton to create long-term spectral averages (LTSAs) and spectrograms, which were used to log marine mammal vocalization events, man-made noise and mid-frequency active sonar. Patterns and probabilities of vocalization events by species or species groups were characterized and related to sonar activities. Seasonal and diel patterns were qualitatively characterized. Vocalizations were detected for minke whales, North Atlantic right whales, sei whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, the blackfish group, and delphinids. Minke whale vocalization events occurred almost continuously during the winter deployment period but absent in fall. Right whale events occurred mostly during winter at shallow-water sites, but unexpectedly, also were detected at deep-water sites. Sperm whale events occurred exclusively near the continental shelf break, and exhibited a strong diel pattern with almost all vocalizations occurring between dusk and dawn. Less obvious patterns were apparent for delphinid events, probably because identification to the species level was not possible. Minke whale events had a strong negative relationship with sonar events when data from all sites were combined. These results provide an initial assessment of marine mammal occurrence and distribution within the U.S. Navy’s planned USWTR and provide important insights on the presence or absence of species-specific vocal responses to sonar events. Ongoing work includes using automated classification methods to identify delphinid whistles to species, and working with researchers at St. Andrews University to develop robust statistical approaches for analyzing the relationship between mid-frequency active sonar and vocal behaviors of marine mammals
- 208.53 KB
To Boing or Not to Boing? The Acoustic Behavior and Ecology of Minke Whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) Near Subtropical North Pacific Islands.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
The minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) is rarely sighted in subtropical waters but produces a unique sound called a ‘boing’. Our goal is to characterize the acoustic behavior and ecology of calling minke whales off subtropical islands in the North Pacific using passive acoustic methods. We conducted passive acoustic monitoring of minke whales at four sites between 2006 and 2010: 1) A large area (585,800 km2) around the Northern Mariana Islands (Western North Pacific); 2) The Pacific Missile Range Facility, off Kauai, Hawaii (Central North Pacific); 3) Ladd Seamount, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (Central North Pacific), and; 4) Wake Island (located in between the Hawaiian Islands and Mariana Islands). Acoustic data were recorded in deep waters using surface towed hydrophones (sites 1&2), cabled seafloor hydrophones (site 2) and High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages on the seafloor (sites 3 & 4). We measured 15 acoustic variables from boings at all sites. Random Forest analysis indicated differences for some variables and sites. Results will be discussed relative to known population structure of minke whales. We conducted spatial analysis using acoustic linetransect data collected at sites 1 & 2. Results indicated a dispersed (uniform) distribution with an affinity for deep water and a clustered bi-modal distribution versus depth for site 1. Distribution at both sites will be compared in relation to bathygraphic and oceanographic variables. We provide examples of counter-calling and possible acoustic responses to research vessel noise at site 2. Call rates were quantitatively examined by comparing consecutive 10 min periods with low and high noise conditions using paired t-tests. Results indicate a complex response to vessel noise. These results provide important information about the acoustic ecology and behavior of minke whales that can be used by resource managers and policy makers to improve the conservation and management of this elusive but common whale.
- 146.58 KB
A semi-automated, interactive tool for review of acoustic detection and localization data collected during towed hydrophone array surveys for line-transect density estimation.
5th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization, and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 21, 2011
Precise localization is necessary for density estimation of cetaceans using passive acoustic based distance sampling methods. Line-transect methods require data about perpendicular distances of detected animals from survey tracks. For vessel-based towed hydrophone surveys, localization of animals is typically conducted in real-time by experienced operators who commonly use a method called ‘target motion analysis’ (TMA). In TMA, a series of rays or bearings, leading from a hydrophone pair (on the towed array), to each detection, is plotted. The operator examines the plot and visually approximates the point where the bearing lines best converge. The resulting localizations results can be imprecise, at best, and erroneous, at worst. Therefore, it is often necessary to be review and quality control the data later. This process can be complicated and time-consuming. It usually requires re-analyzing the acoustic data, replotting the bearing data and then comparing the real-time and post-processed results. We are developing an efficient and reliable algorithm to quickly review localization data and, if needed, re-analyzed the data. The output of this program will be verified perpendicular distances of calling animals from the survey track. This program, named ‘Boinger’ is a Matlab® based user-interactive algorithm written by one of us (R.A). The details of the program will be explained with examples provided. One important capability of Boinger is that individual identification characteristics from calls are automatically extracted during the call detection process. These data are incorporated into bearing map/plots using a color-scale gradation. This provides important additional information that can be used for identifying bearing lines from different calling animals. We anticipate that, with modifications, this program can be used to review data for other species. This should greatly improve the effectiveness and reliability of passive acoustic data collected from towed hydrophone arrays during line-transect survey for density estimation of vocally active cetaceans.
- 578.67 KB
Acoustic Ecology and Behavior of Minke Whales in the Hawaiian and Marianas Islands: Localization, Abundance Estimation, and Characterization of Minke Whale “Boings”.
The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life. 2012.
149-153
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 2, 2012
Balaenoptera acutorostrata (minke whale) is a small and elusive baleen whale that is rarely sighted in the tropical waters of the North Pacific Ocean. During winter and spring, complex sounds called ”boings” are frequently detected around the Hawaiian Islands and other Pacific island regions (Norris et al. 2009 ; Thompson and Friedl 1982 ) . Although boings were described over 45 years ago (Wenz 1964 ) , they were not attributed to minke whales until very recently (Rankin and Barlow 2005 ) . Sightings of Balaenoptera acutorostrata are uncommon in tropical and subtropical waters; however, boings are frequently detected around the Hawaiian Islands using seafloor hydrophones and from hydrophone arrays towed from research vessels. Even today, very little is known about acoustic behaviors and ecology of Balaenoptera acutorostrata. The long-term objective of this research effort is to improve our understanding of the acoustic ecology and behavior of Balaenoptera acutorostrata in their breeding habitat.
Vocalization behaviors of minke whales and potential new call type off the coast of Jacksonville, FL.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2013 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2013
Autonomous recorders are effective tools for investigating the distribution, occurrence, and acoustic behaviors of a variety of marine mammals especially in remote and deepwater locations. Nine Marine Autonomous Recording Units (MARU’s) were deployed in a rectangular array at 9 sites approximately 60-150 kilometers offshore Jacksonville, FL in a location that coincides with the United States (U.S.) Navy’s planned Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR). All 9 units were deployed during fall (13 September to 8 October) and again in winter (3 December to 8 January) 2009-2010 for a total of 63 days. The timing of the MARU deployment was intended to allow recordings of marine mammal vocal behaviors and sonar activity to be made before, during, and after the U.S. Navy training exercises. The goal of this study was to analyze the passive acoustic data recorded from MARU’s in order to characterize marine mammal vocal activity in relation to U.S. Navy activities (with an emphasis on extended sonar events). Data were reviewed in detail using the MATLAB program Triton (Wiggins 2007). Event logs were created for each day at every site. Custom-written MATLAB scripts, based on the methods in Melcón et al. (2012), were used to calculate the probability of marine mammal vocalization events occurring in the presence and in the absence of sonar. Results indicated that minke whale vocalization events were completely absent in the fall deployment period, however, they occurred almost continuously during winter deployment period, indicating a strong seasonal occurrence pattern for this species in the study area. Speed-up’ and ‘slow-down’ pulse trains were the predominant vocalizations detected. Also detected was a new call type, which we attributed to minke whales and that, to our knowledge, has not been described before. Results of the probability analysis indicated a strong negative correlation to sonar. Minke whale vocalization events were greatly reduced or completely ceased during most days with concurrent sonar events in an approximate 3 day period. Using these data, it was not possible to determine whether animals stopped vocalizing or moved away from the area (or some combination of these possibilities). To our knowledge, changes in acoustic behaviors of minke whales in relation to sonar have not been reported before. Additional research is needed to determine the effects and relationship of sonar on these whales.
- 323.71 KB
A comparison of acoustic based line-transect density estimates for sperm whales and minke whales in the Northern Marianas Islands.
7th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 13, 2015
Density was estimated for minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) using archived acoustic data recorded from a towed hydrophone array during a vessel based line-transect survey. This acoustic and visual survey was conducted in the winter/spring and encompassed a large study area (616,000 km2 ) in the Northern Marianas Islands. Greater than 65% of the visual survey effort was conducted in Beaufort sea states of five or higher, thus visual efforts were greatly compromised. The towed array system was used during daylight hours in all conditions up to, and sometimes exceeding, Beaufort 6 sea state. For sperm whales, semiautomated detection and localization was conducted using PAMGuard software. This resulted in more than twice the number of acoustic localizations than were obtained in the field, and encounter rates that were about four times greater than used in the visual based density estimates. The acoustic based estimate was 0.84 animals/1000 km2 , compared to the visual based estimate of 1.23 animals/1000 km2 . More importantly, the CV of the acoustic estimate (CV = 26%) was 34% lower than that of the visual estimate (CV= 60%). We were able to post-stratify results by click-type, allowing separate estimates for males (0.11 animals/1000 km2 ) versus females and juveniles (0.73animals/1000 km2 ). For minke whales, data were post-processed using a customized algorithm to detect, localize and estimate distances to animal calls. This resulted in over 30 acoustic localizations which were used to estimate densities of 0.13 (CV= 38%) and 0.15(CV=40%) animals/1000 km2 (based on a detection function that was right truncated, or both left and right truncated, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first acoustic-based density estimate of minke whales using line-transect methods. We will use examples from these analyses to highlight some important issues for acoustic based line-transect density estimation methods and will provide recommendations to improve these methods.
- 829.82 KB
Density estimates for minke whales off Kaua'i and the Northern Marianas Islands using acoustic line-transect survey data: Pros and cons of passive acoustic density estimation.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) are one of the smallest and most elusive species of the baleen whales, and are rarely sighted in sub-tropical wintering areas. Passive acoustic methods provide an effective alternative to survey this this species. Minke whale densities were estimated from passive acoustic data recorded using a towed hydrophone array system during two vessel based surveys, one in the waters of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI), and the second at the Pacific Missile Range Facility northwest of Kaua'i, Hawaii (PMRF-HI). These line-transect surveys were conducted during daylight hours in the winter/spring of 2007 and 2010, respectively. The CNMI survey covered a large area of 616,000 km2 and the PMRF-HI survey covered a much smaller area of 2,055 km2. During both surveys, most of the effort was conducted in Beaufort sea states of 4 or higher, greatly compromising visual efforts. Minke whales were not sighted during either survey, however, numerous minke whale 'boings' (a distinctive sound they produce in spring/winter in the North Pacific) were detected. Acoustic data were post-processed using customized Matlab algorithms to detect and localize and estimate distances to animals, resulting in approximately 30 localizations for the CNMI and 50 for PMRF-HI. This information was used to estimate detection functions for the distance sampling analyses. To account for possible changes in vocalization rates for animals near the trackline, data were left-truncated before fitting detection function models. A density of 0.15(CV=34 %) animals/1000 km2 was estimated for CNMI, and 3.7(CV= 28%) animals/1,000 km2 for PMRF-HI. These results represent the first acoustic-based density estimates for minke whales using line-transect methods. We will use examples from these analyses to highlight biases and issues associated with the acoustic density estimation methods we used, including effects of animal movement and changes in vocalization behaviors on the accuracy of the estimates.
- 92.23 KB
Monitoring of marine mammal occurrence and acoustic behaviors in relation to mid-frequency active sonar using autonomous recorders deployed off the undersea warfare training range, Florida.
166th Meeting: Acoustical Society of America .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 3, 2013
Passive acoustic data were collected from nine Marine Autonomous Recording Units (MARUs) deployed 60–150 km in an area that coincides with the U.S. Navy’s planned Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) off Jacksonville FL. MARUs were deployed for 26 days during fall 2009, and 37 days in winter 2009–2010. Data were manually reviewed for marine mammal vocalization events, man-made noise, and mid-frequency active sonar events, which were logged using TRITON software. Seasonal and diel patterns were characterized qualitatively. Patterns and probabilities of vocalization events by species, or species groups, were related to sonar events. Vocalizations were detected for minke whales, North Atlantic right whales, sei whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, the blackfish group, and delphinids. Minke whale pulse-trains occurred almost continuously during the winter deployment but were absent in fall. Right whale events occurred mostly during winter at shallow-water sites but unexpectedly were also detected at deep-water sites. Sperm whale events occurred exclusively near the continental shelf break and exhibited a strong diel pattern. Minke whale events had a strong negative relationship with sonar events. These results provide an initial assessment of marine mammal occurrence within the Navy’s planned USWTR and provide new information on vocalization events in relation to sonar.
- 53.27 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2015
We proposed a multi-year targeted tagging program to fill in these knowledge gaps, by collecting horizontal movement, dive profile, and vocal behavior from individual right whales using non-invasive suction cup tags (anticipated tag duration from 1-36 hours) including fastloc GPS technology, time depth recorders (TDR), 3-D movement measurements, and acoustic recordings. NMFS permits to conduct this research are held by Duke University with Dr. Nowacek as lead investigator and Dr. Parks as co-investigator. IACUC approval was obtained from both Duke University and Syracuse University IACUC committees prior to data collection.
- 408.82 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 27, 2015
Researchers proposed a targeted tagging program to fill in these knowledge gaps by collecting data on horizontal movement, dive profiles, and vocal behavior from individual right whales in February 2014. These objectives are accomplished using non-invasive suction cup tags (anticipated tag duration from 1 to 36 hours) that included Fastloc® Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, time-depth recorders, three-dimensional movement measurements, and acoustic recordings.
- 1,914.15 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2016
The primary objective of this targeted tagging program is to fill in these knowledge gaps by collecting data on horizontal movements, dive profiles, and vocal behavior from individual right whales. These objectives were accomplished using non-invasive suction-cup tags (anticipated tag duration from 1 to 36 hours) that included Fastloc® Global Positioning System technology, time-depth recorders, three-dimensional movement measurements, and acoustic recordings. National Marine Fisheries Service permits to conduct this research are held by Duke University with Dr. Nowacek as lead investigator and Dr. Parks as named co-investigator. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval was obtained from Duke University and Syracuse University prior to data collection.
- 1,548.45 KB
Marine seismic surveys and ocean noise: Mitigation, monitoring and a plan for international management.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Given the extent of seismic surveys and their potential negative environmental impacts, there is need for systematic planning and operational standards to minimize or eliminate impacts, especially in sensitive areas. Mitigating immediate potential impacts is important, but monitoring for short- as well as long-term impacts is essential. Risks from cumulative, synergistic, and synchronous effects, which may occur over large spatial and temporal scales, are rarely considered sufficiently in environmental assessments; regulatory requirements vary widely from one country/jurisdiction to another. We describe a series of basic elements for responsibly conducting marine seismic surveys or other major noise generating activity: obtaining consistent baseline ecological data; substantial advance planning, communication, transparency and critical review; integrated acoustic and visual monitoring during operations; and systematic analysis and sharing of results to inform future planning and mitigation. These programs need to be adaptive and not all elements are needed in every case. In addition to these elements, given the international and transboundary nature of ocean noise generally, we assert the urgent need for a consistent worldwide approach to address this issue. Such a framework could involve the creation of a new international instrument or, preferably, the extension of an existing one (e.g. International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships - MARPOL). The broad issue of ocean noise is being discussed and precedents for such international instruments exist within a range of intergovernmental organizations (e.g., CBD, IMO, CMS and IWC). In addition, the US requires consideration of noise in the preparation of environmental impact statements and the EU has recognized ocean noise as a pollutant and an indicator of environmental quality under its Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The time is ripe and the need is great to consolidate such initiatives to develop a consistent, effective, science-based international regulatory framework to address the issue of ocean noise.
- 92.81 KB
Tagging and tracking of North Atlantic right whales in the SE U.S..
Marine Mammal Commission 2015 Annual Meeting .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 5, 2015
Right whales - range, numbers, conservation issues Southeast US - mother/calf pairs and juveniles in warm, shallow coastal waters • Ports of JAX and Brunswick • Naval Stations: Mayport and Kings Bay Motivation for the study - • need information to inform monitoring and mitigation of potential impacts of USWTR activities • focus on movement patterns and vocalization rates • proximity to USWTR • rates and types of vocalizations to inform PAM
- 1,152.00 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2017
The primary objective of this targeted tagging program is to fill in these knowledge gaps by collecting data on horizontal movements, dive profiles, and vocal behavior from individual right whales through the use of non-invasive, suction-cup-attached, digital acoustic tags (DTAGs). In 2016, our expanded objectives included: (1) continuing to increase the sample size of extendedduration tag attachments, along with Fastloc® Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and (2) adding the capability for aerial photography using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
- 639.16 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2018
The primary objective of this targeted tagging program is to fill these knowledge gaps by collecting data on horizontal movements, dive profiles, and vocal behavior from individual right whales using non-invasive, suction-cup-attached, digital acoustic tags (DTAGs). In 2017, our expanded objectives included: (1) continuing to increase the sample size of extended-duration tag attachments, along with Fastloc® Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.
- 619.66 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 22, 2022
The United States (US) Navy uses lookouts (LOs) to detect objects in the water in the vicinity of ships. One class of object that LOs are trained to detect is marine mammals ; this forms an important component of the Navy’s procedures for marine mammal mitigation during training activities . As well as dedications of marine mammals by these LOs, detections of marine mammals may also be made by other members of the ship’s crew such as officers on the bridge (“watchstanders”) or sonar technicians, although acoustic detections require visual confirmation. We refer to these personnel together as the “lookout team” (LT). The primary goal of this project was to determine how effective LTs are at detecting marin
- 4,078.84 KB
- California sea lion
- Green turtle
- Leatherback turtle
- Loggerhead turtle
- Kemp's Ridley turtle
- Blue whale
- Fin whale
- Humpback whale
- Minke whale
- Atlantic white-sided dolphin
- Common dolphin
- Harbor porpoise
- Killer whale
- Pantropical spotted dolphin
- Pilot whale
- Risso's dolphin
- Rough-toothed dolphin
- Short-finned pilot whale
- Sperm whale
- Spotted dolphin
- Striped dolphin
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 22, 2022
Final Report on HDR Task Order 002/1000300001856
- 4,090.19 KB
Do cetaceans alter their vocal behaviour in response to military sonar?.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Concerns about increasing potential disturbance of cetaceans due to human activities in the ocean has led to an increased effort to study the responses of cetaceans to such disturbances. One source of potential disturbance is midfrequency active sonar (MFAS) used by military vessels, which involves the underwater emission of intense and repetitive sounds. Cetaceans produce a variety of vocalization types for social or environmental sensing which vary among species, populations and behavioural context. The range of frequencies ranges of these sounds often overlaps with the frequencies used for MFAS, which increases the potential for disturbance. The goal of this study was to identify possible changes in the vocal behaviour of cetaceans (specifically delphinids, minke whales and sperm whales) in relation to military sonar exercises. To identify such changes, we compared the detected vocalizations from periods before, during and after sonar exercises using acoustic data collected in the presence of vocalizing cetaceans and MFAS using Marine Acoustic Recording Units off the coast of Jacksonville, FL and in Onslow Bay, NC. We review some of the potential changes in vocalization behaviour in relation to military sonar and the corresponding analytical methods used to assess these changes. Specifically, we address the following questions: 1. Are vocalizations detected more or less frequently in the presence of sonar? 2. Given the detection of vocalizations, does the probability of detecting specific vocalization types change in the presence of sonar (delphinids only)? 3. Do parameters describing the individual detected vocalizations (e.g. vocalization length or maximum frequency) change in the presence of sonar? For each question, we define a response variable which is modelled using factor, linear and smooth terms. We report on the changes in some of these responses for delphinids and minke whales and discuss the inferential limitations of this study.
- 91.75 KB
Do dolphins alter their vocal behavior in response to military sonar? A review of analytical methods.
4th International Statistical Ecology Conference .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2014
The vocal repertoire of dolphins encompasses three categories of vocalisations - whistles, clicks and buzzes -which are used in different contexts, e.g. for socialising, under water echolocation or homing in on prey during foraging. Mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) is used by military vessels for detecting objects. It involves the underwater emission of intense sound pulses that are often repeated. As the range of sound frequencies used for MFAS often overlaps that of dolphin vocalisations, we were interested in identifying any potential changes in the vocal behaviour that dolphins may exhibit in response to military sonar exercises. To identify such changes, we compare the vocal behaviour of dolphins from periods before the sonar exercises to the behaviour of dolphins from periods during or after the exercise at the same locations.
- 16,165.46 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
Existing long-term high-frequency datasets held by PIFSC are being analyzed for the occurrence of baleen whales, sperm whales, and beaked whales. The results of this analysis are expected to provide information on the seasonal use of the MIRC by these species and their seasonal relative abundance.
- 814.87 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2009
This report covers two separate activities carried out by the Cetacean Research Program at the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center from February to June 2009. A cetacean assessment survey of the main Hawaiian Islands was conducted by NMFS in February 2009. The survey was designed to conform to the 2002 NMFS HICEAS survey (Hawaiian Islands Cetacean Ecosystem Assessment Survey) so that abundance and distribution estimates would be comparable.
- 346.82 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2010
This report covers a number of activities carried out by the Cetacean Research Program (CRP) at the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) in 2009 and 2010 supported with partial funding from U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet (PACFLT). The report is intended to provide preliminary data and results from 4 survey efforts between Hawaii and Guam in early 2010.
- 807.19 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 18, 2015
PIFSC deployed two High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) east of Tinian and west of Saipan during 2010 through 2013 in order to further characterize cetacean occurrence and temporal trends in the MIRC. Beginning in 2013, the U.S. Navy partnered with PIFSC to analyze the existing acoustic monitoring data for the occurrence of baleen whales and beaked whales to better understand the seasonal use of the MIRC by these species and their seasonal relative abundance. Study objectives were driven by the specific questions outlined in the MIRC Monitoring Plan, including: (1) What species of beaked whales and other odontocetes occur around Guam and Saipan? (2) What is the seasonal occurrence of baleen whales around Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota?
- 1,649.67 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2023
NOAA Fisheries Science Centers have increasingly relied on passive acoustic datasets to augment traditional visual‐based assessments with recent efforts including drifting recorders (DASBRs) resulting in beaked whale habitat preferences in the Mariana Archipelago and first‐ ever acoustic‐based density and abundance estimates for Cuvier’s beaked whales along the entire US west coast. In 2021 the Navy supported line‐transect survey for cetaceans throughout the Mariana Archipelago and throughout the large‐scale survey effort DASBRs were deployed with the goal of collecting data on the occurrence of beaked whales and other cryptic deep‐ divers.
- 910.55 KB
Passive Acoustic Contributions to Stock Assessment in the Cetacean Research Program.
NMFS-PIFSC External Program Review of Protected Species Science .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 27, 2015
Passive acoustic techniques are a proven tool for cetacean monitoring • Sounds travels further through water than light, such that most cetacean species use sound for foraging, communication, and navigation • Poor sea conditions reduce visual detection, but have less impact on acoustic detection • Autonomous systems provide for remote, long-term, mobile or stationary monitoring • Today there is wide-spread use and development of highly capable systems to monitor species distribution, movements, habitat, abundance, and the impacts of ocean noise.
- 6,394.27 KB
Acoustic monitoring reveals the seasonal occurrence of humpback whales and four other baleen whale species in the Mariana Archipelago.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center maintains year-round acoustic monitoring at two sites in the southern portion of the Mariana Archipelago. From March 2010 to June 2014, High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages recorded duty-cycled data at 200kHz sample rate over 705 days at the 'Tinian' site and over 586 days at the 'Saipan' site. A decimated dataset was automatically and manually scanned, with calls from humpback, fin, blue, minke, and sei whales detected, as well as two other common call types for which species identity has not been confirmed. The relative occurrence of calls from each species varies by year and site, with humpback whale song the most commonly detected call type across the entire dataset, followed by fin whale 20Hz downsweeps. Humpback song was detected from October to April at both sites, with periods of song commonly lasting 2-15 days, followed by 1-20 days with no detections. Fin whales were heard from January to May, with detections on 20 days in 2014 versus only 6 total days in all prior years. Blue whale 20Hz tonal calls, typical for central Pacific blue whales, sei whale downsweeps, and minke whale boings were detected on only a few days each within the entire dataset. Propagation modeling at both sites suggests baleen whale calls may be detected up to 100km from the monitoring locations. The acoustic results indicate sporadic occurrence of humpback whales in this area. A visual survey in February and March of 2015 resulted in sightings of at least 12 individual humpback whales off of Saipan, including at least 4 mother-calf pairs, suggesting humpbacks may use the Mariana Archipelago as a breeding ground and are not just passing through to other regions. Continued acoustic monitoring may provide a basis for assessment of population trend of this proposed 'threatened' population in this area.
- 92.16 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2019
The Navy conducts monitoring within Navy Range Complexes and testing ranges, guided by the Integrated Comprehensive Monitoring Program, as required under the MMPA and the ESA, data were collected during 10–16 February 2018 during a Submarine Commanders Course (SCC) training event. This event is the eighteenth aboard a DDG. The goals of the monitoring and this study were to: (1) collect data to assess the effectiveness of the Navy Lookout team; and (2) obtain data to characterize the possible exposure of marine species to mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). Data collected are intended to be combined with current and future data in order to determine the effectiveness of Navy lookout teams as a whole, rather than specific to each vessel.
- 1,601.54 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2019
DDG R HRC Feb 2018
- 716.30 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 3, 2016
The protected status of false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) populations in Hawaiian waters, combined with limited data on population sizes and trends in their abundance, makes it critical to develop monitoring methods and to mitigate negative interactions between false killer whale populations and anthropogenic activities. Acoustic methods are wellsuited for studying and monitoring this species, due to its soniferous (i.e., sound-producing) nature. Continued development of methods for detection and classification of marine mammal sounds requires extensive datasets for training classifiers and ground-truthing detection algorithms.
- 3,503.71 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2013
ROCCA (Real-time Odontocete Call Classification Algorithm) is a delphinid whistle classification algorith that is available as a module in PAMGuard. PAMGuard is an open-source, freely available, suite of passive-acoustic monitoring software applications for marine mammals that was developed and is maintained by Dr. Doug Gillespie at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland (Gillespie et al 2008). PAMGuard is available for download at www.pamguard.org. ROCCA classifies delphinid whistles based on spectrographic measurements taken from extracted whistle contours. ROCCA can be used to extract whistle contours from spectrograms using either a semi-automated method (via the ROCCA interactive contour-extraction graphical user interface [GUI]), or a fully automated method (via the Whistle and Moan Detector [WMD] module in PAMGuard). ROCCA measures 50 different features from the extracted whistle contour, including duration, frequencies, slopes and variables describing the shape of the whistle. The measured features are then used as inputs for a random forest based classifier that is used to classify each whistle to species. ROCCA groups individual whistle classifications based on user-defined encounters. An encounter is defined as a collection of whistles that are assumed to have been produced by a discrete school of dolphins. ROCCA classifies the encounter to one of several species based on results of the random forest analysis summed over all of the whistles in that encounter. ROCCA output files include a clip of the whistle being classified (Windows Wave [.wav] file), a list of extracted time-frequency pairs for the whistle contour (Comma Separated Values [.csv] format), the measured features and classification results for each individual whistle (.csv format), and overall results for each encounter (.csv format).
- 1,534.70 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2017
This report describes the results of a study designed to explore some of the factors that may contribute to ambiguity in species identification using delphinid whistles. We have obtained field recordings of wild and trained (captive) odontocetes in their natural environment under a variety of scenarios, including at the sea surface, at multiple depths in the water column, in different geographic locations, and in different behavioral states
- 2,105.04 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2016
The results of this study provide valuable information on the performance of two whistle classifiers for delphinid species in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Although the manual classifier requires more time and effort for the detection and extraction of whistles, it proved to be more generalizable to novel datasets than the automated classifier and also allowed identification of acoustic encounters that did not have associated visual observations (i.e., non-sighted encounters).
- 1,361.66 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 30, 2015
The first step in this analysis was to identify delphinid acoustic encounters to be used as inputs in the species classification analysis. A delphinid acoustic encounter was defined as a continuous portion of a recording with no more than a 30 minute (30 min) gap between sounds produced by delphinids. Delphinid sounds were defined as one of three mutually exclusive types: 1) whistles, 2) clicks or 3) burst pulses. ROCCA was used to extract and measure whistle features and to classify encounters containing whistles to species. The second step in this study involved the detection and characterization of MFA sonar events. This was conducted using the program SonarFinder (Bio-Waves 2013). SonarFinder is a Matlab-based program designed to automatically detect sonar pings and measure their acoustic features. Sonar events were defined as a series of sonar pings with no more than a 30 min gap between individual pings
- 2,131.84 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2016
The aim of this study was to develop and refine robust statistical methods to evaluate the effects of Navy sonar on the acoustic behaviors of cetaceans. Data collected using High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) deployed off Jacksonville, Florida (n=1), Onslow Bay, North Carolina (n=2), and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina (n=1) were combined with data previously analyzed from Marine Autonomous Recording Units (MARUs) off Jacksonville and Onslow Bay (Oswald et al. 2015).
- 2,212.65 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 27, 2014
Two random-forest classifiers were developed for the identification of whistles produced by five species of delphinids (bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus; Atlantic spotted dolphin, Stenella frontalis; striped dolphin, S. coeruleoalba; short-beaked common dolphin, Delphinus delphis; short-finned pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus) recorded in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Acoustic data were provided by the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) Northeast and Southeast Fisheries Science Centers (NEFSC and SEFSC) and Duke University. One classifier was trained and tested with whistles detected and extracted with manual based methods using the bio-acoustic analysis software ROCCA (Real-time Odontocete Call Classification Algorithm). The other classifier was trained and tested with whistles detected and extracted using the fully automated Whistle and Moan Detector (WMD). Both ROCCA and the WMD are integrated as modules in the acoustic analysis software platform, PAMGuard (www.pamguard.org). Two classification approaches were tested: a single-stage random-forest approach, where whistles were classified directly to species, and a two-stage random-forest approach, where whistles were first classified into species groups (i.e., “large dolphin” or “small dolphin”) in stage 1 and then classified again, to species within those groups, in stage 2. The two-stage approach produced more accurate results when the classifier was trained and tested using manually detected/extracted whistles and when the classifier was trained/tested using automatically detected/extracted whistles. Individual whistles within an acoustic encounter were classified as ‘small dolphins’ (short-beaked common dolphins, striped dolphins) or large dolphins (bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, short-finned pilot whales) in stage 1 of the manual classifier, and as short-finned pilot whales or dolphins (short-beaked common, striped, Atlantic spotted, bottlenose) in stage 1 of the automated classifier. Both classifiers were used to identify individual whistles to species and then to identify encounters (i.e., groups of whistles produced during an acoustic encounter) based on the combined classification results for all of the whistles in each encounter. Overall correct classification scores for the manual classifier were 78 percent (standard deviation [sd] = 1.2 percent) for individual whistles and 86 percent (sd = 2.5 percent) for encounters. For the automated classifier, correct classification scores were 80 percent (sd = 1.9 percent) for whistles and 91 percent (sd = 2.4 percent) for encounters. Both classifiers have been incorporated into PAMGuard’s ROCCA module, and will be made available to users via PAMGuard’s website (www.pamguard.org) in the next PAMGuard software update. Recommendations for future research and further development of ROCCA include testing the Atlantic classifiers using recordings containing whistles from visually validated species, as well as those with varying signal to noise ratios and noise environments. ROCCA should also be tested in real time during shipboard towed-array surveys. Several recommendations are provided for future classifier development, including: ground-truthing ROCCA and adding species to the Atlantic classifier. Both of these tasks could be accomplished using acoustic recordings of delphinids collected during summer 2013 surveys conducted by NMFS-NEFSC and SEFSC. In addition, collaborations among research groups are recommended to explore methods for increasing classification success and creating multi-species classifiers for tonal signals produced by baleen whales. Finally, we recommend using a classifier developed specifically for the northwest Atlantic Ocean to process archival towed-array and seafloormounted recorder data to examine questions related to occurrence and behavioral responses of animals to naval activities.
- 1,570.74 KB
Intra-specific variability in delphinid whistle structure: Implications for acoustic species identification.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Passive acoustic methods are commonly used to study and monitor marine mammals. Identifying sounds recorded from marine mammals to species can be challenging and often necessitates using statistically based classification analysis. Training and testing classifiers requires visually validated, single-species recordings and large amounts of data, which can be difficult to obtain. Combining data recorded from different locations to train classifiers would allow for larger sample sizes, however, due to geographic variation in signal structure, it has been suggested that classifiers should be trained using recordings made in the locations where they will be used. To examine the effect of geographic variation on classifier performance, whistles were measured from three delphinid species that occur in both the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) and northwest Atlantic (NWAt) oceans: striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus).
- 113.49 KB
Does depth matter? Investigating the effect of recording depth on delphinid whistle characteristics and classifier performance.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2016.
139(4,Part 2):2060-2061
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Methods:
- April 1, 2016
Seafloor acoustic recorders are commonly used to obtain information about cetaceans, as they allow data to be collected for long periods without the presence of a human operator. Recordings collected using seafloor instruments do not have associated visual observations, so species must be identified based on their calls. Visually validated acoustic recordings are necessary for training acoustic species classifiers and so most are trained using data collected near the sea surface. The suitability of using classifiers trained using surface recordings to analyze recordings obtained at depth is unknown. To investigate this, we used a vertical array of four Ecological Acoustic Recorders (EARs) spaced 90 m apart to record delphinids at different depths. The same whistles were measured from each EAR and median values of 17 spectrographic variables were compared among EARs for six acoustic encounters. For five of the encounters, there were significant differences in whistle variables among EARs, most commonly in frequency variables. When a random forest classifier was used to identify these whistles to species, the same five encounters were classified as different species when recorded at different depths. These results suggest that caution should be taken when applying classifiers developed using surface data to whistles recorded at depth.
The call of the wily: Using acoustics to identify delphinid species not visually confirmed in the waters around Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2014 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2014
During a combined visual and acoustic cetacean abundance survey that took place in the waters around Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, delphinid whistles were frequently detected, but were not always coupled with visual observations. As a resu lt, many acoustic detections were not identified to spec ies. Very little data exist on the occurrence and distribution of delphinids in this study area, so the ability to acoustically identify species that were not sighted can provide important information regard ing the occurrence and distribution of delphinid species in these waters.
- 1,513.42 KB
Automatic detection and characterization of mid-frequency active sonar and its impact on marine mammal vocalizations.
6th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 12, 2013
Mid-Frequency Active (MFA) sonar includes a variety of constant-frequency and frequencymodulated signal types, ranging between 1 kHz and 10 kHz. Studies have shown correlations between MFA sonar and marine mammal strandings, behavioral reactions, and potential temporary threshold shifts. Presently, there are no standardized methods available for detection and quantification of sonar signals, or assessment of their impacts on marine mammal acoustic behavior. ‘SonarFinder’ is a semi-automated Matlab-based program we have developed to fill that need. SonarFinder is intended for use on large acoustic datasets such as those collected from autonomous recorders and other passive acoustic systems. It can batch process all wav-format files in a folder unsupervised, and save results to multiple spreadsheets. SonarFinder uses a 3-step testing scheme to separate true sonar from noise and transients. Step 1 uses an amplitude threshold, step 2 an ‘amplitude integrated over time’ threshold, and step 3 the power spectral density of a predefined band. Only detections which pass all three steps are logged as sonar. Measurements in the frequency and time domains are used to characterize and classify sonar pings. Output from the detector can be automatically compared to a user-supplied list of marine mammal detections. A dose response parameter and the probabilities of animal vocalizations occurring in the presence and absence of sonar are calculated based on this comparison to allow assessment of the relationship between sonar presence and marine mammal acoustic behavior. We tested SonarFinder using several autonomous recorder datasets. Precision and recall for these tests ranged from .56 to .71 and .33 to .89, respectively. Based on these results, SonarFinder is a valuable tool for quantifying the presence of sonar with respect to marine mammal vocalizations. The output of SonarFinder will allow a deeper understanding of how marine mammals may be responding to this anthropogenic sound.
- 189.34 KB
Lunar cycles influence the diving behavior and habitat use of short-finned pilot whales around the main Hawaiian Islands.
Marine Ecology Progress. 2019.
v629, p193-206
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 24, 2019
Volume contents Mar Ecol Prog Ser 629:193-206 (2019) DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13123 Lunar cycles influence the diving behavior and habitat use of short-finned pilot whales around the main Hawaiian Islands Kylie Owen Russel D. Andrews Robin W. Baird Gregory S. Schorr Daniel L. Webster ABSTRACT: The availability of light, both solar and lunar, is likely to influence the behavior of vertically migrating aquatic animals and their predators. However, the influence of light level on the diving behavior and habitat use of deep-diving cetaceans is not well understood. We used data from 28 depth-transmitting satellite tags deployed on short-finned pilot whales Globicephala macrorhynchus around the main Hawaiian Islands to examine movements and diving behavior in relation to lunar cycles and oceanographic season.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 8, 2026
Both the Mid-Atlantic Nearshore and Mid-Shelf Baleen Whale Monitoring Project and Offshore Cetacean Study aim to provide baseline occurrence and ecological information to the U.S. Navy regarding how marine mammals use the VACAPES OPAREA. These projects aim to answer questions regarding the baseline ecology, behavior, movement patterns, and site fidelity of marine mammals that may be exposed to U.S. Navy training and testing exercises. HDR Inc. researchers use a variety of vessel-based methodologies, including photo-identification (photo-ID), biopsy sampling, drones, satellite-linked telemetry tags, and digital archival tags (Digital Acoustic Recording Tags [DTAGs] and Customized Animal Tracking Solution [CATS] tags). DoN | Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Aerial Survey Effort: 2024/25 Annual Progress Report April 2026 | 2 To better assist the vessel team with these efforts and in locating target species, non-systematic aerial surveys were implemented beginning in March 2021 (Aschettino et al. 2023). Aerial survey efforts increased during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, with 8 (Aschettino et al. 2024b) and 13 (Ozog and Engelhaupt 2025) surveys flown, respectively. While surveys were primarily associated with locating NARWs, some aerial surveys were also flown in tandem with Offshore Cetacean Study field work. This report details the coverage and sightings from aerial surveys flown during the 2024/25 field season in coordination with vessel field work for both projects. See the individual project technical reports for more details on each (Aschettino et al. 2026, Engelhaupt et al. 2026).
- 1,611.88 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 8, 2026
In order to locate any undocumented seal haul-out sites in Virginia, as well as provide additional data collection at the two known haul-out sites, aerial surveys were implemented and flown along the entire Virginia coast during the winter 2025 field season.
- 1,038.63 KB
Cetacean abundance off the North Carolina coast of the USA.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
Onslow Bay, North Carolina, USA, has been identified as a potential site for a US Navy Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR). This 1,713 km² site, which lies 40-140 km offshore, includes both continental shelf waters and deeper waters off the shelf break. To obtain baseline information on occurrence and density of marine mammals and sea turtles prior to installation of the USWTR, a consortium of academic institutions conducted aerial surveys from September 1998 to October 1999, and synoptic aerial and shipboard line transect surveys from June 2007 to the present. Here we analyze sightings data from September 1998-June 2010. Eight cetacean species/species groups were observed in the site, including Tursiops truncatus, Stenella frontalis, Grampus griseus, Globicephala spp., Delphinus delphis, Steno bredanensis, Balaenoptera physalus, and unidentified beaked whales. Only two species (T. truncatus and S. frontalis) were observed with sufficient frequency to generate density estimates. We obtained estimates of detection probability using distance sampling techniques and then modeled these spatially referenced estimates using generalized additive models. Estimated numbers of T. truncatus varied between 80 (95% CI: 0-430, July 1999) to 560 (70-880, April 2010). Estimated numbers of S. frontalis varied from 0 (0–0, 1998/99) to 6,100 (200-30,300, March 2009). S. frontalis only appeared in the survey region from 2007 onwards. Small sample sizes result in very little power to detect trends in abundance but there was no evidence of a systematic decline for either species over the last ten years and some evidence of an increase in S. frontalis. The abundance of both species fluctuated throughout the year, perhaps in response to sea surface temperature. As a result of this research, Onslow Bay is now one of the most intensely surveyed regions along the US mid-Atlantic coast. Overall, marine mammal diversity and densities are extremely low in this area.
- 164.64 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2008
This document comprises the first annual progress report to the Department of the Navy on a monitoring program for protected marine species at the proposed site of an Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) in Onslow Bay, North Carolina.
- 22,255.71 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 18, 2021
Since 2012, Oregon State University (OSU) has been conducting tagging and tracking studies on large whales in support of the U.S. Navy’s efforts to meet regulatory requirements for marine mammal monitoring under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The primary goal of these studies has been to determine whale movement patterns, occurrence, and residence times within several Navy training and testing areas in the Pacific Ocean, as reported extensively in a series of previous Technical Reports
- 4,047.12 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 30, 2020
This report presents detailed results from the tagging, biopsy sampling, and photo-identification efforts conducted off the coast of northern Washington and central Oregon in summer 2018, as well as results from previous OSU studies of humpback whales in Oregon in 2016 and 2017. Whale use of Navy training and testing areas as well as their use of NMFS-identified Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) is examined and assignment to various DPSs (based on tracking, genetic, and photographic information) is discussed. Comparisons are made to tracking results from humpback whales tagged by OSU in California in 2004, 2005, and 2017 (presented in Mate et al. 2018a). For the 2018 data, this report also presents detailed dive behavior analyses and ecological relationships between whale locations and oceanographic conditions.
- 16,892.06 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 15, 2020
This report presents detailed results from the tagging, biopsy sampling, and photo-identification (photo-ID) efforts conducted in the Hawaiian Islands in 2019, as well as results from previous OSU studies of humpback whales in the Hawaiian Islands from 1995 to 2018. Whale use of Navy training and testing areas as well as their use of NMFS-identified Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) in the Hawaiian Islands and Alaska is also examined.
- 6,185.34 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 13, 2020
This report presents results from field efforts conducted off the coast of northern Washington (NWA) in summer and fall 2019, as well as results from previous OSU studies of humpback whales in southern and central California (SCCA), northern California and Oregon (NCA/OR), and NWA from 2004 to 2018.
- 6,138.68 KB
Downscaling foraging activity: The impact of Argos-based sampling schemes on movement behavior identification in whale tracking data.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
The Argos system remains the primary tool for long-term tracking of large whales. State-space models (SSM) are routinely implemented on whale tracking data to identify simple behavioral modes related to "transiting" and "arearestricted searching" (ARS; i.e., presumed foraging) movement activities, although the validity of these modes remains unverified. The Advanced Dive Behavior (ADB) tag is a new intermediate-duration archival tag capable of collecting highresolution (1-Hz) dive data along with GPS-quality locations for periods of up to several weeks. ADB tags also transmit location data to the Argos system, providing an opportunity to validate behavioral modes identified by SSMs with the dive data. Here we analyze data from four ADB tags attached to blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in Southern California, USA, in August 2014.
- 91.78 KB
Analytical development of whale satellite tagging data to inform critical knowledge gaps off the U.S. West Coast.
West Coast Entanglement Science Workshop, virtual event, 25 August – 3 September 2020 .
A satellite-linked tag for the long-term monitoring of diving behavior in large whales.
Animal Biotelemetry. 2022.
10:26
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- August 22, 2022
Despite spending most time underwater, the technology in use to track whales over large geographic ranges via satellite has been largely limited to locational data, with most applications focusing on characterizing their horizontal movements. We describe the development of the RDW tag, a new Argos-based satellite telemetry device that incorporates sensors for monitoring the movements and dive behavior of large whales over several months without requiring recovery. Based on an implantable design, the tag features a saltwater conductivity switch, a tri-axial accelerometer, and an optional pressure transducer, along with onboard software for data processing and detection of behavioral events or activities of interest for transmission.
Dispersal, site fidelity, and residency of satellite-tagged blue and fin whales in the California Current Ecosystem.
8th International Bio-logging Science Symposium, Tokyo, Japan. 4–8 March 2024. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- March 4, 2020
- 3,321.86 KB
Dispersal, revisitation, and residency of satellite-tagged blue and fin whales in the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.
Animal Biotelemetry. 2025.
13(43)
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- December 9, 2025
We conducted a comparative analysis of movement strategies in blue (Balaenoptera musculus) and fin (B. physalus) whales across the eastern North Pacific (ENP). We assessed patterns of dispersal, revisitation, and residency within the California Current Ecosystem (CCE), a key seasonal feeding habitat, while considering biases in telemetry data such as device longevity, site fidelity, and sample representativeness. The dataset comprised 271 tracks from 176 blue and 95 fin whales tagged between 1994 and 2018 with two types of implantable tags. Tagging locations were grouped into southern California (SCA) and central-northern California (CCA–NCA) for blue whales, and SCA and central California-Pacific Northwest (CCA–PNW) for fin whales.
Ecological correlates of blue whale movement behavior and its predictability in the California Current Ecosystem during the summer-fall feeding season.
Movement Ecology. 2019.
7:29
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- July 1, 2019
We investigated the association between blue whale behavioral state and environmental predictors in the coastal environments of the CCE using a long-term satellite tracking data set (72 tagged whales; summer-fall months 1998-2008), and predicted the likelihood of ARS behavior at tracked locations using nonparametric multiplicative regression models. The models were built using data from years of cool, productive conditions and validated against years of warm, low-productivity conditions.
Acoustic environment of North Atlantic right whales in the Southeastern United States.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2017.
141 (5, Part 2): 3942
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- May 1, 2017
North Atlantic right whales are an endangered species of baleen whale that migrates along the east coast of the United States, with winter calving grounds located in the coastal waters off Florida and Georgia. This study investigated the acoustic environment experienced by individual right whales swimming through this habitat though the use of suction cup attached acoustic recording tags. Nineteen tag attachments were made between 2014 and 2016. These tags documented a range of sounds from the right whale acoustic environment, including calls produced by the tagged whale, sounds produced by conspecifics, as well as sounds from other biological (fish and dolphin) and anthropogenic sources. The call rates of individual whales were relatively low, with calls typically produced in short duration bouts. Sounds from other biological sources, particularly fish and dolphin, and anthropogenic sources, particularly vessels, were common. This project presents an initial step toward characterizing the acoustic environment experienced by individual whales to allow future comparisons to stationary acoustic recordings in the same habitat.
North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) acoustic behavior on the calving grounds.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2019.
146:1, EL15-EL21
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- July 10, 2019
Passive acoustic monitoring is a common method for detection of endangered North Atlantic right whales. This study reports on the acoustic behavior of right whales on the winter calving grounds to assess their acoustic detectability in this habitat. In addition to known call types, previously undescribed low amplitude short broadband signals were detected from lactating females with calves. The production of higher amplitude tonal calls occurred at lower rates for lactating females than from other age/sex classes suggesting that passive acoustic monitoring may be less effective in detecting mother-calf pairs in this critical habitat area.
Acoustic crypsis in communication by North Atlantic right whale mother-calf pairs on the calving grounds.
Biology Letters. 2019.
15(10):20190485
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 1, 2019
In this study, we explore the potential for acoustic crypsis, a form of cryptic behaviour to avoid predator detection, in North Atlantic right whale mother-calf pairs. We predicted that mother-calf pairs would either show reduced calling rates, reduced call amplitude or a combination of these behavioural modifications when compared with other demographic groups in the same habitat. Our results show that right whale mother-calf pairs have a strong shift in repertoire usage, significantly reducing the number of higher amplitude, long-distance communication signals they produced when compared with juvenile and pregnant whales in the same habitat. These observations show that right whale mother-calf pairs rely upon acoustic crypsis, potentially to minimize the risk of acoustic eavesdropping by predators.
Tracking Sei Whales in the Western North Atlantic Using Passive Acoustics.
Sixteenth International Conference of the American Cetacean Society .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- November 2, 2018
- 1,706.80 KB
Loggerhead turtles are good ocean-observers in stratified mid-latitude regions.
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 2018.
213:128-136
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- November 30, 2018
Since 2009, we have deployed 167 satellite tags on loggerheads within the U.S. Mid-Atlantic Bight of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. These tags collect and transmit location, temperature and depth information and have yielded 18,790 temperature-depth profiles during the highly stratified season (01 June –04 October) for the region. This includes 16,371 profiles exceeding the mixed-layer depth, and, of those, 11,591 full water column profiles reaching the ocean floor. The US MAB is a dynamic ecosystem that is difficult to model due to a combination of complex seasonal water masses and currents and a limited set of tools for taking in situ measurements. This region is also prime foraging habitat for loggerhead sea turtles during the late-spring to summer months. Here we suggest that the habitat usage of loggerhead turtles in the Mid-Atlantic Bight make them good ocean observers within this difficult to model, highly stratified region. The use of turtle-borne telemetry devices has the potential to improve resolution of in situ temperature through depth data and in turn improve oceanographic model outputs. It is imperative that model outputs are continuously updated, as they are regularly used to inform management and conservation decisions.
Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Sightings from Aerial Surveys in the Proposed Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) in Onslow Bay, North Carolina for June - December 2007.
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium). 28-30 March 2008. Charleston, South Carolina .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- March 28, 2008
- 102.52 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2025
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California (SOCAL) Range Complex from August 2023 to December 2024 in four locations to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. A new monitoring site was established offshore Morro Bay. Four CalCOFI cruises were conducted from fall 2023 to summer 2024 and included a total of 86 days at sea. Several active research projects within our lab group utilize data from sites funded by the Navy, contributing to significant advancements in marine mammal acoustics and ecosystem monitoring. In 2024 alone, these projects have resulted in multiple publications and conference presentations.
- 660.73 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2024
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California (SOCAL) Range Complex from May 2022 to July 2023 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at four locations: one site west of San Nicolas Island (1,100 m depth, site SN), two sites west of San Clemente Island (1,300 m depth, site E and 1,200 m depth, site H), and one site southwest of San Clemente Island (1,300 m depth, site N) to improve noise monitoring for the SOCAL range.
- 21,409.92 KB
Sperm whale demographics in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands: An overlooked female habitat.
PLOS One. 2024.
19(7):e0285068
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- July 2, 2024
Sperm whales exhibit sexual dimorphism and sex-specific latitudinal segregation. Females and their young form social groups and are usually found in temperate and tropical latitudes, while males forage at higher latitudes. Historical whaling data and rare sightings of social groups in high latitude regions of the North Pacific, such as the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI), suggest a more complex distribution than previously understood. Sperm whales are the most sighted and recorded cetacean in marine mammal surveys in these regions but capturing their demographic composition and habitat use has proven challenging. This study detects sperm whale presence using passive acoustic data from seven sites in the GOA and BSAI from 2010 to 2019.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 9, 2026
Long-term passive acoustic monitoring has been conducted across four U.S. Navy operational areas along the western North Atlantic margin to characterize ambient sound levels and anthropogenic acoustic activity. Arranged geographically from north to south, these include Norfolk Canyon within the Virginia Capes Range Complex, Cape Hatteras within the Virginia Capes Range Complex, Onslow Bay within the Cherry Point Operating Area, and the Jacksonville Range Complex in the South Atlantic Bight. Acoustic data were collected using High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs; Wiggins & Hildebrand 2007), seafloor-mounted autonomous recorders designed to continuously sample the underwater acoustic environment over extended periods. Across all four regions, HARPs were deployed across shelf and slope habitats to capture multi-year records of ambient and anthropogenic sound sources.
- 3,396.63 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 20, 2026
From 2007 to2013,acomprehensive acoustic monitoring effort was conducted within the boundaries of the Onslow Bay study area to study marine mammal presence and ambient noise levels. The objective was to characterize the vocalizations of marine mammal species in the area, identify their seasonal presence patterns, and assess the potential impacts of naval operations on these species. This report presents the findings from the analysis of data collected using High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs; (Wiggins & Hildebrand 2007)), which were strategically deployed within the Onslow Bay study area across a shelf-to-slope gradient.
- 4,896.89 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 21, 2026
The U.S. Navy’s Jacksonville Range Complex (JAX) is located in the South Atlantic Bight offshore northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia. From 2009 to 2020, passive acoustic monitoring was conducted using High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) deployed across a depth gradient spanning the continental shelf and slope. Three sites were located on the shallow shelf (A–C; approximately 40–90 m), and one site was located on the continental slope (D; approximately 730–800 m). These long-term acoustic data provide a comprehensive assessment of marine mammal occurrence and ambient sound conditions across the region.
- 4,704.70 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 20, 2026
From 2014 to2021, a comprehensive acoustic monitoring effort was conducted within the boundaries of the Virginia Capes Range Complex to study marine mammal presence and ambient noise levels. The objective was to characterize the vocalizations of marine mammal species in the area, identify their seasonal presence patterns, and assess the potential impacts of naval operations on these species. This report presents the findings from the analysis of data collected using six High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs; Wiggins & Hildebrand 2007), which were strategically deployed within the Virginia Capes Range Complex near Norfolk Canyon (Figure 1 & Table 1).
- 4,651.75 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 20, 2026
From 2012 to 2020, a comprehensive acoustic monitoring effort was conducted within the boundaries of the Virginia Capes Range Complex to study marine mammal presence and ambient noise levels. The objective was to characterize the vocalizations of marine mammal species in the area, identify their seasonal presence patterns, and assess the potential impacts of naval operations on these species. This report presents the findings from the analysis of data collected using 12 High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs; Wiggins & Hildebrand 2007), which were strategically deployed offshore from Cape Hatteras within the southern portion of the Virginia Capes Range Complex (Figure 1 & Table 1).
- 5,094.49 KB
Hidden Markov Models reveal complexity in the diving behaviour of short-finned pilot whales.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
The diving behaviour of short-finned pilot whales is often characterised by two states; deep foraging and shallow, nonforaging dives. Foraging behaviour is inferred primarily from depth and the presence of foraging buzzes. This simple classification ignores other possible behaviours that may occur during periods of subsurface behaviour. We used multistate Hidden Markov Models to characterise diving behaviour and the transitions between states in short-finned pilot whales. We incorporated random effects to assess individual heterogeneity based on partial pooling that considers a common distribution for some individual level parameters. We used multiple dive variables from over a hundred dives from digital acoustic recording tags (DTAGs) deployed on 12 individuals off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina USA, to categorise the most probable non-observable state sequence of dives.
- 91.21 KB
Effects of a scientific echo sounder on the behavior of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus).
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 2016.
74:716-726
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- September 1, 2016
Active echo sounding devices are often employed for commercial or scientific purposes in the foraging habitats of marine mammals. We conducted an experiment off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA, to assess whether the behavior of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) changed when exposed to an EK60 scientific echo sounder. We attached digital acoustic recording tags (DTAGs) to nine individuals, five of which were exposed. A hidden Markov model to characterize diving states with and without exposure provided no evidence for a change in foraging behavior. However, generalized estimating equations to model changes in heading variance over the entire tag record under all experimental conditions showed a consistent increase in heading variance during exposure over all values of depth and pitch. This suggests that regardless of behavioral state, the whales changed their heading more frequently when the echo sounder was active. This response could represent increased vigilance in which whales maintained awareness of echo sounder location by increasing their heading variance and provides the first quantitative analysis on reactions of cetaceans to a scientific echo sounder.
Mind the gap – optimizing satellite tag settings for time series analysis of foraging dives in Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris).
Animal Biotelemetry. 2019.
7:5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40317-019-0167-5
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 15, 2019
Studies of deep-diving beaked whales using Argos satellite-linked location-depth tags frequently return data with large gaps in the diving record. We document the steps taken to eliminate these data gaps and collect weeks of continuous time series data for a behavioral response study that took place in 2017.
Hidden Markov models reveal complexity in the diving behaviour of short-finned pilot whales.
Scientific Reports. 2017.
7:45765
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 31, 2017
Diving behaviour of short-finned pilot whales is often described by two states; deep foraging and shallow, non-foraging dives. However, this simple classification system ignores much of the variation that occurs during subsurface periods. We used multi-state hidden Markov models (HMM) to characterize states of diving behaviour and the transitions between states in short-finned pilot whales. We used three parameters (number of buzzes, maximum dive depth and duration) measured in 259 dives by digital acoustic recording tags (DTAGs) deployed on 20 individual whales off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA. The HMM identified a four-state model as the best descriptor of diving behaviour. The state-dependent distributions for the diving parameters showed variation between states, indicative of different diving behaviours. Transition probabilities were considerably higher for state persistence than state switching, indicating that dive types occurred in bouts. Our results indicate that subsurface behaviour in short-finned pilot whales is more complex than a simple dichotomy of deep and shallow diving states, and labelling all subsurface behaviour as deep dives or shallow dives discounts a significant amount of important variation. We discuss potential drivers of these patterns, including variation in foraging success, prey availability and selection, bathymetry, physiological constraints and socially mediated behaviour.
Extreme diving in mammals: first estimates of behavioural aerobic dive limits in Cuvier's beaked whales.
Journal of Experimental Biology. 2020.
223: jeb222109 doi: 10.1242/jeb.222109
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- September 23, 2020
We analysed 3680 dives from 23 satellite-linked tags deployed on Cuvier's beaked whales to assess the relationship between long duration dives and inter-deep dive intervals and to estimate aerobic dive limit (ADL).
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2020
Three High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) were deployed from June 2018 to September 2019 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds offshore in the Navy’s Virginia Capes Range Complex, approximately 44 nm northeast from Cape Hatteras (HAT).
- 10,035.71 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 2, 2020
A High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) was deployed from June 2018 to May 2019 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds in the Navy’s Virginia Capes Range Complex near Norfolk Canyon (NFC).
- 5,621.20 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2019
A High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) was deployed from June 2017 to June 2018 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds in the Navy’s Virginia Capes Range Complex offshore from Norfolk Canyon (NFC).
- 6,924.92 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 2, 2019
Two High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARP) were deployed sequentially from May 2017 to June 2018 to record marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds in the Navy’s Virginia Capes Range Complex offshore ~ 44 nm northeast from Cape Hatteras (HAT).
- 11,290.13 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2018
A High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) was deployed from April 2016 to June 2017 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds in the Navy’s Jacksonville Range Complex. The HARP was located 83 nm off the Florida coastline on the continental slope. The HARP recorded sound in the frequency band 10 Hz – 100 kHz. Data analysis consisted of analyst scans of long-term spectral averages (LTSAs) and spectrograms, and automated computer algorithm detection when possible. Three frequency bands were analyzed for marine mammal vocalizations and anthropogenic sounds: (1) Low-frequency, between 10-500 Hz, (2) Midfrequency, between 500-5,000 Hz, and (3) High-frequency, between 5-100 kHz.
- 8,876.95 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2018
A High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) was deployed from April 2016 to February 2017 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds in the Navy’s Virginia Capes Range Complex offshore from Cape Hatteras (HAT). The HARP was located 75 nm offshore in approximately 1000 m of water. The HARP recorded sound in the frequency band 10 Hz – 100 kHz. Data analysis consisted of analyst scans of long-term spectral averages (LTSAs) and spectrograms, and automated computer algorithm detection when possible. Three frequency bands were analyzed for marine mammal vocalizations and anthropogenic sounds: (1) Low-frequency, between 10-500 Hz, (2) Mid-frequency, between 500-5,000 Hz, and (3) High-frequency, between 5- 100 kHz.
- 4,689.56 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 2, 2018
A High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) was deployed from April 2016 to June 2017 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds in the Navy’s Virginia Capes Range Complex offshore from Norfolk Canyon (NFC). The HARP was located 75 nm offshore in approximately 1000 m of water. The HARP recorded sound in the frequency band 10 Hz – 100 kHz. Data analysis consisted of analyst scans of long-term spectral averages (LTSAs) and spectrograms, and automated computer algorithm detection when possible. Three frequency bands were analyzed for marine mammal vocalizations and anthropogenic sounds: (1) Low-frequency, between 10-500 Hz, (2) Mid-frequency, between 10-5,000 Hz, and (3) High-frequency, between 1- 100 kHz.
- 4,807.47 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 3, 2020
Three High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) were deployed from June 2018 to September 2019 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds offshore in the Navy’s Virginia Capes Range Complex, approximately 44 nm northeast from Cape Hatteras (HAT).
- 10,035.71 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 20, 2012
This is the fourth progress report of a monitoring program for protected marine species in waters offshore Onslow Bay and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida. The results of aerial surveys, vessel-based line transect and photo-ID surveys and passive acoustic monitoring are reported for the period from July 2010 through December 2011
- 54,560.00 KB
Occurrence, distribution and abundance of cetaceans in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, USA.
Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. 2014.
14:23-35
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2014
In this paper the occurrence, distribution and abundance of cetaceans in offshore waters of Onslow Bay, North Carolina, USA is described. Between June 2007 and June 2010 monthly aerial and shipboard line-transect surveys were conducted along ten 74km transects placed perpendicular to the shelf break. In total 42,676km of aerial trackline (218 sightings) and 5,209km of vessel trackline (100 sightings) were observed. Seven species of cetaceans were observed, but the fauna was dominated strongly by common bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins. Both species were present year-round in the study area.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 15, 2016
The goal of this survey is to document the presence of seals and gain an increased understanding of the occurrence and behavior of seals near Navy installations in the lower Chesapeake Bay (i.e. Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and Naval Station Norfolk), the Virginia Capes Operating Area (VACAPES), and important vessel transit routes.
- 1,337.07 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2022
Objectives for this study are to 1) improve the understanding of local, seasonal haul-out patterns, numbers of seals hauled out during daylight hours; 2) to investigate any haul-out patterns in relation to environmental factors; and 3) to investigate differences between vessel and time-lapse camera survey data collected. The data and results of this effort will further improve the assessment of potential impacts from Navy training and testing activities, installation construction (e.g. pile driving) and vessel transiting activities as required under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and National Environmental Policy Act for Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) and Commander, Navy Installations Command projects in Virginia. These data may also provide important baseline information for the assessment of potential future impacts from climate change or anthropogenic activities.
- 3,768.09 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2015
For this report, killer whale signals were analyzed for periods of deployment from January 2011 – April 2014 in order to determine the seasonal occurrence and distribution of different killer whale ecotypes at these sites.
- 348.81 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2015
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Gulf of Alaska Temporary Maritime Activities Area (GATMAA) from April 2014 to May 2015 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at five locations: a shelf site offshore Kenai Peninsula (200 m depth, site CA), a continental slope site in deep water (900 m depth, site CB), a slope site offshore Kodiak Island (200 m depth, site KO), a deep offshore site at Pratt Seamount (1000 m depth, site PT), and a deep offshore site at Quinn Seamount (900 m depth, site QN).
- 16,317.23 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2022
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex from April 2020 to 2021 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at four locations: two west of San Clemente Island (1,300 m depth, site E and 1,100 m depth, site H) and two southwest of San Clemente Island (1,300 m depth, site N and 1,200 m depth, site U). With the offshore expansion of the SOCAL range, future noise monitoring will be improved by the deployment of a recorder west of San Nicolas Island (site SN). This new site will replace site U, which is located in the Mexican Exclusive Economic Zone where instrument deployment is difficult.
- 6,849.90 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2021
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex from November 2018 to May 2020 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at four locations: two west of San Clemente Island (1,300 m depth, site E and 1,000 m depth, site H) and two southwest of San Clemente Island (1,250 m depth, site N and 1,200 m depth, site U).
- 6,979.06 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2020
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex from July 2018 to May 2019 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at three locations: two west of San Clemente Island (1,300 m depth, site E and 1,000 m depth, site H) and one southwest of San Clemente Island (1,250 m depth, site N).
- 12,495.40 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2019
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex from March 2017 to July 2018 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at three locations: northwest of San Clemente Island (1,300 m depth, site E), west of San Clemente Island (1,000 m depth, site H), and southwest of San Clemente Island (1,200 m depth, site N). In addition, an array of 9 HARPs, sampling at 20 kHz, was deployed in the San Diego Trough during the fall of 2017 to track baleen whale calls. One HARP from this array was analyzed for this report (1,051 m depth, site HP). While a typical southern California marine mammal assemblage is consistently detected in these recordings (Hildebrand et al., 2012), only a select sub-set of species including blue whales, fin whales, and beaked whales were analyzed for this report. The low-frequency ambient soundscape and the presence of Mid-Frequency Active (MFA) sonar and explosions were also analyzed.
- 7,911.37 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2018
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex from April 2016 to June 2017 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at three locations: west of San Clemente Island (1,000 m depth, site H), southwest of San Clemente Island (1200 m depth, site N), and west of La Jolla, California (500 m depth, site P). In addition, an array of 9 HARPs was deployed in the San Diego Trough, during the fall of 2017, to track baleen whale calls.
- 7,911.37 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2017
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex from June 2015 to April 2016 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at three locations: west of San Clemente Island (1,000 m depth, site H), southwest of San Clemente Island (1200 m depth, site N), and west of La Jolla, California (500 m depth, site P). Data analysis was performed using automated computer algorithms. Calls of two baleen whale species were detected: blue whale B calls and fin whale 20 Hz calls. Both species were present at all sites, but at site H blue whale B calls were most common and the fin whale acoustic index representative of 20 Hz calls was highest. Blue whale B calls were least common at site P while the fin whale acoustic index was lowest at site N. Blue whale B call detections peaked from August to November 2015 and very few
- 10,427.74 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2020
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Gulf of Alaska Temporary Maritime Activities Area (GATMAA) from September 2017 to June 2018 and from April to September 2019 to record the low-frequency ambient soundscape and detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds during times of naval exercises in the area. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at two locations: a continental slope site in deep water (~900–1,000 m depth, site CB) and a deep-water site off Kodiak Island (~1,000 m depth, site KOA). The low-frequency ambient soundscape showed spectrum level peaks at both sites during winter and fall, related to the seasonally increased presence of blue and fin whales.
- 20,111.75 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 1, 2019
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Gulf of Alaska Temporary Maritime Activities Area (GATMAA) from September 2017 to September 2019 to record the low-frequency ambient soundscape and detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds during times of naval exercises in the area. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at two locations: a continental slope site in deep water (~900–1,000 m depth, site CB) and a continental shelf site off Kodiak Island (~1,000 m depth, site KOA).
- 850.16 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2018
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Gulf of Alaska Temporary Maritime Activities Area (GATMAA) from May to September 2015 and from April to September 2017 to record the low-frequency ambient soundscape and detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds during times of naval exercises in the area. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at three locations: a continental slope site in deep water (900 m depth, site CB), a deep water site (hydrophone was placed at 1200 m at a location where depth was approximately 4000 m, site AB), and a deep offshore site at Quinn Seamount (900 m depth, site QN).
- 7,623.00 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2023
Three different killer whale (Orcinus orca) ecotypes are known to inhabit the northeastern Pacific: residents, transients, and offshores. These ecotypes are distinguished by morphological, genetic, behavioral, and acoustic differences. Killer whales of each ecotype produce distinct, stereotypic pulsed calls that can be used as acoustic indicators of presence, making passive acoustic monitoring a useful method for assessing intraspecies differences in spatial and temporal patterns.
- 1,251.17 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2023
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex from April 2021 to May 2022 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at four locations: one site west of San Nicolas Island (1,100 m depth, site SN), two sites west of San Clemente Island (1,300 m depth, site E and 1,200 m depth, site H), and one site southwest of San Clemente Island (1,300 m depth, site N). With the offshore expansion of the SOCAL range, site SN was added into the monitoring effort for this reporting period to improve noise monitoring for the region.
- 17,569.10 KB
Update on frequency decline of Northeast Pacific blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) calls.
PLOS One. 2022.
17(4):e0266469
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 1, 2022
Worldwide, the frequency (pitch) of blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) calls has been decreasing since first recorded in the 1960s. This frequency decline occurs over annual and inter-annual timescales and has recently been documented in other baleen whale species, yet it remains unexplained. In the Northeast Pacific, blue whales produce two calls, or units, that, when regularly repeated, are referred to as song: A and B calls. In this population, frequency decline has thus far only been examined in B calls. In this work, passive acoustic data collected in the Southern California Bight from 2006 to 2019 were examined to determine if A calls are also declining in frequency and whether the call pulse rate was similarly impacted.
Cetacean occurrence in the Gulf of Alaska from long term passive acoustic monitoring.
Marine Biology. 2021.
68(72):1-29
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 24, 2021
The Gulf of Alaska is an important habitat for a diverse array of marine mammals, many of which were severely depleted by historical whaling. To study current cetacean distributions in this region, passive acoustic monitoring was used to detect species-specific call types between 2011 and 2015 at five locations spanning the continental shelf, slope, and offshore seamounts. Spatial and temporal detection patterns were examined for nine species to compare differences in behavior and habitat use.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 28, 2011
The February 2011 cruise to Ka‘ula was comprised two components: a dedicated seabird survey at the island of Ka‘ula to satisfy Sikes Act monitoring requirements and a marine mammal visual survey and tagging effort at the island of Kaua‘i and during the transit to Ka‘ula in order to satisfy Commander, Pacific Fleet’s marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring requirements. Relatively little research and monitoring has occurred at Ka‘ula
- 2,807.51 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 16, 2020
In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) and underwater explosives, the Navy has obtained from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) a permit under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and a Biological Opinion under the Endangered Species Act. The Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) Monitoring Plan was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permit. The monitoring plan and reporting will provide science-based answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed and reacting to Navy MFAS. The objectives of the monitoring plan are to answer the following questions: 1. Are marine mammals and sea turtles exposed to MFAS at regulatory thresholds of harm or harassment? If so, at what levels and how frequently are they exposed? 2. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS in the HRC, do they redistribute geographically in the HRC as a result of repeated exposure? If so, how long does the redistribution last? 3. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS, what are their behavioral responses? Are they different at various levels? 4. What are the behavioral responses of marine mammals and sea turtles that are exposed to various levels and distances from explosives? 5. Are the Navy’s suite of mitigation measures for MFAS and explosives (e.g., Protective Measures Assessment Protocol [PMAP], measures agreed to by the Navy through permitting and consultation) effective at avoiding harm or harassment of marine mammals and sea turtles?
- 882.35 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 21, 2012
In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), the Navy has obtained a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and a Biological Opinion under the Endangered Species Act. The Hawai‘i Range Complex (HRC) Monitoring Plan, finalized in December 2008 for implementation in January 2009, and amended in 2011 was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permit. The monitoring plan and reporting will provide science-based answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed and reacting to Navy MFAS. The Ka‘ula Island monitoring effort is intended to provide data towards the monitoring plan goals through collecting baseline occurrence and population information
- 2,127.63 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2011
DDG E SOCAL April 2011
- 2,068.88 KB
Navy's Fleet Marine Species Monitoring Program: Revisions and Application In the Southern California Range Complex.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2012. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 2, 2012
The Navy is implementing systematic improvements to regional marine species monitoring in order to increase the likelihood of achieving top-level goals established by NMFS and the Navy. Top-level monitoring goals are described in an Integrated Comprehensive Monitoring Plan (ICMP) that guides the Navy's monitoring effort. In addition to the framewor.k provided by the ICMP , an independent scientific advisory group (SAG) was initiated in October 2010 to provide scientific recommendations on how the Navy's monitoring program could be more effective, evaluate how current monitoring aligns with the ICMP goals, and further refine regional monitoring recommendations. One of the SAG's recommendations was for the Navy to adopt a framework that conceptualizes the continuum of knowledge about marine species. Depending on the species, knowledge may be basic or it may be detailed and sophisticated. The framework starts with information on occurrence of marine mammals on Navy range complexes, and proceeds through questions of exposure to Navy training activities, potential responses of animals to exposure, and consequences (if any) of any interactions. Applying the conceptual framework and SAG recommendations informs the Navy about the appropriate scientific questions that can be addressed within its range complexes and how to prioritize projects and locations when constrained by funding availability. Additional recommendations from the SAG included defining new regulatory metrics, better transparency in planning and implementation, collaboration among stakeholders, and better Navy-wide integration of regional monitoring plans.
- 991.17 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2017
The United States (U.S.) Navy identified the need for development of a survey data-collection system that fully meets U.S. Navy Marine Species Monitoring (MSM) data standards. The objectives were to streamline data-collection procedures, minimize manual data-management requirements, and increase the standardization and repeatability of data-collection efforts. In response to this need, HDR developed a survey toolkit called COMPASS (Cetacean Observation and Marine Protected Animal Survey Software). COMPASS is designed to be an integrated survey data-collection and data-management system to facilitate work conducted during MSM surveys. HDR’s fin survey toolkit integrates current mobile and web technologies to allow efficient real-time collection, processing, reporting, and delivery of marine species data. The final product will include a mobile platform for data collection in the field; a web portal to design, plan, and execute surveys and access data products; and a server-hosted databasemanagement system for quality control (QC), team collaboration, and preliminary data processing/reporting.
- 449.08 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2016
The Navy has identified the need to develop a survey data collection platform based on the standardized Navy Marine Species Monitoring (MSM) program data standards. The platform needs to streamline collection scenarios, minimize manual data management requirements, facilitate QA/QC and reporting, and ensure consistency of data collection across the program. In response to this need, and in collaboration with the Navy Living Marine Resources program, fin (no associated acronym) is intended to be an integrated survey data collection and data management system to facilitate work conducted during marine species surveys. The final product will include a mobile platform for data collection, a web portal to set up surveys and access data products, and a server database management system.
- 541.69 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2016
The HDR Monitoring Team initiated a monitoring project that will provide quantitative data and information on the seasonal occurrence, distribution, and density of protected species (marine mammals and sea turtles) in Chesapeake Bay waters near Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent (PAX) River, roughly from Drum Point, south to Smith Point along the western shore and over to the coastal waters of the eastern shore
- 2,925.73 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2017
This progress report is a summary of work completed during 2016. To date, both aerial survey and acoustic monitoring have confirmed that dolphins and sea turtles occur in the area seasonally. Summertime distribution of bottlenose dolphins peaks in June and July, and no detections have been made in the wintertime between November and March. C-POD deployments and visual surveys will continue through September 2017.
- 2,791.46 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2018
This report represents a cumulative summary of the data collected over two and a half years of effort near NAS PAX, from April 2015 through November 2017. Both aerial survey and acoustic monitoring results indicate that dolphins and sea turtles are present seasonally in the study area. Observations of common bottlenose dolphins peak in June and July, and there were no detections documented in the months between November and March.
- 4,739.62 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2018
The United States (U.S.) Navy identified the need for development of a survey data-collection system that fully meets U.S. Navy Marine Species Monitoring (MSM) data standards. The objectives were to streamline data-collection procedures, minimize manual data-management requirements, and increase the standardization and repeatability of data-collection efforts. In response to this need, HDR developed a survey toolkit called COMPASS (Cetacean Observation and Marine Protected Animal Survey Software)
- 1,373.69 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 31, 2015
To protect cetaceans from negative impacts of seismic exploration and to make the best management decisions possible, we need to know where they are and when they’re there. Systematic line-transect surveys are typically used to provide this information, which is especially important at smaller spatial scales, such as the Mid- and South Atlantic planning areas that likely exhibit seasonal or inter-annual variability in species occurrence. The objectives of my project, therefore, were to identify gaps in space and time of cetacean survey effort and to inform BOEM of the needs for additional survey effort.
- 1,413.25 KB
Seasonal migrations of North Atlantic minke whales: Novel insights from large-scale passive acoustic monitoring networks.
Movement Ecology. 2014.
2:24
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- November 30, 2014
Little is known about migration patterns and seasonal distribution away from coastal summer feeding habitats of many pelagic baleen whales. Recently, large-scale passive acoustic monitoring networks have become available to explore migration patterns and identify critical habitats of these species. North Atlantic minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) perform seasonal migrations between high latitude summer feeding and low latitude winter breeding grounds. While the distribution and abundance of the species has been studied across their summer range, data on migration and winter habitat are virtually missing. Acoustic recordings, from 16 different sites from across the North Atlantic, were analyzed to examine the seasonal and geographic variation in minke whale pulse train occurrence, infer information about migration routes and timing, and to identify possible winter habitats.
High-frequency clicks associated with low-frequency minke whale pulse trains recorded at three separate locations in the western North Atlantic.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Recent analysis of passive acoustic data collected from autonomous recorders deployed in the Western North Atlantic have resulted in characterization of three main types of low-frequency minke whale pulse trains ('speed-up', 'slow-down' and 'constant' type) in the Western North Atlantic. These pulse train types show varying interpulse interval structure and appear to exhibit some geographic variation in signal structure as well as relative occurrence at different sites. Most past data were collected at low sampling rates, equal to or below 2000 Hz, so only lower frequencies components of these signals, showing peak frequencies between 50 and 130 Hz, have been described to date.
- 92.10 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2023
Analysis of scat samples from animals is a non‐invasive technique that can provide important data on animal diet, hormone levels, microbiome, and genetics. The use of a trained Conservation Canine (K9) to detect marine mammal scat at sea has been proven to be useful in the Pacific Northwest with Southern Resident Killer Whales (Lundin et al. 2016) and in other unpublished reports and media, but until now, had not been documented in Hawaii. In order to explore the viability of this method in Hawaii, the Navy invested in a pilot study, where the K9 was successfully trained to detect and ‘direct’ boat drivers – via changes in behavior – to the scat of three species of marine mammals (G. macrorynchus, K. breviceps, and P. crassidens).
- 408.64 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2006
In support of RIMPAC 2006, nearshore monitoring for marine mammals and sea turtles was conducted during July 16-20 from Kekaha Beach, Kauai, Hawaii and July 24-26 from Mahukona and Kapa`a Beach Park, Kohala Coast, Hawaii
- 180.16 KB
Density surface models for cetaceans along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico using multiple platforms and dynamic predictors.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
The stresses of human activities such as offshore energy and military sonar demand spatially and temporally explicit advice for minimizing impacts on marine mammals. We present new high-resolution seasonal density maps for 20 species of cetaceans distributed within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone in the north Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Using over 1 million linear km of line-transect effort from more than 100 cetacean surveys carried out by U.S. NOAA NMFS and partner organizations from 1991-2012, with approximately 40,000 reported sightings of cetaceans, we constructed density surface models using distance sampling methodology. We utilized transects from both aerial and shipboard surveys and fitted species- and survey-specific detection functions to compensate for differences in detection efficiency. After splitting transects into segments and predicting effective strip width using the detection functions, we pooled the segments and fitted seasonal spatial models for encounter rate and group size using a suite of remotely-sensed and modeled physiographic and oceanographic predictors, including dynamic predictors such as eddy kinetic energy, wind stress curl, and distance to SST fronts. Finally, we predicted density across the U.S. EEZ using remote sensing and ocean model images, to generate seasonal density maps for these 20 species. The results provide a comprehensive and detailed model of cetacean distribution throughout U.S. waters of the north Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. We will present highlights, covering both methodology and results, and discuss how these models are being used by management agencies in spatial planning exercises. Finally, we will conclude by describing a follow-on project to extend the models to the central north Atlantic, where little survey effort is available.
- 6,547.27 KB
North Atlantic right whale density surface model for the US Atlantic evaluated with passive acoustic monitoring.
Marine Ecology Progress. 2024.
732:167–194
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2024
The Critically Endangered North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis entered a population decline around 2011. To save this species without closing the ocean to human activities requires detailed information about its intra-annual density patterns that can be used to assess and mitigate human-caused risks. Using 2.9 million km of visual line-transect survey effort from the US Atlantic and Canadian Maritimes conducted in 2003-2020 by 11 institutions, we modeled the absolute density (ind. km-2) of the species using spatial, temporal, and environmental covariates at a monthly time step.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 23, 2016
To effectively protect and manage marine mammals, contemporary information on their abundance and distribution is essential. Several factors influence presentday insight including the accessibility of the study area and the degree of difficulty in locating and studying target species.
- 1,631.76 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2014
During this survey, the visual team surveyed 4,504 kilometers (km) of ‘full-effort,’ which included 349 km of ‘transit-effort.’ There was an additional 375 km of ‘fog-effort’ (transect and transit). Based on total effort, there were 802 sightings (1,998 individuals) of 13 confirmed marine mammal species, with an additional 162 sightings (228 individuals) of unidentified cetaceans and pinnipeds (including those recorded on transit and during off-effort mode).
- 12,416.19 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2009
During this project, the visual survey covered a total of 760 kilometers (410 nautical miles) on-effort while transit and fog effort legs accounted for 553 km (298 nm). There were a total of 96 sightings (453 individuals) of 11 confirmed marine mammal species; these included fin, humpback, gray, and minke whales as well as killer whales, Dall’s and harbor porpoise, Pacific white-sided dolphins and Steller sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters. Additionally, there were 36 sightings (46 individuals) of unidentified large whales, dolphins and pinnipeds. Acoustically, operations were conducted 24-hours/day surveying a total of 3,519 km (1,900 nm) and recording 49 acoustic detections of sperm whales and killer whales. Photographs of nineteen individual killer whales and four fin whales were obtained on this cruise and compared to existing catalogs.
- 1,894.30 KB
Satellite telemetry results indicate an open-ocean population of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in Hawaiian waters.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 6, 2026
At least 11 of the 18 species of odontocetes in Hawaiian waters have island-associated, resident populations. Sperm whales have been sighted throughout Hawaiian waters, including offshore areas, and around the northwestern and main Hawaiian Islands, and are primarily comprised of groups of females and juveniles. Around the main Hawaiian Islands, they make up less than 2% of odontocete sightings. In this study, we used satellite tag data to assess whether they were part of an island-associated or open-ocean population.
- 110.80 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2017
To effectively protect and manage marine mammals, contemporary information on their abundance and distribution is essential. Several factors influence present-day insight including the accessibility of the study area and the degree of difficulty in locating and studying target species. The offshore waters of the Gulf of Alaska are important habitat to a variety of cetaceans yet have remained largely unsurveyed due to its remote location, vast geographic area, and challenging environmental conditions. Between 2009 and 2015, three vessel surveys were conducted using line-transect sampling methods to estimate cetacean abundance and density. Here, we present results on the distribution for all species encountered and density and abundance for six species, including humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), blue whales (B. musculus), killer whales (Orcinus orca), and Dall’s porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli). Fin whales, humpback whales, and Dall’s porpoise were the most abundant species. Beaked whales were documented only in 2015. Prior to this study, recent sightings of blue whales were rare, likely related to the lack of offshore survey coverage. No North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica) were sighted, underscoring the critically endangered status of this species in a formerly populous habitat. Although these results provide the first estimates from offshore waters, additional effort is necessary to assess trends and to obtain baseline data for the rare and cryptic species in order to better inform conservation and management actions.
Distribution, abundance, and density of harbor porpoises in Hood Canal, Washington.
Journal of Wildlife Management. 2024.
88(3):e22543
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 8, 2024
Harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) are the only cetaceans routinely sighted in Hood Canal, a narrow fjord that comprises the western edge of Puget Sound, Washington, USA. Harbor porpoises are sensitive to anthropogenic sounds, including noise from recreational and commercial vessel traffic, and the United States Navy, which conducts military training and testing within Hood Canal that can include underwater sound sources. This study was funded as part of the Navy monitoring program to assess potential impacts of naval activities on cetaceans. We conducted vessel-based line-transect surveys for harbor porpoises in Hood Canal in 2022–2023 to derive seasonal estimates of abundance and density.
Movements and diving behavior of Risso’s dolphins in the Southern California Bight.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2022.
9:873548
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 19, 2022
Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), uncommon prior to the 1970’s, are now regularly observed within the Southern California Bight. During long-term cetacean monitoring programs on United States Navy range areas in the Southern California Bight from 2009–2019, we deployed 16 Argos-linked satellite tags on Risso’s to acquire objective, detailed depictions of their movements and behaviors. Individuals were tracked for a median of 10.7 days (range = 0.8 – 19.7).
Should I stay or should I go? Modelling year-round habitat suitability and drivers of residency for fin whales in the California Current.
Diversity and Distributions. 2017.
00-1-12
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- August 16, 2017
Accounting for Positional Uncertainty When Modeling Received Levels for Tagged Cetaceans Exposed to Sonar.
Aquatic Mammals. 2019.
45:6. doi 10.1578/AM.45.6.2019.675
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2019
Exposure to anthropogenic sound can have a range four dimensions and to statistically describe uncerof negative behavioral and physical effects on tainty within volumes of water space where animals marine species and is of increasing ecological and were predicted to occur during exposure periods. regulatory concern. In particular, the response of By properly accounting for positional error in this marine mammals, and notably the family of cryp- study, it is clear that previous studies using single tic deep-diving beaked whales, to military sonar is median RL estimates drastically underestimate the a timely and complex issue.
Ziphius cavirostris presence relative to the vertical and temporal variability of oceanographic conditions in the Southern California Bight.
Ecology and Evolution. 2024.
14:e11708
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- July 14, 2024
The oceanographic conditions of the Southern California Bight (SCB) dictate the distribution and abundance of prey resources and therefore the presence of mobile predators, such as goose-beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris). Goose-beaked whales are deep-diving odontocetes that spend a majority of their time foraging at depth. Due to their cryptic behavior, little is known about how they respond to seasonal and interannual changes in their environment. This study utilizes passive acoustic data recorded from two sites within the SCB to explore the oceanographic conditions that goose-beaked whales appear to favor.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2022
As part of an ongoing study of the distribution and demographics of several marine mammal species within SOCAL, we conducted 17 days of survey effort from 3 September 2021 to 15 November 2021, specifically focusing on the Southern California Anti-submarine Warfare Range (SOAR). The primary goal of these surveys was sighting, photographing, and collecting biopsy samples from Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus).
- 2,597.17 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2020
As part of an ongoing study of the distribution and demographics of several marine mammal species within SOCAL, we conducted 11 days of survey effort from 4 January 2020 to 8 October 2020, specifically focusing on the Southern California Anti-submarine Warfare Range (SOAR). The primary goal of these surveys was sighting, photographing, and collecting biopsy samples from Cuvier’s beaked whales and fin whales.
- 5,247.09 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 11, 2020
As part of an ongoing study of the distribution and demographics of several marine mammal species within SOCAL, we conducted 28 days of survey effort from 2 January 2019 to 17 November 2019, specifically focusing on the Southern California Anti-submarine Warfare Range (SOAR). The primary goal of these surveys was sighting, photographing, and collecting biopsy samples from Cuvier’s beaked whales and fin whales.
- 5,428.65 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2019
The Southern California Offshore Complex (SOCAL) is one of the US Navy’s most active training areas, particularly concerning the use of Mid-Frequency Active Sonar (MFAS). Much of SOCAL lies within the Southern California Bight, a productive oceanographic region that hosts a wide variety of marine species. As part of an ongoing study of the distribution and demographics of several marine mammal species within SOCAL, we conducted 10 days of survey effort from 5 January 2018 to 20 November 2018, specifically focusing on the Southern California Anti-submarine Warfare Range (SOAR). The primary goal of these surveys was sighting, photographing, and collecting biopsy samples from Cuvier’s beaked whales and fin whales.
- 4,847.90 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2018
The primary goal of these surveys was sighting, photographing, and collecting biopsy samples from Cuvier’s beaked whales and fin whales. We had six sea turtle sightings and 185 sightings of marine mammals, including 20 sightings of an estimated 56 Cuvier’s beaked whales. We collected 41 biopsy samples, including seven from Cuvier’s beaked whales.
- 3,340.88 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 20, 2017
s. As part of an ongoing study of the distribution and demographics of several marine mammal species within SOCAL, we conducted 27 days of survey effort from 7 January to 13 November 2016, specifically focusing on the Southern California Anti-submarine Warfare Range (SOAR). The primary goal of the surveys was sighting, photographing, and collecting biopsy samples from Cuvier’s beaked whales and fin whales
- 1,479.49 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 15, 2025
This document represents a brief annual summary on work completed between January 1st, 2024 to December 15th, 2024, under award N66604-22-D-F200, which is part of a broad project to monitor the populations of goose-beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Southern California Testing and Training Range (SCTTR).
- 2,847.52 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 15, 2024
The Southern California Tactical Training Range (SCTTR), within the Hawaii-Southern California Training and Testing Area, is one of the United States Navy’s most heavily used regions, particularly for mid-frequency active sonar training. Much of the SCTTR lies within the Southern California Bight, a productive oceanographic region that hosts a wide variety of marine species. As part of ongoing studies of the distribution and demographics of several marine mammal species within the SCTTR, we conducted 24 days of survey effort from 7 January 2023 to 8 October 2023, specifically focusing on the Southern California Anti-submarine Warfare Range. The primary goal of these surveys was sighting, photographing, and collecting tissue samples from Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). With combined effort from two ancillary projects funded by the United States Navy’s Living Marine Resources program and the Office of Naval Research, we had 203 sightings of cetaceans, including 18 sightings totaling 41 Cuvier’s beaked whales and 37 sightings totaling 59 fin whales. Identification photographs from these sightings were combined with opportunistic contributions from both species for this and prior years. Identification photographs from these sightings were combined with opportunistic contributions from both species for this and prior years. This yielded a total of 52 unique Cuvier’s beaked whales in 2023, 15 (29%) of which had been sighted in a previous year. Two mother-calf pairs were photographed, one new to the study, the other had been seen four times prior to 2023 including as a subadult in 2010. We processed 436 new fin whale identifications through 2022, bringing that dataset to 3,620 sightings of 1,377 unique individuals. Eleven genetic samples were collected in 2023, eight from Submitted in Support of the U.S. Navy’s 2023 Annual Marine Species Monitoring Report for the Pacific STANDARD FORM 298 Back (Rev. 8/98) Cuvier’s beaked whales and three from common dolphins. Nine satellite tags were deployed: six SMRT tags on Cuvier’s; one SMRT and two LIMPET tags on fin whales.
- 6,453.73 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2013
This report summarizes the results of deployments within the Northwest Training Range Complex (NWTRC) conducted in conjunction with existing survey efforts off Washington and also includes results from additional deployments on the same species funded with other sources and which are best reported together.
- 2,533.59 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 31, 2022
The Southern California (SOCAL) portion of the Hawaii-Southern California Training and Testing (HSTT) area (SOCAL TR) is one of the United States Navy’s most active training areas, particularly for mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). Much of SOCAL lies within the Southern California Bight, a productive oceanographic region that hosts a wide variety of marine species. As part of an ongoing study of the distribution and demographics of several marine mammal species within SOCAL, we conducted 32 days of survey effort from 6 January 2022 to 26 November 2022, specifically focusing on the Southern California Anti-submarine Warfare Range (SOAR).
- 2,783.94 KB
Society for Mexican Marine Mammalogy, May 2023, Manzanillo, Mexico .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- May 1, 2023
First Long-Term Behavioral Records from Cuvier’s Beaked Whales (Ziphius cavirostris) Reveal RecordBreaking Dives.
PLOS One. 2014.
e92633
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- March 26, 2014
Movements and Diving Behavior of the Eastern North Pacific Offshore Killer Whale (Orcinus orca).
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2022.
9:854893
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- May 24, 2022
The Pacific Offshore killer whale population is currently listed as data deficient on the IUCN Red List and Threatened in Canada. The population is estimated at 300 individuals with a range extending from Southern California to the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. Only 157 encounters with this ecotype have been photo-documented between 1988 and 2014; consequently, movement and behavioral data are limited and restricted to areas commonly surveyed. To better understand movements, habitat use, and diving behavior, we deployed seven dart-attached satellite tags during two encounters with Offshores off California and one encounter off Washington State in 2013.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 15, 2025
Chinook salmon is an iconic species found throughout the North Pacific Ocean, yet little is known about its ocean ecology. The U.S. Navy conducts training exercises in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Temporary Maritime Activities Area (TMAA), and Western Maneuver Area (WMA). The Navy is interested in understanding the overlap of occurrence between populations of Chinook salmon and these training activities. To provide insights into Chinook salmon ocean ecology while occupying waters of the North Pacific Ocean (NPO), including overlap with the TMAA and WMA, we have previously deployed 183 pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) on Chinook salmon at eight locations around the GOA, and collected tissue samples to determine stock of origin of tagged fish. These analyses will provide additional insights into movement, depth distribution, temperature occupancy, and natural mortality of Chinook salmon in the North Pacific Ocean, particularly to the west of previous tag deployments.
- 843.41 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 7, 2024
Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) is an iconic species found throughout the North Pacific Ocean (NPO) and supports valuable subsistence, commercial and recreational fisheries. In addition to its importance to fisheries, Chinook salmon is an important food source for many apex marine predators, including endangered Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca). Currently, coast-wide changes in Chinook salmon population demographics and production have been documented from western Alaska to California, including several Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) from the United States (U.S.) Pacific Northwest (PNW) that are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). The U.S. Navy (Navy) conducts at-sea training in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), including in the Temporary Maritime Activities Area (TMAA) and the Western Maneuver Area (WMA). As part of its Marine Species Monitoring Program, the Navy is interested in understanding the overlap of occurrence between populations of Chinook salmon, particularly the ESUs that are listed under the ESA, and specific Navy training activities. This is challenging, as relatively little is known about the at-sea distribution and behavior of Chinook salmon, despite the fact that most individuals reside in the ocean for the majority of their lives. Therefore, an improved understanding of the distribution and behavior of Chinook salmon in the marine environment is important when addressing potential interactions between this species and specific Navy exercises within portions of the TMAA and WMA.
- 17,719.88 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2023
Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) is an iconic species found throughout the North Pacific Ocean and supports valuable subsistence, commercial and recreational fisheries. In addition to its importance to fisheries, Chinook salmon is an important food source for many apex marine predators, including endangered Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca). Currently, coast-wide changes in Chinook salmon population demographics and production have been documented from western Alaska to California, including several Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) from the United States (U.S.) Pacific Northwest (PNW) that are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA).
- 3,511.60 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 2, 2022
The information about Chinook salmon gained in this study may be used to provide insights into important management issues in the North Pacific Ocean, including overlap between Chinook salmon and Navy training exercises in the GOA.
- 4,825.52 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 29, 2021
The information about Chinook salmon gained in this study may be used to provide insights into important management issues in the North Pacific Ocean, including overlap between Chinook salmon and Navy training exercises in the GOA.
- 2,551.47 KB
Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Fairbanks, Alaska, March 2023 .
More details
Collapse details
Diel and lunar variation in diving behavior of rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi.
Marine Mammal Science. 2021.
37:4:1261-1276
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 1, 2021
Observational studies describe rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) actively foraging during the day on epipelagic species. Using data from depth-transmitting satellite tags deployed on nine individuals off Kauaʻi, we investigated diving behavior and the effects of lunar phase and solar light levels on vertical movements.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 27, 2016
Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) was tasked with conducting a thorough investigation and analysis of a passive acoustic data set recorded off Oahu (Hawaii) from 2010-2013. Passive ecological acoustic recorders (EARs) were deployed in waters adjacent to the Puuloa Underwater Detonation Range off the coast of Oahu from 2010-2013. Findings of note include: Of the over 133,000 files analyzed manually, approximately 850 contained odontocete whistles (0.6%); The low number of whistle detections is consistent with relationships between the coastal shelf bathymetry and odontocete foraging behavior established in similar studies in various locations in the main Hawaiian Islands; and Regulation detonation training in this area has a low chance of detrimental effects to transiting odontocetes.
- 1,992.50 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2023
The objective of this work is to build upon the ongoing Mid-Atlantic Humpback Whale project conducted under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program by deploying high-resolution digital acoustic tags (DTAGs) to measure humpback whale responses to close ship approaches. The following questions will be addressed: 1. Do humpback whales respond to ship approaches, and if so, which behavioral or movement parameters change? 2. Which aspects of a ship approach (including the ship’s acoustic and behavioral characteristics) elicit which types of responses? 3. Does the behavioral context of the animal (foraging/nonforaging) affect the probability of responding to a ship approach?
- 2,099.20 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2022
The objective of this work is to build upon the ongoing Mid-Atlantic Humpback Whale project 20 conducted under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program by deploying high-resolution digital acoustic tags (DTAGs) to measure humpback whale responses to close ship approaches. The following questions will be addressed: 1. Do humpback whales respond to ship approaches, and if so, which behavioral or movement parameters change? 2. Which aspects of a ship approach (including the ship’s acoustic and behavioral characteristics) elicit which types of responses? 3. Does the behavioral context of the animal (foraging/nonforaging) affect the probability of responding to a ship approach?
- 2,314.24 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2020
The objective of this work is to build upon the ongoing Mid-Atlantic Humpback Whale project conducted under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program by deploying high resolution digital acoustic tags (DTAGs) to measure humpback whale responses to close ship approaches. The following questions will be addressed: 1. Do humpback whales respond to ship approaches, and if so, which behavioral or movement parameters change? 2. Which aspects of a ship approach (including the ship’s acoustic and behavioral characteristics) elicit which types of responses? 3. Does the behavioral context of the animal (foraging/nonforaging) affect the probability of responding to a ship approach?
- 797.72 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2021
The objective of this work is to build upon the ongoing Mid-Atlantic Humpback Whale project conducted under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program by deploying high resolution digital acoustic tags (DTAGs) to measure humpback whale responses to close ship approaches. The following questions will be addressed: 1. Do humpback whales respond to ship approaches, and if so, which behavioral or movement parameters change? 2. Which aspects of a ship approach (including the ship’s acoustic and behavioral characteristics) elicit which types of responses? 3. Does the behavioral context of the animal (foraging/nonforaging) affect the probability of responding to a ship approach?
- 4,283.06 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2019
The objective of this work is to build upon the ongoing Mid-Atlantic Humpback Whale project conducted under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program by deploying high resolution digital acoustic tags (DTAGs) to measure humpback whale responses to close ship approaches. The following questions will be addressed: 1. Do humpback whales respond to ship approaches, and if so, which behavioral or movement parameters change? 2. Which aspects of a ship approach (including the ship’s acoustic and behavioral characteristics) elicit which types of responses? 3. Does the behavioral context of the animal (foraging/nonforaging) affect the probability of responding to a ship approach?
- 937.37 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2024
The primary objective of this work is to build upon the ongoing Mid-Atlantic Humpback Whale project conducted under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program by deploying highresolution digital acoustic tags (DTAGs) to measure humpback whale responses to close ship approaches. In this project, the following questions are addressed: 1. Do humpback whales respond to ship approaches, and if so, which behavioral or movement parameters change? 2. Which aspects of a ship approach (including the ship’s acoustic and behavioral characteristics) elicit which types of responses? 3. Does the behavioral context of the animal (foraging/nonforaging) affect the probability of responding to a ship approach?
- 3,603.51 KB
Diving behavior of Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- April 7, 2017
- 420.16 KB
Short-finned pilot whales exhibit behavioral plasticity in foraging strategies mediated by their environment.
Marine Ecology Progress. 2022.
695:1-14
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- August 25, 2022
Predators adapt their foraging behavior to exploit a variety of prey in a range of environments. Short-finned pilot whales are wide-ranging predators in tropical and sub-tropical oceans, but most previous studies of their foraging ecology have been conducted near oceanic islands. We deployed sound- and movement-recording tags on 43 short-finned pilot whales off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA, to measure their foraging behavior in a continental shelf-break ecosystem and investigate how variation in the environment shapes their behavior. Overall, the foraging behavior of pilot whales off Cape Hatteras was similar to that of their counterparts from island-associated habitats.
Overwintering humpback whales adapt foraging strategies to shallow water environments at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, USA.
Marine Mammal Science. 2024.
e13184
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- September 23, 2024
- 11,543.66 KB
Diving behaviour of Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
Royal Society. 2019.
6:181728
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- February 6, 2019
Cuvier's beaked whales exhibit exceptionally long and deep foraging dives. The species is little studied due to their deep-water, offshore distribution and limited time spent at the surface.
Using hierarchical models to estimate stock-specific and seasonal variation in ocean distribution, survivorship, and aggregate abundance of fall run Chinook salmon.
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 2019.
76(1): 95-108. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2017-0204
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:
- January 1, 2019
We construct the first coastwide state-space model for fall Chinook salmon tagged fish released from California to British Columbia between 1977 and 1990 to estimate seasonal ocean distribution along the west coast of North America.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2014
A study was initiated in 2010 (based upon the 2009 monitoring plan and continued into Phase 2) to determine the effectiveness of the Navy lookout team, including lookouts in the pilot house or on the bridge wings. In addition to the eight scientific objective, data collected as part of this study also addresses the first and third scientific objectives. Trained biologists were utilized for the study to collect data that would characterize the likelihood of detecting marine species in the field from a U.S. Navy destroyer (DDG). The University of St. Andrews, Scotland, under contract to the U.S. Navy, developed an initial protocol for use during this study.
- 3,692.90 KB
Marine mammal monitoring during Navy explosives training events off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Navy training events involving the use of explosives pose a potential impact to marine mammals. This study used passive acoustic and visual monitoring data to evaluate marine mammals' behavioral responses to noise from explosive events. Monitoring was conducted during five training events in the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Range Complex during August - October of 2009-2013. Passive acoustic monitoring methods ranged from a single hydrophone to an array of sonobuoys monitored in real time.
- 91.07 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2014
DDG K HRC Jan 2014
- 3,056.93 KB
Detection of Brucella ceti and Brucella-Associated Disease in Stranded Cetaceans in Hawaii, USA, 2000-24.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 2025.
61(2):522–529
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:
- April 1, 2025
Numerous marine mammal populations worldwide are declining because of increased anthropogenic and natural threats, including infectious disease. Brucella ceti, morbillivirus, and herpesvirus have been detected from stranded cetaceans and been recognized as pathogens that may result in considerable cetacean morbidity and mortality. Beaked whale circovirus has been reported in multiple cetacean species in Hawaii, USA, and the western Pacific Ocean, but the pathologic relevance in these species remains uncertain. We screened for the presence of Brucella in 66 cetaceans of 17 species that stranded in Hawaii 2000-24 by targeting the insertion sequence 711 partial sequence using PCR.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2020
Here we present analyses of the DASBR deployments from the CCES 2018 project. We provide information on the times and locations of drift deployments and retrievals. Each drift is also illustrated on maps of the study area. We present analyses of cetacean echolocation detections 2 from DASBR recordings including those from beaked whales, sperm whales, and NBHF species. As in the previous 2016 study, beaked whale detections were dominated by Cuvier’s beaked whale. All the beaked whale species detected in 2016 were also detected in this 2018 study, plus the addition of a signal, designated BWC that had been previously detected in the central and western Pacific, but not previously in the eastern Pacific. Sperm whales and NBHF species were detected throughout the study area.
- 5,022.87 KB
Mid-frequency active sonar and beaked whale acoustic activity in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2016.
140(4, Part 2):3413
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 1, 2016
Mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar has been associated with multiple mass stranding events of beaked whales around the world. A recent increase in military training exercises in the Mariana Archipelago corresponds with the presence of MFA sonar in the surrounding waters. We provide a quantitative report on MFA sonar and beaked whale acoustic activity detected on two autonomous acoustic recording packages deployed near Saipan and Tinian from March 2010 through December 2013. There were no detections of MFA sonar at Saipan during the 5-month deployment in 2010. On August 21, 2011, MFA sonar was detected near Saipan concurrent with a stranding event involving two Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris). After one observed day of MFA sonar activity in Saipan and Tinian in 2011, observations increased to 1 month of ongoing activity at Saipan and nearly 3 months ongoing activity at Tinian in 2012. In 2013, MFA sonar events were observed during one day at Saipan and zero days at Tinian. Received levels, sound exposure levels, and temporal descriptions of the MFA sonar events are reported along with detections of beaked whale acoustic activity. Here, we highlight the importance of ongoing passive acoustic monitoring, especially for species like beaked whales that are difficult to visually detect at sea.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2018
Fin whale song patterns were analyzed from High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) data collected at four sites in the Southern California Bight collected between 2005 and 2014. The sites were chosen to cover both inshore (sites P and Q) and offshore (sites C and H) areas as well as southerly and northerly extent of the Bight. A single year of data, from September 2009 to September 2010, was analyzed from all sites and additional years of data were analyzed from two sites (H and C). Two days per months were selected to analyze song patterns over time. During the selected day, the start time of each 20 Hz pulse in a sequence was picked from a spectrogram and saved to a spreadsheet. After all the 20 Hz pulse start times were picked in a day, IPIs were calculated for each picked sequence
- 2,629.63 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2017
Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) provides extensive datasets to examine the behavioral response of cetaceans to anthropogenic sound. Broadband passive acoustic monitoring permits the recording of the full range of cetacean sounds as well as signals produced by the Navy and other anthropogenic sources. We have been collecting broadband PAM data in the Southern California (SOCAL) region since 2006. Within this dataset are many instances of anthropogenic sound as well as cetacean presence at the locations of naval training. We present a progress report on the development of methods to investigat
- 1,092.69 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2016
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex from July 2014 to May 2015 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. Highfrequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) recorded sounds between 10 Hz and 100 kHz at three offshore locations: west of San Clemente Island (1,000 m depth, site H), west of Catalina Island (900 m depth, site M), and southwest of San Clemente Island (1,200 m depth, site N).
- 12,023.73 KB
Detection of blue whale calls from 7 years of data in Southern California.
7th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 6, 2026
Spectrogram correlation has been used successfully for automatic detection of baleen whale calls. However, applying this method consistently on long time series presents a number of challenges. To illustrate these potential impacts on the automatic detection process, recordings collected in the Southern California Bight between 2007 and 2012 were used for detection of Northeast Pacific blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) B calls. The effects of the following factors were investigated: blue whale B call frequency shift and appropriate kernel modification, seasonal variability in call abundance, analyst variability, and noise.
- 896.67 KB
Blue whale song in the Gulf of Alaska - Working Paper.
Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 22, 2015
Blue whales produce nine regionally distinct patterned call sequences termed songs. It has been proposed that these songs can be used to characterize population structure (McDonald et al. 2006). The song recorded in the Northeast Pacific (NEP) is made up of two distinct units.
- 1,220.44 KB
Long-term trends in ambient and anthropogenic noise in the central and western Pacific Ocean.
Fourth International Conference on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 10, 2016
Multi-year studies of ambient noise trends are uncommon, yet they can provide information on the level of natural variability in noise to which animals are exposed, as well as an idea of changing noise level trends. To investigate long-term trends in low frequency (
- 2,693.79 KB
Temporal separation of two fin whale call types across the eastern North Pacific.
Marine Biology. 2013.
160:47-57
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2013
Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) produce a variety of low-frequency, short-duration, frequencymodulated calls. The differences in temporal patterns between two fin whale call types are described from long-term passive acoustic data collected intermittently between 2005 and 2011 at three locations across the eastern North Pacific: the Bering Sea, off Southern California, and in Canal de Ballenas in the northern Gulf of California. Fin whale calls were detected at all sites year-round, during all periods with recordings. At all three locations, 40-Hz calls peaked in June, preceding a peak in 20-Hz calls by 3–5 months. Monitoring both call types may provide a more accurate insight into the seasonal presence of fin whales across the eastern North Pacific than can be obtained from a single call type. The 40-Hz call may be associated with a foraging function, and temporal separation between 40- and 20-Hz calls may indicate the separation between predominately feeding behavior and other social interactions.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 3, 2022
The Northwest Fisheries Science Center is currently conducting a study to characterize the occurrence of Chinook salmon within the Northwest Training and Testing area (NWTT).
- 1,231.42 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 5, 2021
The Northwest Fisheries Science Center is currently conducting a study to characterize the occurrence of Chinook salmon within the Northwest Training and Testing area (NWTT).
- 899.69 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 9, 2020
The Northwest Fisheries Science Center is currently conducting a study to characterize the occurrence of Chinook salmon within the Northwest Training and Testing area (NWTT).
- 2,903.88 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2019
The Northwest Fisheries Science Center is currently conducting a study to characterize the occurrence of Chinook salmon within the Northwest Training and Testing area (NWTT).
- 1,542.61 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2023
This study aims to improve the understanding of the extent to which bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), a threatened species, exhibit anadromous behavior or migrate between freshwater and saltwater environments, between coastal rivers on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state and adjacent to the Navy’s Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Study Area
- 1,620.93 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2023
Three acoustic tag glider deployments were conducted in Washington's (WA) coastal portion of the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Study Area between September 2019 and June 2020. This survey was conducted with funding from the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet to determine the utility of glider-based acoustic tag detection in a highly mobile fish, Chinook salmon. The primary objective was to expand the detection range of a U.S. Navy-funded stationary, moored acoustic tag receiver array by extending the detection beyond the shelf edge and in other deeper locations, such as marine canyons where the moored acoustic receiver units were not feasible to deploy.
- 8,646.71 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2023
The migration route and timing of Chinook salmon along the coast of Washington State is not well understood. To determine when and where Chinook salmon of different genetic stocks enter and transit through the U.S. Navy Northwest Training and Testing Area (NWTT) we tagged 298 maturing adult salmon across five locations throughout the Gulf of Alaska.
- 8,224.28 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2023
Steelhead trout populations have been declining along Washington State's coast, with limited information about their ocean distribution and movement timing. Steelhead can travel long distances and spawn multiple times, with repeat spawners being more productive. In this study, the authors aimed to understand post-spawn steelhead movements using acoustic telemetry and pop-up satellite tags (PSAT) to determine the location and timing of winter-run steelhead within the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) area in 2021. Acoustic telemetry showed that 73.5% of wild fish tagged during their upstream migration died on or near spawning grounds.
- 4,992.71 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2024
The migration route and timing of Chinook salmon along the coast of Washington State is not well understood. To determine when and where Chinook salmon of different genetic stocks enter and transit through the U.S. Navy Northwest Training and Testing Area (NWTT), we tagged 298 maturing adult salmon across five locations throughout the Gulf of Alaska.
- 1,053.34 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 9, 2013
The main text of this report summarizes two aerial surveys conducted in March and May 2013 during fiscal year (FY) 2013 between 01 August 2012 and 31 July 2013 on the United States (U.S.) Navy’s Southern California (SOCAL) Range Complex. In addition, a preliminary report for a third aerial survey conducted in late July 2013 is discussed separately in Appendix G of this report. This was the fifth FY in which aerial surveys were conducted to obtain baseline data on the occurrence and behavior of marine mammals in the SOCAL.
- 4,896.50 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2010
In support of the U.S. Navy’s (Navy) Marine Mammal Monitoring Plan (M3P) in the Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL) (DoN 2009), aerial surveys were conducted by Smultea Environmental Sciences (SES) to monitor marine mammals and sea turtles (MM/ST) during November 2009 in the SOCAL area. This was the fifth such aerial survey in SOCAL conducted by SES or SES/Marine Mammal Research Consultants (MMRC).
- 9,778.80 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2009
Overall, the monitoring survey effort demonstrated the feasibility of performing search and behavioral observations of target species without interfering with at-sea naval training involving multiple large vessels, aircraft (both fixed-wing and helicopters), and submarines. This information can be used to continue developing effective monitoring approaches and to gather behavioral data, including baseline data, on the potential effects of Navy activities on marine resources as required under the Navy’s marine species monitoring plan for the Hawaii Range Complex. Recommendations for marine mammal monitoring during future similar Navy activities have been presented.
- 923.01 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 14, 2009
Aerial surveys to monitor for marine mammals and sea turtles (MM/ST) were conducted in conjunction with the February 2009 US Navy Submarine Commander’s Course (SCC OPS) in the Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) on the Pacific Missile Range Facility instrumented range off Kauai and Niihau, Hawaii.
- 2,978.33 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 5, 2009
Aerial surveys were conducted in conjunction with two US Navy (Navy) Major Training Events (MTE) involving mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) and explosives in October (Oct) and mid-November (Nov) 2008 in the Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL) off San Diego, California. The purpose of this survey was to monitor potential effects or lack of observable effects of MFAS and explosives on mammals and sea turtles (MM/ST) during a MTE from 17-21 Oct and beginning one day after a MTE from 15-18 Nov.
- 4,083.50 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 30, 2009
In support of the U.S. Navy’s (Navy) Marine Mammal Monitoring Plan (M3P) in the Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL) (DoN 2009), aerial surveys were conducted by Marine Mammal Research Consultants (MMRC) and Smultea Environmental Sciences (SES) to monitor marine mammals and sea turtles (MM/ST) during June and July 2009 in the SOCAL area.
- 4,717.48 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2010
The goal of the aerial survey was “to monitor and report the presence/absence, distribution/re-distribution, reaction/no reaction, injury, and/or mortality of MM/ST during exposure to SCC OPS Navy training event”. This involved monitoring and reporting, in as detailed fashion as possible, the surface behavior of MM/ST. In particular, we were to monitor for any changes in the near-surface behavior, orientation, occurrence, and location of animals relative to the USS Lake Erie’s activities using a systematic search and focal follow method. This included monitoring for any potentially dead, injured, or distressed animals and “any animals found to be exhibiting behaviors or associations deemed unusual”
- 499.86 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2011
Per the Scope of Work (SOW), this report provides a combined summary of aerial surveys conducted in July and September 2010 in support of the U.S. Navy’s (Navy) Marine Mammal Monitoring Plan (M3P) in the Southern California Range Complex (Figure 1) (SOCAL) (DoN 2009). These were the seventh and eighth such aerial surveys in SOCAL conducted by SES or SES/Marine Mammal Research Consultants (MMRC). Monitoring occurred before, during, after and in conjunction with several Navy Major Training Events (MTEs) involving mid‐frequency‐ active sonar (MFAS).
- 14,142.79 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2012
This report summarizes three aerial surveys conducted between 31 August 2011 and 31 July 2012 on the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL), and includes results from the first year of deploying sonobuoys from the aircraft to simultaneously monitor both acoustic and visually observed behaviors.
- 13,207.28 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2017
From 2013 to 2016, we conducted systematic line-transect aerial surveys in 8 sub-regions of Puget Sound encompassing inland waters of Washington State. U.S.-funded surveys were conducted year-round and focused on estimating seasonal in-water density and abundance of marine mammals, particularly harbor porpoises and harbor seals
- 4,652.56 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 31, 2015
From 2013 to 2015, researchers conducted systematic line-transect aerial surveys for marine mammals in eight subregions of Puget Sound encompassing inland waters of Washington State. Effort consisted of five separate survey periods spanning four seasons (winter, spring, summer and fall) and was funded by the United States Navy (Navy). Surveys focused on estimating seasonal in-water density and abundance of cetaceans, particularly harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena).
- 5,860.87 KB
Puget Sound marine mammal aerial surveys, 2013-2015.
Marine Mammal Working Group, Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 15, 2015
Seasonal systematic aerial surveys of Puget Sound.
- 5,672.86 KB
Regional and seasonal density and abundance of harbor porpoise: Recolonization of Puget Sound, aerial surveys 2013-2015.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Although harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) were historically common in Puget Sound in the 1940s, their abundance declined in successive decades, with no individuals observed in southern Puget Sound during 1994 aerial and vessel surveys. Since 2009, sightings, strandings and acoustic detections have increased, suggesting their recolonization of Puget Sound. We present the first regional and seasonal density estimates of harbor porpoise available for Puget Sound waters since the 1990s. We conducted systematic line-transect aerial surveys for marine mammals in eight sub-regions of Puget Sound in 2013-2015 during spring, summer and fall, funded by the U.S. Navy.
- 115.23 KB
Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera brydei/edeni) Sightings in the Southern California Bight.
Aquatic Mammals. 2012.
38:92-97
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- April 4, 2012
Assessing ‘observer effects’ from a research aircraft on behavior of three Delphinidae species (Grampus griseus, Delphinus delphis, and Orcinus orca).
2016.
12(2):75-90
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2016
Three species of Delphinidae: Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), and killer whale (Orcinus orca) were systematically video-documented during aerial surveys in the Southern California Bight (2009-2011) to assess whether the observation aircraft (fixed-wing Partenavia) affected selected behavioral variables. Focal observations were conducted to examine potential changes in group cohesion and heading reorientation rate to the plane circling at four altitudes: 213 m, 305 m, 457 m, and 610 m, whilst maintaining a lateral distance >500 m. Paired t-tests were used to test the null hypothesis that mean maximum cohesion and mean reorientation of groups do not vary significantly based on plane altitude. For cohesion, no significant effects were found for the eight G. griseus focal sessions (p = 0.447), one D. delphis session (p = 0.602) and one O. orca session (p = 0.197). For reorientation, no significant effects were found for the eight G. griseus focal sessions (p = 0.591) and one O. orca session (p = 0.936); the sample size was too small to calculate reorientation for D. delphis. Results suggest that our small plane circling at lateral distance >500 m and altitude 213 – 610 m did not cause measurable changes in cohesion and reorientation, or other observable changes for the three species. This may be due to the aircraft remaining >500 m lateral distance from the animals and at altitudes well outside (>2.5-9.2 times) the theoretical lateral distance of the 13̊ radial sound transmission cone (“Snell’s cone”) below the aircraft (via which sound can pass through the air-water interface under calm sea conditions), thus avoiding adverse levels of sound intercepting the delphinids.
Changes in Relative Occurrence of Cetaceans in the Southern California Bight: A Comparison of Recent Aerial Survey Results with Historical Data Sources.
Aquatic Mammals. 2014.
40(1):32-43
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- August 6, 2014
The relative occurrence of the 16 most common cetacean species in the Southern California Bight (SCB) was compared from the 1950s through 2012 by examining at-sea sighting and stranding data. While systematic survey and population abundance/density data have been available since the 1970s, prior data were collected opportunistically. Comparisons were made through a literature review and using recent results from 15 aerial surveys conducted in the SCB from 2008 through 2012. We attempted to address inconsistency in type of effort across studies by ranking the relative sighting frequency of the most common species based on the most representative study for each period. This comparison revealed changes in the relative occurrence of some species across the approximately 60-y reviewed period. Since the 1950s, common dolphins have remained the most common “species” of cetacean in the SCB. Risso’s dolphin and fin, blue, humpback, and Bryde’s whales appear to have increased in relative occurrence. The relative occurrence of the common bottlenose and northern right whale dolphins; Dall’s porpoise; and gray, killer, minke, Cuvier’s beaked, and sperm whales do not appear to have changed notably since the 1950s. There is possible indication of recent decreased relative occurrence of the Pacific white-sided dolphin. The short-finned pilot whale has decreased since the 1950s and has not been recorded in the SCB since the 1990s, concurrent with the observed relative increase in Risso’s dolphins. Overall, recent aerial surveys indicate that the 16 most commonly seen species in the SCB, in descending order of frequency, were common dolphins (two species), Risso’s dolphin, fin whale, common bottlenose dolphin, gray whale, blue whale, Pacific white-sided dolphin, humpback whale, northern right whale dolphin, common minke whale, Dall’s porpoise, killer whale, Bryde’s whale, Cuvier’s beaked whale (the latter three tied in ranking), and sperm whale. Given that the reviewed historical data from the 1950s and 1960s are virtually the only sources of information available to examine trends over the last 50 to 60 y in this area, we believe this comparative ranking approach provides useful information not available from other sources.
Comparisons of the Behavioral Ecology of Risso’s (Grampus griseus) and Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis and D. capensis): Risks and Rewards of Group Living.
27th Conference of the European Cetacean Society 2013 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 8, 2013
Behavioral ecology of pelagic Risso’s and short- and long-beaked common dolphins is poorly known. The comparative approach was used to predict group size and behavior relative to risks/rewards of group living in the same eco-region. Risso’s were predicted to occur in smaller, less-cohesive groups and mill less/rest more during daytime than common dolphins based on distribution of prey and predation risk. Video and scan sampling documented firstobserved group size, behavior state, and individual spacing (in body lengths [BL]) during aerial surveys (72,467 km) off southern California in January-November 2008-2012 for 290 Risso’s and 564 common dolphin groups (commons were combined due to small confirmed D. capensis sample size). Behavior was significantly influenced by species, calf presence, time of day, and water depth. Group size was significantly smaller for Risso’s (18.4) vs. commons (277.1), and higher with calf presence (Risso’s: 25 with calf vs. 15 without) (commons: 485 with calf vs. 205 without). Mean spacing was significantly less for commons (5.1 BL) vs. Risso’s (6.7) and decreased significantly across the day for both. Risso’s were 13 times more likely to rest than commons. Risso’s rest increased significantly across the day and over deep water/steep slopes. Both species associated with deep underwater slopes. Smaller group size, looser group spacing, and more daytime resting of Risso’s are adapted to nocturnal foraging. Larger group size, tighter cohesion, and frequent daytime foraging of commons matches clumped, highdensity daytime distribution of schooling fish and presumed higher predation risk. Larger group size likely benefits calf survival through dilution effects. Results suggest the species have diverged ecologically in the same habitat in response to differences in food resources and 101 predation pressure as predicted by group-living patterns documented for well-studied terrestrial mammal species. Data lend insight into ecological triggers influencing behavior.
- 955.49 KB
Focusing on behavioral data gathering and analysis: Highlighting video capabilities from the air or shore.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2014 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2014
Powerpoint presentation made during panel session on Basic Behavioral Research: Techniques and Analyses held on 31 January 2014, Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2014.
- 2,932.41 KB
Aerial Survey Monitoring for Marine Mammals off Southern California in Conjunction with US Navy Major Training Events 2008-2010.
American Cetacean Society - San Diego Chapter’s Monthly Meeting .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- July 1, 2010
- 1,196.99 KB
Comparisons of the behavioral ecology of three delphinid and three baleen whale species: Risks and rewards of group living.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
The behavioral ecology of offshore delphinids and baleen whales is poorly known. A comparative approach was used to assess group size and behavior versus risks/rewards of group living in the Southern California Bight, U.S.. Scan sampling/photographs/video documented first-observed group size, maximum nearest-neighbor distance (MNND - in body lengths [BL]), and behavior state during 72,467 km of aerial surveys between 2008-2012. Regression modeling analyses involved 566 common, 293 Risso’s and 96 bottlenose dolphin groups and 115 fin, 78 gray and 62 blue whale groups. Species body size, group size, and MNND were correlated. Group size, MNND and behavior state were significantly influenced by species, sub-region, calf presence, time of day/year, water depth, and/or slope/aspect. Group size was significantly larger for common dolphin sp. (combined) (277.1) vs. bottlenose (19.2) and Risso’s (18.4) and with calf presence. MNND was significantly less for commons (5.1 BL) vs. Risso’s (6.7). Group size was larger for grays (2.2) vs. fins (1.6) and blues (1.7). Gray MNND (1.5) was significantly closer than fins (5.1) and blues (12.6). Risso’s groups were observed resting 13 times more often (38%) than commons (3%). Smaller groupsize and more daytime resting of Risso’s match presumed nocturnal foraging patterns of this species.Larger tighter groups and frequent daytime foraging of commons match clumped highdensity schoolingfish distribution. Larger tighter common and gray whale groups match presumed higher predation pressure associated with smaller relative bodysize. Results indicate species ecological diversion in the same habitat in response to differing predation pressure and food resource availability as predicted by terrestrial mammal group-living patterns. Data lend insight into baseline behavior and ecological triggers influencing behavior. This information is needed to differentiate potential impacts of anthropogenic sources. Larger group size benefits include reduced predation pressure and improved prey detection/mate access, at the risk of increased resource competition.
- 7,648.32 KB
Behaviors of Southern California cetaceans: observations from a small aircraft 2008-2013.
107th Annual Meeting of the Southern California Academy of Sciences .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 2, 2014
Small aircraft enable a “bird’s eye” view of marine mammal behavior at/near the water surface. During 2008-2013, we flew 87,734 km of line transect and “focal follow” aerial survey effort in the Southern California Bight to systematically collect data on 2,707 sightings of ~222,457 individual cetaceans representing 19 species, funded by the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet. Focal follows involved circling a cetacean group for 5-60+ minutes and taking high-definition (HD) video and photos to document behavior primarily of blue, fin, gray, humpback, sperm, minke and killer whales; and Risso’s, common bottlenose, short-beaked and long-beaked common, and northern right whale dolphins. HD media allow photoidentification of individuals and species confirmation from altitudes of 1,000-1,500 feet. The “bird’s eye” 71 perspective facilitates descriptive and quantitative analyses of behavior previously little described for typically offshore species: whale calf nursing/back-riding, group cohesion, social affinity/composition, group shape and dimension “envelope”, cues leading to group behavior changes, mixed species interactions, individual whale respiration/dive rates, etc. Behavior differs significantly by species, calf presence, time of day, time of year, subregion, water depth, slope, distance from shore, and presence of other species. For example, Risso’s dolphins were 13 times more likely to rest than common dolphins, and dolphin group size increased significantly with calf presence. As species body size decreases, group size increases and individuals decrease distance between neighbors. We hypothesize that inter-specific differences of spacing and behavior are related to predation pressure, food resources, and communication capabilities/needs that lead to occupation of different niches within the same ecosystem.
- 6,829.46 KB
Comparisons of the behavioral ecology of three delphinid and three baleen whale species: RISKS and REWARDS of group living.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2014 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 31, 2014
The behavioral ecology of offshore delphinids and baleen whales is poorly known . A comparative approach was used to assess group size and behavior versus risks / rewards of group living in the Southern Californ ia Bight, U.S. Scan sampling / photographs / video documented first-observed group size, behavior state, and group cohesion (i .e., maxi mum nearestneighbor distance (MNND- in body lengths[BL]), during 72 ,467 km of aerial surveys between 2008-2013.
- 7,648.32 KB
Rare mixed-species association between sperm whales, and Risso’s and northern right whale dolphins off the Southern California Bight: Kleptoparasitism and social parasitism?.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
Rare mixed-species association between sperm whales, and Risso’s and northern right whale dolphins off the Southern California Bight: Kleptoparasitism and social parasitism?
- 1,898.60 KB
Behavior, group characteristics, density and habitat-use patterns of marine mammals off Southern California during 2008-2012 aerial surveys.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2013 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2013
Marine mammal seasonal density, abundance, behavior and habitat-use patterns were monitored off southern California 2008-2012 during 15 aerial surveys for the U.S. Navy. Line-transect, scan sampling, and focal follows occurred using video/photography. During 65,238 km of effort (99% Beaufort ≤4), ~190,310 individuals were seen in 2,151 groups (19+ species). Behavior differed significantly by species, depth, slope, aspect, survey sub-region (east or west of San Clemente Island (SCI)), time of year/day, and calf presence. Group size and maximum nearest-neighbor distance (in body lengths) generally increased with body size. Group size was significantly larger with calf presence for Risso’s, common, and bottlenose dolphins. Group size increased significantly across the year among Risso’s but decreased for common dolphins. Risso’s were 13x more likely to rest and significantly less likely to fast travel/be surface active than commons. Resource Selection Function analyses showed that fin whales were significantly more likely to be found west vs. east of SCI, and medium-fast travel predominated over basins vs. rest/mill/slow travel over steep slopes. Density was highest for short-beaked common dolphins followed by long-beaked commons, California sea lions, Risso’s, gray whales, bottlenose dolphins, fin, humpback and blue whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins. Calves occurred in 5% of 331 mysticete sightings.
- 1,434.36 KB
Cetacean mother-calf behavior observed from a small aircraft off Southern California.
Animal Behavior and Cognition. 2017.
4: 1-23
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- February 1, 2017
During early developmental stages, cetacean calves are dependent on their mothers for survival. Protection of young whales engaged in behaviors that are biologically important is critical for population recovery, so that appropriate management actions can be taken to minimize human disturbance. However, the occurrence and frequency of whale nursing and calves back-riding their mothers (both considered important to calf survival) have rarely been observed nor adequately quantified or defined. Therefore, it may not always be clear when disruption is occurring. We used extended behavioral observations, still photography, and video camera footage obtained during aircraft surveys in the Southern California Bight in 2008 – 2013 to characterize cetacean mother-calf interactions. Based on observations of four mother/calf pairs (two gray whale, Eschrichtius robustus, one fin whale, Balaenoptera physalus, and one blue whale, B. musculus) and one killer whale presumed mother/yearling pair (Orcinus orca), we describe bouts of nursing and calves riding on the backs of their presumed mothers, including activity duration, frequency, and relative body positioning. We conclude with specific definitions useful to wildlife conservation agencies authorizing and establishing restrictions to certain human activities when they might constitute behavioral disruptions.
Results of aerial surveys conducted in conjunction with US Navy training exercises off Southern California 2008/2009.
The Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 9, 2010
- 1,196.99 KB
Results of aerial surveys conducted in conjunction with US Navy training exercises off Southern California 2008-2010.
American Cetacean Society's 12th International Conference .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 12, 2010
Eight aerial surveys were conducted during fall and summer 2008-2010 to monitor marine mammals and sea turtles before, during and after US Navy (Navy) major training events (MTEs) in the SOCAL Navy range off Southern California. The survey purpose was to collect baseline data and monitor potential effects, if any, from MTEs on marine mammals. Line-transect, focal behavioral sampling and shoreline stranding surveys were conducted. A total of ~37,808 km (~ 207 hr) of observation effort occurred: 8401 km in Oct and Nov 2008; 12,640 km in June and July 2009; 4823 km in Nov 2009; 4891 km in May 2010; 3125 km in July 2010; and 3928 km in September 2010. Effort consisted of 38% systematic line transect, 38% random/transit transect and 24% circling (focal follow/photo species verification). Beaufort 2-3 predominated. A total of 1,284 marine mammal sightings were recorded; no sea turtles were seen. Three pinniped, 7 dolphin and 6 whale species were identified, including Cuvier’s beaked whales, killer whales and sei and Bryde's whales considered rare in the area. Line transect estimates of abundance were made for the most commonly observed species: 7 blue whales, 51 fin whales, 54 Pacific whitesided dolphins, 2,443 Risso’s dolphins, 372 bottlenose dolphins, 24,748 common dolphins (mostly D. delphis), and 1,587 California sea lions. Risso's dolphins were most common in June/July 09 (n= 93 groups). Killer whales were seen twice during the same survey in Nov 09. Four dead pinnipeds and a dead subadult male blue whale were seen in Nov 08, and a live fin whale dragging a buoy was seen in June 09, none of which were attributable to Navy activities. Eighty-three focal follows of 10-60+ min occurred with 9 cetacean species, including extended video of blue, fin, humpback and killer whale as well as Risso's dolphin behavior at and below the water surface. Risso's dolphins primarily traveled slowly with no surface-active behaviors while common dolphins primarily surface-active milled or traveled; both species were headed predominantly east or west. Baleen whales tended to travel north or south, with some feeding observed, including lunge-feeding by sei whales. Marine mammals were seen in the area before, during and immediately after MTEs. Distributions were concentrated along underwater ridges and mounts, coastal waters, and other areas of bathymetric relief. Effort was coordinated with other regional, ongoing marine mammal studies (e.g., tagging, photo-ID, sound playback, passive acoustic monitoring, etc.) to compliment efforts when possible. Results represent the largest most recent systematic effort within this Navy range and the first systematic behavioral study from aircraft in the Southern California Bight.
- 1,604.10 KB
Feasibility of aircraft-based methodology to monitor cetacean behavior in conjunction with Navy training events involving mid-frequency active sonar.
18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- October 12, 2009
- 81.14 KB
Behavioral ecology of Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in the Southern California Bight based on aerial focal follows.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2015 .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 30, 2015
Behavior of cetaceans in this region is poorly known, particularly for Risso’s dolphins, and previous published surveys are >12 years old. Our surveys included focal follows of high priority species, including Risso’s, circling outside the plane’s sound transmission range and video recording.
- 2,106.73 KB
Changes In Abundance, Density and Diversity of Marine Mammals In the Southern California Bight 1998-1999 vs. 2008-2010.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2012. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 3, 2012
Twelve line-transect aerial surveys occurred during summer/fall 2008-2011 to monitor the occurrence, abundance and behavior of marine mammals in the Southern California Bight. The study area overlapped where Carretta et al. (2000) flew surveys in 1998-1999, coinciding with their "warm-water period". Density and abundance were estimated using standard line transect methods and DISTANCE software. Analyses were limited to 12,206 km flown in Beaufort 0-4 conditions and 495 marine mammal sightings of the seven most common and observed species. Blue whale densities were all well below historical estimates. Fin whales continue to be the most common and abundant large whale. Risso's dolphins have apparently dramatically increased in numbers and/or distribution over the last several decades: calculated density east of San Clemente Island (SCI) was 19.99 animals/1 00 km2. This is much higher than those for Carretta et al. 's warm season, but similar to those they estimated for the cold season. Our densities of common dolphins were lower than Carretta et al.'s warm-water season (318.99 animals/ 100 km2 east of and 58.43 animals/ 100 km2 west of SCI). However, short-beaked common dolphins were still by far the most abundant species (-29,044 individuals). Historically, Pacific white-sided dolphins were seen only in the cold-water season, but we had 26 sightings (density 19.7 individuals/1 00 km2) in the warm-water period. Pilot whales, though historically common, were never seen. Results indicate that recent patterns of cetacean relative abundance and presence are, in many cases, very different from historical records. This is likely related to previous exploitation and depletion of these species and long-term changes in oceanographic conditions, concomitant changes in prey distribution and densities, and anomalous El Nino and La Nina events. This study provides the only available recent estimates of abundance for marine mammal species east and west of San Clemente Island where the U.S. Navy conducts major training exercises.
- 997.34 KB
Changes in Abundance, Density and Diversity of Marine Mammals in the Southern California Bight 1998-1999 vs. 2008-2011.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
Twelve line-transect aerial surveys occurred during fall/summer 2008-2011 to monitor the occurrence, abundance and behavior of marine mammals in the Southern California Bight. The study area overlapped where Carretta et al. (2000) flew surveys in 1998-1999, coinciding with their “warm-water period”. Density and abundance were estimated using standard line transect methods and DISTANCE software. Analyses were limited to 12,206 km flown in Beaufort 0-4 conditions and 495 marine mammal sightings of the seven most commonly observed species. Blue whale densities were all well below historical estimates. Fin whales continue to be the most commonly abundant large whale. Risso’s dolphins have apparently dramatically increasedin numbers and/or distribution over the last several decades: calculateddensity east of San Clemente Island (SCI) was 19.99 animals/100 km2.This is much higher than those for Carretta et al.’s warm season, but similarto those they estimated for the cold season. Our densities of common dolphinswere lower than Carretta et al.’s warm-water season (318.99 animals/100 km2east of and 58.43 animals/100 km2 west of SCI). However, short-beaked common dolphins were still by far the most abundant species (~29,044 individuals). Historically, Pacific white-sided dolphins were seen only in the cold-water season, but we had 26 sightings (density 19.7 individuals/100 km2) in the warm-water period. Pilot whales, though historically common, were never seen. Results indicate that recent patterns of cetacean relative abundance and presence are, in many cases, very different from historical records. This is likely related to previous exploitation and depletion of these species and long-term changes in oceanographic conditions, concomitant changes in prey distribution and densities, and anomalous El Niño and La Niña events. This study provides the only available recent estimates of abundance for marine mammal species east and west of San Clemente Island where the U.S. Navy conducts major training exercises.
- 146.45 KB
Aerial Surveys Conducted in Conjunction with US Navy Training Exercises off Southern California 2008-2010.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
Eight aerial surveys were conducted during fall and summer 2008-2010 to monitor marine mammals and sea turtles before, during and after US Navy (Navy) major training events (MTEs) in the SOCAl Navy range off Southern California. The survey purpose was to collect baseline data and monitor potential effects, if any, from MTEs on marine mammals. line-transect, focal behavioral sampling and shoreline stranding surveys were conducted. A total of -37,808 km (- 207 hr) of observation effort occurred: 8401 km in Oct and Nov 2008; 12,640 km inJune and July 2009; 4823 km in Nov 2009; 4891 km in May 2010; 3125 km inJuly 2010; and 3928 km in September 2010. Effort consisted ·of 38% systematic line transect; 38% random/transit transect and 24% circling (focal follow/photo species verification). Beaufort 2-3 predominated. A total of 1,284 marine mammal sightings were recorded; no sea turtles were seen. Three pinniped, 7 dolphin and 6 whale species were identified, including Cuvier's beaked whales, killer whales and sei and Bryde's whales considered rare in the area. line transect estimates of abundance were made for the most commonly observed species: 7 blue whales, 51 fin whales, 54 Pacific white-sided dolphins, 2,443 Risso's dolphins, 372 bottlenose dolphins, 24,748 common dolphins (mostly D. delphis), and 1,587 California sea lions. Risso's dolphins were most common in June/July 09 (n= 93 groups). Killer whales were seen twice during the same survey in Nov 09. Four dead pinnipeds and a dead subadult male blue whale were seen in Nov 08, and a live fin whale dragging a buoy was seen in June 09, none of which were attributable to Navy activities. Eighty-three focal follows of 1060+ min occurred with 9 cetacean species, including extended video of blue, fin, humpback and killer whale as well as Risso's dolphin behavior at and below the water surface. Risso's dolphins primarily traveled slowly with no surface-active behaviors while common dolphins primarily surface-active milled or traveled; both species were headed predominantly east or west. Baleen whales tended to travel north or south, with some feeding observed, including lunge-feeding by sei whales. Marine mammals were seen in the area before, during and immediately after MTEs. Distributions were concentrated along underwater ridges and mounts, coastal waters, and other areas of bathymetric relief. Effort was coordinated w~th other regional, ongoing marine mammal studies (e.g., tagging, photo-ID, sound playback, passive acoustic monitoring, etc.) to compliment efforts when possible. Results represent the largest most recent systematic effort within this Navy range and the first systematic behavioral study from aircraft in the Southern California Bight.
- 696.72 KB
Resource selection function analyses: Assessing habitat use relative to behavior and resource characteristics/availability for five common marine mammal species in the Southern California Bight.
107th Annual Meeting of the Southern California Academy of Sciences. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 2, 2014
In 2008-2012, fifteen aerial surveys of systematic line-transects were conducted off Southern California to obtain baseline data on occurrence, distribution, density, abundance and behavior of marine mammals (MM). Site characteristics at MM locations were analyzed by estimating Resource Selection Functions (RSF) to quantify and describe baseline habitat use as a precursor to assessing potential changes in these patterns relative to anthropogenic activities, including U.S. Navy training exercises. For RSF analyses, habitat characteristics at MM locations were contrasted to characteristics at 35,167 randomly selected “available” locations in the study area. RSFs were estimated via the use-availability approach and predicted probability of species occurrence at all locations in the study area as a function of seven covariate habitat variables. Models (n = 60 fin and 40 gray whale groups, 135 Risso’s and 31 bottlenose dolphin groups, 157 California sea lion groups) were fit for three behavior states (mill, rest/slow travel, medium/fast travel) and combined to document behavior/habitat associations. Species differed significantly in habitat use and corresponding habitat associations based on behavior. Medium-fast traveling fin whales were associated with deep water over flat basins/plateaus (p=0.0017). Fin whales also preferred the San Nicolas Basin (p=0.0517). Risso’s dolphins rested/slow traveled more in deep vs. shallow water (p=0.0803). Overall, resulting habitat-use patterns demonstrate fast movement across basins and rest/slow travel over ridges where upwelling is most likely to occur. The RSF approach quantitatively demonstrates the importance of considering behavior and social context in habitat selection and use.
- 1,981.11 KB
Where’s Whaledo: A software toolkit for array localization of animal vocalizations.
PLoS Computational Biology. 2024.
20:e1011456
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Methods:
- May 20, 2024
Where’s Whaledo is a software toolkit that uses a combination of automated processes and user interfaces to greatly accelerate the process of reconstructing animal tracks from arrays of passive acoustic recording devices. Passive acoustic localization is a non-invasive yet powerful way to contribute to species conservation. By tracking animals through their acoustic signals, important information on diving patterns, movement behavior, habitat use, and feeding dynamics can be obtained. This method is useful for helping to understand habitat use, observe behavioral responses to noise, and develop potential mitigation strategies. Animal tracking using passive acoustic localization requires an acoustic array to detect signals of interest, associate detections on various receivers, and estimate the most likely source location by using the time difference of arrival (TDOA) of sounds on multiple receivers. Where’s Whaledo combines data from two small-aperture volumetric arrays and a variable number of individual receivers
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2024
The NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Scripps) have been collaboratively deploying long-term passive acoustic monitoring stations throughout the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) since 2010 to monitor the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and subsequent restoration activities on cetaceans. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) deployed at the De Soto Canyon (DC) site in the Rice’s whale core distribution area have been continuously recording ambient noise and other acoustic events in the 10 Hz to 100 kHz frequency range. During 2019- 2021, SEFSC conducted analyses of eight years of near-continuous DC HARP recordings (2010-2018) to understand Rice’s whale seasonal and interannual occurrence patterns at this site. During the first phase of this project, SEFSC developed automated Rice’s whale call detectors and analyzed eight years of historic data from the DC HARP in the core distribution area to establish complete occurrence time-series for understanding seasonal and interannual trends and for future habitat modeling and density estimation. Rice’s whale call detections occurred throughout the year at this site with increased call detection rates during summer and fall compared to winter and spring.
- 14,630.13 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2023
The NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Scripps) have been collaboratively deploying long-term passive acoustic monitoring stations throughout the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) since 2010 to monitor the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and subsequent restoration activities on cetaceans. High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) deployed at the De Soto Canyon (DC) site in the Rice’s whale core habitat have been continuously recording ambient noise and other acoustic events in the 10 Hz to 100 kHz frequency range. During 2019-2021, SEFSC conducted analyses of eight years of near-continuous DC HARP recordings (2010-2018) to understand Rice’s whale seasonal and interannual occurrence patterns at this site. During the first phase of this project SEFSC developed automated Rice’s whale call detectors and analyzed eight years of historic data from the DC HARP in the core habitat to establish complete occurrence time-series for understanding seasonal and interannual trends and for future habitat modeling and density estimation. Rice’s whale call detections occurred throughout the year at this site with increased call detection rates during summer and fall compared to winter and spring.
- 11,700.79 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2022
The Rice’s whale (Balaenoptera ricei; formerly Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Bryde's whale) is estimated to have a population size of 51 individuals in U.S. waters (Garrison et al 2021) and was listed as endangered under the ESA in 2019 (84 FR 15446; 87 FR 8981). The majority of modern sightings occur in waters between the 100 – 400 m water depths in an area near the De Soto Canyon off northwestern Florida (Soldevilla et al. 2017, Rosel et al 2021). This primary distribution area is defined as the Rice’s whale core habitat (Rosel and Garrison, 2022). Occurrence patterns from one year of long-term passive acoustic monitoring and two summer and fall visual surveys during 2018 and 2019 indicate the whales are found year-round within the core habitat, but also suggest there may be seasonal movements throughout, and potentially out of, this area. High densities of anthropogenic activities occur throughout the GOM, including oil and gas exploration and extraction, fisheries, shipping, and military activities; several of these activities overlap with the whales’ primary habitat. Understanding seasonal distribution and density will improve understanding of potential impact of human activities in the core habitat and assist in developing effective mitigation measures as needed.
- 14,027.62 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2021
The SEFSC and Scripps Institution of Oceanography have been collaboratively deploying long-term passive acoustic monitoring stations at five Gulf of Mexico (GOM) sites since 2010 to monitor the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and subsequent restoration activities on cetaceans (Figure 1). High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs), deployed at the five sites, including the De Soto Canyon (DC) HARP in the GOM Bryde’s whale core habitat, have been continuously monitoring ambient noise and other acoustic events in the 10 Hz to 100 kHz frequency range, and 8 years of nearcontinuous recordings (2010-2018) are available for analysis to better understand distribution and density trends of cetaceans, potentially including GOM Bryde’s whales. Data from the DC HARP site had previously only been evaluated for downsweep call sequences in the first year of data (Širović et al. 2014), and had not been evaluated for probable long-moan calls or constant tonal calls (Rice et al. 2014), which have also recently been recorded by SEFSC in the presence of GOM Bryde’s whales. Over late 2018 through 2020, this project focused on developing automated GOM Bryde’s whale call detectors and analyzing the full 8 years of data from the DC HARP in the core habitat (Table 1), to establish complete occurrence time-series for understanding seasonal and interannual trends and for future habitat modeling and density estimation. The 2018-19 goals were to develop the detectors and run and validate them on the first 38 months of data collected between October 2010 and July 2014. The 2020 goals were to complete the validation of the detector results on the remaining data and to begin a new data collection project that builds upon these results to better understand temporal variability in occurrence.
- 6,853.57 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2020
The SEFSC and Scripps Institution of Oceanography have been collaboratively deploying long-term passive acoustic monitoring stations at five Gulf of Mexico (GOM) sites since 2010 to monitor the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and subsequent restoration activities on cetaceans (Figure 1). High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs), deployed at the five sites, including the De Soto Canyon (DC) HARP in the primary GOM Bryde’s whale habitat, have been continuously recording ambient noise and other acoustic events in the 10 Hz to 100 kHz frequency range, and these 8-year nearcontinuous recordings are available for analysis to better understand distribution and density trends of cetaceans, potentially including GOM Bryde’s whales. Data from the DC HARP site have only been evaluated for downsweep call sequences in the first year of data (Širović et al., 2014), and have not been evaluated for probable long-moan calls or constant tonal calls (Rice et al., 2014), which have also recently been recorded by SEFSC in the presence of GOM Bryde’s whales. Over late 2018 through 2020, this project focuses on developing automated GOM Bryde’s whale call detectors and analyzing the full 8 years of data from the DC HARP in the core habitat (Table 1), to establish complete occurrence timeseries for understanding seasonal and interannual trends and for future habitat modeling and density estimation. The 2018-19 goals were to develop the detectors and run and validate them on the first 38 months of data collected between October 2010 and July 14. They 2020 goals are to complete the validation on the detector results on the remaining data and begin a new data collection project that builds upon these results to better understand temporal variability in occurrence.
- 9,040.22 KB
Geographic variation in Risso's dolphin echolocation click spectra.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2017.
142:599-617
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- August 4, 2017
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 9, 2014
In September 2012 a team from the University of Washington, joined by personnel from Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic and HDR, Inc., conducted a set of measurements of the underwater sound generated by sub-surface explosions from mine warfare exercise (MINEX) activities. In total five tests were conducted with explosive charges ranging from 0.1 to 6.0 kilograms of TNT-equivalent. The primary metrics used to quantify the sound from underwater explosions are the peak pressure generated by the explosion and the sound exposure level (𝑆𝐸𝐿). Three key findings emerged from this study: 1. The measured peak pressures were compared to the semi-empirical equation involving the scaling parameter R/W1/3, or the range from the explosive source divided by weight to the one-third power, where 𝑃𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 is the peak pressure in pascals (Pa), 𝑅 is the measurement range in meters, and 𝑊 is the charge weight in kilograms of TNT. 𝑃𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘=52.4×106𝑅𝑊1/3−1.13 The scaling parameter is also referred to as scaled range and measurements were found to be in very good agreement with the peak pressure equation over values of scaled range going from 200 to 2,000, as expressed in meter-kilograms-sec units. 2. Using the 90 percent energy approach, the sound exposure level (SEL) for the five tests were 174–190.4 𝑑𝐵 𝑟𝑒 1𝜇𝑃𝑎2𝑠. These results were found to be highly dependent on charge weight and range from the source, and it was determined that SEL was also well predicted using a modification of scaled range that involves an additional factor of 𝑊1/3, which arises from a semi-empirical equation for the energy flux density. The SEL is a measure of the total acoustic energy received by an organism, and is a common metric used in environmental acoustics as it allows for the comparison of sounds of varying duration. 3. Finally, measurements of Scholte interface waves were recorded during two of the tests. The extremely low-frequency (less than 10 Hertz) Scholte wave necessitated a precise correction for the effect of resistance and capacitance in the hydrophone and receiving network. The Scholte waves arrived between 1 and 4 s after the direct water arrival. Based on these arrival times, the shear speed in the sediment was estimated to be in the range of 100–370 𝑚/𝑠. Preliminary modeling using the wavenumber integration approach confirmed that the measured signal was a Scholte wave, and the estimate of sediment shear speed is a reasonable estimate. The Scholte wave is of relatively high amplitude for this frequency range (2-5 Hertz).
- 1,460.29 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 14, 2015
On 13 and 14 May 2014, a team from the University of Washington conducted a set of measurements of the underwater sound generated by explosive charges as part of a naval training event conducted in the Silver Strand Training Complex off San Diego. Environmental measurements to support the acoustic research included measurements of sound speed versus depth showing a thermocline, and sea surface directional wave measurements. This team was joined by personnel from U.S. Pacific Fleet and HDR Inc., who conducted simultaneous observations of marine mammals.
- 2,104.68 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2014
Naval activities such as ordnance disposal, demolition and requisite training, can involve detonation of small explosive charges in shallow water that have the potential to harm nearby marine life. Measurements of the underwater sound generated by sub-surface explosions were collected as part of a naval training exercise. In this thesis the noise levels from these explosions will be investigated using peak pressure, sound exposure level and energy spectral density. Measurements of very-low frequeny Scholte interface waves will also be presented and used to investigate elastic parameters in the sediment.
- 10,663.43 KB
Peak sound pressure and sound exposure level from underwater explosions in shallow water.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2014.
136 (3): EL218–EL223
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:
- August 11, 2014
Experimental measurements of the peak pressure and sound exposure level (SEL) from underwater explosions collected 7 km off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia are presented. The peak pressures are compared to results from previous studies and a semi-empirical equation that is a function of measurement range and charge weight, and are found to be in good agreement. An empirical equation for SEL that similarly employs a scaling approach involving charge weight and range is also presented and shows promise for the prediction of SEL in shallow water.
Measurements of the peak pressure and sound exposure level from underwater explosions..
166th Meeting: Acoustical Society of America .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2013
Naval activities such as ordinance disposal, demolition, and requisite training, can involve detonation of small explosive charges in shallow water. This work presents measurements of underwater sound from explosions in shallow water (depth order 10 m) during a naval training exercise with focus on peak pressures, sound exposure levels, and time series analysis. The peak pressures are compared to semi-empirical equations of scaled range, and the influence of elastic properties in the seabed are investigated. The ultimate goal of this work is to provide both accurate ground truth data, and improved modeling of such sound, to minimize impact on marine life.
- 883.64 KB
Modeling explosion generated Scholte waves in sandy sediments with power law dependent shear wave speed.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2015.
138:EL370-EL374
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:
- October 9, 2015
Experimental measurements of Scholte waves from underwater explosions collected off the coast of Virginia Beach, VA in shallow water are presented. It is shown here that the dispersion of these explosion-generated Scholte waves traveling in the sandy seabed can be modeled using a power-law dependent shear wave speed profile and an empirical source model that determines the pressure time-series at 1 m from the source as a function of TNT-equivalent charge weight.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 27, 2012
This report summarizes the results from SOCAL-11, the second year of the research project Southern California Behavioral Response Study (SOCAL-BRS) conducted in the Southern California Bight. The study’s overall objective is to provide a better understanding of marine mammal behavior and a direct scientific basis to estimate the risk and minimize adverse effects of human sounds, particularly military sonar, on marine mammals. During a scouting phase and two operational legs of SOCAL-11, researchers observed, photographed, and/or tracked thousands of individuals of 18 marine mammal species. Thirty-eight tags were secured on 35 individual animals of four different marine mammal species, including many on focal species including blue whales, Risso’s dolphins, and Cuvier’s beaked whales.
- 5,241.71 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2018
The Atlantic-BRS project (supported by U.S. Fleet Forces Command under the Navy’s marine species monitoring program) was conceived, designed, and initiated through a collaboration of researchers involved in several of these previous studies and in previous baseline marine mammal monitoring of key species including (Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off Cape Hatteras, NC.
- 6,246.70 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2019
The Atlantic-BRS project (supported by U.S. Fleet Forces Command under the Navy’s marine species monitoring program) was conceived, designed, and initiated through a collaboration of researchers involved in several of these previous studies and in previous baseline marine mammal monitoring of key species including (Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off Cape Hatteras, NC.
- 12,793.01 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2020
The Atlantic-BRS project (supported by U.S. Fleet Forces Command under the Navy’s marine species monitoring program) was conceived, designed, and initiated through a collaboration of researchers involved in several of these previous studies and in previous baseline marine mammal monitoring of key species including (Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off Cape Hatteras, NC.
- 4,933.59 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2021
The Atlantic-BRS project (supported by U.S. Fleet Forces Command under the Navy’s marine species monitoring program) was conceived, designed, and initiated through a collaboration of researchers involved in several of these previous studies and in previous baseline marine mammal monitoring of key species including (Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off Cape Hatteras, NC.
- 3,950.13 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2022
The Atlantic-BRS project (supported by U.S. Fleet Forces Command under the Navy’s marine species monitoring program) was conceived, designed, and initiated through a collaboration of researchers involved in several of these previous studies and in previous baseline marine mammal monitoring of key species including (Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off Cape Hatteras, NC.
- 6,130.30 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2023
The Atlantic-BRS project (supported by U.S. Fleet Forces Command under the Navy’s marine species monitoring program) was conceived, designed, and initiated through a collaboration of researchers involved in several of these previous studies and in previous baseline marine mammal monitoring of key species including (Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off Cape Hatteras, NC.
- 2,585.88 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2024
The Atlantic Behavioral Response Study (Atlantic-BRS) was conceived, designed, adapted, and conducted by an experienced multi-institutional collaboration of scientists working with the United States (U.S.) Navy. This program has built on historical and ongoing Navy-funded studies under their Marine Species Monitoring Program, as well as the U.S. Navy’s Living Marine Resources (LMR) program and Office of Naval Research (ONR). It has evolved through several years and research objectives to evaluate and quantify the behavioral responses of important and protected marine mammals to different kinds of Navy active sonar.
- 3,057.85 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2025
The Atlantic Behavioral Response Study (Atlantic-BRS) was conceived, designed, adapted, and conducted by a multi-institutional collaboration of experienced scientists working together with the United States (U.S.) Navy.
- 3,536.38 KB
Multi-scale behavioral response studies of cetaceans and MFAS along the US East Coast.
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- April 7, 2017
- 335.12 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 8, 2026
This annual progress report covers the 2025 field season and subsequent analyses. It provides a synthesis of experimental methods; field efforts; tagging results; and exposure-response results for two CEEs, including the second operational CAS CEE conducted with the United States Ship (USS) Donald Cook and the first-ever high-power experimental source CEE simulating CAS operations. It also includes a detailed analysis of the Kinéis satellite data receiving system relative to legacy ARGOS systems. Finally, it includes a synthesis of peer-reviewed papers that have been or are in the process of being published.
- 9,688.83 KB
Behavioral responses of goose-beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) to simulated military sonar.
Ecosphere. 2026.
Volume17, Issue1
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 7, 2026
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 24, 2011
Scientific diving teams surveyed the benthic community in the turning basin and surrounding shoals in Apra Harbor, Guam to support analysis of potential impacts from constructing a proposed large vessel wharf in the Outer Harbor. A total of 72 locations were surveyed. Bottom substrates ranged from a nearly 100% cover of living coral structures to fine silty/sandcovered bottom. The sites included high percent cover of coral communities dominated by a Porites rus and Porites horizontalata complex, mixed coral communities with higher diversity coral and sponge assemblages, areas of relatively dense macroalgae, depauperate silty-sand bottom areas, and various combinations of these habitats.
- 9,739.68 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2007
The objective of Mariana Islands Sea Turtle and Cetacean Survey (MISTCS) was to conduct the first systematic line-transect visual survey of the waters around Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands and generate density estimates for those species which had adequate data.
- 6,725.14 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 28, 2015
In fall 2013, Duke University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Northeast Fisheries Science Center initiated a passive acoustic monitoring effort to detect North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) migrating past Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, during their seasonal movements to and from winter breeding grounds in Florida. The objectives of this project are to investigate the timing of right whale migration through the Mid-Atlantic region, as well as the relative distance from shore and acoustic behavior of migrating whales. This effort will help to fill a data gap in the central portion of the migratory corridor, and contribute to a broader understanding of the seasonal occurrence of right whales along the U.S. east coast. The project is ongoing, and this report details passive acoustic data collection and analysis between October 2013 and December 2014.
- 1,309.70 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2016
The objectives of this project are to investigate the timing of right whale migration through the Mid-Atlantic region, as well as the relative distance from shore and acoustic behavior of migrating whales. This effort will help to fill a data gap in the central portion of the migratory corridor, and contribute to a broader understanding of the seasonal occurrence of right whales along the U.S. east coast.
- 648.06 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2017
Beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are apex marine predators found throughout the world’s deep oceans. These species are challenging to observe, and little is known about fundamental aspects of their ecology, including their spatiotemporal distributions and habitat use. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), can be used to detect their echolocation clicks during foraging dives, thereby providing an indication of species presence. My dissertation investigates the distribution, seasonal occurrence, and diel variability in acoustic detections of beaked whales and sperm whales in the western North Atlantic Ocean, using multi-year passive acoustic recordings collected along the continental slope between Florida and Nova Scotia.
Do foraging beaked whales and sperm whales target the Gulf Stream frontal edge off Cape Hatteras? Using long-term passive acoustic monitoring to explore habitat associations.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) inhabit the continental shelf slope and pelagic waters in the western North Atlantic Ocean, but little is known about their associations with dynamic oceanographic features, such as fronts, which can aggregate prey. Here we analyze data from a multi-year passive acoustic monitoring program to explore associations between the foraging activity of beaked and sperm whales and the presence of the Gulf Stream, the dominant oceanographic feature off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. From 2012 to 2015 we collected acoustic recordings on the continental slope using an autonomous, bottom-mounted acoustic recording package moored at approximately 900 m depth and sampling at 200 kHz.
- 92.29 KB
Passive acoustic monitoring of beaked whales off North Carolina, USA.
Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 26, 2015
Little is known about the ecology, habitat preferences, or seasonal distributions of beaked whale species (family Ziphiidae) in the western North Atlantic. Here we present an analysis of passive acoustic monitoring data which provides a multi-year record of beaked whale acoustic activity at two sites along the shelf break off North Carolina: Cape Hatteras (HAT) and Onslow Bay (OB).
- 190.09 KB
Effects of duty-cycled passive acoustic recordings on detecting the presence of beaked whales in the northwest Atlantic.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2026.
140(1):EL31-EL37
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- March 2, 2026
This study investigated the effects of using duty-cycled passive acoustic recordings to monitor the daily presence of beaked whale species at three locations in the northwest Atlantic. Continuous acoustic records were subsampled to simulate duty cycles of 50%, 25%, and 10% and cycle period durations from 10 to 60 min. Short, frequent listening periods were most effective for assessing the daily presence of beaked whales. Furthermore, subsampling at low duty cycles led to consistently greater underestimation of Mesoplodon species than either Cuvier's beaked whales or northern bottlenose whales, leading to a potential bias in estimation of relative species occurrence.
Spatial and seasonal patterns in acoustic detections of sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus along the continental slope in the western North Atlantic Ocean.
Endangered Species Research. 2018.
35:1-13
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2018
In the present study, we conducted multi-year passive acoustic monitoring to assess year-round sperm whale occurrence along the continental slope between Florida and New England, USA. Between 2011 and 2015, we collected 2037 d of recordings using bottom-mounted recorders deployed at 5 sites. We analyzed these recordings for sperm whale echolocation clicks, which were detected commonly between New England and North Carolina, but infrequently off the coast of Florida.
Using passive acoustic monitoring to document the distribution of beaked whale species in the western North Atlantic Ocean.
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 2017.
74(12): 2098-2109. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2016-0503
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- December 1, 2017
Little is known about the ecology of many beaked whale species, despite concerns raised by mass strandings linked to certain sources of anthropogenic noise. Here, we used passive acoustic monitoring to examine spatial and temporal patterns in beaked whale occurrence at six locations along the continental slope in the western North Atlantic Ocean.
Passive acoustic monitoring of beaked whales and other cetaceans off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
27th Conference of the European Cetacean Society .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
The continental shelf break and slope off Cape Hatteras, NC supports one of the most diverse cetacean faunal assemblages in the western North Atlantic. Ongoing aerial and vessel-based surveys are characterizing the distribution and density of cetaceans in this region, but these surveys are limited by weather, daylight, and cryptic animal behavior. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) provides a rich picture of patterns of occurrence, acoustic behavior, and foraging ecology, particularly for deep-diving odontocetes such as sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and beaked whales (Ziphius and Mesoplodonspp.). During March-April 2012, we collected the first PAM recordings from this site using a bottom-mounted High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) moored at 950 m depth and sampling at 200 kHz. We analyzed the recordings by visually inspecting long-term spectral averages (LTSAs) and spectrograms. Odontocete clicks, whistles, and burst-pulse sounds occurred every recording day and across 77% of recording hours. Sperm whale clicks were present on 96% of recording days; the occurrence of these clicks did not differ significantly between day and night, in contrast to the diel pattern observed elsewhere along the southeastern U.S. coast. We identified several beaked whale click events; spectral click parameters and inter-click intervals suggest that these clicks were produced by two species, likely Ziphius cavirostris and Mesoplodon europaeus. Each click event was short in duration (4-20 min), but beaked whale clicks were detected on nearly 40% of recording days, underscoring the value of PAM in monitoring the occurrence of these cryptic species. In addition, we detected frequent calls of fin (Balaenoptera physalus) and minke (B. acutorostrata) whales. We are collecting year-round recordings off Cape Hatteras, which will generate baseline data and allow further comparisons of seasonal and diel patterns in the occurrence and acoustic activity of cetacean species at this site.
- 1,034.84 KB
Streamlining High-Volume Data Acquisition, Analysis and Tracking of Marine Mammals with Highly Configurable, Standards-based Software.
27th Conference of the European Cetacean Society .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 8, 2013
To meet the need for all-in-one, user-configurable, user-friendly combined survey/behavioral data collection and analysis software, the Mysticetus Observation Platform (Mysticetus) has been designed, tested and field deployed in numerous aerial, vessel and shore-based surveys for marine mammals around the world. Mysticetus provides real-time distance and bearing to a sighting by synthesizing real-time Global Positioning System (GPS) data with the declination angles (converted to distance) and times of sightings. This feature has been critical to quickly relocating sightings, particularly in higher Beaufort conditions. Relative location of the sighting to the aircraft/vessel is continuously displayed on a map on a laptop, and automatically adapts to changing distances and headings of the platform. Real-time bathymetric data are displayed, and can be used to determine numerous sea-floor characteristics in the survey area (e.g., depth, slope, aspect). Mysticetus also triangulates, in real-time, directional acoustic data received via radio from sonobuoys, allowing correlation of behavior with vocalizations, both in the field and during post-processing. Other post-survey analysis tools include automated tabular summaries of effort and sightings, Google Earth 3-D track display, distance-to-shore calculations, etc., that greatly reduce data, GIS and analysis efforts. Mysticetus is unique from other available similar software because it is easily configured by the user to select data fields/types, units, etc., and can record, summarize, analyze and plot data as indicated by the user.
- 639.51 KB
Streamlining High-Volume Data Acquisition, Analysis and Tracking of Marine Mammals with Highly Configurable, Standards-based Software.
Southern California Marine Mammal Workshop 2012. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 3, 2012
In April and May 2011, Mysticetus Observation Platform software, created by Entiat River Technologies, was Beta-tested during aerial surveys in southern California. During 2011, Mysticeus was used in over 12 flight hours spanning 2762.1 km of survey effort. Mysticetus provided real-time distance and bearing to a sighting by synthesizing real-time Global Positioning System (GPS) data with the declination angles (converted to distance) and times of sightings. This feature was critical in helping the pilots to relocate sightings quickly, even in higher Beaufort conditions when sightings are typically challenging to re-find. Relative location of the sighting to the aircraft was continuously displayed on the laptop screen, and adapted to changing distances and headings of the aircraft. The recorder communicated to the pilots how to adjust the flight pattern to relocate the sighting. Post-survey analysis tools, including automated on-effort survey reports, and Coogle Earth 3-D track display, greatly reduced data post-processing on the days Mysticetus was used as compared to previous processes. Mysticetus is being used for cetacean theodolite land based tracking. It is currently in use in winter 2012 aerial surveys being flown in southern California. Mysticetus is unique from other available similar software because it is user customizable.
- 1,013.31 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:Methods:
- January 1, 2025
Characterizing Behavior Distribution Salmonids Whales Offshore Marine Waters Washington
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 28, 2025
The Southern distinct population segment (sDPS) of green sturgeon Acipenser medirostris is federally listed as a threatened species under the United States (U.S.) Endangered Species Act (ESA). Large aggregations of both the Northern distinct population segment (nDPS) and sDPS of green sturgeon can be found congregating in Washington’s coastal estuaries mid-summer. This provides a unique opportunity to capture and study this elusive species. Existing telemetric data indicates that these fish make long migrations along the Pacific Coast with a possible year-round presence in near-shore marine waters along Washington and Oregon’s coastline. The U.S. Navy is interested in the occurrence of the threatened sDPS of green sturgeon in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) study area (offshore of Washington, Oregon, and northern California).
- 26,649.92 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in Navy range complexes along the Atlantic coast.
- 3,730.95 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2014
This report describes results from a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in Navy range complexes along the Atlantic coast.
- 5,433.67 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 21, 2015
This report describes results from a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast
- 4,703.17 KB
Patterns of residency of three species of odontocetes along the shelf break of the U.S. east coast.
20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 9, 2013
Our understanding of the movements and patterns of residency of pelagic cetaceans is limited because it is difficult to obtain repeated samples from animals that live their entire lives far from shore. Surveys of such populations typically occur at broad spatial scales, interspersed by long time periods and often do not allow for identification of individual animals. We used dedicated photo-identification techniques as part of the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet Testing and Training program to identify patterns of residency of odontocetes at three sites along the shelf break of the U.S. east coast ranging from 50 to 150 km from shore. Our surveys began in Onslow Bay, NC in 2007, and Jacksonville, FL and Cape Hatteras, NC in 2009. In Onslow Bay, we have re-sighted 7 of 139 (5%) Tursiops truncatus and 3 of 78 (4%) Stenella frontalis. It is likely that these T. truncatus include both offshore and coastal ecotypes; we are currently analyzing biopsy samples obtained during these surveys to address this proposition. We have not matched any of the T. truncatus to other catalogs from coastal waters, but the S. frontalis appear to range widely over the shelf. For example, one S. frontalis photographed at the offshore site in September 2011 was observed in June 2001 and June 2002 in the near-shore waters of Onslow Bay. In Jacksonville, we have catalogued 41 T. truncatus and 60 S. frontalis and have resighted 2 of 60 (3%) S. frontalis. We have identified 117 individual Globicephala macrorhynchus off Cape Hatteras and have matched 14 of 117 (12%) individuals. To date we have found no matches among the three sites. The re-sightings of these species within the three study areas occurred over multiple seasons and years, and suggest a surprising degree of residency by individual odontocetes in these offshore waters.
- 1,309.70 KB
Cuvier’s beaked whale foraging dives identified via machine learning using depth and triaxial acceleration.
Marine Ecology Progress. 2022.
692:195-208
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- June 30, 2022
Knowledge of Cuvier’s beaked whale Ziphius cavirostris behavior has expanded through the utilization of animal-borne tags. However, many tag types do not record sound—thus preventing echolocation click detections to identify foraging—or have short deployments that sample a limited range of behaviors. As the quantity of such non-acoustic tag data grows, so too does the need for robust methods of detecting foraging from non-acoustic data. We used 692 dives from 5 sound-recording tags on Cuvier’s beaked whales in southern California, USA, to develop extreme gradient boosting tree models to detect foraging based on 1 Hz depth and 16 Hz triaxial acceleration data. We performed repeated 10-fold cross validation using classification accuracy to tune 500 models with randomly partitioned training and testing datasets.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:Methods:
- January 1, 2023
In spring/summer of 2018 and 2021, the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Cetacean Research Program deployed drifting acoustic recorders in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zones surrounding the Mariana Archipelago. Manual assessments revealed a low-frequency (median 473-554 Hz), short-duration (median 0.596 s), stereotypic tonal nocturnal call throughout the Mariana Archipelago. Based on time of year, spatiotemporal patterns, clear division among calls (i.e., no chorusing), comparisons with known vocalizations of whales, turtles, and fish, and presence of Bryde's whale calls, and because the call has not been detected elsewhere, we hypothesize this 500-Hz pulsed call is produced by Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera brydei).
A framework for passive acoustic localization and tracking using a wide-baseline array demonstrated with Rice’s whales (Balaenoptera ricei).
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2026.
159, 802–815 (2026)
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- January 28, 2026
Influences of Seasonality and Oceanographic Features on the Habitat Use of Seabirds in Onslow Bay, NC.
33rd Annual Waterbird Society Meeting .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- November 4, 2009
- 1,176.87 KB
Combining remote sensing and in situ measurements to study biophysical interactions in Gulf Stream fronts and eddies.
2010 Ocean Sciences Meeting .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2010
aging opportunities for upper trophic level predators, particularly in oligotrophic regions. However, few studies have explicitly examined the biophysical mechanisms that enhance foraging opportunities for top predators in these features. We studied Gulf Stream Frontal Eddies (GSFEs), which interact with the coastal shelf off the coast of North Carolina. In particular, we investigated the oceanographic dynamics and prey distributions within GSFEs and the Gulf Stream front at a fine scale, and related these findings to the distribution of seabirds at a larger temporal and spatial scale using remotely sensed data. We conducted boat-based seabird surveys between June 2007 and September 2009. We assessed the distribution of potential seabird prey using 38 kHz and 120 kHz Simrad transducers and measured current regimes using a 300 kHz Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) during the summer and fall of 2009. Finally, we used satellite images of sea surface temperature to examine the distribution of seabirds in relation to broader-scale oceanographic features. GSFEs and the Gulf Stream front were important foraging areas for pelagic seabirds, but seabird species differed in their use of oceanographic habitats. We found differences in the distribution and dispersion of prey in Gulf Stream, eddy and coastal waters and discuss these differences in relation to the distribution and foraging strategies of the seabirds that exploit these features. Our findings directly link the existence of meso-scale oceanographic features to the prey and foraging ecology of upper trophic level marine predators.
- 35.77 KB
Life on the edge: Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) target shelf break waters in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic Bight.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) interact with pelagic longlines by depredating bait and catch and becoming hooked or entangled in gear. Serious injury and mortality of short-finned pilot whales in the U.S. pelagic longline fishery will likely exceed the Potential Biological Removal level for the U.S. Western North Atlantic stock in 2015. However, detailed information on the habitat use of this species is lacking, which complicates management efforts to mitigate bycatch and depredation.
- 92.47 KB
2010.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:
- June 1, 2010
PhD Dissertation Oceanographic features, such as fronts, eddies, and upwellings, provide important foraging areas for marine predators. These areas serve as important “hotspots” of marine life, by aggregating weakly swimming lower and mid-trophic level species which, in turn, attract foraging predators. Despite the importance of these dynamic features, we lack a comprehensive understanding of how they create foraging habitat for seabirds and other marine predators. In the first part of this dissertation, I review current knowledge of how seabirds use oceanographic features with an emphasis on developing a more mechanistic understanding of these features, and identify important considerations for future studies. I use the findings of this review to inform two field research projects in the Bay of Fundy, Canada and Onslow Bay, North Carolina. In these two projects, I examined seabird abundance and distribution in relation to oceanographic features that occur at different spatial and temporal scales. In the first project, I examined foraging habitat of red-necked phalaropes (Phalaropus lobatus) in relation fine-scale tidal forcing near the Brier Island ledges in the Bay of Fundy. This research demonstrated the importance of biophysical interactions in creating phalarope habitat, and characterized red-necked phalarope habitat in both space and time. In Onslow Bay, I investigated the effects of Gulf Stream fronts and eddies on the abundance and distribution of seabirds using both remotely sensed and in situ data. I used fisheries acoustics surveys to investigate prey distribution within Gulf Stream frontal eddies. I then developed habitat models for the six most commonly sighted species or species groups (Cory's shearwaters, Calonectris diomedea; greater shearwaters (Puffinus gravis; Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus; Audubon's shearwaters, Puffinus lherminieri; black-capped petrels, Pterodrama hasitata; and red and red-necked phalaropes, grouped together as Phalaropus spp.) using multivariate modeling techniques. Gulf Stream frontal eddies influenced the abundance and distribution of seabirds in Onslow Bay, although frontal features were not as important in predicting seabird habitat as demonstrated in previous studies in the South Atlantic Bight. Prey availability in Gulf Stream frontal eddies was highest in eddy cold core regions, particularly in those regions close to the Gulf Stream. Taken together, the results of my dissertation: underscore the importance of conducting standardized surveys to assess dynamic environmental variables; demonstrate the use of multivariate methods to examine seabird foraging in relation to oceanographic features; emphasize the need to evaluate both prey distributions and physical regimes within oceanographic features at depth; and highlight the importance of temporal aspects of oceanographic features, such as the persistence and age of the features, when assessing the role that these features play in creating seabird foraging habitat.
The influence of dynamic oceanography on cetacean abundance and distribution in Onslow Bay, North Carolina.
19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 27, 2011
Oceanographic features such as fronts and eddies aggregate prey and create important foraging areas for marine predators. In the South Atlantic Bight (SAB), the Gulf Stream front and Gulf Stream Frontal Eddies (GSFEs) are known to provide important habitat for foraging seabirds, but their effect on cetacean abundance and distribution as not been considered. We combined standardized visual line transect surveys in Onslow Bay, North Carolina and analysis of remotely sensed oceanographic data to investigate the effects of dynamic oceanography on cetacean abundance and distribution in the SAB between June 2007 and October 2010 (77 survey days). We used generalized additive models (GAMs) to predict habitat use of the two most frequently observed species, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), using the following predictor variables: sea surface temperature (SST), distance to Gulf Stream front, distance to shelf break, depth, and water mass (Gulf Stream, shelf waters, GSFE cold core and GSFE warm filament). Depth and distance to the Gulf Stream front best predicted bottlenose dolphin habitat (p
- 145.76 KB
Movement and foraging behavior of short-finned pilot whales in the Mid-Atlantic Bight: Importance of bathymetric features and implications for management.
Marine Ecology Progress. 2017.
584:245-257
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- December 7, 2017
Shelf break systems are ecologically important regions of the ocean, and are often characterized by enhanced productivity and high densities of species from lower to upper trophic levels. Along with associated submarine canyons, shelf break regions provide important foraging habitat for deep-diving odontocetes such as pilot whales. Short-finned pilot whales Globicephala macrorhynchus are found throughout tropical and subtropical waters, but there is little information on the habitat use of this species in the northwest Atlantic. We examined the movements and foraging behavior of short-finned pilot whales using data from satellite tags (n = 33) deployed off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA in 2014 and 2015. Pilot whale tracks ranged from Cape Lookout, North Carolina north to Georges Bank, with movements and habitat use primarily focused north of Cape Hatteras. We observed 2 distinct modes of behavior, with most pilot whales showing a strong affinity for the continental shelf break and others following offshore meanders of the Gulf Stream for all or part of the observed track. We used first passage time (FPT) to assess arearestricted search behavior, and found that FPT was significantly higher close to the shelf break and in submarine canyons. Our results demonstrate the importance of steep bathymetric features to the foraging habitat and distribution of short-finned pilot whales in this region. In addition, our findings suggest that pilot whales in the Mid-Atlantic Bight may have developed specialized foraging behaviors for targeting steep bathymetric gradients, and that their latitudinal distribution may be limited to regions where this foraging strategy is effective.
Combining passive acoustics and satellite oceanography to evaluate cetacean habitat in the South Atlantic Bight.
2012 Ocean Sciences Meeting. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 20, 2012
In the South Atlantic Bight (SAB), the Gulf Stream (GS) front and Gulf Stream Frontal Eddies (GSFEs) are known to provide important habitat for foraging seabirds, but their effect on cetacean abundance and distribution has not been considered. Using data from moored High-frequency Acoustic Record Packages (HARPs) in Onslow Bay, we assessed the effects of dynamic oceanography on odontocete vocalization rates. Satellite images of sea surface temperature during HARP deployments were used to identify local water masses (Gulf Stream, shelf waters and Gulf Stream frontal eddies) relative to HARP locations for three HARP deployments, representing a total deployment time of 313 days (10/10/2007 – 01/16/2008; 04/24/2009 – 08/9/2009; and 11/8/2009 – 02/24/2010). Both the total duration of all vocal events and the total duration of click events, respectively, were analyzed for all odontocetes together, and also for sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), and delphinids separately. T he presence of GSFEs and the location of the GS front influenced cetacean vocalization rates and we discuss these findings in relation to the ecology of the study species. (Abstract ID 12484)
- 35.06 KB
First descriptions of common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) movements off the Eastern Coast of the United States using satellite telemetry.
Animal Biotelemetry. 2026.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- October 15, 2026
Common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata; hereafter, “minke whales”) are globally distributed, but can exhibit cryptic behavior and sometimes occur in small groups, and are thus challenging to study. Like other baleen whales, this species makes seasonal migrations. However, aspects of their movement and behavioral patterns are not well understood. The Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB), situated along the eastern coast of the United States, is a known migratory route for minke whales, but earlier observations suggest this area may also serve as foraging grounds despite various natural and anthropogenic stressors. We deployed three satellite tags on minke whales, including two in the New York Bight (NYB) in September 2023 and one off of Virginia (VA) in February 2024, to characterize movement patterns in and around the MAB. These tags yield the first record of minke whale movements in this area and the first dive record for minke whales in the broader northwest Atlantic. The animals showed two types of movement, area restricted search (ARS) and transit, likely reflecting foraging and migratory behavior, respectively. In the NYB, we found evidence of ARS in mid-shelf waters, including in offshore wind lease areas. In VA coastal waters, ARS was documented in and around shipping lanes. We also found evidence of southward migration in autumn, with one animal exhibiting a shift from ARS to sustained transitory movements in late October. In the NYB, the whales exhibited strong diel trends in diving behavior, but this was not observed for the individual off VA. These data provide initial quantification of minke whale behavior and habitat use in the MAB, including in areas that overlap with anthropogenic activities, providing insight for further research, management and conservation.
A standardized framework for quantifying species occurrence, applied to passive acoustic monitoring of baleen whales.
Ecological Indicators. 2026.
188
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- July 1, 2026
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2015
Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted in the Navy’s Northwest Training Range Complex from July 2013 to April 2014 to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds. Three baleen whale species were detected: blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales. Minke whale boings, which were first recorded in the NWTRC in November 2012, were not detected during this monitoring period. Likewise, North Pacific right whale up-calls were detected for the first time in the NWTRC in June 2013, but there were no definitive detections of this species during this recording period. Frequencymodulated echolocation pulses from three beaked whale species were detected at the offshore site. Three anthropogenic sounds were detected in the recordings: mid-frequency active and low-frequency active sonars, and explosions.
- 12,125.46 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2020
The CalCOFI marine mammal monitoring program examines seasonal and inter-annual patterns in density, abundance, and distribution on a longer continuous time scale and with a higher rate of sampling than previous cetacean surveys off the California coast, particularly for the winter and spring periods, for which there are currently few data available.
- 2,592.65 KB
Vessel-based monitoring of the proposed Undersea Warfare Training Range in Onslow Bay, NC USA.
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium), 28-30 March 2008, Charleston, South Carolina .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- March 28, 2008
- 99.97 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 31, 2011
The goal of this initial phase is to process and compile available data from visual surveys performed by both contractor‐led efforts as well as Navy in‐house ones, such that: 1. A GIS‐based summation of all survey tracks could be visualized 2. A geo‐referenced database of sightings can be queried to visualize sightings by species or survey variables such as observer platform, sea state, or season
- 2,020.33 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 26, 2014
The purpose of this report is to compile previously unpublished sightings of marine mammals and sea turtles made in the Mariana Islands Range Complex. The original primary goal of this report was to compile such sightings incidentally made during Navy-funded field efforts or other Navy training. However during the course of compiling these data, additional incidental sightings made by other sources were encountered.
- 1,354.66 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2010
The monitoring plan and reporting for the HRC and other Navy ranges provides science-based answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed and reacting to Navy training. The study questions of the monitoring plan are to answer the following questions: 1. Are marine mammals and sea turtles exposed to MFAS at regulatory thresholds of harm or harassment? If so, at what levels and how frequently are they exposed? 2. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS, do they redistribute geographically as a result of repeated exposure? If so, how long does the redistribution last? 3. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS, what are their behavioral responses? Are they different at various levels? 4. What are the behavioral responses of marine mammals and sea turtles that are exposed to various levels and distances from explosives?
- 2,722.06 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- October 1, 2010
The monitoring plan and reporting will provide science-based answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed and reacting to Navy MFAS. The objectives of the monitoring plan are to answer the following questions: 1. Are marine mammals and sea turtles exposed to MFAS at regulatory thresholds of harm or harassment? If so, at what levels and how frequently are they exposed? 2. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS in the HRC, do they redistribute geographically in the HRC as a result of repeated exposure? If so, how long does the redistribution last? 3. If marine mammals and sea turtles are exposed to MFAS, what are their behavioral responses? Are they different at various levels? 4. What are the behavioral responses of marine mammals and sea turtles that are exposed to various levels and distances from explosives? 5. Are the Navy’s suite of mitigation measures for MFAS and explosives (e.g., Protective Measures Assessment Protocol [PMAP], measures agreed to by the Navy through permitting and consultation) effective at avoiding harm or harassment of marine mammals and sea turtles?
- 1,280.19 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 12, 2011
In order to train with mid‐frequency active sonar (MFAS) and underwater explosives, the Navy has obtained a Letter of Authorization (permit) from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and a Biological Opinion under the Endangered Species Act. The Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) Monitoring Plan was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permit. The monitoring plan and reporting will provide science‐based answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed and reacting to Navy MFAS.
- 1,280.54 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 12, 2011
In order to train with mid‐frequency active sonar (MFAS), the Navy has obtained a Letter of Authorization (permit) from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and a Biological Opinion under the Endangered Species Act. The Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) Monitoring Plan, finalized in December 2008 for implementation in January 2009, and amended in 2010, was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permit. The monitoring plan and reporting will provide science‐based answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed and reacting to Navy MFAS
- 2,229.63 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 25, 2012
In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) and underwater explosives, the Navy has obtained from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) a permit under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and a Biological Opinion under the Endangered Species Act. The Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) Monitoring Plan was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permit. The monitoring plan and reporting will provide science-based answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed and reacting to Navy MFAS.
- 2,339.60 KB
Nuclear SNPs reveal link between social and genetic structure in Hawaiian short-finned pilot whales.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Social structure and its effects on gene flow have been suggested as drivers of population structure among sympatric or parapatric groups of several highly social odontocete species. Short-finned pilot whales are another highly social species in which population structure may be driven by social structure. Long-term research in Hawai'i indicates that this species forms social groups that are stable across decades. Previous studies have demonstrated strong genetic and morphological differentiation among populations within the Pacific Ocean, and evidence has been presented for the existence of two distinct types.
- 91.72 KB
Acoustic differentiation of Shiho- and Naisa-type short-finned pilot whales in the Pacific Ocean.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2017.
141:737-748
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- February 2, 2017
Divergence in acoustic signals used by different populations of marine mammals can be caused by a variety of environmental, hereditary, or social factors, and can indicate isolation between those populations. Two types of genetically and morphologically distinct short-finned pilot whales, called the Naisa- and Shiho-types when first described off Japan, have been identified in the Pacific Ocean. Acoustic differentiation between these types would support their designation as sub-species or species, and improve the understanding of their distribution in areas where genetic samples are difficult to obtain. Calls from two regions representing the two types were analyzed using 24 recordings from Hawai‘i (Naisa-type) and 12 recordings from the eastern Pacific Ocean (Shiho-type). Calls from the two types were significantly differentiated in median start frequency, frequency range, and duration, and were significantly differentiated in the cumulative distribution of start frequency, frequency range, and duration. Gaussian mixture models were used to classify calls from the two different regions with 74% accuracy, which was significantly greater than chance. The results of these analyses indicate that the two types are acoustically distinct, which supports the hypothesis that the two types may be separate sub-species.
Song of my people: Dialect differences among sympatric social groups of short-finned pilot whales in Hawai’i.
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. 2018.
72:193
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:
- December 15, 2018
In many social species, acoustic dialects are used to differentiate among social groups within a local population. These acoustic dialects and their corresponding social groups are often related to distinct foraging behaviors or spatial movement patterns, and it is possible that vocal repertoire variability is one of the proximate mechanisms driving or maintaining genetic and ecological diversity at a subspecies level in social species. Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorynchus) inhabiting Hawaiian waters have a stable hierarchical social structure, with familial social units associating in larger social clusters within island-associated communities. In this study, we test the hypothesis that sympatric social groups of short-finned pilot whales have acoustically differentiated dialects, which may be used to maintain the social structure. We first examined call composition of social calls collected from photographically identified social clusters of short-finned pilot whales around the Main Hawaiian Islands, using a catalog of manually classified calls, and found that call composition differed among clusters. We then conducted ANOVA and support vector machine (SVM) learning analyses of the acoustic features of social calls. Social clusters were significantly differentiated in their acoustic features, and the SVM classification accuracy was 60%. These results indicate that vocal repertoire reflects social segregation in short-finned pilot whales and may be a driving mechanism of differentiation, potentially contributing to genetic diversity within populations. This suggests divergent acoustic population structure; however, the small sample size in this study decreases the ability to detect acoustic differences among groups. Additional sampling will improve our power to detect acoustic differences among social clusters of Hawaiian pilot whales and improve classification accuracy. The pattern described here highlights the importance of increasing the spatial and temporal resolution of conservation and management plans for this species, in order to conserve subpopulation genetic and social structure.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2025
Long-term high-frequency acoustic recording packages (HARPs) at eight sites along the western North Atlantic shelf break.
- 1,276.05 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2023
Long-term high-frequency acoustic recording packages (HARPs) at eight sites along the western North Atlantic shelf break.
- 2,824.80 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2024
To better understand patterns in species distribution and vocal activity, NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) collaboratively deployed long-term high-frequency acoustic recording packages (HARPs) at eight sites along the western North Atlantic shelf break. This work was conducted from 2015-2019, with financial support from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Likewise, the U.S. Navy has been monitoring the shelf break region at 3 to 4 sites since 2007. Together these combined efforts bring the total to 11 recording sites spanning the U.S. eastern seaboard, from New England to Florida. The work this year was aimed at finalizing components for these key objectives: I. Submit a manuscript describing the methodology of the beaked whale neural net classifier to be cited in future publications utilizing this approach II. Submit a manuscript comparing and contrasting two passive acoustic monitoring methodologies - towed array and shelf break HARPs - concerning beaked whale temporal, spatial presence and diving behavior. III. Utilize passive acoustic data from ten shelf-break environments to evaluate composition and dissimilarity of marine mammal community groups at different latitudes.
- 879.96 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 27, 2022
Over 25 species of cetaceans utilize the shelf break regions of the US eastern seaboard, including several endangered species. Understanding patterns in species distribution, and the anthropogenic and environmental drivers that may impact their distribution, are critical for appropriate management of marine habitats. To better understand patterns in species distribution and vocal activity, NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center and Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) collaboratively deployed long-term high-frequency acoustic recording packages (HARPs) at eight sites along the western North Atlantic shelf break. This work was conducted from 2015-2019, in coordination with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Likewise, the US Navy has been monitoring the shelf break region at 3 to 4 sites since 2007. Together these combined efforts bring the total to 11 recording sites spanning the U.S. eastern seaboard, from New England to Georgia.
- 3,732.50 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2021
Long-term high-frequency acoustic recording packages (HARPs) at eight sites along the western North Atlantic shelf break.
- 2,135.09 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2020
Long-term high-frequency acoustic recording packages (HARPs) at eight sites along the western North Atlantic shelf break.
- 1,430.35 KB
- Blue whale
- Fin whale
- Humpback whale
- North Atlantic right whale
- Sei whale
- Atlantic white-sided dolphin
- Blainville's beaked whale
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Common dolphin
- Goose-beaked whale
- False killer whale
- Gervais' beaked whale
- Killer whale
- Northern bottlenose whale
- Pilot whale
- Rough-toothed dolphin
- Short-finned pilot whale
- Sowerby's beaked whale
- Sperm whale
- Spotted dolphin
- Striped dolphin
- True's beaked whale
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2017
A High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) was deployed from July 2015 to April 2016, with recordings made between July 2015 and November 2015, to detect marine mammal and anthropogenic sounds in the Navy’s Jacksonville Range Complex. The HARP was located 83 nm off the Florida coastline on the continental slope.
- 2,586.30 KB
Spatial Analysis of Beaked Whale Foraging During Two 12 kHz Multibeam Echosounder Surveys.
Frontiers in Marine Science. 2021.
8:654184
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Methods:
- August 24, 2021
To add to the growing information about the effect of multibeam echosounder (MBES) operation on marine mammals, a study was conducted to assess the spatial foraging effort of Cuvier’s beaked whales during two MBES surveys conducted in January of 2017 and 2019 off of San Clemente Island, California. The MBES surveys took place on the Southern California Antisubmarine Warfare Range (SOAR), which contains an array of 89 hydrophones covering an area of approximately 1800 km2 over which foraging beaked whales were detected. A spatial autocorrelation analysis of foraging effort was conducted using the Moran’s I (global) and the Getis-Ord Gi∗ (local) statistics, to understand the animals’ spatial use of the entire SOAR, as well as smaller areas, respectively, within the SOAR Before, During, and After the two MBES surveys.
The effect of two 12 kHz multibeam mapping surveys on the foraging behavior of Cuvier's beaked whales off of southern California.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2020.
147(6):3849
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- June 11, 2020
The impact of multibeam echosounder (MBES) operations on marine mammals has been less studied compared to military sonars. To contribute to the growing body of MBES knowledge, echolocation clicks of foraging Cuvier's beaked whales were detected on the Southern California Antisubmarine Warfare Range (SOAR) hydrophones during two MBES surveys and assembled into foraging events called group vocal periods (GVPs).
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2014
In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), the United States (U.S.) Navy has obtained a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and a Biological Opinion under the Endangered Species Act. The Hawaii Range Complex Monitoring Plan, implemented starting in November 2009, was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permits.
- 2,225.02 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2016
In accordance with the Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) Monitoring Plan, data were collected during 17-18 February 2015 during a Submarine Commanders Course (SCC) training event. The goals of the monitoring and this study were to: (1) collect data to assess the effectiveness of the Navy Lookout team; and (2) obtain data to characterize the possible exposure of marine species to mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS).
- 1,166.62 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2019
To comply with the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Navy is required to determine the effectiveness of the monitoring and mitigation techniques used during at-sea activities. As part of this compliance, a Marine Species Monitoring & Lookout Effectiveness Study evaluated the effectiveness of the Navy lookout team in sighting marine mammals and sea turtles by establishing “trials” in which trained Marine Mammal Observers (MMO) record a sighting of an animal or group before the lookout (LO) team
- 1,523.55 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2016
DDG N HRC Feb 2016
- 573.18 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2019
DDG T HRC Feb 2019
- 1,274.91 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2014
DDG J HRC Aug 2013
- 1,076.58 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2024
During fieldwork supporting the Atlantic Behavioral Response Study (BRS) in 2023 (Southall et al. 2024) and other related research, more than 17,000 digital images were collected within the Cape Hatteras study area. These images were used to confirm species, identify individual animals, compile sighting histories, and conduct follow-up monitoring of satellite-tagged animals. Digital photographs were taken with Canon or Nikon digital single lens reflex cameras equipped with 100- to 400-millimeter zoom lenses in 24-bit color at a resolution of 6016 × 4016 pixels and saved in .jpg format. Photographs were obtained from five species, with most of them being Ziphius cavirostris, which will be referred to as ‘Ziphius’ or Zc, the primary focal species of BRS field efforts.
- 6,762.29 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2025
During 2024 fieldwork supporting the Atlantic Behavioral Response Study (BRS) (Southall et al. 2025) and other related research, the study team collected more than 7,900 digital images within the Cape Hatteras study area. The team used these images to confirm species, identify individual animals, compile sighting histories and conduct follow-up monitoring of satellite tagged animals.
- 4,396.02 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2021
Photo-Identification Analyses in the Cape Hatteras Study Area: 2020 Annual Progress Report
- 7,015.90 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2022
Photo-Identification Analyses in the Cape Hatteras Study Area: 2022 Annual Progress Report
- 8,084.40 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2023
Photo-Identification Analyses in the Cape Hatteras Study Area: 2023 Annual Progress Report
- 4,897.45 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 8, 2026
During 2025 fieldwork supporting the Atlantic Behavioral Response Study (BRS Southall et al. 2026) and other related research, the study team collected more than 12,900 digital images within the Cape Hatteras study area. The team used these images to confirm species, identify individual animals, compile sighting histories, and conduct follow-up monitoring of satellite-tagged animals. The team obtained photographs of six species, but most were from goose-beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), the focal species of the Atlantic BRS.
- 5,652.08 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2012
In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), the United States (U.S.) Navy has obtained a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. The Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) Monitoring Plan, implemented in January 2009, was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permit. The monitoring plan and reporting requirements provide sciencebased answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed and reacting to Navy MFAS.
- 573.37 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 1, 2012
In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), the United States (U.S.) Navy has obtained a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and a Biological Opinion under the Endangered Species Act. The Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL) Monitoring Plan, implemented in January 2009, was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permits. The monitoring plan and reporting requirements provide science-based answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed and react to Navy MFAS.
- 3,173.84 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 5, 2013
In accordance with the HRC Monitoring Plan, implemented in January 2009, data were collected 18–22 February 2013 during a SCC event, with the following stated goals: (1) collect data to assess the effectiveness of the Navy lookout team, and (2) obtain data to characterize the possible exposure of marine species to MFAS. Three U.S. Navy civilian MMOs (MMOs and one contractor MMO were stationed aboard a U.S. Navy-guided DDG for observation of marine species. MMO surveys were conducted on a not-to-interfere basis, which means that the MMOs did not replace required Navy lookouts and did not dictate operational requirements or maneuvers.
- 2,372.54 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2016
In accordance with the Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) Monitoring Plan, data were collected during 17-18 February 2015 during a Submarine Commanders Course (SCC) training event. The goals of the monitoring and this study were to: (1) collect data to assess the effectiveness of the Navy Lookout team; and (2) obtain data to characterize the possible exposure of marine species to mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). This event is the twelfth aboard a U.S. Navy guided missle destroyer (DDG) in which data were collected to determine effectiveness; data will be combined with future monitoring efforts in order to determine the effectiveness of Navy lookouts as a whole, rather than specific to each vessel.
- 1,326.46 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 3, 2012
DDG H SOCAL July 2012
- 1,576.92 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- May 1, 2013
DDG I HRC Feb 2013
- 1,400.02 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 11, 2011
DDG F HRC Nov 2011
- 690.87 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2012
DDG G HRC Feb 2012
- 848.15 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2016
DDG L HRC Feb 2015
- 667.63 KB
Rough-toothed dolphins on a Navy range in Hawai'i: using LIMPET satellite-tag data to assess movements, habitat use, and overlap with Navy activities.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
Much of the U.S. Navy's training activities in Hawai'i occur on the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), an area between the islands of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau. Surveys show that rough-toothed dolphins are the most frequently encountered and likely most abundant odontocete found on PMRF. Long-term photo-identification data indicate that individuals show considerable fidelity to Kaua'i and Ni'ihau, and genetic studies indicate they are demographically isolated from rough-toothed dolphins off Hawai'i Island.
- 91.93 KB
Monitoring the acoustic ecology of the shelf break of Georges Bank, Northwestern Atlantic Ocean: new approaches to visualizing complex acoustic data.
Marine Policy. 2021.
Volume 130. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2021.104570
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- August 1, 2021
This study aims to assess the co-occurrence of cetaceans and anthropogenic activities, presenting simple and accessible visualizations of the temporal and spectral overlap.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 15, 2021
The University of Hawai‘i Health and Stranding Lab (HSL), located in Kaneohe Bay, is the only entity in the Pacific Islands region that responds to strandings, conducts necropsy and cause of death investigations, archives tissues and performs research to identify and evaluate threats to Pacific Island cetaceans. The purpose of this project has three objectives: 1) To conduct comprehensive stranding investigations for high priority species through increased capacity for in-house diagnostics; 2) To analyze archived tissues for the presence of two pathogens (circovirus and morbillivirus) and to examine the detectability of Toxoplasma positive animals over time and 3) To conduct analyses of historical stranding patterns and causes of mortality that incorporate quantitative estimates of stranding date and advanced diagnostic information.
- 852.51 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 16, 2022
This project provides support for comprehensive stranding investigations in order to obtain increased baseline information about the health of marine mammals. Such support is essential when considering the Pacific Islands region (PIR) where unique geographical challenges exist.
- 384.84 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 14, 2022
The University of Hawaii Health and Stranding Lab located at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) is the only entity in the Pacific Islands region that responds to strandings, conducts necropsy and cause of death investigations, archives tissues and performs research to identify and evaluate threats to Pacific Island cetaceans (dolphins, whales, and porpoises).
- 617.84 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 4, 2022
The University of Hawaii Health and Stranding Lab located at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) is the only entity in the Pacific Islands region that responds to strandings, conducts necropsy and cause of death investigations, archives tissues and performs research to identify and evaluate threats to Pacific Island cetaceans. The purpose of this project is to conduct analyses of historical stranding patterns and causes of mortality that incorporate quantitative estimates of stranding date, genetic identification of species when necessary and advanced diagnostic procedures, including evaluation of nutritional state to categorize past strandings as acute or chronic causes.
- 292.35 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 20, 2023
This project provides support for comprehensive stranding investigations in order to obtain increased baseline information about the health of marine mammals. Such support is essential when considering the Pacific Islands region (PIR) where unique geographical challenges exist. The PIR is comprised of isolated islands, spanning over 4 million square miles across the North, South and Western Pacific basins and includes the Hawai‘i Range Complex and the Mariana Islands Range Complex.
- 774.17 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 20, 2023
The University of Hawaiʻi Health and Stranding Lab, located at Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MCBH), is the only entity in the Pacific Islands region that responds to strandings, conducts necropsy and cause of death investigations, archives tissues and performs research to identify and evaluate threats to Pacific Island cetaceans. The purpose of this project is to conduct analyses of historical stranding patterns and causes of mortality that incorporate quantitative estimates of stranding dates, genetic identification of species when necessary, and advanced laboratory diagnostics.
- 432.11 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 31, 2024
This project provides financial support for comprehensive stranding investigations in order to obtain increased baseline information about the health of marine mammals. Such support is essential when considering the Pacific Islands region (PIR) where unique geographical challenges exist. The PIR is comprised of isolated islands, spanning over 4 million square miles across the North, South and Western Pacific basins and includes the Hawai‘i Range Complex and the Mariana Islands Range Complex. Cetacean stranding investigative efforts for the PIR are centralized at a dedicated stranding facility located at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i (MCBH). This specialized facility houses the University of Hawai‘i (UH) Health and Stranding Lab, which plays a critical role as the only organization in the region to conduct cause of death investigations when dolphins and whales strand. This requires established relationships with partners throughout the region and the mounting of an immediate response to each newly reported stranding event that occurs. The UH Health and Stranding Lab conducts extensive necropsy examinations, including histopathology, disease surveillance, and tissue sampling in support of numerous research efforts aimed at better understanding Hawaiian cetaceans. In addition to this project facilitating advanced diagnostics in-house at the Health and Stranding Lab, we also report on progress towards a project option to measure fecal stress and reproductive hormones in Pacific Island cetaceans. An additional project option includes characterizing marine debris ingestion by abundance and mass in previously stranded short-finned pilot whales. Progress associated with the project option in support of the marine debris analyses has been prepared for peer-reviewed publication in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin. These findings are described separately from the base tasks and fecal hormones option in the attached manuscript draft.
- 1,906.50 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 9, 2025
The University of Hawai‘i Health and Stranding Lab located at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) is the only entity in the Pacific Islands region that responds to strandings, conducts necropsy and cause of death investigations, archives tissues and performs research to identify and evaluate threats to Pacific Island cetaceans. This project focuses on increasing our understanding of infectious diseases in the Pacific Island region by investigating the diseases caused by beaked whale circovirus (BWCV), cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) and toxoplasmosis infections in cetaceans.
- 422.54 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 16, 2024
This project provides support for comprehensive stranding investigations in order to obtain increased baseline information about the health of marine mammals. Such support is essential when considering the Pacific Islands region (PIR) where unique geographical challenges exist. The PIR is comprised of isolated islands, spanning over 4 million square miles across the North, South and Western Pacific basins and includes the Hawai‘i Range Complex and the Mariana Islands Range Complex. All cetacean stranding response and investigative efforts for the PIR are centralized at a dedicated stranding facility located at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i (MCBH). This specialized facility houses the University of Hawai‘i (UH) Health and Stranding Lab, which plays a critical role as the only organization in the region to conduct cause of death investigations when dolphins and whales strand. This requires mounting an immediate response to each newly reported stranding event that occurs and conducting extensive necropsy examinations, including histopathology, disease surveillance, and tissue sampling in support of numerous research efforts aimed at better understanding Hawaiian cetaceans. In addition to this project facilitating advanced diagnostics in-house at the Health and Stranding Lab, we also report on progress towards a project option to measure fecal stress and reproductive hormones in Pacific Island cetaceans. An additional project option includes characterizing marine debris ingestion by abundance and mass in previously stranded short-finned pilot whales.
- 1,446.02 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 9, 2024
We report significant pathological findings from 250 stranding investigations of 20 cetacean species in the Pacific Islands region between 2006 and 2022. Full or partial necropsies of 196 of the 250 stranding cases (78.4%) resulted in a diagnosis or multiple diagnoses associated with death in 126 cases. Natural disease accounted for 60.3% of stranded animals; approximately half were in poor body condition at time of death due to chronic illness. Morbillivirus and Brucella sp. infections caused mortality in eleven species, including striped dolphins and the Longman’s beaked whale. Toxoplasma infection, of anthropogenic cause in Hawaiʻi, led to the deaths of two spinner dolphins. Pygmy and dwarf sperm whales, beaked whales and pilot whales showed heavy parasitism by nematodes, cestodes and trematodes. Approximately 12.7% of stranded individuals were perinates/neonates, with three cases of dystocia with maternal mortality. Anthropogenic trauma was observed in 30.2% of strandings. In seven Cuvier’s beaked whales, cranial and/or microvascular hemorrhages were categorized as trauma. Vertebral and skull fractures were attributed to direct vessel strikes for two pygmy sperm whales, a Cuvier’s beaked whale, a humpback whale calf and a striped dolphin. Blast trauma was observed in three Fraser’s dolphins that were part of an uncommon stranding event. Significant plastic debris, and/or fishery debris were found in stomachs of six species and fatal fishhook penetration occurred in a Submitted in Support of the U.S. Navy’s 2023 Annual Marine Species Monitoring Report for the Pacific STANDARD FORM 298 Back (Rev. 8/98) bottlenose dolphin. This study highlights the value of carcass examinations in a region inhabited by small island associated populations where carcass recovery rates are low, and cetaceans face an array of natural and anthropogenic threats.
- 1,496.52 KB
- Humpback whale
- Blainville's beaked whale
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Goose-beaked whale
- Dwarf sperm whale
- False killer whale
- Fraser's dolphin
- Killer whale
- Longman’s beaked whale
- Melon-headed whale
- Pilot whale
- Pygmy killer whale
- Risso's dolphin
- Rough-toothed dolphin
- Short-finned pilot whale
- Sperm whale
- Spinner dolphin
- Spotted dolphin
- Striped dolphin
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 26, 2024
Beaked whales are a group of deep diving whales with a world-wide distribution that consists of six genera and 24 identified species. Many species of beaked whales are rarely observed alive at sea and almost all biological data for the most poorly described species is based on stranding events. We examined beaked whale strandings across the western, central and southern Pacific, an area of more than 40 million square kilometers that encompasses island nations and territories in Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. Confirmed strandings of beaked whales include specimens that represent five different species.
- 2,212.83 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- September 16, 2024
The University of Hawaii Health and Stranding Lab located at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) is the only entity in the Pacific Islands region that responds to strandings, conducts necropsy and cause of death investigations, archives tissues and performs research to identify and evaluate threats to Pacific Island cetaceans. This project focuses on increasing our understanding of infectious diseases in the Pacific Island region by investigating the emerging diseases caused by circovirus, morbillivirus, herpesvirus and toxoplasmosis infections in cetaceans.
- 514.82 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 11, 2024
This review examines historical data from 535 odontocete stranding events in the Mariana archipelago and Hawaiian Islands by date, location and species and spans the time period of 1848 to 2023. Reports of strandings increased across the two geographic regions that were generally consistent over time. A total of 54 historical stranding events that represent 14 odontocete species are described for the Mariana Islands. A total of 481 stranding events that represent 19 odontocete species are described from the Hawaiian Islands, significantly updating the last published report that examined 202 odontocete strandings that occurred in the main Hawaiian Islands between 1937 and 2002. ArcGIS cluster maps were utilized to identify groupings of stranding events across the geographic regions. The majority of strandings in the Mariana Islands were reported from the west and southeastern coast of Guam, followed by Saipan, Rota and Tinian. Stranding hotspots in the Hawaiian Islands were identified at Mā’alaea Bay, Maui, at windward Oʻahu and near Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island.
- 493.28 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- January 1, 2015
A new method was developed to provide better metrics for quantifying Mid-Frequency Active Sonar (MFAS) occurrence and levels, and was applied to passive acoustic monitoring data collected in the Southern California (SOCAL) Range Complex. MFAS signals are composed of both tones and frequency swept ‘pings’, often with multiple pings grouped closely in time as packets. These packets often occur repeatedly at intervals >20 s over periods of hours as wave train events with gaps between events >1 h. The new approach uses a higher received level packet detection threshold (130 dBpp re 1 µPa) than previous analyses, which limits the detection range to about 20 km, reducing the number of overall detections but also reducing the false detection rate.
- 1,335.30 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 1, 2015
Low-frequency (10 – 1000 Hz) ambient noise spectrum level measurements were made at six sites over a period of about 7 years (2007 – 2014) offshore of North Carolina and Florida on the Atlantic seaboard continental shelf and slope. Site-averaged ambient spectrum levels for the six sites are similar (within 10 dB) with levels around 60-65 dB re 1µPa2/Hz near 1000 Hz, 70-75 dB re 1µPa2/Hz at 100 Hz, and ~85-95 dB re 1µPa2/Hz at 20 Hz. Instrument strumming, presumably from tidal and ocean current flow, affected five of the six sites, including a deep (~900 m) water site near the region where the Gulf Stream heads northeast offshore. The sixth site, the other deep (~950 m) water site, had minimal or no acoustic masking from flow induced strumming and showed spectrum levels similar to those of other deep water recordings, including whale call seasonality, distance shipping, and correlation with wind events.
- 1,883.75 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2018
A pair of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) were concurrently tracked in the Gulf of Alaska from their 40-Hz calls recorded on an array of passive acoustic monitoring instruments. Calls were produced during movement of the whales along convergent tracks, but following a close-approach (~500 m) between the whales, there was no extended period of close proximity. Call frequency, swim speed, and root-mean-square (rms) source sound pressure levels (SL) were different between the two animals. One whale called more frequently, more often, at a higher frequency and with higher SL, but had slower swim speeds than the other whale.
- 1,432.33 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2020
Over the past decade, underwater explosive sounds have been recorded in the U.S. Navy’s Southern California Range Complex. The majority of these events are related to the use of seal bombs by the fishing industry as a deterrent to depredation. In addition, a smaller number of explosions are from Navy ordnance use during training exercises, especially in the Southern California Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) Range (SOAR).
- 4,040.90 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 1, 2018
Underwater ambient and anthropogenic sounds were recorded over 5 years in the U.S. Navy’s Southern California Range Complex, at three sites ranging from ~500 m to 1300 m deep from June 2012 to June 2017. This report summarizes low-frequency ambient soundscape and anthropogenic sounds from mid-frequency active sonar and explosions over the 5-year period. Long-term average ambient sound pressure levels were highest at the shallow near-shore site (P) and lowest at the site (H) in the western San Nicolas Basin, likely related to nearby vessel activity.
- 6,517.30 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- February 1, 2017
Underwater ambient and anthropogenic sounds were recorded over multiple years at two U.S. Navy training areas, one in the Gulf of Alaska and the other offshore of the northwest coast of the continental U.S. The Gulf of Alaska Temporary Maritime Activities Area (GATMAA) was acoustically monitored for marine mammal, ambient, and anthropogenic sounds from July 2011 to September 2015. The Northwest Training Range Complex (NWTRC) was also monitored for sounds from marine mammals, ambient soundscape, and anthropogenic sources from September 2004 to May 2014.
- 11,685.16 KB
Using passive acoustics to monitor the presence of odontocete cetaceans during Naval exercises in Onslow Bay, NC.
, SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- April 3, 2009
- 76.26 KB
Temporal patterns of odontocete vocalizations in Onslow Bay, North Carolina.
SEAMAMMS (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium) .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 26, 2010
Stationary passive acoustic monitoring allows researchers to examine diel, seasonal, and inter-annual trends in vocalization patterns of odontocete cetaceans. We used bottom-mounted High-frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs; 0.01-100 kHz bandwidth) to examine temporal patterns of odontocete vocalizations in Onslow Bay, NC, over three deployment periods: (1) October 10, 2007 – January 16, 2008 (Site A); (2) May 30 – September 10, 2008 (Site B); and (3) April 24 – August 9, 2009 (Site A). We used Long-Term Spectral Averages (LTSAs) to locate vocal bouts within the HARP datasets and found hundreds of odontocete vocal bouts from several species, including sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), and unidentified odontocetes. The daily duration of these vocal bouts increased from mid-October 2007 to mid-January 2008, but we found no discernable pattern from June to September 2008 or from April to August 2009. When all vocal bouts were considered, there was a significant increase at dawn from October to January at Site A (Kruskal-Wallis, p
- 448.09 KB
Odontocete vocalizations in Onslow Bay, North Carolina: Integrating data from two passive acoustic techniques.
18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
- October 12, 2009
- 78.88 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2012
The primary objectives of this cooperative research project were threefold: 1) Deploy cell phone tags on monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands. 2) Monitor monk seal habitat use and behavior: determine home range sizes, foraging areas, and identify potential foraging hot spots of seals in the MHI. 3) Identify potential changes in monk seal behavior relative to Navy activities in the MHI.
- 2,342.55 KB
Estimating the distribution and relative density of satellite-tagged loggerhead sea turtles using geostatistical mixed effects models.
Marine Ecology Progress. 2026.
586:217-232
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:
- February 20, 2026
Movement and location data collected via satellite-linked telemetry tags are often used to inform spatial conservation measures for threatened marine populations. Most applied telemetry studies aim to reconstruct the continuous utilization distribution underlying reported locations to characterize the relative intensity of space use. However, commonly applied space use estimators do not directly estimate the underlying distribution of interest and, perhaps more importantly, ignore correlations in space and time that may bias estimates. Here we describe how geostatistical mixed effects models, which explicitly account for spatial and/or temporal correlation using Gaussian random fields, can be applied to estimate utilization distributions from satellite telemetry data. We use simulation testing to compare the performance of the proposed models with several conventional space use estimators. Our results suggest that geostatistical mixed effects models outperform conventional estimators when the number of tag transmissions changes over time, a common source of bias in satellite telemetry studies that is rarely addressed. We illustrate this approach via application to satellite telemetry location observations collected from 271 large juvenile and adult loggerhead sea turtles in the western North Atlantic from 2004 to 2016. We demonstrate how such models can be used to predict the overall spatial distribution of tagged individuals, as well as seasonal shifts in densities at smaller time scales. For tagged loggerheads, overall predicted densities were greatest in the shelf waters along the US Atlantic coast from Florida to North Carolina, but monthly predictions highlight the importance of summer foraging habitat in the Mid-Atlantic Bight.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- November 1, 2016
In this study, we conducted a detailed analysis of existing passive acoustic data using a combination of automated and semi-automated methods to characterize the vocal behavior of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the middle to southern U.S. coastal Atlantic Ocean. Existing datasets from autonomous recorders deployed offshore of Jacksonville (JAX), Florida, Onslow Bay (OB), North Carolina, and Cape Hatteras (HAT), North Carolina, were analyzed to assess the presence, foraging behavior, and diel patterns of sperm whale vocal activity in these regions. The dataset used for this study consisted of acoustic data from ten autonomous recorders: nine Marine Autonomous Recording Units (MARU’s) [six JAX (three fall and three winter), three OB] and one Autonomous Multi-channel Acoustic Recorder (AMAR; HAT).
- 2,510.01 KB
From clicks to counts: Using passive acoustic monitoring to estimate the density and abundance of Cuvier’s beaked whales in the Gulf of Alaska.
7th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- July 13, 2015
A visual and acoustic line-transect survey of marine mammals was conducted in the central Gulf of Alaska (GoA) during the summer of 2013. The survey area was divided into four sub-strata to reflect four distinct habitats; ‘inshore’, ‘slope’, ‘offshore’ and ‘seamount’. Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted using a towed-hydrophone array system. One of the main objectives of the acoustic survey was to obtain an acoustic-based density estimate for beaked whales. Three species of beaked whales were identified; Cuvier’s (Ziphius cavirostris), Baird’s (Berardius bairdii) and Steijneger’s (Mesoplodon stejnegeri).
- 5,492.78 KB
Clicking to be counted: Using passive acoustic monitoring to estimate the density and abundance of sperm whales in the central Gulf of Alaska.
21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. .
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- December 13, 2015
A 26 day visual and acoustic line-transect survey of marine mammals was conducted in the central Gulf of Alaska (GoA) during the summer of 2013. The survey area was divided into four strata to reflect distinct habitats; 'inshore', 'slope', 'offshore' and 'seamounts'. Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted around the clock for 23 days using a towedhydrophone array system. One of the main objectives of the acoustic survey was to obtain an acoustic-based density estimate for sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the study area.
- 91.79 KB
Inter and intra specific variation in echolocation signals among odontocete species in Hawaii, the northwest Atlantic and the temperate Pacific.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2016.
139 (4, Part 2):2061
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- April 1, 2016
Odontocete species use echolocation signals (clicks) to forage and navigate. The aim of this study is to explore inter- and intra-specific variation in clicks among odontocete species in the Northwest Atlantic, Temperate Pacific, and Hawaii. Clicks were examined for seven species of delphinids in the Northwest Atlantic; common dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, pilot whale, rough-toothed dolphin, striped dolphin, Atlantic spotted dolphin, and bottlenose dolphin. Newly developed PAMGuard tools were used to automatically measure a suite of click parameters. Five parameters were compared among species; duration, center frequency, peak frequency, sweep rate, and number of zero crossings. Significant differences in duration, center and peak frequency were evident among species within this study area (Dunn’s test with Bonferroni adjustment p
Sexually dimorphic characteristics of short-finned pilot whales, false killer whales, pygmy killer whales, and melon-headed whales assessed using fin and body morphometrics from photographs taken at sea..
Marine Mammal Science. 2023.
39(1):98–113
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- January 1, 2023
Adults of many free-ranging delphinid species cannot be reliably sexed at sea. Sexually mature, known-sex adult short-finned pilot, pygmy killer, melon-headed, and false killer whales were profiled from at-sea photos to assess proportional fin and body dimorphism. Males of all four species had larger dorsal fins proportional to anterior body length. False killer whales showed no further dimorphism, while melon-headed whales showed subtle dimorphism in dorsal fin overhang. Pygmy killer whales showed subtle dimorphism in lateral positioning of the top-most point and overhang. Lastly, short-finned pilot whales showed strong dimorphism in the leading edge, lateral positioning of the top-most point, and height of the overhang. Generalized linear models showed strong predictive accuracy for pilot and false killer whales, and moderate accuracy for pygmy killer and melon-headed whales. Results indicate that adult short-finned pilot and false killer whales can be accurately sexed in the field or via morphometrics. Adult pygmy killer and melon-headed whales have subtle sexual dimorphism that can be detected using morphometrics. The presence of dimorphism gives insight into potential reproductive strategies and social structure. Further analysis is needed to explore morphometric differences between inshore and pelagic populations of these species, as well as ontogenetic growth between life stages.
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- March 1, 2020
The primary goals of Winter HICEAS 2020 were to collect data required to estimate the abundance and distribution, examine the population structure, and understand the habitat of cetaceans around the main Hawaiian Islands during the winter months (January–March). There were 5 major research components to the project: visual observations for cetaceans following a line-transect survey design; passive acoustic monitoring for cetaceans using towed hydrophone arrays, sonobuoys, and autonomous drifting acoustic recorders; collection of photographs and tissue samples and deployment of satellite tags for select cetacean groups; visual observations for seabirds following a strip-transect survey design; and ecosystem measurements for assessment of cetacean and seabird habitat.
- 8,521.54 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 1, 2018
The primary goals of HICEAS 2017 were to collect data required to estimate the abundance and distribution, examine the population structure, and understand the habitat of cetaceans within U.S. waters around the Hawaiian Islands. There were 5 major research components to HICEAS 2017: visual observations for cetaceans following a line-transect survey design; passive acoustic monitoring for cetaceans using towed hydrophone arrays, sonobuoys, and autonomous drifting acoustic recorders; collection of photographs and tissue samples and deployment of satellite tags for select cetacean groups; visual observations for seabirds following a strip-transect survey design; and ecosystem measurements for assessment of cetacean and seabird habitat.
- 15,414.29 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- June 1, 2022
Cetacean and Seabird Data During the Mariana Archipelago Cetacean Survey
- 1,993.75 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- August 6, 2025
The Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), NOAA Fisheries, with support from the U.S. Navy, conducted line transect surveys in Behm Canal and adjacent areas in the spring of 2023 and fall of 2024 to obtain estimates of density and abundance of cetaceans and information on marine mammal distribution and occurrence.
- 9,210.00 KB
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Filesize:
- April 21, 2023
In this study, we conducted line transect surveys to assess the seasonal distribution and abundance of marine mammals in Hood Canal (Washington), with emphasis on harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and killer whales (Orcinus orca).
- 13,626.84 KB
Climatic and economic fluctuations revealed by decadal ocean soundscapes.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 2025.
157(6):4233–4251
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- June 5, 2025
Decadal variations of ocean soundscapes are intricately linked to large-scale climatic and economic fluctuations. This study draws on over 15 years of acoustic recordings at six sites within the Southern California Bight, investigating interannual, seasonal, and diel variations. By examining acoustic energy from fin and blue whales along with sounds from ships and wind, we identified changes in soundscape over time and space. This study reveals that sound levels associated with both biological and non-biological sound sources varied seasonally and correlated with large-scale climatic patterns and long-term oceanographic fluctuations. Baleen whale sound levels before, during, and after a marine heatwave were assessed; sound levels decreased in southern sites and increased in northern sites adjacent to the California Current, underscoring the potential for range shifts and habitat compression during warm years for these species. Ship-generated sound levels at high-traffic sites reflected economic events such as recessions, labor shortages and negotiations, and changes to port activities. Marine soundscapes offer an approach to assess the ocean's condition amid ongoing climatic and economic fluctuations.
Cetaceans of the Nearshore Environment at Pagan Island, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
2025.
3:1–25
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- June 14, 2025
Information on the cetacean fauna found in the nearshore waters of Pagan Island, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), are reported for the first time. In August 2013 visual and acoustic surveys in the nearshore (
Current
Acoustic Ecology of Northwest Atlantic Shelf Break Cetaceans and Effects of Anthropogenic Noise Impacts
Project Objectives
Assess the acoustic niche of marine mammal species and anthropogenic contributors to disturbance
Current
Mid-Atlantic Offshore Cetacean Study
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, habitat use, and baseline behavior of cetaceans in the offshore and continental shelf break region of the VACAPES OPAREANo related blog posts to display
