12851 Project Published / External 6782 PSD Cetacean Research Program (CRP) Metadata Portfolio Project In Work The PIFSC CRP conducts line-transect and other cetacean surveys aboard large vessels (> 200 ft). The surveys combine visual and passive acoustic methods. Ecosystem sampling is conducted during some surveys and includes oceanographic sampling and seabird surveys. More than 25 species of cetaceans occur in U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters of the Pacific Ocean. Six of these species - humpback whales, sperm whales, blue whales, fin whales, sei whales, and North Pacific right whales, and one Discrete Population Segment - Main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whales- are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and their stocks are considered depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is responsible for studying the populations of whales and dolphins within the U.S. EEZ waters of the Pacific Islands Region (PIR). A variety of information is needed in order to properly manage human effects on these populations and protect them from current or future depletion. Visual and acoustic surveys are conducted in both nearshore and offshore waters in order to assess the location and abundance of cetacean species in the PIR. Oceanographic data are collected in order to characterize cetacean habitat. See the timeframes for specific cruise details including objectives, areas of operation, and date types collected. See separate data sets for details on each type of data collected. The PIFSC CRP shipboard surveys are conducted aboard the NOAA R/V Oscar Elton Sette. Theme Oscar Elton Sette Theme cetaceans Theme line transect Theme oceanographic sampling Theme passive acoustic surveys Theme ship surveys Theme visual surveys Spatial American Samoa Spatial Central Pacific Ocean Spatial Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Spatial Guam Spatial High Seas Spatial Johnston Spatial Kingman Spatial Main Hawaiian Islands Spatial Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Spatial Pacific Islands Region Spatial Palmyra Spatial Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument Spatial Wake Spatial Western Pacific Ocean Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Honolulu HI USA IRC 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg. 176 Honolulu, HI 96818 Data Steward 2008-12-01 Person Oleson, Erin M erin.oleson@noaa.gov 1845 Wasp Blvd. Honolulu HI 96818 USA (808)725-5712 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. contact by email Data Steward 2006-09-01 Person Hill, Marie C marie.c.hill@noaa.gov 1845 Wasp Blvd. Honolulu HI 96818 USA (808)725-5710 contact by email Data Steward 2006-02-01 2008-06-01 Person Johnston, David W dave.johnston@noaa.gov Distributor 2006 Person Hill, Marie C marie.c.hill@noaa.gov 1845 Wasp Blvd. Honolulu HI 96818 USA (808)725-5710 email Metadata Contact 2006-09-01 Person Hill, Marie C marie.c.hill@noaa.gov 1845 Wasp Blvd. Honolulu HI 96818 USA (808)725-5710 contact by email Originator 2006-03-01 Organization Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center PIFSC pifsc.info@noaa.gov https://ror.org/02apffz65 1845 Wasp Blvd. Honolulu HI 96818 USA 808-725-5360 https://www.pifsc.noaa.gov Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center homepage Online Resource 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Point of Contact 2006 Person Hill, Marie C marie.c.hill@noaa.gov 1845 Wasp Blvd. Honolulu HI 96818 USA (808)725-5710 email The U.S. EEZs (Exclusive Economic Zones) of the Pacific Islands Region including Hawaii, American Samoa, Palmyra/Kingman, Wake, Johnston, Guam/Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Central and western Pacific Ocean high seas between EEZs. 142 -151 32 -18 The U.S. EEZs (Exclusive Economic Zones) of the Pacific Islands Region including Hawaii, American Samoa, Palmyra/Kingman, Wake, Guam/Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Central and western Pacific Ocean high seas between EEZs. Range 2006-03-05 2006-03-28 OES 06-03: Cetacean survey American Samoa to Oahu (via Johnston EEZ) Objectives: (1) collect line-transect data on cetacean abundance and distribution for all cetacean species present in the study area, (2) collect biopsy samples for genetic studies of population structure of cetaceans, (3) collect photo-ID data on cetaceans for population structure and abundance, (4) collect oceanographic data to provide an ecological context for observations mentioned above. Areas of Operation: American Samoa EEZ (Tutuila, Manua Islands, Rose Atoll, Swains Island), equatorial central Pacific, Johnston EEZ (Johnston Atoll), high seas Data types collected: marine operations log visual survey (WinCruz files, sighting forms, sighting logs) oceanographic (CTD, XBT) photos Range 2007-03-26 2007-04-12 OES 07-02: Cetacean survey within the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Objectives: (1) collect visual survey data on cetacean groups within the study area using line-transect methods, (2) collect photo data for species and individual identification, (3) collect biopsy samples for genetic studies of population structure, (4) collect passive acoustics data (recordings and detections) on cetacean vocalizations to assess species presence and distribution, (5) collect oceanographic data to assess cetacean distribution in relation to environmental conditions, and (6) deploy a HARP at Ladd Seamount to assess temporal variations in species presence. Areas of Operation: Oahu to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands including Ladd Seamount and Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument Data types collected: marine operations log visual survey (WinCruz files, sighting forms, sighting logs) passive acoustic (towed array) oceanographic (CTD, XBT) photos biopsy samples Range 2008-07-11 2008-07-28 SE 08-06: Cetacean surveys within the main Hawaiian Islands (Kauai to Hawaii) Objectives: (1) collect visual survey data on cetacean groups within the study area using modified line-transect methods, (2) collect photo data for species and individual identification, (3) collect biopsy samples for genetic studies of population structure, (4) collect passive acoustics data (recordings and detections) on cetacean vocalizations to assess species presence and distribution, (5) collect oceanographic data to assess cetacean distribution in relation to environmental conditions, and (6)deploy and recover suction-cup tags (d-tags) on cetaceans off of the west side of Hawaii Island to assess movements in relation Navy exercises. Areas of Operation: Data types collected: marine operations log visual survey (WinCruz files, sighting forms) oceanographic (CTD, XBT) photos biopsy samples d-tag Range 2009-02-05 2009-02-27 SE 09-01: Cetacean survey of the main Hawaiian Islands inner exclusive economic zone. Objectives: (1) collect visual survey data on cetacean groups within the study area using line-transect methods, (2) collect photo data for species and individual identification, (3) collect biopsy samples for genetic studies of population structure, (4) collect passive acoustics data (recordings and detections) on cetacean vocalizations to assess species presence and distribution, (5) collect oceanographic data to assess cetacean distribution in relation to environmental conditions, and (6) recovery and deployment of a HARP o the Kona coast of Hawaii Island. Areas of Operation: main Hawaiian Islands out to Hawaii EEZ boundary in some locations Data types collected: marine operations log visual survey (WinCruz files, sighting forms, sighting logs) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys) oceanographic (CTD, XBT) photos biopsy samples Range 2010-01-20 2010-02-07 SE 10-01: Cetacean survey - transit from Oahu to Guam (via Wake EEZ) Objectives: (1) collect visual survey data on cetacean groups along the transit line using line-transect methods, (2) collect photo data for species and individual identification, (3) collect biopsy samples for genetic studies of population structure, (4) collect passive acoustics data (recordings and detections) on cetacean vocalizations to assess species presence and distribution, (5) collect oceanographic data to assess cetacean distribution in relation to environmental conditions, and (6)deploy a HARP for long-term monitoring of cetacean occurrence off Wake Island. Additional biological and oceanographic sampling was carried out by the PIFSC Ecosystem and Oceanography Division including neuston net tows and testing of a Continuous Plankton Recorder. That data collection is not reported here. Areas of Operation: Oahu to Gaum through Wake EEZ Data types collected: marine operations log visual survey (WinCruz files, sighting forms, sighting logs) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys) oceanographic (CTD, XBT) photos biopsy samples Range 2010-04-19 2010-05-04 SE 10-04: Cetacean survey - transit from Guam to Oahu (via Wake EEZ) Objectives: (1) collect visual survey data on cetacean groups along the transit line using line-transect methods, (2) collect photo data for species and individual identification, (3) collect biopsy samples for genetic studies of population structure, (4) collect passive acoustics data (recordings and detections) on cetacean vocalizations to assess species presence and distribution, (5) collect oceanographic data to assess cetacean distribution in relation to environmental conditions, and (6) recover and deploy a HARP for long-term monitoring of cetacean occurrence off Wake Island. Areas of Operation: CNMI EEZ including Guam to Oahu via Wake EEZ including Wake Island Data types collected: marine operations log visual survey (WinCruz files, sighting forms, sighting logs) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys) oceanographic (CTD, XBT) photos biopsy samples Range 2010-08-13 2010-11-26 2 legs by Oscar Elton Sette (PIFSC) - start date 2010-09-01 Oscar Elton Sette (PIFSC) - end date 2010-10-29 SE 10-08/SWFSC 1641: Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey (HICEAS) Objectives: This was a collaborative effort with the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC). HICEAS was a five month effort to survey the entire Hawaii EEZ in order to update abundance estimates for the existing cetacean stocks. Two ships (Oscar Elton Sette and MacArthur II) were used to conduct the surveys. The objectives of this cruise were to (1) collect visual survey data on cetacean groups within the Hawaii EEZ using line-transect methods, (2) collect photo data for species and individual identification, (3) collect biopsy samples for genetic studies of population structure, (4) collect passive acoustics data (recordings and detections) on cetacean vocalizations to assess species presence and distribution, (5) collect oceanographic data to assess cetacean distribution in relation to environmental conditions, and (6) collect data on the distribution and abundance of seabirds. Areas of Operation: Hawaii EEZ including the main Hawaiian Islands, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Papahanaumakuakea Marine National Monument and offshore locations. MacArthur II survey dates (3.5 legs within the Hawaii EEZ) Date types collected: marine operations log visual survey (WinCruz files, sighting forms, sighting logs) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys) oceanographic (CTD, XBT, EK60, chlorophyll a samples) photos biopsy samples All seabird data are held and managed by SWFSC. All oceanographic data collected by the MacArthur II are held and managed by SWFSC. Chlorophyll-a samples and EK-60 data were collected and analyzed by SWFSC oceanographer. None of these data are held by PIFSC. Range 2011-10-20 2011-11-17 SE 11-08: Palmyra Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Survey (PICEAS), Leg 1 Objectives: This was the first of two legs of a line-transect survey within the Palmyra EEZ. Half of the predetermined tracklines were surveyed during this leg. The ship departed from and returned to Oahu. The objectives of this cruise were to (1) collect visual survey data on cetacean groups within the Palmyra EEZ using line-transect methods, (2) collect photo data for species and individual identification, (3) collect biopsy samples for genetic studies of population structure, (4) collect passive acoustics data (recordings and detections) on cetacean vocalizations to assess species presence and distribution, (5) collect oceanographic data to assess cetacean distribution in relation to environmental conditions, (6)collect data on the distribution and abundance of seabirds, and (7) deploy a HARP off of Palmyra Atoll. Areas of Operation: Oahu to the Palmyra EEZ Data types collected: marine operations log visual survey (WinCruz files, sighting forms, sighting logs) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys) oceanographic (CTD, XBT, Chlorophyll-a), photos biopsy samples All seabird data are held and managed by SWFSC (not reported here). Range 2012-04-23 2012-05-16 SE 12-03: Palmyra Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Survey (PICEAS), Leg 2 Objectives: This was the second of two legs of a line-transect survey within the Palmyra EEZ. Half of the predetermined tracklines were surveyed during this leg. The ship departed from American Samoa and returned to Oahu. The objectives of this cruise were to (1) collect visual survey data on cetacean groups within the Palmyra EEZ using line-transect methods, (2) collect photo data for species and individual identification, (3) collect biopsy samples for genetic studies of population structure, (4) collect passive acoustics data (recordings and detections) on cetacean vocalizations to assess species presence and distribution, (5) collect oceanographic data to assess cetacean distribution in relation to environmental conditions, (6)collect data on the distribution and abundance of seabirds, and (8) recover Palmyra Atoll HARP and deploy a HARP off of Kingman Reef. Areas of Operation: American Samoa EEZ to Palmyra EEZ and Hawaii EEZ Data types collected: marine operations log visual survey (WinCruz files, sighting forms, sighting logs) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys) oceanographic (CTD, XBT, Chlorophyll-a), photos biopsy samples All seabird data are held and managed by SWFSC (not reported here). Range 2013-05-07 2013-06-05 SE 13-03: Papahanaumokukea Associated Cetacean Ecology Survey (PACES) Objectives: The objectives of this cruise were to (1) collect visual survey data on cetacean groups within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument using line-transect methods, (2) collect photo data for species and individual identification, (3) collect biopsy samples for genetic studies of population structure, (4) deploy satellite tags on false killer whales to observe their movements, (5) collect passive acoustics data (recordings and detections) on cetacean vocalizations to assess species presence and distribution, (6) collect oceanographic data to assess cetacean distribution in relation to environmental conditions, and (7) recover and redeploy a HARP off of Pearl and Hermes Reef. Areas of Operation: Oahu north to Pearl and Hermes Reef. Survey conducted within the boundaries of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Date types collected: marine operations log visual survey (WinCruz files, sighting forms, sighting logs) passive acoustic (towed array), oceanographic (CTD, XBT, Chlorophyll-a, EK-60) photos biopsy sampling satellite telemetry Range 2015-05-08 2015-06-06 SE 15-02: Mariana Archipelago Cetacean Survey (MACS) Objectives: (1) collect visual survey data on cetacean groups within the waters surrounding the northern islands of the Mariana Archipelago using line-transect methods, (2) collect photo data for species and individual identification, (3) collect biopsy samples for genetic studies of population structure, (4) collect passive acoustics data (recordings and detections) on cetacean vocalizations to assess species presence and distribution, (5) collect oceanographic data to assess cetacean distribution in relation to environmental conditions, (6) deploy satellite tags on certain species to study individual movements, and (7) recover and re-deploy HARPs off of Saipan and Tinian and deploy a new HARP off of Pagan. Areas of Operation: Mariana Archipelago from Guam to Uracas out to 50 nmi Data types collected: marine operations log visual survey (WinCruz fies, sighting forms, sighting logs) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys) oceanographic (CTD, XBT) photos biopsy samples satellite telemetry Range 2016-06-28 2016-07-26 SE 16-04: Hawaiian Islands - Technology for the Ecology of Cetaceans (HI-TEC) Objectives: HI-TEC was a 30-day effort to survey the waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands in order to update abundance estimates for the existing cetacean stocks. The NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette was used to conduct the surveys. The objectives of this cruise were to (1) collect visual survey data on cetacean groups using line-transect methods, (2) collect photo data for species and individual identification, (3) collect biopsy samples for genetic studies of population structure, (4) collect passive acoustics data (recordings and detections) on cetacean vocalizations to assess species presence and distribution, (5) collect oceanographic data to assess cetacean distribution in relation to environmental conditions, and (6) test the use of a hexacopter (APH-22) to ground truth observers' group size estimates. Areas of Operation: The main Hawaiian Islands Date types collected: marine operations log visual survey (WinCruz files, sighting forms, sighting logs) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys) oceanographic (CTD, XBT, EK60, chlorophyll a samples) photos biopsy samples Range 2017-07-07 2017-11-08 The Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey (HICEAS) of 2017 was a large-scale ship survey for cetaceans and seabirds within U.S. waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. HICEAS 2017 was the third of its kind, with prior surveys, using many of the same methods and encompassing the same study area, occurring in 2002 (Barlow et al. 2006) and 2010 (Bradford et al. 2017). The 2017 survey represented the first Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey conducted as part of the Pacific Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (PacMAPPS), a partnership between NOAA Fisheries, the U.S. Navy, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). PacMAPPS includes rotational ship surveys in regions of joint interest throughout the Pacific designed to estimate the abundance of cetaceans and seabirds and to assess the ecosystems supporting these species. HICEAS 2017 was a collaborative survey between the Pacific Islands and Southwest Fisheries Science Centers (PIFSC and SWFSC). The survey took place from 6 July to 1 December 2017 aboard the NOAA Research Vessels Oscar Elton Sette and Reuben Lasker (hereafter referred to as the Sette and the Lasker, respectively), spanning 7 survey “legs” and 179 days-at-sea across both ships (Appendix 1). Survey Objectives 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. Range 2018-07-09 2018-08-01 SE 18-03 Mariana Archipelago Cetacean Survey (MACS) Objectives: 1. Deploy and recover Drifting Acoustic Spar Buoy Recorders (DASBRs) to listen for cetaceans within the study area. 2. Conduct transect and near-shore visual and towed-array passive acoustic surveys for cetaceans between the island archipelago and the West Mariana Ridge. Collect individual identification photographs, tissue samples, and deploy satellite telemetry tags on cetaceans as opportunities allow. 3. Conduct one Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD) cast within each survey grid square to examine variability in oceanographic properties across the study area. 4. Deploy sonobuoys on baleen whale sightings to associate detected calls with visually-verified species. 5. Recover and redeploy two High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) near Saipan and Tinian, and redeploy a HARP at Pagan Island. Areas of Operation: Off the islands of Guam to Pagan and out to the West Mariana Ridge approximately 278 km (150 nmi) from shore. Data types collected: marine operations log visual survey (WinCruz files, ancillary sighting data (Filemaker database & .xlsx export files)) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys, Drifting Acoustic Spar Buoy Recorders) oceanographic (CTD) photos biopsy samples Range 2019-03-30 2019-04-12 SE 19-01 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands humpback whale survey (including passive acoustic gear trials) Area of Operation: The waters around the Main Hawaiian Islands and the eastern-most Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Objectives: 1. Deployment and recovery of Drifting Acoustic Spar Buoy Recorders (DASBRs) including new AIS-transmitting prototype. 2. Testing with Trident volumetric towed hydrophone array. 3. CTD casts for collection of eDNA to identify cryptic cetaceans; a passive acoustic package will be attached to the CTD rosette during each cast. 4. Visual surveys of cetacean distribution, school size, and school composition to determine density and abundance. Visual surveys for cetaceans will occur during daylight hours and will focus primarily on humpback whales. 5. Skin biopsies and satellite tagging of cetaceans for investigations of stock structure and phylogenetic relationships. 6. Passive acoustic monitoring for vocal cetaceans to augment assessments of distribution and abundance. Acoustic monitoring may be conducted 24 hours per day, including use of towed hydrophone array while underway and sonobuoys while on station. 7. Recover and redeploy a High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) near Kona. Data types collected: visual survey (WinCruz files, ancillary sighting data (Filemaker database & .xlsx export files)) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys, Drifting Acoustic Spar Buoy Recorders) oceanographic (CTD) photos biopsy samples Range 2020-01-18 2020-03-12 SE 20-01 Winter Hawaiian Islands Cetacean Ecosystem Survey (WHICEAS) - 2 legs (Leg 1: 18 January - 12 February; Leg 2: 17 February - 12 March) Area of Operation: The waters around the Main Hawaiian Islands. The core study area for this project covers waters from 18ºN and 153º 50'W to 23º 10'N and 161º 15'W Objectives: 1.Visual surveys of cetacean occurrence, school size, and school composition to determine density and abundance. Visual surveys for cetaceans will occur during daylight hours. 2. Skin biopsies and satellite tagging of cetaceans for investigations of stock structure and phylogenetic relationships. 3. Photo identification to document geographic variation in dolphin morphology, pigment patterns, health condition, school composition, and distribution of individual whales. 4. Passive acoustic monitoring for vocal cetaceans to augment assessments of distribution and abundance. Acoustic monitoring may be conducted 24 hours per day, including use of towed hydrophone array while underway and deployment of sonobuoys while on station or underway. 5. Oceanographic sampling to characterize habitat and its variation over time. The ship will collect oceanographic data from routine conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) casts, conducted once each morning and once each night. 6. Surveys of seabirds to characterize the ecosystem in which these cetaceans live. 7. Deploy and recover Drifting Autonomous Spar Buoy Recorders (DASBRs) offshore of the Main Hawaiian Islands to assess occurrence of cetaceans independent of the ship-based survey platform. 8. Recover and redeploy a High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) near Kona. 9. Recover and redeploy Ocean Noise Reference Station NRS04 north of Oahu. Data types collected: visual survey (WinCruz files, ancillary sighting data (Filemaker database & .xlsx export files)) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys, Drifting Acoustic Spar Buoy Recorders) oceanographic (CTD) photos biopsy samples Range 2021-04-13 2021-07-28 SE 21-02 Mariana Archipelago Cetacean Survey (MACS). Objectives: 1. Conduct line transect visual and towed-array passive acoustic surveys for cetaceans throughout the Guam and CNMI EEZ. Collect individual identification photographs, tissue samples, and deploy satellite telemetry tags on cetaceans as opportunities allow. 2. Deploy and recover Drifting Acoustic Spar Buoy Recorders (DASBRs) to listen for cetaceans within the study area. 3. Conduct one Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD) cast to examine variability in oceanographic properties across the study area. 4. Deploy sonobuoys on baleen whale sightings to associate detected calls with visually-verified species. 5. Recover and redeploy two High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) near Saipan and Pagan Island. Areas of Operation: Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands exclusive economic zone. Data types collected: visual survey (WinCruz files, ancillary sighting data (Filemaker database & .xlsx export files)) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys, Drifting Acoustic Spar Buoy Recorders, HARP recoveries/deployments off Saipan & Pagan) oceanographic (CTD) photos biopsy samples seabird survey (data are housed by the SWFSC) Range 2023-07-22 2023-12-04 SE 23-03/RL 24-01 Hawaiian Islands Cetacean Ecosystem Survey (HICEAS) - 5 legs aboard 2 ships (Oscar Elton Sette & Reuben Lasker) Area of Operation: The waters within the Hawaii EEZ. Objectives: 1.Visual and passive acoustic surveys during daylight hours to determine density and abundance. 2. Skin biopsies and satellite tagging of cetaceans for investigations of stock structure and phylogenetic relationships. 3. Photo identification to document geographic variation in dolphin morphology, pigment patterns, health condition, school composition, and distribution of individual whales. 4. Oceanographic sampling to characterize habitat and its variation over time. Collection of oceanographic data from routine conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) casts, conducted once each morning and once each night. 5. Surveys of seabirds to characterize the ecosystem in which these cetaceans live. 6. Deployment and recovery of Drifting Autonomous Spar Buoy Recorders (DASBRs) to assess occurrence of cetaceans independent of the ship-based survey platform. 7. Recovery and redeployment a High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) near Kona. Data types collected: visual survey (WinCruz files, ancillary sighting data (Filemaker database & .xlsx export files)) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys, Drifting Acoustic Spar Buoy Recorders, HARP) oceanographic (CTD) photos biopsy samples seabird data housed by the SWFSC Range 2024-04-23 2024-05-22 SE 24-04 Survey for Continued Observation of Pseudorca Extent (SCOPE) Area of Operation: Hawaii EEZ, High seas, with the study area between ~8-15°N and ~140-150°W Objectives: The goal of the Survey for Continued Observation of Pseudorca Extent (SCOPE) was to maximize biological data collection of pelagic false killer whales to inform future development of the HawaiÊ»i pelagic false killer whale management area. The study area was chosen because genetic analyses to date have indicated a difference between pelagic false killer whales in the central North Pacific and eastern tropical Pacific, and this area offered the potential to detect possible boundaries or overlap in these two groups. Additionally, predicted densities of false killer whales are higher closer to the tropics. Finally, while there are sightings in the study area from previous NOAA Fisheries surveys, there are no biopsies or other more specific biological data. SCOPE offered an opportunity to collect biological data in an area that has not been surveyed in recent decades and is unlikely to be readily surveyed as part of other regional efforts. Data collection consisted of visual and acoustic survey effort, ecosystem sampling, and small boat launches. Data types collected: visual survey (WinCruz files, ancillary sighting data (Filemaker database & .xlsx export files)) passive acoustic (towed array, sonobuoys, Drifting Acoustic Spar Buoy Recorders) oceanographic (CTD, eDNA) photos biopsy samples satellite telemetry Unclassified Requestor will be asked to submit a request by email to Erin Oleson (erin.oleson@noaa.gov) or Marie Hill (marie.hill@noaa.gov) Requestor will be asked to submit a request by email to Erin Oleson (erin.oleson@noaa.gov) or Marie Hill (marie.hill@noaa.gov) Requestor will be asked to submit a request by email to Erin Oleson (erin.oleson@noaa.gov) or Marie Hill (marie.hill@noaa.gov) Requestor will be asked to submit a request by email to Erin Oleson (erin.oleson@noaa.gov) or Marie Hill (marie.hill@noaa.gov) None None CRP Cetacean Research Program CTD Conductivity Temperature Depth EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service PIFSC Pacific Islands Fiseries Science Center XBT Expendable Bathythermograph 31994 Data Set 31995 Data Set 18141 Data Set gov.noaa.nmfs.inport:12851 Marie Hill 2012-08-20T19:05:08 SysAdmin InPortAdmin 2026-05-26T15:20:59 2019-05-05 Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center PIFSC 1845 Wasp Blvd. Honolulu HI 96818 USA 808-725-5300 https://www.pifsc.noaa.gov 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 1001 Public No 2019-05-05 1 Year 2020-05-05