AFSC/NMML: Distribution of cetaceans in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas, 2010-2015

As part of several inter-agency agreements between the National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), ship-based visual surveys of the Bering, Chukchi, and Western Beaufort Seas were conducted within the months of July to September every year starting in 2010. Visual surveys were used to document distribution of marine mammals, with specific focus on cetacean species. Since 2010, 9 cetacean species and a total of 17 marine mammal species were documented.

The purpose of ship-based visual surveys were to document the distribution of cetaceans within the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas.

Loaded by FGDC Metadata Uploader, batch 6673, 07-29-2015 17:02

The following FGDC sections are not currently supported in InPort, but were preserved and will be included in the FGDC export:

- Taxonomy (FGDC:taxonomy)

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of NOAA/NMFS/AFSC, as the source from which these data were obtained in any publications and/or other representations of these, data is suggested.

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In all years except 2013, data were collected using the software WINCRUZ (http://tinyurl.com/qhtakea). Post cruise processing included data extraction and error checking using customized software (Paul Wade, National Marine Mammal Laboratory). In 2013, the computer program Mysticetus (www.mysticetus.com) was used. Accuracy was ensured by reviewing and editing the data in the field on a daily basis. In all years, tracklines and sightings were plotted in ArcMap to check for accuracy.

In all years except 2013, data were collected using the software WINCRUZ (http://tinyurl.com/qhtakea). Post cruise processing included data extraction and error checking using customized software (Paul Wade, National Marine Mammal Laboratory). In 2013, the computer program Mysticetus (www.mysticetus.com) was used. Accuracy was ensured by reviewing and editing the data in the field on a daily basis. In all years, tracklines and sightings were plotted in ArcMap to check for accuracy.

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