2005-present_Cetacean Biopsy Samples from the Pacific Islands Region

This catalog cetacean skin and blubber samples collected during both small boat and shipboard surveys. Samples are collected using projectile darts. The catalog also contains the database with Information associated with the sample collection and storage.

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 Manne 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. This includes details on stock structure, abundance, habitat use, natural and anthropogenic threats as well as estimates of reproduction and mortality rates. Biological sample collection Is an essential tool for determining populations structure and ecology. Skin samples are used to elucidate genetic

stock structure. Analysis of skin and blubber for contaminants and stable isotopes provide additional information on stock structure. In addition, stable isotope and fatty acid composition provides information about trophic relationships.

See specific region projects for more information.

Biopsy samples were collected under NMFS permits 15240 (PIFSC), 14097 (SWFSC), 727-1915 (SIO), and 774-1714 (SWFSC). When possible biopsy samples are cut in half (longitudinally) and one half of each sample are sent to the SWFSC for archive.

IRC

1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg. 176

Honolulu, HI 96818

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). Requests for samples will be considered within the context of other ongoing or proposed projects given limited individual sample volume and overall limited sample size.

None

None

All samples collected are reported within the table

Biopsy sampling data collected prior to 2011 were collected on paper forms and then data on the biopsy samples collected were transcribed into the biopsy spreadsheet within the Cetacean Research Program (CRP) Microsoft Access database. Datasheets were checked in the field after sampling and data were checked after entry into the access database. After 2011 data on biopsy sampling were collected on an ipad using a Filemaker database. Data are checked in the field in the Filemaker database. Data on samples collected are imported into the primary CRP Access database.

We are given 1 yr. from the date of data collection to the required date of dissemination.

The data are currently archived at the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center on hard drives.

Multiple copies are made and stored on different hard drives that are in secure locations.

Samples are collected using a crossbow. Samples are split in half when possible. Half of the sample is stored at PIFSC in a -80degC freezer and half is sent to Southwest Fisheries Science Center for immediate genetic analysis or for archival storage.

Data on sample collection are stored within a Microsoft Access database.