AFSC/NMML/CCEP: Gray whale survey and sightings ranging from California to Kodiak Island, Alaska conducted by the Marine Mammal Laboratory from 1993-07-05 to 2014-10-24

Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) survey and sightings data from 1993 - 2014 collected by the Marine Mammal Laboratories' California Current Ecosystem Program (AFSC/NOAA) personnel. Gray whales surveys were conducted along the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and British Columbia, Canada. Gray whales were counted and photographed during the surveys. This dataset contains the survey data for the sighted whales, survey effort, and photo logs from the surveys. This dataset does not contain the photographs or identifications of individual whales.

This dataset was collected in order to investigate the distribution, abundance, and identity of gray whales within the Pacific Coast Feeding Group as related to possible whaling by the Makah Tribe.

Cite data as: Gearin, P. 2016. Gray whale survey and sightings ranging from California to Kodiak Island, Alaska conducted by the Marine Mammal Laboratory from 1993-07-05 to 2014-10-24 (NCEI Accession 0145636). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.

Tables include information about gray whales observed and subsequently identified during surveys conducted in waters off California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Canada, and Alaska. See "Child Items" for more detailed information.

The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose. NOAA denies liability if the data are misused. Applications or inferences derived from the data should be carefully considered for accuracy. Whereas every effort has been made to ensure that these data are accurate and reliable within the limits of the current state of the art, NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in the data, nor as a result of the failure of the data to function on a particular system. NOAA makes no warranty, expressed or implied, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty.

Northern California to Kodiak Island, Alaska

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The dataset is archived with the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Acknowledgement 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. Communication and collaboration with dataset authors is strongly encouraged prior to use.

The dataset is available for download via the NCEI Ocean Archive System at http://accession.nodc.noaa.gov/0145636.

There are no legal restrictions on access to the data. They reside in public domain and can be freely distributed.

User must read and fully comprehend the metadata prior to use. Applications or inferences derived from the data should be carefully considered for accuracy. Acknowledgement 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. Cite data as: Gearin, P. 2016. Gray whale survey and sightings ranging from California to Kodiak Island, Alaska conducted by the Marine Mammal Laboratory from 1993-07-05 to 2014-10-24 (NCEI Accession 0145636). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.

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Metadata are subject to revision at any time and information within the metadata record should not be cited without author consent. Whereas every effort has been made to ensure that these data are accurate and reliable within the limits of the current state of the art, NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in the data, nor as a result of the failure of the data to function on a particular system. NOAA makes no warranty, expressed or implied, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty.

Microsoft Excel

Dedicated surveys for gray whales by NMML began in 1996. No surveys were conducted during 2004 due to lack of funding. From 1993 to 1995, actual gray whale surveys were not conducted but opportunistic sightings were recorded and whales were photographed when time allowed.

Data that are collected in the field on datasheets are entered into the database. Entries are cross-checked with field records for errors and duplicates.

Data not automatically processed

IT Security and Contingency Plan for the system establishes procedures and applies to the functions, operations, and resources necessary to recover and restore data as hosted in the Western Regional Support Center in Seattle, Washington, following a disruption.

Surveys are conducted in the study area. The number of gray whales per nautical mile are recorded. Photographs (using a high-resolution camera) are taken of the left, right, and under (ventral) side of the fluke of each whale seen. These photos are compared with those from a master database (Cascadia Research Collective, Olympia, Washington) to determine each animal's identification. Photos are sent to Cascadia Research Collective and they send back the best photograph of the left, right, and ventral side of the individual. This dataset includes survey data and identifications of sighted whales but not photographs from the surveys.