Prior to starting the ASAMM Bowhead Abundance surveys, teams were trained on lessons learned from previous research, methodologies that would be implemented during the August surveys, and what the collected data will be used for.
To derive a new BCB bowhead abundance estimate in a more timely manner, the ASAMM Bowhead Abundance project (aka: ABA) was conceived.
With the assistance of the international collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, North Slope Borough, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Inuvialuit Game Council, and Fisheries Joint Management Council, ABA surveys were conducted across the Beaufort Sea and in Amundsen Gulf during the month of August.
Survey Effort
- Flights: 40
- Flight Hours: 167
- Kilometers Flown: 43,320
- Transect Flight Hours: 76
- Transect Kilometers Flown: 15,990
Most bowhead whales were in four general areas in the eastern Beaufort Sea: 1) Franklin Bay in western Amundsen Gulf; 2) near Cape Bathurst; 3) off the Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula; and 4) north of Herschel Island. Far fewer bowhead whales were seen in the western Beaufort Sea, with sightings as far west as Cape Halkett. Sixty-five bowhead whale calves were seen.
Data collected during ABA will be further analyzed over the next year, and a report on the new BCB bowhead abundance estimate will be submitted to the IWC in spring 2020.
Sometimes when flying over the ocean, ASAMM’s survey plane is surrounded by nothing but blue, extending to the horizon, in every direction. And sometimes, when focusing your gaze out towards the horizon the vaporous spouts and black backs of bowhead whales can be seen against the blue watery backdrop.
The study area for the ABA surveys was selected for a number of reasons, including the highest potential to encounter areas of substantial bowhead whale sightings. Most sightings of bowhead whales trickle in at a manageable pace, but occasionally we encounter high density areas of aggregating bowheads. For these situations, we are equipped with special protocols — the Cetacean Aggregation Protocols (aka: CAPs).
CAPs were first initiated by ASAMM in 2018 and have been successfully utilized during high density aggregations of not just bowhead whales but gray whales, fin whales, and humpback whales, too. In August 2019, we had the chance to put CAPs into action once again during ABA.
Observers photograph sightings to gather images for identification of individual whales and mark-recapture analysis, which can be used in abundance estimates and life history studies.
Once the edge of the aggregation is reached, the team diverts from the transect to circle and collect data on as many groups of whales as possible within the overarching aggregation area. For each group, we gather additional details about the whales, including a number of whales, calves, and behaviors, and sometimes photographs for further documentation and individual identification. During these sessions many behaviors may be recorded, including surface-active groups, breaching, tail slapping, rolling, feeding, and log play. CAPs require the entire survey team, including observers, data recorder, and pilots, to work together seamlessly and efficiently!
A bowhead whale-sized THANK YOU goes out to everyone who was involved and who contributed their time, energy, knowledge, expertise, resources, assistance, and warm thoughts to make the ASAMM Bowhead Abundance surveys a success!!
In addition to bowhead whales and other marine mammals, the ASAMM Bowhead Whale teams also saw spectacular sights in the Northwest Territories, Canada. The view above the village of Ulukhaktok (top). Sheer cliff faces of Banks Island (top left). Smoking Hills (right). Fiery fall tundra (bottom left). The Canadian Arctic was bathed in never-ending beauty to behold.
