Development of New Methods and Software for Distance Sampling Surveys of Cetacean Populations
Abstract
Obtaining reliable estimates of the density and distribution of cetacean species is an essential component of a risk mitigation strategy, as well as having other conservation and management uses. The overall goal of this research program was to develop statistical methods and software that substantially enhances the utility and robustness of current survey methods. To achieve this, four research projects were undertaken, to develop methods for: 1) analysis of towed passive acoustic and combined visual-acoustic surveys; 2) improved modeling of animal distribution from survey data; 3) improved modeling of spatial distribution of group size (for animals that cluster); and 4) more efficient survey designs that utilize information from the above models to direct sampling. Here, we report our findings, list the research outputs and give recommendations for future research directions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA479648
Entities
People
- David L. Borchers
- David Peel
- Douglas Gillespie
- Eric Rexstad
- Johnathan Gordari
- Justin Matthews
- Len Thomas
- Mark L. Bravington
- Sharon L. Hedley
- Simon N. Wood
- Stephen T. Buckland
Organizations
- University of St Andrews