Distribution, Abundance and Population Structuring of Beaked Whales in the Great Bahama Canyon, Northern Bahamas
Abstract
The long-term goal of this project is to fill key data gaps on the population ecology of beaked whales, specifically relating to distribution, habitat use, abundance and population structuring in the northern Bahamas. The objectives of the three-year study are: 1) To use visual survey techniques to document beaked whale distribution and habitat use, and to estimate abundance in the Great Bahama Canyon (Figure 1). 2) To use photo-identification techniques to extend an existing photographic catalogue of individual beaked whales, which will be queried to examine the distribution, movements and social affiliations of identified individuals, and to assess abundance using mark-recapture techniques. 3) To use remote biopsy techniques to collect skin and blubber samples to contribute to the study of beaked whale diet (through fatty acid, stable isotope and contaminant analyses) and stock structure (using molecular genetic approaches). 4) To develop and implement methods of detecting beaked whales using a towed acoustic array, compare visual and acoustic detection rates, and compare detection efficiency of the towed array and the bottom mounted hydrophones at the Atlantic Underwater Test and Evaluation Center. 5) To collect baseline data on the distribution, relative abundance and ecology of other cetacean species in this area, as well as data on sea turtles and bird species of note.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA505196
Entities
People
- Diane E. Claridge
- John W. Durban
Organizations
- National Marine Mammal Laboratory