Beaked Whale Presence, Habitat, and Sound Production in the North Pacific
Abstract
The project is motivated by the need to understand beaked whale distribution and habitat, and the need for classification of these species from passive acoustic data. By studying beaked whale presence, habitat and sound production, the Navy will be better prepared to conduct environmental impact assessments in the North Pacific, a region of significant training activity. In addition, fundamental information will be gained on beaked whale foraging ecology. Our objective is to construct an abundance estimate and distribution map of beaked whale presence in the southern California region, based on long-term passive acoustic monitoring data. Our primary effort focuses on Cuvier's beaked whales, whose acoustics are well known, but whose distribution is not. Another focus is on all the other beaked whale species in the North Pacific, whose acoustic signatures have not been well characterized. Better knowledge of beaked whale distribution and abundance is expected to lead to better understanding of the niche habitats of each beaked whale species, allowing use of environmental correlates to interpret distribution maps.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA541478
Entities
People
- John A Hildebrand
- Mark A. Mcdonald
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography