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Cruise report of the 2014 IWC-Pacific Ocean Whale andEcosystem Research (IWC-POWER)
KOJI MATSUOKA1, SALLY MIZROCH2, JESSICA TAYLOR3, ISAMU YOSHIMURA4, AND YOSHIYUKI YAMAUCHI4
1: Institute of Cetacean Research, 4-5, Toyomi, Chuo, Tokyo, 104-0055, JAPAN
2: Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Mammal Laboratory,7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle,
WA, USA
3: IWC-nominated Researcher, 657 Lea Bridge Road, London, E10 6AJ, UK.
4: Kyodo Senpaku Co. LTD., Toyomi 4-5, Chuo-ku Tokyo, 104-0055, JAPANContact e-mail: matsuoka@cetacean.jp
ABSTRACTThe 5th annual IWC-POWER cruise (successor to the IWC/IDCR-SOWER cruises since 1978/79 in the
Antarctic) was successfully conducted between 02 July to 30 August, 2014 in the central North Pacific (north of
30°N, south of 40°N, between 170°E and 160°W) using the Japanese Research Vessel Yushin-Maru No.3. The
cruise was organised as a joint project between the IWC and Japan. The cruise plan was endorsed at the 65ath
IWC/Scientific Committee (IWC/SC) meeting. Researchers from Japan, US and UK participated in the survey.
The cruise had five main objectives, to: (a) provide information for the proposed future in-depth assessment ofsei whales in terms of both abundance and stock structure; (b) provide information relevant to Implementation
Reviews of whales in terms of both abundance and stock structure; (c) provide baseline information on
distribution and abundance for a poorly-known area for several large whale species/populations, including thosethat were known to have been depleted in the past, but whose status is unclear; (d) provide biopsy samples andphoto-identification data to contribute to discussions of stock structure for several large whale
species/populations, including those that were known to have been depleted in the past but whose status isunclear, and; (e) provide essential information for the intersessional workshop to plan for a medium-long terminternational programme in the North Pacific. At the pre-cruise meeting the Captain, crew of the vessel andinternational researchers agreed on the procedures and objectives of the survey. The sighting survey was
conducted using methods based on the guidelines of the IWC/SC. Predetermined transect lines were completed
within the anticipated schedule. Survey coverage was 83.4% and a total of 3,233.0 n.miles was surveyed in the
research area in the Passing with abeam closing mode (NSP). Additionally, 234.9 and 293.2 n.miles was
surveyed during transit to and from the research area respectively. Sightings of: blue (1 school/1 individual), sei(1/1), Bryde’s (118/140), sperm (78/155), Cuvier’s beaked (6/13), Mesoplodon spp. (8/19), Ziphiidae (39/86),
and southern form short-finned pilot (2/12) whales; Risso’s (8/140), bottlenose (3/69), spotted (6/436), striped(5/420) and short-beaked common (4/1,747) dolphins were observed during the cruise. Bryde’s and sperm
whales were the most frequently sighted large whale species and were widely distributed in the research area.
The Estimated Angle and Distance Training Exercises and Experiments were completed as in previous years.
Photo-identification data for 1 blue whale, 69 Bryde’s whales, 3 killer whales, 2 sperm whales, 14 Risso’s
dolphins and one pilot whale were collected. A total of 80 biopsy (skin and blubber) samples was collected from
1 blue whale, 78 Bryde’s whales and 1 killer whale using the Larsen-gun system. In the case of Bryde’s whale,
30 samples (individuals) were collected from Sub-area 1 (170°E-180°E) and 48 samples from Sub-area 2(180°E- 170°W). These biopsy samples will enable genetic studies on stock structure to be conducted incontribution for the North Pacific Bryde’s whale Implementation Review to be held in the 2017 SC meeting. A
total of 247 objects of marine debris items were observed. The planned survey procedure was in accordancewith the guidelines agreed by the SC. The 5th annual cruise of the IWC-POWER programme was completed andprovided important information on cetacean distribution in an area where no survey had been conducted inrecent decades. These results will contribute to the aforementioned objectives of the IWC/SC.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Research objectives
The cruise was organised as a joint project between the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and Japan(IWC, 2012a, 2012b, 2012c, 2013; Kato et al., 2011, Matsuoka et al., 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014). The 2014 cruise
plan was endorsed at the 65th IWC/Scientific Committee (IWC/SC) meeting. The cruise had five main
objectives, to: (a) provide information for the proposed future in-depth assessment of sei whales in terms of bothabundance and stock structure; (b) provide information relevant to Implementation Reviews of whales in terms

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SC/66a/IAxxof both abundance and stock structure; (c) provide baseline information on distribution and abundance for apoorly known area for several large whale species/populations, including those that were known to have been
depleted in the past, but whose status is unclear; (d) provide biopsy samples and photo-identification data tocontribute to discussions of stock structure for several large whale species/populations, including those that were
known to have been depleted in the past but whose status is unclear, and; (e) provide essential information for
the intersessional workshop to plan for a medium-long term international programme in the North Pacific (IWC,2013).
1.2 Research area, cruise track design and priority of the cruise
The research area was set north of 30°N, south of 40°N between 170°E and 160°W (Figure 1). A randomised
start point for survey tracks was used, as for all previous IWC-POWER cruises based on the IWC/SC survey
guidelines (IWC, 2005). Every location within the study area had an equal probability of being sampled, as
calculated by the software “DISTANCE” (Thomas et al., 2010). Figure 1 shows the cruise track design in the
research area and Table 1a shows Waypoints (WP) for the pre-determined tracklines. Research hours during thecruise were set at a maximum of 12 hours per day (see section 2.5). Primary search effort was conducted only inacceptable weather conditions, as per guidelines for prior cruises; visibility greater than 2.0 nautical miles (n.
miles), wind speed <21 knots and sea state <Beaufort 6. The sighting survey was conducted using Passing withabeam closing mode (NSP) based on discussions at the Tromsø SC meeting; recommendations based on the2010 cruise; and suggestions from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of SC members (IWC, 2013). Two
primary observers were in the barrel throughout periods of NSP mode (see section 2.5). Sighting survey
procedures are detailed in “Information for Researchers” (Anon. 2014a). For encounters of very rare species (e.
g. blue and right whales), it was decided that the vessel would approach whales immediately to avoid losing
them due to the delay of closing.
The R/V Yushin-Maru No.3 (YS3) was used to survey the high seas area during this cruise, including transits
between Japan and the research area. Research time was allocated for biopsy sampling of blue, fin, sei, Bryde’s,common minke, North Pacific right, humpback, sperm and killer whales, with higher priority given to theformer seven species. The Larsen-gun system was used to collect samples. Priority species for photo-ID were
blue, North Pacific right and humpback whales, although photos of all other species, including fin, sei, Bryde’s
and sperm whales would be obtained opportunistically.
2. SHORT NARRATIVE OF THE CRUISE
2.1 The 2014 cruise itinerary
Date

Event

1 July 2014
2 July8 July17 August
27 August
30 AugustPre-cruise meeting
Researchers board the Yushin-Maru No. 3.Vessel departed Shiogama, Japan (10:10)
Vessel arrives at the research area, starting point 170º00’E (41 days in the research area)
Vessel completes surveys in the research area at 160º00’W and begins return transit.
Post-cruise meeting
Vessel arrives Shiogama, Japan

2.2 Research vessel
The R/V Yushin-Maru No.3 (742GT) was engaged for this cruise as in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Ship specifications,photo, and a crew list are provided in Appendix A.
2.3 Attending scientists and responsibilities
Four international researchers were nominated by the steering group of the POWER programme: Koji
Matsuoka (Cruise leader/Chief Scientist, sighting, photo-ID and video), Sally Mizroch (photo-ID, biopsy andmarine debris data), Jessica Taylor (photo-ID, biopsy sample and marine debris data), and Isamu Yoshimura(sighting and biopsy).
Koji Matsuoka (Japan) - Cruise Leader /Chief Scientist, sighting, photo-ID/video
Sally Mizroch (USA) - photo-ID, biopsy and marine debris data
Jessica Taylor (UK/USA) - photo-ID, biopsy and marine debris
Isamu Yoshimura (Japan) – sighting, biopsy2

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2.4 Pre-cruise meeting
On 1 July, a pre-cruise meeting was held aboard the R/V YS3, chaired by Miyashita (Representation ofConvenor for this cruise) of the National Research Institute of Far Seas Fisheries (NRIFSF). Meeting
participants were: Miyashita (NRIFSF), Uoya (Fisheries Agency of Japan, FAJ), Matsuoka (The Institute of
Cetacean Research, ICR, Cruise Leader), Mizroch (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s(NOAA) Alaska Fisheries Science Center, researcher), Yoshimura (IWC-nominated researcher, Japan), Taylor(IWC-nominated researcher, UK/USA), Yamauchi (Captain), Shimaoka (Chief Operator) and Kasai (Chief
Officer). The meeting discussed and confirmed priorities and strategies for the cruise based on the IWC
Scientific Committee’s planning report (IWC, 2014), and joint IWC-ICR research manual (Anon, 2014a). The
pre-cruise meeting report (Anon, 2014b) was distributed to the steering group after review by the Chair. On 2
July, researchers boarded the YS3 with all of the necessary equipment and departed from Shiogama at 10:10.
2.5 Research hours, survey mode and number of observers on effort
The schedule for research hours was consistent with previous SOWER (Southern Ocean Whale and Ecosystem
Research) and POWER cruises. Research effort began 60 minutes after sunrise and ended 60 minutes before
sunset, with a maximum 12-hour research day (approximately 06:00-18:00). Time-zone changes were in 30minute intervals, effective from 01:00. Schedules adhered to local ‘ship’ time which ranged between +9.5 and+12.5 GMT throughout the cruise. Data collected throughout the cruise and all associated reporting werereported in local ‘ship’ time.
Sighting activities aboard the ship were classified into two principal types: On-effort and Off-effort. In thesightings survey portion of the research, On-effort activities were times when full search effort was being
executed and conditions (such as weather and sea state) were within acceptable parameters to conduct research.
Off-effort activities were all activities that were not On-effort. All sightings recorded while the ship was Oneffort were classified as Primary sightings. All other sightings were considered to be Secondary sightings.
Sighting effort was conducted by the bos’un and topmen from the barrel (crow's nest: always two primaryobservers) and the upper bridge where the helmsman, captain or officer-on-watch, four researchers, and thechief engineer or deputy were also present (always two primary observers and 6 secondary observers). Passing
with abeam closing mode (NSP) was used during this cruise. This was in effect Passing Mode. Two topmen
were observing from the barrel at all times (maximum 06:00-18:00). There was open communication between
the upper bridge and the barrel. The observers on the upper bridge communicated with the topmen only toclarify information and did not distract the topmen from their normal search procedure unless they were directed
to do so by the Cruise Leader (Anon. 2013a).
Immediately after a sighting was detected from the barrel, the topman relayed information to observers on theupper bridge. Details of the estimated distance and angle to the sighting (and when possible, the species andnumber of animals present) were relayed. The topman did not alter his normal searching pattern in order to keep
contact with the sighting. Observers on the upper bridge located the sighting made by the topman and decided
whether it would be possible to confirm species and count before the sighting passed abeam of the vessel. The
topman gave no further information to the upper bridge unless the whale group resurfaced within their normal
searching pattern. A designated researcher on the upper bridge recorded the species and estimated number ofwhales in the school when the sighting passed abeam of the vessel, in consultation with other researchers. Whenthe sighting location was abeam of the vessel, the ship altered course to approach the whale, and speed wasincreased to 15 knots to hasten the closure. Ship speed was decreased when the group was neared, usually
within 0.2 to 0.4 n. miles from the initial sighting position. After the sighting was approached, the species,
number of animals in the group, estimated length(s), number of calves present, and behaviour were determined
and recorded. Following this, other activities could commence at the discretion of the Cruise Leader, such as
natural marking or biopsy experiments. Until the ship resumed full search effort on the trackline, any sightings
detected after initial departure from the trackline, were classified as secondary sightings (Anon. 2013a).
2.6 Weather conditions and expected versus realised effort
In the research area, general weather conditions were good due to a strong high pressure system and high sea
surface temperature from the south. A total of 3,233.0 n. miles was surveyed in the research area in NSP mode.
Survey coverage (searching distance/planned distance (3,878.4 n.miles)) was 83.4% in the research area. A
comparison of weather conditions among past cruises is shown in Appendix B.
2.7 Research permit in the US-EEZ
The Japanese and the US Governments issued the necessary permits for exporting samples taken in the high seas
and the US EEZ for importation into Japan. These permits are for introducing specimens of CITES-listed3

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species into Japan from both the high seas and the USA EEZ, including blue, fin, sei, Bryde’s, common minke,
right, humpback, grey, bowhead, sperm and killer whales. Research in the US EEZ was conducted under the
Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Marine Mammal Research Permit No. 15240 for Bryde’s whales andunder the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Marine Mammal Research Permit No. 14245 for all other cetacean
species. A summary of research effort in the US EEZ is provided in Appendix C.
3. SUMMARY OF SIGHTINGS
3.1 Identification of species
Guidelines for species identification were based on the IWC-SOWER and IWC-POWER methods forclassification of identification (Anon, 2014a):
Positive identification of species was based on multiple cues and usually required clear observation of thewhale's body. Occasionally, repeated observations of the shape of the blow, surfacing and other behavioural
patterns were sufficient; this judgement was made only by the Cruise leader or other designated researcher.
Identification of species was recorded as ‘probable’ based on multiple cues, which were neverthelessinsufficient to be absolutely confident of identification. This usually occurred when blows and surfacing patterns
could be confirmed, but the whale's body could not be clearly seen. Details of recording procedures during
sightings can be found in ‘Information for Researchers’ (Anon, 2014a).
3.2 Determination of group size
The following guidelines were used in determining group size: Schools where the number of animals, or an
accurate estimated range of the number of animals was determined, were classified as confirmed schools. Data
from the confirmed schools can be used to determine a mean school size. Therefore, it is critical that theconfirmed schools accurately represent the size of schools in the survey area. Normally, schools believed to be
confirmed for school size are approached to within 1 n. mile for large whales and to within 0.3 n. miles forminke whales. Allowing for context-specific differences (i.e. environmental conditions and animal behaviour),every effort was made to be consistent with regard to the maximum time spent on identification of species andconfirmation of numbers. Normally, if the sighting was thought to be minke whales, no more than 20 minutes(after closure has been completed) should be spent on confirmation, this reduces the potential for confusion withother sightings in the vicinity (Anon, 2014a). Counts of individuals provided in the Sighting summary (section3.3) represent best estimates of school sizes in the research area, except when indicated otherwise.
3.3 Sighting summary
Tabulations of all track line WPs, the searching effort and the sightings recorded in the research area, by species
and by effort mode are presented in Tables 1a, 1b and 2a, respectively. Table 2b summarises all sightings
observed throughout the cruise including transit to and from the research area. Table 3a shows the sea surface
temperature (minimum, maximum and range) for each frequently-sighted species in the research area andprovides quartile analysis for the major species observed. Figure 1 illustrates the research area, track line designand location of the searching effort. Figures 2a through e illustrate locations of sightings during the 2014 IWCPOWER cruise. Figure 3a shows the breakdown of research time, in hours by effort code in the research area.
Figures 3b and 3c show the breakdown of research time, in hours by wind speed and visibility in the researcharea, respectively. Recorded sea surface temperature (SST) ranged from 16.6 to 27.6°C during sightings
observed in the research area.
Transit survey to the research area
The YS3 departed Shiogama port on schedule (10:10, 2 July) and conducted the transit survey to the researcharea from 4 July (06:00) through 7 July (17:55) using the passing mode. Weather conditions were generally
good, with occasional intervals of rain. The safety instruction meeting and emergency drill were conducted on 3
July. The exercise “experiment of distance & angle estimation” and “test of Larsen-gun” were conducted on 5
July.
A number of Bryde’s whales were sighted during the transit survey between 4 and 7 July (Table 2b and Figure2a). Total searching distance was 854.9 n. miles. Total transit sightings included Bryde’s whales (29 schools/41
individuals), sperm whales (7/10), southern-form short finned pilot whales (2/12), Risso’s dolphins (2/16) andstriped dolphins (1/72) (Table 2b). Biopsy experiments were conducted on 7 July.
The research area
The YS3 finished the transit survey and started the research area survey at Waypoint 101 (Table 1a) position
31˚59.8’N 170˚00’E, on 8 July 06:00. The research vessel followed a south-southeast course (158°) towards
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latitude 30˚N, with a north-northeast course change (22°) towards latitude 40 ˚N under acceptable searchingconditions. The YS3 arrived at the most easterly WP (WP141), position 31˚59.8’N 160˚00’W on 17 August
15:23, almost on schedule (Table 1b).
Generally, weather conditions were good for the sighting survey allowing for a good portion of passing mode
searching (Figures 3a). Wind speed generally ranged between 11 to 17 knots and visibility was usually over 7.0
n.miles (Figures 3b and 3c). There were no strong ocean currents in the research area over the research period.
A total of 3,233.0 n. miles was surveyed in the research area in the Passing with abeam closing mode (NSP)(Table 1b). Survey coverage (searching distance/planned distance (3,878.4 n.miles)) was 83.4% in the researcharea (Table 1a). Sightings recorded in the research area by species, by survey mode, are presented in Table 2a.
The most dominant large whale species in the research area were Bryde’s (88 schools/98 individuals) and sperm(65/137) whales. Total sightings of other species including blue (1 school/1 individual), sei (1/1), Cuvier’s
beaked (5/8), Mesoplodon spp. (7/13), Ziphiidae (other than beaked whale) (35/73), killer (1/3) whales, Risso’s(5/72), bottlenose (3/69), spotted (5/401), striped (4/348) dolphins were detected in the research area. Bryde’s
whales and sperm whales were widely sighted in the research area (Figures 2a and 2b).
Details of sightings by each species; results of photo-identification and biopsy experiments; and marine debris
observations are provided in the following paragraphs.
Transit survey to Shiogama
The YS3 departed the research area (15:23, 17 August) and started the transit survey to Japan (Shiogama port)
using the passing mode until 28 August (12:00) under intervals of heavy wind and/or rain (Table 1b). Total
searching distance was 293.19 n. miles. Total sightings included Bryde’s (1 school/1 individual), sperm (6/8),
Cuvier’s beaked (5/8) whales, Mesoplodon spp. (1/6), Ziphiidae (4/13), Risso’s (1/52) and spotted (1/35)
dolphins. Sightings recorded during the transit sighting survey, by species are presented in Table 2b.
Detailed sightings by each species as follows:Blue whale
A very small and emaciated solitary blue whale was sighted in the research area on 29 July 2014 at 35˚39’N,
176˚15’E (Figure 2a). Its body length was estimated to be 13.5 m, which is the size of a weanling calf. It is
possible that this whale may have separated from its mother too early (pers. comm. Dale W. Rice). A biopsy
sample was collected and photo-identification photos were taken. Sea surface temperature in the vicinity of thewhale was 22.8 ˚C (Tables 3a and 3b).
Sei whale
One sei whale was sighted during the entire cruise. The solitary individual was seen near the northwest
boundary of the research area (near the first northern waypoint) (Figure 2a). Sea surface temperature in thevicinity of the sei whale was 16.9° C (Tables 3a and 3b).
Bryde’s whale
Bryde’s whales were the most frequently encountered whale species with 118 schools (140 individuals
including 13 calves) seen over a wide area (Figure 2a). A total of 29 schools (41 individuals including 4 mothers
and calves) was seen during transit to the research area and 88 schools (98 individuals including 9 mothers andcalves) were seen in the research area. One individual Bryde’s whale was seen during transit from the researcharea to Japan. Bryde’s whales were widely distributed throughout the research area.
Sea surface temperatures in the vicinity of Bryde’s whales ranged from a minimum of 18.0˚C to a maximum of
27.3˚C (Table 3a). However, the sea surface temperature range in the vicinity of most of the sightings was
21.33-24.78° C (25th to 75th quartiles) (Table 3a). The sea surface temperature range in the vicinity of most of
the mothers and calves was 20.7-22.1° C (25th to 75th quartiles).
Biopsy samples were obtained from 78 Bryde’s whales (individuals), including 4 from a mother and calf, 1 fromthe mother only and 1 from the calf only (Table 4). Bryde’s whales were the only baleen whale observed in the
US EEZ (25-27 July 2014). All thirteen Bryde’s whales that were encountered in the US EEZ were biopsy
sampled. (See Appendix C)5

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Sperm whale
Sperm whales were the most frequently encountered toothed whale species seen during the cruise with 72 sperm
whale schools (147 individuals including 1 calf) seen over a wide area (Figure 2b). A total of 7 schools (10individuals) was seen during transit to the research area and 65 schools of sperm whales (137 individuals,
including at least one confirmed calf) were seen in the research area. One sighting in the research area of aschool of 4 whales may have included a mother and calf, but our closest approach was about 0.6 miles and thepresence of a calf could not be confirmed (Figure 2b). A total of 6 schools of sperm whales (8 individuals) wereseen during transit from the research area.
The sea surface temperature in the vicinity of the confirmed mother and calf was 24.4° C. Overall, sperm whales
were observed at sea surface temperature ranging from a minimum of 17.8˚C to a maximum of 27.1˚C.
However, the sea surface temperature range in the vicinity of most of the sightings was 23.4-26.9° C (25th to 75th
quartiles) (Tables 3a and 3b).
Cuvier’s beaked whale
Six schools (13 individuals including 1 calf) of Cuvier’s beaked whales were seen during the cruise. Fiveschools (8 individuals) were seen in the research area and one school (5 individuals including one calf) was seen
during transit from the research area to Japan (Figure 2c). Cuvier’s beaked whales were observed at sea surface
temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20.5˚C to a maximum of 26.2˚C (Tables 3a and 3b).
Ziphiidae and Mesoplodon spp.
A total of 39 schools (86 individuals including 1 calf) of unidentified Ziphiidae was observed at sea surface
temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16.8˚C to a maximum of 27.1˚C (Figure 2c, Table 3a). Thirty-fiveschools (73 individuals including at least 1 calf) were observed in the research area and four schools (13individuals) were seen during transit from the research area to Japan (Figure 2c).
A total of 8 schools (19 individuals including 1 calf) of unidentified Mesoplodon species were observed at sea
surface temperatures ranging from a minimum of 18.4˚C to a maximum of 26.2˚C (Figure 2c, Table 3a). Seven
schools (13 individuals and no calves) were observed in the research area (Table 3b) and one school (6individuals including 1 calf) was seen during transit from the research area to Japan (Figure 2c).
Short-finned pilot whale
Two schools of the southern form of the short-finned pilot whale were observed in close proximity to each otherduring transit to the research area at sea surface temperatures of 23.4 and 23.5° C (Figure 2d, Table 3a). Fourschools of unknown-type pilot whales (115 individuals) were seen in the research area at sea surface
temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19.6° C to a maximum of 27.2° C (Figure 2d, Table 3b).
Risso’s dolphin
Eight schools of Risso’s dolphins (140 individuals including 1 calf) were observed at sea surface temperatures
ranging from a minimum of 21.1˚C to a maximum of 24.2˚C (Figure 2d, Table 3a). Two schools (16individuals) were observed during transit to the research area, five schools (72 individuals) were observed in the
research area (Table 3b), and one school of 52 individuals was seen during transit from the research area toJapan (Figure 2d).
Killer whale
One killer whale pod (3 individuals: male, female and juvenile) was observed during the cruise at a sea surface
temperature of 18.2° C (Figure 2e, Table 3a). Photo-identification catalogue numbers were assigned to all three
individuals (Table 4). One biopsy sample was collected from the male.
Bottlenose dolphin
Three schools of bottlenose dolphins (69 individuals including 3 calves) were observed at sea surface
temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24.2˚C to a maximum of 24.9˚C (Figure 2e, Tables 3a and 3b). All
sightings were in the research area.
Striped dolphin
Five schools of striped dolphins (420 individuals including 17 calves) were observed at sea surface temperatures
ranging from a minimum of 24.5˚C to a maximum of 27.2 ˚C (Figure 2e, Table 3a). One school (72 individuals
including 2 calves) was observed during transit to the research area and four schools (348 individuals including
15 calves) were observed in the research area (Figure 2e, Table 3b)6

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Spotted dolphin
Six schools of spotted dolphins (436 individuals including 29 calves) were observed at sea surface temperatures
ranging from a minimum of 21.8˚C to a maximum of 23.3˚C (Figure 2e, Tables 3a and 3b). All sightings were in
the research area.
Common dolphin
Forty-two schools of common dolphins (1,747 individuals including 130 calves) were observed at sea surface
temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16.7 ˚C to a maximum of 22.2˚C (Figure 2e, Tables 3a and 3b). All
sightings were in the research area.
4. PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION
A total of one blue whale, 69 Bryde’s whales, two sperm whales (mother and calf), one pilot whale, 14 Risso’s
dolphins and three killer whales were photo-identified during the 2014 IWC-POWER cruise (Table 4). Duringtransit to the research area, photo-identification data were collected for 10 Bryde’s whales, 1 pilot whales, and 3
Risso’s dolphins. In the research area, photo-identification data were collected for 1 blue whale, 59 Bryde’s
whales, 2 sperm whales and 3 killer whales. During transit from the research area, photo-identification data
were collected for 11 Risso’s dolphins.
4.1 Whale ID numbering protocol for the IWC-POWER cruises
As in 2011 and 2012, annual YS3 Whale ID numbers were assigned to whales only if there were sufficientnatural markings showing to assign annual photo-ID catalogue numbers. If sufficient detail was not apparent to
re-identify the whale in future sightings, no ID number was assigned. As is standard practice with killer whale
identification numbering, pod ID numbers have been assigned to killer whales as well as individual whale ID
numbers within each pod. The pod ID number is a unique identifier that includes the date and sighting numberof the first sighting of the pod, e.g., 2014_0720_15 based on the date and sighting number of the pod. Biopsy
sample numbers have been added to the whale ID numbers when a sampled whale was photo-identified, e.g.,
2014_Bryde’s_1_14031001. If the whale was biopsied but could not be assigned a photo-ID number because
the natural markings were not photographed, the whale ID number is the species, the letter “X” in place of thewhale ID number, and the biopsy sample number e.g., 2014_Bryde’s_X_14041023. The same pod ID protocol
was used for assigning ID numbers to the Risso’s dolphin pods.

5. BIOPSY SAMPLING
A total of 80 biopsy samples (individuals) were successfully collected, including 1 blue whale, 78 Bryde’s
whales, and 1 killer whale (Table 4). Every biopsy encounter was documented photographically. All samples formolecular genetic analysis were frozen. All biopsy samples will be sent to NRIFSF after arrival in Shiogama.
Samples are to be divided in half, with one half of the sample for IWC and the other half for Japan. All dividing
work will be conducted by NRIFSF, after conclusion of the cruise, before export is arranged.
In the case of Bryde’s whale, 30 samples (individuals) were collected from Sub-area 1 (170°E-180°E in Figure2a) and 48 samples from Sub-area 2 (180°E- 170°W in Figure 2a). These biopsy samples will enable genetic
studies on stock structure to be conducted in contribution for the North Pacific Bryde’s whale Implementation
Review to be held in the 2017 SC meeting.
5.1 Biopsy data management
As in past years, biopsy darts were numbered and color-coded and each biopsy shooter used either red or blacklabelled darts. During setup for each biopsy sampling encounter, photos were taken of each dart before it wasloaded into the Larsen gun. After a sample was collected, photos were taken of each dart with the sample. This
allowed us to track which whale was sampled. The time of each biopsy hit was captured photographically, andthe exact biopsy time of each biopsy hit was written on the foil wrap for each sample before it was taken to thebiopsy lab. The biopsy time was also recorded for each sighting by the researcher on the upper bridge.
Each evening, the photos were evaluated to confirm which whale had been biopsied. After analysis of thephotographs, biopsy sample numbers were assigned and simultaneously linked to photo-ID data where possible.
Information about each encounter was entered into an integrated “PhotoID_Biopsy” database which merged
data from the ship’s sightings data “.csv” file with the biopsy and photo-ID catalogue and biopsy sample
information. After sample numbers were assigned, data were double-checked with the sightings data manager
to confirm sighting numbers and biopsy hit times, and then biopsy data sheets were given to the biopsy sample
manager for sample processing. Times of biopsy start based on photos taken during setup on bow deck,7

SC/66a/IAxx

document biopsy darts before approach, hitting, retrieval (photo of dart with sample) and/or finish (dart retrieval
and photo-documentation of the retrieved date) (no hit or no shot) were entered in the “PhotoID_Biopsy
database” based on the exact time in each photo image.
5.2 Biopsy efficiency
Biopsy duration times were evaluated to examine biopsy efficiency (Table 4). Biopsy start time was recorded in
the database as the time the Larsen guns were loaded based on the initial photos taken at the start of each biopsy
encounter. Every biopsy hit was photo-documented (see section 8.2), so the exact biopsy hit time could beentered into in the database based on the time recorded on the “biopsy hit” photo. Lastly, after the dart was
retrieved, each shooter holding the dart with sample was photographed before leaving the bow deck. Time fromsetup to first hit was evaluated, as well as time from setup to dart retrieval.
Biopsy success rate when approaching Bryde’s whales for sampling was very high this year. Of the 83,
encounters with Bryde’s whales where biopsy sampling was attempted, a sample was obtained in 78 of thoseencounters (93.3% success rate). Median time from setup to sample retrieval when sampling solitary Bryde’s
whales was 14:02 minutes (25th to 75th quartiles: 8:04 – 22:37 minutes). When sampling groups of 2 Bryde’s
whales (including mothers and calves), the median time from setup to sample retrieval was 30:31minutes (25thto 75th quartiles: 12:47 – 50:48 minutes). A biopsy sample was collected from the solitary blue whale
encountered during the cruise (biopsy duration: 12:36 minutes) and from one whale in the pod of three killer
whales encountered during the cruise (encounter duration 35:27 minutes). Biopsy was briefly attempted during
the lone encounter with a sperm whale mother and calf, but the whales dove before we could approach closely
enough to sample (encounter duration: 12:10 minutes). During the five encounters with Bryde’s whales where
the biopsy experiment was initiated but samples were not collected, the whales were surfacing in erratic (notpredictable patterns) generally under less than ideal lighting conditions. Table 4 shows the summary of biopsy
experiment. Biopsy sampling was attempted as often as conditions permitted.
6. VIDEO-RECORDING
A digital video camera recorder, Sony HDR-PJ800, AVCHD was used to conduct opportunistic video recording.
Biopsy events were recorded from the top barrel during thirteen sightings of single Bryde’s whales, on six
different days. Eighteen separate video clips were recorded, for a total time of 00:28:15, including 00:27:23 of
Bryde’s whale footage. Video content consists of: one subsurface tracking, two dart pick-up and 15 biopsy
events. A quality code was assigned to each clip based on the usefulness of video content i.e. for training or
behavioural observations.
7. OTHER EXPERIMENTS
7.1 Estimated Angle and Distance Training Exercise
The Estimated Angle and Distance Training Exercises were conducted in the afternoon of 6 July for 1 hour 29
minutes. During the exercise the observers familiarized themselves with distance estimates from the top barrel
and upper bridge.
7.2 Estimated Angle and Distance Experiment
The Estimated Angle and Distance Experiments were conducted on 6 August for 3 hours 17 minutes in the
research area, later in the research period. Estimated Angle and Distance Training Exercises and EstimatedAngle and Distance Experiments were performed using the same protocol as recent cruises (Anon. 2013a).
7.3 Marine debris observation
During this cruise as in past years, data on floating marine debris were collected to document type and extent ofmarine debris presence in the North Pacific. As agreed during the pre-cruise meeting in Shiogama, systematic
data collection of marine debris was conducted only during the first 15 minutes of each hour, and only as time
permitted (not to interfere with marine mammal observations). In addition, per the request of the US researcher,attempts were made to record all observations of marine debris while in the US EEZ. Lastly, opportunistic
marine debris data were recorded if the ship passed close enough to an object to collect a good documentation
photograph or if an unusual item of marine debris was observed at a distance. The following parameters wererecorded for all on-effort observations: angle and distance from vessel at time of initial sighting; description of
the marine debris item; size, colour and height above water level of object. In addition, items were
photographed when possible to document the type of marine debris or in some cases to confirm observations ofa distant sighting. All photographs were geotagged automatically, and therefore the precise location of eachobject was recorded in the photo EXIF metadata (section 8.2)

8

SC/66a/IAxx

Marine debris was sparsely distributed during this cruise, unlike during the 2012 POWER cruise (Matsuoka et al.
2013) and especially during the 2013 POWER cruise (Matsuoka et al. 2014). A total of 247 marine debris
objects were observed, of which 118 were recorded “on effort” (i.e., during the first 15 minutes of each hour)(Table 5). A total of 23 objects were recorded in the US EEZ (25-26 July and the morning of 27 July before
10:00) (Appendix Table C3). A total of 156 objects were photographed. Only three natural (not man-made)items, wooden logs, were observed during the entire cruise.
8. TECHNICAL MATTERS OF DATA AND RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1 Whale photo-ID catalogue for the IWC-POWER cruises
Annual catalogues for blue, humpback, killer whale and one right whale produced during the 2011 and 2012
cruises have already been compared to existing North Pacific catalogues. It appears that the 2011 and 2012 blue
whales are unique whales (never documented before) and that the right whale photographed in 2012 is a unique
individual (never documented before). Two killer whale pods observed during POWER cruises had been
photographed in prior years (2004 and 2006). Aside from those two pods, it’s likely that most of the killer whale
pods observed during the POWER cruises have never been documented before. Five humpback whales had been
photographed in prior years (a few as long ago as early as 1990 and 1992). During this cruise, Mizroch obtained
full access to the 2010 photo data and began integrating all the annual blue, humpback and killer whale
catalogues to produce a fully reconciled 2010-2014 “POWER” catalogue for each of these species (i.e., integrateeach annual catalogue and assign sequential catalogue numbers for each individual by species). Taylor assigned
ID numbers for the fin whale ID photos taken during the 2010-2012 cruises.
During this cruise, 69 Bryde’s whales were catalogued. After the Bryde’s whale photographs from the 2013 areevaluated, a reconciled Bryde’s whale “POWER” catalogue will be developed. Because no blue whales were
photographed during the 2013 POWER cruise, this year’s blue whale can be added directly to the reconciled
blue whale “POWER” catalogue. Mizroch will distribute the integrated POWER catalogues to managers of theexisting North Pacific catalogues in early fall and ask them to conduct another round of matching evaluating all
the POWER catalogue photos. Mizroch and Matsuoka will submit a full report on known and any new matches
to the 2015 IWC meeting.
8.2 Photography and photo-processing
All photographs were shot using RAW format, which provides the highest resolution image possible from each
digital SLR camera. During this cruise, all three photographers used “image-stabilized” lenses, which are highly
recommended for shooting moving objects (fast-swimming whales) from a moving object (fast traveling ship
sometimes in heavy seas). Matsuoka photographed with Canon 100-400mm lens attached to a camera with acrop-frame sensor (Canon EOS 7D), Taylor photographed with a Tamron 150-600mm lens attached to a camera
with a full-frame sensor (Nikon D700) and Mizroch photographed with a Nikon 80-400 lens attached to acamera with a full-frame sensor (Nikon D4).
After evaluating the photographs from this year’s cruise, we found that the “extreme” zoom telephoto Tamron150-600mm lens had good enough resolution to confirm species ID of dolphin groups that were seen at long
distances, for example, a group of spotted dolphins seen in the US EEZ at a distance of more than 0.1 mi.
GPS data were geotagged automatically using a GPS logger attached directly to each camera. In addition,
photographer’s contact information was automatically embedded into the camera’s “User comment” field forboth Nikon cameras and was “batch entered” into the EXIF metadata as time permitted for the Canon camera.
Each night after surveys were completed, all photographs from each camera were transferred to a fast computer(Intel Core i7 processor, 8 Gbytes RAM, 500 Gb solid state hard drive, screen resolution 3200 x 1800) using ahigh speed card reader with multiple bays that could copy all three cards at the same time. Photos from all threecameras were then integrated and transferred to folders labelled with the date and each day’s line transect
sighting number.
An informative “encounter number” that included project information and the sighting number was “batch”
edited into the “Image Description” EXIF metadata field of each photo in each folder (e.g.,
2014_POWER_YS3_20140731_23) every survey day after double-checking sighting number assignments withthe sightings data. This information, which is embedded in the photo file’s EXIF metadata fields, can be seenviewing the “Properties” of the image file. Many online programs such as Google Earth, Lightroom and Flickr
automatically read the GPS information and show the map location where each photo was taken.
At this early stage of labeling (even before photo-ID catalogue and biopsy sample numbers were assigned), eachphoto can be viewed as an independent data point which documents the sighting number, project information(e.g., POWER_YS3) as well as the exact latitude and longitude where the photograph was taken.

9SC/66a/IAxx

8.3 Evaluating natural markings and analysing biopsy events
All photo-ID and/or biopsy approaches during this cruise were documented by each three cameras fromdifferent locations on the ship. Mizroch photographed from the bow deck and shot at 10 frames per second to try
to capture the exact “hit” position of each biopsy dart and to capture any photo-ID shots opportunistically.
Taylor photographed from the IO platform to capture photo-ID shots and also document biopsy hit positions.
Matsuoka photographed from the barrel to capture full body shots of whales, plus to capture biopsy hit locationand photo-ID shots. Every night, each photograph was evaluated to see if the detail was sufficient to assign acatalogue number to the individual photographed. For each successful biopsy encounter, photos of each biopsy
hit were labelled with the biopsy sample number, shooter name and then evaluated with the biopsy sample
manager to determine the “hit position” field in the biopsy data form. All catalogued photographs were labelledwith a 2014 YS3 ID number in the “Artist” EXIF metadata field and the identifying part (e.g., LD for left
dorsal) was typed into the “Copyright” EXIF metadata field. When all photo labelling was complete, the daily
photographs were backed up each night to three hard drives using a high speed hard drive dock (155/Mb sec).
Each photographer was able to review everyone’s integrated daily photos each day and could adjust camera
settings (ISO, shutter speed, zoom level) based on how well their photographs complemented the photographs
taken by the other photographers during the cruise.
8.4 Recommendation
Because these surveys cover a broad area and encounter species that are seldom documented, and because
encounter times are very short and/or close approaches are sometimes not possible, it is recommended that all
future photographs be shot using RAW format using cameras with full-frame sensors and use an “extreme”
zoom telephoto lens such as the Tamron 150-600mm lens. Because of the volume of the photographic data andthe large file sizes of RAW photos, it is also recommended that high speed, high resolution computers and fast
file transfer devices are used for transferring, analysing and backing up all the photographic data.
9. CONCLUSIONSThe 5th annual IWC-POWER cruise was successfully conducted using the Japanese Research Vessel YushinMaru No.3. Equipment and survey methods were consistent with previous IWC international sighting surveys.
Sighting procedures were in accordance with guidelines agreed upon by the SC (IWC, 2005). Survey objectives,
methods and procedures were explained in detail and fully understood by the Captain, officers, crew andinternational researchers prior to survey operations. Throughout the cruise, all participants worked
collaboratively to meet the overall research objectives. Data collected, including sighting, photo-ID, daily
photographs, biopsy and video, will be sent to the IWC secretariat after arriving at the home port, under the
responsibility of the cruise leader. The 5th cruise of this programme provides critical information on the
distribution, abundance and stock structure of baleen whale species, in particular the Bryde’s whale, in a poorlyknown area. Additional information on other cetacean species found to be widely distributed in the research area
will contribute to an improved understanding of species/population movements in areas of the North Pacificwhere there has been little to no survey effort in recent decades. These results will contribute to the objectives of
the IWC/SC.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We acknowledge the Governments of the US and Japan for their assistance in the research permit and funding
for this cruise. We acknowledge Greg Donovan of the Secretariat of the IWC, the steering group of this cruise(Hidehiro Kato (Convener), Robert Brownell, Phillip Clapham, Paul Ensor, Tomio Miyashita, Hiroto Murase,
Luis Pastene and Lars Walloe), the Technical advisory group of this cruise (Toshihide Kitakado, Sharon Hedley,Mark Bravington, and Natalie Kelly) and the staff of the Institute of Cetacean Research (Tokyo) and Kyodo
Senpaku Co. LTD. for their arrangements and support for this cruise. We also thank the Captain, his officers andcrew of the R/V Yushin-Maru No.3 for their hard work and dedication. The National Research Institute of Far
Seas Fisheries (Yokohama) loaned equipment for the cruise, including items for biopsy processing and storage.
Quartermasters Akihiko Tsuji, Naoto Nomakawauchi and Naoto Suzuki assisted with collection of biopsy.

REFERENCE
Anon. 2014a. 2014 IWC/POWER Cruise, Information for Researchers (IWC/ICR). 55pp. Available from the
IWC Secretariat.

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Anon. 2014b. Report of the pre-cruise meeting for the 2014 IWC-POWER Cruise. 6pp. Available from the IWC
Secretariat.
Day, R. H., Shaw, D.G., Ignell, S.E., 1988. Quantitative distribution and characteristics of neustonic plastic in
the North Pacific Ocean. Final Report to US Department of Commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service,
Auke Bay Laboratory. Auke Bay, AK. Pp 247-266.
IWC. 2005. Report of the Scientific Committee. Annex D. Report of the sub-committee on the Revised
Management Procedure. Appendix 3. Requirements and Guidelines for Conducting Surveys and Analysing
Data within the Revised Management Scheme. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. (Suppl.) 7:92-101.
IWC. 2012a. Report of the Intersessional Meeting on the North Pacific Survey Programme. Tokyo 27-28
September 2009. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. (Suppl.) 12:413-420.
IWC. 2012b. Report of the Workshop on Planning for an IWC Co-ordinated North Pacific Research Programme.
Tokyo 28 September -1st October 2010. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. (Suppl.) 13:371-391.
IWC. 2013. Report of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meeting on the short and medium term objectives
and plans for the IWC-POWER cruises. Tokyo 26-28 September 2011. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. (Suppl.)
14:341-356.
IWC. 2014a. Report of the Planning Meeting for the 2013 IWC-POWER Cruise. Tokyo 25-26 October 2012. J.
Cetacean Res. Manage. (Suppl.) 15:425-435.
IWC. 2014b. Report of the Planning Meeting for the 2014 IWC-POWER Cruise, SC/65b/Rep1.
Kato, H., An, Y.R, Bravington, M., Brownell, B., Clapham, P., Donovan, G., Ensor, P., Matsuoka, K.,
Miyashita, Murase, and Walløe. 2011. Research plan for the 2012 IWC / Japan Joint Cetacean Sighting
Survey Cruise in the North Pacific. SC/63/O7. 12pp.
Matsuoka, K, Hakala, S., Kim, H.W., Aki, M. and Shinyasiki, Y. 2011. 2010 IWC/Japan Joint Cetacean
Sighting Survey Cruise in the North Pacific. Paper SC/63/O5 presented to the 63rd IWC Scientific Committee,
June 2011 (unpublished). 43pp.
Matsuoka, K, Mizroch, S., and Komiya, H. 2012. Cruise report of the 2011 IWC-Pacific Ocean Whale andEcosystem Research (IWC-POWER). 27pp. Paper SC/64/IA5 presented to the 64th IWC ScientificCommittee, June 2012 (unpublished). 27pp.
Matsuoka, K., Mizroch, S., An, Y.-R., Kumagai, S. and Hirose, K., 2013. Cruise report of the 2012 IWC-Pacific
Ocean Whale and Ecosystem Research (IWC-POWER). Paper SC/65a/IA8 presented to the 65th IWC
Scientific Committee, June 2013 (unpublished). 43pp.
Matsuoka, K., Kim, H.W., Martinez-Aguilar, S., Kumagai, S. and Sasaki, Y., 2014. Cruise report of the 2013
IWC-Pacific Ocean Whale and Ecosystem Research (IWC-POWER). Paper SC/65b/IA05 presented to the65b-th IWC Scientific Committee, May 2014 (unpublished). 24pp.
Thomas, L., S.T. Buckland, E.A. Rexstad, J. L. Laake, S. Strindberg, S. L. Hedley, J. R.B. Bishop, T. A.
Marques, and K. P. Burnham. 2010. Distance software: design and analysis of distance sampling surveys for
estimating population size. Journal of Applied Ecology 47: 5-14.

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TABLES AND FIGURES
Table 1a. Way Points (WP) in the research area. The planned cruise track line distance in the research area was
3,878.4 n.miles.

WP

LatitudeLongitude

WP

LatitudeLongitude

101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120

31˚59.8’N
30˚00.0’N
31˚40.0’N
33˚20.0’N
35˚00.0’N
36˚40.0’N
38˚20.0’N
40˚00.0’N
38˚20.0’N
36˚40.0’N
35˚00.0’N
33˚20.0’N
32˚05.7’N
31˚40.0’N
31˚36.6’N
30˚00.0’N
31˚40.0’N
31˚50.3’N
33˚20.0’N
35˚00.0’N

170˚00.0’E
170˚59.9’E
171˚47.5’E
172˚35.9’E
173˚25.3’E
174˚15.7’E
175˚07.2’E
175˚59.9’E
176˚52.6’E
177˚44.1’E
178˚34.5’E
179˚23.9’E
180˚00.0’W
179˚47.6’W
179˚46.0’W
179˚00.1’W
178˚12.5’W
178˚07.6’W
177˚24.1’W
176˚34.7’W

121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140

36˚40.0’N
38˚20.0’N
40˚00.0’N
38˚20.0’N
36˚40.0’N
35˚00.0’N
33˚20.0’N
31˚40.0’N
30˚00.0’N
31˚40.0’N
33˚20.0’N
35˚00.0’N
36˚40.0’N
38˚20.0’N
40˚00.0’N
38˚40.0’N
37˚20.0’N
36˚00.0’N
34˚40.0’N
33˚20.0’N

175˚44.3’W
174˚52.8’W
174˚00.1’W
173˚07.4’W
172˚15.9’W
171˚25.5’W
170˚36.1’W
169˚47.7’W
169˚00.1’W
168˚12.5’W
167˚24.1’W
166˚34.7’W
165˚44.3’W
164˚52.8’W
164˚00.1’W
163˚18.3’W
162˚37.3’W
161˚57.0’W
161˚17.4’W
160˚38.5’W141

31˚59.8’N

160˚00.0’W

Table 1b. Summary of search effort (time and distance) and experimental time (hours) conducted during the2014 IWC- POWER Cruise.
Start

End

Date

Date

Time

Time

NSP with abeam closing

Photo-ID, Biopsy

Estimated angle
and distancetraining /experiment

Time

Time

Area

Shiogama to researcharea
Research area
Research area to
Shiogama
Total

4-Jul.

7-Jul.

6:00

17:55

8-Jul.

17-Aug.

6:00

15:21

17-Aug.

28-Aug.

15:21

12:00

4-Jul

28-Aug.

6:00

12:00

Time

Dist.
(n.m.)

20:33

234.88

1:03

1:29

279:043,233.01

32:12

3:17

24:52

293.190:12

0:00

324:293,761.08

33:27

4:46

12

SC/66a/IAxx

Table 2a. Number of sightings for all species observed in the research area by effort mode. NSP: Normal
Passing with abeam closing Mode; OE: Top down (TD) and drifting (DR). Numbers of calves areshown in parentheses.
NSP

Species

Sch.
1
1
87
3
65
4
7
35
1
5
3
5
4
41
46
9
4
1
53
9

Blue whale
Sei whale
Bryde’s whale
Like Bryde’s whale
Sperm whale
Cuvier’s beaked whale
Mesoplodon spp.
Ziphiidae
Killer whale
Risso’s dolphin
Bottlenose dolphin
Spotted dolphin
Striped dolphin
Common dolphin
Unidentified large baleen whale
Unidentified large cetacean
Unidentified pilot whale
Unidentified small cetacean
Unidentified dolphin/porpoise
Unidentified cetacean
Total

384

OE

Ind.
1
1
97 (9)
3
137 (1)7
13
73 (1)
3
72
69 (6)401 (29)348 (15)
1,719 (127)
49
9
115
1
1,592
10
4,720
(188)

Sch.
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
3

Total
Ind.
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
28 (3)
0
0
0
0
0
0
30
(3)

Sch.
1
1
88
3
65
5
7
35
1
5
3
5
4
42
46
9
4
1
53
9

Ind.
1
1
98 (9)
3
137 (1)8
13
73 (1)
3
72
69 (6)401 (29)348 (15)
1,747 (130)
49
9
115
1
1,592
10
4,750
(191)

387

Table 2b. Number of sightings for all species observed in 2014, including sightings during transits and in the
research area (R.A.). Numbers of calves are shown in parentheses.
Research
Transit to R.A.
Area (R.A.)

Species

Transit from
R.A.

Total

Sch.

Ind.

Sch.

Ind.

Sch.

Ind.

Sch.

Ind.

Blue whale
Sei whale
Bryde's whale
Sperm whale
Like Bryde’s whale
Cuvier’s beaked whale
Mesoplodon spp.
Ziphiidae
Killer whale
Southern form short-finned pilot
whale
Risso’s dolphin
Bottlenose dolphin
Spotted dolphin
Striped dolphin
Common dolphin
Unid. large baleen whale
Unid. large cetacean
Unid. pilot whale
Unid. small cetacean
Unid. dolphin/porpoise
Unid. cetacean

0
0
29
7
0
0
0
0
0

0
0
41 (4)
10
0
0
0
0
0

1
1
88
65
3
5
7
35
1

1
1
98 (9)
137 (1)3
8
13
73 (1)
3

0
0
1
6
0
1
1
4
0

0
0
1
8
0
5 (1)
6 (1)
13
0

1
1
118
78
3
6
8
39
1

1
1
140 (13)155 (1)
3
13 (1)
19 (1)
86 (1)
32

12 (2)

0

0

0

0

2

12 (2)

2
0
0
1
0
13
1
0
0
4
1

5
3
5
4
42
46
9
4
1
53
9

52 (1)
0
35
0
0
1
1
0
6
90
0
218
(3)

8
3
6
5
42
60
11
4
7
60
10

60

72
69 (6)401 (29)348 (15)
1,747 (130)
49
9
115
1
1,592
10
4,750
(191)

1
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
6
3
0

Total

16
0
0
72 (2)
0
13
1
0
0
78
1
244
(8)

140 (1)69 (6)
436 (29)420 (17)
1,747 (130)
63
11
115
7
1,760
11
5,212
(202)

387

13

26

473

SC/66a/IAxx

Table 3a. Minimum, maximum and range of sea surface temperatures in degrees Celsius for each species
sighted during the cruise (including transit survey), sorted in order of frequency of sightings. Range of
25th to 75th quartiles are presented for our most frequently encountered cetaceans: Bryde’s whales,
sperm whales and common dolphins.
SpeciesBlue whale
Sei whale
Bryde’s whale
Sperm whale
Killer whale
Risso's dolphin
Cuvier’s beaked whale
Ziphiidae
Mesoplodon spp.
Southern form short finned pilot whale
Unidentified pilot whale
Common dolphin
Striped dolphin
Spotted dolphin
Bottlenose dolphin

Number of
Minimum SST
sightings
1
22.8
1
16.9
118
18
78
17.8
1
18.2
8
21.1
6
20.5
39
16.8
8
18.4
2
23.4
4
19.6
42
16.7
5
21.8
6
24.5
3
24.2

Maximum
SST
22.8
16.9
27.3
27.1
18.2
24.2
26.2
27.1
26.2
23.5
27.2
22.2
23.3
27.2
24.9

Temperature range
0
0
9.3
9.3
0
3.1
5.7
10.3
7.8
0.1
7.6
5.5
1.5
2.7
0.69

25th to 75th
Quartile
21.33-24.78
23.4-25.9
17.6-19.5-

Table 3b. Minimum, maximum and range of sea surface temperature (°C) for each species sighted in the
research area. A range of 25th to 75th quartiles are presented for the most frequently encounteredcetaceans: Bryde’s whales, sperm whales and common dolphins.
SpeciesNumber of sightings Minimum SSTBlue whale
Sei whale
Bryde’s whale
Sperm whale
Killer whale
Risso's dolphin
Cuvier’s beaked whale
Ziphiidae
Mesoplodon spp.
Unidentified pilot whale
Common dolphin
Striped dolphin
Spotted dolphin
Bottlenose dolphin

1
1
88
65
1
5
5
35
7
4
42
4
5
3

Maximum SST

Temperature range

22.8
16.9
27.3
27.1
18.2
24.2
26.2
27.1
26.2
27.2
22.2
23.3
27.2
24.9

0
0
9.3
9.3
0
2.5
5.7
10.3
7.8
7.6
5.5
1.3
2.7
0.69

22.8
16.9
18
17.8
18.2
21.7
20.5
16.8
18.4
19.6
16.7
22
24.5
24.2

25th to 75th
Quartile21.15-25.2
24.1-26.1
17.6-19.5-

Table 4. Summary of the photo-identification and biopsy data with accompanying photo-ID data and encounter
duration (minutes) LD: Left dorsal; RD: Right dorsal. YS3 Whale ID numbers have been assigned to
one blue whale, 69 Bryde’s whales, 2 sperm whales, 3 killer whales and one pilot whale. Biopsy
sample numbers have been added to the whale ID numbers when a sampled whale was photo-identified.

7/29/2014 Blue whale
7/4/2014 Brydes whale
7/5/2014 Brydes whale
7/5/2014 Brydes whale

15
9
1
5

1
1
2
2

NumberPhotoID’d1
12
2

7/5/2014
7/6/2014
7/6/2014
7/7/2014
7/7/2014

23
8
11
2
3

3
2
1
1
1

1
1
1
1
1

Common Name

Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale

Sighting Group
Numbersize

YS3WhaleID
2014_Blue_1_14061048
2014_Brydes_1
2014_Brydes_2 (calf); 2014_Brydes_3(mother)
2014_Brydes_4; 2014_Brydes_5

2014_Brydes_6
2014_Brydes_7
2014_Brydes_8
2014_Brydes_9_14031001
2014_Brydes_10_14031002

14

Photo-IDPart

Encounter
duration

RD, RL, LD
LD, LLRD, LD each
LD of one;
LD,LL of theotherLD, LLLD, RD
LD, LLRD, LD
RD

12

33
21

SC/66a/IAxx

Common Name

Sighting Group
Numbersize

NumberPhoto- YS3WhaleID
ID’d0
2014_Brydes_X_14031003
2
2014_Brydes_11_14031004 (calf);
2014_Brydes_12 (mother)0
2014_Brydes_X_14031005
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031006
1
2014_Brydes_13
1
2014_Brydes_14_14031007
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031008
1
2014_Brydes_15_14031009
1
2014_Brydes_16_14031010
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031011
1
2014_Brydes_17_14031012
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031013
1
2014_Brydes_18_14031014
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031015
2
2014_Brydes_19 (calf);
2014_Brydes_20_14031016 (mother)2
2014_Brydes_21_14031017 (mother);
2014_Brydes_22_14031018 (calf);0
2014_Brydes_X_14031019
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031020
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031021
2
2014_Brydes_23_14031023 (mother);
2014_Brydes_24_14031024 (calf)1
2014_Brydes_25_14031025
1
2014_Brydes_26_14031026
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031027
1
2014_Brydes_27_14031028
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031029
1
2014_Brydes_28
1
2014_Brydes_29_14031030
1
2014_Brydes_30_14031031
1
2014_Brydes_31_14031032
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031033
1
2014_Brydes_32_14031034
1
2014_Brydes_33_14031035
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031036
1
2014_Brydes_34_14031037
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031038
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031039
1
2014_Brydes_35_14031040
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031041
1
2014_Brydes_36_14031042
1
2014_Brydes_37_14031043
1
2014_Brydes_38_14031044
1
2014_Brydes_39_14031045
1
2014_Brydes_40_14031046
1
2014_Brydes_41_14031047
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031049
1
2014_Brydes_42_14031050
1
2014_Brydes_43_14031051
1
2014_Brydes_44_14031052
1
2014_Brydes_45_14031053
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031054
1
2014_Brydes_46_14031055
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031056
1
2014_Brydes_47_14031057
1
2014_Brydes_48_14031058

7/8/2014
7/8/2014

Brydes whale
Brydes whale

1
3

1
2

7/8/2014
7/8/2014
7/10/2014
7/11/2014
7/12/2014
7/13/2014
7/13/2014
7/13/2014
7/14/2014
7/14/2014
7/14/2014
7/14/2014
7/16/2014

Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale

4
8
1
2
5
3
4
14
9
11
15
18
3

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2

7/16/2014 Brydes whale42

7/19/2014
7/19/2014
7/20/2014
7/21/2014

Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale

1
2
3
4

1
1
1
2

7/21/2014
7/21/2014
7/21/2014
7/22/2014
7/23/2014
7/23/2014
7/24/2014
7/24/2014
7/25/2014
7/25/2014
7/25/2014
7/25/2014
7/25/2014
7/25/2014
7/25/2014
7/26/2014
7/26/2014
7/26/2014
7/26/2014
7/26/2014
7/27/2014
7/27/2014
7/29/2014
7/29/2014
7/31/2014
7/31/2014
8/2/2014
8/2/2014
8/2/2014
8/3/2014
8/3/2014
8/3/2014
8/4/2014
8/5/2014

Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale

7
11
12
1
4
5
20
22
3
10
24
27
28
29
30
2
3
4
6
7
1
6
1
9
6
7
1
9
11
5
6
7
2
1

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

8/7/2014
8/8/2014

Brydes whale
Brydes whale

16
16

1
1

1
1

2014_Brydes_49_14031059
2014_Brydes_50_14031060

8/9/2014

Brydes whale

6

1

1

2014_Brydes_51_14031061

15

Photo-IDPart

Encounter
duration
42

LD, RD (calf);
LD (mother)LD
RD
LD, LLRD, LDLD
RD, LD, LL
RD, LD (calf);
LD (mother)RD (mother);RD (calf)

LD (mother);
LD, LL (calf)
RD
RD
LD
RD, LD
RD, RLLD
RD
RD, LD
LD
LD

RD, LD
RD, RL
RD
LD
LD
LD
RD
RD
RD, LD, LL
RD, RLRD, RLLD
LD, LLRD, RL, LD,
LL
RD, RLRD, RL, LD,
LL
RD, LD

49
16
10
45
11
9
7
19
10
14
14
31
15
52
12
38
20
37
9
9
33
8
4
4
45
8
32
17
9
4
4
8
4
24
6
16
14
22
5
20
7
14
6
11
14
23
15
5
6
6
11
7
44
15
43
47

SC/66a/IAxx

Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale

7
4
1
4
5
6
7

1
1
1
1
1
1
2

NumberPhotoID’d
1
0
0
1
0
1
2

8/12/2014 Brydes whale
8/12/2014 Brydes whale

4
8

1
2

1
2

2014_Brydes_57_14031069
2014_Brydes_58_14031070 (mother);
2014_Brydes_59_14031071 (calf)

8/12/2014
8/12/2014
8/12/2014
8/12/2014
8/12/2014

Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale

9
10
11
13
17

1
1
1
1
2

1
1
1
1
2

2014_Brydes_60_14031072
2014_Brydes_61_14031073
2014_Brydes_62_14031074
2014_Brydes_63
2014_Brydes_64 (mother); 2014_Brydes_65(calf)

8/13/2014
8/13/2014
8/13/2014
8/14/2014
8/15/2014
8/15/2014
8/18/2014
7/13/2014
7/20/2014

Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Brydes whale
Sperm whale
Killer whale

1
3
6
2
2
12
10
16
15

1
1
1
2
1
1
1
4
3

0
1
1
1
0
1
0
2
3

7/5/2014 Risso's dolphin

11

7

3

7/4/201411

71

2014_Brydes_X_14031075
2014_Brydes_66_14031076
2014_Brydes_67_14031077
2014_Brydes_68
2014_Brydes_X_14031078
2014_Brydes_69_14031079
2014_Brydes_X_14031080
2014_Sperm_1 (calf); 2014_Sperm_2 (mother)
2014_720_15_KW_1_14271022 (male);
2014_720_15_KW_2 (female);
2014_720_15_KW_3 (juvenile);
2014-705_11_Risso_1; 2014705_11_Risso_2;2014-705_11_Risso_3
2014_704_11_Pilot_1

Common Name
8/9/2014
8/10/2014
8/11/2014
8/11/2014
8/11/2014
8/11/2014
8/11/2014

Southern form
short finned
pilot whale

Sighting Group
Numbersize

Photo-IDPart

YS3WhaleID
2014_Brydes_52
2014_Brydes_X_14031062
2014_Brydes_X_14031063
2014_Brydes_53_14031064
2014_Brydes_X_14031065
2014_Brydes_54_14031066
2014_Brydes_55_14031067 (mother);
2014_Brydes_56_14031068 (calf)

Encounter
durationRD

LD
RD
LD, LL(mother); RD,
LD (calf)
RD, LD
RD, LD(mother); LD(calf)RD
RD. LDLD
RD, RLLD, RD(mother); LD,
LL (calf)

45
9
15
18
3
3

35
30

5
3
21

13
27
9

RD, LD
LD
RD
RD, LDLD of each
LD, RD of
each

10
48
8
12
35

LD
RD, RL

Table 5. Summary of marine debris observations. Codes below 199 correspond to the IWC codes. Codes above
199 were developed based on marine debris observations during the POWER cruises. On-effort
observations were during the first 15 minutes each hour while on survey. Off-effort observations werestrictly opportunistic.
Marine Debris Code
134
134
134
134
134
135
135
135
135
135
137
142
144
148
148
149
162
169
169
304
304
304
402

Description
single fishing float
single fishing float with high flyer
single fishing float with rope
styrofoam float
styrofoam float with ropeclustered fishing floats (2)clustered fishing floats and net
clustered fishing floats, line and ropeclustered fishing floats, rope and net
clustered floats with high flyer
wood crate, 1 side only
metal cannister, 1 litre or lessmetal can, 150-150 litres
styrofoam piece
styrofoam piece, squarestyrofoam piece, 1-3 square metres
piece of plastic
garbage, 1 piece
garbage, 2 pieces
clustered ropeclustered rope and net
rope
lightbulb

16

Total

On-effort

Off-effort

142
1
1
15
1
3
2
1
1
3
2
2
1
5
1
1
8
2
1
4
6
2
1

79

63
1

1
5
1
1
1

3
1
2
1
1
1
4
2
1
1
2

10
2
1
1
1
1

4
1
4

3
4
2
1

SC/66a/IAxx

Marine Debris Code
501
501
502
601
602
602
602
602
602
602
602
606
606
607
611
611
611
612
615
630
701
801
901
901
902
902

Description
cushion or flotation padlife jacket
life ring
plastic bottle
plastic box
plastic bucket
plastic cannister
plastic container
plastic crate
plastic crate, 1 side only
plastic crate, 2 sides
plastic sheet
plastic sheet and rope
canvasplastic lid
plastic lid (from 5gal. bucket)
plastic pot
plastic table
plastic round grate
plastic drum
tire with barnacles
wooden log
metal gas cannister
steel drum
metal grate
metal screen

17

Total

On-effort

1
1
2
4
1
1
1
2
1
3
1
7
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1

1
1

Off-effort
1
1
4
1

1

2
1
3

1
2
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
1

1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1

SC/66a/IAxx

Figure 1. Research area and the trackline design of the 2014 IWC-POWER cruise.

18

SC/66a/IAxx

Figure 2a. The searching effort (Green line) and sighting positions of blue (blue circle), sei (yellow triangle) and
Bryde’s (green circle and triangle) whales during the 2014 POWER cruise.

Figure 2b. The searching effort (Green line) and sighting positions of sperm whales during the 2014 POWER
cruise.

Figure 2c. The searching effort (Green line) and sighting positions of Cuvier’s beaked whales (triangle),
Ziphiidae (circle) and Mesoplodon spp. (square) during the 2014 POWER cruise.

19

SC/66a/IAxx

Figure 2d. The searching effort (Green line) and sighting positions of pilot whales and Risso’s dolphins during
the 2014 POWER cruise.

Figure 2e. The searching effort (Green line) and sighting positions of killer whales, common, bottlenose, spottedand striped dolphins during the 2014 POWER cruise.

20

SC/66a/IAxx

300

2014
250

Hours

200

150

100

50

0
BP

CO

TX/PX

TF

TD

DR

DX

Figure 3a. Breakdown of research time in hours, by effort code in the research area during the 2014 POWER
cruise. BP: Passing mode searching, CO: Confirmation of school, TX/PX: Biopsy experiment, TF:
Time back to trackline, TD: Top down steaming, DR: Drifting, DX: Distance and angle estimate
experiment.
200

2014

180
160
140
Hours

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
<4.0

4.1-7.0

7.1-11.0 11.1-17.0 17.1-22.0

22.0<Wind speed in knot

Figure 3b. Breakdown of research time in hours during 2014 surveys in the research area, by wind speed inknots.
350

2014
300

Hours

250
200
150
100
50
0
0-0.9

1.0-1.9 2.0-2.9 3.0-3.9 4.0-4.9 5.0-5.9 6.0-6.9

7.0<

Visibility in nautical mile

Figure 3c. Breakdown of research time in hours during 2014 surveys in the research area, by visibility innautical mile.
21

SC/66a/IAxx

APPENDICES
Appendix A. Ship specifications and crew list of Yushin-Maru No.3.
Ship photo:

Ship specifications:
Yushin-Maru No.3
Call sign

7JCH

Length overall [m]69.61

Molded breadth [m]10.80Gross tonnage (GT)742

Barrel height [m]19.5

Upper bridge height [m]11.5

Bow height [m]6.5

Engine power [PS / kW]

5280 / 3900

Crew list:
Yushin-Maru No.3
Captain

Yoshiyuki Yamauchi

Chief Officer

Hidenori Kasai

Second Officer

Shinya Kawabe

Junior Second Officer

Kensuke Fujii

Chief Engineer

Yoshihiro Ooura

First Engineer

Keisuke Mizobuchi

Second Engineer

Kenji Kawamoto

Third Engineer

Yasuhisa Nitta

Chief Operator/Purser

Hitoshi Shimaoka

Operator/Assistant Purser

Takachika Yokomitsu

Boatswain

Masahiko Abe

Quartermaster

Hisashi Katase

Quartermaster

Akihiko Tsuji

SailorNaoto Nomakawauchi

SailorNaoto Suzuki

Chief Steward

Hironobu Hodokuma

StewardWataru Morino

22

SC/66a/IAxx

Appendix B. Comparison of weather conditions (wind speed / visibility) among past cruises (2010-2013).

Figure B1. Breakdown of research time in hours during 2010 to 2013 surveys in research area by wind speed.

Figure B2. Breakdown of research time in hours during 2010 to 2013 surveys in research area by visibility innautical mile.

23

SC/66a/IAxx

Appendix C. Sightings in the US EEZ
1. Dates and Locations of Survey Effort in US waters
The ship entered the US EEZ at location 31° 36.5’ N, 179° 46.0 W on 24 July 2014 at 17:20 SMT (GMT+12)
and left the USEEZ at location 31° 50.3’ N, 178° 07.6’ W on 27 July 2014 at 9:57 SMT (GMT+12). Total
searching distance of US EEZ was 149.4 n. miles by the passing with abeam closing mode. Coverage of theresearch area of US EEZ (total searching distance/planned cruise track distance) was 67.1 %.
2. Sightings
Appendix Table C1 shows total sightings while in the US EEZ. All Bryde’s whales sighted were approached
for species confirmation and biopsy sampling. The group of spotted dolphins was approached briefly to within
0.1 miles for long distance species confirmation. No other species were approached. A total of 23 objects ofmarine debris was recorded during surveys in the US EEZ (Appendix Table C3) and 21 of those were
photographed.
3. Photo-ID and photo durations
Photographs sufficient for assigning photo-ID catalogue numbers were collected opportunistically during eightof the 13 encounters with Bryde’s whales. All 13 whales approached for biopsy sampling were sampled. Biopsy
encounter times were exceptionally short. The elapsed time from when Larsen guns were loaded to the retrievalof the sample ranged from a minimum of 4:02 minutes to a maximum of 24:05 minutes, with most samples
collected within a time period of 5:52-17:55 minutes (25th to 75th quartiles) (Appendix Table C2).

Appendix Table C1. Summary of the all sightings in the US-EEZ. Parentheses indicated the number of calvesobserved.
Primary

Species
Sch.
13
9
1
1
1
8
1
2
2

Bryde’s whale
Sperm whale
Mesoplodon spp.
Ziphiidae
Spotted dolphin
Unidentified large baleen whale
Unidentified large cetacean
Unidentified dolphin
Unidentified cetacean

Ind.
13
26
3
1
42 (5)
16
1
30
2

Secondary
Sch.
Ind.
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Total
Sch.
13
10
1
1
1
8
1
2
2

Ind.
13
27
3
1
42 (5)
16
1
30
2

Appendix Table C2. Summary of the 13 Bryde’s whales encounters in the US EEZ.
Date
Common
7/25/2014 Brydes whale
7/25/2014 Brydes whale
7/25/2014 Brydes whale
7/25/2014 Brydes whale
7/25/2014 Brydes whale
7/25/2014 Brydes whale
7/25/2014 Brydes whale
7/26/2014 Brydes whale
7/26/2014 Brydes whale
7/26/2014 Brydes whale
7/26/2014 Brydes whale
7/26/2014 Brydes whale
7/27/2014 Brydes whale

Sighting
3
10
24
27
28
29
30
2
3
4
6
7
1

Best
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Number of
YS3WhaleID1
2014_Brydes_31_14031032
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031033
1
2014_Brydes_32_14031034
1
2014_Brydes_33_14031035
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031036
1
2014_Brydes_34_14031037
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031038
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031039
1
2014_Brydes_35_14031040
0
2014_Brydes_X_14031041
1
2014_Brydes_36_14031042
1
2014_Brydes_37_14031043
1
2014_Brydes_38_14031044

Appendix Table C3. Summary of all marine debris observations in the US EEZ.
Marine Debris Code
134
134
137
148
304
502
606
901

Description
single fishing float
styrofoam float
wood crate, 1 side only
styrofoam piececlustered rope and netlife ring
plastic sheet
metal gas cannister

24

Total
15
1
1
2
1
1
1
1

Photo-ID Parts
RD
RD, LD
LD
LD

RD, LD
RD, RLRD
LD

Encounter duration
17
9
4
4
8
4
24
6
16
14
22
5
20