SC/65b/IA05

Cruise report of the 2013 IWC-Pacific Ocean Whale andEcosystem Research (IWC-POWER)
KOJI MATSUOKA1, HYUN WOO KIM2, SERGIO MARTINEZ-AGUILAR3, SAEKO KUMAGAI4 AND YASUAKI SASAKI5
1: The Institute of Cetacean Research, 4-5, Toyomi, Chuo, Tokyo, 104-0055, JAPAN
2: Cetacean Research Institute, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, 139-29, Maeam-Dong, Nam-Gu,
Ulsan, 680-050, Republic of Korea
3: PRIMMA-Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, carretera al sur Km 5.5, La Paz, B.C.S., México
4: IWC nominated researcher, 7-54, Asakura, Yamaguchi, 753-0061, JAPAN
5: Kyodo Senpaku Co. LTD., Toyomi 4-5, Chuo-ku Tokyo, 104-0055, JAPANContact e-mail: matsuoka@cetacean.jp
ABSTRACTThe 4th annual IWC-POWER (as a successor to the IWC/IDCR-SOWER cruises since 1978/79 in the Antarctic) was
successfully conducted from 12 July to 9 September, 2013 in the eastern North Pacific (north of 30°N, south of 40°N,
between 160°W and 135°W) using the Japanese Research Vessel Yushin-Maru No.3. The cruise was organized as a joint
project between the IWC and Japan. The cruise plan was endorsed at the 64th IWC/SC meeting. Researchers from Japan,
Korea and México participated in the survey. The cruise had five main objectives: (a) provide information for the
proposed future in-depth assessment of sei 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 those that were known to have been depleted in the past, but whose status is unclear; (d) provide biopsy
samples and photo-identification photos 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 is unclear; (e)provide essential information for the intersessional workshop to plan for a medium-long term international programme in
the North Pacific. The sighting survey was conducted under the methods based on the guidelines of the IWC/SC and thepredetermined transect lines were completed. Survey coverage was 93.9% and a total of 3,035.9 n.miles was surveyed in
the research area in the Passing (NSP) with abeam closing mode. Totals of 854.9 and 451.4 n.miles were also surveyed
during transit to and from the research area. Sightings of fin (3 schools / 3 individuals), sei (4/4), Bryde’s (54/64),
common minke (1/1), sperm (67/99), dwarf sperm (1/2), Cuvier’s beaked (2/6), Stejneger’s beaked (1/4), Mesoplodon
spp. (9/22), Ziphiidae (36/71), short-finned pilot (1/1) whales, Risso’s (9/208), rough-toothed (2/62), bottlenose (1/7),
spotted (6/455), striped (16/1,395), short-beaked common dolphin (3/175), Pacific white-sided (5/68), northern rightwhale (2/21) dolphins, Dall’s porpoise (11/38) and unidentified large whales (39/43) were made during whole cruise.
Sperm and Bryde’s whales were the most frequently sighted large species. All solitary Bryde’s and fin whales weresighted in the west of 148°W in the research area. Sperm and beaked whales were widely distributed in the research area.
The Estimated Angle and Distance Training Exercise and Experiment were completed as in previous years. There wereno high priority sightings of photo-ID species (blue, humpback and North Pacific right whales) during the cruise. Photoidentification data for 3 fin, 2 sei and 6 Bryde’s whales were collected. A total of 8 biopsies (skin samples) weresuccessfully collected from 1 fin, 1 sei and 6 Bryde’s whales using the Larsen-gun system. The research area of thiscruise was within an area so called ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’. 1,508 records of marine debris were observed
including 10 overturned small boats and 2 other items, possibly related to the Japan Tsunami-2011. The planned survey
procedure was in accordance with the guidelines agreed by the SC. At the pre-cruise meeting, Captain and crew of thevessel, and international researchers fully agreed on the objectives of the survey and procedures. The 4th cruise of
POWER program was completed and provided important information on the cetacean distributions in the area where no
survey had been conducted in the recent decades. These results will contribute to the above objectives for the IWC/SC.

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Research objective
The cruise was organized as a joint project between the IWC and Japan (IWC, 2012a, 2012b, 2012c, 2013; Kato et al.,2011, Matsuoka et al., 2011, 2012, 2013). The 2013 cruise plan was endorsed at the 64th IWC/SC meeting. The cruise
had five main objectives: (a) provide information for the proposed future in-depth assessment of sei whales in terms ofboth abundance and stock structure; (b) provide information relevant to Implementation Reviews of whales in terms ofboth abundance and stock structure; (c) provide baseline information on distribution and abundance for a poorly known
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area for several large whale species/populations, including those that were known to have been depleted in the past, butwhose status is unclear; (d) provide biopsy samples and photo-identification photos 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 is unclear; (e) provide essential information for the intersessional workshop to plan for a medium-longterm 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 160°W-135°W where the longer transit distance fromJapan than previous cruises (Figure 1a). The survey area was not divided into northern and southern strata. A random
start point for survey tracks was used as same as 2010, 2011 and 2012 IWC-POWER cruises based on the IWC/SC
survey guidelines (IWC, 2005). Every location within the study area has an equal probability of being sampled which is
calculated by the software “DISTANCE” (Thomas et al., 2010). Figure 1a shows the cruise track design in the researcharea and Table 1a shows Waypoints (WP) for the pre-determined tracklines. Research hours during the cruise were thesame as in SOWER cruises. The research day began 60 minutes after sunrise and ended 60 minutes before sunset, with amaximum of a 12-hour research day (7:00-19:00 for 2013 cruise). Time-zone changes were in 30-minute or 60-minuteintervals, coming into effect at midnight. Primary search effort was conducted only in acceptable weather conditions. The
sighting survey was conducted using Passing (NSP) with abeam closing mode based on the discussions at the Tromsø SC
meeting, recommendations based on the 2010 cruise and suggestions from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of SC
members (IWC, 2013). The usual guidelines for acceptable conditions applied, i.e. visibility greater than 2.0 n. miles andwind speed is <21 knots; the sea state should be <Beaufort 6 as same as previous cruises. Two primary observers were in
the barrel throughout in NSP mode (See Item 2 Survey Mode). Details of the sighting survey are given in the“Information for researchers” (Anon. 2013a). At the sightings of very rare species (e. g. blue and right whales), the vessel
approached to whales to avoid losing them due to the delay of closing.
The R/V Yushin-Maru No.3 (YS3) surveyed the high seas area in this cruise including transits between Japan andresearch area. Research time was given for biopsy sampling of blue, fin, sei, Bryde’s, common minke, North Pacific right,
humpback, sperm and killer whales, with higher priority given to the former seven species in this cruise using the Larsengun system. Target species for photo-ID were blue, North Pacific right and humpback whales. Photos of fin whales, sei
whales, Bryde’s, sperm whales were also obtained opportunistically.

2. SHORT NARRATIVE OF THE CRUISE
2.1 The 2013 cruise itinerary
Date

Event

11 July 201312 July
23 July
23 August
7 September
9 September

Pre-cruise meeting
Vessel departed Shiogama, Japan
Vessel arrived at the starting point at 160º00’W in the research area
Vessel completed the research at 135º00’W (32 days in the research area).
Post-cruise meeting
Vessel arrived Shiogama, Japan

2.2 Research vessel used
The R/V Yushin-Maru No.3 (742GT) was engaged for this cruise as in 2011 and 2012 cruises. Ship specifications, photo,
and a crew list are shown in Appendix A.
2.3 Scientists present and responsibilities
Four international researchers were nominated by the steering group of POWER programm: Koji Matsuoka (Cruise
leader), Hyun Woo Kim (photo-ID/video), Sergio Martínez Aguilar (biopsy and marine debris), Saeko Kumagai(sighting data management).
Koji Matsuoka (Japan) - Cruise Leader, sighting/photo-ID
Hyun Woo Kim (Republic of Korea) - photo-ID and video
Sergio Martínez-Aguilar (México) - biopsy and marine debris data managements
Saeko Kumagai (Japan) – sighting and data management
Reserve : -2

2.4 Pre-cruise meeting
On 11 July, a pre-cruise meeting was held on the R/V Yushin-Maru No.3 (YS3) under Kato (Convenor of this cruise).
The meeting discussed and confirmed the priorities and strategies of the cruise based on the planning report (IWC, 2013)
as well as research manual (Anon, 2013a). Meeting participants were: Kato (TUMSAT, Chair), Miyashita (NRIFSF),
Matsuoka (ICR, cruise leader), Kim (Republic of Korea, CRI, researcher), Martínez (Mexico, PRIMMA-UABCS,
researcher), Kumagai (researcher), Sasaki (Captain), Abe (Chief Engineer), Iida (Chief Operater), Takamatsu (Chief
Officer), Wakatsuki (Bosun) and Mori (Kyodo-Senpaku). Report of this meeting was distributed to the steering group
after review by the Chair (Anon, 2013b). On 12 July, all researchers and equipment were on board the YS3.
2.5 Research hour, the survey mode and the number of observers on effort
Research hours during the cruise were the same as on recent SOWER and POWER cruises. The research day began 60
minutes after sunrise and ended 60 minutes before sunset, with a maximum of a 12-hour research day (07:00-19:00).
Time-zone changes were in 30-60 minute intervals, coming into effect at midnight.
Sighting activities aboard the ship were classified into two principal types: On-effort and Off-effort. In the sightingssurvey portion of the research, On-effort activities were times when full search effort is being executed and conditions(such as weather and sea conditions) were within acceptable parameters to conduct research. Off-effort activities were allactivities that were not On-effort. All sightings recorded while the ship was On-effort were classified as Primarysightings. All other sightings are considered to be Secondary sightings. Sighting effort was conducted by the bosun andtopmen from the barrel (crow's nest) and the upper bridge where the helmsman, captain or officer-on-watch, researchers,
and the chief engineer or deputy are also present. 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 (07:00-19:00). There was open
communication between the upper bridge and the barrel. The observers on the upper bridge communicated with thetopmen only to clarify information and did not direct the topmen to disrupt their normal search procedure unless they
were directed to do so by the Cruise Leader (Anon. 2013a).
Immediately after a sighting was made from the barrel, the topman informed the upper bridge of his estimate of the
distance and angle to the sighting (and also, if possible, the species and number of animals present), but did not change
his normal searching pattern in order to keep contact with the sighting. The observers on the upper bridge attempted tolocate the sighting made by the topman and decided whether it was possible for them to confirm the species and number
before the sighting passes abeam of the vessel. The topman gave no further information to the upper bridge unless thewhale group happens to surface again within the normal searching pattern of the topman. A designated researcher on theupper bridge recorded the species and estimated number of whales in the school when the sighting passed abeam of thevessel, in consultation with other researchers. When the sighting location was abeam of the vessel, the ship changed
course to the appropriate heading to approach the whale, and vessel speed was increased to 15 knots to hasten the closure.
Ship speed was decreased when the group was neared, usually at a distance of 0.2-0.4 n. miles from the initial sighting
position. After the whale group was approached, the species, number of animals in the group, estimated lengths, numberof calves present, and behaviour were determined and recorded. After as much data as possible have been collected, otheractivities might take place, such as natural marking or biopsy experiments. Until the ship resumed the transect with fullsearch effort, any whale sightings made after the initial sighting were classified as secondary sightings (Anon. 2013a).
2.6 Weather conditions and expected versus realised effort
Weather conditions were different and better than in the previous three cruises. 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
3,035.7 n. miles was surveyed in the research area in the Passing (NSP) with abeam closing mode. Survey coverage(searching distance / planned distance (3,233.9 n.miles)) was 93.9% in the research area.

3. SUMMARY OF SIGHTINGS
3.1 Identification of species
Guidelines for species identification were based on the IWC-SOWER (Southern Ocean Whale and Ecosystem Research)and IWC-POWER methods for classification of identification (Anon, 2013a):
Positive identification of species was based on multiple cues and usually required the clear observation of the whale's
body. Occasionally, repeated observations of the shape of the blow, surfacing and other behavioural patterns were alsosufficient; this judgement was made only by the Cruise leader or other designated researcher. Probable identification of
species was based on multiple cues, which were nevertheless insufficient to be absolutely confident in identification. This
usually occurred when blows are seen, the surfacing pattern is correct, but the whale's body could not be seen or clearly
seen. Details of the sighting record were shown in the ‘Information for researcher’ (Anon, 2013a).

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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. The data from theconfirmed schools can be used to determine a mean school size. Therefore it is critical that the schools that are confirmed
are representative in size of the schools that are in the survey area. Normally, schools believed to be confirmed for school
size are approached to within 1n. mile for large whales and to within 0.3 n. miles for minke whales. Obviously, there aredifferences in the environmental conditions and behavior of the animals for every sighting; however, (with particularreference to minke whale sightings) every effort was made to be as consistent as possible in regard to the maximum timespent on identification of species and confirmation 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 trying to complete these tasks. (Otherwise
there is the potential for confusion with other sightings in the vicinity) (Anon, 2013a).
3.3 Sighting summary
Tabulations of all waypoint (WP) of the track line, the searching effort and the sightings recorded in the research area, byspecies and by effort mode are presented in Tables 1a, 1b and 2a, respectively. Table 2b summarizes all the sightings
observed during the entire cruise including transit to and from the research area. Table 3 shows the sea surface
temperatures (min. max. and range) for each frequently sighted species in the research area and provides quartile analysis
for a few of the major species observed. Figure 1a and 1b illustrated the research area and the track line design andlocation of the searching effort, respectively. Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e illustrate the location of the sightings. Figure
3a shows the breakdown of research time, in hours by effort codes in the research area. Figure 3b and 3c show the
breakdown of research time, in hours by wind speed and visibility in the research area, respectively.
Comparison of weather conditions (wind speed and visibility) among past cruises (2010-2012) are shown in Appendix B.
It is appeared that wind speed of this cruise was generally low rather than 2010 and 2011 cruises.
Transit survey to the research area
The YS3 departed Shiogama port on schedule (10:55, 12 July) and started transit survey using the passing mode between
14 July (07:00) and 22 July (18:20) from Shiogama to the research area under good weather or intervals of rain
conditions. The safety instruction meeting and emergency drill were conducted on 13 July. The exercise “experiment of
distance & angle estimation” and “test of Larsen-gun” were conducted on 16 July. No biopsy experiment was conducted
due to time limitation during the transit survey.
A number of Bryde’s whales were sighted in the both sides of the Emperor Sea mount chain (32˚N-35˚N, between 160˚E
and 180˚E) during 16 to 19 July (Figures 2a and 2f). Total searching distance was 854.9 n. miles. Total sightings
included Bryde’s (48 schools / 58 individuals), sperm (21/23), Mesoplodon spp. (1/2), Ziphiidae (4/10), Risso’s (1/14),
rough-toothed (1/60), spotted (1/55), striped (1/80), short-beaked common (2/95) dolphins were made. Sightings
recorded in the transit sighting survey, by species are presented in Tables 2b.
The research area
The YS3 finished the transit survey and started the research area survey at Waypoint 101 (WP, see Table 1a) position
32˚22’N 160˚00’W, on 23 July 07:00 on a southeast course under acceptable searching conditions. The YS3 arrived at
the most east WP (WP131) position 37˚38’N 135˚00’W on 23 August 13:13 almost on schedule (Table 2b).
Generally, weather condition was good for the sighting survey under the strong high pressure which located in thewestern side of the research area. Wind speed was generally ranged 7-15 knots and visibility was almost over 7.0 n.miles(Figures 3b and 3c). There was no strong ocean current in the research area.
A total of 3,035.9 n. miles was surveyed in the research area in the Passing (NSP) with abeam closing mode. Survey
coverage (searching distance / planned distance (3,233.9 n.miles)) was 93.9% in the research area. The most dominantlarge whale species in the research area were sperm (33 schools / 50 individuals) and Bryde’s (6/6) whales. Totalsightings of other species including fin (1 school / 1 individual), dwarf sperm (1/2), Cuvier’s beaked (2/6), Stejneger’s
beaked (1/4), Mesoplodon spp. (8/20), Ziphiidae (other than beaked whale) (28/51), short-finned pilot (1/1) whales,
Risso’s (7/169, including 21 calves), rough-toothed (1/2), bottlenose (1/7), spotted (5/400, incl. 61 calves), striped(14/1,275 incl. 87 calves) dolphins and unidentified large whales (8/8) were made in the research area. All Bryde’s andfin whales were sighted in western side of the research area (Figures 2a and 2b). Sperm and beaked whales were widelydistributed in the research area (Figures 2b and 2c). Sightings recorded in the research area by species, by modes arepresented in Table 2a.
The Estimated Angle and Distance Training Exercise and Experiment were completed on 17 August in the research area
as in previous years. Results of the Photo-identification, biopsy experiments and the marine debris observation wereshown following paragraphs.

4Transit survey to Shiogama
The YS3 departed the research area (13:13, 23 August) and started transit survey using the passing mode between 23
August (07:00) and 7 September (12:00) to Shiogama port under heavy wind or fog intervals of rain conditions (Table
1b). Total searching distance was 451.4 n. miles. Total sightings included fin (2 schools / 2 individuals), sei (4/4),
common minke (1/1), sperm (13/26) whales, Ziphiidae (4/10), Risso’s (1/25), striped (1/40), short-beaked common(1/80), Pacific white-sided (5/68), northern right whale (2/21), dolphins and Dall’s porpoise (11/38). Sightings recordedin the transit sighting survey, by species are presented in Tables 2b.
Detailed sightings by each species as follows:
Fin whale
A solitary fin whale was sighted in the western side of the research area (Figure 2a). Sea surface temperature was at
22.1˚C. Skin sample was collected from this animal. From photos, many parasites were observed on their skin. Twosolitary fin whales were also sighted during transit to Japan. Sea surface temperatures during this transit were from
16.5˚C to 19.8˚C (Figure 2f).
Sei whale
Sei whale was not sighted in the research area. They were sighted only during transit to Japan (4 schools / 4 individuals)(Figure 2f). Sea surface temperatures were from 13.9˚C to 17.0˚C. One skin sample was collected from one animal.
Bryde’s whale
Bryde’s whales were the most frequently encountered baleen whale species in the research area (6 schools / 6
individuals). They were distributed in the western side of the research area between 156°W-148°W (Figure 2a). Sea
surface temperatures ranged from 21.9 °C to 24.9˚C. Skin samples were collected from all individuals.
During transit to the research area, they distributed western north Pacific until longitude 180˚. A total of 48 schools (58individuals) were sighted during this transit. A number of Bryde’s whales (32 schools 39 individuals) were sighted in theboth sides of the Emperor Sea mount chain (32˚N-35˚N, between 160˚E and 180˚) during 16 to 19 July (Figures 2a and2f).
Sperm whale
A total of 33 sperm whale schools (50 individuals) were seen in the research area (Table 2a and Figure 2b). 20schools
were consisted of a solitary large animal. They were observed at sea surface temperature ranges from 22.0˚C to 25.5˚Cand the 25th to 75th quartile range was 22.8-24.1˚C (Table 3). Sperm whales were the most frequently encountered
toothed whale species in the research area. Most sperm whales were solitary and were widely distributed in the researcharea between 160˚W and 142˚W. They were not sighted in the eastern side of 140˚W. Some of individuals were
photographed. Two different dead sperm whales were observed on 18 July at 34˚18’N, 173˚24’E (during transit toresearch area) and 2nd August at 33˚11’N, 150˚21’W in the research area and both photographed.
Ziphiidae and Mesoplodon spp.
Ziphiidae and Mesoplodon spp. were widely distributed throughout the research area (Figure 2c). In the research area,
two schools (6 individuals) of Cuvier’s beaked whales, one school (4 individuals) of Stejneger’s beaked whale, 8 schools(20 individuals) of Mesoplodon spp. and 28 schools (51 individuals) of Ziphiidae (other than beaked whales) weresighted (Table 2a). Sea surface temperature of all beaked whales ranged from 21.6 to 26.3˚C. One school of Cuvier’s
beaked whale and one school of Stejneger’s beaked whales (one breaching animal) were photographed on 19 August at
30˚13’N, 138˚42’W and 21 August at 33˚22’N, 137˚10’W.
Other species
A solitary short-finned pilot whale was sighted in the research area (sea surface temperature was 24.5˚C). It was a mixed
school of Risso’s dolphin and rough-toothed dolphin on 7th August at 34˚47’N, 146˚28’W in the research area.
Sightings of dolphin species of striped dolphin (14 schools 1,275 individuals, including 87 calves), spotted dolphin(5/400, including 61 calves), Risso’s dolphin (1/169, including 21 calves), rough-toothed dolphin (1/2), bottlenose
dolphin (1/7), unidentified dolphin/porpoise (14/1,255) were made in the research area. Striped dolphin was the mostfrequently encountered dolphin species. This species was sighted throughout the research area between 157˚W and140˚W (Figure 2e). Some bow- riding behaviors were observed of dolphins in the research area.
During transit to Japan, sightings of dolphin species such as short-beaked common dolphin (1 school 80 individuals),
striped dolphin (1/40), Pacific white-sided dolphin (5/68), northern right whale dolphin (2/21), Risso’s dolphin (1/25),

5Dalli type Dall’s porpoise (7/21), unidentified type Dall’s porpoise (4/17) were made. Short-beaked common dolphinswere the most frequently encountered dolphin species (Figure 2f). A mixed school of striped (1/40) and short-beakedcommon dolphins (1/80) was observed on 24 August at 39˚31’N, 139˚37’W. And also a mixed school of Pacific whitesided dolphin (35 individuals) and northern right whale dolphin (6 individuals) was observed on 1st September at
45˚50’N, 173˚41’E.
4. PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION
There were no high priority species sightings (blue, humpback and North Pacific right whales) in the whole cruise. A
total of 6 Bryde’s whales, 3 fin whales and 2 sei whales were photo-identified during the 2013 IWC-POWER cruise(Table 4). Catalogue numbers were assigned to all species.
In the survey area, photo-identification data were collected for six Bryde’s whales and one fin whale. During the researcharea to transit, photo-identification data were collected for two fin whale and two sei whales.
The photo-identification data analysis was attempted to confirm feasibility of photo-identification for the observed baleen
whales. Distinctive natural markings were found from dorsal fin of two Bryde’s whales among 11 photo-identified
animals. Many scars caused by cookie cutter shark were seen on the head and dorsal part on Bryde’s whales. However,the permanent existence of the scar as natural marker was not figured out from the analysis.
5. BIOPSY SAMPLING
A total of 8 skin tissue samples were collected, including 6 Bryde’s whale, 1 fin whales, 1 sei whale, (Table 5). Everybiopsy trial/experiment was documented photographically.
5.1 Biopsy data management
Biopsy darts were numbered and color-coded and each biopsy shooter used either red or black labeled darts. During
setup for each biopsy sampling encounter, photos were taken of each dart before it was loaded into the Larsen gun. Aftera sample was collected, photos were taken of each dart with the sample. This allowed us to track which whale was
sampled. The biopsy time was 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 the photographs,
biopsy sample numbers were assigned and simultaneously linked to photo-ID data were possible. Information about eachencounter was entered into the PhotoID_Biopsy database. Sighting number, photo-ID and biopsy data were recorded ineach photo’s EXIF metadata fields.
After sample numbers were assigned, data were double-checked with the sightings records 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 (setup on bow deck, document biopsy darts before approach), hitting, retrieval (photo of dart withsample) and/or finish (no hit or no shot) were recorded in the “PhotoID_Biopsy database” based on time of the effort
record.
5.2 Biopsy efficiency
Biopsy experiment/trial was attempted in the research area. Table 5 shows the summary of biopsy experiment. There
were 11 sightings where biopsy sampling was attempted. Of those, 8 encounters resulted in a successful hit. For 2
encounters, shots were fired but no whales were sampled. For 1 encounter, the biopsy team was ready on the bow deck
but no shots were fired.
In 25 % of the 8 successful biopsy encounters, the first hit occurred in less than 13 minutes from biopsy setup. The fastest
time to first hit was less than 11 minutes. For encounters where no shots were fired, 100 % of encounters ended in lessthan 14 minutes. Where shots were fired but no samples obtained, the average time was 37 minutes.
Some of the encounters of very short duration occurred under ideal sighting conditions, i.e., good lighting and calm seas,
where the topmen could track the whales underwater as we approached. Most of the encounters where no shots were
fired were approaches to whales which were surfacing in erratic (not predictable patterns) under less than ideal lighting
conditions.
6. VIDEO-RECORDING
Video recording was opportunistically conducted in this cruise. Video of the main sightings were recorded for the
behavioral studies of cetacean animals and the backup data for school size estimation or photo-id studies. The digital
video camera recorder (Sony HDR-PJ760) was used for the video recording. Video recording took place at the bow deckand top barrel during the photo-identification or biopsy.

6Generally, several video clip files were made for each sighting because the camera was turned on and off repeatedly due
to the diving behaviors of the animals. Therefore, the original video clips need amount of data storage. After recording,the original clips of a sighting were edited with useful parts which the animals featured in and saved as a WMV(Windows Media Video) format in order to reduce the data storage and to provide easy access to the scenes of theanimals.
During the survey period, 37.7 minutes of video recordings for 12 sightings of 8 species were made. 7.0 minutes fromthree Bryde’s whales, 7.8 minutes from two fin whales, 6.7 minutes from three striped, 9.0 minutes from two spotted, 3.5
minutes from two Risso’s, 0.5 minutes from one common, 0.7 minutes from one Pacific white-sided dolphin and 2.5
minutes from one Dall’s porpoise sightings were video-recorded.
7. OTHER EXPERIMENTS
7.1 Estimated Angle and Distance Training Exercise
The Estimated Angle and Distance Training Exercise were conducted in the afternoon of 16 July for 1 hour 32 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 Experiment were conducted on 17 August for 3 hours 30 minutes in the later of theresearch period in the research area. An Estimated Angle and Distance Training Exercise and Estimated Angle andDistance Experiment were performed using the same protocol as recent cruises (Anon. 2013a).
7.3 Marine debris observation
Research area of this cruise was a part of the hot spot of marine debris which located the centre of the North Pacific Gyre,
so called ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch; 35 ˚ N- 42 ˚ N, between 155 ˚ W and 135 ˚ W’ (Day et al., 1988). During thiscruise, marine debris data were collected to document the type and distribution of marine debris in the eastern North
Pacific. These data were collected between July 14 to September 4th, with a total of 46 days. In the same way than in
2012, special consideration was taken to try to evaluate whether any observed debris could be related to the Japan
Tsunami. From July 14 to August 5th, marine debris data were collected for every single sighting during the effort time,
but because of the fact that we found too much marine debris, we started collecting information just for the first 15
minutes after each hour, beginning on August 6th (32° 14’ N and 147° 45’ W), as discussed the pre-cruise meeting.
A total of 1,508 marine debris items were observed, 72 during transit from Japan to survey area, with an average of 8 per
day and within the research area we registered 1,347 items with an average of 44.9 per day and finally during transit fromsurvey area to Japan, we observed 89 items with an average of 12.7 per day. Main observations of marine debris,
including 789 single fishing float, 340 miscellaneous pieces of plastic and 151 pieces of rope and net (Table 6a). There
were 10 overturned small boats and 2 other items of the marine debris that seemed possibly to be related to the Japan
Tsunami 2011 (Table 6b). Fifty photographs from most representative and important items were taken and link with database was made.
On August 2nd, we registered 86 items in just one day, between 34°23’N / 150°56’W and 32°38’N / 150°03’W and in
spite of we reduce the time of marine debris data collect, the number of marine debris sighting didn’t decrease, and thedate and area with the highest number of records after we reduced the marine debris effort time was, on August 11
between 38°34’N / 144°34’W and 39°35’N / 143°35’W with a total of 82 items. Throughout the cruise, weekly
summaries of marine debris observations were provided to IWC scientific committee.
8. TECHNICAL MATTERS OF DATA AND RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1 Whale ID numbering protocol for the IWC-POWER cruises
YS3 Whale ID numbers were assigned whales identified during the 2013 IWC-POWER cruise. This year, the YS3
whale ID numbers have the prefix 2013. Once all 2013 photos are compared to the 2011 and 2012 YS3 catalogs,
permanent IWC-POWER whale ID numbers will be assigned, sequentially using the 2011 and 2012 YS3 ID numbers as
the catalog starting numbers. When photos from the 2010 IWC-POWER are cataloged, they will also be integrated into
the IWC-POWER catalog.
Biopsy sample numbers have been added to the whale ID numbers when a sampled whale was photo-identified, e.g.,
2013_Sei_1_13041001. For whales which have been cataloged, such as sei whales, if the whale was biopsied but not
photo-identified, the whale ID number is the species, the letter “X” in place of the whale ID number, and the biopsy
sample number. E.g., Sei_X_13041023. The prefix “2013” is not used in this case because the coding for the biopsy
sample number includes the year “13” as part of the biopsy sample numbering protocol.

79. CONCLUSIONSThe 4th annual IWC-POWER cruise was successfully conducted using the Japanese Research Vessel Yushin-Maru No.3.
All equipment and the survey method were same as the past IWC international sighting surveys. The sighting procedure
was in accordance with the guideline agreed by the SC (IWC, 2005). As explained the objectives of the survey and its
procedure to the vessel, the Captain, officers, crew and international researchers fully understood the objectives andmethods for operating the survey properly before starting the survey. (Sighting data was already sent to the IWC
secretary and confirmed at 2nd December 2013). The 4th cruise of this program was completed and provided informationthat some baleen whale species and other cetacean species were widely distributed in the research area where there were
not surveyed in the recent decades. These results will contribute to the above objectives for the IWC/SC.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We acknowledge the Governments of the Republic of Korea and Japan for their assistance in the research permit andfunding 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, MarkBravington, and Natalie Kelly) and the staff of The Institute of Cetacean Research (Tokyo) and Kyodo Senpaku Co. LTD.
for their arrangements and supports for the cruise. We also thank the Captain, his officers and crew of the R/V YushinMaru No.3 for their hard work and dedication. The National Research Institute of Far Seas Fisheries (Yokohama) loaned
equipment for the cruise, including video camera and items for biopsy processing and storage. The Cetacean ResearchInstitute (CRI) also loaned camera and video camera for the experiments. Quartermasters K. Kurisu and T. Nagai assistedwith collection of biopsy.

REFERENCE
Anon. 2013a. 2013 IWC-POWER Information for Researchers. 54pp. Available from the IWC Secretariat.
Anon. 2013b. Report of the pre-cruise meeting for the 2013 IWC-POWER. 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. pp247-266.
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. 2012c. Report of the Planning Meeting for the 2012 IWC-POWER Cruise. Tokyo 29-30 September 2011. J.
Cetacean Res. Manage. (Suppl.) 13:xxx-xxx. (12pp).
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.
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 and Ecosystem
Research (IWC-POWER). 27pp. Paper SC/64/IA5 presented to the 64th IWC Scientific Committee, June 2012
(unpublished). 27pp.

8

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.
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.

Table 1a. Way Points (WP) in the research area.
WP

LatitudeLongitude

WP

LatitudeLongitude

101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115

32˚22.0’N
30˚00.0’N
31˚40.0’N
33˚20.0’N
35˚00.0’N
36˚40.0’N
38˚19.9’N
40˚00.0’N
38˚20.1’N
36˚40.2’N
35˚00.2’N
33˚20.2’N
31˚40.2’N
30˚00.0’N
31˚40.0’N

160˚00.0’W
158˚49.0’W
158˚01.4’W
157˚13.0’W
156˚23.4’W
155˚33.2W
154˚41.7’W
153˚49.0’W
152˚56.3’W
152˚04.8’W
151˚14.4’W
150˚25.0’W
149˚36.6’W
148˚49.0’W
148˚01.4’W

116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130

33˚20.0’N
35˚00.0’N
36˚40.0’N
38˚19.9’N
40˚00.0’N
38˚20.1’N
36˚40.2’N
35˚00.2’N
33˚20.2’N
31˚40.2’N
30˚00.0’N31˚31.6’N
33˚03.1’N
34˚34.6’N
36˚06.1’N

147˚13.0’W
146˚23.6’W
145˚33.2’W
144˚41.7’W
143˚49.0’W
142˚56.3’W
142˚04.8’W
141˚14.4’W
140˚25.0’W
139˚36.6’W
138˚49.0W
138˚04.8’W
137˚19.9’W
136˚34.2’W
135˚47.7’W

131

37˚38.0’N

135˚00.0’W

Table 1b. Summary of search effort (time and distance) and experimental time (hours) conducted during the2013 IWC- POWER Cruise.

Start

End

Date
Time
14-Jul.
7:00
23-Jul.
7:00
23-Aug.
13:13
14-Jul
7:00

Date
Time
22-Jul.
18:20
23-Aug.
13:12
7-Sep.
12:00
7-Sep.
12:00

Area

Shiogama to
research area
Research area
Research area to
Shiogama
Total

Time

Dist.
(n.m.)

Time

Estimated
angle anddistance
training /experiment
Time

72:49

854.92

0:00

1:32

268:36

3,035.93

1:56

3:30

40:55

451.36

1:44

0:00

382:21

4,342.21

3:40

5:02

NSP with abeamclosing

9Photo-ID,
BiopsyTable 2a. Number of sightings for all species observed in the research area by effort mode (NSP: Normal
Passing with abeam closing Mode; OE: (TD: topdown and DR: drifting). Parentheses indicate the number ofcalves observed.

Species
Fin whale
Bryde’s whale
Sperm whale
Dwarf sperm whale
Cuvier’s beaked whale
Stejneger’s beaked whale
Mesoplodon spp.
Ziphiidae
Short-finned pilot whale
Risso’s dolphin
Rough-toothed dolphin
Bottlenose dolphin
Spotted dolphin
Striped dolphin
Unid. large whale
Unid. small whale
Unid. dolphin/porpoise
Unid. whale
Total

NSP
Sch.
1
6
32
1
2
1
8
27
1
7
1
1
5
14
8
5
28
7
155

Ind.
1
6
47
2
6
4
20
50
1
169(21)2
7400(61)
1,275(87)
8
9
1,255
62
3,324
(169)

10

OE
Sch.
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2

Total
Ind.
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4

Sch.
1
6
33
1
2
1
8
28
1
7
1
1
5
14
8
5
28
7
157

Ind.
1
6
50
2
6
4
20
51
1
169(21)2
7400(61)
1,275(87)
8
9
1,255
62
3,328
(169)

Table 2b. Number of sightings for all species observed in 2013, including sighting during transits and in the
research area (R.A.). Parentheses indicate the number of calves observed.

Sch.

Ind.

Research
Area (R.A.)
Sch.
Ind.

Fin whale

0

0

1

1

2

2

3

3

Sei whale

0

0

0

0

4

4

4

4

Bryde's whale

48

58(5)

6

6

0

0

54

64(5)

Common minke whale

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

1

Sperm whale

21

23

33

50

13

26(2)

67

99(2)

Dwarf sperm whale

0

0

1

2

0

0

1

2

Cuvier’s beaked whale

0

0

2

6

0

0

2

6

Stejneger’s beaked whale

0

0

1

4

0

0

1

4

Mesoplodon spp.

1

2

8

20

0

0

9

22

Ziphiidae

4

10

28

51

4

10

36

71

Short-finned pilot whale

0

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

Risso’s dolphin

1

14(4)

7

169(21)1

25

9208(25)

Rough-toothed dolphin

1

60(3)

1

2

0

0

2

62(3)

Bottlenose dolphin

0

0

1

7

0

0

1

7

Short-beaked Common dolphin

2

95

0

0

1

80(10)

3

175(10)Spotted dolphin

1

55

5

400(61)006455(61)

Striped dolphin

1

80

14

1,275(87)

1

40

16

1,395(87)

Pacific white-sided dolphin

0

0

0

0

5

68

5

68

Northern right whale dolphin

0

0

0

0

2

21

2

21

Dalli-type Dall's porpoise

0

0

0

0

7

21

7

21

Unid. Type Dall's porpoise

0

0

0

0

4

17

4

17

Unid. large whale

28

32(1)

8

8

3

3

39

43(1)

Unid. small whale

1

8

5

9

1

1

7

18

Unid. dolphin/porpoise

11

446

28

1,255

0

0

39

1,701

Unid. whale

3

3
886
(13)

7

62
3,328
(169)

1

1
320
(12)

11

66
4,534
(194)

Species

Total

Transit to
R.A.

123

157

11

Transit from
R.A.

Total

Sch.

Ind.

Sch.

Ind.

50

330

Table 3. Minimum, maximum and range of sea surface temperatures in degrees Celsius for each species sighted
in the research area, sorted in order of frequency of sightings. Range of 25th to 75th quartiles arepresented for sperm whales, Ziphiidae, and striped dolphins. See text for details.
SpeciesNumber ofsightings

Minimum
SST

Maximum
SST

Temperature
range

25th to 75th
Quartile

33
28
14
8
7
6
5
2
1
1
1
1
1
1

22.0
21.6
21.9
22.4
21.8
21.9
23.2
23.7
22.1
22.6
24.5
22.0
24.5
25.6

25.5
25.2
23.9
26.3
24.5
24.9
26.3
23.7
-

3.5
3.6
2.0
3.9
2.7
3.0
3.1
-

22.8-24.1
22.5-24.2
22.3-23.4-

Sperm whale
Ziphiidae
Striped dolphin
Mesoplodon spp.
Risso’s dolphin
Bryde’s whale
Spotted dolphin
Cuvier’s beaked whale
Fin whale
Stejneger’s beaked whale
Rough-toothed dolphin
Bottlenose dolphin
Short-finned pilot whale
Dwarf sperm whale

Table 4. Summary of the photo-identification experiment with accompanying photo-ID data. LD: Left dorsal;
RD: Right dorsal. YS3 Whale ID numbers have been assigned to Bryde’s, fin and sei whales. Biopsy
sample numbers have been added to the whale ID numbers when a sampled whale was photo-identified.
NDNM; No distinctive natural marking. *: Videotaped.
Number ofSighting Sighting Group individuals
SpeciesDate
Number size photograp
hed
Bryde’swhale

YS3 Whale ID

Photo-ID
resultRemarks

Experiment
duration

27-Jul-13

010

1

1

2013_Bryde’s_1_13031001

LD

Distinctive notch, Biopsied.

0:07:58

28-Jul-13

007

1

1

2013_Bryde’s_2_13031002

LD

NDNM, Biopsied.

0:10:25

29-Jul-13

002

1

1

2013_Bryde’s_3_13031003

LD, RD NDNM, Biopsied.

0:03:16

Fin whale 29-Jul-13

003

1

1

2013_Fin_1_13051004

LD, RD NDNM, Biopsied. *0:10:01

Bryde’swhale

3-Aug-13

002

1

1

2013_Bryde’s_4_13031005

LD, RD Distinctive notch, Biopsied. *0:16:38

Bryde’swhale

3-Aug-13

003

1

1

2013_Bryde’s_5_13031006

NDNM, Biopsied. *0:11:20

Bryde’swhale

5-Aug-13

003

1

1

2013_Bryde’s_6_13031007

LD, RD NDNM, Biopsied. *0:27:47

Fin whale 27-Aug-13

002

1

1

2013_Fin_2

LD

NDNM. *

0:33:20

Sei whale 29-Aug-13

001

1

1

2013_Sei_1_13041008

LD

NDNM, Biopsied.

0:18:25

Fin whale 30-Aug-13

004

1

1

2013_Fin_3

LD

NDNM.

0:01:23

Sei whale

007

1

1

2013_Sei_2

LD

NDNM.

0:07:41

Bryde’s
whale
Bryde’swhale

3-Sep-13

12

RD

Table 5. Summary of the biopsy experiment.
YS3WhaleID

SampleNumber

27-Jul-13

Sight
ing
No
010

Bryde's_1_13031001

13031001

Numberofsamples2

Bryde's whale

28-Jul-13

007

Bryde's_2_13031002

13031002

Bryde's whale

29-Jul-13002

Bryde's_3_13031003

13031003

Fin whale

29-Jul-13003

Fin_1_13051004

Bryde's whale

03-aug-13002

Bryde's_4_13031005

Bryde's whale

03-aug-13003

Bryde's_5_13031006

13031006

1

2

1

17

Bryde's whale

05-aug-13003

Bryde's_6_13031007

13031007

1

2

1

10

Fin whale

27-aug-13002-

Sei whale

29-aug-13001

Sei_1_13041008

Sei whale

30-aug-13

001

Fin whale

30-aug-13

004

Species

Date

Bryde's whale

Numberof shots

Numberof hits

Encounter
duration
(min)

3

2

22

1

2

1

10

2

2

2

21

13051004

1

2

1

14

13031005

1

1

1

18

-

0

2

0

38

13041008

2

5

2

20

-

-

0

2

0

36

-

-

0

0

0

13

13

Table 6a. Summary of marine debris observations sorted by frequency of occurrence. Some new descriptive
codes were developed based on the types of debris observed during the 2011 and 2012 POWER cruises.
IWC
code

YS3
code

Marine Debris IWC / YS3 Code Definitions

101

101

Gillnet, small mesh, small fragment

Transit to
Researcharea

Researcharea

Transitto Japan

Total

3

3

0

6
1

108

108

Gillnet, large mesh, 1-10 tans

0

1

0

111

111

Trawl net, small mesh, small fragment

0

2

0

2

112

112

Trawl net, small mesh, medium size

0

1

0

1

116

116

Trawl net, medium mesh, large piece

0

1

0

1

120

120

Unidentified net

1

24

1

26
5

121

121

Unidentified net, small mesh, small fragment

0

5

0

122

122

Unidentified net, small mesh, medium size

0

6

0

6

126

126

Unidentified net, medium mesh, large piece

0

2

0

2

129

129

Unidentified net, large mesh, large piece

0

2

0

2

130

130

Longline, small piece

0

88

2

90

131

131

Longline, medium piece

0

6

0

6
3

132

132

Longline, large piece

1

2

0

134

134

Single fishing float

32

711

46

789

135

135

Clustered fishing floats (2-10 floats together)

1

19

0

20

137

137

Wood crate, 1 side only

0

3

0

3

139

139

Wood structure

0

6

0

6
7

140

140

Wood object, unidentified

0

7

0

140

801

Wooden log

3

4

3

10

143

901

Metal can 1-50 litres / metal container

0

2

0

2

147

147

Styrofoam, unidentified

3

40

6

49

148

148

Styrofoam board, less than 1 square metre

1

16

0

17

161/162

606

Plastic, unidentified

3

79

7

89
30

161

606

Plastic, unidentified /plastic container

2

27

1

162

601

Plastic, less than 1 square metre / plastic bottle

4

47

5

56

162

602

Plastic, less than 1 square metre / plastic box

9

37

1

47

162

606

Plastic, less than 1 square metre / plastic lid, bag,bucket and sheet

5

49

5

59

162

610

Plastic, less than 1 square metre / plastic basket

0

43

6

49

164

164

Plastic, greater than 3 square metres / plastic board

1

2

0

3

165

165

Plastic bag, small

1

6

0

7
18

168

168

Garbage, unidentified

0

17

1

199

199

Overturned boat

0

10

0

10

199

301

Buoy with antenna

1

5

0

6

199

401

Glass ball

0

6

2

8

199

701

Tire with or without rim

0

11

0

11
48

199

199

Sponge

0

45

3

199

199

Refrigerator

0

2

0

2

199

199

Other

1

10

0

11

Total
Number of days

72
9

1,347
30

89
7

1,508
46

Average per day

8.0

44.9

12.7

32.8

14

Table 6b. Summary of marine debris observations of 2013 cruise possibly related to the Japan Tsunami 2011.
No.

Items

Date

positionnotes

1

Half stern of ship

29-07-2013

39° 18’ N / 153° 27’ W

Estimated 5 m, without name and engine

2

Overturned small boat

03-08-2013

31° 11’ N / 149° 23’ W

Estimated 5 m, without name and engine

3

Overturned small boat

03-08-2013

31° 06’ N / 149° 20’ W

Estimated 7 m with engine, and name4

Overturned small boat

04-08-2013

30° 30’ N / 149° 02’ W

Estimated 6 m, without engine and name5

Overturned small boat

07-08-2013

34° 04’ N / 146° 49’ W

Estimated 7m, with name, number and province

6

Stern of overturned boat

09-08-2013

36° 00’ N / 145° 53’ W

Piece of 2.5 m of 5 m boat

7

Overturned small boat

13-08-2013

37° 39’ N / 142° 37’ W

Estimated 7 m

8Overturned small boat

15-08-2013

35° 27’ N / 141° 28’ W

Estimated 7 m without name9Overturned small boat

15-08-2013

34° 51’ N / 141° 10’ W

Not approached, less than 10 m.

10Overturned small boat

17-08-2013

31° 56’ N / 139° 44’ W

Estimated 6 m without name11

A moored buoy

31-07-2013

37° 18’ N / 152° 24’ W

Estimated 3 m diameter12

Net with more than 130
floats10-08-2013

37° 29’ N / 145° 38’ W

50 floats of 1.5 m and more than 80 floats of 0.6 m

Figure 1. Research area and the trackline design of the 2013 IWC-POWER cruise. The starting points of transectlines within the study area were randomized following IWC/SC guidelines (IWC, 2005).

15

Figure 2a. The searching effort (black line) and sighting positions of fin (circle) and Bryde’s whale (triangle) in
the research area.

Figure 2b. The searching effort (black line) and sighting positions of sperm whales (square) in the research area.

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Figure 2c. The searching effort (black line) and sighting positions of Stejneger’s beaked whale (black square),Cuvier’s beaked whale (black circle), Ziphiidae (triangle) and Mesoplodon spp. (diamond) in the
research area.

Figure 2d. The searching effort (black line) and sighting positions of bottlenose dolphin (black square), dwarf
sperm whale (black triangle), Short-finned pilot whale (diamond), and rough-toothed dolphin (X) in the
research area.

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Figure 2e. The searching effort (black line) and sighting positions of spotted (black circle), striped (X), andRisso’s (triangle) dolphins in the research area.

Figure 2f. The searching effort (black line) and sighting positions of fin, sei, Bryde’s and common minke whales
during transit surveys from and to Japan.

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Figure 2g. The searching effort (black line) and sighting positions of sperm whale during transit surveys fromand to Japan.

Figure 3a. Breakdown of research time in hours, by effort code in the research area during 2013 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.

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Figure 3b. Breakdown of research time in hours during 2013 survey in research area, by wind speed in knot.

Figure 3c. Breakdown of research time in hours during 2013 survey in research area, by visibility in nautical
mile.

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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
CaptainYasuaki Sasaki

Chief Officer

Tohru Takamatsu

Second Officer

Shinya Kawabe

Chief Engineer

Shoetsu AbeFirst Engineer

Yoshihiro Ooura

Second Engineer

Kazuhito Abe

Third Engineer

Yasuhisa Nitta

Chief Operator

Fumio Iida

Boatswain

Kenji Wakatsuki

QuartermasterKazuyuki Sugiyama

QuartermasterKazumitsu Kurisu

Quartermaster

Takahiro Nagai

SailorKohsuke Matsuguchi

SailorNaoto Nomakawauchi

Oiler

Mao Karizuka

Chief Steward

Hironobu Hodokuma

Steward

Kanji Mae

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Appendix B
Comparison of weather conditions (wind speed and visibility) among past cruises (2010-2012).

Figure 1a. Breakdown of research time in hours during 2010 survey in research area by wind speed in knot.

Figure 1b. Breakdown of research time in hours during 2011 survey in research area by wind speed in knot.

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Figure 1c. Breakdown of research time in hours during 2012 survey in research area by wind speed in knot.

Figure 2a. Breakdown of research time in hours during 2010 survey in research area by visibility in nautical
mile.

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Figure 2b. Breakdown of research time in hours during 2011 survey in research area by visibility in nauticalmile.

.
Figure 2c. Breakdown of research time in hours during 2012 survey in research area by visibility in nauticalmile.

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