Aerial Surveys of Endangered

Whales in the Beaufort Sea,

Fal11995

Des Study

MMS 96-0006

.•" ~..

ALASKA

\ \

, \

I \

I \

I \

.., ...

"~

".~

::

,

...............

.'

'"

'"

" ......... - '''(~,... "

eo- •• '

... 0.

u.s. Department of the Inte:)r

•• ~ Minerals Management Service

IWIWIQ Alaska OCS Region
Any use of trade names is for description purposes only and

does not constitute endorsement of these products

by the Minerals Management Service.

---~--~- --":"-----'" - --_._-..-.--'--' ~
Aerial Surveys of Endangered

Whales in the Beaufort Sea,

Fall1995

By Stephen D. Treacy, Research Manager

MMS Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey

u.s. Department of the Interior

Minerals Management Service

Alaska oes Region

oes Study

MMS 96-0006

Anchorage, Alaska

1996
ABSTRACT

This report describes field activities and data analyses for aerial surveys of bowhead whales conducted

between 31 August 1995 and 20 October 1995 in the Beaufort Sea, primarily between 140oW. and 157°W.

longitudes south of nON. latitude. General ice cover during September and October 1995 was relatively light.

The number of sightings of bowhead whales (n = 284) and the number of bowhead whales counted (n = 428)

during Fall 1995 were greater than average totals for previous project surveys (1987-1994). The bowhead

whales, 958 belukha whales, 4 unidentified cetaceans, 12 bearded seals, 324 ringed seals, 1 Pacific walrus,

28 unidentified pinnlpeds, and 5 polar bears were observed in 1995 during 115.52 hours of survey effort that

included 61.32 hours on randomized transects. The initial sighting of bowhead whales in Alaskan waters

occurred on 4 September. Of all bowhead whales observed, half (median) had been counted by 16

September. The peak count (mode) of 110 whales occurred on 19 September. A differential pattern of

bowhead whale sightings east and west of 150oW. longitude appears unique when compared with previous

years (1987-1994) and may indicate a diminishment in residence time and/or a decrease in the proportion of

time spent at the surface once whales reached Harrison Bay. The last sighting of a bowhead whale in the

primary study area occurred in O-percent ice in Block 12 on 16 October. Estimated median and mean (x) water

depths at the location of bowhead whales sighted on randomized line transects during September and October

1995,35.0 meters and 52.5 meters, respectively, are consistent with a previously noted trend for whales to be

located in shallower water during years of light ice cover.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Project Management

Cleveland J. Cowles, Ph.D., Supervisor

Stephen D. Treacy, Research Manager

Minerals Management Service (MMS) Project Field Scientists

Stephen D. Treacy, Team Leader (Flights 1-24)

Donald Hansen, Team Leader (Flights 25-32)

Kyle Monkelien, Data Recorder-Observer (Flights 1-19)

Kristopher Nuttall, Data Recorder-Observer (Flights 20-26)

Susan Zerwick, Data Recorder-Observer (Flights 27-32)

Michael Baffrey, Primary Observer (Flights 1-16)

Richard Pomeroy, Primary Observer (Flights 17-26)

Joel Hubbard, Ph.D., Primary Observer (Flights 27-32)

Technical Support Personnel

Michael Baffrey, Field Equipment Coordinator

Contracting Officer's Administrative Representative - Aircraft Support

Stephen D. Treacy - MMS/Office of Aircraft Services (OAS) IA 05052

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Liaison

Ron Morris, NMFS, Anchorage, Alaska

The project management acknowledges Shari George, Alaska Data Visualization and Analysis Laboratory,

University of Alaska-Fairbanks, for preliminary analysis and graphic portrayal of ice concentrations and Dave

Benner, U.S. Navy, Naval Ice Center, for providing draft ice-severity rankings.

We acknowledge the Department of the Interior, OAS, for making all aircraft arrangements; Dale Best, Rod

Elg, Craig Emmons, and Jeff Sharp (ERA Aviation) for piloting the Twin Otter; and Deadhorse Flight Service

for providing us with daily telefaxes of local weather.

We appreciate review comments on this and/or previous project reports by the NMFS, the State of Alaska, the

North Slope Borough, the Indigenous People's Council for Marine Mammals, and Dr. Steven Swartz, formerly

with the Marine Mammal Commission.

The author especially thanks Colleen Ryan, MMS, who edited the manuscript. Her input (including all the

hyphens) largely accounts for the professional look of the final-report series over the years. Other Alaska OCS

Region personnel who supported production of this study were Bill Chambers, who drafted Beaufort Sea

isobaths (Fig. 2); Stan Ashmore, who prepared the graphic for Figure 23 using application software (Quattro

Pro and Corel Draw); and Ida Menge, who prepared the graphic for Figure 24 (AutoCAD, Autodesk, Inc.). Ann

Treacy contributed the cover illustration. Cora Fullmer, Alaska OCS Region, provided administrative support

for the field work.

iii
CONTENTS

Page

ABSTRACT i

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iii

I. INTRODUCTION 0 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• 1

II. METHODS AND MATERIALS 0 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 3

A. Study Area ~. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 3

B. Equipment 3

C. Aerial-5urvey Design 5

D. Survey-Flight Procedures 6

E. Data Entry 6

F. General Data Analyses 0 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• , •••• 9

G. Median and Mean Water Depth at Bowhead Sightings (Analysis Protocol) 10

III. RESULTS ~ 13

A. Environmental Conditions -13

B. Survey Effort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13

C. Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus) Observations 27

1. Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 27

2. Migration Timing 35

3. Relative Abundance by Survey Blocks 0 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 35

4. Habitat Associations ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39

5. Behavior, Swim Direction, and Speed 39

D. Other Marine Mammal Observations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39

1. Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) 39

2. Belukha Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) 43

3. Unidentified Cetaceans ' 43

4. Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus) '.' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 43

5. Ringed Seal (Phoca hispida) 43

6. Pacific Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 43

7. Unidentified Pinnipeds 49

8. Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) . 0 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 49

IV. DISCUSSION 53

A. General Comparisons with Previous Surveys (1979-1994) 53

B. Median. and Mean Water Depth at Bowhead Sightings (1982-1995) 55

C. Potential Responses of Bowheads to Survey Aircraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 63

D. Potential Effect of General Ice Cover on WPUE (1979-1995) 63

E. Management Use of Real-Time Field Information 67

F. Field Coordinations 68

V. LITERATURE CiTED 69

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Bowhead Whale Densities A-1

Appendix B: Daily Flight Summaries B-1

Glossary of Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Initialisms

v
Figure

Number Title Page

LIST OF FIGURES

Fall 1995 Study Area Showing Survey Blocks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4

2 Regions I, II, and III and Selected Isobaths 11

3 Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 29 August 1995 14

4 Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 5 September 1995 ,.... 14

5 Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 12 September 1995 15

6 Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 19 September 1995 15

7 Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 26 September 1995 16

8 Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 3 October 1995 " 16

9 Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 10 October 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17

10 Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 17 October 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17

11 Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 24 October 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 18

12 Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 31 October 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 18

13 Flight Track, 31 August 1995 21

14 Combined Flight Tracks, 1~15 September 1995 22

15 Combined Flight Tracks, 16-30 September 1995 ' " 23

16 Combined Flight Tracks, 1-15 October 1995 '. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 24

17 Combined Flight Tracks, 16-20 October 1995 25

18 Map of Bowhead Whale Sightings, 1~15 September 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 30

19 Map of Bowhead Whale Sightings, 16-30 September 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 31

20 Map of Bowhead Whale Sightings, 1-15 October 1995 32

21 Map of Bowhead Whale Sightings, 16-20 October 1995 33

22 Map of Bowhead Whale Sightings, Fall 1995 34

23 Daily Relative Abundance and Sighting Rate of Bowhead Whales,

31 August-20 October 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 37

24 Semimonthly Summary of Swim Directions for Bowhead Whales, Fall 1995 42

25 Map of Belukha Whale Sigi1tings, Fall 1995 44

vi
LIST OF FIGURES

(Continued)

Figure

Number Title Page

26 Map of Unidentified Cetaceans, Fall 1995 , .. , 45

27 Map of Bearded Seal Sightings, Fall 1995 46

•

28 Map of Ringed Seal Sightings, Fall 1995 47

29 Pacific Walrus Sightings, Fall 1995 50

30 Map of Unidentified Pinniped Sightings, Fall 1995 51

31 Map of Polar Bear Sightings, Fall 1995 52

32 Median Water Depth at Random Sightings of Bowhead Whales, by Year, 1982-1995 56

vii
Table

Number Title Page

LIST OF TABLES

Data-Entry Sequence on the Portable Flight Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7

2 Operational Definitions of Observed Whale Behaviors , 8

3 Aerial-Survey Effort in the Beaufort Sea, 31 August-20 October 1995,

by Survey Flight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19

4 Summary of Marine Mammal Sightings, 31 August-20 Oictober 1995,

by Survey Flight " ' 28

5 Number of Sightings and Total Bowhead Whales Observed per Hour,

31 August-20 October 1995, by Flight Day 36

6 Semimonthly Relative Abundance (WPUE) of Bowhead Whales, by Survey

Block, Fall 1995 : 38

7 Semimonthly Summary of Bowhead Whales Observed, by Water Depth at

Sighting Location, Fall 1995 " 40

8 Semimonthly Summary of Bowhead Whales Observed, by Percent Ice Cover

Present at Sighting Location, Fall 1995 ~. . . . . .. 40

9 Semimonthly Summary of Bowhead Whales Observed, by Behavioral Category,

Fall 1995 41

10 Semimonthly Summary of Bowhead Whales Observed, by Swimming Speed,

Fall 1995 " 41

11 Bowhead Whale Relative Abundance (WPUE) by Beaufort Sea Survey Block

during September and October, 1979-1995 54

12 Central-Tendency Statistics for Water Depth at Random Sightings of Bowhead

Whales (September-October), by Year and Region, 1982-1995 57

15 Relative Abundance (WPUE) of Bowhead Whales within the Primary Study Area

during September and October, by Year and General Ice Coverage, 1979-1995 65

13 Interyear Correlation of the Median Water Depths at Random Bowhead Whale

Sightings (September-October) Using the Mann-Whitney U Test, 1982-1995 59

14 Interyear Correlation of the Mean Water Depths at Random Bowhead Whale Sightings

(September-October) Using Analysis of Variants and the Tukey Test, 1982-1995 64

viii
I. INTRODUCTION

In 1953, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) (43 USC 1331-1356) charged the Secretary of the

Interior with the responsibility for administering minerals exploration and development of the OCS. The Act

empowered the Secretary to formulate regulations so that its provisions might be met. The OCSLA

Amendments of 1978 (43 USC 1802) established a policy for the management of oil and natural gas in the

OCS and for protection of the marine and coastal environments. The amended OCSLA states that the

Secretary of the Interior shall conduct studies in areas or regions of sales to ascertain the "environmental

impacts on the marine and coastal environments of the outer Continental Shelf and the coastal areas which

may be affected by oil and gas development" (43 USC 1346).

Subsequent to the passage of the OCSLA, the Secretary of the Interior designated the Bureau of Land

Management (BLM) as the administrative agency responsible for leasing submerged Federal lands and the

Conservation Division of the U.S. Geological Survey for classification and evaluation of submerged Federal

lands and regulation of exploration and production. In 1982, the Minerals Management Service (MMS)

assumed these responsibilities.

To provide information used in environmental impact statements and environmental assessments under the

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4321-4347), and to assure protection of marine mammals

under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 USC 1361-1407) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA)

of 1973 (16 USC 1531-1543), BLM funded numerous studies involving acquisition and analysis of marine

mammal and other environmental data.

In June 1978, BLM entered into an ESA Section 7 consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service

(NMFS). The purpose of the consultation was to determine the likely effects of the proposed Beaufort Sea Oil

and Gas Lease Sale on endangered bowhead (Balaena mysticetus) and gray (Eschrichtius robustus) whales.

After reviewing available information on the two species, NMFS determined that insufficient information existed

to conclude whether the proposed Beaufort Sea sale was or was not likely to jeopardize the continued

existence of bowhead and gray whales. In August 1978, NMFS recommended studies to BLM that would fill

the information needs identified during the Section 7 consultation. Subsequent biological opinions for Arctic

Region sales-including a regional biological opinion; a revised opinion relative to the joint Federal/State lease

area; and opinions on Sales 71 (issued in 1982),87 (issued in 1983),97 (issued in 1987), and Arctic Region

sales (issued in 1988)--recommended continuing studies of whale distribution and OCS-industry effects on

bowhead whales (USDOC, NOAA, NMFS, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1988). These opinions also requested monitoring

of bowhead whale presence during periods when geophysical exploration and drilling are occurring.

Following several years when drilling was limited to the period 1 November through 31 March (USDOI, MMS,

1979), a variable 2-month seasonal-drilling restriction on fall exploratory activity in the joint Federal/State

Beaufort Sea sale area was implemented. The period of restriction would vary depending on bowhead whale

presence, and "this determination would require development of a monitoring program ....•• (USDOI, MMS,

1982). Subsequently, MMS (Alaska OCS Region) adopted an endangered whale-monitoring plan that required

aerial surveys. The Diapir Field Sale 87 Notice of Sale (NOS) (1984) states that "Bowhead whales will be

monitored by the Government, the lessee, or both to determine their locations relative to operational sites as

they migrate through or adjacent to the sale area" (USDOI, MMS, 1984). The Beaufort Sea Sale 97 NOS

(1988) and Beaufort Sea Sale 124 NOS (1991) do not contain a seasonal offshore-drilling restriction but state

that "MMS intends to continue its areawide endangered whale monitoring program in the Beaufort Sea during

exploration activities. The program will gather information on whale distribution and abundance patterns and

will provide additional assistance to determine the extent, if any, of adverse effects to the species" (USDOI,

MMS, 1988, 1991).

From 1979 to 1987, the MMS (formerly BLM) funded annual monitoring of endangered whales in arctic waters

under Interagency Agreements with the Naval Ocean Systems Center (NOSC) and through subcontracts to

SEACO, Inc. On 15 April 1987, a proposal for MMS scientists to conduct aerial surveys of endangered whales

was approved by the Associate Director for Offshore Minerals Management. The MMS uses agency personnel

to perform field work and reporting activities for the Beaufort Sea on an annual basis. Previous survey reports
2

are available for inspection at the Minerals Management Service, Alaska OCS Region, Resource Center, 949

East 36th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99508-4302.

The present goals of the ongoing program for monitoring endangered whales are to:

1. Provide real-time data to MMS and NMFS on the general progress of the fall migration of bowhead whales

across the Alaskan Beaufort Sea, for use in implementing overall seasonal drilling restrictions and limitations

on geological/geophysical exploration; \

2. Monitor temporal and spatial trends in the distribution, relative abundance, habitat, and behaviors (e.g.,

feeding) of endangered whales in arctic waters;

3. Provide annual analyses of long-term interyear trends in the median depth (or north-south positioning) of

the migration axis of bowhead whales;

4. Provide an objective wide-area context for management interpretation of the overall fall migration of

bowhead whales and site-specific study results;

5. Monitor behaviors, swim directions, dive times, surfacing patterns, and trackHnes of selected bowhead

whales;

6. Record and map belukha whale distribution and incidental sightings of other marine mammals; and

7. Determine seasonal distribution of endangered whales in other planning areas of interest to MMS.
II. METHODS AND MATERIALS

A. Study Area

The annual survey program is based on a design of random field transects within established geographic blocks

in and adjacent to Chukchi and Beaufort Sea sale areas offshore of Alaska. The present study, which was

focused on the bowhead whale migration from 31 August 1995 to 20 October 1995, included Beaufort Sea

Survey Blocks 1 through 12 (Fig. 1) between 140oW. and 157°W.longitude south of72°N.latitude.

A large-scale Beaufort Gyre moves waters clockwise from the Canadian Basin westward in the deeper offshore

regions. Nearshore surface currents tend to follow local wind patterns and bathymetry, moving from the east

in winter, with an onshore component, and to the west in summer, with an offshore component (Brower et aI.,

1988).

In the Beaufort Sea, landfast ice forms during the fall and may eventually extend up to 50 kilometers (km)

offshore by the end of winter (Norton and Weller, 1984). The pack ice, which includes multiyear ice averaging

4 meters (m) in thickness, with pressure ridges up to 50 m thick (Norton and Weller, 1984), becomes

contiguous with the new and fast ice in late fall--effectively closing off the migration corridor to westbound

bowhead whales. From early November to mid-May, the Beaufort Sea normally remains almost totally covered

by ice considered too thick for whales to penetrate. In mid-May, a recurring flaw lead can form just seaward

ofthe stable fast ice, followed by decreasing ice concentrations (LaBelle et aI., 1983) and large areas of open

water in summer.

Local weather patterns affect the frequency and effectiveness of all marine aerial surveys. The present study

area is in the arctic climate zone, with mean temperatures at the Alaskan Beaufort Sea coast communities of

Barrow, Lonely, Oliktok, and Barter Island from -0.9°C to -0.1 °C during September and -9.7°C to -8.5°C during

October. Precipitation in these communities occurred an average of 10 to 34 percent of the time during

September (snow with some rain) and 13 to 43 percent during October (almost all snow), with the heaviest

precipitation at Barrow and Barter Island during both months. Fog (without precipitation) reduces visibility

approximately 11 to 19 percent of the time during September and 6 to 8 percent of the time during October.

Mean windspeed in the same communities is from 5 to 6 m per second during September and 5 to 7 m per

second during October (Brower et aI., 1988). \

Sea state is another environmental factor affecting visibility during aerial surveys. Surface waters in the

Beaufort Sea are driven primarily by wind. Ocean waves are generally from northerly or easterly directions

during September and October, during which time the ice pack continues to limit fetch. Because of the pack

ice, significant wave heights are reduced by a factor of 4 from heights that would otherwise be expected during

the open-water season. Wave heights greater than 0.5 m occurred in 23.9 to 38.9 percent of observations

during September and 14.1 to 37.4 percent during October, with the greater percentage of larger waves (>0.5

m) reported for the eastern third of the study area during both months. Wave heights greater than 3.5 mare

not reported within the study area during September or October (Brower, 1988).

The study area contains sufficient zooplankton to support some feeding by bowhead whales. The availability

of zooplankton during the fall would be expected to vary between years, geographic locations, and water depths

in response to ambient oceanographic conditions. In September 1985 and 1986, average zooplankton biomass

in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea east of 144 oW. longitude was highest south of the 50-m isobath in subsurface

water (LGL Ecological Research Associates, Inc., 1987).

B. Equipment

The survey aircraft was a de Havilland Twin Otter Series 300 (call sign: N302EH). The aircraft was equipped

with medium-size bubble windows aft that afforded complete trackline viewing for a port observer and a

starboard data recorder-observer. A third observer-navigator occupied the copilot seat, which provided good

forward and side viewing. Each observer was issued a hand-held clinometer (Suunto) for measuring the angle

of inclination to the sighting location of endangered whales. Observers and pilots were linked to common

3
(J)

Lf) I'-

Lf) Lf)

(J) Lf) r<)

r<) r<) Lf) (J) I'- Lf) -.:t Lf) -.:t -.:t -.:t -.:t

r- r73

-- ,...--- -- -- --- ----- ---- \

I - - - - - - - - -"- - .I ,

12: 11 I 10 I 9 I B ,

,- I' I I ,

-----~------~ I _-I

, r- I..;.,----r--,

3 I' '- - 2 I 7 \

I l_., I 6 ,

1

L. \

I -I L __ - --,

----- I I ,

• ~_.I._ I 5 ,

Deadhorse arter \

Camden Is. \

o 50 100

I I I I I I I ! I I

Statute Mil•• (appro ••) «

<i 0

<C 69

Ul Z

«

Alaska ~ 0

(J)

r<) r<)

en I'- Lf) -.:t Lf) -.:t -.:t -.:t -.:t

rHarrison

r<)

Lf)

Figure 1. Fall 1995 Study Area Showing Survey Blocks

72

71

.70
communication systems, and commentary could be recorded. The aircraft's maximum time aloft under normal

survey load was extended to approximately 8 hours (hr) through the use of a supplemental onboard fuel tank.

Avionics included a Flight Management System (FMS) by ARNAV Systems, Inc., part of which was a Global

Positioning System (GPS). The FMS 5000, Model GPS-505, is a worldwide satellite-based system that provides

continuous position updating (15-m precision) and survey navigation through preprogramming of transect start

and end points. Electronic signals from the GPS were converted into an RS 232 serial stream; and data were

polled every second for automatic input of time, latitude, longitude, and flight altitude. The GPS altitude (27-m

precision) that was used exceeded the accuracy of the radar altimeter (32 m at the target altitude of 458 m).

In the event of a system failure, the team leader could read directly from the aircraft instrument panel for

manual entry of this information into the computer. System components required 115-volt alternating current

(AC) power, which was supplied by a direct current-Ao invertor connected to the aircraft electrical bus.

A portable Compaq LTE 386 computing system was used aboard the aircraft to store and analyze flight and

observational data. A small, portable Kodak Diconix 150 Plus inkjet printer was used to produce tractor-fed

hard copy and to plot onboard flight maps.

Onboard safety equipment included an impact-triggered emergency location transmitter (ELT) installed in the

aircraft, a portable ELT in a 6-person Switlik Search and Rescue Life Raft, a portable aircraft-band transceiver,

flotation suits, Nomex flight suits, and emergency crash helmets.

Flight-following equipment used during the 1995 field season featured an experimental Radio Determination

Satellite System (RDSS), developed by Mobile Datacom Corporation (MDC), that tracked the project aircraft

over the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. The project tested the use of a pair of toggled patch antennas that were

mounted externally on the aft section of the fuselage. Data on latitude, longitude, time, and other parameters

were obtained from the aircraft's GPS and broadcast every minute through the patch antennas to a satellite that

was stationary over the equator at 8rW. longitude. Real-time satellite signals were relayed to MDC in

Clarksburg, Maryland, where OAS queried the RDSS every 15 minutes to obtain current flight-following

information. The information was displayed as digital data on a computer screen and in the form of a map for

visual tracking of the survey aircraft.

The RDSS was backed up by an onboard aircraft-band radio, used to transmit position data on very high

frequency to Deadhorse Flight Service when entering a new survey block and, if possible, when ending

southbound transect lines. An onboard high-frequency radio was also tested for transmitting position data to

OAS Flight Operations, Anchorage. The onboard transponder was set at a discrete identification code for radar

tracking by air-traffic-control personnel.

c. Aerial-5urvey Design

Aerial surveys were based out of Deadhorse, Alaska, from 31 August through 20 October 1995. The field

schedule was designed to monitor the progress of the Fall 1995 bowhead migration across the Alaskan

Beaufort Sea. All bowhead (and belukha) whales observed were recorded, along with incidental sightings of

other marine mammals. Particular emphasis was placed on regional surveys to assess fine-scale shifts in the

migration pathway of bowhead whales in this area and on the coordination of effort and management of data

necessary to support seasonal offshore-drilling regulations.

Daily flight patterns were based on sets of unique transect grids produced for each survey block. Transect grids

were derived by dividing each survey block into sections 30 minutes of longitude across. One of the minute

marks along the northern edge of each section was selected at random to designate one end of a transect leg.

The other endpoint of the transect leg was determined similarly using a separate randomly generated number

along the southern edge of the same section. A straight line, representing one transect leg, was drawn

between the two points. The same procedure was followed for all sections of the survey block. Transect legs

were then connected alternately at their northernmost or southernmost ends to produce one continuous flight

grid within each survey block. The use of random-transect grids is a requirement for later analyses of median

water depths at bowhead sightings based on line-transect theory (Cochran, 1963) and analyses of absolute

densities based on strip-transecttheory (Estes and Gilbert, 1978).

5
E. Data Entry

The selection of the survey blocks to be flown on a given day was nonrandom, based primarily on criteria such

as reported or observed weather conditions over the study area and the level of offshore oil industry activity in

various areas. Weather permitting, the project also uses a semimonthly flight-hour goal for each survey block

allocated proportionately for survey blocks east of 154 oW. longitude and semimonthly time periods based on

relative abundance of bowhead whales as determined from earlier fall migrations (1979-1986). Such

allocations, detailed in our Project Management Plan (USDOI,MMS, 1995), greatly favor survey coverage in

inshore Survey Blocks 1 through 7 and 11 (Fig. 1), since bowheads were rarely sighted north of these blocks

in previous surveys. The purpose of these survey-effort allocations was to increase the sample size (n) of

whale sightings within the primary migration corridor, thus increasing the power of statistical analysis within

these inshore blocks.

Random-transect legs were used for obtaining data to analyze the migration axis, using a line-transect model,

and to estimate whale density, using a strip-transect model. Nonrandom surveys were flown to further identify

whales and their behaviors when sighted adjacent to a transect line or when in transit to a transect block.

D. Survey-Flight Procedures

During a typical flight, a "search" leg was flown to the target survey block, beginning a series of random-transect

legs (above) joined together by "connect" legs, followed by a search leg back to Deadhorse. Surveys generally

were flown at a target altitude of 458 m. This altitude was maintained-when weather permitted--in order to

maximize visibility and minimize potential disturbance to marine mammals.

A clinometer was used to measure the angle of inclination to each sighting of endangered whales when the

initial sighting location was abeam of the aircraft.

When bowheads were encountered while surveying a transect line, the aircraft sometimes diverted from

transect for brief «1 O-minute) periods and circled the whales to observe behavior, obtain better estimates of

their numbers, and determine whether calves were present. Only groups of bowheads seen before diverting

from the transect line were included in density calculations.

A computer program developed by project personnel was used to record all data. Time of day was maintained

by the computer and recorded at each entry. Greenwich Mean Time, local time, latitude, longitude, and altitude

as well as a question list and the main menu selections were shown continuously on the computer monitor.

The program is menu-driven, facilitating entry of a complete data sequence for sightings of endangered whales.

An abbreviated data-entry format was available whenever several whale pods (the use of the term pod includes

sightings of any single animal or group of nearby animals whose respiration patterns appear to be synchronous)

were sighted within a short period of time. To avoid lumping of sightings in areas where whales were extremely

concentrated, an even shorter rapid-sighting update was used. A position-update format including data on

weather, visibility, ice cover, and sea state was entered at turning points, when changes in environmental

conditions were observed, and otherwise within 1O-minute intervals.' All entries were coded to reflect the type

of survey being conducted. Table 1 shows the data-entry sequence used in 1995 and the questions used to

prompt entry of observational data. All data entered were simultaneously printed out in hard copy.

The behavior, swim speed, and swim direction for observed whales represent what the pod as a whole was

doing at the time it was first sighted. Behaviors were entered into one of 14 categories as noted on previous

surveys. These categories--breaching, cow-calf association, diving, feeding, flipper-slapping, log playing,

mating, milling, resting, rolling, spy-hopping, swimming, tail-slapping, and underwater blowing--are defined in

Table 2. Swimming speed was subjectively estimated by observing the time it took a whale to swim one body

length. An observed swimming rate of one body length per minute corresponded to an estimated speed of 1

km/hr; one body length per 30 seconds was estimated at 2 km/hr, and so on. Swimming speed and whale size

were recorded by relative category (i.e., still, 0 km/hr; slow, 0-2 km/hr; medium, 2-4 km/hr; or fast, >4 km/hr;

and calf [length less than half of accompanying adult], immature, adult, or large adult, respectively) rather than

on an absolute scale. Swim direction was recorded in the field as a magnetic value, using the aircraft's

compass.

6
Table 1

Data-Entry Sequence on the Portable Flight Computer

Polar Bearl

Large . Belukha

Position Whale Whale Other

Sequence Update Sightings Sightings Species

1. Entry number X X X X

2. Time X X X X

3. Latitude X X X X

4. Longitude X X X X

5. Altitude X X X X

6. Reason for entry X X X X

7. Search type X X X X

8. Species X X X

9. Sighting cue X

10. Habitat X X X

11. Behavior X X X

12. Size X

13. Total number X X X

14. Calf number X X X

15. Clinometer angle X

16. Side of plane X

17. Swim direction X X

18. Swim speed X

19. Aircraft response X X X

20. Repeat sighting X

21. Observer X X

22. Weather X X X X

23. Visibility right X X X X

24. Visibility left X X X X

25. Ice coverage X X X X

26. Ice type X X X X

27. Sea state X X X X

28. Water color X X X X

7
Table 2

Operational Definitions of Observed Whale Behaviors

Behavior Definition

Breaching

Cow-Calf

Diving

Feeding

FlipperSlapping

Log Playing

Mating

Milling

Resting

Rolling

SpyHopping

Swimming

TailSlapping

Underwater

Blowing

Whale(s) launching upwards such that half to nearly all of the body is above the surface

before falling back into the water, usually on its side, creating an obvious splash.

Calf nursing; calf swimming within 20 m of an adult.

Whale(s) changing swim direction or body orientation relative to the water surface,

resulting in submergence; mayor may not be accompanied by lifting the tail out of the

water.

Whale(s) diving repeatedly in a fixed general area, sometimes with mud streaming from

the mouth and/or defecation observed upon surfacing. Feeding behavior is further defined

as synchronous diving and surfacing or echelon-formations at the surface with swaths of

clearer water behind the whale(s), or as surface swimming with mouth agape.

Whale(s) floating on side, striking the water surface with pectoral flipper one or many

times; usually seen within groups or when the slappinq whale is touching another Whale.

Whale(s) milling or thrashing about ln association with a floating log.

Ventral-ventral orienting of two whales, often with one or more other whales present to

stabilize the mating pair. Mating is often seen within a group of milling whales. Pairs may

appear to hold each other with their pectoral flippers and may entwine their tails.

Whale(s) swimming slowly at the surface in close proximity (within 100 m) to other whales,

often with varying headings. -

Whale(s) floating at the surface with head, or head and back exposed, showing no

movement; more commonly observed in heavy-ice conditions than in open water.

Whale(s) rotating on longitudinal axis, sometimes associated with mating.

Whale(s) extending head vertically out of the water such that up to one-third of the

body, including the eye, is above the surface.

Whale(s) proceeding forward through the water propelled by tail pushes.

Whale(s) floating horizontally or head-downward in the water, waving tail back and

forth above the water and striking the water surface; usually seen in group situations.

Whale(s) exhaling while submerged, thus creating a visible bubble.

8
Sea state was recorded according to the Beaufort scale outline in Piloting, Seamanship, and Small Boat

Handling (Chapman, 1971). Ice type was identified using terminology presented in Naval Hydrographic Office

Publication Number 609 (USDOD, Navy, 1956). Average ice cover within a few kilometers of the aircraft was

estimated as a single percentage, regardless of ice type.

F. General Data Analyses

Preliminary data analysis was performed by a computer program--developed by project personnel--that

provided daily summations of marine mammals observed, plus calculation of time and distance on transect

legs, connect legs, and general search portions of the flight. The analysis program provided options for editing

the data file, calculating summary values, and printing various flight synopses.

Application software (Grapher, Golden Software, Inc.) was used to plot daily maps of aircraft tracklines and

positions of marine mammals observed. To function as a mapping package, coastlines were mapped using

an Altec digitizer; and all points on the maps were based on number of meters north or to one side of a central

meridian for Universal Transverse Mercator Zone 6. Observed bowhead distribution was plotted semimonthly

over the Beaufort Sea study area. September-October sightings of belukha whales, ringed and bearded seals,

and other marine mammals were depicted on separate maps. Maps in this report were plotted on a HewlettPackard (HP) Laser Jet II printer equipped with an HP 7475A plotter emulator cartridge.

Ice concentrations in the Beaufort Sea were digitized or hand-drafted as either O-percent, 0- to 25-percent, 26-

to 50-percent, 51- to 75-percent, or 76- to 1OO-percent ice cover from U.S. Navy, Naval Ice Center, Southern

Ice Limit charts. Maps of ice concentrations were prepared with application software (ARC/INFO) using a Polar

Stereographic Projection (central meridian = 150oW. longitude, latitude of true scale = 70oN., spheroid = Clark

1866, and North American Datum 1927).

An index of relative abundance was derived as whales per unit effort (WPUE = number of whales counted/hr

of survey effort) per survey block for bowheads and belukhas. The timing of the 1995 bowhead migration

through the study area was analyzed as sightings per unit effort (SPUE = number of sightings counted/hr of

survey effort) and WPUE per date. Because chance sightings of a few large groups of whales in a short period

of time might produce artificially high WPUE values in certain blocks, values based on at least 4.00 hr of survey

effort were distinguished when discussing relative abundance between areas.

9

Habitat preference was depicted as percentage of whales per ice class and percentage of whales per depth

regime. Directionality of whale group headings was analyzed using Rayleigh's test (Batschelet, 1972) for all

pods, excluding those that were resting, feeding, or milling. Directionality was analyzed as a True (T) heading,

assuming a compass correction of -31 ° for the study area as a whole. Probabilities were interpolated from

alpha values shown for calculated critical values of Rayleigh's z (Zar, 1984: Table B.32). A generalized

bathymetry map was adapted from U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Maps 76-821, 76-822, and 76-823.

Additional statistical comparisons, correlations, and regressions (Zar, 1984) were performed as appropriate.

The water depth at each bowhead sighting in the 1982-1995 database was derived using a computer program--

DEPTH--that assigned a metric depth value averaged over gridded areas (each 3 minutes of latitude by 10

minutes of longitude) in the Beaufort Sea west of 139°W. longitude and south of 72°N. latitude. Values

assigned to each grid block were initially subjective and were averaged from depths read from NOAA

Provisional Chart 16004.

Raw density estimates were calculated using a computer program--DENSITY--and are presented only for

relative comparison with similar values from previous survey reports. The program was based on

strip-transect-analyses methods using only sightings made within 1 km of random-transect legs. Density

estimates were derived by survey block and are presented, with a description of density-estimate

methodologies, in Appendix A.

Overall, whale sightings were shown on distribution maps and entered into relative-abundance analyses,

regardless of the type of survey leg (transect, search, or connect) being conducted or the prevailing

environmental conditions (sea state, ice cover, etc.) when the sightings were made. As with previous reports
in this series (Treacy, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992,.1993, 1994, 1995), repeat sightings or sightings of dead

marine mammals were not included in summary analyses or maps. Where tables and figures exclude certain

data, such exclusions are indicated in the captions.

G. Median and Mean Water Depth at Bowhead Sightings (Analysis Protocol)

10

An analysis protocol specifying the use of median water depth to detect interannual shifts in the bowhead

migration route was initially described in Chapters ,4.2.3 and 5.3.3. of "Beaufort Sea Monitoring Program

Workshop Synt~esisand Sampling Design Recommendations" (Houghton, Segar, and Zeh, 1984). The

present water-depth analyses provide biological information needed to test the following null hypotheses

recommended by the workshop:

Ho.: The axis of the fall migration of bowhead whales will not be altered during periods of increased OCS

activities in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea.

.

H02: Changes in bowhead migration patterns are not related to OCS oil and gas development activity.

To define the migration axis, a separate file was created for bowhead whale sightings made while on random

transects, regardless of distance from the transect line. The.Beaufort Sea was divided into three regions in

order to analyze east-west components ofthe known fall-migration corridor. Region I was delimited by 150oW.

and 153°30'W. longitudes, southof?2°N.latitude. Region II was between 146°W. and 150~W.longitudes,

south of71 °20'N.latitude. Region IIIwas between 141 oW. and 146°W. longitudes, south of 71 °10'N. latitude

(Fig. 2). Because of the bathymetry ofthe Alaskan Beaufort Sea, a seaward displacement of the fall-migration

route would be represented, via this analysis, as a shift to a deeper median depth. Selected isobaths (20 m,

40 m, 100 m, 400 m, 1,000 m, 2,000 m, and 3,000 m), after a Beaufort Sea Planning Area Map (USDOI, MMS,

1985), are included for general reference (Fig. 2).

A computer program-NEWSTAT -was used to analyze the file and describe central tendencies of water depths

at bowhead whale sightings. The program was used to calculate median depth, mean depth, Standard

Deviation (SD) aboutthe mean, and overall depth range for Regions I, II, and III. NEWSTAT also was used to

rank median depths from lowest to highest values. Upper and lower confidence limits for population medians

were calculated by hand (Zar, 1984: Table B.26). If sample sizes were large (n ~ 25), a large-sample

approximation (Zar, 1984: Page 113) was used to calculate the upper and lower limits .

.,

Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated at the 1-percent level to reduce the probability of incorrectly

postulating a change 'in migration route when no change from other years had occurred. For example, the

probability of incorrectly determining that a change had occurred is approximately 23 percent if tested at the

5-percent level, but only.about 5 percent if tested at the 1-percent level (Houghton, Segar, and Zeh, 1984).

The NEWSTAT program employed the Mann-Whitney U test to.address the question of potential fine-scale

shifts in the axis of the bowhead whale fall-migration route. The Mann-Whitney U test is a nonparametric

procedure performed on ranked samples (Zar, 1984). The Normal Approximation to the Mann-Whitney Test

(Zar, 1984: Page 142) was used to hand-calculate the value of Z for larger sample sizes. A series of

Mann-Whitney paired comparisons were made on annual depth values, with each year compared to all others

. such that annual and/or interannual shifts in migration route from 1982 to 1995 could be evaluated. Similar

paired comparisons were made by region (I, II, and III) such that annual variations or potential shifts in median

depth could be assessed for these smaller areas. Probabilities were interpolated from alpha values shown for

calculated critical values ofthe Mann-Whitney U distribution (Zar, 1984: Table B.10).

The NEWSTAT program compared mean water depths at bowhead sightings between years employing an

analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test (Zar, 1984). Probabilities were estimated as alpha values

shown for calculated critical values of the F and q distributions (Zar, 1984: Tables B.4 and B.5).
0'1

lO r-,

lO lO 0'1

lO t") t") roo t")

lO roo 0'1 r-, lO ""*" lO

""*" ~ ""*" ""*"

roo

roo roo

...•. ...•.

BEAUFORT SEA

72

71

Harrison

• Deadhorse

Camden

o 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I

s.tuW ••••• (CIllP"OJC.) 69

-c

<i; 0

c(

Ul ~

Alaska ::> o

t")

•...

0'1 r-, lO ""*"

""*" ""*" ~ ""*" •...

roo

roo roo roo

rlgure 2. RegIons I, II, and '" (used In medlan-water-depth analyses) and Selected Isobaths
III. RESULTS

A. Environmental Conditions

General ice coverage in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea (Figs. 3-12) was light during the Fall 1995 surveys. At the

end of August (Fig. 3), the heavy sea ice (>75%) was generally north of 72°N. latitude, with mixed

concentrations of ice south of 72°N. latitude off the Point Barrow area and a narrow strip of ice just outside the

barrier islands between 145°W. and 152°W. longitudes. By the first week in September, the narrow strip of

ice had disappeared east of Deadhorse. Through the first week in October (Figs. 5-8), only small patches of

very light ice (>0-25%) remained in the study area. By 10 October (Fig. 9), the primary study area was

essentially ice-free, although the main body of very heavy ice (>75%) began to show some encroachment south

of72°N. latitude. By mid- October (Fig. 10), the very heavy ice had edged farther south, joining with very light

shorefast ice (>0-25%) west of Deadhorse. Very light (>0-25%) shorefast ice became more widespread in

Canadian waters east of Herschel Island. By 24 October (Fig. 11), the study area was completely covered with

mixed concentrations of ice. By the end of OCtober (Fig. 12), the entire Beaufort Sea was locked in very heavy

(>75%) sea ice.

The open-water conditions during Fall 1995 generally provided for good observation of subsurface whales,

although associated high sea states sometimes reduced the ability of observers to spot whales near the surface

or at great distances from the transect centerline. Cloud ceilings over portions of the study area were often

lower than the target-survey altitude of 458 m. Overall, environmental conditions were considered favorable

through 24 September, permitting 24 flights during that time period. Conversely, environmental conditions were

unfavorable, primarily due to high winds and associated high sea states, from 25 September through 20

October, permitting only 8 flights during that period. Ice percent and sea state at each sighting of endangered

whales are shown in Appendix B (Table B-1).

B. Survey Effort

Daily totals of kilometers and hours flown per survey flight are shown in Table 3. A total of 26,276 km of

surveys were flown in 115.52 hours (Table 3) in the study area at an average speed of 227.46 km/hr. The

average survey flight was 821.1 km, with flights ranging from 72 km to 1,748 km. Mean survey time per flight

was 3.61 hr (SO = 2.37, n = 32). A total of 14,230 km of random-transect lines were flown in 61.32 hours

(Table 3) at an average speed of 232.1 km/hr. These random transects constituted 54.2 percent of the total

kilometers flown and 53.1 percent of the total flight hours. The number of flight hours over each survey block

is shown in subsequent analyses.

Day-to-day flight tracks are shown in Appendix B. Survey-flight lines are summarized by semimonthly period

in Figures 13 through 17.

On 31 August, survey coverage was in nearshore survey blocks between 143°W. and 148°W. longitudes (Fig.

13). There were 1.13 hours of random transects flown from a total of 2.45 flight hours during this period (Table

3), constituting 1.8 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively, of the total time spent in those effort categories.

During the first half of September, survey coverage was distributed between 1400W. and 154°W. longitudes,

with most of the effort between Barter Island and Harrison Bay within 60 nautical miles (nm) of shore (Fig. 14).

There were 21.57 hours of random transects flown from a total of 38.48 flight hours during this period (Table

3), constituting 35.2 percent and 33.3 percent, respectively, of the total time spent in those effort categories.

During the second half of September, survey coverage was evenly distributed between 140oW. and 157°W.

longitudes, mostly within 90 nautical miles (nm) of shore (Fig. 15). There were 29.95 hours of random transects

flown from 55.20 total flight hours during this period (Table 3), constituting 48.8 percent and 47.8 percent,

respectively, of the total time spent in those effort categories.

During the first half of October, a limited flight effort was distributed between 143 oW. and 155°W. longitudes,

with transects flown between 150oW. and 154°W. longitudes, south of 72°N. latitude (Fig. 16). There were

13
170· 165· 150' 145' 140

,

.'.

'" KEY

•

QDiO

'. IllI >0-25% '.

.. ; ,

' ..

"

,

'.. .. Q 26-50% '. '. ", ...•

...:

'" 0

51-75%

'.

'..

.... ,. 0

>750/0

'"

Scale

14

Pt, Barrow

Figure 3. Map at Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 29 August 1995

170' 165· 160' . 155

,

150· 145

,

140· .135' 130· 125·

'.

..

' .

... KEY

". .... •

.. 0%

... IIlI ' . ...

>0-25% .'

' ..

'.

~

..

....

" .....

26-50% . ' . .. ..

;". CJ '. 51-75%

0

>75% .'

'" " .. ... Scale 1:8,860,500

Figure 4. Map at Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 5 September 1995
170 165

.

160 "

iSS· 1SO· 145" 141)" 125·

..

...

... KEY

... •

OOk

Il!IlI >()..25%..

...

.. m 26-50%

CJ 51-75%

0

>750/0

.. ... ... Scale

Pt. Barrow

68·

Figure 5. Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 12 September 1995

165" 160" iSS· 1SO" 145 "

... KEY

... •

'". " 0%

Il!IlI >0-25%

.....

.. .. .. m 26-50% .. "

••....

CJ 51-75%

0

>75%

Scale

.. :.'

.....

Pt. Eiarrow 69"

Figure 6. Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 19 September 1995

15
>750/0

.................. ..

KEY

OOA>

>0-25%

.......... _. 26-50%

51-75%

...: ./ .

Icy Cape

....

. . .

."' ..... -

..........

69"

68"

Figure 7. Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 26 September 1995

... ' ....

.......... ::: ".

............. ;..

KEY

• 0%

IIlIl1 >0-25%

Em 26-50%

Cl 51-75%

D >75%

Scale

...... :.

............. ::: .

...... ;:...

......... : .

"

"

: .

Pt. Barrow

.. ' .

..:: .

Figure 8. Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 3 October 1995

16
150" 145 "

KEY

OOk

>0-25%

26-50%

51-75%

>750/0

.... -

";" .

. - ...

.. ".". -.

.... ". ". .,

. - _.

. ~' .. " .. '". '. - ..

Pt. Barrow

Figure 9. Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 10 October 1995

68"

150" 145 "

140" 135" 130" 125"

KEY

•

00/0 .. ~....

III >0-25%

,.

~

26-50% " '

.' :-:4:

CJ 51-75% 73"

0

>75% ..

.. . '

Scale 1:8,860,500

......

" .

-. '" -.-.

::'.

............ :...

......

. ". . . . ~.-.

-. - - .. - .. -. :..

. .; ,.

..,: ..- .- .- ,- ..

..' .. "

Pt. Barrow

Figure 10. Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 17 October 1995

17

69"
170" 165 "

160" 155 150 " 145" 140" 135" 130 "

125 "

..

KEY

•

0%

..

.. , III >0-250/0

..".' Em .. .. .... 26-50% .. ..

0

51-75% 73"

...

... 0

>750/0 ....

'-"

.. .. .

Scale 1:8,860,500

Pt. Barrow

Pt. Barrow 69"

Figure 11. Map· of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 24 October 1995

'". -.".

150"145 " 140" 135 "

130" 125"

KEY

•

0% ..

.....

III >0-25%

Em:.:.: 26-50%

0

51-75%

0

>75%

Scale 1:8,860,500

...... ".

""';: '.

.71"

.... -.". .; .... -

: .

.....: .

.' .

. ..;..'

..................... .....r--.~

68"

Figure 12. Map of Ice Concentrations in the Beaufort Sea, 31 OctOber'1995

18
Table 3

Aerial-Survey Effort in the Beaufort Sea, 31 August-20 October 1995, by Survey Flight

Total

Flight Transect Connect Search Total Transect Survey

Day No. (km) (km) (km) (km) Time (hr) Time (hr)

31 Aug 1 271 80 187 538 1.13 2.45

1 Sep 2 701 190 218 1,109 3.10 4.93

2Sep 3 0 0 72 72 0.00 0.35

4Sep 4 1,013 126 227 1,366 4.58 6.32

5 Sep 5 428 103 570 1,101 1.90 5.32

6 Sep 6 815 139 215 1,169 3.68 5.35

9Sep 7 0 0 110 110 0.00 0.50

10 Sep 8 0 0 224 224 0.00 1.13

11 Sep 9 623 116 438 1,177 2.58 4.88

13 Sep 10 390 139 191 720 1.75 3.32

14 Sep 11 178 14 29 221 0.77 1.05

14 Sep 12 716 116 214 1,046 3.20 4.72

15 Sep 13 0 0 147 147 0.00 0.62

16 Sep 14 58 0 311 369 0.27 1.52

16 Sep 15 275 95 481 851 1.30 3.75

17 Sep 16 0 0 169 169 0.00 0.78

17 Sep 17 447 55 414 916 1.97 3.90

18 Sep 18 1,028 180 540 1,748 4.32 7.83

19 Sep 19 716 56 680 1,452 2.97 6.53

20 Sep 20 931 126 274 1,331 3.88 5.67

21 Sep 21 1,171 127 211 1,509 4.85 6.35

22Sep 22 769 165 518 1,452 3.30 6.07

23 Sep 23 1,106 132 335 1,573 4.58 6.58

24Sep 24 596 134 561 1,291 2.52 5.60

27 Sep 25 0 0 156 156 0.00 0.62

3 Oct 26 94 14 341 449 0.42 1.97

11 Oct 27 18 0 132 150 0.08 0.73

14 Oct 28 175 9 93 277 0.78 1.18

15 Oct 29 760 83 611 1,454 3.20 6.23

16 Oct 30 546 66 628 1,240 2.42 5.47

19 Oct 31. 218 0 448 666 0.95 2.85

20 Oct 32 187 17 19 223 0.82 0.95

19
Table 3

Aerial-Survey Effort in the Beaufort Sea, 31 August-20 October 1995, by Survey Flight

(Continued)

,;

Total "

Semimonthly Transect Connect Search Total Transect Survey

Period (km) (km) (km) (km) Time (hr) Time (hr)

31 Aug 271 80 187 538 1.13 2.45

1-15 Sep 4,864 943 2,655 8,462 21.57 38.48

16-30 Sep 7,097 1,070 4,650 12,817 29.95 55.20

1-15 Oct 1,047 106 1,177 2,330 . 4.48 10.12

16-20 Oct 951 83 1,095 2,129 4.18 9.27

TOTAL 14,230 2,282 9,764 26,276 61.32 115.52

20
Lt

~

I I \ \ \ \ I

,_---L---I-- I I I I I I II I ..,-- IIIIIIIII

II

L

I

I

I

I

I

I III I I ,- I I I I

-tL-

IIIII

I

rJ

CIl oc

·Co

....

:r:

o8

£t~

o..Yo

en

<{ Lt~

6t~

21

,..,

.•...
22
23
I 

£t~

I

\

\ I

_---1----

1--

I

I

I

I

gt~

I1

I

~ I I

rtJ

1---I

Lt~

"T" -- I 1

c

e-...

Q) I I

-0

~

rJ

E

Q I I

Q)0

fj

1

Cf)u

1

0

L. I I

-0

..c

~ I 1

I

0

Q) 0

~

24

o

«o

en

..Y- o

ren

en

10I

"0

li:

.21

..c

+' c

Q) uoE

:0
6v

LvLL

LvL

.•...

Ol

Ol

III

6vL a>

•...

..a000

+' 0

Lc;a

0

.::£

en

.•...

coIN

£~;a

..c+'

l-~

LL

.E'

££L

""0

a>

1.L

C'

:le"

.•... o0E

..a

.~

I

II

,---.- IIII III «o

en

.x:o

(l)cE

-0

(l)0

I-

(f)u

r~---~~o

-0o

(l) IIIIIIIII

I

I

LI

(f)0c

·C0

I0

:r:

~

c,

c, e

,;

0

.s

'"

!

"

:i

J!

0

25
4.48 hours of random transects flown from 10.12 total flight hours during this period (Table 3), constituting 7.3

percent and 8.8 percent, respectively, of the total time spent in those effort categories.

From 16 through 20 October, a limited flight effort was distributed between 143 oW. and 157°W. longitudes,

with several transects flown between 154 oW. and 157°W. longitudes, south of 72°N. latitude (Fig. 17). There

were 4.18 hours of random transects flown from 9.27 total flight hours during this period (Table 3), constituting

6.8 percent and 8.0 percent, respectively, of the total time spent in those effort categories.

C. Bowhead Whale (Ba/aena mysticetus) Observations

1. Distribution: Two hundred eighty-four sightings were made for a total of 428 bowhead whales

observed during Fall-1995 surveys in the study area (Table 4 and Figs. 18-22), not counting repeat sightings.

Even though survey coverage was considered good between 1500W. and 157°W. longitudes (Figs. 14-17), only

14 (6.3 %) of the 284 bowhead whale pods were sighted west of 1500W.longitude. Of these, the pods between

152°W. and 155°W. longitudes, are located more than 25' nm north of the shoreline, relatively more diffuse

and farther offshore than the tight corridor of whale sightings east of 152°W. (Fig. 22). This differential density

of whale sightings might indicate a diminishment in residence time and/or a decrease in the proportion of time

spent at the surface once whales reached Harrison Bay. Fourteen of the 428 whales were identified as calves

(Appendix B: Table B-1), resulting in a seasonal calf ratio (number calves/total whales) of 0.033. Daily sightings

are shown on individual maps in Appendix B. A semi-monthly analysis follows.

On 31 August, no sightings of bowheads were made (Table 4), based on survey coverage between 143°W.

and 148°W. longitudes (Fig. 13).

During the first half of September, 102 sightings were made for a total of 166 bowheads (Table 4), with

sightings from 140°45.1 'W. to 151 °15.1 'W. longitudes (Appendix B: Table B-1), based on survey coverage

between 1400W. and 154°W.longitudes (Fig. 14). The first bowhead in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea was sighted

on 4 September at 70°36.1 'N. latitude, 149°58.1 'W. longitude (Appendix B: Table B-1). All but one of the

whale pods were east of Harrison Bay, Alaska; all pods were fairly evenly distributed east to west over the area

surveyed, within 40 nm north of the shoreline (Fig. 18). Pod sizes ranged from 1 to 8 whales (Appendix B:

Table B-1), with a mean of 1.63 (SO = 1.15, n = 102). Three bowhead whale calves were observed during this

period (Appendix B: Table B-1).

During the second half of September, 170 sightings were made for a total of 247 bowheads (Table 4), with

sightings from 140°17.1 'W. to 154°48.TW.longitudes (Appendix B; Table B-1), based on survey coverage

between 1400W. and 157°W. longitudes (Fig. 15). Most of the whale pods were concentrated east of

Deadhorse, within 60 nm north of the shoreline (Fig. 19). A few westerly pods were generally north of Cape

Halkett, between 40 and 70 nm north of the shoreline. Pod sizes ranged from 1 to 5 whales (Appendix B: Table

B-1), with a mean of 1.45 (SO = 0.86, n = 170). Eleven bowhead whale calves were observed during this period

(Appendix B: Table B-1).

During the first half of October, 7 sightings were made for a total of 7 bowheads (Table 4), with sightings from

143°16.6'W. to 153°45.8'W. longitudes (Appendix B: Table B-1), based on limited survey coverage between

143°W. and 155°W.longitudes (Fig. 16). Three of the whale pods were located just north of Barter Island and

4 were 30 to 40 nm northwest of Cape Halkett, Alaska (Fig. 20). All sightings were of singleton whales

(Appendix B: Table B-1). No bowhead whale calves were observed during this period (Appendix B: Table B-1).

From 16 through 20 October, 5 sightings were made for a total of 8 bowheads (Table 4), with sightings from

154°37.5'W. to 156°35.2'W.longitudes (Appendix B: Table B-1), based on survey coverage between 143°W.

and 157°W.longitudes (Fig. 17). The whale pods were located in Block 12, within 40 nm north of the shoreline

(Fig. 21). Pod sizes ranged from 1 to 4 whales (Appendix B: Table B-1), with a mean of 1.60 (SO = 1.34, n =

5). The last bowhead in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea was sighted on 16 October at 71 °33.1 'N. latitude,

154°37.5'W.longitude (Appendix B: Table B-1). No bowhead whale calves were observed during this period

(Appendix B: Table B-1).

27
. Ta~e4

Summary of Marine Mammal Sightings, 31 August-20 October 1995, by Survey Flight

(number of sightings/number of animals) •

Flight Bowhead . Gray Belukha Unidentified Bearded Ringed Pacific Unidentified Polar PB Tracks

Day No. Whale Whale Whale Cetacean Seal Seal Walrus Pinniped Bear (PB) - (no bear)

J -

31 Aug 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 Sep 2 0 0 0 0 0 1/1 0 0 0 0

2 Sep 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

4 Sep 4 2/2 0 10/26 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

5 Sep 5 15/23 0 3/3 0 0 9/84 0 2/4 0 0

6 Sep 6 9/21 0 22/154 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

9 Sep 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

10 Sep 8 11/18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

11 Sep 9 23/44 0 0 0 0 6/41 0 1/1 0 0

N

13 Sep 10 25/32 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

QI:) 14 Sep 11 5/8 0 8/42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

14 Sep 12 12/18 0 14/77 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

15 Sep 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

16 Sep 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

16 Sep 15 32/48 0 0 0 1/1 0 0 0 0 0

17 Sep 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

17 Sep 17 1/1 0 9/17 0 0 0 0 0 O. O.

18 Sep 18 1/1 0 23/100 2/4 1/4 1/3 1/1 2/5 1/2 0" .'

19 Sep 19 74/110 0 21/60 0 3/3' 8/96 0 .. 3/9 1/3 0

20 Sep 20 4/5 0 23/65 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 0 0-

21 Sep 21 4/4 0 26/99 0 0 0 0 3/5 0 0

22 Sep 22 3/3 0 12/85 0 0 . 5/57 0 0 0 0-

23 Sep 23 2/2 0 20/126 0 0 4/17 0 1/3 0 0

24Sep 24 47/68 0 12/40 0 4/4 4/25 0 1/1 0 0

27 Sep 25 2/5 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 0 0 0

3 Oct 26 3/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

11 Oct 27 0 0 O' 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

14 Oct 28 2/2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

15 Oct 29 2/2 0 23/34 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0

,-<,'
Table 4

Summary of Marine Mammal Sightings, 31 August-20 October 1995, by Survey Flight

(number of sightings/number of animals)

(Continued)

Flight Bowhead Gray Belukha Unidentified Bearded Ringed Pacific Unidentified Polar PB Tracks

Day No. Whale Whale Whale Cetacean Seal Seal Walrus Pinniped Bear (PB) (no bear)

16 Oct 30 5/8 0 12/22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

19 Oct 31 0 0 5/6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

20 Oct 32 0 0 1/2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total Semimonthly Sightings

N

31 Aug 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

co 1-15 Sep 102/166 0 57/302 0 0 16/126 0 3/5 0 0

16-30 Sep 170/247 0 146/592 2/4 9/12 22/198 1/1 10/23 2/5 0

1-15 Oct 7/7 0 23/34 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

16-20 Oct 5/8 0 18/30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 284/428 0 244/958 2/4 9/12 38/324 1/1 13/28 2/5 0
6t

Lt~~

I I I· \ _---L---l---- I I I I I l.~ I I I. I ••• • I I •• I I I • I -,- ---- I I I·•••• I I r J'•• I I '.- I I ,-;- I ' -' •• I I I· ,.

,---tL --- •.

I I· , I I I I I I I L I I

I

I

I

I

Uo

0-

Q)

30

E

-0

Q) c

Q)0

o

I...

ClJu

..c:

.-0o

Q) o

CIJ oc

"Co

I...

I

§---

~

- :l:

~-

.. :-

~ 5j = i

-<

0--'

«o

en

..Ya

Lt~

6t~

.•..

eo

•...

:::!: o

c- o

.•.. mo

J:

..c:

eoC

"'0

.•..

.•..

It)

en

eo

c- ~E

.0
BEAUFORT SEA

I

- -

72

- -- \

I • I \

I

• I \

I \

---

\

\

71

w...•.

Harrison

70

LEGEND

•

Bowheod Whole

0 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I

Statute Miles (approx.)

«

0

<i. « 69

(f) z

«

Alaska ~ o

..- r-,

L[) L() 0)

L() n

n

n

L() 0) r-, L[) "<t

..- L() "<t "<t "<t "<t ..-

Figure 19. Map of Bowhead Whale Sightings. 16-30 September 1995
£t

L

I

I\

,---.,- IIIII ' I I I I I I I I I I

I

I -t

L

-

I I I I I I I I I I

L '" I -

II

I

I.

\\

_---L---l- I

I

II

II I I I , r J , I

,-

32

Q) cE

-0

Q)0

o

I....

(fJo

..c

.-0o

Q) o

:r:o

I....

";::

(fJoc

Q)

I.... ao

+-' o

..a

6tL l()

8

Q) C

"0

.•...

.•...

.•...

0)

0)

l()

:::!: C

Q.-o

CDo~

..c::
-c

<i. 0

-c 69

~

z

«

Alaska ~ u

O'l

n

n

01 r-, L() ..qL() ..q- ..q- ..q- ..q01

L()

70

L()

L() n

L()

L()

BEAUFORT SEA

-~-------------------- -- \

I I,

I I,

I I I \

-~-----~l I \

I-I 1-----'--,

I - - I I \

I I - -, I I \

I '--I --L-----'

~~I[,,~ I \ \

• ~~~I_- \

Deadhorse \

Camden Bay \

Harrison

LEGEND

• Bowhead Whole

a 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I

Statute t.liles (appro x,)

L()

L() n

L()

Figure 21. Map of Bowhead Whale Sightings, 16-20 October 1995

72

71

70
6v

Lvtl

I

IIII 

Q) cE

-0

Q)0

oL

(/)u

..c

.-0o

Q) o

«o

en

.x: o

Lvl

6vl

19l

(/) 0c

"C0L

~-

£gl

I

---

~

0-

0-"e

•• Sl- ..

"0

" s: - ~

.., ~

-

-$

0 :§

••

0

.r:;

- III

~

Z

0

W In

-I

Wo o,......J

..J

•

34

Q) o

"lJ

.-m

rn

It) ~o

Q. o

.•..

IIIo~

.c
2. Migration Timing: The day-to-day timing of the bowhead whale migration was calculated over the

entire study area (Table 5 and Fig. 23) as a daily sighting rate, or sightings per unit effort (SPUE), and an index

of relative abundance, or whales per unit effort (WPUE).

Of the 284 observed sightings of bowhead whales, the first bowhead whales were sighted on 4 September.

The data for daily sighting rates show a peak (mode) of 11.33 SPUE on 19 September, with lesser peaks of

9.71 on 10 September and 8.39 on 24 September. From 28 September through 13 October, there were only

3 sightings of bowhead whales. This was due primarily to high offshore winds and associated high sea states

that limited survey effort during that period. The last sighting of a bowhead was made west of the study area

on 16 October (Table 5 and Fig. 23).

Of the 428 bowhead whales counted during this period, the data for daily relative abundance (WPUE) show

that the midpoint (median) of the bowhead migration in Blocks 1 through 12 (when 50% of all sighted whales

had been recorded) occurred on 16 September (Table 5). The peak relative abundance (mode) of 16.84

WPUE occurred on 19 September (TabLe 5 and Fig. 23).

There were no prominent differences in pattern between the graph for relative abundance and that for sighting

rate.

3. Relative Abundance by Survey Blocks: The relative abundance of bowhead whales in each

Beaufort Sea survey block (Fig. 1), in Chukchi Sea survey blocks west of 157°W. longitude, in Canadian waters

east of 140oW. longitude, and in Alaskan waters outside of historically monitored survey blocks, was calculated

in Table 6. Over the field season (31 August-20 October), there were 3 survey blocks in which ~15.00 hr of

survey effort were made. Of these coastal or offshore blocks (Blocks 1, 3, and 11), coastal Block 1 (6.67

WPUE) had the greatest relative abundance, followed by Block 11 (0.65 WPUE) and Block 3 (0.23 WPUE).

Although less than 15.00 hr of survey effort were made in coastal Blocks 4 and 5, it was notable that 113

whales were observed in Block, 4 for a high relative abundance (7.75 WPUE); and 70 whales were observed

in Block 5, for a high relative abundance (7.40 WPUE) (Table 6).

On 31 August, there were no blocks in which ~4.00 hr of survey effort were made. No bowheads were

observed during 2.45 hr of survey effort in the primary study area (Blocks 1,4, and 6) on that day (Table 6).

During the first half of September, there were 3 blocks in which ~4.00 hr of survey effort were made. Of these

coastal blocks (Blocks 1,3, and 4), Block 1 (7.03 WPUE) had the greatest relative abundance, followed by

Block 4 (3.53 WPUE) and Block 3 (0.72 WPUE). Although only 3.59 hr of survey effort were made in coastal

Block 5, itwas notable that 23 whales were observed in this block, for a high relative abundance (6.41 WPUE).

Ten bowheads were observed during a total of 6.34 hr of survey effort in the remaining blocks (Blocks 2,6, 7,

9, 10, and 11) of the primary study area or adjacent waters (Table 6).

During the second half of September, there were 5 blocks in which ~4.00 hr of survey effort were made. Of

these coastal or offshore blocks (Blocks 1,3,5,11, and 12), coastal Block 1 (8.79 WPUE) had the greatest

relative abundance, followed by Block 5 (8.01 WPUE), Block 11 (0.65 WPUE), Block 12 (0.15 WPUE), and

Block 3, for which no whales were observed. Although only 3.82 hr of survey effort were made in Block 4, it

was notable that 86 whales were observed in this coastal block, for a very high relative abundance (22.51

WPUE). Likewise, although only 1.71 hr were made in Block 6, 11 whales were observed in this offshore block,

for a high relative abundance (6.43 WPUE). Nine bowheads were observed during a total of 6.01 hr of survey

effort in the remaining blocks (Blocks 2, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12) of the primary study area or adjacent waters

(Table 6).

During the first half of October, there were no blocks in which ~4.00 hr of survey effort were made. Seven

bowheads were observed during a total of 10.12 hr of survey effort of the primary study area (Blocks 1, 3, 4,

11, and 12) or adjacent waters (Table 6).

From 16 through 20 October, there were no blocks in which ~4.00 hr of survey effort were made. Eight

bowheads were observed during a total of 9.27 hr of survey effort in the primary study area (Blocks 1, 3,4, 11,

and 12) or adjacent waters (Table 6).

35
Table 5

Number of Sightings and Total Bowhead Whales Observed per Hour,

31 August-20 October 1995, by Flight Day

"' . Sightings/ Whales/ .-

No. of No. of Total Survey Hour Hour

Day Sightings Whales Time (hr) (SPUE) (WPUE)

31 Aug a a 2.45 0.00 0.00

1 Sep a a 4.93 0.00 0.00

2 Sep a a 0.35 0.00 0.00

4 Sep . 2 2 6.32 . 0.32 0.32

5 Sep 15 23 5.32 ·2.82 4.33

6 Sep 9 21 5.35 1.68 3.93

9 Sep a a 0.50 0.00 0.00

10 Sep 11 18 1.13 9.71 15.88

11 Sep 23 44 4.88 4.71 9.01

13 Sep 25 32 3.32 7.54 9.65

14 Sep 17 26 5.77 2.95 4.51

15 Sep a a 0.62 0.00 0.00

16 Sep 32 48 5.27 6.07 9.11

17 Sep ·1 1 4.68 0.21 ·0.21·

18 Sep 1 1 7.83 0.13 0.13

19 Sep 74 110 6.53 11.33 16.84

20 Sep 4 5 5.67 0.71 0.88

21 Sep 4 4 6.35 0.63 0.63

22 Sep 3 3 6.07 0.49 0.49

23 Sep 2 2 6.58 0.30 0.30

24 Sep 47 68 5.60 8.39 12.14

27 Sep 2 5 0.62 3.24 8.11

3 Oct 3 3 1.97 1.53 1.53

11 Oct a a 0.73 0.00 0.00

14 Oct 2 2 1.18 1.69 1.69

15 Oct 2 2 6.23 0.32 0.32

16 Oct 5 8 5.47 0.91 1.46

19 Oct a a 2.85 0.00 0.00

20 Oct a a 0.95 0.00 0.00

TOTAL 284 428 115.52 2.46 3.70

36
20.0

18.0

16.0

14.0

12.0

LU 10.0

::::>

CL 8.0

~

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0

20.0

18.0

16.0

14.0

12.0

10.0

L.l.J ::) a... 8.0

C/)

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0

31

<Xl

<Xl <i

eo.,;

:!

N

-

'" 6

-c

....... 0:-

0- 0-

-

<Xi

.., ;;; "l.., .; " ~- - '"<'i

..,

o-

~ -o

- - ec ~_~~I.~.I~~-- '"

•... ~ ~ ~ a

••

..,

_~ci d ~ •• ~~.ci

6~'0

A

.•. ~~ ~~

31 2 4 12 14 16 ',8 20 22 24 26 28' '30 '2' '4' '6' '8' '10 12 14 16 ',8 20

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

..,

..,

o-

<') .,;

"'"...............".....

Figure 23. Daily Relative Abundance (WPUE) and Sighting Rate (SPUE) of Bowhead Whales,

31 August - 20 October 1995

(Solid circles indicate days when flights were made during which no bowheads were observed.

Open circles indicate days when no flight was made.)

37

............ _-_._------_. __ ~._---------------_._-_ __ ~

I

i

'"<')

o

4 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 2 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
Table 6

Semimonthly Relative Abundance (WPUE) of Bowhead Whales (BH), by Survey Block, Fall 1995

31 Aug 1-15 Sep 16-30 Sep ,

1-15 Oct 16-20 Oct Total

Block Hr BH WPUE Hr BH WPUE Hr BH WPUE Hr BH WPUE Hr BH WPUE Hr BH WPUE

1 0.44 0 0.00 14.80 104 7.03 10.69 94 8.79 2.09 0 0.00 1.60 0 0.00 29.63 198 6.67

2

1 1 1 0.77 0 0.00 2.17 0 0.00 1 1

0.66 0 0.00 3.61 0 0.00

3 6.95 5 0.72 11.26 0 0.00 2.68 0 0.00 1.26 0 0.00 22.15 5 0.23

4 2.00 0 0.00 6.79 24 3.53 3.82 86 22.51 1.31 3 2.29 0.62 0 0.00 14.53 113 7.75

5

1 1

3.59 23 6.41 5.87 47 8.01 1 1 1 1 1

9.46 70 740

6 0.01 0 0.00 2.73 10 3.66 1.71 11 6.43 1.

0.94 0 0.00 5.39 21 3.90

7

1 1 1

0.13 0 0.00 1.56 2 1.28 1 1

1.69 2 1.18/

9 0.06 0 0.00 0.02 0 0.00 0.45 0 0.00 0.52 0 0.00

10 0.14 0 0.00 0.43 0 0.00 1 1 1

0.57 0 0.00

11 2.38 0 0.00 9.26 6 0.65 349 4 1.15 0.32 0 0.00 15.45 10 0.65

12 1 1 16.59 1 0.15 0.55 0 0.00 3.36 0 0.00 10.50 9 0.86

12N 2 0.19 0 0.00 1 1 1

0.06 8 133.33 0.25 0 0.00

Other

Canadian

Co)

co Areas 0.03 0 0.00 0.03 0 0.00

Other

Alaskan

Areas 0.13 0 0.00 1.61 0 0.00 1.73 0 0.00

TOTAL 2.45 0 0.00 38.48 166 4.31 55.20 247 4.47 10.12 7 0.69 9.27 8 0.86 115.52 428 3.70

1 No survey effort.

2 Chukchi Sea s~rvey blocks.
4. Habitat Associations: Of 428 bowhead whales sighted during Fall 1995, 390 (91%) were in shallow

water (0-50 m deep), 31 (7%) were in waters of transitional depth (51-200 m), and 7 (2%) were sighted in

deeper water (>200 m) (Table 7). A fuller description of depth associated with the bowhead migration appears

in the discussion on median-water-depth analysis in Section IV.B.

In addition to general ice coverage for arctic waters (Figs. 3-12), the percentage of ice cover visible from the

aircraft at each bowhead sighting (Appendix B: Table B-1) was summarized (Table 8). Over the field season

(31 August-20 October), bowheads were sighted in each concentration of ice cover shown on Table 8. Of 428

bowheads, 415 (97%) were sighted in open water (0-% sea ice), 10 (2%) in 1- through 5-percent ice, and 1

(1%) in 11- through 20-percent ice (Table 8).

5. Behavior, Swim Direction, and Speed: Of 428 bowhead whales observed during Fall 1995,296

(68%) were swimming (Table 9), Le., moving forward in an apparently deliberate mariner, when first sighted.

Over the fall season, whale headings were generally toward the western quadrant (proportion = 0.46), with the

octant of strongest directionality (0.31) between west and northwest. Their significant (p «0.001) mean

heading was 280.61 "T (Fig. 24), consistent with a directed migration in rough parallel to Alaska's Beaufort Sea

coastline. Of the 428 whales observed, 247 (58%) were judged to be swimming at medium speed, with 79

(19%) swimming slowly, 31 (7%) still, and 5 (1%) swimming fast. Swim speeds for 66 whales (15%) were not

noted (Table 10). Other behaviors noted for bowhead whales included 30 (7%) that were milling, 27 (6%)

resting, 22 (5%) diving, 14 (3%) in cow-calf associations, 6 (1%) tail slapping, 2 (1%) spy hopping, 1 (1%)

breaching, 1 (1%) feeding, and 1 (1%) thrashing. Behaviors for 28 whales (6%) were not noted (Table 9). All

behaviors noted are defined in Table 2.

On 31 August, no whales were observed (Table 9).

During the first half of September, 129 of 166 (78%) bowheads were initially observed swimming (Table 9).

Whale headings were generally toward the western quadrant (proportion = 0.45), with the octant of strongest

directionality (0.26) between west and northwest. Their significant (p <0.005) mean heading was 271.71 °T (Fig.

24). One hundred five (63%) whales were judqed to be swimming at medium speed, with 42 (25%) swimming

slowly, and 13 (8%) still (Table 10). Other behaviors noted for bowhead whales included 11(6%) that were

resting, 10 (6%) diving, 6 (4%) milling, 5 (3%) tail slapping, 2 (1%) in cow-calf associations, 2 (1%) spy hopping,

and 1 (1%) thrashing (Table 9).

During the second half of September, 153 of 247 (61%) bowheads were initially observed swimming (Table

9). Whale headings were generally toward the western quadrant (proportion = 0.46), with the octant of

strongest directionality (0~33) between west and northwest. Their significant (p <0.005) mean heading was

283.44°T (Fig. 24). One hundred thirty-four (55%) whales were judged to be swimming at medium speed, with

30 (12%) swimming slowly, 18 (7%) still, and 5 (2%) swimming fast (Table 10). Other behaviors noted for

bowhead whales included 24 (10%) that were milling, 16 (6%) resting, 12 (5%) in cow-calf associations, 11

(4%) diving, 1 (1%) breaching, 1 (1%) feeding, and 1 (1%) tail slapping (Table 9).

During the first half of October, 6 of 7 (86%) bowheads were initially observed swimming (Table 9). Whale

headings were generally toward the western quadrant (proportion = 0.58), although the octant of strongest

directionality (0.43) was between north and northeast. Their mean heading was 312.45°T (Fig. 24). Five (71%)

whales were judged to be swimming at medium speed, with 2 (29%) swimming slowly (Table 10). Other

behaviors noted for bowhead whales included 1 (14%) that was diving (Table 9).

From 16 through 20 October, all 8 (100%) bowheads were initially observed swimming (Table 9). Whale

headings were generally toward the western quadrant (proportion = 0.60), with the octant of strongest

directionality (0.60) between west and northwest. Their mean heading was 290.64°T (Fig. 24). Five (62%)

whales were judged to be swimming slowly, with 3 (38%) swimming at medium speed.

D. Other Marine Mammal Observations

1. Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus): No gray whales were sighted during the study.

39
40

Table 7

Semimonthly Summary of Bowhead Whales Observed,

by Water Depth at Sighting Location, Fall 1995

,!" (

Water 31 Aug 1-15 Sep 16-30 Sep 1-15 Oct 16-20 Oct Total

Depth No. (%) No. (%) No. (%) No." (%) No. (%) No. (%)

Shallow 0 145 (87) 232 (94) 6 (86) 7 (88) 390 (91)

(0.,,50m)

Transitional 0 21 (13) 8 (3) 1 (14) 1 (12) < ' 31 (7) .

(51-200 m)

Deep" 0 0 7 (3) 0 0 7 (2)

(>200 m)

(not noted) . 0 0 0 0 0 0

"

TOTAL 0 166(100) 247(100) 7(100) 8(100) 428 (100)

(if'

Table 8

F Semimonthly Summary of Bowhead Whales Observed,

"', by Percent Ice Cover Present at Sighting Location , Fall 1995

% Ice 31 Aug 1-15 Sep 16-30 Sep 1-15 Oct 16-20 Oct Total

Cover No. (%) No. (%) No. (%) No. (%) No. (%) No. (%)

0 0, 161 (97) 241 (97) 5 (71) 8(100) 415 (96)

1-5 0 5 (3) 5 (2) 0 0 10 (2)

6-10 0 0 0 0 0 0

11-20 0 0 1 (1) 0 0 1 (1)

21-30 0 0 0 0 0 0

31-40 0 0 0 0 0 l'O

41-50 0 0 0 0 0 0

51-60 0 0 0 0 0 0

61-70 0 0 0 0 0 0

71-80 0 0 0 0 .0 0

81-90 0 0 0 0 0 0

91-99 0 0 0 0 0 0

(not noted) 0 0 0 2 (29) 0 2 (1)

TOTAL 0 166(100) 247(100) 7(100) 8(100) 428 (100)
Table 9

Semimonthly Summary of Bowhead Whales Observed, by Behavioral Category, Fall 1995

31 Aug 1-15Sep 16-30 Sep 1-15 Oct 16-20 Oct Total

Behavior No. (%) No. (%) No. (%) No. (%) No. (%) No. (%)

Breaching 0 0 1 (1) 0 0 1 (1)

Cow-Calf 0 2 (1) 12 (5) 0 0 14 (3)

Diving 0 10 (6) 11 (4) (14) 0 22 (5)

Feeding 0 0 1 (1) 0 0 1 (1)

Milling 0 6 (4) 24 (10) 0 0 30 (7)

Resting 0 11 (6) 16 (6) 0 0 27 (6)

Spy Hopping 0 2 (1) 0 0 0 2 (1)

Swimming 0 129 (78) 153 (61) 6 (86) 8(100) 296 (68)

Tail Slapping 0 5 (3) 1 (1) 0 0 6 (1)

Thrashing 0 1 (1) 0 0 0 1 (1)

(not noted) 0 0 28 (11) 0 0 28 (6)

TOTAL 0(100) 166(100) 247(100) 7(100) 8(100) 428 (100)

Table 10

Semimonthly Summary of Bowhead Whales Observed, by Swimming Speed, Fall 1995

Swim 31 Aug 1-15 Sep 16-30 Sep 1-15 Oct 16-20 Oct Total

Speed No. (%) No. (%) No. (%) No. (%) No. (%) No. (%)

Still 0 13 (8) 18 (7) 0 0 31 (7)

(0 km/hr)

Slow 0 42 (25) 30 (12) 2 (29) 5 (62) 79 (19)

«2 km/hr)

Medium 0 105 (63) 134 (55) 5 (71) 3 (38) 247 (58)

(2-4 km/hr)

Fast 0 0 5 (2) 0 0 5 (1)

(>4 km/hr)

(not noted) 0 6 (4) 60 (24) 0 0 66 (15)

TOTAL 0(100) 166(100) 247(100) 7 (100) 8(100) 428 (100)

41
1-15- September 16-30 September

"n= 81 n= 117

180'

H-+++-I-++Hsa 0rI++-H-I+H9a

0= 283.44

z= 5.90

a= 271.71 r= 0.26

z= 5.66 p< 0.005

r= 0.22

p< 0.005

1-1 5 October

n= 7

16-20 October

n= 5

180'

0= 312.45 r~ 0.51

z= 1.79 p< 0.20

0= 290.64 r= 0.17

Z= 0.14

0= 280.61

z= 12.50

r= 0.24

p«0.001

Figure 24. Semimonthly Summary of Swim Directions for Bowhead Whales, Fall 1995

----~-------~----~------------------------------------------
2. Belukha Whale (Delphinapterus leucas): Although the study area and survey altitude were

designed to record the fall migration of bowhead whales, belukha whales, which undertake a somewhat parallel

migration, were always counted and were considered suitable for selected analyses. Over the Fall 1995 field

season, 244 sightings were made for a total of 958 belukha whales (Table 4) during 115.52 hr of survey effort

(Table 3) and a seasonal relative abundance of 8.29 WPUE. Sightings of belukha whales were distributed

between 140oW. and 156°W. longitudes, mostly between 40 and 90 nm from shore south of nON. latitude

(Fig. 25). The positions of most belukha sightings were between the 100 m- and 3,000-m isobaths (Figs. 2 and

25). Sizes of pods (or close aggregations of pods) ranged from 1 to 60 Whales, with a mean of 3.93 (SO =6.12,

n = 244). One hundred twenty-six belukha calves were noted for a calf ratio of 0.132. Belukha whales were

observed in association with 0- to 96-percent sea ice, with a mean of 11.1O-percent ice (SO = 23.41, n = 244).

On 31 August, no sightings of belukha whales were made (Table 4) during 2.45 hr of survey effort (Table 3)

for a relative abundance of 0.00 WPUE.

Ouringthe first half of September, 57 sightings were made for a total of 302 belukha whales (Table 4) during

38.48 hr of survey effort (Table 3) and a relative abundance of 7.85 WPUE. The first belukha in the Alaskan

Beaufort was sighted at 71 °56.3'N. latitude, 153°42.TW. longitude on 4 September. Sizes of pods (or close

aggregations of pods) ranged from 1 to 60 whales, with a mean of 5.30 (SO = 9.46, n = 57). Thirty-four belukha

calves were noted during this period. Belukha whales were observed in association with 0- to 40-percent sea

ice, with a mean of 4.04-percent ice (SO = 10.94, n = 57).

Ouring the second half of September, 146 sightings were made for a total of 592 belukha whales (Table 4)

during 55.20 hr of survey effort (Table 3) and a relative abundance of 10.72 WPUE. Sizes of pods (or close

aggregations of pods) ranged from 1 to 40 whales, with a mean of 4.05 (SO = 5.01, n = 146). Eighty-nine

belukha calves were noted during this period. Belukha whales were observed in association with 0- to 50-

percent sea ice, with a mean of 11.1O-percent ice (SO = 11.12, n = 146).

Ouring the first half of October, 23 sightings were made for a total of 34 belukha whales (Table 4) during 10.12

hr of survey effort and a relative abundance of 3.36 WPUE. Sizes of pods (or close aggregations of pods)

ranged from 1 to 6 whales, with a mean of 1.48 (SO = 1.10, n = 23). Two belukha calves were noted during

this period. Belukha whales were observed in association with 0- to 96-percent sea ice, with a mean of 26.35-

percent ice (SO = 38.31, n = 23).

Ouring the second half of October, 18 sightings were made for a total of 30 belukha whales (Table 4) during

9.27 hr of survey effort and a relative abundance of 3.24 WPUE. Sizes of pods (or close aggregations of pods)

ranged from 1 to 5 whales, with a mean of 1.67 (SO = 1.05, n = 18). One belukha calf was noted during this

period. Belukha whales were observed in association with 0- to 95-percent sea ice, with a mean of 57.50-

percent ice (SO = 36.45, n = 18).

3. Unidentified Cetaceans: Over the field season, 2 incidental sightings were made for a total of 4

unidentified cetaceans (Table 4). Sightings were distributed between 154°W. and 157°W. longitudes, south

of nON. latitude (Fig. 26).

4. Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus): Over the field season, 9 incidental sightings were made for

a total of 12 bearded seals (Table 4). Seven of these sightings were evenly distributed between 140oW. and

147°W.longitudes, south ofthe 400-m isobath (Figs. 2 and 27). Bearded seals were sighted from 16 through

24 September (Table 4). All 12 (100%) of the bearded seals were in open water when first sighted.

5. Ringed Seal (Phoca hispida): Over the field season, 38 incidental sightings were made for a total

of 324 ringed seals (Table 4). Sightings were evenly distributed between 140oW. and 156°W. longitudes,

mostly south of the 400-m isobath (Figs. 2 and 28). Ringed seals were sighted from 1 through 24 September

(Table 4). All 324 (100%) of the ringed seals were in open water when first sighted.

6. Pacific Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus): Over the field season, 1 incidental sighting was made for

a total of 1 Pacific walrus (Table 4). The sighting was made between 153 oW. and 154 oW. longitudes, south

43
Lt~

(J) oc

·Co

....

I

44

E

-0

Q) c

Q)0

..c: o

....

(J)o

.-0o

Q) o

«o

en

.Y-o

,Lt~

6t~

Q)

::J ~

..c: e

.•... ~o

Q.-o

III
£1'L

\ I \ I

,_---L---I-- I

I

III

II

III I __ I I I -,------- I I ' , ' r J I ' I I ,I ~ I I I I I I I --tL_- I I I I I I I I I I

LI

(

(

(

(

(

LvL

61'L

45

E

-0

Q) c

Q)0

.r:: a

L-

(/)0

.-0o

Q) o

(/)ac

°Co

LI

8

--

I:

-

.,0

-

~

(J

filo

o-J

gvL

«0

en

.x: 0

LvL

.•...

0)

0)

It)

-

,., ~

"0

.1:.,

o "0 Z 'c 8 ::>

...J•

~o

c,-o
Lt~

\ I \•

I---- 1--- _l--

I I· I' I I I I I I I I I , ,- ~_~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I -tL- I I I ( I I

II

II

LI

f

f

f

rJ I I

,-

enac

"i:: o

L.-

:r:

•

46

•

E

""0

Q) c

Q)0

en

ua

L.-

..c

.-0o

Q) o

<{o

en

.x:o

Lv~

6v~

8 en

CDc

•....

(J)

(J)

l() ~c

a. o

00-

III

CDc

"E

CD

"U
«

<i. 0

« 69

(j) z

«

Alaska ~ 0

O'l

rt)

rt)

O'l I' L() ~ L()

~ ~ ~ ~

O'l

L()

L()

L() rt)

L()

L()

BEAUFORT SEA

71

~___ 4 __ -

---:q.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - \

4 I I \ \

, 4 I I I \

I I I \

<)-----:tf-t-------1 I \

I 1":4-

1

\- - - -<r r" \

If -<r - :S- I I \

I I_, 4 I 4 \

L.._I -¢- _

I I _ 4 L - -4-<'F - \

44 ~ 4\ \

• """,-~_~I_ I 4 4 \

Deadhorse 4 \

Camden \

Harrison

LEGEND

4 Ringed Seal

o 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I I

Statute Mlle. (appro ••)

L()

L() rt)

L()

,

Figure 28. Map of Ringed Seal Sightings, Fall 1995

O'l

rt)

72

71

70 _
of the 20-m isobath (Figs. 2 and 29). The walrus was sighted on 18 September (Table 4), swimming in a tide

rip when first sighted.

7. Unidentified Pinnipeds: Over the field season, 13 incidental sightings were made for a total of 28

unidentified pinnipeds (Table 4). Sightings were distributed across the primary study area, mostly south of the

40-m isobath (Figs. 2 and 30).

8. Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus): Over the field season, 2 incidental sightings were made for a total

of 5 polar bears (Table 4). One sighting was just north of Barter Island and 1 was about 30 nm east of Point

Barrow, south of the 40~m isobath (Figs. 2 and 31). Polar bears were sighted on 18 and 19 September (Table

4). All 5 (100%) of the bears were swimming in open water when first sighted.

No polar bear tracks were sighted on the ice during the field season (Table 4).

49
Lv~

6~~

r \ \ \

\

I_---

L---

l

III

III

III

III

1

---1I

"T" --

I1

1I

I1

II

II I 1

I I -tL- I I I I I I I I

II

LI

I

I

I

I

I

I I

Ir

J

(fl oc

";:: o

•....

J:

50

E

"0

Q) c

Q)0

o

•....

(flo

..c

."0o

Q) o

«o

en

.x:o

Lv~

6v~

~c

a.. o

.•..

•....

en

en

ll')
£t

L

LtL

6tL

(l) cE

-0

(l)0

a

LCf)o

..c

.-0o

(l) o

<:o

en

.x:o

LtL

6tL

I \

____

I

1_--=-1--I I t I I 1** 1 I 1 I

§-

£~;;L

---

" "0 e

••

-

D.

.9-

D.

c

.s

c ~- ..

n:

.!!

"0

-

:i

.!!

-

.s

:;;

~

c eli

0

••

-

:!2

z

c

-

UJ :J

UJ 0

0--1

...J

*

~o

a.-o

\I

III1

1-

1

- -,--*-

11

11

I1

11

I1 I I

I

,---t

L_-- I I * , ' I I

I'*

II

LI

I

I

I

I

I

rJ

I

*

1

I~

Cf) ac

"Lo

L-

:r:

**

51
£t

l

Ltl

6tl

\I

_---L---I-- I

I

II~

II I I I I 

I

I\ IIIII - .,-- I I I I I I I I I I I I I

,---t

L_-_

I I , I I I I I I I

LI

I

I

I

I

I

rJ I I

,-

(fl oc

·Co

II

52

6tl

E

-0

Q) c

Q)0

.r::: o

I-

(flo

.-0o

Q) o

Ltl

~-

£~l

---

e

,;

-

~

Q.

Q.

:5- .!!

..

•..

-

2

0

~ CD -

[IJ ;;

•..

- il>

0

0

z

0

w a.-

o

o~

-' w

~

Q) c

•...

[I]C

0- -o

n,oc

•...

:::!:.n

.•...
IV. DISCUSSION

A. General Comparisons with Previous Surveys (1979-1994)

Most results of the present study are generally within the range of result values from previous MMS-funded

endangered whale monitoring conducted during September and October (1979-1994) in the Beaufort Sea

using similar survey methods (Ljungblad et aI., 1987; Moore and Clarke, 1992; Treacy, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991,

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995). Prior to Fall 1992, surveys in Block 12 were largely conducted from a modified

Grumman Goose rather than a Twin Otter aircraft. Results for 1995 that were considered notable relative to

previous values are described below.

The general ice coverage along the northern coast of Alaska during the 1995 navigation season was the 17th

mildest in the Arctic Ocean for the 43 years from 1953 through 1995 (USDOD, Navy, Naval Ice Center, 1996).

Cloud cover over most of the study area was considered favorable for surveying in 1995, without recurrent

periods of "down-to-the-deck" fog as in many previous field seasons. During the last half of the survey,

environmental conditions were worse than in previous years, primarily due to high winds and associated high

sea states.

The 1995 total of 115.52 survey hours was lower than the mean of 130.16 hours (SD = 42.84, n = 8) of survey

time for the years 1987 through 1994.

The number of sightings of bowhead whales (n = 284) and the number of bowhead whales counted (n = 428)

during Fall 1995 were the second-highest totals for all project surveys (1987-1995).

The grossly uneven distribution of bowhead whale sightings east and west of 150oW. longitude during Fall 1995

(Fig. 22) appears to be related to differences noted on either side of 148°W. longitude during Fall 1990 and,

to a lesser extent, 1987 and 1989. However, during September 1987, 1989, and 1990, there were relatively

uneven levels of survey effort across the study area, which readily could have accounted for such differential

in observed geographic distribution of bowheads. During Fall 1995, the level of effort in September was

relatively even across the study area and likely would not explain why only 14 (6.3 %) of the 284 bowhead

whale pods were sighted west of 150oW. longitude. Also, unlike those 3 earlier years, the few bowhead whales

sighted in the western part of the study area were located more than 25 nm north of the shoreline, relatively

more diffuse and farther offshore than the tight corridor of whales in the eastern part of the study area.

Relatively heavier ice concentrations west of Deadhorse at the start of the Fall 1995 migration (Figs. 3 and 4),

especially the heavy ice extending all the way south to Point Barrow, might have prompted bowhead whales

to relocate their migration corridor farther offshore in the western portion of the Alaskan Beaufort Sea.

However, the geographic differential in WPUE west of 150oW. longitude in 1995 appears unique since the

project began (1987-1995) and may indicate a diminishment in residence time and/or a decrease in the

proportion of time spent atthe surface once whales reached Harrison Bay, possibly associated with some type

of nearshore disturbance.

For September 1995, the relative abundance of bowhead whales in eastern Blocks 1 (7.77 WPUE), 4 (10.37

WPUE), and 6 (4.73 WPUE) was higher than for similar values in previous years (1979-1994). For October

1995, the relative abundance in western Block 3 (0.00 WPUE) was lower than for similar values in previous

years. The extreme difference in relative abundance noted in 1995 between these eastern and western blocks

reflects the pattern in geographic distribution of whale sightings just described. During only 0.06 hr of surveying

unblocked Canadian waters, 8 bowhead whales were sighted, for a record-setting relative abundance of 133.33

WPUE (Table 11). Values for relative abundance in all other survey blocks during September or October 1995

were within the range of values shown for the years 1979 through 1994 (Table 11).

The total number of belukha whales counted in Fall 1995 (n = 958) was the highest total number since the

project began (1987-1995). Similarly, the overall relative abundance of belukhas for Fall 1995 (8.29 WPUE)

was the highest value (1987-1995) and was much higher than the mean of 1.58 WPUE (SD = 1.23, n = 8) for

previous project surveys (1987-1994). It was over twice as high as similar values for the next highest years of

53
Table 11

Bowhead Whale Relative Abundance (WPUE) by Beaufort Sea Survey Block,

during September and October, 1979-1995

(after Ljungblad et al. [1987], Moore and Clarke.[1992],

and Treacy [1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992: 1993, 1994, 1995])

Survey Block Other Other

Canadian Alaskan

Year 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Areas" Areas"

SEPTEMBER

1979 0.08 0.00 0.00 0.09 10.08 0.73 0.00 0.00

1980 0.38 0.00 0.00 . 0.47 0.99 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1 0.47

1981 0.22 0.00 0.00 6.13 6.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1

0.00 0.32 0.00

1982 6.83 1.35 0.80 0.93 11.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.28 0.00 0.44 48.65 0.00

1983 0.11 0.87 0.61 0.00 0.00 1.51 1.90 0.00 0.36 0.21 0.53 2.28 0.00

1984 0.59 1.05 0.18 2.69 3.19 1.94 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 26.24 17.00 0.00

1985 0.54 0.00 0.00 2.21 1.74 0.39 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.52 0.00

1986 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.94 2.36 0.29 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.45 0.00 7.98 0.00

1987 0.74 0.00 0.00 1.32 0.72 0.31 0.00 1

0.00 0.00 0.26 0.66 0.33

1988 0.14 0.00 1

0.35 0.48 0.45 0.00 0.00 1 1 1

0.00

1989 2.37 0.33 0.00 6.23 0.71 0.33 1.52 1

0.00 0.00 0.73 0.00

1990 5.54 0.00 0.72 7.61 18.51 3.35 1.72 0.00 0.00 0.00 1

63.64 0.00

1991 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.30 0.20 1.88 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 20.50 0.00

1992 0.45 0.20 0.12 0.73 0.91 1.75 2.48 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.13 1 1

0.00

1993 4.39 0.00 3.03 4.07 2.11 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.93 0.00

1994 0.40 . 0.00 1.27 1.52 11.55 3.52 0.00 1

0.00 0.00 0.00

1995 7.77 0.00 0.27 10.37 7.40 4.73 1.18 0.00 0.00 0.52 0.15 0.00 0.00

OCTOBER

1979 1.58 0.00 3.67 2.35 0.00 0.00 0.70 0.00

1980 0.10 1.18· 0.35 0.29 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

1981 0.89 0.00 0.52 4.22 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1 1

1982 0.19 0.00 2.48 0.00 0.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.19 1.87 0.46 0.00

1983 0.00 0.00 0.49 0.00 0.00 0.27 2.17 1 1

0.00 0.00 0.75 1

0.00

1984 0.29 0.26 1.24 0.00 1.37 0.00 1

0.00 3.05 2.37 3.70 0.00

1985 2.26 0.00 0.40 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 9.00 0.53 0.00 0.00

1986 1.00 0.38 0.47 0.71 0.00 1 1

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.91 1

0.00

1987 0.19 0.00 2.94 0.62 0.32 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.71 0.00 0.00

1988 0.18 0.26 1.12 0.12 0.14 0.00 0.00 1

0.00 1

0.19 1.01 0.00 0.00

1989. 1.32 0.00 5.58 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1

0.00, 0.00 12.98 1

0.00

1990 3.00 ~O.OO 2.14 2.17 2.86 1

0.00 0.97 0.74 0.00

1991 0.07 2.23 0.27 1.48 4.36 0.00 1.39 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.04 0.49 0.55

1992 0.00 0.68 0.81 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0,00 0.00. 0.92 16.35 0.00

1993 0.88 0.00 1.78 2.32 2.19 1.24 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.40 0.00 0.00

1994 0.49 0.00 0.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 1 1 1

0.00 0.00 0.22 1

0.00

1995 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.55 0.00 0.00 1.05 0.00 133.33 0.36

1 No survey effort.

2 Between 140oW. and 141QW, longitudes north of72°N.latitude or east of 140oW.longitude.

3 Between 141°W. and 157°W.longitudes north of72°N.latitude.

54
1992 (3.09 WPUE) and 1994 (3.87 WPUE). Totals of other marine mammals sighted were within ranges

established during previous project surveys in the Beaufort Sea (1987-1994).

As was the case in 1994, neither marine drilling, with associated helicopter and vessel support, nor seismic

vessel exploration took place in the offshore waters of the Alaskan Beaufort Sea during the fall migration of the

bowhead whales.

B. Median and Mean Water Depth at Bowhead Sightings (1982-1995)

The median water depth at 125 sightings of bowhead whales made on randomized line transects in Regions

I, II, and III (combined) (Fig. 2) during September and October 1995 was 35 m. This areawide median depth

appears to be closely related to median areawide depths for most other years (Fig. 32) and falls within the

range of values for previous years (range = 18 to 347m). It is slightly less than the cumulative median depth

of 37 m for the years 1982 through 1995 (n = 568). The median water depth of 131 m for Region I, however,

was much greater than the cumulative median depth of 22 m for that region, supporting the interpretation that

the Fall- 1995 migration of bowhead whales was distributed farther offshore than other years in the area north

and west of Harrison Bay (Fig. 22). Bowhead whales in Region I migrated in water that was deeper than for

all previous years (1982-1994) except 1985 (183 m). The 26-m depth for Region II during 1995 and the 39-m

depth for Region III were less than the cumulative median depths of 31 m and 42 m, respectively, for these

regions (Table 12).

55

To determine whether any of the differences between the median water depth for 1995 and previous years

(Table 12) were statistically significant, these values were tested using the Mann Whitney U test (Zar, 1984).

The median water depth (all 3 regions combined) for the year 1995 showed a highly significant difference (p

<0.005) when compared to medians for the years 1983, 1984, 1989, 1991, and 1992. Analysis by region

showed no differences that were highly significant between 1995 and other years in Region I (between 150oW.

and 153°30'W. longitudes). There was a highly significant difference «0.005) between 1995 and the median

depth for 1983,1984,1990,1991, and 1992 in Region II (between 146°W. and 150oW.longitudes). There was

also a highly significant difference (p< 0.005) between 1995 and the median depth for 1983, 1984, 1989, 1991,

and 1992 in Region III (between 141 oW. and 146°W. longitudes) (Table 13).

The median water depth for the year 1987 (37 m) was considered typical in that it was identical to the

cumulative median (all 3 regions combined) for the years 1982 through 1995 (Table 12). Of the years when

bowheads tended to migrate in water that was deeper than in 1987, the years 1983, 1991, and 1992 showed

highly significant (p <0.005) differences from the 37-m median value. Likewise, of the years when whales

tended to migrate in water that was shallower than in 1987, only the year 1989 showed a difference that was

considered highly significant (Table 13).

A high level of significance (p <0.005) was noted between the 1983 median value (all 3 regions combined) and

the median values for other years except 1991 (Table 13), due to the fact that the 1983 median water depth

0{347 m was greater by far than the median for other years (Table 12). The highly significant difference (p

<0.005) between 1983 and other years was shown, in some instances, in bathymetric Regions II and III (Table

13).

A high level of significance (p <0.005) was noted between the 1989 median value (all 3 regions combined) and

the median values for other years, except 1986 and 1993 (Table 13), because the 1989 median water depth

of 18 m was clearly much shallower than the median depth for other years (Table 12). Such attained levels

(p <0.005) between 1989 and other years were shown, in a few instances, in Region I(Table 13).

Mean water depths were also calculated for Regions I, II, and III. Mean values, although less descriptive of the

apparent "axis" ofthe migration, were considered more robust for demonstrating significant differences between

years.

The mean water depth at 125 sightings of bowhead whales made on randomized line transects in Regions I,

II, and III(combined) during September and October 1995 was 52.5 m (Table 12). The areawide mean depth

for 1995 (52.5 m) was within the range of areawide mean depths for the years 1982 through 1994 (previous
5 400

.-••••

CU

••

C)

, .-:E

'0

: 300

s:

~

o

m

••

o

200

.s::.

••••

Q.

CD

C

••

CD 100

••••

cu'

3:

c

lCU . '

.-

'0

CD 0

:E

Year (31 Aug-30 Oct)

Figure 32. Median Water Depth (in meters) at Random Sightings of Bowhead Whales, by Year,

1982-1995

56
57
58

Table 12

Central-Tendency Statistics for Water Depth (in meters) at Random Sightings

of Bowhead Whales (September-October), by Year arid Region, 1982-1995

(Continued)

~

Year Region SI1 Median CI2 Mean SD3 Range

1991 I 0

4 4

II 7 66 126.7 100.04 27-274

III .Q 118 132.2 92.05 48-232

All 3 13 66 48-238 129.2 92.42 27-274

1992 I 8 40 13-329 70.3 105.24 13-329

II 3 46 119.0 126.44 46-265

III ~ 55 44-57 50.2 8.91 29~57

All 3 20 46 37-55 68.6 79.75 13-329

1993 I 12 15 13-18 _16.1 ,2.23 13-20

II 24 29 22-38 30.0 9.58 15-53

III 39 44 27-48 44.3 34.24 9-229

All 3 75 29 24-38 35.2 27.25 9-229

....\~

1994 I 3 13 4

16.3 9.45 9-27

II 3 37 225.7 335.48 27-613

III 21 40 29-55 41.0 11.87 22-57

All 3 27 40 26-55 58.7 111.58 9-613

t f~

1995 I '-, , 6 131 389.2 499.21 7-1,024

II 53 26 24-33 27.4 '," 7.40 16-40

III 66 39 26-48 42.0 18.39 9-143

All 3 125 35 29-37 52.5 126.73 7-1,024

Cumulative I 94 22 18-31 104.5 287.81 7-2,323

(1982-1995) II 186 31 27-37 65.4 203.77 7-2,021

III 288 42 40-46 76.3 207.20 9-1,902

All 3 568 37 37-38 77.4 221.44 7-2,323

1 SI = random sightings ..

2 CI-~ 99-percent confidence interval.

3 SD = standard deviation.

4 Insufficient sample size.

5 One datum.

n,~j

... ,
values ranged from 22.7 to 738.9 m). This areawide mean depth was also less than the cumulative mean

depth of 77.4 m for the years 1982 through 1995 (n = 568). In Region I, however, the 1995 mean water depth

of 389.2 m was much greater than the cumulative mean depth of 104.5 m, supporting the interpretation that

the Fall-1995 migration of bowhead whales was distributed farther offshore than in other years in the area north

and west of Harrison Bay (Fig. 22). Bowhead whales in Region I migrated in water that was deeper than for

all previous years (1982-1994) except 1983 (393.7 m). The mean water depths of 27.4 m for Region II and

42.0 m for Region III during 1995 were less than the cumulative mean depths of 65.4 m and 76.3 m,

respectively, for these regions (Table 12).

Comparison ofthe means using ANOVA and the Tukey test (Zar, 1984) showed that 1983 was unique among

other years in the spatial distribution of the fall bowhead migration. Differences between the mean for 1983

and all other years (including 1995) were considered very highly significant (p <0.001) in all three regions

combined and in Regions II and III,thus mirroring differences noted between the 1983 median and the medians

for other years. Differences in mean water depths between aHother years, including 1995, were not considered

'statistically significant (Table 14).

The reasons for the offshore (deep-water) migratory route of 1983 and the comparatively shallower route

followed in other years (Fig. 32) may be attributable to general ice cover (see Sec. IV.D). Differences in human

activity levels, oceanographic conditions, and the possible indirect effect of heavy ice cover on prey availability

are additional potential factors. Ice cover probably has the greatest potential for interacting with environmental

conditions that, in turn, may have biological significance to migrating bowhead whales (e.g., net primary

production, availability of leads, water temperature). During 1983, the most severe ice year since 1975

(USDOD, Navy, Naval Ice Center, 1995), the bowhead migration (all 3 regions combined) was observed in

water almost an order of magnitude deeper than for other years (Table 12).

In general, mean water depths at sightings of bowhead whales were skewed to the deeper (northern) side of

the migration axis (median), with cumulative mean values for each region (1982-1995) approximately twice as

great (as deep) as the cumulative medians (Table 12). The reason for the differences between the median

and mean values is unknown but may simply reflect the increasing gradient of the seafloor farther offshore.

C. Potential Responses of Bowheads to Survey Aircraft

During the 1995 field season, there were no sightings of bowhead whales for which definite responses to the

survey aircraft were apparent. Although it was not possible to determine if any responses would have been a

direct result of overflight by survey aircraft, sudden overt changes in whale behavior were sought. Such

changes included an abrupt dive, course diversion, or cessation of behavior ongoing at first sighting.

D. Potential Effect of General Ice Cover on WPUE (1979-1994)

During September and October (combined) 1995, there were 420 bowhead whales observed during 111.05

hr for a relative abundance of 3.78 WPUE in Survey Blocks 1 through 12. The relative abundance in this

primary study area was 4.50 WPUE during September and 0.36 WPUE during October. The combined

September and October relative abundance of 3.78 WPUE for 1995 was considered representative of the

cumulative relative abundance (2.15 WPUE) found during light ice years (Table 15).

The years 1980, 1983, 1988, and 1991 were categorized as having "heavy" ice cover during the navigation

season. These 4 years are ranked as having the severest seasonal ice for the years 1979 through 1995 and

show distances ranging from 10 to 25 nm between Point Barrow and the five-tenths ice concentration on 15

September (USDOD, Navy, Naval Ice Center, 1996).

The years 1984, 1985, and 1992, categorized as having "moderate" ice cover during the open-water season,

are ranked next in seasonal ice severity for the years 1979 through 1995 and show distances ranging from 50

to 75 nm between Point Barrow and the five-tenths ice concentration on 15 September (USDOD, Navy, Naval

Ice Center, 1995).

63

Table 13

Interyear Correlation (nonparametric) of the Median Water Depths at Random Bowhead

Whale Sightings (September-October) Using the Mann-Whitney U Test, 1982-1995

(Page 1 of4)

REGION I

1982 1983 1964 1985 1966 1987 1986 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994

1983 U'= 54.0

P s 0.10

1964 U'= 61.5 U =92.5

P < 0.20 P <0.20

1965 U'= 16,0 U = 14.5 U' = 30.5

P >0.20 P > 0.20 P > 0.20

1986 U = 16,0 U =31.0 U = 45,0 U = 10.0

P >0.20 p<0.10 P <0.20 p>0,2O

1967 U= 16,5 U = 34.5 U = 55.5 U=9,5 U'=6,5

P > 0.20 P <0.02 p<O.Ol P > 0,20 P >0.20

1986 U'= 21.0 U = 23.0 U'= 30.5 U =6.0 U'= 12.0 U'= 16,0

P > 0.20 p> 0.20 P > 0,20 P > 0,20 P > 0,20 P < 0.05

1989 U = 76.5 U = 134.0 U = 216.5 U =39.0 U =37.0 U =41.5 U = 60,0

P >0.20 p< 0.001 ,p <0.001 p<0.10 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 P s; 0.001

1990 U = 13,0 U = 20.0 U =31.5 U =7,0 U'=7,0 U'=9.0 U=7.5 U'= 35.5

P >0,20 P >0.20 P >0,20 P > 0,20 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 p> 0.20 P < 0.20

1991

1992 U'= 39.5 U = 46.5 U = 66.0 U = 16.0 U'= 22.5 U'= 26.5 U = 16.5 U'= 106.5 U'= 15.5

P >0.20 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 P < 0.20 P >0.20 P < 0.002 P > 0.20

1993 U =66.0 U = 106.0 U = 176.5 U = 33,0 U= 31.0 U = 34.0 U = 46.0 U =96.0 U = 26.5 U =64.5

P s 0.20 P <0.001 P < 0.001 P <0.05 p> 0.20 p > 0.20 P < 0.002 P > 0,20 P < 0,20 P < 0.005

1994 U = 16.0 U = 26.0 U =41.5 U =6.0 U =6.5 U = 7.5 U= 120 U = 24.5 U =6.0 U = 21.5 U = 23.0

P > 0,20 P s 0.02 P < 0.05 P s; 0.20 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 P < 0.10 P > 0,20 P s 0,20 p<0.10 P > 0.20

,

1995 U'=31.5 U = 32,0 U'= 47,5 U'= 9.5 U'= 17.0 U'= 17.0 U = 12.0 U'= 66.5 U'= 110 U'= 26.0 U'=57.0 U' = 13.0

P > 0,20 P >0.20 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 P > 0,20 P >0.20 p<0.10 P >0,20 P > 0.20 p<0.10 P > 0.20

59
Table 13

Interyear Correlation (nonparametric) of the Median Water Depths at Random Bowhead

Whale Sightings (September-October) Using the Mann-Whitney U Test, 1982-1995

(Page 2 of 4)

REGION II

1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994

1983 U': 150.0

p <0.001

1984 U': 193.0 U: 42,0

p<0.10 P 50.01

1985 U: 136,0 U: 45.0 U: 62,0

p >0,20 P 5 0.001 P <0.10

1986 U :254.0 U: 58.0 U: 86.5 U: 76,5

p <0.05 P 5 0.002 P < 0.05 p<0.2O

1987 U : 155.0 U: 45.0 U: 63.5 U:53.0 U': 70.5

p >0,20 P 5 0.001 .p<0.10 p > 0.20 p>0.2O

1986 U': 103.0 U: 19.0 U': 20.5 U': 29.0 U':41.0 U': 33.0

p 5 0.02 P 5 0.05 P > 0.20 p< 0.20 P 5 0.05 P 5 0.02

1989 U':29.0 U :5.0 U':5.5 U':9.0 U': 11.0 U':9.0 U :2.0

p < 0.20 P > 0.20 P 5 0.20 P > 0.20 P 5 0.20 1

1990 U': 280.5 U :85.0 U: 101.5 U': 108.5 U'= 146.0 U'= 114.0 U :54.0 U: 17.0

p >0.20 P < 0.001 P < 0.20 p<0.10 P <0.10 P 5 0.05 p<0.10 P 5 0.20

1991 U': 195.0 U.: 26.00 U':51.0 U'= 56.0 U': 74.0 U'=58.5 U': 22.0 U':6.0 U': 104,0

p< 0.001 P < 0.20 P 50.05 P 5 0.01 P <0.01 P < 0.005 P <0.20 P < 0.005

1992 U': 88.0 U: 13.0 U' 210 U': 27.0 U': 33.0 U': 27.6 U·:9.0 U': 3.0 U': 51.0 U: 13.0

p 5 0.002 P 5 0.20 P > 0.20 p s 0.01 P < 0.05 P 5 0.01 p>0.20 P $ 0.002 P >0.20

1993 U :380.5 U: 119.5 U: 158.5 U: 115.0 U': 196.5 U'= 124.0 U :81.5 U: 23.0 U: 243.0 U: 154.0 U :70.0

Z: 0.35 p < 0.001 P <0.05 p > 0.20 P <0.10 p> 0.20 P <0.05 P 5 0,20 P > 0.20 P < 0.001 P < 0.005

p> 0.20

1994 U': 63.0 U =13.0 U'= 14.5 U': 19.0 U': 29.0 U':21.0 U :7.0 U :2.0 U': 28.5 U: 12.5 U :6.0 U':50.0

p >0.20 P 5 0.20 P >0.20 p > 0.20 P < 0.20 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 p > 0.20 P > 0.20 P > 0.20

1995 U: 977.0 U: 265.0 U =382.0 U: 301.0 U':419.5 U: 251.5 U : 193.5 U: 53.0 U: 663.5 U: 348.5 U : 159.0 U: 744.0 U = 128.0

Z<1.72 Z: 3.66 Z= 2.86 Z: 1.24 Z: 1.71 Z: 0.25 Z: 2.72 Z: 1.67 Z:2.91 Z :3.74 Z: 2.87 Z:U8 Z: 1.75

p<0.10 P < 0.001 p<O.OO5 p> 0.20 P <0.10 P > 0.20 p<O.Ol p<0.10 P < 0.005 P < 0.001 P < 0.005 P > 0.20 P <0.10

60
Table 13

Interyear Correlation (nonparametric) ofthe Median Water Depths at Random Bowhead

Whale Sightings (September-October) Using the Mann-Whitney U Test, 1982-1995

(Page 3 of4)

REGION III

1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994

1983 U'=43.5

P c 0.005

1984 U'= 36.5 U = 117.0

P > 0.20 p< 0.001

1985 U'=5.0 U=8.0 U'=11.0

P >0.20 p> 0.20

1986 ·U = 77.0 U = 195.5 U = 216.0 U = 22.0

P < 0.20 P <0.001 P < 0.05 P <0.10

1987 U =54.5 U = 173.0 U = 159,0 U= 19.0 U·=284.0

P >0.20 p< 0.001 P >0.20 P s 0.20 p<0.10

1988 U = 13.0 U =43.0 U =38.0 U =4.0 U'=70.5 U'= 56.0

P >0.20 P < 0.005 p> 0.20 I

P >0.20 P > 0.20

1989 U'= 10.0 U = 25.5 U'= 24,5 U =3.0 U'=54.0 U'=41.5 U'= 10.0

P > 0.20 P < 0.02 P >0.20 P s 0.10 P >0.20 P > 0.20

1990 U = 200.5 U =596.5 U =572.5 U =68.0 U'=946.0 U = 732.0 U = 189.0 U = 154.0

Z =0.66 Z=4.60 Z = 1.18 Z=1.68 Z=1.85 Z=0.51 Z = 0.40 Z= 1.47

P >0.20 P <0.001 p>0.2O p<0.10 p<0.10 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 P < 0.20

1991 U'= 25.0 U = 47.5 U'= 58.0 U =3.0 U'= 121.0 U'= 100.0 U'= 24.0 U'= 13.0 U'=354.0

P s 0.10 P <0.02 P > 0.20 P s 0.001 P <0.02 P < 0.20 P > 0.20 Z = 2.98

P <0.005

1992 U·=31.0 U = 74.5 U'= 74.0 U =9.0 U'= 1705 U'= 126.0 U'=310 U'= 145 U'= 477.5 U =34.5

P < 0.20 P < 0.001 P > 0.20 P < 0.001 P s 0.02 P < 0.20 P > 0.20 Z = 3.47 P > 0.20

P < 0.001

1993 U = 114.5 U = 341.5 U = 338.5 U = 37.0 U·=52O.0 U =425.5 U = 104.0 U = 84.5 U = 1,384.0 U = 201.5 U = 271.5

P >0.20 P < 0.001 P < 0.20 P < 0.20 Z=1.36 Z = 0.56 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 Z = 0.37 p< 0.005 P <0.001

P < 0.20 P > 0.20 P > 0.20

1994 U = 58.0 U = 182.5 U = 171.0 U =21.0 U'= Z98.5 U = 217.5 U = 56.0 U = 44.5 U'= 747.5 U = 106.5 U = 139.00 U'= 437.5

P > 0.20 P < 0.001 P > 0.20 P < 0.10 Z=1.63 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 P > 0.20 Z = 0.32 P < 0.02 p<O.Ol Z= 0.43

P < 0.05 P > 0.20 P > 0.20

1995 U = 189.5 U = 577.5 U = 555,5 U = 63.0 U'= 898.5 U = 708.5 U = 189.5 U = 144.5 U·=2,249.5 U = 343.0 U = 436.5 U'= 1,3225 U =710.5

Z =0.54 Z = 4.56 Z = 1.18 Z = 1.53 Z=1.Z9 Z = 0.49 Z =0.54 Z = 1.32 Z = 0.02 Z = 2.94 Z = 2.27 Z = 0.23 Z=0.17

P >0.20 P <0.001 P > 0.20 P < 0.20 p<0.2O P > 0.20 P > 0.20 P <0.20 P > 0.20 P < 0.005 P < 0.05 P > 0.20 P > 0.20

61
Table 13

Interyear Correlation (nonparametric) ofthe Median Water Depths at Random Bowhead

Whale Sightings (September-October) Using the Mann-Whitney U Tesf,1982-1995

(Page 4 of 4)

ALL THREE REGIONS (COMBINED)

1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994

1983 U·~882.0

Z~5.21

P <0.001

1984 U'~ 1,138.5 U ~ 717.5

Z ~ 3.04 Z~417

P < 0.005 P < 0.001

1985 U'~ 316.5 U ~ 249.5 U ~ 297.5

Z=0.71 P <0.001 P ~ 0.20

P ~ 0.20

1986 U = 898.0 U = 788.0 U ~ 1,043.0 U = 314.0

Z=0.76 Z=5.19 Z ~ 3.33 P < 0.20

P ~0.20 P < 0.001 P < 0.001

1987 U·=798.5 U =666.5 U = 809.5 U = 223.0 U'= 760.5

Z = 0.93 Z =4.77 Z=2.10 p > 0.20 Z= 1.53

P ~ 0.20 P <0.001 P < 0.05 P < 0.20

1988 U'=414.0 U = 245.5 U·=248.0 U'= 104.5 u'= 356.5 U·~291.0

Z= 2.60 p< 0.002 P ~ 0.20 p > 0.20 P < 0.02 P < 0.10

p<0.01

1989 U = 598.0 U ~ 417.5 U = 617.0 U = 198.5 U ~ 457.0 U = 480.5 U = 214.0

Z =2.89 P < 0.001 P < 0.001 P < 0.005 P < 0.20 P < 0.002 P < 0.001

P <0.005

1990 U'=2,473.5 U = 1,729.5 U = 1,949.5 U'= 682.5 U'= 2,227.5 U'= 1,717.5 U ~674.5 U'= 1,353.0

Z= 2.85 Z=8.10 Z= 1.47 Z = 1.12 Z = 2.95 Z~ 154 Z= 1.03 Z=4.21

P < 0.005 P < 0.001 P < 0.20 P ~0.20 P < 0.005 p< 0.20 P ~ 0.20 P <0.001

1991 U'=503.0 U =213.0 U'= 373.5 U'= 134.5 U'= 446.0 U'= 377.0 U'= 135.0 U'= 236.0 U'= 999.0

Z= 4.33 P < 0.05 p<O.Ol p<0.02 P < 0.001 P < 0.001 p,O.Ol P <0.001 Z = 4.33

P < 0.001 P <0.001

1992 U'~ 6630 U = 368.5 U'= 410.0 U'= 1705 U'~ 578.0 U'~ 470.5 U'= 150.5 U'= 325.5 U'= 1,185.5 U = 193.5

Z=3.88 P < 0.001 P ~ O·fO p<O.10 P < 0.001 P < 0.005 P .>0.20 P < 0.001 Z = 2.85 p<0.01

P <0.001 P < 0.005

1993 U'= 1,614.5 U = 1,545.5 U = 1,981.0 U = 568.0 U'= 1,580.5 U = 1,381.5 U = 679.5 U'= 1,007.0 U =4,200.5 U = 886.5 U = 1,111.0

Z=O.Ol Z = 5.72 Z= 3.38 Z=0.94 Z = 0.95 Z= 0.96 Z = 2.25 Z = 2.77 Z = 3.00 Z = 4.89 Z = 3.75

P ~ 0.20 P <0.001 P < 0.001 P >0.20 P ~ 0.20 P ~ 0.20 P < 0.05 P < 0.01 P < 0.005 p < 0.001 p< 0.001

1994 U'= 754.0 U = 523.0 U = 594.5 U'= 190.0 U'= 882.0 U'= 510.5 U = 205.5 U'= 410.0 U'= 1,190.0 U = 293.5 U = 347.0 U'= 1,267.5

Z= 2.09 Z=4.13 Z=1.08 p ~0.20 Z = 2.24 Z= 0.96 P ~ 0.20 P < 0.001 Z=O.Ol P <0.001 p<O.05 Z= 1.93

p<O.05 P < 0.001 P ~ 0.20 p < 0.05 P ~ 0.20 P ~ 0.20 p<0.10

1995 U'=2,945.5 U = 2,516.5 U = 3,109.0 U = 830.5 U'= 2,837.0 U =2,117.0 U = 1,101.0 U'= 1,814.5 U = 6,708.0 U = 1,432.0 U = 1,801.0 U'= 5,144.5 U = 1,979.5

Z=0.94 Z=5.71 Z= 2.88 Z=0.13 Z = 1.81 Z= 0.23 Z ~2.10 Z = 3.70 Z = 2.73 Z =4.51 Z=3.16 Z = 1.15 Z = 1.41

P ~0.20 P «0.001 p <0.005 P ~0.20 P < 0.10 p > 0.20 P < 0.05 P < 0.001 P <0.01 P <0.001 P < 0.002 P ~ 0.20 P < 0.20

1 Insufficient sample size.

62
Table 15

Relative Abundance (WPUE) of Bowhead Whales within the Primary Study Area

(Survey Blocks 1-12) during September and October',

by Year and General Ice Coverage, 1979-1995

September October Total (Sep-Oct)

Year Hours BH WPUE Hours BH WPUE Hours BH WPUE

1979 51.80 60 1.16 79.99 130 1.63 131.79 190 1.44

19802 76.41 30 0.39 50.72 12 0.24 127.13 42 0.33

1981 70.28 231 3.29 46.00 54 1.17 116.28 285 2.45

1982 77.91 283 3.63 35.19 29 0.82 113.10 312 2.76

19832 101.73 72 0.71 41.48 17 0.41 143.21 89 0.62

19843 73.64 216 2.93 63.49 85 1.34 137.13 301 2.19

19853 67.39 52 0.77 58.22 57 0.98 125.61 109 0.87

1986 100.21 65 0.65 51.96 35 0.67 152.17 100 0.66

1987 90.07 61 0.68 77.07 76 0.99 167.14 137 0.82

19882 64.96 21 0.32 55.49 19 0.34 120.45 40 0.33

1989 69.84 141 2.02 38.61 149 3.86 108.45 290 2.67

1990 54.85 401 7.31 41.37 77 1.86 96.22 478 4.97

19912 38.36 9 0.23 51.13 40 0.78 89.49 49 0.55

19923 104.28 63 0.60 90.52 234 2.59 194.80 297 1.52

1993 87.33 217 2.48 77.89 136 1.75 165.22 353 2.14

1994 67.55 183 2.71 53.24 9 0.17 120.79 192 1.59

1995 91.72 413 4.50 19.33 7 0.36 111.05 420 3.78

65
· Table 15

Relative Abundance (WPUE) of Bowhead Whales within the Primary Study Area

(Survey Blocks 1-12) during September and October',

by Year and General Ice Coverage, 1979-1995

(Continued)

Ice Coverage

September

Hours BH WPUE

October

Hours BH WPUE

Total (Sep-Oct)

Hours BH WPUE

Heavy

Ice Years2(f) 281.46 132 0.47 198.82 88 0.44

Moderate

Ice Years3(f) 245.31 331 1.35 212.23 376 1.77

Light

Ice Years (f) 761.562,055 2.70 520.65 702 1.35 1,282.21 2,757 2.15

480.28 220 0.46

457.54 707 1.55

1 After Ljungblad et al. (1987), Moore and Clarke (1992), and Treacy (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992,

1993, 1994, 1995).

2 1980, 1983, 1988, and 1991 were considered years of heavy ice coverage.

31984, 1985, and 1992 were considered years of moderate ice coverage.

66
The years 1979,1981,1982,1986,1987,1989,1990,1993,1994, and 1995, categorized as having "light" ice

cover during the open-water season, are ranked as having the least-severe seasonal ice for the years 1979

through 1995 and show distances ranging from 50 to 185 nm between Point Barrow and the five-tenths ice

concentration on 15 September (USDOD, Navy, Naval Ice Center, 1995).

Table 15 shows a low relative abundance of bowhead whales in the primary study area (Survey Blocks 1-12)

during September and October (combined) for years of heavy ice cover (0.46 WPUE), a middle-range value

for moderate ice years (1.55 WPUE), and a high value for light ice years (2.15 WPUE). A Kruskal-Wallis singlefactor analysis of variance by ranks (Zar, 1984) showed that ice-year categories were significantly related (p

<0.05) to annual relative abundance.

Although cumulative values for the three ice-year categories (Table 15) and the Kruskal-Wallis test suggest

arelationship to annual relative abundance, it is clear that WPUE value is not totally dependent on general ice

coverage. While the mean WPUE for heavy ice years (5< = 0.46, SD = 0.15, n = 4) appears separable from

other ice-year categories, the SD of the mean WPUE for light ice years (5< = 2.33, SD = 1.33, n = 10) overlaps

that for moderate ice years (5< = 1.53, SD = 0.66, n = 3). Likewise, a nonparametric Tukey-type test (Zar, 1984)

for comparing unequal sample sizes showed that while relative abundance in light ice years was significantly

different (p <0.05) from that in heavy ice years, neither of these two categories was significantly different from

relative abundance in moderate ice years. A separate comparison of ice concentrations at the location of

bowhead sightings (1981-1986) with the observability of whales showed that sighting distance was significantly

affected by local ice cover only in 1982 and 1983 (Ljungblad et aI., 1987).

E. Management Use of Real-Time Field Information

Even though the study should not be used to estimate total whale population, the relative abundance of

bowhead whales was compared between years to obtain a rough indication of any gross temporal trends. In

order to control one particular bias against extreme variation in ice severity between years, the WPUE was

compared during September, October, and both months combined (Table 15) for only those years of light ice

(1979, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, and 1995). The data showed weak tendencies for

bowhead relative abundance to increase from 1979 through 1995, but the correlations were not statistically

significant.

The MMS issues various types of permits to industry for gas and oil exploration, including vessel geophysical

permits for on-water exploration using an array of deep-seismic airguns; vessel geological-geophysical permits

for shallow seismic exploration using an airgun; on-ice geophysical permits using VIBROSEIS technology; both

vessel and on-ice geological permits for obtaining core samples; and permits to drill for gas and oil.

During 1995, MMS issued two over-ice geophysical (VIBROSEIS) permits to industry for 3-D seismic exploration

in the central portion of the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. These explorations were permitted from the first part of

January through the end of May, prior to the fall migration of bowhead whales. No open-water geophysical

permits were issued in the same general area, and there were no preliminary activities for site clearance in

1995.

In general, to prevent potential operational effects on subsistence whaling, any gepphysical vessel explorations

permitted during the fall follow stringent restrictions--including a provision to ~~op seismic operations when

whales are visible from the vessel-as the bowhead whale migration progresses thirough the area of operations.

For any explorations that occur during the fall, daily summaries of survey information are transferred from the

field to Anchorage for use by MMS Resource Evaluation and by NMFS in implementing areawide permit

restrictions on high-energy seismic operations during periods of limited visibility.

There were no drilling operations, with associated helicopter and vessel support, in the Beaufort Sea in 1995.

In general, during any fall drilling operations, daily summaries of field information from this survey, and other

arctic surveys being conducted concurrently, are transferred by the MMS Team Leader to MMS Field

Operations in Anchorage. The MMS and NMFS review daily reports to determine the distributional patterns of

bowheads in the vicinity of oil and gas industry activities and the timing of the bowhead whale migration,

especially the "end of the migration" past any drill sites.

67
F. Field Coordinations

Project ice data were transmitted daily to the U.S. Navy, Naval Ice Center, for their use in ground-truthing

satellite imagery. In general, sighting data are used by several management groups to monitor the progress

oftheoverall fall migration of bowhead whales across the Alaskan Beaufort Sea and to determine the position

of their overall migratory corridor relative to shore. Data from previous surveys continue to be used by MMS

in writing Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments and in interpreting the results of

site-specific studies. ,,'

Information summaries were provided to various requesting agencies and private-sector organizations, including

the USDOD Naval Polar Oceanography Center, Washington, D.C., and the Alaska Eskimo Whaling

Commission (AEWC), Barrow, Alaska. We also coordinated with the AEWC; NMFS, Anchorage, Alaska; North

Slope Borough, Department of Wildlife Management, Barrow, Alaska; and Barrow Whaling Captains

Association (BWCA). Brad Smith, NMFS, accompanied our Survey Flights 10 and 11. William Leavitt, BWCA,

accompanied our Survey Flight 16.

68
v. LITERATURE CITED

Batschelet, E. 1972. Recent Statistical Methods for Orientation Data. In: Animal Orientation and Navigation,

SR. Galler, K. Schmidt-Koenig, G.J. Jacobs, and RE. Bellevue, eds. Washington, D.C.: National

Aeronautics and Space Administration, pp. 41-61.

Brower; W.A., R.G. Baldwin, C.N. Williams, J.L. Wise, and L.D. Leslie. 1988. Climatic Atlas of the Outer

Continental Shelf Waters and Coastal Regions of Alaska, Volume III. OCS Study MMS 87-0013. USDOI,

MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 524 pp.

Chapman, C.F. 1971. Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling. New York, NY: Hearst Books, 640 pp.

Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. 16 USC 1531-1543.

Cochran, W.G. 1963. Sampling Techniques. New York, NY: J. Wiley, 413 pp.

Estes, J.A. and J.R Gilbert. 1978. Evaluation of an Aerial Survey of Pacific Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus

divergens). Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 35:1,130-1,140.

Houghton, J.P., D.A. Segar, and J.E. Zeh. 1984. Beaufort Sea Monitoring Program. In: Proceedings of a

Workshop (September 1983) and Sampling Design Recommendations. Prepared by Dames and Moore,

Seattle, WA, for the OCS Environmental Assessment Program, Juneau, AK, 111 pp.

LaBelle, J.C., J.L. Wise, RP. Voelker, RH. Schulze, and G.M. Wohl. 1983. Alaska Marine Ice Atlas. Arctic

Environmental Information and Data Center, University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK, 302 pp.

LGL Ecological Research Associates, Inc. 1987. Importance of the Eastern Alaskan Beaufort Sea to Feeding

Bowhead Whales, 1985-86, W.J. Richardson, ed. OCS Study MMS 87-0037. Prepared for USDOI, MMS,

Alaska OCS Region.

Ljungblad, D.K., S.E. Moore, J.T. Clarke, and J.C. Bennett. 1987. Distribution, Abundance, Behavior and

Bioacoustics of Endangered Whales in the Alaskan Beaufort and Eastern Chukchi Seas, 1979-86. OCS

Study MMS 87-0039. Anchorage, AK: USDOI, MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 391 pp.

Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. 16 USC 1361-1407.

Moore, S.E. and J.T. Clarke. 1992. Distribution, Abundance and Behavior of Endangered Whales in the

Alaskan Chukchi and Western Beaufort Seas, 1991: With a Review 1982-91. OCS Study MMS 92-0029.

Anchorage, AK: USDOI, MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 211 pp.

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. 42 USC 4321-4347.

Norton, D. and G. Weller. 1984. The Beaufort Sea: Background, History, and Perspective. In: The Alaskan

Beaufort Sea, P. Barnes, D. Schell, and E. Reimnitz, eds. Orlando, FL: Academic Press, Inc., 466 pp.

69

Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953, as amended in 1978. 43 USC 1331-1356 and 1801-1866.

Treacy, S.D. 1988. Aerial Surveys of Endangered Whales in the Beaufort Sea, Fall 1987. OCS Study MMS

88-0030. Anchorage, AK: USDOI, MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 141 pp,

Treacy, S.D. 1989. Aerial Surveys of Endangered Whales in the Beaufort Sea, Fall 1988. OCS Study MMS

89-0033. Anchorage, AK: USDOI, MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 101 pp.

Treacy, S.D. 1990. Aerial Surveys of Endangered Whales in the Beaufort Sea, Fall 1989. OCS Study MMS

90-0047. Anchorage, AK: USDOI, MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 104 pp.
Treacy, S.D. 1993. Aerial Surveys of Endangered Whales in the Beaufort Sea, Fall 1992, OCS Study MMS

93-0023. Anchorage, AK: USDOI, MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 135 pp.

Treacy, S.D, 1991. Aerial Surveys of Endangered Whales in the Beaufort Sea, Fall 1990. OCS Study MMS

91-0055. Anchorage, AK: USDOI, MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 107 pp,

Treacy, S.D. 1992. Aerial Surveys of Endangered Whales in the Beaufort Sea, Fall 1991, OCS Study MMS

92-0017. Anchorage, AK: USDOI, MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 92 pp.

Treacy, S.D, 1994, Aerial Surveys of Endangered Whales in the Beaufort Sea, Fall 1993. OCS Study MMS

94,.0032. Anchorage; AK: USDOI, MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 132 pp.

Treacy, S.D, 1995. Aerial Surveys of Endangered Whales in the Beaufort Sea, Fall 1994. OCS Study MMS

95-0033, Anchorage, AK: USDOI, MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 116 pp,

USDOC, NOAA, NMFS. 1982. Endangered Species Act, Section 7 Consultation - Biological Opinion, Oil and

Gas Lease Sale 71 (DiapirField). 19 May 1982. Washington, D.C.

USDOC, NOAA, NMFS. 1983. Endangered Species Act, Section 7 Consultation - Biological Opinion, Oil and

Gas Leasing and Exploration - Diapir Field Lease Offering (Sale 87). 19 December 1983. Washington, D.C.

USDOC, NOAA, NMFS. 1987. Endangered Species Act, Section 7 Consultation - Biological Opinion, Oil and

Gas Leasing and Exploration - Beaufort Sea Sale 97, 20 May 1987, Washington, D,C,

USDOC, NOAA, NMFS. 1988. Endangered Species Act, Section 7 Consultation - Biological Opinion, Oil and

Gas Leasing and Exploration - Arctic Region, 23 November 1988, Washington, D.C.

USDOD, Navy, Naval Hydrographic Office. '1956. Aerial Ice Reconnaissance and Functional Glossary of Ice

Terminology. Hydrographic Office Publication No. 609,14 pp.

USDOD, Navy, Naval Ice Center. 1996, Seasonal Outlook, Sea Ice Conditions for the Alaskan North Coast,

Summer Hi96. Washington, b.c., 5 pp.

USDOI, MMS, 1979. State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources; Federal/State Joint Beaufort Sea Oil

and Gas Lease Sale BF, November 7, 1979 (44 FR 64752).

USDOI, ~MS. 1982. Memorandum from Director, BLM, to Secretary of the Interior, dated 30 April 1982;

subject: Decision on the Modification of the Seasonal Drilling Restriction,

USDOI, MMS. 1984. Outer Continental Shelf, Diapir Field, Oil and Gas Lease Sale 87, July 23,1984 (49 FR

29726).

USDOI, MMS. 1985. Beaufort Sea Planning Area Map (June 1985). Anchorage, AK: USDOI, MMS, Alaska

OCS Reg'ion.

USDOI, MMS. 1988. Outer Continental Shelf, Beaufort Sea, Oil and Gas Lease Sale 97, February 12,1988

(53 FR4356).· .

USDOI, MMS. 1991. Outer Continental Shelf Beaufort Sea Oil-and Gas Lease Sale 124, May 24, 1991 (56

FR 23966). .

,

USDOI, MMS. 1995. Project Management Plan, MMS Fall 1995 Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey Project, June

1995. Anchorage, AK: USDOI, MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 17 pp.

"\

. .

Zar, S.H. 1984. Biostatistical Analysis, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc., 620 pp.

70
.,

APPENDIX A

BOWHEAD WHALE DENSITIES
BOWHEAD WHALE DENSITIES

This appendix presents estimated bowhead whale densities in the Beaufort Sea for the period 31 August

through 20 October 1995. Present survey goals do not include estimation of absolute population abundance;

therefore, raw density values found in this report were not adjusted to account for submergence of whales,

sighting variability, etc., and are presented only for relative visual comparison with similarly calculated values

from previous survey reports. Also, sample sizes for determining density in individual survey blocks were

considered too small to stratify by category (sea state, ice cover, etc.) or to make statistical correlations having

real biological significance.

METHODS

A computer program--DENSITY--was used to calculate raw density estimates for survey blocks previously

shown for the Beaufort Sea (Fig. 1). The program was based on strip-transect methodologies that use only

sightings made on random-transect legs (Estes and Gilbert, 1978) and that were within a predetermined

distance from the aircraft (Hayne, 1949). Distance from the transect line was calculated trigonometrically from

the altitude of the survey plane at the time of sighting and the clinometer angle recorded for each initial sighting

location. Only endangered whale sightings within 1 km of random-transect legs were used to derive density

estimates. The number of sightings made from project aircraft decreased markedly much beyond that

distance, with 69 percent of sightings from the Twin Otter made within 1 km of the trackline. The basic

assumptions for use ofthis formula, and the degree to which these assumptions were met in the Fall-1995 and

previous MMS-funded arctic whale surveys, are incorporated by reference (Ljungblad et aI., 1987: Appendix

B).

RESULTS

Densities by survey block were estimated as the number of bowhead whales per 100 km2(Table A-1).

On 31 August, there were no Beaufort Sea blocks for which more than 10 percent of the area was surveyed,

and no bowheads were observed within 1 km of the randomly generated transect line (Table A-1).

During the first half of September, over 10 percent ofthe area was surveyed for Blocks 1, 3, 4, and 6. Of these

blocks, 39 bowheads were observed in Block 1 within 1 km of the randomly generated transect line, for an

estimated density of 1.17 whales per 100 krn", Eight bowheads were observed in Block 6, for an estimated

density of 0.90. Eleven bowheads were observed in Block 4, for an estimated density of 0.87. One bowhead

was observed in Block 3, for an estimated density of 0.05. Five bowhead whaies were observed within 1 km

of the transect line in other Beaufort Sea blocks during this period (Table A-1).

During the second half of September, over 10 percent ofthe area was surveyed for Blocks 1,2,3,4,5,11, and.

12. Ofthese blocks, 12 bowheads were observed in Block 4 within 1 km of the randomly generated transect

line, for an estimated density of 1.91 per 100 krn", Twenty bowheads were observed in Block 5, for an

estimated density of 1.14. Five bowheads were observed in Block 1, for an estimated density of 0.39. Five

bowheads were observed in Block 11, for an estimated density of 0.13. One bowhead was observed in Block

12, for an estimated density of 0.05. No bowheads were observed in Blocks 2 and 3 or within 1 km of the

transect line or in any of the other Beaufort Sea survey blocks (Table A-1).

During the first half of October, over 10 percent of the area was surveyed for Block 11 within 1 km of the

randomly generated transect line, and 4 bowheads were observed, for an estimated density of 0.34 whales per

100 krn", Two bowhead whales were observed within 1 km of the transect line in other Beaufort Sea blocks

during this period (Table A-1).

A-1

From 16 through 20 October, no blocks were surveyed over 10 percent of their area, and only 1 whale was

observed within 1 km of the transect line in Beaufort Sea blocks during this period.
Table A-1

Semimonthly Estimates of Bowhead Whale Densities, by Survey Block, Fall 1995

(strip width = 2 km)

Block No.

(by Semi- Block Transect Percent No. of No. of Density

monthly Area Distance of Area Transect Percent of Transects Whales (Whales/

Period) (krn') (km) Surveyed Time (hr) Total Time Flown Observed 100 km ~

31 Aug

4 5,714 270 9.45 1.13 100.00 6 0 0.00

1-15 Sep

1 10,222 1,665 32.58 7.28 33.74 36 39 1.17

2 6,672 148 4.43 0.64 2.96 7 0 0.00

3 11,475 1,080 18.83 4.77 22.10 15 1 0.05

4 5,714 631 22.07 2.87 13.30 14 11 0.87

5 9,481 426 9.00 1.90 8.81 12 5 0.59

6 8,109 447 11.02 2.03 9.42 9 8 0.90

11 10,358 449 8.68 2.08 9.66 9 0 0.00

16-30 Sep

1 10,222 643 12.57 2.75 9.19 11 5 0.39

2 6,672 423 12.67 1.78 5.97 10 0 0.00

3 11,475 1,380 24.05 5.79 19.37 28 0 0.00

4 5,714 314 11.01 1.48 4.96 8 12 1.91

5 9,481 880 18.57 3.64 12.18 14 20 1.14

6 8,109 74 1.82 0.33 1.10 4 0 0.00

7 8,109 298 7.35 1.26 4.22 6 0 0.00

9 9,753 0.03 0.01 0.02 1 0 0.00

10 10,358 76 1.46 0.31 1.05 3 0 0.00

11 10,358 1,918 37.03 8.00 26.77 29 5 0.13

12 11,163 1,033 18.51 4.46 14.91 12 1 0.05

12N 11,453 2 0.04 0.01 0.04 4 0 0.00

A-2
I Table A-1

Semimonthly Estirinates of Bowhead Whale Densities, by Survey Block, Fall 1995

I (strip width = 2 km)

. (Continued)

Block No.

(by Semi- Block Transect Percent No. of No. of Density

monthly Area Distance of Area Transect Percent of Transects Whales (Whales/

Period) (krrr) (km) Surveyed Time (hr) Total Time Flown Observed 100 km ~

1-15 Oct

1 10,222 18 0.36 0.08 1.86 1 0 0.00

3 11,475 342 5.97 1.50 33.43 7 0 0.00

4 5,714 94 3.27 0.42 9.29 3 2 1.07

11 10,358 590 11.39 2.48 55.42 9 4 0.34

16-20 Oct

1 10,222 113 2.20 0.50 11.84 2 0 0.00

2 6,672 74 2.22 0.32 7.69 2 0 0.00

4 5,714 38 1.33 0.17 4.03 1 0 0.00

6 8,109 114 2.81 0.50 11.96 2 0 0.00

9 9,753 65 1.34 0.28 6.72 2 0 0.00

12 11,163 543 9.74 2.41 57.71 7 1 0.09

12N 11,453 1 0.01 0.00 0.06 2 0 0.00

A-3
LITERATURE CITED

Estes, J.A. and J.R. Gilbert. 1978. Evaluation of an Aerial Survey of Pacific Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus

divergens). Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 35:1,130-1,140.

Hayne, D.W. 1949. An Examination of the Strip Census Method for Estimating Animal Populations. Journal

of Wildlife Management 13:145-157.

Ljungblad, D.K., S.E. Moore, J.T. Clarke, and J.C. Bennett. 1987. Distribution, Abundance, Behavior and

Bioacoustics of Endangered Whales in the Alaskan Beaufort and Eastern Chukchi Seas, 1979-86. OCS

Study MMS 87-0039. NOSC Technical Report 1177 prepared for USDOI, MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 391

pp.

A-5
APPENDIX B

DAILY FLIGHT SUMMARIES
DAILY FLIGHT SUMMARIES

This appendix consists of maps for Flights 1 through 32 that depict aerial surveys flown over the study area from

31 August through 20 October 1995 aboard the Twin Otter aircraft. Daily maps show survey tracks and the

initial position of marine mammal sightings.

A comparison of daily flight maps can be made on a visual basis over the period of the field season to evaluate

ongoing patterns of marine mammal distribution and aircraft coverage. Each map shows the flight track as a

line drawn through position updates recorded on the aircraft computer system. Each animal sighting is marked

with a species symbol on the flight-track plot. The symbols used can be keyed out using the species legend

found on each map. Positional and other data for each sighting of bowhead whales are summarized in Table

B-1.

B-1
Table B-1

Selected Sighting Data for Bowhead Whales Observed, Fall 1995

(Page 1 of 12)

Flight Total No. Of Latitude Longitude Sighting Compass Ice Sea Depth

No. Day Whales Calves (North) (West) Cue Behavior Heading (%) State (m)

4 4Sep 1 0 70°36.1' 149°58.1' body swim 60 5 3 11

4 4Sep 1 0 70°34.5' 151 °15.1' body rest 270 0 1 7

5 5Sep 2 0 70°09.4' 140°48.9' body swim 300 0 2 48

5 5Sep 1 0 69°57.4' 140°45.5' body swim 240 0 2 46

5 5Sep 2 0 69°56.5' 140°47.7' body swim 220 0 2 37

5 5Sep 1 0 69°57.0' 140°49.2' body swim 210 0 2 46

5 5 Sep 1 0 69°54.1' 140°49.6' body swim 250 0 2 37

5 5Sep 1 0 69°53.1' 140°45.1' body swim 330 0 2 37

OJ

I

I\,) 5 5Sep 1 0 70°11.1' 141 °24.9' body swim 130 0 2 49

5 5 Sep 1 0 70°13.6' 141 °24.9' splash dive 0 2 51

5 5 Sap 2 0 70°15.8' 141 °45.1' body swim 30 0 4 57

5 5Sep 1 0 70°13.4' 141 °44.4' body swim 230 0 2 55

5 5Sep 4 0 70°11.5' 141 °42.9' body swim 40 0 2 48

5 5 Sep 1 0 70°11.5' 141 °42.9' body swim 0 2 48

5 5Sep 1 0 70°13.3' 142°06.5' body swim 190 0 2 53

5 5 Sep 2 0 70°27.0' 142°55.7' body spy hop 290 0 2 59

5 5 Sep 2 0 70°24.0' 142°53.6' body swim 270 0 2 59

6 6Sep 1 0 70°16.7' 144°13.1' blow swim 240 0 4 37

6 6Sep 3 0 70°17.1' 144°12.7' splash dive 200 0 5 37

6 6Sep 3 0 70°20.4' 144°13.1' body mill 0 4 35

6 6Sep 1 0 70°21.3' 144°13.4' splash dive 200 0 4 42

6 6Sep 2 0 70°26.0' 144°10.7' blow swim 290 0 4 53

6 6Sep 5 0 70°37.3' 144°48.8' blow swim 260 0 2 75

6 6Sep 3 0 70°36.3' 144°49.0' body swim 300 0 2 75

6 6Sep 2 0 70°30.8' 144°49.3' body swim 360 0 3 59
Table B-1

Selected Sighting Data for Bowhead Whales Observed, Fall 1995

(Page 2 of 12)

Flight Total No. Of Latitude Longitude Sighting Compass Ice Sea Depth

No. Day Whales Calves (North) (West) Cue Behavior Heading (0/0) State (m)

6 6 Sep 1 0 70°28.3' 144°49.7' body swim 10 0 3 42

8 10 Sep 2 0 70°28.1' 146°55.3' body swim 200 0 3 27

8 10 Sep 1 0 70°29.4' 146°49.5' body swim 160 0 3 27

8 10 Sep 1 0 70°29.8' 146°44.3' body swim 100 0 4 27

8 10 Sep 2 0 70°26.6' 146°56.7' body swim 240 0 3 18

8 10 Sep 5 0 70°27.6' 146°53.3' body swim 45 0 3 27

8 10 Sep 1 0 70°27.9' 146°54.1' body swim 150 0 3 27

8 10 Sep 1 0 70°28.2' 146°57.8' body swim 280 0 3 27 OJ

8 10 Sep 2 0 70°34.2' 147°32.6' body swim 220 0 3 29 I

w

8 10 Sep 1 0 70°34.1' 14r33.9' body swim 250 0 3 29

8 10 Sep 1 0 70°32.8' 147°36.5' body dive 180 0 2 18

8 10 Sep 1 0 70°33.8' 147°36.1' body swim 60 0 2 29

9 11 Sep 1 0 70°30.7' 146°48.8' splash swim 190 0 2 37

9 11 Sep 1 0 70°32.0' 146°17.0' body swim 50 0 2 37

9 11 Sep 1 0 70°19.5' 143°59.7' body swim 270 0 2 44

9 11 Sep 1 0 70°15.5' 143°50.4' body swim 270 0 2 26

9 11 Sep 2 0 70°21.8' 146°22.3' body swim 250 0 2 29

9 11 Sep 2 1 70°30.8' 146°17.3' blow cow-calf 230 0 2 37

9 11 Sep 1 0 70°31.9' 146°18.1' body dive 125 0 2 37

9 11 Sep 1 0 70°36.7' 146°21.0' splash swim 330 0 2 33

9 11 Sep 1 0 70°33.4' 146°43.6' body swim 360 0 2 38

9 11 Sep 2 0 70°30.7' 146°41.2' splash slap 40 0 2 37

9 11 Sep 6 0 70°30.7' 146°41.2' splash swim 40 0 2 37

9 11 Sep 1 0 70°30.7' 146°41.2' blow swim 360 0 2 37

9 11 Sep 2 0 70°30.7' 147°14.5' body swim 210 0 2 24

•

------~--~~----
Table B-1

Selected Sighting Data for Bowhead Whales Observed, Fall 1995

(Page 3 of 12)

Flight Total No. Of Latitude Longitude Sighting Compass Ice Sea Depth

No. Day Whales Calves (North) (West) Cue Behavior Heading (%) State (m)

9 11 Sep 1 0 70°36.1' 148°14.0' body rest 270 0 2 22

9 11 Sep 8 0 70°40.4' 148°17.9' body swim 220 0 2 26

9 11 Sep 1 0 70°40.4' 148°17.9' body swim 0 2 26

9 11 Sep 2 0 70°40.1' 148°47.3' splash rest 20 5 2 18

9 11 Sep 1 0 70°49.2' 149°09.4' splash slap 0 2 27

9 11 Sep 1 0 70°50.9' 149°08.5' body rest 350 0 2 27

9 11 Sep 2 0 70°51.6' 149°08.3' body swim 140 1 4 24

9 11 Sep 2 0 70°53.2' 149°47.4' body swim 330 0 2 18

OJ

9 11 Sep 3 1 70°54.8' 149°53.2' body swim 60 0 2 24 J:,..

9 11 Sep 1 0 70°54.9' 149°54.4' body swim 360 0 2 24

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°16.0' 144°50.5' body swim 70 0 3 33

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°14.0' 144°29.7' body rest 110 0 3 24

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°13.5' 144°31.2' body rest 160 0 3 24

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°14.8' 144°33.0' body swim 150 0 3 24

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°14.8' 144°33.0' body swim 150 0 3 24

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°18.8' 145°14.1' body swim 270 0 3 29

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°18.8' 145°14.1' body swim 220 0 3 29

10 13 Sep 3 1 70°24.8' 145°12.6' body swim 240 0 3 42

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°19.8' 145°44.7' body swim 240 0 3 26

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°28.5' 146°10.9' body rest 150 0 4 37

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°34.2' 146°44.5' body dive 100 0 3 38

10 13 Sep 2 0 70°30.9' 146°45.4' body swim 240 0 3 37

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°31.6' 146°41.7' splash swim 330 0 3 37

10 13 Sep 2 0 70°27.9' 147°15.5' body swim 260 0 4 18

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°29.2' 147°14.1' body swim 290 0 4 18
Table B-1

Selected Sighting Data for Bowhead Whales Observed, Fall 1995

(Page 4 of 12)

Flight Total No. Of Latitude Longitude Sighting Compass Ice Sea Depth

No. Day Whales Calves (North) (West) Cue Behavior Heading (%) State (m)

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°30.7' 147°13.7' body swim 250 0 4 24

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°35.2' 147°11.7' body swim 300 0 4 35

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°43.5' 147°41.0' body swim 280 0 4 35

10 13 Sep 2 0 70°36.7' 14r35.1' body swim 250 0 4 38

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°32.5' 14r31.9' body swim 250 0 4 18

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°38.8' 148°14.7' body swim 130 0 3 22

10 ~3 Sep 1 0 70°40.3' 148°14.9' splash swim 210 0 3 26

10 13 Sep 3 0 70°41.7' 148°15.1 ' blow swim 240 0 3 26

ttl

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°44.0' 148°14.7' body swim 150 0 3 27 I

(11

10 13 Sep 1 0 70°46.7' 148°43.9' body thrash 10 0 3 26

11 14 Sep 1 0 70°51.2' 149°50.4' body swim 140 0 3 18

11 14 Sep 2 0 70°54.7' 149°50.0' blow swim 0 3 20

11 14 Sep 1 0 71 °02.7' 149°15.6' splash swim 0 3 31

11 14 Sep 3 0 70°46.1' 149°16.8' blow swim 330 0 4 18

11 14 Sep 1 0 70°47.3' 149°14.8' blow swim 0 4 18

12 14 Sep 2 0 70°54.8' 150°13.2' body swim 230 0 4 24

12 14 Sep 2 0 70°53.0' 150°12.8' splash slap 0 4 18

12 14 Sep 1 0 70°51.7' 149°42.0' body swim 180 0 5 18

12 14 Sep 1 0 70°49.6' 149°24.6' body rest 80 0 3 20

12 14 Sep 1 0 70°39.1' 148°51.2' body rest 220 0 2 20

12 14 Sep 1 0 70°42.6' 148°50.5' body dive 0 2 20

12 14 Sep 1 0 70°47.9' 148°50.0' body swim 230 0 2 26

12 14 Sep 3 0 70°49.5' 148°49.6' splash mill 310 0 2 26

12 14 Sep 1 0 70°50.9' 148°21.8' splash dive 90 0 3 24

12 14 Sep 3 0 70°43.4' 148°15.7' blow swim 200 0 3 27
Table B-1

Selected Sighting Data for Bowhead Whales Observed, Fall 1995

(Page 5 of 12)

Flight Total No. Of Latitude Longitude Sighting Compass Ice Sea Depth

No. Day Whales Calves (North) (West) Cue Behavior Heading (%) State (m)

12 14 Sep 1 0 70°35.5' 148°14.5' body rest 20 0 3 16

12 14 Sep 1 0 70°34.4' 148°14.0' body swim 90 0 3 16

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°38.1' 146°36.0' body swim' 250 0 4 33

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°37.9' 146°26.2' blow swim 240 0 4 33

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°38.0' 146°18.7' blow swim 240 0 4 35

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°37.8' 146°10.4' body swim 330 0 4 35

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°37.8' 146°10.4' body swim 65 0 4 35

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°37.8' 146°05.3' body swim 60 0 4 40

OJ

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°37.7' 145°57.9' body swim 280 0 4 49 I

m

15 16 Sep 2 0 70°37.7' 145°55.9' body swim 110 0 4 49

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°37.7' 145°53.0' body swim 360 0 4 49

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°37.7' 145°53.0' blow swim 100 0 4 49

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°37.8' 145°47.2' blow swim 0 4 49

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°16.1' 143°20.7' body swim 270 0 2 37

15 16 Sep 3 1 70°22.1' 143°16.7' body swim 270 0 3 42

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°25.1' 143°14.9' body swim 330 0 4 37

15' 16 Sep 2 0 70°25.3' 143°14.7' body swim 180 0 4 37

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°20.5' 143°38.9' body swim 250 0 3 33

15 16 Sep 2 1 70°19.5' 143°38.2' body cow-calf 170 0 3 33

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°17.7' 143°36.6' body swim 260 0 3 37

15 16 Sep 3 0 70°16.1' 143°35.1' blow swim 300 0 3 37

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°15.8' 143°34.9' blow swim 0 3 37

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°17.5' 143°36.1' body swim 210 0 2 37

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°16.0' 143°35.6' body swim 240 0 3 37

15 16 Sep 2 0 70°22.4' 144 °39.7' blow swim 260 0 3 38
Table B-1

Selected Sighting Data for Bowhead Whales Observed, Fall 1995

(Page 6 of 12)

Flight Total No. Of Latitude Longitude Sighting Compass Ice Sea Depth

No. Day Whales Calves (North) (West) Cue Behavior Heading (%) State (m)

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°17.7' 145°23.3' splash swim 190 0 2 24

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°29.9' 145°49.3' body rest 60 0 2 37

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°18.1' 145°41.1' body rest 300 0 2 26

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°15.7' 14ao07.4' splash swim 100 0 2 15

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°18.2' 146°14.7' body swim 110 0 2 22

15 16 Sep 1 0 70°20.1' 146°18.7' body dive 90 0 2 22

15 16 Sep 2 0 70°22.2' 146°20.4' body swim 250 0 2 29

15 16 Sep .5 1 70°25.6' 146°37.9' blow mill 0 2 27

ttl

15 16 Sep 4 0 70°22.7' 146°49.0' blow swim 2

I

-...I 0 13

17 17 Sep 1 0 70°43.0' 148°41.5' blow slap 270 0 5 20

18 18 Sep 1 0 71 °47.6' 154 °48.7' body rest 260 0 2 179

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°29.2' 147°10.6' body rest 80 0 3 18

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°30.0' 146°55.9' splash rest .1 0 3 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°29.2' 146°54.0' body swim 360 0 3 27

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°29.2' 146°55.5' body swim 90 0 3 27

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°31.7' 146°52.7' body swim 230 0 3 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°33.0' 146°49.5' body swim 180 0 3 38

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°33.8' 146°47.8' body swim 90 0 3 38

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°33.0' 146°18.4' blow rest 330 0 3 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°33.4' 146°10.2' blow swim 360 0 3 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°28.4' 145°47.0' blow swim 60 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 3 1 70°24.1' 145°49.9' blow swim 60 0 2 38

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°22.5' 145°48.8' blow swim 340 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°21.2' 145°46.6' blow swim 300 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°20.6' 145°45.3' blow swim 30 0 2 26
Table B-1

Selected Sighting Data for Bowhead Whales Observed, Fall 1995

(Page 7 of 12)

Flight Total No. Of Latitude Longitude Sighting Compass Ice Sea Depth

No. Day Whales Calves (North) (West) Cue Behavior Heading (%) State (m)

19 19 Sep 2 1 70°21.6' 145°42.0' blow cow-calf 230 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 2 0 70°28.0' 145°40.2' blow swim 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°28.1' 145°32.9' body rest 0 2 44

19 19 Sep 2 0 70°28.7' 145°28.1' blow rest 240 0 2 40

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°22.0' 144°37.0' body swim 10 0 2 38

19 19 Sep 3 0 70°22.0' 144°34.1' blow swim 120 0 2 38

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°21.3' 144°31.9' body swim 0 2 38

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°21.2' 144°32.1' body swim 210 0 2 38 OJ

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°21.8' 144°29.5' body swim 240 0 2 29 I

00

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°20.2' 144°00.3' blow swim 210 0 2 42

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°10.8' 143°04.0' body swim 10 0 2 18

19 19 Sep 3 1 69°59.4' 141 °47.2' splash rest 320 0 2 29

19 19 Sep 3 1 69°55.3' 141°10.9' body mill 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 69°54.4' 141~01.4' body dive 270 0 2 40

19 19 Sep 1 0 69°52.3' 140°59.0' blow dive 270 0 2 33

19 19 Sep 2 1 70°30.6' 140°17.1' body cow-calf 210 0 2 1,728

19 19 Sep 2 0 69°51.4' 140°36.9' slick swim 240 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 69°48.9' 140°34.9' body swim 280 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 69°54.3' 141 °06.9' body rest 270 0 " 2 40

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°19.1' 141 °12.7' slick swim 20 0 2 55

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°25.6' 141 °13.4' body swim 0 2 143

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°10.7' 141 °38.4' body swim 50 0 2 46

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°04.7' 141 °37.8' slick swim 160 0 2 40

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°03.9' 141 °36.2' body dive 180 0 2 40

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°02.8' 141 °36.2' slick swim 300 0 2 31
Table B-1

Selected Sighting Data for Bowhead Whales Observed, Fall 1995

(Page 8 of 12)

Flight Total No. Of Latitude Longitude Sighting Compass Ice Sea Depth

No. Day Whales Calves (North) (West) Cue Behavior Heading (%) State (m)

19 19 Sep 2 0 70°01.3' 141 °36.1' blow swim 300 0 2 31

19 19 Sep 1 0 69°57.8' 141°36.0' slick swim 280 0 2 40

19 19 Sep 1 0 69°54.2' 141 °36.9' slick swim 330 0 2 33

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°13.6' 142°19.0' blow dive 280 0 2 49

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°20.7' 142°19.8' body dive 0 2 49

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°23.5' 142°19.9' body swim 0 2 59

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°26.0' 142°19.4' body swim 0 2 59

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°31.3' 145°23.0' body rest 0 2 44

OJ

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°31.0' 145°30.9' blow swim 0 2 44 I

co

19 19 Sep 5 0 70°29.8' 145°45.0' body mill 180 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 2 1 70°28.0' 145°47.4' 1

cow-calf 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°26.3' 145°44.5' body 0 2 38

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°25.7' 145°47.1' 1

swim 0 2 38

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°24.5' 145°49.4' body swim 0 2 38

19 19 Sep 3 0 70°26.4' 145°53.8' body mill 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 2 0 70°27.5' 145°55.3' body mill 300 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°26.6' 146°01.6' body swim 110 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°25.3' 146°09.1' body swim 240 0 2 37

19 . 19 Sep 1 0 70°24.9' 146°18.1' body swim 110 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 2 0 70°24.2' 146°20.5' body swim 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°24.4' 146°29.1' body dive 250 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°25.3' 146°39.6' body dive 0 2 27

19 19 Sep 3 0 70°28.9' 146°46.1' body 0 2 27

19 19 Sep 3 0 70°29.9' 146°47.8' 1250 0 2 27

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°31.5' 146°50.6' 0 2 37
Table B-1

Selected Sighting Data for Bowhead Whales Observed, Fall 1995

(Page 9 of 12)

Flight Total No. Of Latitude Longitude Sighting Compass Ice Sea Depth

No. Day Whales Calves (North) (West) Cue Behavior Heading (%) State (m)

19 19 Sep 2 0 70°32.8' 146°53.6' 240 0 2 37

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°33.8' 146°58.2' body 280 0 2 38

19 19 Sep 2 0 70°32.4' 147°03.0' body swim 240 0 2 33

19 19 Sep 3 0 70°29.9' 147°08.6' 220 0 2 27

19 19 Sep 1 0 70°29.1' 147°10.4' body 90 0 2 18

19 19 Sep 2 0 70°28.7' 147°15.5' body swim 220 0 2 18

19 19 Sep 2 0 70°29.1' 147°20.8' 1

220 0 2 18

rn 19 19 Sep 1 0 70°29.9' 147°27.7' 0 2 18

I

19 19 Sep 2 0 70°30.0' 147°29.6' 0 2 26 ....•.

0

19 19 Sep 3 0 70°30.0' 147°38.2' body 0 2 18

20 20 Sep 1 0 70°44.8' 148°42.7' body swim 220 0 4 20

20 20Sep 1 0 71 °50.2' 153°43.2' body swim 310 2 4 49

20 20 Sep 2 0 71 °56.9' 153°42.9' body mill 2 4 1,445

20 20 Sep 1 0 71 °37.4' 152°38.1' body swim 90 20 3 238

21 21 Sep 1 0 70°24.0' 146°21.9' slick swim 90 0 2 37

21 21 Sep 1 0 70°27.1' 146°20.5' body swim 300 0 2 35

21 21 Sep 1 0 70°33.6' 146°17.8' body swim 330 0 2 37

21 21 Sep 1 0 70°43.2' 147°15.1' blow swim 0 2 40

22 22Sep 1 0 70°48.8' 148°19.3' blow swim 260 0 2 27

22 22Sep 1 0 70°46.7' 148°19.4' body rest 240 0 2 27

22 22 Sep 1 0 70°42.3' 148°19.5' body swim 250 0 2 27

23 23Sep 1 0 71 °47.1' 152°45.6' body swim 50 1 1 1,024

23 23 Sep 1 0 71 °49.7' 152°46.1' . blow swim 50 1 1 1,024

24 24 Sep 1 0 70°21.1' 146°21.3' body swim 90 0 2 29

24 24 Sep 1 0 70°20.1' 145°42.1' body rest 150 0 2 26
Table B-1

Selected Sighting Data for Bowhead Whales Observed, Fall 1995

(Page 10 of 12)

Flight Total No. Of Latitude Longitude Sighting Compass Ice Sea Depth

No. Day Whales Calves (North) (West) Cue Behavior Heading (%) State (m)

24 24Sep 1 0 70°19.3' 145°23.2' body swim 210 0 2 29

24 24 Sep 1 0 70°18.7' 145°03.6' slick swim 0 2 29

24 24Sep 1 0 70°19.4' 144°51.7' body swim 270 0 2 37

24 24Sep 2 0 70°18.3' 144°29.1' body swim 210 0 2 27

24 24Sep 3 0 70°21.6' 144°15.2' body swim 180 0 2 42

24 24 Sep 2 0 70°19.6' 144°11.0' blow swim 260 0 2 35

24 24Sep 1 0 70°19.4' 144°11.8' body swim 90 0 2 35

CD 24 24Sep 5 0 70°18.9' 144 °11.9' body swim 360 0 2 35

I

24 24Sep 2 0 70°17.6' 144°07.0' body swim 0 2 33 ...•.

...•.

24 24Sep 1 0 70°12.2' 144°01.2' body swim 240 0 2 29

24 24 Sep 1 0 70°15.2' 143°23.4' blow swim 180 0 2 37

24 24Sep 2 1 70°12.8' 143°06.7' body cow-calf 120 0 2 29

24 24Sep 1 0 70°08.2' 142°28.4' body swim 290 0 3 33

24 24Sep 1 0 70°03.9' 141 °41.9' body swim 240 0 2 29

24 24Sep 1 0 70°00.2' 141 °22.6' splash swim 20 0 2 31

24 24 Sep 1 0 69°58.1' 141 °17.9' splash swim 110 0 2 40

24 24Sep 1 0 69°50.8' 141 °00.2' body swim 240 0 2 29

24 24 Sep 1 0 70°02.6' 141 °09.2' blow swim 240 0 3 38

24 24 Sep 2 0 70?02.7' 141 °09.1' body swim 250 0 3 38

24 24Sep 1 0 70°09.7' 141 °55.3' splash swim 270 0 2 44

24 24Sep 2 0 70°08.2' 141 °55.3' splash mill 0 3 46

24 24Sep 1 0 70°05.8' 141 °55.6' body swim 250 0 3 29

24 24 Sep 1 0 70°08.7' 142°17.5' slick swim 210 0 2 33

24 24Sep 1 0 70°11.7' 142°15.9' splash swim 260 0 2 35

24 24Sep 1 0 70°12.7' 142°15.5' body swim 310 0 2 49
Table B-1

Selected Sighting Data for Bowhead Whales Observed, Fall 1995

(Page 11 of 12)

Flight Total No. Of Latitude Longitude Sighting Compass Ice Sea Depth

No. Day Whales Calves (North) (West) Cue Behavior Heading (%) State (m)

24 24Sep 1 0 70°14.9' 142°15.2' body swim 240 0 2 49

24 24Sep 1 0 70°18.1' 142°45.3' body breach 0 3 48

24 24 sep 1 0 70°16.6' 142°46.7' splash swim 210 0 3 44

L4 24Sep 1 0 70°13.8' 142°48.0' splash swim 0 3 22

24 ~4~~p 1 0 70°07.0' 142°51.1' splash swim 90 0 3 18

24 24Sep 1 0 70°05.8' 142°52.0' splash swim 170 0 3 9

24 24Sep 1 0 70°08.0' 143°11.2' body swim 210 0 1 7

OJ 24 24Sep 2 1 70°18.6' 143°20.4' body cow-calf 0 2 38

I

24 24 Sep 3 0 70°44.2' 145°50.3' body swim 0 2 57 ...•.

I\)

24 24Sep 3 0 70°38.8' 146°17.7' blow dive 240 0 2 35

24 24Sep 1 0 70°36.1' 146°31.2' body swim 9'0 0 2 33

24 24Sep 1 0 70°35.4' 146°35.0' 10 2 38

1

24 24Sep 2 0 70°34.8' 146°38.2' mill 0 2 38

24 24Sep 1 0 70°34.3' 146~41.1' 30 0 2 38

24 24Sep 1 0 70°33.9' 146°43.5' body swim 30 0 2 38

24 24Sep 1 0 70°32.9' 146°48.1' 0 2 37

24 24Sep 1 0 70°32.3' 146°51.7' 30 0 2 37

24 24Sep 4 0 70°31.6' 146°56.2' body swim 30 0 2 37

24 24Sep 1 0 70°30.4' 147°06.0' 0 2 33

24 24Sep 1 0 70°30.5' 147°13.9' mud feed 60 0 2 24

plume

25 27Sep 4 0 70°21.4' 146°55.6' body swim 70 0 7 13

25 27 Sep 1 0 70°25.5' 14r22.3' body swim 360 0 7 15

26 3 Oct 1 0 70°11.7' 143°16.6' body swim 270 0 4 11

26 3 Oct 1 0 70°11.7' 143°16.6' body dive 210 0 4 11
Table B-1

Selected Sighting Data for Bowhead Whales Observed, Fall 1995

(Page 12 of 12)

Flight Total No. Of Latitude Longitude Sighting Compass Ice Sea Depth

No. Day Whales Calves (North) (West) Cue Behavior Heading (%) State (m)

26 3 Oct 1 0 70°12.2' 143°49.2' body swim 210 0 4 18

28 14 Oct 1 0 71 °23.2' 153°45.6' body swim 240 0 3 40

28 14 Oct 1 0 71 °25.4' 153°45.8' body swim 345 0 4 51

29 15 Oct 1 0 71 °20.8' 153°38.2' splash swim 350 3 37

29 15 Oct 1 0 71 °21.6' 153°38.0' splash swim 350 3 46

30 16 Oct 1 0 71 °29.3' 156°35.2' body swim 240 0 3 73

30 16 Oct 4 0 71 °35.6' 154°48.2' splash swim 90 0 2 46

30 16 Oct 1 0 71 °34.4' 154°40.8' body swim 280 0 2 46

OJ

I

...•. 30 16 Oct 1 0 71 °33.6' 154°38.9' body swim 280 0 2 40

w

30 16 Oct 1 0 71 °33.1' 154°37.5' splash swim 90 0 2 40

1 Not recorded.
8-14
rp

...•.

(J'I

Q)

Lf)

Lf)

Lf)

Q) n

io n

Lf)

BEAUFORT SEA

I

I

I

Barrow.

r- _

---

-----------

---

I I

I I I I

I

/ I I I

-t-------\ I

/ I I 1- - - - - II I I

I I I

I I LHarrison I \

72

\

\

\

\

\

\

71

\

\

\

\

\ 70

\

\

Deadhorse

Camden LEGEND

-¢- Ringed Seal

a 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I I

<{

0

<i <{ 69

(j) Z

<{

Alaska ~ u

(J)

n

n

Q) r-, Lf) -.;;j-

-.;;j- -.;;j- -.;;j- -.;;jStatute Mile. (opprox.]

Lf)

Lr) n

Lf)

Lr)

FLIGHT 2 1 September 1995

Survey Track and Sightings

'------------------------~-. ... --.--.-. --
8-16
c

o

·~r------

•....

o

I

8-17

Cl

Z

w

8

r

.!! '" o -

.c; 0

~ .s::; ~

"0

o C

'" .s::;

.s::; -" • .2

CDo (Il'"

• <l

- :3"

- ~

-
ttl

I

...•.

00

c»

L{)

L()

L{) n

L()

L{)

--+---+--+_+---+-~--+---=---+~+---+---+--+---+---+~\ 73

BEAUFORT SEA

r-r- _

-------

<{

0

4. <{ 69

(j) Z

<C

Alaska ~ 0

O'l

n

n

c» I"'- L() -.;jL() -.;j- -.;j- -.;j- -.;j71

Harrison

LEGEND

• Bowhead Whole

~ Belukho Whole

-o- Ringed Seal

o 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I I

* Unidentified Pinniped

Statute Miles (approx.)

I I I

I I I

I I \

--r-~-----I I

I-I 1-----'

I - - I I

I 1_-, I

I

L_I

I I

\

\

\

\

\

\

\

\

\

\

\

\

,,--~ \

72

71

70

~~-+-~n:----i---"f---+--_+--_+-_-+-_+-_-+--_-+---+---+---=---+--~

L()

Deadhorse

Camden

FLIGHT 5 5 September 1995

Survey Track and Sightings
~v ~

Lv ~

6v~

\

\

\

I

\

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

,

I

I

I

L

I

/

I

I

I

--------

\

\

\

\

_ _ _ _I 'F•.•...•tJ-='It-.=!.-=~J

- "T"

I

I

I

I

I

I I

--tL_--

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

,-

I

c

o

·~r------ en -

L

o

I

---- VOVNV'J

~V ~

L.()

<;v ~ en

en

r-(f}

L

01

Q).C:

...o+--'

E~

2(;)

Q.

Q)U

ef)C:

o

to

.:::L

U

o

L

ILv ~

6v~

c-,

tOQ)

>L

I-::::J

Ief)

(9

--l

u,

B-19

o

.:::L

en

o

«

~-

-

-

_ ";i

e

- ~o

~- :-

.!!

_ '2

- ~c;

_ iii

-I
£'t ~

Lv~

6v~

6<; ~

\

\

\

I

\

I

I

I

I

[

[

I

[

I

I

,

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

L

{

I

I

I

I

N

r--

N

r-,

--------,-

\

\

\

\ \

_--,..-1----1--

I I

I I

I I

I I

I I

-..,.- ------

I

I

I

I

I

I I

--tL_-_

I

I

I

I

{

I

I

,-

I

c

o

(fl

"C....

o

:r:

8-20

VQVNV'J

(J)

co

6t ~

c

Q)

-0

E

Q) 0

(flo

....

o..c

-0

o

Q)

o

~-

-

-

-

0--'

<;t~

o

XC/)

o

« Lv ~
Lid

LvL

6vL

\

\

\I\IIIIIIIIIIIIII,III

L

I

I

(

f

f

-----

- --

VoVNVJ

c

Q)

"DE

Q)0

U>0

L-o..c

"Do

Q) o

_7e

-~c

~ ~- :-

-0~

~-~~

"0 -"5 ] -

~

;<

ell-

• o---....J

'''i's'no..Y.

eno« Lv

L

6vL

L()

(J)

(J)

~(f)

Len

Q).C ...o-+-'

E~

Q)'-

-+-,(f)

0...

Q)'U

(f)Co o~..Y.UoL

I-

>.

roQ)>L

I-:J

I(f)

c.? ~

l..L

\

\\\

\

_---L---l-- I

I

II

II

II

II

"T" ------ IIIIII I

--t

L_-- IIII

II I

,-I co

U>

'C

L-oI

8-21

Cl Zw8...J

2---
4:

0 .d.. <:( 69

z.

(j) 4:

Alaska ~ 0

O'l

n

n

en r-; L{) -T

LIJ -T -T -T -T

m

L{)

n

L{)

BEAUFORT SEA

(

(

(

r- _

-----------------

I I

I I

I I I

-t-,,-----l I

I:i I 1- - - - - I

I I

I I

,a..:;iI-J---=- __ L--

I \

Harrison

LEGEND

• Bowheod Whole

-o- Ringed Seol

* Unidentified Pinniped

o 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I

Statute Miles (approx.)

L{)

I.[) n

L{)

FLIGHT 9 11 September 1995

Survey Track and Sightings

72

,

\

\

\

\

\

\

\

\

\

\

\

\

71

70
Lv~

\

\

\

I

\

I

I

I

I

t

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

L

I

I

I

f

f

-------- I YOVNV'J

\

\

\

I \

_---1----1--

I I

I I

I I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I I

--tL_-

I

I

I

I

I

I

c

Q)

-0

E

Q) 0

(flU

....

o..c

-0 _l~-0

Q)

o

o..Y

Cf)

o

«

Lv ~

c

o

(fl

'i::

....

o

:r:

6v~

"eQ.

Q.

0

~

.,

"0

<0 ~.!!

..c: :i!

~

"0

~

0

~

., c7l

0

..c:

Z

~

W

0

o

CD

W...J 0

•

8-23
,I'

I \

\

yOYNY'J

\ \

I

~t ~

YS"n

\ \

\

I \

\

\ ___ ··...,...1_-- _1-'- ~t~

I I

I

I I

I

I I

I

I I

I

L()

~

I I

S;t~ (J)

I

(J)

rt:l I

-,- ------ c

0

~

I

Q)

..Y.

rJ)

"D

en

E--t r J

E

rJ) L

~

I

Q) 0

0

Q).C

I

(/)U

<t: Lt~ ..!)-+-'

a

L.. E~

[:) I

0

..c

I

"D

Q)'-

0

-+-,(f)

~

Q)

0..

I

0

Q)"u

I

-

-t

6t ~

~

(f) C

I

I

0

,

-.;;t

I

~..Y.

I

I

U

I

~S;~

0

I

L

I

I

IL

c

I

0

~

c-,

(/)

Q)

I

";::

~

L..

2:

I

0 ~-

~S;~

:r:

I- :J

I

-

I(f)

I

-

~

-

~

--.l

I

-

~

u,

-

eu

eu ~- " o -

•.

..c: ~ ..c:0 s

~

"0 -

.8

o 0

~

eu ..c:

Cl

..c: -" -

z

~ 2

w

o eu

C

CD CD -

W

-' • <l

0-

I'

6S;~

- - - ---

8-24
8-25
6vL

II

II

II

III I :'_ L I __ I ,k I I I I I

,I[

III

III

,---r --_

I,I

IIrJ

IIf

If II I f

III

1---j-1-~

II

II

!I

!I

II

L

/

/

/

/

/

-------

-

I--

ca

rn

'Eo

::r:

o

r-; c

Q)

-0E

<!>0

rnU

L- a

-c

-0o

Q) a

o

~

eno«- ,

~,o ---i - ~

o~

.;- .~ - ~ - :a" - ~ -

0_

8-26

~. ~. -- _.

6vL 

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIjIIIJjjj

j

j

jj I
lV l

£vl

£vl

Lv l

6vl

££l

---------- I

\

\

\

\ \

_---1----1--

I I

I I

I I

I I

I I

I

I

I

I

I

I I

--tL_-

I

I

I

I

I

I

\

\

\

I

\

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

L

I

I

I

I

I

r J

I

II

c

a

(JJ

°C

La

I

c

Q)

"0

E

Q) a

(JJu

La..c

"0

a

Q)

o

VOVNV'J lV l

£vl

£vl

o..Yen

o

«

Lv l

6v l

l£ l

.- 1

§-

-

-

-

~

-

Q.

Q.

fil-

~

.!!"

-

';i

-

"~

-4 iii

oj

B-27
LI")

L()

ttl

NCD

Harrison

LEGEND

• Bowhead Whole

• Bearded Seal

o W 100

I I I I I I I I I I

Statute Mil•• (appro •.)

«

<i. D

« 69

(f) z

«

Alaska ~ u

en

n

n

en r-, L() ,qL() ,q- ,q- ,q- ,q-

n

L()

BEAUFORT SEA

r- _

---- --------- \

I I \

I I \

I I I ,

----r------l I ,

--- I-I 1-----' \

I I I ,

I l - -, I I ,

I

L

L - - - - -,

I \ \

_,,-~---I_. '" \

Deadhorse ,

Camden ,

n

L()

FLIGHT 15 16 September 1995

Survey Track and Sightings

(J)

n

72

71

70
LH

6v L

N

r--

N

r-,

-------~----

\

\

\

\ \

____ 1_---1--

I I

I I

I I

I I

I I

c

Q)

-0

E

Q) 0

rno

~

o..c

.-~-g

Q)

o

\

\

\

I

\

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

,

I

I

I

I

I

L

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I '

I ,-

I I

, I

--tL-

,

I

I

I

I

I

r J

c

o

rn

·C

~

o

:r:

r

(J)

CD

6v L

8-29

o..Y

en

o

«

Lv L

-

I

§-,

-

_7

e

- Q.Q.

e

~- ';

- ~"
())

iD

OJ

I

W

o

iD

iD n

iD iD

BEAUFORT SEA

Harrison

-------------- \

I I \

I I \

I I I \

r" -r------l I \

--- i-I' ,-----, I

I I I \

I l_: _I I \

---1--.. I _-L-----\

1- - - \ \

~"--------I_- \

Deadhorse \

Camden \

LEGEND

• Bowhead Whole

f!,. Belukha Whole

73

72

71

70

<{

0

<i. <{ 69

(j) Z

<{

Alaska :::> u

en

n

n

OJ f'. iD ..qiD ..q- ..q- ..q- ..qa 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I

Statute Miles (appro ••)

n

iD

FLIGHT 17 17 September 1995

Survey Track and Sightings
OJ

LD

n

L1l L1l

OJ

n

73

BEAUFORT SEA

I 72

--- - -- \

I

I I I

\ I

I I I

\ Barrow I I I

\

-t- - -- l I

\

r 1- - -- I

\ 71

I 1

I

\

Ill· ..,

1

I

\

I

..•. W L

I L- -\

Harrison I I \

LEGEND I

\ 70 •

Bowhead Whole -¢- Ringed Seal Deadhorse

\

l:> Belukha Whole ¢ Pacific Walrus

.• Camden Bay Unidentified Cetacean * Unidentified Pinniped \

•

Bearded Seal ~ Polar Beor

a 50 100

I I I I I I I I I

Statute Miles (cpprcx.) «

0

<i « 69

(j)

z;

«

Alaska ~ 0

r-,

L1l L1l

(J) L1l n

L1l n

n

L1l OJ r--- L1l ~

~ ~ ~ ~

FLIGHT 18 18 September 1995

Survey Track and Sightings
OJ

L{)

LfJ

L{) n

L{)

())

n

L{)

73

--------- - --

72

BEAUFORT SEA

r- _

I I

I I

I I I

- - -t - - - - - - l 'I

1-, ,-----,-

I - - I I

I l - ., I

I '--

71

Harrison

LEGEND

• Bowhead Whole'

I:> Belukho Whole

• Bearded Seal

-<> Ringed Seal

* Unidentified Pinniped

~ Polar Bear

Deadhorse

Camden

70

L{)

L{) n

L{)

<{

0

<i <{ 69

(f)

z;

<{

Alaska ~ 0

())

n

n

OJ r-, L{) ~ L{)

~ ~ ~ ~

a 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I

Statute Mile. (cpprce.)

FLIGHT 19 19 September 1995

Survey Track and Sightings
CDI

W

W

o:

LD

LD

LD

Q)

n

73

BEAUFORT SEA

I 72

I

I

Barrow.

-------------- \

I I \

I I \

I I I \

~------l I \

-- i-I 1-----'- \

I I I \

l_: _I I \

I _ L - - - --, \- - - - I ,

-rL-._ •.•..

1

_ ,

Deadhorse \

Camden Bay \

71

Harrison

LEGEND

70

• Bowhead Whole

~ Belukho Whole

o 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I

«

0

<i. « 69

if) z

«

Alaska ::> 0

0)

n

n

(J) I'- LD ~

~ ~ ~ ~

Statute Mile. (approx,)

..- . ~--+--~--+---+---+----+---+--+---+---+--+--+--+--+--+-

n

LD

LD

FLIGHT 20 20 September 1995

Survey Track and Sightings
«

.d. 0

« 69

<.fl z

«

Alaska :::J u

O'l

n

n

(J) r-, LO "<t

LO "<t "<t "<t "<t

(])

LO

to

I

W

~

L()

L[) n

L[)

--'--'-+---+---+~-I---:--+--:---+----:'--+~-+---+---+--l 7

3

BEAUFORT SEA

r.- _

----~-- \

I \

I \

I \

I \

---

,-----r \

I I \

I I \

I _ L - - - - -\

1- - - - I \

""""--'--- .•..•...'- \ Deadhorse \

Camden \

Harrison

LEGEND

• Bowhead Whole

(:,. Belukho Whole

* Unidentified Pinniped

a 50 100

I I I I ! I I I I I

Statute Miles (apprax.)

L[)

L[) n

L[)

FLIGHT 21 21 September 1995

Survey Track and Sightings

())

n

72

71

70
OJ

I

W

(J'I

<{

0

.d. <{ 69

Ul Z

<{

Alaska ::J u

(j)

n

n

oi I' .o LD ~

~ ~ ~ ~

())

L!l

L!l

L!l c» n

L!l n

L!l

Harrison

LEGEND

• Bowhead Whole

/), Belukho Whole

-<:r Ringed Seal

o 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I I

Statute Miles (approx.)

n

io

FLIGHT 22 22 September 1995

Survey Track and Sightings
- - - I

I /

f I

----i 1I I

I- - - - - r--- I

1_, I ~ I

'- - 1 I

f L /

,-----, I

Deadharse~~~' I

Camden I

I

I

I

---------

I

I

I

""1--

1--

I

I

I

LEGEND Harrison

.• Bowhead Whale

4 Belukho Whole

-<>- Ringed Seal

~~

Statute Miles (appro ••)

.• Unidentified Pinniped

L{)

L{) Alaska

L{)

FLIGHT 23 23 September 1995

Survey Track and Sightings

----------

«

o

<r; «

if) ~

::l 0

69

--------~~

- - -
c»

L()

BEAUFORT SEA

-r-- __ 72

--- - - , -- - -------- - --

I \

I \

I I \

- -- -t------l

---

\

i- ,- - -- 71 I

,

I

I

,

[II I

1_-,

I ,

W....., I -,

Harrison \

LEGEND \ 70 Deadhorse \

•

Bowhead Whole -<> Ringed Seal Camden

n Belukha Whole *

Unidentified Pinniped

•

Bearded Seal

a 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I I

Statute Mile. (approx,)

<{

0

<i. <{ 69

(f) Z

<{

Alaska :J 0

L{) O'"l

L{) n

n

n

L{) 0) r--- L() ~ l1l ~ ~ ~ ~

FLIGHT 24 24 September 1995

Survey Track and Sightings

-- - -- ------------ ----
<{

0

< 69 «

(j) z, Alaska

<{

:::::> u

(J)

JV)

JV)

(J)

r-.

ll)

"i-

"i- "i- "i- "iOJ

/.{)

r-,

l[)

ll)

OJ

/.{)

JV)

tv; •....

f'I)

/.{)

(J) r-,

ll)

"iio

"i- "i- "i- "i- 'l"- •....

lfGEND

--'--..

I -----------_____________ 1

I I

I I 1

I I f I I

I

I I I 1

1--_--_---

~------i I I

1--, I-----

r

-- 1

I ,_, I : 1

' L _I I

f , L I

1-----, I

~----'-

I 1

I

I

BEAUFORT SEA

Harrison

• BOWhead Whale

~oo

Statute Miles (app",x.)

Deadhorse

Camden

/.{)

Ltj

FLIGHT 25 27 September 1995

Survey Track and Sightings

70
lV l

£vl

Lv l

6v l

l£ l

L£l

LO

£vl (J)

(J)

c

0

~(I)

Q)

.x:

"tJ (I)

01

E

L.C

Q) 0

0

Q).-

(flu

«

Lv l

...o-+-'

~

O..r:

0

.c

-+-,01

"tJ

u·-

0

O(f)

Q)

0 6v l n~

0

----,----

\ \

\ \

\ \

I \

\ I_-

I I

I I

I I

I I I

1_- I I

I -, ----

I I I

I I r J

I I I

I I II I I

I I I

I --tL_--

I I

/ I

I I

I I

I I

L I

f

I

I

I

I

6£l

£vl

--- \

I

I

\

__I--

I

c

o

(fl

"C

~

o

:r:

8-39

§-

-

-

.x.

U

oL.

ftO~

NQ)

>L.

r-:J

I(f)

o

---l

u,
B-40
io

tD n

.o io

m

n

---+---+--+--+---+--=:--+--:--+-":"'--+--+--+_r---+-"j 7 3

------------------ \

, I \

I I \

I 1 \ \

---~------l I \

--- i-I 1-----' \

I I I \

I 1_ '..- _, I \

I __ L - - - --\

1- - - I \

~------_I ~_ \

Deadhorse \

Camden \

Harrison

LEGEND

• Bowheod Whole

a 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I I

Statute Mil•• (appro ••)

BEAUFORT SEA

72

71

70

n

io

<:(

<i. 0

<:( 69

(j) Z

<:(

Alaska ~ 0

m

n

n

oi r-, tD "<ltD "<l- "<l- "<l- "<lio

LIJ

FLIGHT 28 14 October 1995

Survey Track and Siqhtinqs
c

0

(IJ

.~L0 ~-

I -

-

~

- e

-

...

... .s

•• Il ~- ..

'0 '0

.!!

s: - :i

~

s:

~

.., "

0

- :a 0

•• s: D

0

s:; -" -

iii

~ :>

Z 0 Ii

w lD lD -

a

-' •

<l

o......J

I'

8-42

VQVNV'J

11)

S;1'~ 0)

0)

0

,..-en

.:Y. O'l

en LC

0

Q).-

<t L1' ~

..a+--'

0.£

+--,.O'l

U(f)

0

61' ~

""0

I1)c

,..-0

.:Y.

U

~S;~

0

L

~

O)~

NQ)

£S;~

2:

~::l

I(f)

o

....J

u,

S;S;~
LD

LD n

LD

())

n

---+-----+~""-+--+--:-_+___:___+_~-+--+---+--+--+1 7

3

BEAUFORT SEA

r- _

------------------- \

1 I \

I I \

I I \

------l I \

--- I 1- - - - - r \

I I \

l_: _, I \

I _ L - - - - -\ 1- - - - I \

~------~I~_ \

Deadhorse \

Camden Bay \

Harrison

LEGEND

• Bowheod Whole

I:;. Belukhc Whale

a 50 100

I I I I I I I I I I

Stotute Mile. (appro x,)

72

71

70

LD

LD n

LD

<{

0

<i. <( 69

if)

z;

<(

Alaska ~ o

O'l

n

n

oi r-, LD ~ LD ~ ~ ~

"<t

FLIGHT 30 16 October 1995

Survey Track and Sightings
l

6tl

Ltl

£tl

£tlsl

6£l

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIII

LI

I

I

I

I

\

IIII

..,-- II i IIII I

--tL_-_ III

I

f

I•

8-44

£tl

mm

L()

c

0 .-Cf}

Q)

..Y.

"0 Cf}

01

E

I.....e

Q)0

0

0.>.-

C/lo

«

Ltl

..o+-'

•...

o....c:

..c0

+-,01

"0

u·-

0

oC/)

0

Q)

""0

617l

.-0

me

C/l oc

:r:o

•... ·C

§

££l

Co

Co e

,;

0

.s

"

'"

.,

0

J!

s:

:;;

~

"

0

3

x:

0

0

-" en

:J

z q; w (Il

..J W'-'

<I

0

l

£tl£ l

oU

..Y.

I.....

I-
6tl

Lt~

t;t~

Lt~

\\

_---L---l-- I

I

II

II

II

II

E

-0

Q) c

Q)a

..co

L-

(/)u a

-0o

Q)

8---

a

.x: a

rn

<{

6t~

aU

.x:

l.-

II"")Q.>

N~

2:

u,

--.J

'-'

I(f)

I-:J

I

\

IIIIIIIIIIII I

I

/---t

L_--

I I , I I I I I I I

LI

I

I

I

I

I

-,

rJ

(/)oc

·Ca

L-

:c

~wzo

8-45
GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, AND INITIALISMS

AC

AEWC

ANOVA

alternating current

Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission

analysis of variance

BLM

BWCA

Bureau of Land Management

Barrow Whaling Captains Association

C

CI

Celsius

confidence interval

ELT

ESA

emergency location transmitter

Endangered Species Act

FMS

FR

Flight Management System

Federal Register

GPS Global Positioning System

hr

HP

hour

Hewlett-Packard

km kilometer

m

MDC

MMS

meter

Mobile Datacom Corporation

Minerals Management Service

n

NOAA

NOS

NOSC

NMFS

nm

sample size

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Notice of Sale

Naval Ocean Systems Center

National Marine Fisheries Service

nautical mile

OAS

OCS

OCSLA

Office of Aircraft Services

Outer Continental Shelf

Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act

P

RDSS

probability

Radio Determination Satellite System

SD

SPUE

standard deviation

sightings per unit effort (number of whale sightings counted per hour)

T true heading

USC

USDOC

USDOD

USDOI

U.S. Code

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Department of Defense

U.S. Department of the Interior

WPUE whales per unit effort (number of whales counted per hour); relative abundance

~ u.s. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 1996 - 790-120 / 41402 REGION NO. 10
The Department of the Interior Mission

As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility

for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering

sound use of our land and water resources; protecting our fish, wildlife, and biological diversity;

preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places;

and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The Department assesses our

energy and mineral resources and works to ensure that their development is in the best interests

of all our people by encouraging stewardship and citizen participation in their care. The

Department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for

people who live in island territories under U.S. administration.

The Minerals Management Service Mission

As a bureau of the Department of the Interior, the Minerals Management Service's (MMS) primary

responsibilities are to manage the mineral resources located on the Nation's Outer Continental

Shelf (OCS), collect revenue from the Federal OCS and onshore Federal and Indian lands, and

distribute those revenues.

Moreover, in working to meet its responsibilities, the Offshore Minerals Management Program

administers the oes competitive leasing program and oversees the safe and environmentally

sound exploration and production of our Nation's offshore natural gas, oil and other mineral

resources. The MMS Royalty Management Program meets its responsibilities by ensuring the

efficient, timely and accurate collection and disbursement of revenue from mineral leasing and

production due to Indian tribes and allottees, States and the U.S. Treasury.

The MMS strives to fulfill its responsibilities through the general guiding principles of: (1) being

responsive to the public's concerns and interests by maintaining a dialogue with all potentially

affected parties and (2) carrying out its programs with an emphasis on working to enhance the

quality of life for all Americans by lending MMS assistance and expertise-to economic

development and environmental protection.