Pages

Channel, the northern edge of Georges Bank, and major banks
and ridges within the Gulf of Maine. Furthermore, a cooperative
data exchange program begun in the latter years with researchers
in Nova Scotia provided information on individual animal
spatial /temporal patterns.

CCS researchers collected sighting, photo-identification,
habitat use, and demographic data while serving as naturalists
aboard commercial whale watch vessels. These data were
incorporated into the data base, and have provided insights into
daily and seasonal movements.

Topic 5. Humpback Biopsy
Sampling

The NEFSC funded a small study on the biology of the
humpback on Stellwagen Bank in the Gulf of Maine. Research-
ers used photo-identification techniques to identify individual
animals and to document social and feeding behavior on an
important summer feeding site in the western gulf.

During the mid-1980s, humpback tissue samples were
collected using a biopsy dart and were cultured for karyotypic
analyses. Karyotypic analyses included sex determination ac-
cording to chromosome complement, and measures of chromo-
some variability. Geographically isolated populations were
sampled to allow a quantitative comparison of chromosome
variability between Atlantic and Pacific humpback populations.
Results of these studies indicated that karyotyping is a useful
technique for determining sex and for tracking family lineages,
and that ongoing photo-identification studies complement bi-
opsy work. Results also suggested that R-banding patterns can
be used as a measurement of chromosomal variability in geo-
graphically isolated populations. Fluke photographs were taken
of all animals sampled, and the behavioral responses of the whale
to the biopsy dart were documented.

Topic 6. Biological Sampling of
Fishery Bycatch

Beginning in 1986, observers aboard East Coast foreign
fishing/ processing vessels froze, when feasible, all carcasses of
nonendangered marine mammals incidentally taken in fishing
operations for later processing at the Smithsonian Institution.
Beginning in 1989, biological samples were also collected by
observers aboard domestic fishing vessels (see Topic 8).

These specimens are providing new information on the
food habits, morphometrics, reproductive biology, physiology,
and parasitology of the offshore delphinid complex, particularly
the long-finned pilot whale, common dolphin, bottlenose dol-
phin, and pantropical spotted dolphin. Furthermore, because
these animals were apparently healthy, analyses of tissue con-

taminants are providing important baseline information for non-
bycatch-related mortality events (ie. 1987-88 bottlenose dol-
phin mass stranding event).

Topic 7. Northern Right Whale
Habitat Requirements

Under a Congressional initiative supporting research on
the northern right whale, the NEFSC’s ongoing research on
habitat requirements of the right whale (see Topic 15) increased
in 1987. Studies were begun by the CCS utilizing fine-scale
observations of right whale distribution and feeding behavior in
Cape Cod Bay. This approach was complemented by related
studies sponsored by the National Science Foundation through
URI, and by the State of Massachusetts. The results are leading
to improved understanding of the prey densities required by the
right whale,

HUMAN INTERACTIONS

Topic 8. Marine Mammal - Fishery
Interactions

During the early 1980s, researchers at the University of
Maine - Orono (UMO) conducted studies to document the
species, number, seasonality, and population characteristics of
marine mammals incidentally taken in New England groundfish
gill nets. The researchers secured a small-take exemption permit
on behalf of cooperative gill-netters, and these fishermen sent
take forms to the university; carcasses from incidentally taken
marine mammals were brought to shore for necropsy by UMO
personnel. Based on a 60-percent logbook return rate, the
number of harbor porpoise reported killed was 30 for 1984 and
107 for 1985, or 4.3 and 8.2 animals per fisherman. The
researchers suggested that the reported number of kills by permit
holders was a lower limit for the actual number killed, and that
an upper limit might be 600 based on the mean annual kill rate
per fisherman and on the researchers’ estimate of a maximum of
120 gillnetters. In addition, the researchers identified other
fisheries (ie. halibut tub trawl, lobster pot, and groundfish
longline) in the Gulf of Maine which should be investigated.
Information on incidental catch of cetaceans in foreign fisheries
for Atlantic mackerel and Atlantic squid has been collected by
observers since 1977. Waring et al. (1990) used these data to
estimate total numbers of animals killed, and to examine causes
of the interactions. Principal species killed were pilot whales and
the common dolphin. Costs of this data collection program are
not reflected in Table 4.

Starting in 1989, observers were put aboard domestic
fishing vessels to record information on fishing operations and
discards of fish, marine mammals, and sea turtles. Significant
levels of marine mammal takes were confirmed in the Gulf of
Maine sink gill-net fishery (primarily harbor porpoise) and in the
swordfish drift gillnet fishery (some 10 different cetacean
species). Costs of this data collection program are not reflected
in Table 4.


Page 18

w

APPENDIX B

Contract Reports, Manuscripts, and Working Papers
Based on Marine Mammal Research Projects
Supported by the NEFSC

Beard, J; Clapham, P; Hammond, P; Katona, $3 Larsen, FP;
Lien, J Mattila, D; Mayo, C5 @ien, Ny Palsbol, P;
Polacheck, T.; Sigurjénsson, J; Smith, T. 1990, YoNAH:
years of the North Atlantic humpback whale ~ a proposal
for discussion. Int. Whaling Comm. Sci, Doc. SC/42/
025; 9 p. [Work primarily related to research topic no. 13;
see Table 3.]

Blaylock, R.A. 1980. Aerial surveys of bottlenose dolphins,
Tursiops truncatus, in Virginia’s nearshore coastal waters:
second interim report. NOAA contract (No. NA-
80FAD0008) report available from National Marine Fish-
eties Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily related
to research topic no. 16; see Table 3.]

Carlson, C.A; Mayo, CA. 1988, Changes in the ventral
fluke pattern of the humpback whale, Megaptera
novaeangliae, and its affect on matching. NOAA contract
(No. 40EANF702183) report prepared by Center for
Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA, available from Na-
tional Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work
primarily related to research topic no. 13; see Table 3.]

Clapham, PJ. 1987. North Atlantic fin whale research —
1987: proceedings of a meeting to review methodology and
to coordinate information exchange. NOAA contract (No.
40ENF7001740) report prepared by North Atlantic Ma-
rine Mammal Association, available from National Marine
Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
related to research topic no. 17; see Table 3.]

(Work. primarily

Crone, MJ.; Kraus, S.D. 1990, Right whales (Eubalaena
glacialis) in the western North Atlantic: a catalog of
identified individuals. Unpublished manuscript available
(Work
primarily related to research topic no. 14; see Table 3.]

from New England Aquarium, Boston, MA.

Finn, J.T. 1986. Response surface analysis of a large-scale
marine ecosystem fishery model. Report on task 2: pro-
grams and documentation for running fractional factorial
designs of the ICES MSVPA program. NOAA contract
(Nos. 43EAF7325220 and 40EAF7007210) report pre:
pared by University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA,
available from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods
Hole, MA. [Work primarily related to research topic no. 3;
see Table 3.]

2.

10.

Geraci, J.R.; St. Aubin, DJ. Barker, LK. Webster, R5
Hinshaw, V.; Bean, W.; Ruhnke, H.L; Madoff, S.; Prescott,
J. 1981. Inve:
determination of infectious agent, New England region.
NOAA contract (No. NA80FAH00009) report prepared
by University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
[Work primarily related to research topic no. 1; see Table
3]

tion of harbor seal mortality and

Gilbert, J.R. 1987. Marine mammal interaction with New
England gillnet fisheries: draft. NOAA contract (No.
NA84EAC00070) report prepared by University of Maine,
Orono, ME, available from National Marine Fisheries
Service, Woods Hole, MA; 21 p. [Work primarily related
to research topic no. 8; see Table 3.]

Gilbert, J.R.; Wynne, K.M. 1985. Harbor seal populations
and fisheries interactions with marine mammals in New
England, 1984. NOAA contract (Nos. NA80FAC00029
and NA84EAC00070) report prepared by University of
Maine, Orono, ME, available from National Marine Fisher-
ies Service, Woods Hole, MA; 15 p. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 8; see Table 3.]

Gilbert, J.Rs Wynne, KM. 1984. Harbor seal populations
and marine mammal fisheries interactions, 1983, NOAA
contract (No. NA80FAC00029) report prepared by Uni-
versity of Maine, Orono, ME, available from National
Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. {Work
primarily related to research topic no. 8; see Table 3.]

Gilbert, J.R.; Wynne, K.M. 1983. Harbor seal populations
and marine mammal - fisheries interactions, 1982. NOAA
contract (No. NA80FAC00029) report prepared by Uni-
versity of Maine, Orono, ME, available from National
Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work
primarily related to research topic no. 8; see Table 3.]

. Gilbert, J.R,; Stein, J.L. 1981. Harbor seal populations and

marine mammal - fisheries interactions. NOAA contract
(No. NA80FAC00029) report prepared by University of
Maine, Orono, ME, available from National Marine Fisher-
ies Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily related to
research topic no, 8; see Table 3.]


Page ii

Table of Contents

List of Acronym:
Abstract ..
Introduction ..
Retrospective Organization of Research Projects
Summary of Research Result:
Ecological Roles and Habitat Requirements
Human Interactions...
Optimum Sustainable Population Size
Research Planning and Archiving...
Summary of Results in the Four Research Areas
Implications for Future Research Directions .....
References Cited ..
Appendices...

List of Appendices

Appendix A. Published scientific papers based on marine mammal research projects supported
by the NEFSC between 1980 and 1989...
Appendix B. Contract reports, manuscripts, and working papers based on marine mammal research
projects supported by the NEFSC between 1980 and 1989...
Appendix C. Abstracts of oral presentations at scientific conferences based on marine mammal research
projects supported by the NEFSC between 1980 and 19891 ..
Appendix D. Cruise period, area, and objectives of NEFSC harbor porpoise sighting surv
from 1987 to 1989.

List of Tables

Table 1. Research recommendations from the 1979 “East Coast/Gulf Coast Cetacean and Pinniped
Research Workshop,” organized into three broad research areas ....
Table 2. Definition of four general areas into which NEFSC-funded contract projects
were grouped retrospectively ....
Table 3. Research topics defined retrospectively within each of the four research areas
Table 4. Expenditures on marine mammal research during fiscal years 1980-89
in 18 research topics organized into four research areas...
Table 5. Publications, reports, and oral presentations germane to each of the 18 topics
of research in the four research areas.....



PUBLISHING IN NOAA TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NMFS-F/NEC

Manuscript Qualification

This series represents a secondary level of scientific publishing
in the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). It employs
thorough internal scientific review and technical and copy editing,
but not necessarily external scientific review. Manuscripts that may
warrant a primary level of scientific publishing should be initially
submitted to one of NMFS's primary series (ie., Fishery Bulletin,
NOAA Technical Report NMFS, or Marine Fisheries Review). See
the outside back cover of this document for a fuller description of
Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) publication series.

Identical, or fundamentally identical, manuscripts should not
be concurrently submitted to this and any other publication series.
Manuscripts which have been rejected by any primary series strictly
because of geographic or temporal limitations may be submitted to
this series.

Manuscripts by NEFSC authors will be published in this series
upon approval by the NEFSC Science & Research Director. Manu:
scripts by non-NEFSC authors may be published in this series if: (1)
the manuscript serves the NEFSC’s mission; (2) the manuscript
meets the Science & Research Director’s approval; and (3) the
author arranges for the printing and binding funds to be transferred
to the NEFSC’s Information Services Unit account from another
federal account. For all manuscripts submitted by non-NEFSC
authors and published in this series, the NEFSC will disavow all
responsibility for the manuscripts’ contents; authors must accept
such responsibility.

The ethics of scientific research and scientific publishing are a
serious matter. All manuscripts submitted to this series are expected
to adhere -- at a minimum - to the ethical guidelines contained in
Chapter 1 (“Ethical Conduct in Authorship and Publication”) of the
CBE Style Manual, fifth edition (Chicago, IL: Council of Biology
Editors). Copies of the manual are available at virtually all scientific
libraries.

Manuscript Preparation

Organization: Manuscripts must have an abstract, table of
contents, and -- if applicable -- lists of tables and figures. As much as
possible, use traditional scientific manuscript organization for sec-
tions: “Introduction,” “Study Area,” “Methods & Materials,”
“Results,” “Discussion” and/or “Conclusions,” “Acknowledgments,”
and “Literature/ References Cited.”

Style: All NEFSC publication and report series are obligated
to conform to the style contained in the most recent edition of the
United States Government Printing Office Style Manual. That style
manual is silent on many aspects of scientific manuscripts. NEFSC

publication and report series rely more on the CBE Style Manual,
fifth edition.

For intext citations, use the name-date system. A special effort
should be made to ensure that the list of cited works contains all
necessary bibliographic information. For abbreviating serial titles in
such lists, use the most recent edition of the Serial Sources for the
BIOSIS Previews Database (Philadelphia, PA: Biosciences Informa-
tion Service). Personal communications must include date of contact
and full name and mailing address of source.

For spelling of scientific and common names of fishes, mol-
lusks, and decapod crustaceans from the United States and Canada,
use Special Publications No. 20 (fishes), 16 (mollusks), and 17
(decapod crustaceans) of the American Fisheries Society (Bethesda,
MD). For spelling in general, use the most recent edition of
Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English
Language Unabridged (Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam).

Typing text, tables, and figure captions: Text, including
tables and figure captions, must be converted to WordPerfect 4.2,
5.0, or 5.1. In general, keep text simple (eg, don’t switch fonts, don’t
use hard returns within paragraphs, don’t indent except to begin
paragraphs). Especially, don’t use WordPerfect graphics for embed-
ding tables and figures in text. If the automatic footnoting function
is used, also save a list of footnotes as a separate WordPerfect file.
When the final draft is ready for review, save the text, tables, figure
captions, table titles, footnotes, and front matter as separate docu-
ment files.

Tables should be prepared using all tabs or all spaces between
columnar data, but not a combination of the two. Figures must be
original (even if oversized) and on paper; they cannot be photocopies
(eg, Xerox) unless that is all that is available, nor be on disk. Except
under extraordinary circumstances, color will not be used in illustra-
tions.

Manuscript Submission

Authors must submit one paper copy of the double-spaced
manuscript, one magnetic copy on a diskette, and original figures (if
applicable). NEFSC authors must include a completely signed-off
“NEFSC Manuscript Submission Form.” Non-NEFSC authors who
are not federal employees will be required to sign a “Release of
Copyright” form.

Send all materials and address all correspondence to:

Jon A. Gibson, Technical Editor
Northeast Fisheries Science Center
166 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543-1026 USA
(508) 548-5123x228

Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Allen E. Peterson, Jr, Science and Research Director
Program Support Staff, Mary G. Laird, Chief
Information Services Unit, Teri L. Frady, Chief
Jon A. Gibson, Technical Editor


~

Page 15

APPENDIX A

Published Scientific Papers
Based on Marine Mammal Research Projects
Supported by the NEFSC between 1980 and 1989

Blaylock, R.A. 1988. Distribution and abundance of the
bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821),
in Virginia. Fish. Bull. (U.S.) 86(4): 797-805.

Brownell, R.L; Best, P.B.; Prescott, J.H., editors. 1986.
Right whales: past and present status: proceedings of the
workshop on the status of right whales, New England
Aquarium, Boston, Massachusetts, 15-23 June 1983. Rep.
Int. Whaling Comm. Spec. Issue 10; 289 p.

Carlson, C.A.; Mayo, C.A. 1990. Changes in the ventral
fluke pattern of the humpback whale (Megaptera
novaeangliae), and its effect on matching; evaluation of its
significance to photo-identification research. Rep. Int.
Whaling Comm. Spec. Issue 12: 105-111.

Clapham, PJ Mayo, C.A. 1990. Reproduction of hump-
back whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) observed in the Gulf
of Maine. Rep. Int. Whaling Comm. Spec. Issue 12: 171-
175,

Clapham, PJ, Seipt, LE. 1991. Resightings of independent
fin whales, Balaenoptera physalus, on maternal summer
ranges. J. Mammal, 72: 788-790.

Clapham, PJ.; Mattila, D.K. 1988. Observations of
migratory transits of two humpback whales. Mar. Mammal
Sci. 4(1): 59-62.

Clapham, P.J.; Mayo, C.A. 1987. The attainment of sexual
maturity in two female humpback whales. Mar. Mammal
Sci, 3(3): 279-283.

Clapham, PJ; Mayo, CA. 1987. Reproduction and
recruitment of individually identified humpback whales,
Megaptera novaeangliae, observed in Massachusetts Bay,
1979-1985. Can. J. Zool. 65(12): 2853-2863.

Geraci, J.R; Anderson, D.M, Timperi, RJ St. Aubin, DJ.
Early, GA, Prescott, J.-H Mayo, C.A. 1989. Humpback
whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) fatally poisoned by di-
noflagellate toxin. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 46(11): 1895-
1898,

. Hamilton, P.K.; Mayo, C.A. 1990. Population characteris

tics of right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) observed in Cape
Cod and Massachusetts Bays, 1978-1986. Rep. Int. Whal-
ing Comm. Spec. Issue 12: 203-208.

1k.

15.

17.

20.

3. Mayo, C.A5 Marx, M.K.

Hammond, PS. 1990. Heterogeneity in the Gulf of Maine?
Estimating humpback whale population size when capture
probabilities are not equal. Rep. Int. Whaling Comm. Spec.
Issue 12: 135-139.

. Katona, S.K,; Beard, J.A. 1990. Population size, migrations

and feeding aggregations of the humpback whale (Megaptera
novaeangliae) in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Rep.
Int. Whaling Comm. Spec. Issue 12: 295-304.

. Kraus, S.D. 1990, Rates and potential causes of mortality

in North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). Mar.
Mammal Sci. 6: 278-291.

Kraus, S.D.; Moore, K.E.; Price, C.A.; Crone, M.J.; Watkins,

W.A5 Winn, H.E,; Prescott, J.H. 1986. The use of
photographs to identify individual North Atlantic right
whales (Eubalaena glacialis). Rep. Int. Whaling Comm.
Spec. Issue 10: 145-151.

Kraus, $.D.; Prescott, J.H.; Knowlton, A.R.; Stone, G.S.
1986. Migration and calving of right whales (Eubalaena
glacialis) in the western North Atlantic. Rep. Int. Whaling
Comm. Spec. Issue 10; 139-144.

. Lambertsen, R.H.; Baker, C.S.; Duffield, D.A.; Chamber-

lain-Lea, J. 1988. Cytogenetic determination of sex among
individually identified humpback whales (Megaptera
novaeangliae). Can. J. Zool. 66(6): 1243-1248.

Lambertsen, R.H. 1987. A biopsy system for large whales
and its use for cytogenetics. J. Mammal. 68(2): 443-445.

1990. Surface and foraging
behavior of the North Atlantic right whale, Eubalaena
glacialis, and associated zooplankton characteristics. Can. J.
Zool. 68: 2214-2220.

. Mizroch, S.A.; Beard, J.A.; MacGill, L. 1990. Computer

assisted photo-identification of humpback whales. Rep. Int.
Whaling Comm. Spec. Issue 12: 63-70.

Nelson, G.; Ross, M.R. 1991. Biology and population
changes of northern sand lance (Ammodytes dubius) from
the Gulf of Maine to the Middle Atlantic Bight. J.
Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 11: 11-27.


42.

43.

44,

45.

46.

47.

Payne, P.M. 1986. Monitoring and assessment of cetaceans
and seabirds in the shelf waters of the northeast US.
NOAA contract (No. 50EANF600028) report prepared by
Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
[Work primarily related to research topic no. 2; see Table
3]

Payne, P.M. 1986. Marine mammals, sea birds and marine
turtles in the Gulf of Maine and Massachusetts Bay with
special emphasis on the locations of the foul-area disposal
site and the Cape Arundel disposal site. NOAA contract
(No. 50EANF600028) report prepared by Manomet Bird
Observatory, Manomet, MA, available from National Ma-
tine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 2; see Table 3.]

Payne, P.M. 1986. Assessment of cetaceans, marine turtles
and seabirds at the proposed Blake Plateau incineration site
(BPIS), between 17-23 November, 1986. Subcontract (No.
G-9055(8834)-553) report prepared by Manomet Bird
Observatory, Manomet, MA, under subcontract to Battelle,
Inc., Duxbury, MA, available from National Marine Fisher-
ies Service, Woods Hole, MA; 20 p. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 2; see Table 3.]

Payne, P.M. 1986. An overview of high-use areas by all
cetaceans in the shelf waters of the northeastern United
States between Cape Hatteras and Nova Scotia. In Payne,
P.M,; Selzer, L.A., eds. A characterization of whale use of
the Massachusetts Bay and Cape Arundel, Maine areas:
final report. USDOD contract (No. DACW33-85-D-0002-
0003) report prepared by Manomet Bird Observatory,
Manomet, MA, under subcontract to Sanford Ecological,
Inc, Natick, MA, available from US. Army Corps of
Engineers, Waltham, MA; p. 14-21. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 2; see Table 3.]

Payne, P.M.; Selzer, L-A., editors. 1986. A characterization
of whale use of the Massachusetts Bay and Cape Arundel,
Maine areas: final report. USDOD contract (No. DACW33-
85-D-0002.0003) report prepared by Manomet Bird Obser-
vatory, Manomet, MA, under subcontract to Sanford
Ecological, Inc., Natick, MA, available from U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Waltham, MA; 204 p. [Work prima-
ily related to research topic no. 2; see Table 3.)

Payne, P.M.; Selzer, LA. 1986. Distribution and abun-
dance of rare and endangered cetaceans and marine turtles
in the Gulf of Maine and adjacent water (north of 40°00’N
latitude): an overview. In Payne, P.M.; Selzer, L.A., eds. A
characterization of whale use of the Massachusetts Bay and
Cape Arundel, Maine areas: final report. USDOD contract
(No. DACW33-85-D-0002-0003) report prepared by
Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA, under subcon-

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

Page21

tract toSanford Ecological, Inc., Natick, MA, available from
US. Army Corps of Engineers, Waltham, MA; p. 22-55.
[Work primarily related to research topic no. 2; see Table
3]

Payne, P.M.; Selzer, LA. 1986. Areal and temporal
distributional behavior of threatened and endangered ma-
rine mammals and turtles in waters within and immediately
adjacent to the Cape Arundel disposal site (CADS). In
Payne, P.M.; Selzer, L.A., eds, A characterization of whale
use of the Massachusetts Bay and Cape Arundel, Maine
areas: final report. USDOD contract (No. DACW33-85-D-
0002-0003) report prepared by Manomet Bird Observa-
tory, Manomet, MA, under subcontract to Sanford Ecologi-
cal, Inc., Natick, MA, available from U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Waltham, MA; p. 121-134. {Work primarily
related to research topic no. 2; see Table 3.]

Payne, P.M, Selzer, LA. Agler, B.A. Kelly, J.T. 1986.
Assessment of cetaceans, marine turtles and seabirds at the
deepwater dumpsite (DS-106) between 5-24 February,
1986. Subcontract (No. G-9055(8834)-553) report pre-
pared by Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA,
under subcontract to Battelle, Inc., Duxbury, MA, available
from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA;

17 p. [Work primarily related to research topic no. 2; see
Table 3.]

Payne, P.M. 1985. Distribution and abundance of ceta-
ceans and seabirds in the waters adjacent to the foul-area
dumpsite, Massachusetts Bay, 7-8 June, based on shipboard
observations. USDOD contract (No. DACW33-85-D-
0002-0003) report prepared by Manomet Bird Observa-
tory, Manomet, MA, under subcontract to Sanford Ecologi-
cal, Inc., Natick, MA, available from U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Waltham, MA. [Work primarily related to
research topic no. 2; see Table 3.]

Payne, P.M.; Selzer, L.A.; Agler, B.A. 1985. Assessment of
cetaceans, marine turtles and seabirds at the deepwater
dumpsite (DS-106) between 9-19 November, 1985. Sub-
contract (No. G.9055(8834)-553) report prepared by
Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA, under subcon-
tract to Battelle, Inc, Duxbury, MA, available from Na-
tional Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA; 15 p.
[Work primarily related to research topic no. 2; see Table
3]

Payne, P.M.; Selzer, L-A.; Kelly, J.T. 1985. Assessment of
cetaceans, marine turtles and seabirds at the deepwater
dumpsite (DS-106) and at the proposed Blake Plateau
incineration site (BPIS) between 18 August-23 September,
1985. Subcontract (No. G-9055(8834)-553) report pre-
pared by Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA,
under subcontract to Battelle, Inc., Duxbury, MA, available
from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA;


44.

45.

46.

Smith, T.D, Payne, P.M, Heinemann, D; Waring, G.T,
Lange, A. 1988. Utility of cetacean and seabird surveys

conducted during fishery surveys. Int. Counc. Explor. Sea
CM. 1988/N:5; 40 p.

Stone, G.S.; Hammer, W.M. 1988. Humpback whales,
Megaptera novaeangliae, and southern right whales,
Eubalaena australis, in Gerlache Strait, Antarctica. Polar
Rec. 24(148): 15-20.

Stone, G.S3 Kraus, $.D,; Prescott, JH. Hazard, K.W. 1988.
Significant aggregations of the endangered right whales,

Eubalaena glacialis, on the continental shelf of Nova Scotia.
Can. Field-Nat. 102(3): 471-474.

47.

48.

49.

50.

Page 17

Stone, G.S.; Katona, S.K.; Tucker, EB. 1987. History,
migration and present status of humpback whales (Megaptera
novaeangliae) at Bermuda. Biol. Conserv. 42(2): 133-145.

Waring, G.T,; Gerrior, P.; Payne, P.M,; Parry, B.L; Nicolas,
JR. 1990. Incidental take of marine mammals in foreign
fishery activities off the northeast United States. Fish. Bull.
(US.) 88(2): 347-360.

Watkins, W.A. 1986. Whale reactions to human activities
in Cape Cod waters. Mar. Mammal Sci. 2(4): 251-262.

Wenzel, F; Mattila, D.K; Clapham, PJ. 1988, Balaenoptera
musculus in the Gulf of Maine. Mar. Mammal Sci. 4(2):
172.175.


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NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) seeks to "achieve a continued optimum utilization of living resources for
the benefit of the Nation." As the research arm of the NMFS's Northeast Region, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC)
supports the NMFS mission by "planning, developing, and managing multidisciplinary programs of basic and applied research
to: (1) better understand the living marine resources (including marine mammals) of the Northwest Atlantic, and the
environmental quality essential for their existence and continued productivity; and (2) describe and provide to management,
industry, and the public, options for the utilization and conservation of living marine resources and maintenance of
environmental quality which are consistent with national and regional goals and needs, and with international commitments."
To assist itself in providing data, information, and advice to its constituents, the NEFSC issues publications and reports in four
categories:

Technical Memorandums-Issued irregularly as the NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFSF/NECseries. Series includes: data reports of long
term or large area studies; synthesis reports for major resources or habitats; annual reports of assessment or monitoring programs; documentary
reports of oceanographic conditions or phenomena; manuals describing field and lab techniques; literature surveys of major resource or habitat topics;
findings of task forces or working groups; and summary reports of scientific or technical workshops. Issues receive thorough internal scientific review
and editing. Limited free copies are available from authors or the NEFSC. Issues are also available from the National Technical Information Service,
5285 Port Royal Rd,, Springfield, VA 22161.

Reference Documents-Issued irregularly as the Northeast Fisheries Science Center Reference Document series. Series includes: data reports on
field and lab observations or experiments; progress reports on continuing experiments, monitoring, and assessments; and background papers for
scientific or technical workshops. Issues receive minimal internal scientific review and no technical editing. No subscriptions. Free distribution
of single copies.

Information Reports-Issued in several series, including: Research Highlights (approximately six times per year); News Release (irregular);
Fishermen's Report (up to four times per year); and The Shark Tagger (two times per year). Content is timely, special-purpose data and/or
information. Level of scientific review and technical editing varies by series. All series available through free subscription except for The Shark
Tagger which is available only to participants in the NMFS Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.

Information Pamphlets-Issued irregularly as the Information Pamphlet series. Series includes easy-to-read summaries of the practical applications
and implications of NEFSC research findings to current popular concerns. A list of available pamphlets can be obtained upon request. No
subscriptions. Free distribution of single copies. Multi-copy requests considered, subject to supply.

To obtain a copy of a Technical Memorandum or a Reference Document, or to subscribe to an Information Report,
write: Information Services Unit, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543-1026.
An annual list of NEFSC publications and reports is available upon request at the above address. Any use of trade
names in any NEFSC publication or report does not imply endorsement.



Page12

collected from the commercial fisheries bycatch and from mass
strandings. The extensive fishery observer program conducted
by NEFSC includes collection of carcasses and biological samples
wherever possible, samples that can be used by the scientific
community at large. Similarly, mass strandings on Cape Cod and
elsewhere are regular if infrequent events that the scientific
community should be prepared to take maximum advantage of.
On the other hand, some information can only be obtained by
long-term observations of “naturally” occurring experiments.
For example, fluctuations in the distribution and abundance of
the pelagic fishes in the region from Cape Hatteras to the Gulf
of Maine on the scale of decades have been documented during
the regular fishery monitoring programs of NMFS. Such
fluctuation may well be reflected in changes in the distribution
and possibly the abundance of cetaceans (Sissenwineet al. 1984),
changes that can only be detected by long-term cetacean moni-
toring programs (Smith et al. 1990). Research opportunities
such as these must be identified, and suitable programs put into
place both to respond as opportunities arise and to ensure that
long-term monitoring is done in a manner that will allow strong
inferences in the long term.

Major advances in marine mammal research methods are
being made, advances that will allow new questions to be
addressed. For example, attachment devices and packaging of
satellite tags have improved so that successful attachments to
either restrained or free-swimming cetaceans of all sizes are
possible. Similarly, biochemical studies of the genetics and
feeding ecology of marine mammals can be conducted using
biopsy samples. Line-transect survey methods have come into
regular use, especially within the IWC’s Scientific Committee,
and the assumptions and methods are being critically investi-
gated, and major advances are being made. The routine use of
individual whale photo-identification has been achieved for the
humpback and northern right whale, and is being explored for
other species. The applications of these approaches to other
species (such as the fin whale) and to larger populations need to
be explored. The latter is especially important to meet questions
being raised in the context of possible resumption of commercial
whaling in the North Atlantic and Antarctic. Research programs
need to identify the possible application of these methods to the
questions being addressed, advances need to be capitalized on,
and further advances supported.

The focus of marine mammal studies by scientists in the
northeastern United States has been primarily within the
continental shelf, with only limited sampling being done beyond
the 2000-m depth contour. Many important species occur
seasonally well off the shelf, including both animals (such as the
sperm whale and bottlenose dolphin) that occur along the Gulf
Stream wall in summer, and others (such as the humpback) that
migrate to wintering grounds in the Caribbean Sea. An
understanding of the biology and ecology of cetaceans will
require understanding the importance of their use of these
habitats, a critically important issue, for example, in evaluating
the status of the North Atlantic humpback (Beard et al. 1990).

The marine mammal research program at the NEFSC was
expanded substantially in 1990, with the assignment of six
scientists and technicians. The focus of that program is develop-

ing from the research conducted in the 1980s, but necessarily
will be changed to accommodate new information needs and
new research methods. Assistance will be needed from marine
mammal scientists and from resource managers to ensure both
that short-term and long-term information needs are met, and
that opportunities for collaboration and coordination of efforts
are fully realized.

REFERENCES CITED

Baird,S. 1889. The sea fisheries of eastern North America. Rep.
US. Comm. Fish & Fish. 14(App. A): 3-224.

Beard, J; Clapham, P.; Hammond, P,; Katona, S,; Larsen, F,; Lien,
J. Mattila, D; Mayo, C.; Gien, N.; Palsbel, P.; Polacheck, T.;
Sigurjonsson, J.; Smith, T. 1990. YoNAH: years of the
North Atlantic humpback whale -a proposal for discussion.
Int. Whaling Comm. Sci. Doc. SC/42/025; 9 p.

Cetacean and Turtle Assessment Program. 1982. A character-
ization of marine mammals and turtles in the Mid- and
North Atlantic areas of the U.S. outer continental shelf:
final report. USDI contract (No. AA551-CT8-48) report
available from Bureau of Land Management, Washington,
DC; 538 p.

Goode, G.B., and associates. 1884. The fisheries and fishery
industries of the United States. Section I. History of aquatic
animals. Part I. Mammals. Washington, DC: U.S. Govern-
ment Printing Office; p. 7-32.

Overholtz, W.J.; Murawski, S.A.; Foster, K.L. 1991. Impact of
predatory fish, marine mammals, and seabirds on the
pelagic fish ecosystem of the northeastern USA. ICES [Int.
Counc. Explor. Sea] Mar. Sci. Symp. 193: 198-208.

Prescott, J.H.; Kraus, S.D.; Gilbert, J.R. 1980. East Coast/Gulf
Coast cetacean and pinniped research workshop. U.S. Mar.
Mamm. Comm. Rep. No. 79/02; 142 p.

Sissenwine, M.P.; Overholtz, W.J.; Clark, S.H. 1984. In search
of density dependence. In: Proceedings of the Workshop
on Biological Interactions among Marine Mammals and
Commercial Fisheries in the Southeastern Bering Sea. Alsk.
Sea Grant Rep. 84-1: 119-137.

Smith, T.D.; Payne, P.M.; Heinemann, D.; Waring, G.; Lange, A.
1990. Simultaneous fishery resource and seabird and
cetacean sighting surveys: advantages and disadvantages.
N. Add. Stud. 2(1-2): 90-101.

Starbuck, A. 1878. History of the American whale fishery from
its earliest inception to the year 1876. Rep. U.S. Comm. Fish
& Fish. 4(App.A): 1-782.

True, F.W. 1885. Suggestions to keepers of the U.S. life-saving
stations, light-houses, and light-ships; and to other observ-
ers, relative to the best means of collection and preserving
specimens of whales and porpoises. Rep. U.S. Comm. Fish
& Fish. 11(App. F): 1157-1182.

Waring, G.T.; Gerrior, P.; Payne, P.M.; Parry, B.L; Nicolas, J.R.
1990. Incidental take of marine mammals in foreign fishery
activities off the northeast United States, 1977-1988, Fish.
Bull. (U.S.) 88(2): 347-360.



Page4

Table 3. Research topics defined retrospectively within each of the four research areas

Topic Definition
Ecological Roles and Habitat Requirements

1. Harbor and gray seal distribution and biology Tissue samples from 1980 stranding; behavior; radiotelemetry; scat samples;
Nantucket Sound population

2. Marine observer program Sighting surveys for cetaceans, seabirds, and sea turtles (conducted by Manomet
Bird Observatory aboard NOAA fishery research vessels)

3. Energetic requirements of East Coast cetaceans Respiration characteristics; predator-prey relations; food habits; trophic interactions;
marine mammal - fisheries interactions,

4. Western Gulf of Maine humpback and fin whales ‘Seasonal distribution and abundance; photo-identification; habitat use; demographics

5. Humpback biopsy sampling Karyotypic analyses for sex determination and chromosome variability; behavioral
response to biopsy dart

6. Biological sampling of fishery bycatch Incidental takes of nonendangered marine mammals from East Coast foreign
fishing / processing vessels (analyzed by Smithsonian Institution)

7. Northern right whale habitat requirements Detection of changes in populationdistribution and size

Human Interactions

8. Marine mammal- fishery interactions Documentation of marine mammals incidentally taken in New England groundfish
gill nets (conducted by University of Maine - Orono)

9. Whale - vessel interactions 25 yr of observations of large cetaceans’ reactions to human activ’ Cape Cod
Bay area (analyzed by WHOL)

Optimum Sustainable Population Size

10. Harbor seal distribution and abundance: Aerial surveys along Maine coast to obtain population, recruitment, and distribution,
information in 1985-86

11. Harbor porpoise distribution and abundance Shipboard surveys along Maine coast to study distribution patterns, population
size, and seasonal movements (conducted by the New England Aquarium)

12. Harbor porpoise survey methodology Experimental line-transect surveys in Gulf of Maine to test sighting methods and
determine seaward and northern distribution (conducted by the NEFSC)

13. Humpback photo-identification catalog. Western North Atlantic humpback photo-identification catalog with over 3500
individual identifications (maintained by College of the Atlantic)

14. Northern right whale photo-identification catalog Aerial and shipboard photo-identification; population catalog estimates; seasonal
movement; tracking individuals to document calving intervals

15. Northern right whale distribution and abundance Calving rates; population estimation and seasonal distribution; demographics;
behavior; social groups

16. Bottlenose dolphin distribution and abundance 1980 aerial surveys in mouth of Chesapeake Bay

along the Virginia capes
Research Planning and Archi

17. Workshop support Workshop support in 1980, 1981, and 1986; staff time to plan and administer
contracts and other studies

18. Documentation and archiving Transfer of CeTAP data to NI

archiving fishery survey formats; creation of

bibliographic system for cetacean literature; analysis of whaling logbooks



Page27

APPENDIX D

Cruise Period, Area, and Objectives
of NEFSC Harbor Porpoise Sighting Surveys
from 1987 to 1989

NOAA R/V Gloria Michelle Cruise
No. GM 87-11: Harbor Porpoise
Survey Planning Cruise

The cruise period was 21-23 August 1987. The cruise
consisted of visual surveys for schools of harbor porpoise
(Phocoena phocoena) along repeated tracks in the western Bay
of Fundy in the vicinity of Campobello Island, the Wolves Island
group, and Grand Manan Island. Objectives of the cruise were
to review and evaluate methods of conducting cetacean sighting
surveys that might be used to estimate the size of the population
or populations of harbor porpoise in the Gulf of Maine and Bay
of Fundy region.

NOAA R/V Gloria Michelle Cruise
No. GM 88-14: Testing Harbor
Porpoise Survey Methods

The cruise period was 22-25 August 1988. The cruise
consisted of research on the estimation of radial sighting
distances and visual surveys for schools of harbor porpoise
(Phocoena phocoena). All research was conducted in the

+ U.S, GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1994—500-026

western Bay of Fundy in the vicinity of Campobello Island, the
Wolves Island group, and Grand Manan Island. Purpose of the
cruise was to conduct a field test of line-transect survey methods
for harbor porpoise. The three main objectives were to: (1) test
and develop procedures for estimating radial sighting distances,
(2) test the robustness of line-transect methods for harbor-
porpoise-to-observer height, and (3) test the effect on line-
transect methods on the movement rates of harbor porpoise
relative to the vessel.

NOAA R/V Chapman Cruise No. Ch.
89-30B: Harbor Porpoise Survey

The cruise period was 17-28 July 1989. Area of operation
was the inshore waters of Machias and Penobscot Bays, Maine,
and offshore waters along the Maine and southwestern Nova
Scotian coasts and around Jeffreys Ledge, Platts Bank, Cashes
Ledge, Grand Manan Banks, and Fippennies Ledge. Objectives
were to: (1) determine the southwestern and seaward limits of
the distribution of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the
Gulf of Maine during summer, (2) train and test observers in
their ability to estimate sighting distances, and (3) collect
distributional data on other cetaceans in the Gulf of Maine.


Page24

APPENDIX C

Abstracts of Oral Presentations at Scientific Conferences
Based on Marine Mammal Research Projects
Supported by the NEFSC between 1980 and 1989

Fourth Biennial Conference on the
Biology of Marine Mammals, San
Francisco, CA, 14-18 December
1981

1. Blaylock, R.A. Aerial surveys of bottlenose dolphins,
Tursiops truncatus, in Virginia’s nearshore coastal waters.

Abstract prepared by Virginia Institute of Marine Science,
Gloucester Point, VA, available from National Marine

Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

2. Kraus, S.C,; Prescott, J.H.; Reeves, R.; Turnbull, P. Right

whales in the northern Gulf of Maine. Abstract prepared
by New England Aquarium, Boston, MA, available from

National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

3. Kraus, S.D.; Gilbert, J.R.; Prescott, J.H. A comparison of air,

ship and land-based survey methodology for the harbor

porpoise, Phocoena phocoena. Abstract prepared by New
England Aquarium, Boston, MA, available from National
Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Fifth Biennial Conference on the
Biology of Marine Mammals,
Boston, MA, 27 November - 1
December 1983

4. Carlson, C.A.; Mayo, C.A. Changes in the pigment and scar
patterns on the ventral surface of the flukes of humpback
whales observed in the waters of Stellwagen Bank, Massa-
chusetts. Abstract prepared by Center for Coastal Studies,
Provincetown, MA, available from National Marine Fisher-
ies Service, Woods Hole, MA.

5. Gallivan, GJ Geraci, J.R; St. Aubin, DJ, Fiorelli, P; Early,
G. Harbor seal mortalities in New England: a retrospective
study, 1973-1982. Abstract prepared by New England
Aquarium, Boston, MA, available from National Marine
Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

6. Katona, S.K.; Balcomb, K.C., III; Beard, J.A.; Whitehead, Hy
Mattila, D. The Atlantic humpback whale catalogue.
Abstract prepared by College of the Atlantic, Bar Hatbor,

ME, available from National Marine Fisheries Service,
Woods Hole, MA.

7. Kraus, S. H. Prescott. The use of callosity patterns and
natural markings to determine distribution, abundance and
movements of the North Atlantic right whale, Eubalaena
glacialis. Abstract prepared by New England Aquarium,
Boston, MA, available from National Marine Fisheries
Service, Woods Hole, MA.

8 Kraus, S.D5 Prescott, J.H.; Stone, G.S. Harbor porpoise,
Phocoena phocoena, in the USS. coastal waters of the Gulf
of Maine: a survey to determine seasonal distribution and
abundance. Abstract prepared by New England Aquarium,
Boston, MA, available from National Marine Fisheries
Service, Woods Hole, MA.

9. Mattila, D.K. Humpback whales off Puerto Rico: popula-
tion composition and habitat use. Abstract prepared by
Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA, available
from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

10. Payne, P.M, LA. Selzer. Distribution and abundance of the
harbor seal, Phoca vitulina, in Southern New England.
‘Abstract prepared by Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet,
MA, available from National Marine Fisheries Service,
Woods Hole, MA.

Sixth Biennial Conference on the
Biology of Marine Mammals,
Vancouver, BC, 22-26 November
1985

11. Clapham, PJ.; Mayo, C.A,; Seipt, 1; Carlson, CE. Hump-
back whale mothers and calves on Stellwagen Bank, Mas-
sachusetts: 1979-1985. Abstract prepared by Center for
Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA, available from Na-
tional Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

12. Hammond, P.S. North Atlantic humpback whales; estimat-
ing population size from photo-identification data using
variations of the Jolly-Seber open population model. Ab-
stract prepared by Natural Environment Research Council,
Cambridge, England, available from National Marine Fish
eries Service, Woods Hole, MA.


Page1

ABSTRACT

Marine mammal research supported by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center from 1980 to 1989 is described in the
context of four research areas defined retrospectively: (1) ecological roles and habitat requirements, (2) human interactions,
(3) optimum sustainable population size, and (4) research planning and archiving. Within each area, contract and in-house
projects are grouped into a number of research topics which are based on actual projects completed. Research activities and

results, along with the total amount of money spent, are summarized for each topic. The relationship of the research supported
over the decade to the recommendations of a research planning workshop held in 1979 is described. Finally, the implications
for future research based on the progress made over the decade, as well as the implications of changing information needs,

are discussed.

INTRODUCTION

Marine mammals have been important in the northeastern
United States historically both as objects of commercial harvests
and in ecological interactions with commercial fisheries. There
was some scientific attention given to East Coast marine
mammals as early as 1851 when Matthew Maury of the US.
Navy's Depot of Charts and Instruments published his whale
charts based upon whalers’ logs and records of sightings. The
US. Fish Commission gave more attention to marine mammals
after its creation in 1871, including the commissioning of
Starbuck's (1878) “History of the American Whale Fishery
from Its Earliest Inception to the Year 1876.” The omnibus
series titled “The Fisheries and Fishery Industries of the United
States” describes fisheries for both the great whales and smaller
whales in the North Atlantic, the latter likely including pilot
whales, bottlenose dolphin, and bottlenose whales (Goode and
associates 1884).

In addition to these direct fisheries, there was also interest
in indirect effects of marine mammals on other fisheries.
Goode and associates (1884) described the destructiveness of
marine mammals to fisheries, a theme that the U.S. Commis-
sioner of Fisheries, Spencer Baird, used in 1889 in supporting
a fish meal factory to be built in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
Baird (1889, p. 68) speculated that the 20 tons of predatory
“fishes,” ic., porpoises, skates, and dogfish, that the proposed
factory would process annually “should present a marked
influence upon the supply of edible fishes.” The interest of the
US. Fish Commission was primarily in terms of fisheries, and
little biological study appears to have been done of marine
mammals in this region beyond the taxonomic studies of
Frederick True (1885) who, for example, provided written
instructions to lighthouse keepers on “the best means of
collecting and preserving specimens of whales and porpoises.”

With the declining importance of U.S. harvests of East
Coast species of marine mammals in the late 1800s and early
1900s, the incentive for systematic scientific study of species
inhabiting waters off the northeastern United States declined.
Inthe 1930sand 1940s, Remmington Kellogg at the Smithsonian
Institution and William Schevill at Harvard University under-
took taxonomic studies, but it wasn’t until the late 1940s that
cetacean biology began to be investigated more systematically,
Then, Schevill began a series of investigations of cetacean
acoustics at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)

that continue. In the early 1970s, several other researchers began
studying marine mammals in this region.

The results of this earlier work was addressed in 1979 when
the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission (USMMC) sponsored a
workshop to help define research needed for the study of marine
mammals on the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States
(Prescott et al. 1980). More than 50 participants from govern-
mental agencies, scientific institutions, and independent re-
search programs identified more than 28 scientific institutions
with ongoing studies of marine mammals. These research efforts
had resulted in substantial knowledge of the species inhabiting
the region, and summaries of available information were pre-
sented for 22 cetacean and two pinniped species. These
summaries revealed several information gaps, and the workshop
participants developed five series of partially overlapping recom-
mendations for future research. These have been reorganized
into three general topics in paraphrased form in Table 1.

Shortly after the 1979 workshop, two major marine mam-
mal research programs were begun, one a 3-yr program at the
University of Rhode Island (URI) sponsored by the Minerals
Management Service (ie. Cetacean and Turtle Assessment
Program, or CeTAP), and the other a decade-long program of
contract studies sponsored by the Northeast Fisheries Science
Center (NEFSC). The two research programs are in marked
contrast, with CeTAP being relatively short and tightly focused
on determining distribution and abundance, and with the
NEFSC program being much broader in scope and funded on a
continuing basis. CeTAP resulted in an omnibus volume
reporting a series of aerial sighting surveys covering the area
from Cape Hatteras to Nova Scotia, giving seasonal distribution
patterns and estimates of numbers of animals based on line
transect methods (Cetacean and Turtle Assessment Program
1982). The NEFSC program has resulted ina long series of more
modest research projects primarily in the form of small contract
studies which, taken as a whole, document aspects of the
distribution, ecological relationships, and human interactions
for marine mammals in the region.

The direction and form of the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) research program were adjusted over the
decade in response to: (1) results of funded projects; (2) results
of other projects on marine mammals and commercial fisheries;
(3) additional planning workshops; and (4) to a considerable
degree, personal interests of scientists who proposed interesting
research topics. This program was markedly expanded in 1990


Page iv

List of Acronyms

CCS - Center for Coastal Studies

CeTAP - Cetacean and Turtle Assessment Program
COA - College of the Atlantic

ICES -- International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
IWC - International Whaling Commission

MBO -- Manomet Bird Observatory

MMPA - Marine Mammal Protection Act

NEA -- New England Aquarium

NEFSC ~ Northeast Fisheries Science Center
NMFS - National Marine Fisheries Service

UMO - University of Maine-Orono

URI - University of Rhode Island

USMMC -- U.S. Marine Mammal Commission

WHOI -- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution


Page 13

APPENDICES


Table 2.

Page3

Definition of four general areas into which NEFSC-funded contract projects were grouped retrospectively

Research Area

Definition

Ecological roles and
habitat requirements

Human interactions

Focus is on seasonal & spatial distribution patterns, on feeding habits, and on basic population
biology, including indirect interactions with human activities through the food chain

Focus is on those areas where human activities have direct impact on marine mammals,

including bycatch, entanglement, and whale watching

Optimum sustainable
population size

Research planning
and archiving
previous research

Focus is on abundance of marine mammals, addressing their historic levels especially relative to
information needs under the MMPA and Endangered Species Act

Focus is on identifying longer term research planning strategies, including identifying
information gaps and new research methods, and on documenting and archiving results of

RETROSPECTIVE ORGANIZATION
OF RESEARCH PROJECTS

The more than 100 contracts and in-house projects sup-
ported over the decade were classified retrospectively into four
research areas, depending on the primary focus of the study
(Table 2). Projects that appeared to fall into more than one area
were classified according to where the most important results
were obtained. Within each of the four areas, research topics
were defined to include several related projects. This resulted
in two to six topics studied in each research area (Table 3).

When grouped into the topics defined in Table 3, the
general thrusts of NEFSC’s marine mammal research in the
1980s can be seen. Although this retrospective classification
gives a greater sense of continuity and directedness than was the
case, it provides a comprehensive method of understanding how
the research direction varied over the decade. This is especially
reflected in the amounts of money spent on the different studies
each fiscal year (Table 4). Most research topics were supported
for more than one year, and although gaps in support occurred,
research in most of the topics was supported for several years.

SUMMARY OF
RESEARCH RESULTS

The results of marine mammal research projects supported.
by the NEFSC between 1980 and 1989 are documented in the
scientific literature (Appendix A) and in a series of contract
reports and working papers (Appendix B), abstracts of oral
presentations at scientific meetings (Appendix C), and brief
cruise reports (Appendix D). This information has been used
to prepare the following summaries of research results in each
topic in the research areas defined in Tables 2 and 3. The
references relevant to each topic are summarized in Table 5.

ECOLOGICAL ROLES AND
HABITAT REQUIREMENTS

Topic 1. Harbor and Gray Seal
Distribution and Biology

Studies conducted on harbor seal tissue samples collected
from animals that had mass stranded on Cape Cod in 1980
indicated that the animals died from a pneumonia epidemic.
Furthermore, size composition and autopsy data revealed that
most of the dead animals were immature.

Researchers at Manomet Bird Observatory (MBO) con-
ducted a study of harbor seal diel behavior and response to
human disturbance at Stage Harbor, Massachusetts. In addition,
individual behavioral studies were conducted by using phalange
color patterns to recognize individual animals.

A small pilot study to determine ages of stranded harbor
seals using radiographic techniques was funded. Results of this
pilot study were inconclusive.

Researchers at MBO studied the movements of two, radio-
tagged, rehabilitated harbor seals in Cape Cod Bay, and the
population dynamics of harbor seals in Massachusetts coastal
waters. The radiotelemetry study documented that rehabilitated
seals can survive release back into the ocean after an extended
period of captivity. The study also documented the number of
seals using Massachusetts coastal haulout sites, and seal food
habits based on scat analysis.

MBO researchers conducted aerial surveys during 1983-87
todocument seasonal distribution and abundance of harbor seals
on their Southern New England overwintering grounds. These
surveys documented a steady increase in the number of overwin-
ter seals, supporting other regional studies that suggest a
doubling of the Gulf of Maine harbor seal population since
enactment of the MMPA.


14,

20.

. Kenney, R.D; Winn, H.E.; Brown, C.W.

. Katona, S.K.; Kraus, S.D.; Harcourt, P.; Perkins, J.S. 1988.

Humpback whales ~ a catalogue of individuals by fluke
photographs. NOAA contract (No. NA80FAD00006)
report prepared by College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME,
available from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods
Hole, MA. [Work primarily related to research topic no. 13;
see Table 3.)

Katona, S.K.; Beard, J.A. 1988. Population size, migrations
and substock structure of the humpback whale (Megaptera
novaeangliae) in the western North Atlantic Ocean. NOAA
contract (No. 40EANE700314) report prepared by College
of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME, available from National
Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work
primarily related to research topic no. 13; see Table 3.]

. Katona, S.K,; Beard, J.A. 1987. The humpback whale fluke

catalogue: final report. NOAA contract (No.
4QEANF700314) report prepared by College of the Atlan-
tic, Bar Harbor, ME, available from National Marine
Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 13; see Table 3.)

. Katona, S.K.; Beard, J.A; Balcomb, K.C,, Ill. 1986. The

humpback whale catalogue: final report. NOAA contract
(No. NA8IFAC00027) report prepared by College of the
Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME, available from National Marine
Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 13; see Table 3.]

. Kenney, R.D; Winn, H.E. 1987. Aerial surveys of right

whales in the Great South Channel, spring 1987: final
report. Report (Order No. 14626) prepared by University
of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI, available from Minerals
Management Service, Washington, DC. {Work primarily
related to research topic no. 15; see Table 3.]

1986. Aerial
surveys for right whales in the Great South Channel, spring
1985. NOAA contract (No. NA84EAC00079) report
prepared by University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI,
available from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods
Hole, MA. [Work primarily related to research topic no. 15;
see Table 3.]

. Kenney, R.P.; Winn, H.E. 1986. Marine mammal data

transfer and documentation. NOAA contract (No.
4Q0EANF501629) report prepared by University of Rhode
Island, Narragansett, RI, available from National Mari
Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 18; see Table 3.]

Kenney, R.D.; Hyman, M.A.M.; Winn, HLE. 1985. Calcu-
lation of standing stocks and energetic requirements of the
cetaceans of the northeast United States outer continental
shelf. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-F/NECA41; 99 p.
[Work primarily related to research topic no. 3; see Table

3.)

21.

22.

23.

24,

25.

27.

Page 19

Kenney, R.D; Hyman, M.A.M, Winn, H.E, 1983. Caleu-
lation of standing stocks and energetic requirements of the
cetaceans of the northeast U.S. outer continental shelf.
NOAA contract (No. NA83FAC00009) report prepared
by University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI, available
from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
[Work primarily related to research topic no. 3; see Table

3]

Kraus, S.D.; Prescott, J.H.; Stone, G.S. 1984. Right whales
(Eubalaena glacialis) in the western No. Atlantic: a sum-
mary of research conducted from 1980 to 1984. Unpub-
lished manuscript available from New England Aquarium,
Boston, MA. [Work primarily related to research topic no.
15; see Table 3.]

Kraus, $.D, Prescott, J.H. 1984. Seasonal movements of
harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Gulf of Maine.
NOAA contract (No. NA80FAD00009) report prepared
by New England Aquarium, Boston, MA, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
[Work primarily related to research topic no. 11; see Table

3.)

Kraus, S.D.; Prescott, J.H. 1983. A summary of 1982
research on the No. Atlantic right whale, Eubalaena glacialis,
with notes on seasonal dist

ation and abundance and
significant re-sightings of individuals. NOAA contract (No.
NA8IFAC00030) report prepared by New England
Aquarium, Boston, MA, available from National Marine
Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 15; see Table 3.)

Kraus, S.D, Prescott, J.H; Stone, GS.
porpoise, Phocoena phocoena, in the U.

1983. Harbor

coastal waters off

asonal distribu-
tion and abundance. NOAA contract (No.
NA80FAD00009) report prepared by New England
Aquarium, Boston, MA, available from National Marine
vice, Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 11; see Table 3.]

the Gulf of Maine: a survey to determin

Fisheries

. Kraus, S.D,; Prescott, J.H. 1981. The No. American right

whale (Eubalaena glacialis) in the Bay of Fundy, 1981, with
notes on distribution, abundance, biology, and behavior.
NOAA contract (No. NA81FAC00030) report prepared
by New England Aquarium, Boston, MA, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
{Work primarily related to research topic no. 15; see Table
3.1

Kraus, S.; Prescott, J. 1980. Distribution, abundance and
notes on the large cetaceans of the Bay of Fundy. NOAA
contract (No. NA80FA 200048) report prepared by New
England Aquarium, Boston, MA, available from National
Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work

primarily related to research topic no. 15; see Table 3.]


NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-F/NEC-103

Marine Mammal Studies Supported
by the
Northeast Fisheries Science Center

during 1980-89

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service
Northeast Region
Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Woods Hole, Massachusetts

May 1994


Pages

Table 5. Publications, reports, and oral presentations germane to each of the 18 research topics in the four research areas. (Numbers refer to

numbered items in the corresponding appendix.)

Topic Appendix
A D
Ecological Roles and Habitat Requirements
1. Harbor and gray seal 26,28,40 7,40,55,56,68,72 5,10,26,38
distribution and biology
2. Marine observer program 22-24,33:38, 39,41-54,59- 16,28
43,44,50 63,71,74,75,79
3. Energetic requirements of 20,21,25,27, 6,20,21,37,76 22,23,25,33,37
East Coast cetaceans 29,42
4. Western Gulf of Maine 4-9,11,12,39,41 34,36 11,15,29,40,
humpback and fin whales
5. Humpback biopsy sampling 16,17 28,29,80 19,27,41
6. Biological sampling of fishery bycatch 18
7. Northern right whale habitat requirements 2,15,18,45, 38 14,36
Human Interactions
8. Marine mammal. fishery interactions 30,48, 812 17,30,42
9. Whale - vessel interactions 49 78
Optimum Sustainable Population Size
10. Harbor seal distribution and abundance 28 73 39
11. Harbor porpoise 30 23,25,57,58,65 8 13
distribution and abundance
12. Harbor porpoise survey methodology 32,4344 38,65 334 13
13. Humpback photo-identification catalog 3,8,19,39, 1,3,13-16, 4,6,9,11,12,
47 30-3335 21,24
14, Northern right whale 14 5,35,38 2,7
photo-identification catalog
15. Northern right whale 2,10,13,15, 17,18,22,24, 13,31,32,35
distribution and abundance 45,46 26,27,66,67,70
16. Bottlenose dolphin 1 2 1
distribution and abundance
along the Virginia capes
Research Planning and Archiving
17. Workshop support 2 464,69
18. Documentation and. 19,77 20

archiving



PageS

Table 4. Expenditures on marine mammal research (thousands of dollars) during fiscal years 1980-89 in 18 research topics organized into
four research areas (as defined in Tables 2 and 3)
Topic _ Fiscal Year a _
80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89
Ecological Roles and Habitat Requirements
1. Harbor and gray seal 42 3 15 1 2 4
distribution and biology
2. Marine observer program 25 41 30 31 52 55 53 53 58 60
3. Energetic requirements 5 B 6 1 7 30
of East Coast cetaceans
4. Western Gulf of Maine 12 10 20 31 38 31
humpback and fin whales
5. Humpback biopsy sampling 2 B 28 6
6. Biological sampling of 4 5 5
fishery bycatch
7. Northern right whale 10 20 32 20 30
habitat requirements
Human Interactions
8. Marine mammal: fishery 37 46 20 15 15 60 6
interactions
9. Whale - vessel interactions 24
Optimum Sustainable Population Size
10. Harbor seal distribution 4 20 14 1 29
and abundance
11. Harbor porpoise 45 30 7
distribution and abundance
12. Harbor porpoise survey 8 5 10
methodology
13. Humpback photo- 23 56 39 29 29 22 18 22 21 22
identification catalog
14. Northern right whale 73 70 67 76
photo-identification catalog
15, Northern right whale 23 28 25 45 49 33 290 140 120 114
distribution and abundance
16. Bottlenose dolphin 10
distribution and abundance
along the Virginia capes
Research Planning and Archiving
17. Workshop support 16 2 1 2 3 5
18. Documentation and archiving 5 24 10



Page26

Eighth Biennial Conference on the
Biology of Marine Mammals,
Pacific Grove, CA, 7-11 December
1989

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

Fairfield, C.P; Waring, G.T. Codistribution and interac-
tions of pilot whales and the foreign mackerel fishery in the
Mid-Atlantic Bight, 1984-1988. Abstract prepared by and
available from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods
Hole, MA.

Knowlton, A.R.; Kraus, S.D. Calving intervals, rates and
success in North Atlantic right whales. Abstract prepared
by New England Aquarium, Boston, MA, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Kraus, S.D. Mating strategies in North Atlantic right
whales. Abstract prepared by New England Aquarium,
Boston, MA, available from National Marine Fisheries
Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Payne, P.M.; Wiley, D.; Young, S.; Pittman, S.; Clapham, PJ.
Recent fluctuations in the abundance of baleen whales in
the southern Gulf of Maine in relation to changes in prey
abundance, with emphasis on the role of sandlance in
structuring the cetacean community. Abstract prepared by
Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Polacheck, T. Field testing shipboard line transect methods
for harbor porpoise. Abstract prepared by and available
from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

. Winn, H.E,; Goodyear, J.R; Kenney, R.D; Petricig, RO;

Dorf, B.A. Dive patterns of right whales in the Great South
Channel. Abstract prepared by University of Rhode Island,
Narragansett, RI, available from National Marine Fisheries
Service, Woods Hole, MA.

North Atlantic Marine Mammal
Association Conference, Woods
Hole, MA, 3 November 1989

36.

Kraus, S.D,; Harrison, J.E.; Reeves, R.R. Preliminary notes
on the causes of mortality and injuries in North Atlantic
right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). Abstract prepared by
New England Aquarium, Boston, MA, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

37.

38.

39,

41.

Mayo, C.A; Marx, M.K. Feeding strategy and area re-
stricted searching patterns of right whales, Eubalaena
glacialis, in Massachusetts waters. Abstract prepared by
Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA, available
from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Payne, P.M,; Selzer, LA.; Whitman, A.A. Prey items of the
harbor seal Phoca vitulina in Southern New England based
on an analysis of fecal samples. Abstract prepared by
Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Payne, P.M.; Selzer, LA. The abundance of gray seals in
Southern New England during 1983-1986. Abstract pre-
pared by Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA,
available from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods
Hole, MA.

. Pittman, S3 Mattila, D. Humpback whales’ use of a major

foraging area. Abstract prepared by Center for Coastal
Studies, Provincetown, MA, available from National Ma-
rine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Weinrich, M.T.; Belt, C.R.; Lambertsen, R.H.; Schilling,
MR, Iken, HJ. Behavioral reactions of humpback whales
to biopsy darts: reaction to an applied stimulus. Abstract
prepared by Gloucester Fishermen's Museum, Gloucester,
MA, available from National Marine Fisheries Service,
Woods Hole, MA.

International Whaling Commission
Symposium on Mortality

of Cetaceans in Passive Fishing
Nets and Traps, La Jolla, CA, 20-21
October 1990

42.

Payne, P.M.; Power, G.; Yustin, C.T. Interaction between
the New England sink-gillnet fishery and the harbor porpoise,
Phocoena phocoena. Abstract prepared by Manomet Bird
Observatory, Manomet, MA, available from National Ma-
rine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.


13. Kraus, S.D.; Prescott, J.H.; Knowlton, A.R. Reproductive
rates in North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis).
Abstract prepared by New England Aquarium, Boston,
MA, available from National Marine Fisheries Service,
Woods Hole, MA.

14. Mayo, C.A.;Carlson, C.A. Gilmore, M.K. Food and feeding
of right whales in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts. Abstract
prepared byCenter for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA,
available from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods
Hole, MA.

15. Payne, M.P.; Katona, S.K.; Scott, G.P. A comparison
between three methods of estimating humpback whale,
Megaptera novaeangliae, numbers in the shelf waters of the
northeastern United States. Abstractprepared by Manomet
Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA, available from National
Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

16. Selzer, LA Payne, M.P. Ecological differences in the
distribution of white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchusacutus)
and common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) in the shelf
waters of the Northwest Atlantic. Abstract prepared by
Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

17. Waring, G.T.Gerrior, P; Nicolas, J Payne, P.M. Incidental
take of marine mammals in foreign fishery activities off the
northeast USA, 1977-1985. Abstract. prepared by and
available from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods
Hole, MA.

18. Wynne, K.M,; Gilbert, J.R. Biological information recov-
ered from incidentally taken harbor porpoise (Phocoena
phocoena) in the Gulf of Maine. Abstract prepared by
University of Maine, Orono, ME, available from National
Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Seventh Biennial Conference on
the Biology of Marine Mammals,
Miami, FL, 5-9 December 1987

19. Baker, CS; Lambertsen, RH Palumbi, SR. The extrac-
tion and identification of mitochondrial (mt) DNA from
the epidermal tissue of individually identified humpback
whales. Abstract prepared by University of Hawaii, Hono-
lulu, HI, available from National Marine Fisheries Service,
Woods Hole, MA.

20. Bird, J.E.; Moore, K.E; Watkins, W.A; Tyack, P. A
database management system for a cetacean literature
library. Abstract prepared by Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution, Woods Hole, MA, available from National
Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

21.

22.

23,

24,

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

Page25

Katona, S.K,; Beard, J.A. The North Atlantic humpback
whale fluke catalogue. Abstract prepared by College of the
Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME, available from National Marine
Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Krieger, K. Prescott, J; Early, G.; Dayton, J. Evaluating the
release of rehabilitated stranded pilot whales (Globicephala
melaena). Abstract prepared by New England Aquarium,
Boston, MA, available from National Marine Fisheries
Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Mate, B.R.; Prescott, J.; Geraci, J. Free-ranging movements
of a pilot whale from a satellite-monitored radio. Abstract
prepared by Oregon State University, Newport, OR, avail-
able from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole,
MA.

Mattila, D.; Clapham, P.; Stone, G.; Corbett, H.; Katona, S.
Humpback whales of Virgin Bank: population composition
and habitat use. Abstract prepared by Center for Coastal
Studies, Provincetown, MA, available from National Ma-
rine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Mayo, C.A.; Marx, M.K,; Letcher, B.H. Estimated zooplank-
ton consumption rate and caloric intake of the North
Atlantic right whale, Eubalaena glacialis. Abstract prepared
by Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA, available
from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Payne, P.M,; Selzer, L.A. Distribution, abundance, and prey
items of the harbor seal Phoca vitulina in Southern New
England. Abstractprepared by Manomet Bird Observatory,
Manomet, MA, available from National Marine Fisheries
Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Schilling, M.R.; Weinrich, M.T.; Belt, C.R.; Lambertsen,
RH. Behavioral reactions of humpback whales to biopsy
darts: reaction to an applied stimulus. Abstract prepared by
Gloucester Fishermen’s Museum, Gloucester, MA, avail-
able from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole,
MA.

Selzer, L.A; Payne, P.M.; Hagan, J.M. Environmental
factors related to the distribution and abundance of ceta-
ceans in the Northwest Atlantic. Abstract prepared by
Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.

Weinrich, M.T. Social grouping patterns of humpback
whales (Megaptera novacangliae) on the feeding grounds.
Abstract prepared by Gloucester Fishermen's Museum,
Gloucester, MA, available from National Marine Fisheries
Service, Woods Hole, MA.


Page2

Table 1

Research recommendations from the 1979 “East Coast/Gulf Coast Cetacean and Pinniped Research Workshop” (Prescott et al.

1980), organized into three broad research areas

Species Group

Recommendation

All

All

All

Harbor seal

Large cetaceans

Harbor porpoise, bottlenose dolphin

All

All

All

Harbor porpoise, humpback

All

Large whales
Large whales
Harbor porpoise, bottlenose dolphin

Harbor seal

Ecological Roles and Habitat Requirements

Determine essential elements of marine mammal habitats by analyzing existing oceanographic,
biological, fisheries, and marine mammal sighting data

Validate hypotheses generated from existing data using new oceanographic, biological, fisheries, and
marine mammals sighting data to be collected

Study habitat alteration: oil & gas, noise, thermal effluents, environmental contaminants, reduction
in carrying capacity, and habitat alteration (dumping, dredging, coastal zone development)

Determine population discreteness, food habits, seasonal movements, and essential habitats through
tagging and radiotelemetry

Determine habitat use and migration using sighting surveys, natural marks, Discovery tags, and
radio tags

Determine stock identity and movements using tagging studi
relative to coastal development and vessel traffic levels;

; define essential habitat especially
contaminants through tis

ue analysis
Human Interactions

Establish magnitude and nature of incidental take by fisheries using systematic surveys and
interviews with fishermen

Integrate information on extent, nature, and proposed development of fisheries with marine
mammal research plans

Modify permit process for incidental take to encourage recovery of specimens for scientific study;

assess human activities that may threaten the population or species; and utilize specimens currently

unavailable for research

Assess the extent, nature, and effects of humpback subsistence fisheries

Examine the extent, nature, and effects of harassment on marine mammal populations and habitat
Optimum Sustainable Population Levels

Reanalyze existing population estimates and data

Examine and analyze historical data, including whalers’ logbooks

Estimate population size and distribution using aerial and ship surveys

Confirm and monitor the suspected increase in populations, at 3-yr intervals

in response to information needs mandated by the 1988 amend-
ment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

This paper describes the results of the NEFSC marine
mammal research program, 1980 to 1989. Over this decade,
research projects on many species of marine mammals and on
many subjects were supported. To provide an overview of the

program, we have organized the more than 100 contract and in
house projects into four different research areas and, within
these, into 18 general topics. Summaries are provided of the
research in each of the 18 topics based on the many published
papers, contract reports, informal NEFSC staff reports, and
abstracts of oral presentations at scientific meetings.


Page 16

21.

22.

23.

24,

25.

26.

27.

28.

29,

30.

31.

Overholtz, WJ; Waring, G.T. 1991. Diet composition of
pilot whales, Globicephala spp, and common dolphin,
Delphinus delphis, in the Mid-Atlantic Bight during spring
1989. Fish. Bull. (U.S.) 89(4): 723-728.

Payne, P.M.; Sears, R.; Wenzel, F.W. In press. Blue whale.
In: French, T., ed. Endangered, threatened and special
concern vertebrate species in Massachusetts. Boston, MA:
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Payne, P.M.; Heinemann, D.W. In press. Distribution of
pilot whales, Globicephala spp. in shelf/shelf-edge and
slope waters of the northeastern United States, 1978-1988.
Rep. Int. Whaling Comm. Spec. Iss. 14.

Payne, P.M.; Coogan, C.; Wenzel, F.; Buehler, M.A.; Hankin,
ALL In press. Status and assessment of the marine mammal
and marine turtle species: an historical and present over-
view. In: Costa, J., ed. Living resources of Buzzards Bay.
Boston, MA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Payne, P.M, Wiley, D.N; Young, .B. Pittman, Clapham,
PJ. Jossi, JW. 1990. Recent fluctuations in the abundance
of baleen whales in the southern Gulf of Maine in relation
to changes in selected prey. Fish. Bull. (U.S.) 88(4): 687-
696.

Payne, P.M.; Selzer, L.A. 1989. The distribution, abun-
dance and selected prey of the harbor seal, Phoca vitulina,
in Southern New England. Mar. Mammal Sci. 5(2): 173-
192.

Payne, P.M.; Nicolas, J.R.; O’Brien, L.; Powers, K.D. 1986.
The distribution of the humpback whale, Megaptera
novaeangliae, on Georges Bank and in the Gulf of Maine
in relation to densities of the sand eel, Ammodytes
americanus. Fish. Bull. (U.S.) 84(2): 271-277.

Payne, P.M.; Schneider, D.C. 1984. Yearly changes in
abundance of harbor seals, Phoca vitulina, at a winter haul-
out site in Massachusetts. Fish. Bull. (U.S.) 82(2): 440-442.

Payne, P.M, Powers, K.D;; Bird, .E. 1983. Opportunistic
feeding on whale fat by Wilson’s storm-petrels, Oceanites
oceanus, in the western North Atlantic, Wilson Bull. 95:
478.479.

Polacheck, T.; Wenzel, F.W. 1990. What do stranding data
say about harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)? Int.
Whaling Comm. Sci. Doc. SC/42/SM39; 12 p.

Polacheck, T. 1989. Harbor porpoise and the gillnet
fishery. Oceanus 32(1): 63-70.

32.

33.

34.

36.

37.

38.

39.

41.

42.

43.

Polacheck, T.; Smith, T.D. 1989. A proposed methodology
for field testing line transect theory for shipboard surveys
of cetaceans. Rep. Int. Whaling Comm. 39: 341-345.

Powers, K.D.; Brown, R.G.B. 1988. Bird life on Georges
Bank. In: Backus, R.H.; Bourne, D.W., eds. Georges Bank
and its surroundings. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press; p. 359-
371.

Powers, K.D,; Backus, EH. 1988. Estimates of consump:
tion by seabirds on Georges Bank. In: Backus, RH,
Bourne, D.W,, eds. Georges Bank and its surroundings.
Cambridge, MA: MIT Press; p. 372-374.

. Powers, K.D. 1987. Biological oceanography - seabirds. In:

Milliman, J.D.; Wright, W.R., eds. The marine environ-
ment of the U.S. Atlantic continental slope and rise.
Boston, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publ., Inc. p. 194-202.

Powers, K.D.; Payne, P.M. 1983. Mammals, birds, and
turtles. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-F/NEC26: 11-1 - 11-
92.

Powers, K.D. 1983. Pelagic bird distributions of marine
birds off the northeastern United States. NOAA Tech.
Memo. NMFS-F/NEC27; 201 p.

Powers, K.D. 1982. A comparison of two methods of
counting birds at sea. J. Field Ornithol. 53: 209-222.

Rice, M; Carlson, C; Chu, K; Dolphin, W.; Whitehead, H.
1987. Are humpback whale population estimates being
biased by sexual differences in fluking behavior? Rep. Int.
Whaling Comm. 37: 333-335.

). Schneider, D.C,; Payne, P.M. 1983. Factors affecting haul-

out of harbor seals at a site in southeastern Massachusetts.
J: Mammal. 64: 518-520.

Seipt, LE; Clapham, P.J.; Mayo. C.A; Hawvermale, M.P.
1989. Population characteristics of individually identified
fin whales, Balaenoptera physalus, in Massachusetts Bay.
Fish. Bull. (U.S.) 88(2): 271-278.

Selzer, L.A.; Payne, P.M. 1989. Ecological differences in the
distribution of the white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus
acutus) and common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) in the
shelf waters of the Northwest Atlantic. Mar. Mammal Sci.
4: 141-153.

Smith, T.D; Payne, P.M, Heinemann, D5 Waring, G.T;
Lange, A. 1990, Simultaneous fishery resource and seabird
and cetacean sighting surveys: advantages and disadvan-
tages. N, Atl. Stud. 2(1-2): 90-101.


Page22

53.

54.

55.

57.

58.

20 p. [Work primarily related to research topic no. 2; see
Table 3.]

Payne, P.M.; Selzer, L.A.; Kelly, J.T. 1985. Assessment of
cetaceans, marine turtles and seabirds at the North Atlantic
incineration site (NAIS) between 6-16 November, 1985.
Subcontract (No. G-9055(8834)-553) report prepared by
Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA, under subcon-
tract to Battelle, Inc., Duxbury, MA, available from Na-
tional Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA; 17 p.
[Work primarily related to research topic no. 2; see Table
3]

Payne, P.M.; Selzer, L.A.; Knowlton, A.R. 1984. Distribu-
tion and density of cetaceans, marine turtles and seabirds in
the shelf waters of the northeast U.S., June 1980 - Dec.
1983, based on shipboard observations. NOAA contract
(No. NA81FAC00023) report prepared by Manomet Bird
Observatory, Manomet, MA, available from National Ma-
rine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 2; see Table 3.]

Payne, P-M,; Selzer, LA. 1983. Population distribution,
abundance, and prey requirements of the harbor seal in
Southern New England. NOAA contract (No.
NA82FA00007) report prepared by Manomet Bird Obser-
vatory, Manomet, MA, available from National Marine
Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 1; see Table 3.]

Payne, P.M.; Rimmer, C.C. 1982. Radio-telemetry of a
rehabilitated harbor seal during the winter 1982 with
comments on movements and numbers of the harbor seal
in Massachusetts. NOAA contract (No. NA82FA00007)
report prepared by Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet,
MA, available from National Marine Fisheries Service,
Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily related to research
topic no. 1; see Table 3.]

Polacheck, T.; Smith, T.D.; Waring, G.T. 1990. Review of
methods for assessing the status of the harbor porpoise
population in the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy region:
results of an atsea workshop. Unpublished manuscript
available from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods
Hole, MA. [Work primarily related to research topic no. 11;
see Table 3.]

Polacheck, T.; Wenzel, FW. 1990. What do stranding data
say about harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)? Int.
Whaling Comm. Sci, Doc. SC/42/SM39; 12 p.. [Work
primarily related to research topic no. 11; see Table 3.]

Powers, K.D. 1983. Pelagic distribution of marine birds off
the northeastern United States. NOAA Tech. Memo.
NMFS-F/NEC27; 201 p. [Work primarily related to
research topic no. 2; see Table 3.]

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

. Powers, K.D. 1982. Manomet Bird Observatory marine

observer program 1982 cruise reports. NOAA contract
(No. NA81FAC00023) report prepared by Manomet Bird
Observatory, Manomet, MA, available from National Ma-
rine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 2; see Table 3.]

Powers, K.D.; Payne, M.P.; Fitch, S.F, 1981. Distribution
of cetaceans, sea birds and turtles, Cape Hatteras to Nova
Scotia. NOAA contract (No. NA81FAC00023) report
prepared by Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA,
available from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods
Hole, MA. [Work primarily related to research topic no. 2;
see Table 3.]

Powers, K.D,; Payne, P.M.; Miller, D.S. 1981. A marine
mammal observer training program. NOAA contract (No.
NA80FAD0004) report prepared by Manomet Bird Obser-
vatory, Manomet, MA, available from National Marine
Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. {Work primarily
; see Table 3.]

related to research topic no.

Powers, K.; Payne, P.M. 1981. Manomet Bird Observatory
marine observer program 1981 cruise reports. NOAA
contract (No. NA81FAC00023) report prepared by
Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
{Work primarily related to research topic no. 2; see Table
3]

Prescott, J.H.; Kraus, S.D, Gilbert, J.R. 1981. Proceedings
of a workshop on humpback whales of the western North
Atlantic: draft. NOAA contract (No. NA80FAC55) report
prepared by New England Aquarium, Boston, MA, avail:
able from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole,
MA. [Work primarily related to research topic no. 17; see
Table 3.]

Prescott, J.H.; Kraus, $.D,; Fiorelli, P; Gaskin, D.E; Smith,
GJ.D5 Branser, M. 1981.
phocoena) distribution, abundance, survey methodology
and preliminary notes on habitat use and threats. NOAA
contract (No. NA80FAD00009) report prepared by New
England Aquarium, Boston, MA, available from National
Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work
primarily related to research topic no. 11,12; see Table 3.]

Harbor porpoise (Phocoena

Reeves, R.R.; Mitchell, E. 1987. The history of whaling in
and near North Carolina: partial fulfillment report. NOAA
contract (NA8SWCC06194) report prepared by National
Marine Fisheries Service, Miami, FL, available from Na-
tional Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work
primarily related to research topic no. 15; see Table 3.]

Reeves, R.R, Mitchell, E. 1987. Shore whaling for right
whales in the northeastern United States: partial fulfill.
ment. NOAA contract (No. NA85WCC06194) report


NOTE ON SPECIES NAMES

The NMES Northeast Region’s policy on the use of species names in technical publications and reports is to follow the American
Fisheries Society's (AFS) lists of scientific and common names for fishes (Robins et al, 1991)*, mollusks (Turgeon et al. 1988),
and decapod crustaceans (Williams et al. 1989)‘, and to follow the American Society of Mammalogists’ list of scientific and
common names for marine mammals (Wilson and Reeder 1993)‘. This policy applies to all issues of the NOAA Technical
Memorandum NMFS-F/NEC and -F/NER series.

Robins, C.R. (chair); Bailey, R.M.; Bond, C.E.; Brooker, J.R.; Lachner, E.A.; Lea, R.N.; Scott, W.B. 1991. Common
and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada. Sth ed. Amer. Fish. Soc. Spec. Publ. 20; 183 p.

Turgeon, D.D. (chair); Bogan, A.E.; Coan, E.V.; Emerson, W.K.; Lyons, W.G.; Pratt, W.L.; Roper, C.F.E.; Scheltema,
A.; Thompson, F.G.; Williams, J.D. 1988. Common and scientific names of aquatic invertebrates from the United
States and Canada: mollusks. Amer. Fish. Soc. Spec. Publ. 16, 277 p.

Williams, A.B. (chair); Abele, L.G.; Felder, D.L.; Hobbs, H.H., Jr; Manning, R.B.,; McLaughlin, P.A.; Pérez Farfante,
I. 1989. Common and scientific names of aquatic invertebrates from the United States and Canada: decapod
crustaceans. Amer. Fish. Soc. Spec. Publ. 17; 77 p.

Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M. 1993. Mammal species of the world: a taxonomic and geographic reference.
Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press; 1206 p.


Topic 9. Whale - Vessel
Interactions

At WHOL, researchers analyzed over 25 yr (1957-82) of
observations on responses of large cetaceans to human-induced
stimuli in waters in and around Cape Cod Bay. Results of these
analyses indicated that the reactions of whales to human
activities vary by species, and may vary within a species over time:
the minke whale remained generally uninterested and undis-
turbed by vessel traffic; fin whale behavior changed from
uninterested and often negative to much more uninterested and
less often negative; northern right whale behavior remained
about the same, their responses were nearly equally distributed
between uninterested and negative reactions; and the humpback
changed from mixed responses in earlier years to more positive
responses in recent years.

OPTIMUM SUSTAINABLE
POPULATION SIZE

Topic 10. Harbor Seal Distribution
and Abundance

In 1985-86, researchers at UMO conducted aerial surveys
along the Maine coast to obtain population, recruitment, and
distribution information on the harbor seal. These surveys were
comparable to the first Maine coast survey conducted by UMO
researchers in 1972. The 1972 survey was also funded by
NEFSC. Results of the mid-1980s study indicated that the
harbor seal population was still growing, but at a declining rate.
The harbor seal population was estimated to be 12,000-15,000
animals which was more than double the 1972 estimates.

Topic 11. Harbor Porpoise
Distribution and Abundance

The New England Aquarium (NEA) conducted shipboard
surveys along the Maine coast in July 1982 to determine coastal
distribution patterns and to estimate population size using line-
transect methods. Harbor porpoise were observed in a continu-
ous area from Port Clyde to Cutler, Maine. No harbor porpoise
were observed southwest of this area, and the survey did not
extend to the northeast. A population estimate of roughly 8,000
(with a 95-percent confidence interval of +1,327) was derived.
Furthermore, this estimate was expanded by 52 percent to
roughly 15,000, based on the likelihood that all animals on the
trackline were not seen.

NEA researchers used harbor porpoise sightings made
aboard whale watch and research vessels working in the coastal
waters of the Gulf of Maine to document seasonal distribution.
The results indicated that most of the harbor porpoise popula-

PageQ

tion was along the eastern Maine coast and in the Bay of Fundy
in late summer, and that some animals made a coastwide north-
south seasonal migration in spring and autumn.

Sighting survey methodology experiments that began in
1987 by NEFSC researchers (see Topic 12) improved the
documentation of seasonal distribution, better defining the
southern edge of the summer range and the northeastern
distribution pattern of the species.

Topic 12. Harbor Porpoise Survey
Methodology

Beginning in 1987, the NEFSC conducted experimental
line-transect harbor porpoise surveys in the Gulf of Maine. The
objectives of these surveys were to test line-transect sighting
methods using two teams of observers. Preliminary results of
these studies indicated that harbor porpoise elicited negative
response to the survey vessel, that a large fraction of animals
along the track line were missed, and that observer elevation
above sea surface has little effect on sighting rate.

Topic 13. Humpback Photo-
identification Catalog

Beginning in 1980, COA was funded to maintain the
western North Atlantic humpback photo-identification catalog,
receiving photographs from cooperative researchers between
Iceland and Puerto Rico. The catalog contains over 3,500
individually identified whales. In cooperation with NMFS
National Marine Mammal Laboratory staff, COA researchers
incorporated the catalog intoa computer-assisted photomatching
system. Photographs were stored on a video disc, and an
interactive computer program allowed the matcher to scan the
entire collection rapidly to make a match.

Using mark-recapture methods, researchers derived popu-
lation estimates for the five western North Atlantic substocks. In
addition, individual photo-identification data, together with
DNA fingerprint studies, provided information on family lines
and stock interchange.

Researchers at the CCS conducted a study on the stability
of humpback fluke patterns over time. This analysis was
conducted using a time series of photographs archived at CCS.
Conclusions were that the most dramatic change in fluke
patterns occurs in calves during their first 2 yr of life, particularly
calves with darker flukes, but experienced matchers were able to
detect these changes. This study supported the validity of using
fluke patterns for long-term studies of individual animals.

During the early 1980s, several research organizations were
funded to conduct song recordings and photo-identification
studies on the western North Atlantic humpback on overwinter-
ing and calving grounds in the Caribbean Sea. These studies
provided information on breeding behavior, stock intermixing,
individual identification, and habitat use.


distribution and abundance of cetaceans and sea turtles in the
Northeast. The CeTAP was run by URI under contract to the
USS. Department of the Interior. These data have been used in
developing additional sighting surveys, preparing management
plans, and commenting on environmental impact statements.

Researchers at WHOI designed a comprehensive reference
data base for marine mammal literature. The system used
INMAGIC software to format, search, sort, and store the data.
The data base was organized to complement the format used by
Wi
literature. The data base allows the user to retrieve references
based on topic, author, species, geographic region, and taxo-
nomic level. A copy of this data base resides at the NEFSC, and
NEFSC staff have added references for all NEFSC marine
mammal contract reports.

m E, Schevill for his extensive collection of cetacean

SUMMARY OF RESULTS
IN THE
FOUR RESEARCH AREAS

The decade of research described here addressed many, but
not all, of the issues raised in the 1979 planning workshop, with
progress being made on most of the recommended topics.
Several studies were supported nearly continuously throughout
the decade, with the simultaneor

s cetacean, seabird, and fishery
resource surveys (marine observer program) and humpback
photo-identification catalog being most notable. Research em-
increased on large whales in the last half of the decade.
Other studies were supported only once or for a few years. The
research on marine mammals increased in magnitude and scope
cover the decade, with major increases in funding occurring in
1986, and with increasing amounts of NEFSC staff time being
devoted to this work.

Activities in research planning and archiving continued

throughout the decade as the recommendations of earlies

planning workshops were addressed, and as plans were revised
to address increasing interest in marine mammals. Late in the
decade, additional research planning began to be conducted
directly by NEFSC staff, especially on the northern right whale.
Several research projects began to be conducted by NEFSC staff,
especially on harbor porpoise. Additionally, NEFSC staff
participated more frequently in national and international
activities related to marine mammals, including the Scientific
Committee of the IWC, the Committee of Scientific Advisors of
the USMMC, and the Marine Mammal Committee and
Multispecies Working Group of ICES.

Research on human interactions had identified the princi-
pal direct interactions by

id-decade, but lack of systematic
observations aboard fishing vessels precluded assessing the

seriousness of the interactions. This was reme late in the
decade with establishment of a systematic fishing vessel observer
program to monitor all types of bycatch (funding not shown in
Table 4), and future studies will use these data to estimate total

bycatch.

Page11

Research on ecological roles and habitat requirements
initially focused on the harbor seal and the relationships between
marine mammals and fishery resources. The simultaneous
surveys for cetaceans, seabirds, and fishery resources continued

throughout the decade, providing information on the co-distri-

bution of cetaceans and especially pelagic fishery resources, as
sonal movements of

well as documenting the main aspects of
seabirds through the area. The emphasis on seal biology and
ecology gradually gave way to an increasing focus on large whale
habitat and ecological relationships.

Research on optimum sustainable population size includes
those projects that primarily focused on distribution and abun-
dance; over the decade emphasis has been given to the harbor
seal, harbor porpoise, humpback, and northern right whale.
Photo-identification catalogs have been supported, first for the
humpback, and then for right and fin whales later in the decade.
The need for improved estimates of total abundance for species
subject to bycatch in commercial fisheries prompted a study in
sighting survey methodology late in the decade.

IMPLICATIONS FOR
FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

Throughout the 1980s, research on marine mammals in the
Northwest Atlantic expanded greatly, and many of the questions
identified in 1979 were at least partially answered. In addition
to the research described here, other studies by WHOI, URI,
CCS, University of Guelph, and UMO contributed greatly to
our understanding of marine mammals, especially cetaceans, in
the Northwest Atlantic.

The information needs have changed, asa result both of the
questions answered and of new issues arising. The 1988
amendment of the MMPA focused on interactions with com-
mercial fisheries. was on direct effects
through bycatch and entanglement, indirect interactions of

While the initial empha:

marine mammals and fisheries through ecological interactions
are becoming increasingly important nationally in the seemingly
of the MMPA and the Magnuson Fishery
Conservation Management Act. International concerns about

contradictory goals

the possible resumption of commercial whaling and the ex-
pressed interest in culling of marine mammal populations to
improve commerci

fisheries for marine mammal prey species
also raise the need for additional information on indirect
interactions. Similarly, the likely adoption by NMFS of Endan-
gered Speci
for such speci

s Act recovery plans and MMPA conservation plans
as the humpback and northern right whale
les well defined research needs relating to status, habitat

pro
requirements, and the likely effects of various regulations of
human activity.

All of these information needs require improved basic
knowledge of marine mammal biology and ecology. Some of this
information can only be obtained through basic sci
that can only be undertaken on an opportunistic basis. For

entific studies

example, in the Northwest Atlantic, many aspects of the
biological study of cetaceans can be undertaken using specimens


Mo:
ammo,

1

, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-F/NEC-103

NATIONA:

aS

%
4
3
3
=
4%
<a

This TM series is used for documentation and timely communication of preliminary results,
interim reports, or special purpose information, and has not undergone external scientific
review.

Marine Mammal Studies Supported
by the
Northeast Fisheries Science Center
during 1980-89

Gordon T. Waring, Janeen M. Quintal, and Tim D. Smith

Woods Hole Lab., National Marine Fisheries Serv., Woods Hole, MA 02543-1026

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Ronald H. Brown, Secretary
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
D. James Baker, Administrator
National Marine Fisheries Service
Rolland A. Schmitten, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries
Northeast Region
Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Woods Hole, Massachusetts

May 1994


Page20

28.

29,

30.

31.

32.

33,

34.

Lambertsen, RH, Duffield, D.A. 1987. Biopsy studies of
the humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae. NOAA
contract (No. 50EANF500094) report prepared by Univer:
sity of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
[Work primarily related to research topic no. 5; see Table
3.)

Lambertsen, R.H. 1983. Status report on biopsy studies of
the North Atlantic humpback whale (Megaptera
novaeangliae) for karyologic determination of the sex of
photographically identified individuals. NOAA contract
(No. NA83FACC00017) report prepared by University of
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, available from National
Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work
primarily related to research topic no. 5; see Table 3.]

Mattila, D.; Clapham, PJ; Mayo, CA. Katona, SK, Stone,
G. 1985, Humpback whale studies on Silver Bank, 1984.
NOAA contract (No. NA83FAC00004) report prepared
byCenter for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA, available
from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
[Work primarily related to research topic no. 13; see Table
3]

Mattila, D.K. 1983. Humpback whales in Mona Passage,
Puerto Rico: a summary. NOAA contract (No.
NA83FAC00004) report prepared by Center for Coastal
Studies, Provincetown, MA, available from National Ma-
rine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 13; see Table 3.)

Mattila, D. 1982. 1982 fluke identification survey and
song recordings of humpback whales (Megaptera
novaeangliae) along the northwest coast of Puerto Rico.
NOAA contract (No. NA81FAD00003) report prepared
byCenter for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA, available
from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
{Work primarily related to research topic no. 13; see Table

3.)

Mattila, D. 1981. 1981 fluke identification survey and
song recordings of humpback whales, Megaptera
novaeangliae, along the northwest coast of Puerto Rico.
NOAA contract (No. NA81FAD00003) report prepared
byCenter for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA available
from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
[Work primarily related to research topic no. 13; see Table
3)

Mayo, C.A; Mattila, D.K, Pittman, S; Baraff, L. 1988.
‘Abundance, distribution and habitat use of large whales in
Massachusetts Bay and the Great South Channel. NOAA
contract (No. 50EANF600059) report prepared by Center
for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
{Work primarily related to research topic no. 4; see Table

3.)

35.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

Mayo, C.A.; Hamilton, P.; Marx, M.K. 1988. Population
characteristics and habitat use of the right whale, Eubalaena
glacialis, in Cape Cod and Massachusetts Bays. NOAA
contract (No. NA84EAC00080) report prepared by Center
for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA, available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
{Work primarily related to research topic no. 14; see Table
3)

. Mayo, C.A.; Mattila, D.K.; Pittman, S.; Christian, P.; Baraff,

L. 1986. Abundance, distribution and habitat use of large
whales in the southern Gulf of Maine: May 1 - Sept. 30,
1986. NOAA contract (No. 50EANF600059) report
prepared by Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA,
available from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods
Hole, MA. [Work primarily related to research topic no. 4;
see Table 3.)

Nelson, G.A.; Ross, M.R. 1988. The population dynamics
of sand lance (Ammodytes dubius) in the Northwest
Atlantic. I. Abundance and distribution. NOAA contract
(No. 43EANF732522) report prepared by University of
Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, available from National
Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work
primarily related to research topic no. 3; see Table 3.]

NMFS/URI/NEA/CCS/WHOI Cooperative Right
Whale Research Program. 1987. Integrated program for
research on the northern right whale off the eastern United
States: 6 month progress report. NEFSC cooperative
agreement (No. NA86EAH00053) report available from
National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
{Work primarily related to research topic no. 7,12,14; see
Table 3.]

Payne, P.M. Heinemann, D.W. Smith, T:D. 1990. Sea-
sonal distribution of minke whales in the shelf and shelf-
edge waters of northeastern USS. Int. Whaling Comm. Sci
Doc. SC/42/NHMi32; 12 p. [Work primarily related to
research topic no. 2; see Table 3.]

Payne, P.M.; Selzer, LA. 1989. The distribution, abun-
dance and selected prey of the harbor seal, Phoca vitulina
concolor, in Southern New England. NOAA contract
(Nos. NA84ENA00149, 40ENF5002570, and
40EAF8702181)) report prepared by Manomet Bird Ob-
servatory, Manomet, MA, available from National Marine
Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily
related to research topic no. 1; see Table 3.]

Payne, P.M. 1988. Monitoring and assessment of cetaceans
and seabirds in the shelf waters of the northeast U.S.
progress report. NOAA contract (No. 50EANF600028)
report prepared by Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet,
MA, available from National Marine Fisheries Service,
Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily related to research
topic no. 2; see Table 3.]


Recent issues in this series

88. Synopsis of Principal Diseases of the Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus. By Gretchen A. Messick and Carl J.
Sindermann. January 1992. iii + 24 p,, 13 figs. 2 tables. NTIS Access. No. PB92-219757.

89. Proceedings of the NEFC/ASMFC Summer Flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, Aging Workshop, 11-13 June
1990, Northeast Fisheries Center, Woods Hole, Mass. By Frank P. Almeida, Raoul E. Castaneda, Roman Jesien,
Richard E. Greenfield, and John M. Burnett. January 1992. iii + 7 p,, 8 figs., 2 tables. NTIS Access. No. PB93-
114643.

90. Fish and Megainvertebrates Collected in the New York Bight Apex during the 12-Mile Dumpsite Recovery
Study, July 1986 - September 1989. By Stuart J. Wilk, Robert A. Pikanowski, Anthony L. Pacheco, Donald G.
McMillan, Beth A. Phelan, and Linda L. Stehlik. October 1992. iv +78 p,, 9 figs., 2 tables, 2 app. NTIS Access. No.
PB93-158772.

91. The Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) Concept and Its Application to Regional Marine Resource Management
~- 1-6 October 1990, Monaco: Conference Summary and Recommendations. By Kenneth Sherman and
Thomas L. Laughlin, eds. October 1992. v + 37 p., 3 app. NTIS Access. No. PB93-185965.

92. Report of the Meeting of the ad hoc Committee on Large Marine Ecosystems, 22-23 March 1991, UNESCO
Headquarters, Paris, France. By Kenneth Sherman and Thomas L. Laughlin, eds. October 1992. ifi+ 19 p.+ 1
erratum, 1 fig. 4 app. NTIS Access. No. PB93-215747.

93, Large Marine Ecosystems Monitoring Workshop Report: 13-14 July 1991, Cornell University, Ithaca, New
York. By Kenneth Sherman and Thomas L. Laughlin, eds. October 1992. iii + 22 p., 2 tables, 2 app. NTIS Access.
No. PB93-234284.

94. Summary of the Symposium on the Northeast U.S. Shelf Ecosystem: Stress, Mitigation, and Sustainabilty --
12-15 August 1991, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island. By Kenneth Sherman, N.
Jaworski, and T. Smayda, eds. October 1992. v + 30 p., 3 app. NTIS Access. No. PB94-103439.

95. Status of Fishery Resources off the Northeastern United States for 1992. By Conservation and Utilization
Division, Northeast Fisheries Science Center. October 1992. iv + 133 p., 60 figs., 67 tables. NTIS Access. No. PB93-
144103.

96. An Indexed Bibliography of Northeast Fisheries Science Center Publications and Reports for 1989. By Jon
A. Gibson. November 1992. iii + 20 p. NTIS Access. No. PB93-213601.

97. Water-column Thermal Structure in the Middle Atlantic Bight and Gulf of Maine during 1978-92. By
Robert L. Benway, Kevin P. Thomas, and Jack W. Jossi. March 1993. viii + 154 p., 147 figs., 2 tables. NTIS Access.
No. PB93-223147.

98. Marine Invertebrate Cell Culture: Breaking the Barriers -- Proceedings of an International Workshop, 16
June 1991, Anaheim, California. By Aaron Rosenfield, ed. March 1993. vi + 25 p., 2 tables, 3 app. NTIS Access.
No. PB93-213593,

99. Sole Ownership of Living Marine Resources. By Steven F. Edwards, Allen J. Bejda, and R. Anne Richards. May
1993. vii + 21 p., 6 figs., 1 table. NTIS Access. No. PB94-146651.

100. Emerging Theoretical Basis for Monitoring the Changing States (Health) of Large Marine Ecosystems --
Summary Report of Two Workshops: 23 April 1992, National Marine Fisheries Service, Narragansett,
Rhode Island, and 11-12 July 1992, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. By Kenneth Sherman, ed.
September 1993. iii + 27 p., 1 fig., 9 tables, 5 app. NTIS Access. No. PB94-157476.

101. Status of Fishery Resources off the Northeastern United States for 1993. By Conservation and Utilization
Division, Northeast Fisheries Science Center. October 1993. iv + 140 p., 62 figs. 70 tables. NTIS Access. No. PB94-
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68.

69.

71.

72.

73.

prepared by National Marine Fisheries Service, Miami, FL,
available from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods
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see Table 3.]

Schneider, D.C.; Rosenfeld, M.B.; Twichell, D.C.; Kesselheim,
C. 1980, Studies of the harbor seal (Phoca virtulina
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[Work primarily related to research topic no. 1; see Table
3]

Scott, G.P. 1985. Report of the working group on NEFSC/
SEFSC marine mammal research: results of the meeting
held 8.9 January, 1985. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS.
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. Sears, R. 1980. Report on observations of cetaceans along

the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. NOAA
contract (No. NA80FBA241) report prepared by Mingan
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National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA.
{Work primarily related to research topic no. 15; see Table
3.]

Selzer, LAs Payne, P.M. Brown, JM; Whitman, A.A.
1986. An overview of the distribution and abundance of
non-endangered cetaceans, pinnipeds and seabirds in the
Gulf of Maine and adjacent waters (north of 40°00'N
latitude) with special emphas

on the foul-area disposal site
and the Cape Arundel disposal site. In Payne, P.M.; Selzer,
LA., eds. A characterization of whale use of the Massachu-
setts Bay and Cape Arundel, Maine areas: final report.
USDOD contract (No. DACW33-85-D-0002-0003) report
prepared by Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA,
under subcontract to Sanford Ecological, Inc., Natick, MA,
available from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Waltham,
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Shurman, V.R. 1983. Report on Nantucket grey seals,
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of Natural History, Brewster, MA, available from National
Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA. [Work
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Shurman, V.R. 1981. A small population of grey seals at
Nantucket, MA. NOAA contract (No. NA81FBA00282)
report prepared by Cape Cod Museum of Natural History,
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Page23

Smith, T.D. 1990. The marine sanctuary act and the
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see Table 3.]

Smith, T.D. 1990. Simultaneous fishery resource and
seabird and cetacean sighting surve
disadvantages. N. Ach Stud. 2(1-2
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: advantages and
90-101. [Work
; see Table 3.]

Stone, G.S; Mainwaring, A; Katona, S.K; Beard, J.A.
Corbett, H.D. 1988. Surfacing, respiration, and dive
characteristics of finback whales (Balaenoptera physalus)
observed from Mount Desert Rock, Maine. NOAA con-
tract (Nos. 40EANF501300 and 40EANF601 426) report
prepared by College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME,
available from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods
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see Table 3.]

.E; Tyack, P. 1987.
Marine mammal literature: reference data base. NOAA
contract (No. 40EANF7022770) reportprepared by Woods
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able from National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole,
MA. [Work primarily related to research topic no. 18; see
Table 3.]

Watkins, W. 1985. Changes observed in the reaction of
whales to human activities. NOAA contract (No.
50EANF500068) report prepared by Woods Hole Oceano-
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[Work primarily related to research topic no. 9; see Table

3]

Weinrich, M.T,; Selzer, LA Payne, P.M. 1986. Areal and
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setts Bay and Cape Arundel, Maine areas: final report.
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under subcontract to Sanford Ecological, Inc., Natick, MA,
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2; see Table 3.]

Weinrich, M.T. 1982. Biology of the humpback whale
(Megaptera novacangliae): northern Stellwagen Bank, sum-
mer 1981. NOAA contract (No. NA81FBA00231) report
prepared by Gloucester Fisherman’s Museum, Gloucester,
MA, available from National Marine Fisheries Service,
Woods Hole, MA. [Work primarily related to research
topic no. 5)



Analyses of harbor seal scat samples collected on major
haulout grounds indicated that sand lance (Ammodytes sp./
spp.) was the preferred prey item. The abundance of sand lance
coincided with the population explosion of this prey species in
Northeast shelf waters during the 1980s.

Surveys of the Nantucket Sound gray seal population were
conducted in 1982 and 1983 to document numbers, size
composition, and reproductive success. The study revealed that
23-28 seals used Muskeget Island and that successful pupping
had occurred. The presence of branding marks on some adult
and subadult seals indicated that some of the animals were from
This suggests that gray seal
population growth in Nantucket Sound is partly due to
recolonization of historical haulout sites by Sable Island animals.

the Sable Island population.

Topic 2. Marine Observer Program

MBO researchers conducted systematic sighting surveys for
cetaceans, seabirds, and sea turtles aboard NOAA fishery
research vessels off the Northeast coast during 1980-87. These
surveys provided substantial data on the spatial and seasonal
distribution and abundance of cetaceans and seabirds. In
addition, because these data were collected simultaneously with
fisheries data, they can be used to assess trophic interactions
among cetaceans, pelagic fishes, and squids. These data are
archived in computer data files.

The decommissioning of the NOAA fishery research vessel
Albatross IV from June 1989 to October 1991 shifted the
emphasis of the MBO contract to compiling sea bird and
cetacean atlases, trophic interaction studies, and evaluating
historical sighting-survey data-collection procedures with the
goal of improving survey design by incorporating recent line-
transect methodology.

Topic 3. Energetic Requirements
of East Coast Cetaceans

At the College of the Atlantic (COA), researchers analyzed
6 yr of undisturbed fin whale respiration rate data collected off
Mount Desert Rock in the Gulf of Maine. This study compared
five respiration characteristics (i.e., dive length, surfacing length,
blows per surfacing, blow interval, and percent of time at
surface) when fin whales were undisturbed and when they were
in the presence of whale watch vessels. This analysis indicated
that there were no significant differences between the respira-
tion characteristics of undisturbed whales and of whales in the
presence of vessels.

URI researchers used CeTAP cetacean biomass density
estimates, cetacean food habits literature, and published meta-
bolic models to calculate the energetic requirements of the
cetaceans of the Northeast outer continental shelf. Depending
on the model used, annual prey consumption was approximately
365,000 or 545,000 metric tons (mt). The estimates of finfish
(185,000 or 276,000 mt) and squid (154,000 or 224,000 mr)

Page7

consumption totals exceed by about a third the commercial
harvests. These estimates indicate that cetaceans are an impor-
tant predator in the Northeast U.S. Shelf Ecosystem.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts studied
population dynamics of sand lances (Ammodytes spp.) off the
Northeast coast. These species are principal prey for the
endangered humpback and fin whale, and may be important
competitors with the northern right whale for Calanus copep-
ods. Collapse in 1986 of the sand lance population on
Stellwagen Bank in the Gulf of Maine dramatically shifted the
distribution of these three whales off the Massachusetts coast.
Researchers analyzed 1968-87 sand lance abundance data col-
lected during NEFSC spring and autumn bottom trawl surveys
on the Northeast shelf between Cape Hatteras and Nova Scotia.
In addition, age-and-growth studies provided information on
growth rates, maturity, and age composition of the population.
These data are being used in ecosystem models being developed
at the NEFSC (Overholtz et al. 1987).

University of Massachusetts researchers conducted a sensi-
tivity analysis of a multispecies virtual population analysis, with
special emphasis on the impact of cetacean consumption of
principal pelagic prey species (ie., sand lances, Atlantic herring,
and Atlantic mackerel). Results of the analysis indicated the
need to collect additional data on trophic interactions between
cetaceans and prey resources on the Northeast shelf.

Researchers at the NEFSC processed stomach samples
which had been collected by fishery observers aboard domestic
and foreign fishing vessels. In addition, observers conducted
qualitative examinations of marine mammal stomachs that
could not be frozen. These food habits data provided new
information on the trophic interactions of shelf and shelf-edge
cetaceans, and will be incorporated into ecosystem models being
developed at the NEFSC.

The spatial /temporal overlap between the Mid-Atlantic /
Southern New England delphinid complex and potential pelagic
prey resources will be analyzed using geographic information
system technology and fisheries and oceanographic data prima-
rily archived at the NEFSC. Results of these analyses will be
helpful in understanding direct and indirect marine mammal
fisheries interactions.

Topic 4. Western Gulf of Maine
Humpback and Fin Whales

Beginning in October 1984, researchers at the Center for
Coastal Studies (CCS) in Provincetown, Massachusetts, con-
ducted tract surveys to document the seasonal distribution and
abundance of the fin whale and humpback in Cape Cod Bay and
on the Provincetown Slope. Oceanographic, behavioral, photo-
graphic, and population demographic data were also collected.
Additionally, in high-use habitats, researchers documented the
oceanographic (ie. biological and physical) and geographic
characteristics of those regions to identify the mechanisms which
attract and maintain groups of whales. In latter years, summer
shipboard surveys were expanded to include the Great South


Page 10

Topic 14. Northern Right Whale
Photo-identification Catalog

Under a Congressional initiative supporting research on
the northern right whale, the NEFSC’s ongoing support (see
Topic 15) for a photo-identification catalog increased in 1987.
Sets of individual identification photographs were integrated
into a single data base by researchers at NEA, WHOI, URI, and
the CCS. This resulted in an improved count of individually
known animals and a published catalog, as well as an ongoing
system for integrating new photographs. The results are being
used to provide information on vital rates and abundance.

Topic 15. Northern Right Whale
Distribution and Abundance

During the early 1980s, the NEFSC funded several north-
ern right whale studies that focused on photo-identification,
and habitat

carly studies provided data on seasonal movements

calving rates, population estimation, demograp!
use. Th
of individual animals between the overwintering calving grounds

off the southeastern US. coast and the springsummer feeding
grounds off New England and in the Bay of Fundy. Aerial and
shipboard photo-identification studies provided population esti-

mates and allowed researchers to track individual animals and

to document calving intervals for known animals.

In the mid-1980s, the NEFSC contributed to right whale
research supported by the NMFS Southeast Fisheri
Center’s mi Laboratory. These studies involved the docu-
mentation of historic right whale whaling activities along the

cience

southeastern U.S. coast, particularly off North Carolina.
Under a Congressional initi

tive, an integrated study on the
North Atlantic right whale was implemented in 1987 through
a cooperative agreement with URL The overall goal of this
research was detecting changes and causes of changes in popu-
lation distribution and si

To meet these goals, aerial and shipboard sighting data were

collected to document seasonal distribution and abundance
patterns, especially in the region of the Great South Channel and
the Bay of Fundy, and more broadly on the East Coast to
document the species range; some of these studies provided
photo-identification materials (see Topic 14). This effort was
complemented by studies funded by the Minerals Management
Service on winter distributions along the southeastern U.S.
coast, and on development of satellite tag methods.

Topic 16. Bottlenose Dolphin
Distribution and Abundance along
the Virginia Capes

Aerial surveys conducted during July-October 1980 in the
mouth of Chesapeake Bay and along the Virginia coast indicated
bottlenose dolphin herd density was higher in the coastal areas.

Furthermore, researchers hypothesized that herds in the bay
were part of the coastal stock.

RESEARCH PLANNING AND
ARCHIVING

Topic 17. Workshop Support

Following the 1979 Marine Mammal Research Planning
Workshop (Prescott et al. 1980), several other more specialized
research planning workshops were conducted. The NEFSC
participated in most of these, and provided funds to support

many of them.

The NEFSC contributed to a 1981 humpback workshop
that was held at the NEA. The purpose of this workshop was
todetermine the status of knowledge and research needs for East
Coast humpback research. Recommendations from this work-
shop were used by the NEFSC to fund humpback studic

In 1983, researchers supported by the NEFSC participated
in a workshop on the status of the northern right whale which
identified key research needs relative to this species. In 1985,
NEFSC staff participated in a workshop with other NMFS
s to define research priorities for large whales.

The NEFSC contributed to a 1986 workshop on fin whale
photo-identification techniques. The focus of this workshop was

nd animal character-
istics that are used to identify individual animals. The workshop

to review field photographic techniqu

concluded that photo-identification techniques could be used to
identify individuals, and agreed to establish a fin whale catalog
at COA.

To implement a research program on the North Atlantic
right whale funded directly by Congressional initiative, the
NEFSC began in 1987 to work with sci
scientific institutions to design a long-term research program on

in several regional

photo-identification, habitat use, and distribution and abun-
dance. Also in 1987, NEFSC staff began to participate in the
Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission
(IWC), and in meetings of the Marine Mammal Committee of
the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

Topic 18. Documentation and
Archiving Project

A small study was funded to examine whaling records
archived at the Kendall Whale Museum. Purpose of this study
was to document historical distribution of the northern right

whale along the East Coast.

Researchers at URI were funded to transfer an edited and
documented copy of the CeTAP data base to a format that was
compatible to NEFSC data bases. This acquisition provided the
NEFSC and NMFS Northeast Regional Operations Office staff

with access to one of the most comprehensive data sources on