Chukchi Offshore Mo

Distribution and Relat

Nation

Megan F

Alaska Fishe

7600 Sand Point W

Bureau of Ocean Ener

U.S

3801 

Anch

Co

 

BOEMR

onitoring in Drilling Area (COM

tive Abundance of Marine Mam

Aerial Surveys 

Final Report 

al Marine Mammal Laboratory

Ferguson, Program Coordinator

eries Science Center, NMFS, NOAA 

Way, NE, Seattle, Washington 98115-6349 

Funding Agency: 

rgy Management, Regulation and Enforcement 

S. Department of the Interior

Centerpoint Drive, Suite 500 

horage, Alaska 99503-5823 

ontract No. M08PG20023 

February 2011 

OCS Study 

RE 2011-06 

MIDA) 

mals: 
ii 

 
iii 

CHUKCHI OFFSHORE MONITORING IN DRILLING AREA (COMIDA) 

DISTRIBUTION AND RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF MARINE MAMMALS: 

AERIAL SURVEYS 

Prepared by: 

Janet T. Clarke, Megan C. Ferguson, Cynthia L. Christman, 

Stephanie L. Grassia, Amelia A. Brower and Laura J. Morse 

National Marine Mammal Laboratory 

Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, NOAA 

7600 Sand Point Way NE, F/AKC3, Seattle, Washington 98115-6349 

This study was funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service 

(MMS), Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Region, Anchorage, Alaska, through an Inter-agency 

Agreement between MMS and the National Marine Mammal Laboratory (M08PG20023), as part 

of the MMS Alaska Environmental Studies Program. 

The opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this report or product are 

those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of the 

Interior, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or 

recommendation for use by the Federal Government. 

February 2011 

 
iv 

REPORT AVAILABILITY 

This document is available to the public through: 

National Technical Information Service 

5285 Port Royal Road 

Springfield, Virginia 22161 

FAX: (703) 605 6900 

www.ntis.gov 

CITATION 

May be cited as: Clarke, J.T., Ferguson, M.C., Christman, C.L., Grassia, S.L., Brower, A.A. and 

Morse, L.J. 2011. Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) Distribution and 

Relative Abundance of Marine Mammals: Aerial Surveys. Final Report, OCS Study BOEMRE 

2011-06. National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, 

NOAA, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, F/AKC3, Seattle, WA 98115-6349. 

Email of corresponding authors: janet.clarke@saic.com and megan.ferguson@noaa.gov
v 

Project Organization

Megan Ferguson1 – Program Coordinator (2009-2010); developed revised transect line protocol, 

primary liaison with BOEMRE, North Slope Borough and other agencies, directed data analyses 

Janet Clarke2 – Project Leader (2008-2010); secondary liaison with BOEMRE COR, directed 

logistics of aerial surveys and data analyses 

Cynthia Christman1 – Field season preparation, aerial survey team leader (2010), field data 

manager (2009, 2010), post-field analysis, liaison with USFWS and USGS walrus researchers 

Stephanie Grassia1 – Field season preparation, aerial survey team leader (2010), field data 

manager (2009, 2010) 

Amelia Brower1 – Field season preparation, aerial survey team leader (2010), field data manager 

(2009, 2010) 

Laura Morse1

 – Aerial survey team leader (2008, 2009); field season preparation 

Dave Rugh1

 – Program Coordinator (2008) 

Addresses and Affiliations

1 National Marine Mammal Laboratory 

Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, NOAA 

7600 Sand Point Way NE, F/AKC3, Seattle, WA, 98115 

2

 SAIC Ocean Sciences Division 

14620 268th Ave E., Buckley, WA, 98321 

 
vi 

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vii 

Table of Contents 

Project Organization ...................................................................................................................... v

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ 1

PROGRAM OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................. 3

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 3

Objectives ................................................................................................................................................. 3

Field Methods ........................................................................................................................................... 4

SIGNIFICANT RESULTS ............................................................................................................. 8

Presentations, Reports and Publications ................................................................................................. 24

CONCLUSIONS........................................................................................................................... 30

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................................... 31

LITERATURE CITED ................................................................................................................. 32

LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure 1. COMIDA study area, Chukchi Sea Planning Area, survey blocks, perpendicular 

transect lines and coastal transect surveyed in 2009 and 2010. ...................................................... 5

Figure 2. NOAA Twin Otter (call sign N46RF), one of four de Havilland Twin Otters operated 

by NOAA Aircraft Operations Center, Tampa, FL. . .................................................................... 6

Figure 3. Aero Commander 690A (call sign N222ME), owned by Northern Commanders, 

Spokane, WA, and operated by Clearwater Air, Nikiski, Alaska. . ............................................... 6

Figure 4. COMIDA total survey effort per year, 2008-2010. ...................................................... 10

Figure 5. COMIDA transect only survey effort, 2008-2010 combined. ...................................... 11

Figure 6. COMIDA transect effort in kilometers (Tr-km) per survey block, 2008-2010 

combined. ...................................................................................................................................... 12

Figure 7. COMIDA total survey effort per month, 2008-2010 combined. .................................. 13

Figure 8. Bowhead whale sightings per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 combined. ......... 14

Figure 9. Bowhead and gray whale on-effort sighting rates per month, 2008-2010 combined. . 16

Figure 10. Gray whale sightings per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 combined. .............. 18

Figure 11. Bowhead and gray whale on-effort sightings per month, 2008-2010 combined. ...... 20

Figure 12. Fin whale, humpback whale and unidentified cetacean sightings per month, on- and 

off-effort, 2008-2010 combined.................................................................................................... 21

Figure 13. Beluga sightings per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 combined. ..................... 22
viii 

Figure 14. Walrus sightings per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010. Group size is indicated 

by symbol size............................................................................................................................... 23

Figure 15. Bearded seal sightings per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 combined. ............ 24

Figure 16. Unidentified pinniped sightings per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 combined.

....................................................................................................................................................... 25

Figure 17. Polar bear sightings, per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 combined. ............... 26

Figure 18. Sightings of dead marine mammals, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 combined. ........ 27

Figure 19. Sample Daily Report, as posted to the NMML COMIDA Survey Project: Preliminary 

Data website. ................................................................................................................................. 28

LIST OF TABLES 

Table 1. Summary of COMIDA sightings, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 (# sightings/# of 

animals). Total includes sightings between 68°N-72.005°N, 157°W-169.005°W, except where 

noted, and dead animals. Total excludes known repeat sightings, except for repeat sightings of 

walrus haulouts from different days. ............................................................................................ 15

Table 2. Number (n) of on-effort bowhead whales, gray whales and belugas and associated 

sighting rates (whales per unit effort = WPUE) per depth zone, COMIDA 2008-2010. Tr-km = 

transect kilometer. The maximum WPUE per month is italicized and bolded. ........................... 17

Table 3. Number (n) of on-effort bowhead and gray whales and associated sighting rates (whales 

per unit effort = WPUE) per survey block, COMIDA 2008-2010. Tr-km = transect kilometer. 

The maximum WPUE per month is italicized and bolded. .......................................................... 19

LIST OF APPENDICES 

Appendix 1: Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) Aerial Survey, Annual 

Report 2008 ................................................................................................................................... 35

Appendix 2: Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) Aerial Survey, Annual 

Report 2009 ................................................................................................................................... 51

Appendix 3: Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) Aerial Survey, Annual 

Report 2010 ................................................................................................................................... 79

Appendix 4: BWASP and COMIDA Observer Manual – 2010 ................................................ 111

Appendix 5: Poster and Oral Presentation Abstracts Related to COMIDA Aerial Surveys ..... 259

Appendix 6: Aerial Surveys of Large Whales in the Northeast Chukchi Sea, 2008-2009, with 

Review of 1982-1991 Data ......................................................................................................... 269
1 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

 Aerial surveys for marine mammals were conducted from 2008-2010 during the open 

water season (June through early November) in the Chukchi Sea Planning Area (CSPA). The 

Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) aerial survey objectives were to: 

1. Provide data compatible with the MMS marine mammal database directly to MMS for 

inclusion in that database and for use in estimation of the distribution of cetaceans and 

pinnipeds in the CSPA from 3 surveys during June-November; 

2. Document geographical areas of importance for specific behaviors including 

calving/pupping, feeding, hauling-out, and migrating; and 

3. Provide timely information on marine mammal observations and environmental 

conditions, including ice conditions, following each survey flight to organizations as 

directed by the COR (e.g., National Ice Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, 

Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, MMS) for real-time management of activities in 

the region. 

The COMIDA aerial survey study area encompassed approximately 125,000 km2

 of the 

northeastern Chukchi Sea, from 68°N to 72°N and from 157°W to 169°W. The study area was 

divided into 10 survey blocks. Over 118,000 km were flown in high wing, twin turbine aircraft, 

including over 50,000 km on transect. The best overall coverage of the study area occurred in 

July and August, with the least amount of effort in June and November. Transect coverage was 

greatest in survey blocks closest to shore; lack of sea ice cover in the study area resulted in high 

sea states (>Beaufort 5) which limited effort in several offshore survey blocks. 

Over 84,000 marine mammals were sighted, including bowhead whales (65 sightings of 

112 whales), gray whales (504 sightings of 835 whales), and belugas (64 sightings of 1,567 

whales). Bowhead whales were seen in every month except November. In September and 

October, bowhead whale distribution was southwesterly across the Chukchi Sea, similar to the 

distribution that was observed during surveys conducted in this area from 1989-1991. Gray 

whales were mainly seen within 50 km of shore between Pt. Barrow and Wainwright, Alaska and 

in an area approximately 120 km west of Pt. Hope, Alaska. Gray whales were not seen near 

Hanna Shoal, which differs from the distribution observed during similar marine mammal aerial 

surveys conducted between 1989-1991. Most gray whales sighted were feeding. Beluga 

sightings were scattered throughout the study area within 150 km of shore, with most sightings 

occurring in July. One fin whale (July 2008) and one humpback whale (July 2009) were also 

sighted. Polar bears were seen each year, including 10 observed on one day in August 2008 that 

were swimming between shore and sea ice, approximately 90 km offshore. Walruses were 

sighted every month except November, and their distribution was associated with sea ice 

coverage in June through early August, shifting to nearshore habitat, both in open water and in 

coastal haulouts, in late August and September. Coastal haulouts were documented at Icy Cape, 
2 

Alaska in 2009 and near Pt. Lay and Cape Lisburne, Alaska in 2010. Ice seals were recorded in 

all months COMIDA surveys were conducted. 

 All data collected during COMIDA aerial surveys were incorporated into the Bowhead 

Whale Aerial Survey Project (BWASP) historical database that has been maintained by 

BOEMRE (and its predecessors) since broad-scale aerial surveys were first initiated in 1979. 

The BWASP historical database (1979-2010) was carefully reviewed for errors and 

inconsistencies to mitigate problems with using the database for multiyear analyses. All changes 

to the historical database were catalogued and documented with detailed metadata. To reduce 

the potential of future errors in data collection, a detailed observer manual was compiled based 

on input from key personnel familiar with the project, both past and present. The observer 

manual included information on survey objectives and design, data collection instructions and 

field data management, and is updated as needed. 

 Preliminary COMIDA aerial survey data were made available from 2008-2010 to the 

general public, federal, state and local agency personnel, oil industry representatives, and other 

researchers and interested parties, on a near real-time basis via a website maintained by the 

National Marine Mammal Laboratory. 

 COMIDA aerial survey researchers collaborated with several federal, state and local 

agencies on issues related to marine mammal research in the area. In particular, data were shared 

with walrus and polar bear researchers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological 

Survey and Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Cetacean carcass data were shared with the 

regional National Marine Fisheries Service stranding network and the North Slope Borough 

Department of Wildlife Management. 

 
3 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Introduction

The Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) aerial survey component 

was initiated in 2008, via an Interagency Agreement (No. M08PG20023) between the Minerals 

Management Service (MMS) [Department of the Interior; currently the Bureau of Ocean Energy 

Management, Regulation and Enforcement] and the National Marine Mammal Laboratory 

(NMML) [Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce]. These surveys are a continuation 

of aerial surveys that were conducted by MMS-sponsored contractors from 1982-1991 

(Ljungblad et al., 1987; Moore and Clarke, 1992) and use similar methodology. Aerial surveys 

remain the only practical means of assessing marine mammal distribution, population density, 

and habitat use in large study areas. The goal of this study is to investigate the distribution and 

relative abundance of marine mammals in the Chukchi Sea Planning Area (CSPA) during the 

open water (ice-free) months of June-October, when various species are undertaking seasonal 

migrations through the area. The COMIDA study area encompasses the northeastern Chukchi 

Sea from shore seaward, latitude 68°N to 72°N and longitude 157°W to 169°W, and overlays 

Lease Sale 193 (offered in February 2008). Species of interest include the bowhead whale 

(Balaena mysticetus), gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), beluga (Delphinapterus leucas), polar 

bear (Ursus maritimus), walrus (Odobenus rosmarus), and ice seals. Increasing the 

understanding of marine mammal distribution, abundance and migration timing in this region 

will assist in decision-making to minimize impacts from petroleum exploration, development and 

production activities and other anthropogenic impacts. 

Objectives

1. Provide data compatible with the MMS marine mammal database directly to MMS 

for inclusion in that database and for use in estimation of the distribution of cetaceans 

and pinnipeds in the CSPA from 3 surveys during June-November. 

2. Document geographical areas of importance for specific behaviors including 

calving/pupping, feeding, hauling-out, and migrating. 

3. Provide timely information on marine mammal observations and environmental 

conditions, including ice conditions, following each survey flight to organizations as 

directed by the COR (e.g., National Ice Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, 

Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, MMS) for real-time management of activities 

in the region. 

 
4 

Field Methods

Aerial surveys were conducted over the COMIDA study area during summer and autumn 

2008-2010. This area comprises 10 survey blocks (Figure 1), which were established in the 

1980s when broad-scale surveys were previously conducted (Moore and Clarke, 1992). During 

the first year of COMIDA (2008), spatial and temporal parameters of the surveys differed from 

subsequent years. Surveys in 2008 were conducted during three discrete time periods, 16 June–7 

July, 3-26 August, and 21 October–10 November (Appendix 1), and transects were situated 

north-south, which replicated the survey design used in 1982-1991. In 2009, the timing of the 

surveys was expanded to nearly continuous coverage from 16 June-31 October (Appendix 2). In 

2010, surveys were conducted from 1 July-31 October (Appendix 3). A major change between 

2008 and 2009-2010 surveys was the revision of the survey design so that offshore transects 

were oriented perpendicular to the coastline (Figure 1). Under the revised survey design, a set of 

transect lines is generated from a single random point, designated as the “anchor.” Transects are 

spaced approximately 19 km (10 nm) apart and perpendicular to the coastline. In consecutive 

years, transects are generated from a new randomly selected anchor and placed in the same 

relative configuration. In this way, multi-year transect coverage will be uniform throughout the 

study area. The revised survey design also included a coastal transect between Pt. Barrow and 

Pt. Hope, Alaska. This design was adopted for several reasons: 

1. Perpendicular transects cross the major bathymetric features of the northeastern Chukchi 

Sea including Barrow Canyon and Hanna Shoal, the retreating summer ice (a tongue of ice 

usually persists longer in the offshore Chukchi Sea parallel to the coast while coastal areas 

are ice free earlier in the season), and the predominant Chukchi Sea currents (Woodgate et 

al., 2005). 

2. Perpendicular transects cross bowhead and beluga migration paths as described from 

bowhead (Quakenbush et al., 2010) and beluga (Suydam et al., 2005) satellite track data, 

as well as indicated by the distribution of historical bowhead sightings from aerial surveys 

conducted from 1982-1991 and 2008. 

3. Less time is spent on search effort (off transect). As described above, all transects were 

projected to start at the coastline with a coastal transect flown en route to and/or from 

offshore transect lines. 

4. Enhanced coverage of nearshore areas allows better documentation of pinniped use, 

including, but not limited to, walrus haulouts. An additional benefit of the coastal transect 

was to monitor for marine mammal carcasses. 

5. Multi-year transect coverage will be uniform throughout the study area. 

The new design did not impact any analysis incorporating historical data, and all data were still 

parsed into pre-existing survey blocks for analyses. 

 

Surveys were conducted in de Havilland Twin Otters provided by NOAA Aircraft 

Operations Center (Figure 2) and an Aero Commander 690A provided by Northern Commanders 
5 

Figure 1. COMIDA study area, Chukchi Sea Planning Area outline, survey blocks, 

perpendicular transect lines and coastal transect surveyed in 2009 and 2010. 

(Figure 3). Potential duration of flights depended on aircraft configuration, ranging from <5 to 

>8 hrs maximum. During summer months, two flights per day were occasionally attempted 

when weather conditions allowed, maximizing potential survey time. Survey altitude was 

generally near 365 m (1,200 ft), although lower cloud ceilings occasionally required that surveys 

be conducted at or below 310 m (1,000 ft). Surveys near walrus haulouts on ice or land and 

spotted seal haulouts in Kasegaluk Lagoon were conducted at higher altitudes to avoid potential 

disturbances. All survey aircraft were equipped with two large bubble windows for visual 

observations and a removable window to facilitate photography of whales for verification of 

species and presence of calves, and to document walrus haulouts and whale carcasses. Surveys 

were flown at a speed of 200 km/hr (110 kts). 

Flights were conducted in four modes. Mode 1: transits to and from the survey area 

were flown at survey altitude and speed, either along a coastal transect approximately 1 km 

offshore (Transect, on-effort) or via a route that was not pre-determined 
6 

Figure 2. NOAA Twin Otter (call sign N46RF), one of four de Havilland Twin Otters 

operated by NOAA Aircraft Operations Center, Tampa, FL. COMIDA surveys were 

conducted on NOAA Twin Otters in 2008 and 2009. 

Figure 3. Aero Commander 690A (call sign N222ME), owned by Northern Commanders, 

Spokane, WA, and operated by Clearwater Air, Nikiski, Alaska. COMIDA surveys were 

conducted on the Aero Commander in 2009 and 2010. 

 
7 

(Search, off-effort). Mode 2: transits to and from the survey area were flown at higher altitude 

and speed (Deadhead) in order to save time, conserve fuel, or avoid inclement weather. Mode 3: 

once in the urvey area, transects were flown perpendicular to the coastline (Transect, on-effort). 

Mode 4: the plane diverted to Circling (off-effort), which was initiated to investigate sightings to 

verify species, group size, behavior, presence of calves, etc. Data were collected during all 

survey types except Deadhead. 

Surveys were flown with two primary observers, positioned at bubble windows on either 

side of the aircraft, and a data recorder who also functioned as a secondary observer. All 

primary observers had significant aerial survey experience, with an emphasis on conducting 

surveys for bowhead or right whales. Data were recorded onto a laptop computer via 

customized, menu-driven, data-entry software, developed specifically for these surveys. Data 

collected included location, environmental conditions, and sighting information. Preliminary 

summary data were available immediately following each flight, and were posted as Daily 

Reports to a website maintained by AFSC/NMML. 

Marine mammal research activities were permitted under NMFS Permit No. 782-1719 for 

cetaceans and starting in 2009, under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Permit No. 

MA212570 for polar bears and walruses. In addition, Land Management Permits were obtained 

from the North Slope Borough (NSB) Planning and Community Services Department to conduct 

aerial surveys in the COMIDA and adjacent BWASP (Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey Project) 

survey areas. In 2010, NMML also consulted with the USFWS to conduct aerial surveys in 

spectacled eider (Somateria fischeri) Critical Habitat Unit 4 (Ledyard Bay); the USFWS decided 

that no adverse impacts to species or habitat were expected based on the altitude at which 

surveys would be conducted (>1,000 ft). Surveys were adjusted as needed to avoid potential 

impacts to subsistence hunts for bowhead whales, belugas, walruses and other pinnipeds. Each 

year, consultations were held with biologists from the NSB Department of Wildlife Management 

(DWM) prior to the commencement of aerial surveys to discuss areas of importance to 

subsistence hunters. These areas, generally near villages and within a few kilometers of the 

coast, were avoided if hunters were observed in small boats. 

Additional details on aerial survey methods are included in Clarke et al. (2010) and 

Appendix 4. 

 
8 

SIGNIFICANT RESULTS

 Results from the COMIDA aerial survey project are summarized as a function of the 

stated objectives. 

Objective 1. Provide data compatible with the MMS marine mammal database directly to 

MMS for inclusion in that database and for use in estimation of the distribution of 

cetaceans and pinnipeds in the CSPA from 3 surveys during June-November. 

Software that allowed entry of aerial survey data onto a laptop computer was previously 

developed by MMS and Resource Data, Incorporated (USDOI, MMS, 2008), and updated prior 

to the 2007 BWASP aerial survey season. Enhancements to this software, known as the BWASP 

Survey Tool, were incorporated to facilitate its application to the COMIDA survey area and 

improve overall data collection capabilities. Revisions were generally one of three types: 1) 

adding additional fields to the database, 2) streamlining existing fields to remove redundancy, or 

3) enhancing existing fields where needed. An automatic location update every 30 seconds was 

also added, which allowed for higher resolution effort data and, therefore, more precise 

determination of flight time and distance. All revisions to the Survey Tool were carefully 

reviewed to ensure that they would not impact historical data, and all revisions were carefully 

documented in database metadata. 

 A detailed Observer Manual with application to both COMIDA and BWASP was 

compiled based on input from key project personnel (Appendix 4). This document included upto-date information pertinent to conducting aerial surveys on the north slope of Alaska, including 

information about local communities, survey objectives and design, the BWASP Survey Tool, 

data collection instructions, field data management, posting of flight data to a NMML SharePoint 

site, daily weather checks and reporting, creating field reports, and protocols for naming and 

storing photographs. The Observer Manual is a dynamic document, and is updated as needed. 

The manual was distributed to all COMIDA and BWASP team members and is available to 

anyone interested in more information about the surveys. 

 A systematic review of the BWASP historical database, 1979-2010, was undertaken, 

resulting in a “clean” database that will be made available via the NMML website. The BWASP 

historical database spans >30 years and, while data were collected relatively consistently over 

time, errors and inconsistencies remained. These inconsistencies were both sloppy in appearance 

(e.g., “gray” and “gray whale” species codes, both text and numerical behavior codes, cetacean 

sightings positioned over land, etc) and impeded data analyses (missing start and end transects, 

sightings without species, etc). Revisions to the database were carried out under careful 

supervision by, and consultation with, persons familiar with the original 1979-1991 database that 

provided the foundation for the existing database. All changes were catalogued and documented 
9 

with detailed metadata. One result of the historical database review is that total sighting numbers 

from surveys conducted in 2008 and 2009 changed slightly. 

 

Objective 2. Document geographical areas of importance for specific behaviors including 

calving/pupping, feeding, hauling-out, and migrating. 

Over 118,000 km were flown during COMIDA 2008-2010 (Figure 4), including over 

50,000 km on transect (Figure 5). The least amount of survey effort occurred in 2008, when 

surveys were conducted during three discrete 3-week time periods. Transect coverage was 

similar in 2009 and 2010. Most transect effort occurred in survey blocks 13 and 17; transect 

coverage per survey block decreased as distance from shore increased (Figure 6). The lack of 

sea ice in the study area during most months (NSIDC, 2008; 2009; 2010) made it difficult to 

conduct surveys in offshore survey blocks because sea states were often too high (>Beaufort 5) 

to effectively survey. The best overall coverage of the COMIDA study area occurred during July 

and August (Figure 7). This was likely due to several factors, including the presence of ice in the 

study area (in July) that reduced sea states even in windy conditions, good weather conditions 

compared to conditions in September and October, dedicated survey aircraft (limited or no 

surveys in June; no surveys in September 2008), and unlimited daylight conditions. Least 

overall survey coverage was in November (surveys in 2008 only) and June (surveys in the latter 

half of the month in 2008 and 2009 only). 

Effort in October was patchy. Surveys were based from Kotzebue, Alaska, in October 

2008 and 2009, which required long transits to and from the study area. In October 2010, 

surveys were based from Barrow, Alaska, but aircraft maintenance, extremely poor weather, and 

decreasing daylight hours combined to limit survey effort. The efficacy of conducting aerial 

surveys in late October will be re-evaluated during the the 2011 COMIDA field season. 

Over 84,000 marine mammals were sighted during surveys conducted in the COMIDA 

study area (68°-72°N, 157°-169°W) (Table 1). A few surveys were conducted east of the 

COMIDA study area but, with few exceptions, results from those surveys are not included here. 

There were 65 sightings of 112 bowhead whales (including three sightings of dead bowheads), 

504 sightings of 835 gray whales (including four sightings of dead grays), 1 sighting of a 

humpback whale, 1 sighting of a fin whale, and 64 sightings of 1,567 belugas. Because there are 

several possible cetacean species that can occur in the COMIDA study area, cetaceans that dove 

prior to positive species identification were classified as unidentified; there were 120 sightings of 

144 unidentified cetaceans (including six dead animals). Other marine mammal sightings 

included polar bears, walruses, bearded seals and unidentified pinnipeds (Table 1). 

Bowhead whales were sighted every month surveys were conducted except November 

(Figure 8; Table 1). Most of the bowhead whale sightings in June and July occurred in 2009, 
10 

Figure 4. COMIDA total survey effort per year, 2008-2010. 

when bowheads were seen between Pt. Franklin and Barrow, Alaska, on several days between 29 

June and 11 July (Appendix 2). Bowheads were not seen in this area in either 2008 or 2010 

despite good survey coverage, indicating that this area may be important to bowhead whales only 

in some years or under certain conditions. There were very few bowhead sightings in August in 

any year. Bowhead whale sightings in the study area increased in September and October, as 

would be expected based on known historical sighting data (Moore and Clarke, 1992) and results 

from recent satellite tagging studies (Quakenbush et al., 2010). Sighting rate (whales per 

transect kilometer) per month for all years combined was also lowest in August and highest in 

October (Figure 9). Sightings indicated that bowhead whales were distributed broadly west and 

southwest from Barrow across the Alaskan Chukchi Sea during the autumn migration; this was 

also observed during surveys conducted from 1982-1991 (Moore and Clarke, 1992). There were 

no specific areas where whales were concentrated each year. The behavior most often recorded 

was swimming (43%), followed by feeding (27%). All feeding was observed close to shore 

between Pt. Franklin and Barrow, Alaska, in June, July and September of 2009. Four calves 
11 

Figure 5. COMIDA transect only survey effort, 2008-2010 combined. 

were seen, one in 2008 and 2010 respectively, and two in 2009. Habitat preference, based on 

sighting rate per depth zone, in early summer was for shallow water (≤35 m depth), primarily 

due to the sightings in 2009. From July through October, habitat preference was 

overwhelmingly for water 51-200 m deep (Table 2). 

Gray whales were seen every month surveys were conducted, and each year they were 

observed between Wainwright and Barrow, Alaska within 50 km of shore (Figure 10; Table 1). 

Gray whales were also consistently seen in the southwest corner of the study area, west of Pt. 

Hope, Alaska, even though this area was surveyed far less frequently because it falls well outside 

of the CSPA. Sightings were also scattered throughout the study area more than 50 km offshore. 

The relative lack of gray whale sightings (and mud plumes, which are indicative of the presence 

of feeding gray whales) offshore was markedly different from that documented during surveys 

conducted from 1982-1991, when gray whales were frequently seen on Hanna Shoal (Moore and 

Clarke, 1992). 
12 

Figure 6. COMIDA transect effort in kilometers (Tr-km) per survey block, 2008-2010 

combined. 

Gray whale sighting rates per month for all years combined was highest in survey block 

17 in June, July and August (Table 3). Gray whale sighting rates in September and October were 

highest in survey block 13, and were much lower than sighting rates during the summer months 

(Figure 9). Most gray whales (72%) were feeding and usually accompanied by well-defined 

mud plumes. Eleven gray whale calves were seen during both on- and off-effort flightlines, nine 

of which were seen in July 2009. Habitat preference, based on sighting rate per depth zone, was 

for shallow water (≤35 m depth) in June, but overwhelmingly for deeper water (51-200 m depth) 

in July through October (Table 2). Although their distribution did not appear to coincide 

precisely (Figure 11), habitat preference for bowhead and gray whales based on sighting rates 

per depth zone was very similar (Table 2). 

There are several large cetacean species whose ranges may be expanding into the 

northern Chukchi Sea, including humpback, fin and minke whales (Haley et al., 2010). None of 

these species were seen during surveys conducted in the COMIDA study area from 1982-1991, 

but one fin whale (July 2008, Appendix 1) and one humpback whale (July 2009; Appendix 2) 

were sighted during the current study (Figure 12; Table 1). Additionally, several unidentified 

cetaceans were recorded (Figure 12, Table 1). Cetaceans were recorded as unidentified when the 

initial sighting was at a distance from the aircraft where it was not possible to make a positive 

identification of the animal. Many of the unidentified cetaceans were probable gray whales, 

based on the close proximity of well-defined mud plumes, but without positive visual 

identification they remained in the database as unidentified. Sightings were recorded as small 

unidentified cetaceans when the animal was noticeably smaller in size than a bowhead or 

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Kilometers

Survey Block 

Tr-km
13 

Figure 7. COMIDA total survey effort per month, 2008-2010 combined. 
14 

Figure 8. Bowhead whale sightings per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 combined. 

gray whale. Small unidentified cetaceans could potentially include belugas, harbor porpoise or 

killer whales. Neither of the latter two species was positively identified during COMIDA aerial 

surveys, but both are undergoing apparent range expansions and being seen more frequently in 

the Chukchi Sea (e.g., Melnikov and Zagrebin, 2005; Haley et al., 2010). 

Belugas were seen every month except September (Figure 13; Table 1). Most sightings 

were in July, including several hundred belugas sighted in Elson Lagoon, east of Pt. Barrow, 

Alaska in 2010 (Appendix 3) and one sighting of nearly 300 nearshore between Wainwright and 

Icy Cape, Alaska in 2009 (Appendix 2). Beluga sightings were scattered throughout the study 

area within 150 km of shore. Group size ranged from 1 to 480 individuals. Highest sighting rate 

per depth zone was in shallow water (≤35 m depth) (Table 2), likely due to the large groups 

described above. 

Walruses were seen every month except November (Figure 14; Table 1). Distribution 

was associated with sea ice coverage in June through early August, and shifted to nearshore 
15 

Table 1. Summary of COMIDA sightings, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 (# sightings/# of animals). Total includes sightings between 68°N-72.005°N, 157°W-169.005°Wa, except where notedb, and dead animals. Total excludes known repeat sightings, 

except for repeat sightings of walrus haulouts from different days. 

June July August September October November Total 

Bowhead Whale 6/17 14/28 5/5 14/27 26/35 0 65/112 Gray Whale 22/44 175/307 217/368 68/82 21/33 1/1 504/835 Belugab 5/55 25/1,151 7/53 0 15/79 12/229 64/1,567 Fin Whale 0 1/1 0 0 0 0 1/1 Humpback Whale 0 1/1 0 0 0 0 1/1 Unidentified Cetacean 1/1 37/50 54/61 8/8 16/20 0 116/140 Small Unidentified Cetacean 0 1/1 1/1 2/2 0 0 4/4 Walrus 55/1,490 358/12,011 508/16,137 247/50,166 10/103 0 1,178/79,907 Bearded Seal 19/20 21/24 73/88 16/18 20/23 1/1 150/174 Ringed Seal 0 0 2/2 0 0 0 2/2 Unidentified Pinniped 42/58 111/149 270/444 19/31 62/82 1/1 505/765 Small Unidentified Pinniped 10/13 241/326 61/72 91/162 95/246 0 498/819 Polar Bear 1/1 1/1 14/14 3/3 0 0 19/19 TOTAL Marine Mammals 3,107/84,346 

a Sightings slightly north of 72°N and west of 169°W, recorded when the survey aircraft turned at the offshore ends of transects briefly 

leaving the COMIDA study area, were incorporated into sighting totals. 

b Includes belugas sighted in Elson Lagoon (east of 157°W) in July 2010. 
16 

Figure 9. Bowhead and gray whale on-effort sighting rates per month, 2008-2010 

combined. 

habitat, both in the water and in coastal haulouts, in late August and September. Few walruses 

were seen in the study area in October of any year. Coastal haulouts were not reported in 2008, 

when sea ice remained in the COMIDA study area throughout summer and autumn (NSIDC, 

2008). Haulouts were reported in autumn 2009 (Appendix 2) and 2010 (Appendix 3) when sea 

ice retreated far offshore. Walrus data were shared with biologists from USFWS and USGS to 

facilitate cooperative research. 

Phocid seals were seen in all months in the study area and in all areas surveyed (Figures 

15 and 16; Table 1). Phocids were difficult to detect during COMIDA surveys conducted in 

higher sea states (e.g., Beaufort 3-5) due to their smaller size, cryptic coloration, and smaller 

exhalations (when compared with cetacean exhalations that can be seen from a distance) and the 

altitude of the survey aircraft (>300 m). Bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) are the largest of 

the phocid seals expected to occur in the COMIDA study area, and can be identified from the 

aircraft under good weather conditions. There were 150 sightings of 174 bearded seals, with the 

highest number observed in August (Figure 15; Table 1). Unidentified pinnipeds included 

sightings of pinnipeds not seen clearly enough to determine if the animal was a walrus, bearded 

seal or smaller phocid (Figure 16). Small unidentified pinnipeds included sightings of pinnipeds 

smaller than most walruses and bearded seals that could not be identified to species, and likely 

included spotted (Phoca largha) and ringed (Pusa hispida) seals. The distributions of ringed and 

0

0.001

0.002

0.003

0.004

0.005

0.006

0.007

0.008

0.009

0.01

June July August September October

Whales Per Transect Kilometer

Month

Bowhead Whale

Gray Whale
17 

Table 2. Number (n) of on-effort bowhead whales, gray whales and belugas and associated sighting rates (whales per unit effort = WPUE) per depth zone, COMIDA 2008-2010. Tr-km = transect kilometer. The maximum WPUE per month is italicized and bolded. 

Bowhead Whales 2008-2010 June July August September October Total Depth Range Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE ≤ 35 708 5 0.0071 4,210 3 0.0007 4,284 0 0.0000 4,097 3 0.0007 3,265 1 0.0003 16,563 12 0.0007 36 to 50 1,736 0 0.0000 6,128 0 0.0000 5,873 0 0.0000 5,799 4 0.0007 4,270 11 0.0026 23,806 15 0.0006 51 to 200 1,554 0 0.0000 2,784 5 0.0018 2,725 2 0.0007 1,746 5 0.0029 2,645 12 0.0045 11,455 24 0.0021 > 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 3,998 5 0.0013 13,123 8 0.0006 12,882 2 0.0002 11,642 12 0.0010 10,179 24 0.0024 51,824 51 0.0010 Gray whales 2008-2010 June July August September October Total Depth Range Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE ≤ 35 708 5 0.0071 4,210 25 0.0059 4,284 23 0.0054 4,097 3 0.0007 3,265 2 0.0006 16,563 58 0.0035 36 to 50 1,736 11 0.0063 6,128 34 0.0055 5,873 47 0.0080 5,799 7 0.0012 4,270 9 0.0021 23,806 108 0.0045 51 to 200 1,554 0 0.0000 2784 32 0.0115 2,725 48 0.0176 1,746 10 0.0057 2,645 8 0.0030 11,455 98 0.0086 > 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 3,998 16 0.0040 13,123 91 0.0069 12,882 118 0.0092 11,642 20 0.0017 10,179 19 0.0019 51,824 264 0.0051 Belugas 2008-2010 Total Depth Range Tr-km n WPUE ≤ 35 16,563 440 0.0266 36 to 50 23,806 11 0.0005 51 to 200 11,455 282 0.0246 > 200 0 Total 51,824 733 0.0141 
18 

Figure 10. Gray whale sightings per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 combined. 

spotted seals overlap in the Chukchi Sea (Boveng et al., 2009; Angliss and Allen, 2009); 

behaviors and physical characteristics observable from survey altitude are not distinguishable 

enough to allow positive species identification (D. Rugh and D. Withrow, NMML-AFSC, 7600 

Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115. pers. comm., 8 December 2009). The majority of 

phocid surveys are conducted between 100 and 300 m and at slower survey speeds (e.g., Boveng 

et al., 2003). 

Polar bears were sighted in all years of the COMIDA study (Figure 17). Most of the 

bears (14 out of 19 total) were seen in August 2008 (Table 1), including 10 bears that were 

observed swimming on 16 August 2008 (Appendix 1). Polar bear sightings also occurred in June 

2008 (1 bear), 2009 (3 bears) and 2010 (1 bear). Polar bear data were shared with biologists 

from USFWS and USGS to facilitate cooperative research. 

Thirteen dead cetaceans were documented in the study area between 2008 and 2010, not 

including known repeat sightings of the same carcass (Figure 18). Two dead cetaceans and one 
19 

Table 3. Number (n) of on-effort bowhead and gray whales and associated sighting rates (whales per unit effort = WPUE) per survey block, COMIDA 2008-2010. Tr-km = transect kilometer. The maximum WPUE per month is italicized and bolded. Bowhead Whales Survey June July August September October Total Block Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE 

13 1,761 5 0.0028 3,389 8 0.0024 3,822 2 0.0005 3,111 11 0.0035 2,620 11 0.0042 14,703 37 0.0025 14 546 0 0 1,546 0 0 1,687 0 0 1,438 1 0.0007 1,404 6 0.0043 6,620 7 0.0011 15 105 0 0 1,078 0 0 1,298 0 0 1,345 0 0 480 2 0.0042 4,306 2 0.0005 16 0 707 0 0 906 0 0 787 0 0 333 0 0 2,733 0 0 17 779 0 0 1,566 0 0 2,270 0 0 2,290 0 0 1,117 0 0 8,020 0 0 18 798 0 0 1,057 0 0 1,184 0 0 1,740 0 0 920 5 0.0054 5,697 5 0.0009 19 5 0 0 848 0 0 111 0 0 427 0 0 339 0 0 1,730 0 0 20 1 0 0 1,841 0 0 1,208 0 0 419 0 0 1,272 0 0 4,740 0 0 21 0 631 0 0 70 0 0 0 591 0 0 1,293 0 0 22 0 521 0 0 362 0 0 0 1,125 0 0 2,007 0 0 

Total 3,993 5 0.0013 13,183 8 0.0006 12,917 2 0.0002 11,557 12 0.0010 10,200 24 0.0024 51,850 51 0.0010 Gray Whales Survey June July August September October Total Block Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE 

13 1,761 1 0.0006 3,389 45 0.0133 3,822 66 0.0173 3,111 11 0.0035 2,620 13 0.0050 14,703 136 0.0092 14 546 0 0.0000 1,546 0 0.0000 1,687 7 0.0041 1,438 1 0.0007 1,404 0 0.0000 6,620 8 0.0012 15 105 0 0.0000 1,078 0 0.0000 1,298 0 0.0000 1,345 0 0.0000 480 0 0.0000 4,306 0 0.0000 16 0 707 0 0.0000 906 0 0.0000 787 0 0.0000 333 0 0.0000 2,733 0 0.0000 17 779 15 0.0193 1,566 33 0.0211 2,270 44 0.0194 2,290 8 0.0035 1,117 1 0.0009 8,020 101 0.0126 18 798 0 0.0000 1,057 1 0.0009 1,184 0 0.0000 1,740 0 0.0000 920 0 0.0000 5,697 1 0.0002 19 5 0 0.0000 848 0 0.0000 111 0 0.0000 427 0 0.0000 339 0 0.0000 1,730 0 0.0000 20 1 0 0.0000 1,841 2 0.0011 1,208 0 0.0000 419 0 0.0000 1,272 0 0.0000 4,740 2 0.0004 21 0 631 2 0.0032 70 0 0.0000 0 591 0 0.0000 1,293 2 0.0015 22 0 521 8 0.0154 362 1 0.0028 0 1,125 5 0.0044 2,007 14 0.0070 

Total 3,993 16 0.0040 13,183 91 0.0069 12,917 118 0.0091 11,557 20 0.0017 10,200 19 0.0019 51,850 264 0.0051 
20

Figure 11. Bowhead and gray whale on-effort sightings per month, 2008-2010 combined. 

dead walrus were documented just east of the COMIDA study area. Most of the carcasses could 

not be identified to species due to advanced stages of decomposition. Those that could be 

identified included two bowhead whales, two gray whales and one beluga. Carcasses were seen 

both along the beach and in open water offshore. Whenever possible, photographs of dead 

whales were taken to assist with species identification and determining cause of death. In 

addition to cetaceans, eight dead walruses and nine pinniped carcasses that could not be 

identified to species were also documented. 

Objective 3. Provide timely information on marine mammal observations and 

environmental conditions, including ice conditions, following each survey flight to 

organizations as directed by the COR (e.g., National Ice Center, National Marine Fisheries 

Service, Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, MMS) for real-time management of 

activities in the region. 

 Preliminary COMIDA aerial survey data from 2008-2010 were made available to the 

general public, federal, state and local agency personnel, oil industry representatives, and other 
21

Figure 12. Fin whale, humpback whale and unidentified cetacean sightings per month, onand off-effort, 2008-2010 combined. 

researchers and interested parties, on a near real-time basis via a NMML-maintained website 

(http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/NMML/cetacean/bwasp/flights_COMIDA.php). Daily reports posted 

to this website included information on area flown, conditions encountered and details of 

cetacean sightings (Figure 19). 

In 2010, ice distribution data were provided directly to the National Weather Service Ice 

Desk, in the form of photographs, geo-referenced metadata, and environmental condition 

summary files. These data were specifically requested to assist with ground-truthing of satellite 

imagery. 

 Close collaboration with walrus and polar bear researchers from USFWS, USGS and the 

State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game was ongoing from 2008-2010. Data on walrus 

and polar bear sightings were shared on an as-needed basis, usually immediately after an unusual 

sighting such as a previously undocumented walrus haulout or several polar bears swimming 

between shore and sea ice located well offshore. Information on walrus aggregations on ice in 
22

Figure 13. Beluga sightings per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 combined. 

summer 2010 was relayed to USGS walrus researchers onboard a vessel at sea to assist with 

walrus satellite tagging efforts. Collaboration with USFWS walrus researchers led to a joint 

presentation at the Marine Mammals of the Holarctic International Conference in Kaliningrad in 

October 2010 by Joel Garlich-Miller (USFWS); the presentation included materials prepared by 

Cynthia Christman (NMML) summarizing walrus sightings by COMIDA in 2010. 

The COMIDA team also worked closely with biologists at the NSB Department of 

Wildlife Management. COMIDA relayed information about cetacean carcasses to NSB 

biologists in the event that they were able to send a team out for further investigation. In 

addition, COMIDA responded to an unusual sighting initially reported by Dr. Robert Suydam 

(NSB DWM) of ~650 belugas located in Elson Lagoon on 26 July 2010. The COMIDA team 

flew over the beluga sighting and took photographs in order to facilitate group size and 

composition (i.e., number of calves present) estimation (Appendix 3). 

 
23

Figure 14. Walrus sightings per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010. Group size is 

indicated by symbol size. 
24

Figure 15. Bearded seal sightings per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 combined. 

Presentations, Reports and Publications

In addition to the Daily Reports that were posted to the NMML website after each flight, 

results of COMIDA research were presented at several venues. Presentations and posters are 

listed below; abstracts of posters are included in Appendix 5. A paper summarizing COMIDA 

results from 2008-2009 was presented at the International Whaling Commission Scientific 

Committee meetings in Morocco in June 2010, and is included as Appendix 6. Two white 

papers on gray whale abundance in the COMIDA area were also produced at the request of COR 

Charles Monnett. 

List of Presentations: 

Monitoring the Distribution of Arctic Whales in the Chukchi Sea. Presentation at the MMS 

Information Transfer Meeting, October 2008, Anchorage, Alaska. [Clarke]. 
25

Figure 16. Unidentified pinniped sightings per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 

combined. 

Marine mammal occurrence in the Northeastern Chukchi Sea, Alaska – comparison of data from 

autumn 1989-91 and autumn 2008. Poster presented at the Alaska Marine Science 

Symposium, January 19-23, 2009, Anchorage, Alaska, and the American Cetacean 

Society’s 11th International Conference, November 13-16, 2008, Monterey, California. 

[Clarke, Morse and Rugh]. Abstract included. 

Swimming polar bears in the Alaskan Chukchi Sea – the REAL story. Poster presented at the 

American Cetacean Society’s 11th International Conference, November 13-16, 2008, 

Monterey, California. [Morse and Clarke]. Abstract included. 

Marine mammal occurrence in the Northeastern Chukchi Sea, Alaska – summer 2008. Poster 

presented at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium, January 19-23, 2009, Anchorage, 

Alaska, and the American Cetacean Society’s 11th International Conference, November 

13-16, 2008, Monterey, California. [Morse, Clarke and Rugh]. Abstract included. 
26

Figure 17. Polar bear sightings per month, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 combined. 

COMIDA and BWASP aerial surveys conducted by NMML 2008. Presentation at the 

BOWFEST workshop, January 2009, Anchorage, Alaska. [Clarke]. 

COMIDA and BWASP aerial surveys conducted by NMML 2008 (and 2009 results to date). 

Presentation to Marine Mammal Observer class, July 7, 2009, Barrow, Alaska. [Clarke]. 

BWASP and COMIDA aerial surveys in 2008. Presentation at the Arctic Stakeholder OpenWater Workshop, April 6-8, 2009, Anchorage, Alaska. [Clarke, Morse and Rugh]. 

Estimates of density and abundance of gray whales in the NE Chukchi during COMIDA2 2008. 

White paper prepared for Charles Monnett, Minerals Management Service, Anchorage 

Alaska, May 22, 2009. [Ferguson]. 

 
27

Figure 18. Sightings of dead marine mammals, on- and off-effort, 2008-2010 combined. 

Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey Project (BWASP) status update in 2009. Poster presented at the 

Alaska Marine Science Symposium, January 18-22, 2010, Anchorage, Alaska. [Clarke, 

Ferguson, Morse, Friedrichsen, Rone and Christman]. Abstract included. 

Aerial surveys for marine mammals in the northeastern Chukchi Sea: 2009. Poster presented at 

the Alaska Marine Science Symposium, January 18-22, 2010, Anchorage, Alaska. 

[Clarke, Christman, Ferguson and Morse]. Abstract included. 

Pacific walrus sightings documented by aerial surveys of the northeastern Chukchi Sea in 2009. 

Poster presented at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium, January 18-22, 2010, 

Anchorage, Alaska. [Christman, Ferguson, Friedrichsen, Rone and Clarke]. Abstract 

included. 

 
28

COMIDA – Flight 239 – 7 October 2010 

Area flown: Transects 7, 5, 3, and 1, complete 

Total hours flown: 3.9 

Total transect hours: 2.3 

Number of bowheads seen: 15 (1 calf) 

Weather and visibility: Partly cloudy, with patches of snow showers and low ceilings. Sea state ranged from Beaufort 2 to 4, and 

visibility ranged from 0 to 10 km. No sea ice was present in the area surveyed. 

Sightings: Bowhead whales, unidentified cetaceans, and unidentified pinnipeds 

Bowhead Preliminary Summary, Flight 239 Date: 10/7/2010 

Total bowheads: 15 Start time: 10/7/2010 10:49:35 AM End time: 10/7/2010 2:45:26 PM 

Bowhead sightings: 11 Transect minutes: 136 Transect km:442.5 

Bowheads on transect: 9 Circling minutes: 13 Circling km: 45.3 

Bowhead Cow-calf pairs: 1 Trans+Circ minutes: 149 Trans+Circ km: 487.8 

Bowhead Cow-calf Pairs on transect: 1 Search minutes: 78 Search km: 288.9 

Bowhead repeats: 0 Total minutes: 236 Total km: 812.9 

Possible repeats: 0 Deadhead minutes: 8 Deadhead km: 36.2 

Total gray whales: 0 Search blocks: 0, 13, 14, 12 

Total belugas: 0 Transect blocks: 13, 0, 14 

Other whale sightings: 2 

Total walrus: 0 

Total bear: 0 

Event Lat Long Block Species Total Repeat Calves Swim 

direction 

Swim 

Speed Behavior On effort 

78 71.08 -158.91 13 bowhead 1 no 0 -1 . rest True 

94 71.1 -159.12 13 bowhead 2 no 0 -1 . swim False 

102 71.14 -159.1 13 bowhead 2 no 0 -1 . swim False 

113 71.16 -159.18 13 bowhead 1 no 0 -1 . dive False 

115 71.17 -159.21 13 bowhead 1 no 0 -1 . dive True 

117 71.18 -159.25 13 unknown 

cetacean 1 no 0 -1 . dive True 

125 71.25 -159.47 13 unknown 

cetacean 1 no 0 -1 . swim True 

Figure 19. Sample Daily Report, as posted to the NMML COMIDA Survey Project: 

Preliminary Data website. 
29

Efficiency of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) relative to manned aircraft for surveying 

bowhead whale distribution and density in the Arctic. Poster presented at the Alaska 

Marine Science Symposium, January 18-22, 2010, Anchorage, Alaska. [Ferguson and 

Angliss]. Abstract included. 

Comparison of UASs and manned aircraft for surveying bowhead whale distribution and density. 

Talk presented at the workshop entitled Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems to Study 

Marine Mammals and Other Wildlife Species, October 10, 2009, Quebec City, Canada. 

[Ferguson, Angliss, Rugh, Mocklin and Vate Brattström]. 

COMIDA and BWASP aerial surveys conducted by NMML 2009. Presentation at the 

BOWFEST workshop, January 2010, Anchorage, Alaska, and the Arctic Stakeholder 

Open Water Meeting, 24 March 2010, Anchorage, Alaska. [Ferguson and Clarke]. 

Estimates of density and abundance of gray whales in NE Chukchi during COMIDA surveys in 

August 2009. White paper prepared for Charles Monnett, Minerals Management Service, 

Anchorage Alaska, October 23, 2009. [Ferguson]. 

Eastern North Pacific gray whale distribution and habitat use in the Chukchi Sea from aerial 

surveys: 1982-1991, 2008-2010. Poster presented at the Alaska Marine Science 

Symposium, January 17-21, 2011, Anchorage, Alaska. [Brower, Clarke, Ferguson, 

Christman and Grassia]. Abstract included. 

Pacific walrus sightings documented by COMIDA aerial surveys of the Northeastern Chukchi 

Sea in 2010. Poster presented at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium, January 17-21, 

2011, Anchorage, Alaska. [Christman, Brower, Clarke, Ferguson and Grassia]. Abstract 

included. 

A tale of two seas: lessons from multi-decadal aerial surveys for cetaceans in the Beaufort and 

Chukchi seas. Presentation at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium, January 17-21, 

2011, Anchorage, Alaska. [Ferguson, Clarke, Christman, Grassia and Brower]. Abstract 

included. 

Distribution, relative abundance and behaviors of bowhead whales in the Alaskan Beaufort and 

Northeastern Chukchi seas – Autumn 2007-2010. Poster presented at the Alaska Marine 

Science Symposium, January 17-21, 2011, Anchorage, Alaska. [Grassia, Clarke, 

Ferguson, Christman and Brower]. Abstract included. 

Clarke, J.T. and M.C. Ferguson. 2010. Aerial surveys of large whales in the northeastern 

Chukchi Sea, 2008-2009, with review of 1982-1991 data. Paper SC/61/BRG13 presented 

at the International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee Meetings, Morocco, June 

2010. 18 pp. Attached. 
30

Aerial surveys for marine mammals in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Presented to the 2011 

Alaska Scientific Review Group Meeting, February 3, 2011, Seattle, Washington. 

[Ferguson, Clarke, Christman, Grassia and Brower]. 

CONCLUSIONS

The COMIDA aerial survey component met or exceeded all stated objectives from 2008-

2010. Valuable data pertinent to the CSPA were collected in all years, supplementing aerial 

survey data collected in the 1980s and early 1990s. Highlights from 2008-2010 include: 

- Bowhead whales continued to be observed in autumn, broadly distributed west and 

southwest across the northeastern Chukchi Sea; in some years, areas close to shore 

between Barrow and Pt. Franklin, Alaska, provided temporary feeding opportunities. 

- Gray whales were distributed nearshore between Wainwright and Barrow, where 

feeding behavior was confirmed; unlike the previous survey period (1982-1991), gray 

whales were not seen offshore in the Hanna Shoal area. 

- Two additional endangered cetacean species, one fin and one humpback whale, were 

sighted in the northeastern Chukchi Sea. 

- Belugas were generally not observed in the study area in late summer and early 

autumn, but were present in early summer and late autumn. 

- Walruses were closely associated with sea ice when it was present; when sea ice was 

not present, relatively large numbers of walruses were observed in coastal haulouts. 

- Polar bears were present in the study area in summer and autumn, but their 

distribution and occurrence were not predictable. 

- Aerial surveys by manned aircraft remain the only means of assessing marine 

mammal distribution and relative abundance in an area as large as the CSPA, despite 

increasing periods of inclement weather. 
31

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

This study was funded in part by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals 

Management Service (MMS), through Inter-agency Agreement No. M08PG20023, with the U.S. 

Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as part of the 

MMS Alaska Environmental Studies Program, where we appreciate the continued support and 

encouragement of Charles Monnett. At NMML, we are grateful for the support of Robyn 

Angliss, John Bengtson, Phil Clapham, Dave Rugh, Kim Shelden and Janice Waite. The Twin 

Otter aircraft were provided by the Department of Commerce, NOAA Aircraft Operations Center 

(AOC), Tampa, Florida, via Inter-agency Agreement M07RG13263 between MMS and NOAA 

AOC. The Aero Commander aircraft was provided by Northern Commanders, Spokane, 

Washington, via Intra-agency Agreement No. M09PG00021 with the Department of the Interior 

Aviation Management Division. Numerous observers, pilots, mechanics, software engineers, 

website developers, and other support personnel contributed to the success of this project. Our 

sincere thanks to all. 
32

LITERATURE CITED

Angliss, R.P. and B.M. Allen. 2009. Alaska Marine Mammal Stock Assessments, 2008. 

NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-193. 252 pp. 

Boveng, P.L., J.L. Bengtson, T.W. Buckley, M.F. Cameron, S.P. Dahle, B.P. Kelly, B.A. 

Megrey, J.E. Overland, and N.J. Williamson. 2009. Status review of the spotted seal 

(Phoca largha). U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-AFSC-200, 153 p. 

Boveng, P., J.L. Bengtson, D.E. Withrow, J.C. Cesarone, M.A. Simpkins, K.J. Frost and J.J. 

Burns. 2003. The abundance of harbor seals in the Gulf of Alaska. Marine Mammal 

Science 19(1): 111-127. 

Clarke, J., C. Christman and M. Ferguson. 2010. Aerial surveys of endangered whales in the 

Beaufort Sea, fall 2006-2008. OCS Study MMS 2010-033. NOAA Technical 

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Haley, B., D.S. Ireland, R. Rodrigues, and D.M. Saverese, 2010. Chukchi Sea vessel-based 

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Appendices. 

Ljungblad, D.K., S.E. Moore, J.T. Clarke, and J.C. Bennett. 1987. Distribution, Abundance, 

Behavior and Bioacoustics of Endangered Whales in the Alaskan Beaufort and Eastern 

Chukchi Seas, 1979-86. OCS Study MMS 87-0039. Anchorage, AK: USDOI, MMS, 

Alaska OCS Region, 391 pp. 

Melnikov, V.V. and I.A. Zagrebin. 2005. Killer whale predation in coastal waters of the 

Chukotka Peninsula. Marine Mammal Science 21(3): 550-556. 

Moore, S.E. and J.T. Clarke. 1992. Distribution, abundance and behavior of endangered whales 

in the Alaskan Chukchi and western Beaufort Seas, 1991: with a review 1982-91. 

Prepared for Minerals Management Service, OCS Study MMS 92-0029. 

NSIDC. 2010. Arctic sea ice falls to third-lowest extent; downward trend persists. Press 

Release, 4 October 2010. National Snow and Ice Data Center. Cooperative Institute for 

Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Available 

from: http://nsidc.org/news/press/20101004_minimumpr.html. 
33

NSIDC. 2009. Arctic sea ice extent remains low: 2009 sees third-lowest mark. Press Release, 6 

October 2009. National Snow and Ice Data Center. Cooperative Institute for Research in 

Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Available from: 

http://nsidc.org/news/press/20091005_minimumpr.html

NSIDC. 2008. Arctic sea ice down to second-lowest extent; likely record low volume. Press 

Release, 2 October 2008. National Snow and Ice Data Center. Cooperative Institute for 

Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Available 

from: http://nsidc.org/news/press/20081002_seaicepressrelease.html

Quakenbush, L.T., J.J. Citta, J.C. George, R.J. Small and M.P. Heide-Jorgensen. 2010. Fall and 

winter movements of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in the Chukchi Sea and 

within a potential petroleum development area. Arctic 63(3): 289-307. 

Suydam, R., L.F. Lowry and K.F. Frost. 2005. Distribution and Movements of Beluga Whales 

from the Eastern Chukchi Sea Stock During Summer and Early Autumn. Final Report 

prepared for U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Alaska 

Outer Continental Shelf Region. OCS STUDY MMS 2005-035. 

USDOI, MMS. 2008. Aerial Surveys of Endangered Whales in the Beaufort Sea, Fall 2005. 

 OCS Study MMS 2008-023. Anchorage, AK: USDOI, MMS, Alaska OCS Region, 96 p. 

Wendler, G., M. Shulski and B. Moore. 2009. Changes in the climate of the Alaskan North 

Slope and the ice concentration of the adjacent Beaufort Sea. Theor. Appl. Climatol. 

99:67–74. 

Woodgate, R.A., K. Aargaard and T.J. Weingartner. 2005. A Year in the Physical 

Oceanography of the Chukchi Sea: Moored measurements from Autumn 1990-1991. 

Deep-Sea Research, Part II, 52, 3116-3149. 

 
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35

Appendix 1: Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) Aerial Survey, 

Annual Report 2008 

CHUKCHI OFFSHORE MONITORING IN DRILLING AREA (COMIDA) 

AERIAL SURVEY 2008 

INTRODUCTION 

The Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) aerial survey component 

was initiated in 2008, via an Interagency Agreement (Number M08PG20023) between the 

Minerals Management Service (Department of the Interior) and the National Marine Mammal 

Laboratory (Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, Department of 

Commerce). These surveys are a continuation of aerial surveys that were conducted by MMSsponsored contractors from 1982-1991 (see Moore and Clarke, 1992) and were conducted using 

similar methodology. Aerial surveys remain the only practical means of assessing marine 

mammal use in large study areas. The goal of this study is to investigate the distribution and 

abundance of marine mammals in the Chukchi Sea Planning Area (CSPA) during the open water 

months of June-November when various species are making seasonal migrations through the 

area. The COMIDA study area encompasses the northeastern Chukchi Sea from shore seaward 

to 68°N to 72°N and 157°W to 169°W, and it overlays Lease Sale 193 (offered in February 

2008). COMIDA aerial surveys were based out of Barrow and Kotzebue. Species of interest 

include the bowhead whale (an endangered species that is hunted by Native Inupiat from coastal 

Chukchi villages), gray whale, beluga, polar bear, walrus and the ice seals (bearded, ringed, 

spotter and ribbon seals). Increasing the understanding of marine mammal distribution, 

abundance and migration timing in this region will assist in decision-making to minimize 

impacts from petroleum development activities. 

Several communities along the Alaskan Chukchi coast conducted subsistence hunts for 

beluga, walrus, and other pinnipeds during the COMIDA survey periods. The COMIDA Project 

Manager and Field Team Leader met with North Slope Borough biologists, C. George and R. 

Suydam, prior to the commencement of aerial surveys to discuss areas of importance to 

subsistence hunters. These areas, generally near the villages and within a few kilometers of the 

coast, were avoided if hunters were observed in small boats. Additionally, areas within the 

Kasegaluk Lagoon encompass known spotted seal haulouts. During time periods when spotted 

seals were expected to be at haulouts, overflights of the lagoon were conducted at a higher 

altitude to avoid potential impacts. 

 

Marine mammal studies are permitted under NMML’s Permit No. 782-1719-07. This 

permit does not include polar bears and walrus, which are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish 

and Wildlife Service. To avoid potential harassment or take of those species, circling was not 

conducted and survey altitude remained at or above 1000 ft (310 m). 
36

FIELD PROJECTS 

Aerial Surveys 

Aerial surveys were conducted over the COMIDA study area during three field seasons: 

16 June – 7 July (known as COMIDA1), 3-26 August (COMIDA2), and 21 October – 10 

November (COMIDA3) 2008. North-south transects were flown in eleven survey blocks west 

and south of Point Barrow (Figure 1) in a NOAA Twin Otter aircraft (N56RF and N57RF). 

These survey blocks are identical to those flown previously, which will allow some comparison 

between data from the late 1980s and the current surveys. Survey altitude was generally near 

365 m (1200 ft), although lower ceilings occasionally required surveys be conducted at 1000 ft 

(310 m). The airplane was equipped with two large bubble windows and a removable side 

window to allow for photography of whales for verification of species and presence of calves. 

Surveys were flown at 110 kts airspeed. 

Preliminary analysis of COMIDA data has provided the following provisional 

information. 

COMIDA1 

Seven flights were conducted between 19 June and 2 July 2008 during the COMIDA1 

survey period (Table 1), based out of Barrow. A total of 35.3 hours of usable surveys were 

flown, as well as 9.0 hours (20% of total flight time) on deadhead (non-usable survey time due to 

inadequate visibility or transits over land) (Figure 2). The limited survey time was generally due 

to low ceilings and widespread fog and low visibility; three days (28-30 June) were also 

necessary for required 100-hr maintenance on the aircraft. Marine mammals seen included 30 

gray whales, three unidentified cetaceans (likely gray whales based on presence of well-defined 

mud plumes), 63 belugas, 288 walrus, one polar bear, and 72 bearded seals and unidentified 

pinnipeds (Table 2, Figure 3). Also of note, one fin whale was seen on 2 July 2008 at 69.3° N, 

165.7° W (Figure 4). This represents one of the farthest north verified sightings of a fin whale in 

the Chukchi Sea. 

Ice conditions during most of COMIDA1 comprised 80-100% ice cover north of 70.5°N 

and 0-80% south of 70.5°N. Ice was mostly floe and broken floe, with open and refrozen leads 

scattered amongst the floe ice. Sea states were excellent (Beaufort 00-02) in high ice coverage 

areas, and ranged from Beaufort 00 to 04 in open water areas west and south of Pt. Lay. 

COMIDA2 

Twelve flights were conducted from 7-25 August 2008 during the COMIDA2 survey 

period (Table 1), based out of Barrow. A total of 57.6 hours of usable surveys were flown, as 

well as 16.5 hours (22% of total flight time) on deadhead (Figure 5). The increased survey time 

(compared with COMIDA1) was due to higher ceilings and longer time periods of acceptable 

survey weather. Marine mammals seen included one bowhead whale (in the northernmost area 

of Block 15 during a transit back to Barrow), 183 gray whales, 31 unidentified cetaceans (likely 

gray whale based on presence of well-defined mud plumes), four belugas, 5,707 walrus, 16 polar 
37

bears, and 602 bearded seals and unidentified pinnipeds (Table 2, Figure 6). Of note, ten of the 

polar bears were seen on a single flight on 16 August, all of which were swimming in open water 

(Figure 7). On that date, the southernmost bear was within five km of land, and the northernmost 

bear was nearly 90 km from the nearest land. The northernmost bears were within ~ five km of 

broken floe ice; the other eight bears were several kilometers from the nearest ice. 

Ice conditions during COMIDA2 were quite different from those seen during COMIDA1. 

Most of the study area was completely ice-free, except for the northernmost survey blocks. Sea 

states varied from Beaufort 00 in the northernmost area where heavy ice was still present to B06 

in open water areas. 

COMIDA3 

Six flights were conducted from 23 October – 4 November 2008 during the COMIDA3 

survey period (Table 1); only one of these flights was completed in November. Surveys were 

based from Kotzebue, which allowed greater amount of daylight hours than available in Barrow. 

A total of 26.5 hours of usable surveys were flown, as well as 10.3 hours (28% of total survey 

time) on deadhead (Figure 8). Survey days in November were stymied by widespread snow 

showers and low ceilings and visibility. Marine mammals seen included three bowhead whales 

in the northern Chukchi (including one cow-calf pair), 13 gray whales, two unidentified 

cetaceans, 284 belugas, and 108 bearded seals and unidentified pinnipeds (Table 2, Figure 9). 

Gray whales were observed only in the southern Chukchi, despite survey coverage in the more 

northerly blocks. Gray whales have previously been acoustically recorded near Barrow nearly 

year-round (Stafford et al 2007), and 2008 ice conditions in the northern Chukchi in late October 

and early November did not appear to be an impediment to gray whale feeding opportunities. 

Interestingly, gray whales were also seen in late autumn 1989 only in the same southern Chukchi 

area (Figure 10), despite excellent survey coverage (Moore and Clarke, 1992). The importance 

of this area, and the underlying reasons why gray whales occur there, will continue to be 

investigated in future COMIDA surveys. 

Ice conditions during COMIDA3 consisted of shorefast and grease ice, but the majority 

of the study area remained ice free. Sea states varied from Beaufort 00-01 in sheltered waters to 

B03-04 in areas of newly formed grease ice. Sea states in open water areas commonly exceeded 

B06. 

Acknowledgements 

Numerous individuals and organizations contributed to the success of the COMIDA 

aerial surveys. Janet Clarke (SAIC Ocean Sciences Division) is the COMIDA Program 

Manager, Laura Morse (NMFS-AFSC-NMML) is the COMIDA Field Team Leader, and our 

excellent observers included Jeff Childs (Aquatic Farms), Gary Friedrichsen (NMFS-SWFSC), 

and Kim Goetz and Megan Ferguson (NMFS-AFSC-NMML). Dr. Charles Monnett (MMS, 

Alaska OCS Region, COR) and Dave Rugh and Kim Shelden (NMML Project Coordinators) 
38

provided useful advice and logistics support throughout the season; AFSC also provided web 

support for posting of daily survey reports. Mike Hay (MMS database programmer) gamely 

updated the data collection program when requested. The survey aircraft, pilots and mechanics 

were provided in 2008 by NOAA Aircraft Operations Center; we especially appreciate the 

services of pilots Douglas MacIntyre, Phillip Eastman, Jon French, and Scott Sandorf, and 

mechanics Sean Campbell, Mike Merik, and Ron Paully. Jan Bennett and Lark Wuerth 

(Department of the Interior Aviation Management Unit) monitored every 2008 flight via 

satellite-linked Aviation Flight Following. In Barrow, additional logistics support was provided 

by the North Slope Borough, Arctic Science Research Consortium and King Eider Inn. The 

aircraft was kept warm and safe in a hangar in Kotzebue made available from the State of Alaska 

and Alaska National Guard. A final word of appreciation and acknowledgment is extended to 

Flight Service personnel in Barrow and Kotzebue.

REFERENCES CITED 

Moore, SE and JT Clarke. 1992. Distribution, abundance and behavior or endangered whales in 

the Alaskan Chukchi and western Beaufort Seas, 1991: with a review 1982-91. Prepared for 

Minerals Management Service, OCS Study MMS 92-0029. 

Stafford, KM, SE Moore, M Spillane and S Wiggins. 2007. Gray whale calls recorded near 

Barrow, Alaska, throughout winter of 2003-04. Arctic 60(2): 167-172. 
39

Figure 1. COMIDA survey blocks 13-22. Block 12 is part of the BWASP survey area and was 

occasionally surveyed if weather precluded surveying the COMIDA area. 
40

Figure 2. COMIDA1 effort, 19 June-2 July 2008, depicted by sea state (black lines indicate time 

on deadhead). Numbers represent cetacean sighting events (see Fig. 3 for complete sighting 

details). 

 
41

Figure 3. COMIDA1 marine mammal sightings, 19 June-2 July 2008. 
42

Figure 4. Fin whale sighting, 2 July 2008 (photo by L. Morse, NMML). 
43

Figure 5. COMIDA2 effort, 7-25 August 2008, depicted by sea state (black lines indicate time 

on deadhead). Survey lines in block 12 (directly east of COMIDA study area) were flown to 

determine if bowhead whales were present prior to the start of the BOWFEST effort. Numbers 

represent cetacean sighting events (see Fig. 6 for sighting details). 
44

Figure 6. COMIDA2 marine mammal sightings, 7-25 August 2008. 
45

Figure 7. COMIDA2 polar bear sightings, 16-25 August 2008. 
46

Figure 8. COMIDA3 effort, 23 October-4 November 2008, depicted by sea state (black lines 

indicate time on deadhead). Numbers represent cetacean sighting events (see Fig. 9 for complete 

sighting details). 
47

Figure 9. COMIDA3 marine mammal sightings, 23 October-4 November 2008. 
48

Figure 10. Comparison of gray whale sightings, late autumn, 1982-91 and 2008. 
49

Table 1. Summary of 2008 COMIDA flight effort. 

Dates Project Total 

Flights 

Transect 

Kilometer 

Transect 

Hour 

Total 

Kilometer 

Total 

Hour 

16 June-7 July COMIDA1 7 3,594 17.7 7,263 35.3* 

3-26 August COMIDA2 12 5,366 26.3 11,990 57.6** 

21 October-10 

November COMIDA3 6 3,035 14.5 5,550 26.5***

* does not include 9.0 hours of deadhead (non-useable) survey time 

** does not include 16.5 hours of deadhead survey time 

*** does not include 10.3 hours of deadhead survey time 

Table 2. Summary of 2008 COMIDA sightings. 

COMIDA 1 COMIDA 2 COMIDA 3 

Species 

On 

Transect 

Total 

Survey 

On 

Transect 

Total 

Survey 

On 

Transect 

Total 

Survey 

Bowhead 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/1 2/3 2/3 

Gray 4/7 9/30 27/41 86/183 3/4 7/13 

Unid 

Cetacean 0/0 2/3 4/4 28/31 1/2 1/2 

Beluga 1/4 5/63 1/4 1/4 13/287 22/284 

Fin 0/0 1/1 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 

Walrus 46/283 48/288 58/1846 144/5707 0/0 0/0 

Polar Bear 1/1 1/1 6/6 16/16 0/0 0/0 

Bearded 

Seal 10/14 14/18 36/41 88/104 8/9 15/18 

Other 

Pinniped 38/58 45/68 157/264 286/498 37/50 63/88 

Table format: # of sightings/ # of animals 

 
50

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51

Appendix 2: Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) Aerial Survey, 

Annual Report 2009 

CHUKCHI OFFSHORE MONITORING IN DRILLING AREA (COMIDA) 

AERIAL SURVEY 2009 

INTRODUCTION 

The Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) aerial survey component 

was initiated in 2008, via an Interagency Agreement (Number M08PG20023) between the 

Minerals Management Service (Department of the Interior) and the National Marine Mammal 

Laboratory (Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, Department of 

Commerce). These surveys are a continuation of aerial surveys that were conducted by MMSsponsored contractors from 1982-1991 (see Moore and Clarke, 1992) and were conducted using 

similar methodology. Aerial surveys remain the only practical means of assessing marine 

mammal distribution, population density, and habitat use in large study areas. The goal of this 

study is to investigate the distribution and relative abundance of marine mammals in the Chukchi 

Sea Planning Area (CSPA) during the open water (ice-free) months of June-October when 

various species are undertaking seasonal migrations through the area. The COMIDA study area 

encompasses the northeastern Chukchi Sea from shore seaward, 68°N to 72°N and 157°W to 

169°W, and overlays Lease Sale 193 (offered in February 2008). COMIDA aerial surveys were 

based out of Barrow and Kotzebue. Species of interest include the bowhead whale (an 

endangered species that is hunted by Native Inupiat from coastal Chukchi Sea villages), gray 

whale, beluga, polar bear, walrus and the ice seals (bearded, ringed, spotted and ribbon seals). 

Increasing the understanding of marine mammal distribution, abundance and migration timing in 

this region will assist in decision-making to minimize impacts from petroleum development 

activities and other anthropogenic impacts. 

Several communities along the Alaskan Chukchi coast conducted subsistence hunts for 

beluga, walrus, and other pinnipeds during the COMIDA survey periods. The COMIDA Project 

Manager met with North Slope Borough (NSB) biologists, C. George and R. Suydam, prior to 

the commencement of aerial surveys to discuss areas of importance to subsistence hunters. 

These areas, generally near the villages and within a few kilometers of the coast, were avoided if 

hunters were observed in small boats. Additionally, areas within the Kasegaluk Lagoon 

encompass known spotted seal haulouts. During time periods when spotted seals were expected 

to be at haulouts, overflights of the lagoon were conducted at a higher altitude to avoid potential 

impacts. Survey altitude was also increased when walruses were sighted on ice or on beach 

haulouts to minimize disturbance. 

 
52

Marine mammal studies were permitted under NMML’s Permit No. 782-1719-09 for 

cetaceans and FWS Permit No. MA212570 for polar bears and walrus. In addition, Land 

Management Permits were obtained from the NSB Planning and Community Services 

Department to conduct aerial surveys in the COMIDA and adjacent BWASP (Bowhead Whale 

Aerial Survey Project) survey areas. 

FIELD PROJECTS 

Aerial Survey Protocol 

A revised survey design was adopted in 2009, with offshore transect lines oriented 

perpendicular to the coastline instead of oriented north-south (Figure 1). In addition, the survey 

design included a coastal transect between Pt. Barrow and Pt. Hope. This design was adopted 

for several reasons. 

1. Transects now run across the major bathymetric features of the northeast Chukchi, including 

Barrow Canyon and Hanna Shoal, across the retreating summer ice (a tongue of ice usually 

persists longer in the offshore Chukchi Sea parallel to coast while coastal areas are ice free 

earlier in season), and across the predominant Chukchi Sea currents. 

2. Transects now cross perpendicular to bowhead and beluga migration paths as described from 

bowhead and beluga satellite track data, as well as indicated by the distribution of historical 

bowhead sightings from 1982-2008. 

3. Less time is spent on search effort (off transect). As described above, all transects were 

projected to start at the coastline and a coastal transect would be flown enroute to and/or 

from transect surveys. 

4. Enhanced coverage of the nearshore areas allows better documentation of pinniped use 

including, but not limited to, walrus haulouts. An additional benefit of the coastal surveys 

was to monitor for marine mammal carcasses; data on stranded marine mammals will be 

immediately shared with NSB Department of Wildlife Management and will also be sent to 

the NMFS Stranding Network. 

The new design will not impact any analysis incorporating historical data, and all data 

can still be parsed into pre-existing survey blocks for analysis. The new survey design is as 

follows: 

Each year, one set of transect lines is generated from a single random point, designated as 

the “anchor.” Each transect is then spaced approximately 19 km (10 nm) from the next closest 

transect; this distance represents the mean distance that transects were generally spaced in the NS survey design previously used. Transects are perpendicular to the coastline. In consecutive 

years, transects will be generated from a new randomly selected anchor and placed in the same 

relative configuration, with 19 km separating adjacent transects, and an orientation that is 

perpendicular to the coastline. In this way, multi-year transect coverage will be uniform 

throughout the study area. 
53

Results 

Aerial surveys were conducted over the COMIDA study area from 24 June to 29 October 

2009 in NOAA de Havilland Twin Otter aircraft (N48RF, N56RF and N57RF) and an Aero 

Commander 690A provided by Northern Commanders. Survey altitude was generally near 365 

m (1,200 ft), although lower ceilings occasionally required surveys be conducted at or below 310 

m (1,000 ft). Each aircraft was equipped with two large bubble windows and a removable 

window to facilitate photography of whales for verification of species and presence of calves. 

Surveys were flown at 200 km/hr (110 kts) airspeed. 

Weather and aircraft maintenance prevented flying for periods of more than seven days 

on two occasions: 16-23 June and 13-24 July. A survey aircraft was not available to the project 

from 30 July-8 August. Despite these gaps, survey coverage in the COMIDA study area far 

surpassed aerial survey efforts in 2008 (Clarke, 2009). 

A total of 240 hours were flown in 2009, with 175 hours actively surveying in good 

conditions and 59% of that time spent on transect effort (Table 1). Survey coverage was highest 

in July and September (Figure 2). Marine mammals recorded included bowhead whales 

(Balaena mysticetus), gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), belugas (Delphinapterus leucas), one 

humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), unidentified cetaceans (species could not be 

verified), polar bears (Ursus maritimus), walruses (Odobenus rosmarus), bearded seals 

(Erignathus barbatus) and several smaller pinnipeds (Table 2, Figure 3). 

Nineteen dead animals were sighted in 2009, including one carcass that was identifiable 

as a bowhead whale, three identifiable gray whales, six non-identifiable large cetaceans, five 

identifiable walrus and four non-identifiable pinnipeds (Table 3). All carcasses were reported to 

NMFS Alaska Region Stranding Coordinator; all cetacean carcasses were also reported to the 

NSB Department of Wildlife Management. 

June 

Four flights were completed in June for a total of 16.5 hours and nearly 3,400 km (Table 

1). The limited survey time was generally due to low ceilings and widespread fog and low 

visibility; the survey aircraft did not arrive in Barrow until 20 June due to an unexpected 

maintenance issue. Marine mammals seen included 17 bowhead whales, 28 gray whales, one 

unidentified cetacean, one beluga, 1,390 walruses, and 77 bearded seals and unidentified 

pinnipeds (Table 2, Figure 4). 

Of special note were sightings of bowhead whales on 26 and 30 June in the vicinity of Pt. 

Franklin. The bowheads appeared to be feeding because they were observed swimming in 

echelon formations and birds were observed at the surface (Figure 5). Most gray whales were 

feeding, and they were in the presence of numerous well defined mud plumes. Most walruses 

were on ice and distributed offshore. Walruses appeared to respond to aircraft overflights, so 
54

higher altitudes (400-670 m; i.e., 1,600-2,200 ft) were maintained in areas where walruses were 

abundant. 

Ice conditions during most of June comprised 80-100% ice cover north of 70.5°N except 

in the nearshore area which was ice free. Ice was mostly floe and broken floe, with open and 

refrozen leads scattered amongst the floe ice. Observed sea states were excellent (Beaufort 00-

02) in high ice coverage areas, and ranged from Beaufort 00 to 06 in open water areas. 

July 

Ten flights were completed in July for a total of 53.7 hours and over 11,000 km (Table 

1). Low ceilings and widespread fog and low visibility negatively affected survey time; the 

survey aircraft was not present in Barrow for six days during mandatory 100-hr maintenance in 

Anchorage. Marine mammals seen included 27 bowhead whales, 176 gray whales, 47 

unidentified cetaceans (most likely gray whales due to the presence of well-defined mud 

plumes), one humpback whale, 311 belugas, 7,817 walruses, 207 bearded seals and unidentified 

pinnipeds, and one polar bear (Table 2, Figure 6). 

The bowhead whale sightings were likely of the same group that was seen in June. 

Bowheads were seen in the Pt. Franklin/Peard Bay area on 1, 8, 9, and 11 July, with additional 

sightings west of Barrow on 25 and 26 July (Figure 7). At least one easily identifiable whale 

was seen on more than one day (Figure 8). Gray whales were often seen in the same immediate 

area as the bowhead whales. 

Gray whales were sighted nearshore between Pt. Lay and Pt. Barrow, and the prevailing 

behavior was feeding as evident from well-formed mud plumes. Ten gray whale calves were 

seen in July (Figure 9). 

The humpback whale was seen on 25 July between Icy Cape and Wainwright, feeding in 

close proximity to four gray whales (Figure 10). 

Walruses were distributed throughout the survey area, both in the water and hauled out 

on scattered ice floes. 

Ice conditions in July varied greatly depending on the winds. Strong westerly winds 

blew broken floe ice (and the walrus resting on that ice) towards shore on a few occasions. 

When the wind shifted out of the east, the ice retreated offshore. By the end of July, the southern 

part of the COMIDA study area (south of 71°N) was entirely ice free, and 20-70% broken floe 

ice remained in the more northerly regions. Observed sea states were very good (Beaufort 00-

02) in high ice coverage areas and ranged from Beaufort 00 to 06 in open water areas. 
55

August 

Ten flights were completed in August for a total of 38.0 hours and 8,000 km (Table 1). 

There was no survey aircraft available until 8 August; low ceilings precluded flying on several 

days or caused surveys to be shortened. Marine mammals seen included two bowhead whales, 

129 gray whales, 33 unidentified cetaceans (most likely gray whales due to the presence of welldefined mud plumes), 1,913 walruses, 47 bearded seals and unidentified pinnipeds, and one polar 

bear (Table 2, Figure 11). 

The two bowhead whales were seen northwest of Pt. Barrow. Gray whales remained 

mainly in nearshore regions between Pt. Lay and Pt. Barrow, and the prevailing behavior was 

feeding as evidenced by well-formed mud plumes. Walruses were distributed throughout the 

survey area north of 71°N, both in the water and hauled out on the few remaining scattered ice 

floes. In late August, most walruses were very near shore between Wainwright and Barrow. 

Open water persisted throughout most of August, with only scattered broken floes in the 

study area. Observed sea states ranged from Beaufort 02 to 07 in open water areas. 

September 

Thirteen flights were completed in September for a total of 63.6 hours and 13,700 km 

(Table 1). Survey conditions improved in September allowing greater coverage. Marine 

mammals seen included 23 bowhead whales, 37 gray whales, four unidentified cetaceans, 10,860 

walruses, 201 bearded seals and unidentified pinnipeds, and two polar bears (Table 2, Figure 12). 

Most of the bowhead whales were seen on 19 September, southwest of Barrow. Several 

of the bowheads were feeding (Figure 13). Compared to summer, very few gray whales were 

seen in the study area, and areas where gray whales were seen in 1989-91 near Hanna Shoal 

(Moore and Clarke, 1992) remained unused in 2009. 

Of particular note were the walrus sightings. A large (estimated minimum 2,500 

animals) walrus haulout was recorded on Icy Cape on 2 September, and resighted on 6 and 13 

September (Figure 14). The haulout was not sighted after 13 September, despite several 

overflights of the location. Walruses continued to be seen throughout the month in nearshore 

areas from south of Pt. Lay to Pt. Barrow and were also observed swimming offshore. 

Open water persisted throughout September, with only scattered broken floes in the study 

area. Observed sea states ranged from Beaufort 02 to 07 in open water areas. 
56

October 

Twelve flights were completed in October for a total of 68.4 hours and 15,600 km (Table 

1). A significant percentage (54%) of the flight time, however, was on deadhead (no survey 

effort) because the base of operations moved to Kotzebue so that the aircraft could be parked in a 

hangar. Only 21.1 hours (31%) of time was on-transect. Marine mammals seen included 37 

bowhead whales, 20 gray whales, 11 unidentified cetaceans, 113 belugas, 9 walruses, and 277 

bearded seals and unidentified pinnipeds (Table 2, Figure 15). 

Most of the bowhead whales were seen on 29 October, northeast of Barrow, in an area 

where feeding bowheads were documented in summer and fall during BOWFEST (Bowhead 

Whale Feeding Ecology Study) and BWASP studies. Bowheads were also sighted in offshore 

blocks of the COMIDA study area, close to active lease sales. Sightings of other marine 

mammals were far fewer in October than other months. 

Open water persisted throughout October, with new/grease ice forming in shallow 

nearshore areas only. Observed sea states ranged from Beaufort 02 to 07 in open water areas. 

Conclusions 

Despite a few periods of limited survey activity due either to aircraft logistics or 

environmental conditions, COMIDA achieved excellent coverage of the study area in 2009. 

Nearly every transect line was surveyed at least once. The coastal transect provided additional 

flexibility for transiting to and from the survey area, and yielded some of the season’s most 

notable sightings. 

The Peard Bay/Pt. Franklin area appeared to provide excellent feeding habitat for 

cetaceans, particularly bowhead and gray whales, throughout the study period (Figure 16). 

Cetaceans were sighted in this area from 26 June to 15 October 2009, which is the last day 

surveys were conducted in good conditions in this area. Gray whales have been sighted here 

historically (Figure 17), and the presence of bowheads, particularly in summer, underscores the 

importance of the COMIDA study. 

The lack of gray whales in the offshore regions of Hanna Shoal (western half of Block 13 

and eastern half of Block 14) was unexpected. There was also no evidence of mud plumes, 

which are generally seen in areas where gray whales are feeding. Feeding gray whales were 

regularly sighted offshore in the 1980s (Figure 17). The opportunity to continue to collect data 

in the COMIDA study area for several years to come will allow us to determine if the lack of 

offshore gray whales in 2009 was an unusual event or representative of a changing Arctic 

environment. 
57

Problems and Recommendations 

In 2009, the survey protocol called for flying every third transect line to avoid any 

possible duplication of cetacean sightings. This proved to be neither practical nor advisable. 

Too much time was spent transiting from the end of one line to the start of the third line over, 

and often environmental conditions deteriorated during the transit. Circumstances (remaining 

fuel, environmental conditions, daylight) often dictated that consecutive lines were flown. In 

2010, we plan on flying every other transect line whenever possible. 

Transits to and from transect starting and ending points in 2009 were often flown as 

deadheads, at altitudes too high to conduct even off-effort (search) surveys. This was 

occasionally dictated by weather patterns, but was often done to conserve fuel for maximum 

transect surveying. The aircraft used for COMIDA surveys from mid-June through early 

September 2009 had an active survey range of approximately five hours (with one hour reserve), 

and inclement weather in Barrow often dictated an even greater fuel reserve. Longer-range 

aircraft, due to larger internal fuel tanks, were used for surveying from early September though 

the end of October, increasing survey range and transect coverage in the study area. In 2010, the 

aircraft scheduled for the entire COMIDA season will have the larger internal tank and therefore 

greater range, so surveying the coastal transect to and from starting points of perpendicular 

transects should be possible more often. 

Conducting surveys in the COMIDA study area while basing out of Kotzebue, as was 

done in 2008 and 2009, is too costly in fuel, time and impacts to pilots and scientists. The study 

area is greater than one hour distant from Kotzebue, and areas of highest interest (e.g., active 

lease areas) are more than two hours away. Surveys will not base from Kotzebue in 2010, and 

will operate out of Barrow exclusively. Kotzebue, as well as Deadhorse, will remain alternate 

fuel sites. NOAA AOC will not work out of Barrow in October without a hangar; an alternate 

aircraft contractor with comparable aircraft will be used for surveys at that time. 

Presentations of COMIDA 2009 Data 

Two COMIDA-related posters will be presented at the 2010 Alaska Marine Science 

Symposium, Anchorage, AK. 

- Aerial Surveys for Marine Mammals in the Northeastern Chukchi Sea: 2009 - Janet 

Clarke, Megan Ferguson, Laura Morse, Gary Friedrichsen, Brenda Rone and Cynthia 

Christman 

- Pacific Walrus Sightings Documented by Aerial Surveys of the Northeastern Chukchi 

Sea in 2009 - Cynthia Christman, Megan Ferguson, Gary Friedrichsen, Brenda Rone, and 

Janet Clarke 

 
58

Acknowledgements 

Numerous individuals and organizations contributed to the success of the COMIDA 

aerial surveys. Megan Ferguson (NMFS-AFSC-NMML) is the NMML Program Coordinator 

and Janet Clarke (SAIC Ocean Sciences Division) is the COMIDA Program Manager. In 

addition to Ferguson and Clarke, Gary Friedrichsen, Laura Morse and Brenda Rone (NMFSAFSC-NMML) acted as COMIDA Field Team Leaders, and observers included Dee Allen, 

Amelia Brower, Jeff Childs, Cynthia Christman, Kim Goetz, Stephanie Grassia, Wendy Lewis 

and Katie Sweeney (NMFS-AFSC-NMML). We are especially appreciative of the October 

crew, who doggedly flew several hours of deadhead to and from Kotzebue to collect valuable 

October survey data during rapidly waning daylight. Charles Monnett (MMS, Alaska OCS 

Region, COR) and Dave Rugh, Kim Shelden (NMML Project Coordinators) and Janice Waite 

(NMFS-AFSC-NMML) provided useful advice and logistics support throughout the season; 

AFSC also provided web support for posting of daily survey reports. Mike Hay (RDI) gamely 

updated the data collection program and provided additional software support in a timely 

manner. The Twin Otter survey aircraft, pilots and mechanics were provided by NOAA Aircraft 

Operations Center; we especially appreciate the services of pilots Dave Cowan, Chris Daniels, 

Jon French, Nickie Lambert, Jason Mansour, Ron Moyer, and Scott Sandorf; mechanics Sean 

Campbell, Mike Merek and Ron Pauley; and logistics support by Nancy Ash and others in the 

AOC Program Office. The Aero Commander was provided by Northern Commanders and 

piloted by Andy Harcombe and Will Vacendak. Jan Bennett and Lark Wuerth (Department of 

the Interior, Aviation Management Unit) monitored every flight via satellite-linked Aviation 

Flight Following. In Barrow, additional logistics support was provided by the North Slope 

Borough and King Eider Inn. The aircraft was kept warm and safe in a hangar in Kotzebue made 

available from the State of Alaska and Alaska National Guard. A final word of appreciation and 

acknowledgment is extended to Flight Service personnel in Barrow and Kotzebue and the 

National Weather Service office in Barrow, particularly Jim Salzwedeo and Gina Strum. 

References 

Clarke, JT. 2009. Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area, 2008. Report prepared for 

NMML-NMFS and MMS-Alaska. 15 pp. 

Moore, SE and JT Clarke. 1992. Distribution, abundance and behavior or endangered whales in 

the Alaskan Chukchi and western Beaufort Seas, 1991: with a review 1982-91. Prepared 

for Minerals Management Service, OCS Study MMS 92-0029. 
59

Figure 1. COMIDA study area, 2009: Perpendicular transect lines, coastal transect, bathymetry 

and Sale 193 Lease Blocks. 
60

Figure 2. COMIDA survey effort by month, 2009. 
61

Figure 3. COMIDA marine mammal sightings by species, 2009. 
62

Figure 4. COMIDA marine mammal sightings and effort, June 2009, not including unidentified 

cetaceans. 
63

Figure 5. Bowhead whale feeding group north of Pt. Franklin, 30 June 2009. 

 
64

Figure 6. COMIDA marine mammal sightings and effort, July 2009, not including unidentified 

cetaceans. 
65

Figure 7. Bowhead whale sightings, late June through July 2009, near Pt. Franklin/Peard Bay 

area. 

 
66

Figure 8. Bowhead whale observed north of Pt. Franklin on 30 June 2009 (left) and east of Pt. Franklin on 11 July 2009 (right). 
67

Figure 9. Gray whale cow-calf pair (calf underneath cow) seen in immediate vicinity of feeding 

bowhead whales, 11 July 2009. 
68

Figure 10. Humpback whale, sighted very close to shore between Wainwright and Icy Cape, 25 

July 2009. 
69

Figure 11. COMIDA marine mammal sightings and effort, August 2009, not including 

unidentified cetaceans. 
70

Figure 12. COMIDA marine mammal sightings and effort, September 2009, not including 

unidentified cetaceans. 
71

Figure 13. Feeding bowheads southwest of Barrow, 19 September 2009. 
72

Figure 14. Walrus haulout, Icy Cape, September 2009. Sighted on 2, 6 and 13 September 2009. 
73

Figure 15. COMIDA marine mammal sightings and effort, October 2009, not including 

unidentified cetaceans. 
74

Figure 16. COMIDA cetacean sightings made on transect, June-October 2009. 
75

Figure 17. Gray whale sightings made on transect, June-October 1982-2009. 
76

Table 1. Summary of 2009 COMIDA flight effort. 

 Total 

Time 

(h) 

Transect 

Time (h) 

Surveyable 

Time (h) 

Deadhead 

Time (h) 

Total 

Distance 

(km) 

Transect 

Distance 

(km) 

June 16.5 5.6 11.3 5.3 3,366 1,202 July 53.7 24.3 44.4 9.3 11,326 5,163 August 38.0 18.0 36.0 2.0 8,006 3,753 September 63.6 34.0 51.8 11.8 13,713 6,985 October 68.4 21.1 31.6 36.8 15,608 4,329 Total 2009 

240.2 103.0 175.1 65.2 52,019 21,432 

Table 2. Summary of 2009 COMIDA sightings (# of sightings/# of animals). 

Bowhead 

Whale 

Gray 

Whale 

Humpback 

Whale 

Unid. 

Cetacean*

Beluga Walrus Unid. 

Pinniped**

Bearded Seal Polar 

Bear 

June 6/17 18/28 0/0 1/1 1/1 54/1,390 50/60 6/17 0/0 July 13/27 114/176 1/1 35/47 8/311 226/7,817 139/180 13/27 1/1 August 2/2 83/129 0/0 28/33 0/0 231/1,913 33/45 2/2 1/1 September 11/23 37/37 0/0 4/4 0/0 148/10,860† 90/178 11/23 2/2 October 20/37 14/20 0/0 8/11 13/113 5/9 92/240 20/37 0/0 Total 52/106 266/390 1/1 76/96 22/425 664/21,989† 404/703 52/106 4/4 * includes any cetacean that could not be identified to species, regardless of size ** includes any pinniped that could not be identified to species, regardless of size † includes two repeat sightings (of 7,500 walrus) at Icy Cape haulout 
77

Table 3. Summary of carcasses sighted during COMIDA 2009. 

Flt 

No 

Date Latitude (N) Longitude 

(W) 

Species Total 

No 

Notes 

220 8/20/09 70.917 157.607 bowhead 1 carcass 223 8/27/09 71.206 157.004 gray whale 1 carcass on beach 223 8/27/09 71.314 156.753 gray whale 1 initially sighted and reported by NSB 227 9/6/09 69.707 164.185 gray whale 1 221 8/21/09 71.191 157.002 unidentified cetacean 1 probably gray whale, on beach 221 8/21/09 71.387 156.462 unidentified cetacean 1 on beach 231 9/19/09 69.463 163.148 unidentified cetacean 1 inside beach, probably gray whale 231 9/19/09 70.836 166.774 unidentified cetacean 1 heavily decomposed, flukes trailing, 

pectoral flippers observed 

234 9/25/09 71.786 168.545 unidentified cetacean 1 advanced decomposition 242 10/15/09 71.524 161.760 unidentified cetacean 1 . 224 8/29/09 71.455 159.087 unidentified pinniped 1 floating carcass with flock of birds 231 9/19/09 70.026 162.638 unidentified pinniped 1 associated with polar bear 231 9/19/09 69.951 162.759 unidentified pinniped 1 . 231 9/19/09 69.781 163.057 unidentified pinniped 1 . 223 8/27/09 71.501 166.016 walrus 1 . 231 9/19/09 70.052 162.598 walrus 1 . 231 9/19/09 70.299 162.016 walrus 1 . 231 9/19/09 71.086 157.191 walrus 1 . 231 9/19/09 71.286 156.812 walrus 1 on beach 
78

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79

Appendix 3: Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) Aerial Survey, 

Annual Report 2010 

CHUKCHI OFFSHORE MONITORING IN DRILLING AREA (COMIDA) 

AERIAL SURVEY 2010 

INTRODUCTION 

The Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) aerial survey component 

was initiated in 2008, via an Interagency Agreement (No. M08PG20023) between the Minerals 

Management Service (MMS) [Department of the Interior; currently the Bureau of Ocean Energy 

Management, Regulation and Enforcement] and the National Marine Mammal Laboratory 

(NMML) [Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, Department of 

Commerce]. These surveys are a continuation of aerial surveys that were conducted by MMSsponsored contractors from 1982-1991 (Moore and Clarke, 1992) and use similar methodology. 

Aerial surveys remain the only practical means of assessing marine mammal distribution, 

population density, and habitat use in large study areas. The goal of this study is to investigate 

the distribution and relative abundance of marine mammals in the Chukchi Sea Planning Area 

(CSPA) during the open water (ice-free) months of June-October, when various species are 

undertaking seasonal migrations through the area. The COMIDA study area encompasses the 

northeastern Chukchi Sea from shore seaward, latitude 68°N to 72°N and longitude 157°W to 

169°W, and overlays Lease Sale 193 (offered in February 2008). In 2010, COMIDA aerial 

survey operations were based out of Barrow. Species of interest include the bowhead whale 

(Balaena mysticetus), gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), beluga (Delphinapterus leucas), polar 

bear (Ursus maritimus), walrus (Odobenus rosmarus), and ice seals. Increasing the 

understanding of marine mammal distribution, abundance and migration timing in this region 

will assist in decision-making to minimize impacts from petroleum exploration, development and 

production activities, and other anthropogenic impacts. 

Several communities along the Alaskan Chukchi coast conducted subsistence hunts for 

bowhead whales, belugas, walruses, and other pinnipeds during the COMIDA survey period. 

The COMIDA Program Coordinator and Project Manager met with North Slope Borough (NSB) 

biologists, Craig George and Robert Suydam, prior to the commencement of aerial surveys to 

discuss areas of importance to subsistence hunters. These areas, generally near villages and 

within a few kilometers of the coast, were avoided if hunters were observed in small boats. 

Additionally, areas within the Kasegaluk Lagoon encompass known spotted seal haulouts. 

During time periods when spotted seals (Phoca largha) were expected to be at haulouts, 

overflights of the lagoon were conducted above the normal survey altitude of 1000 to 1200 ft to 

avoid potential impacts. Survey altitude was also increased when walruses were sighted on ice 

or in beach haulouts to minimize disturbance. 

 
80

Marine mammal research activities were permitted under NMFS Permit No. 782-1719-09 

for cetaceans and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Permit No. MA212570 for polar 

bears and walruses. In addition, Land Management Permits were obtained from the NSB 

Planning and Community Services Department to conduct aerial surveys in the COMIDA and 

adjacent BWASP (Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey Project) survey areas. In 2010, NMML also 

consulted with the USFWS to conduct aerial surveys in Critical Habitat Unit 4 (Ledyard Bay) for 

spectacled eiders; no adverse impacts to species or habitat were expected based on the altitude at 

which surveys would be conducted (>1,000’). 

FIELD PROJECTS 

Aerial Survey Protocol 

Offshore transect lines were generated for 2010 from a single random point, designated 

as the “anchor”, and were offset from transect lines in 2009. Transects were oriented 

perpendicular to the coastline, and were spaced approximately 19 km (10 nm) apart (Figure 1). 

In addition, the survey design included a coastal transect (1 km offshore) between Pt. Barrow 

and Pt. Hope, Alaska. 

Aerial surveys were conducted in an Aero Commander 690A, provided by Northern 

Commanders (Figure 2). The Aero Commander was used for the duration of the survey period 

in lieu of a de Havilland Twin Otter because the latter was unavailable to support surveys. 

Survey altitude was generally near 365 m (1,200 ft), although lower ceilings occasionally 

required that surveys be conducted at or below 310 m (1,000 ft). As stated above, surveys near 

walrus haulouts on ice or land and spotted seal haulouts in Kasegaluk Lagoon were conducted at 

higher altitudes to avoid potential disturbances. The aircraft was equipped with two large bubble 

windows for visual observation and a removable floor panel to facilitate photography of whales 

for verification of species and presence of calves, and to document walrus haulouts and whale 

carcasses. Surveys were flown at 200 km/hr (110 kts) airspeed. 

Additional details on aerial survey methods are included in Clarke et al. (2010). 

Results 

Aerial surveys were conducted over the COMIDA study area from 3 July to 25 October 

2010. A total of 44 surveys were conducted, ranging from 0.5 to 9.4 hours. Conditions ranged 

from superb, as in late July when a record-breaking nine days were flown consecutively, to 

abysmal, as in late October when high winds precluded flying for several consecutive days. 

Conditions allowed for two flights per day on six days. Weather and aircraft maintenance 

prevented flying for periods of seven or more days on three occasions: 1-7 August, 29 

September-6 October and 13-24 October. A survey aircraft was not available to COMIDA on 5 

July and from 7-9 July due to previously scheduled commitments to support unrelated research. 

Lack of fuel in Barrow prevented flying on five days, and flights focusing at least partially on the 

BWASP survey area (Beaufort Sea) were conducted on three days. Despite these limitations, 

survey coverage in the COMIDA study area in 2010 was comparable to that completed in 2009 

(Clarke, 2010). 
81

A total of 179.9 hours were flown in 2010, with 130.2 hours actively surveying in good 

conditions and 72% of that time spent on transect effort (Table 1). Survey coverage was highest 

in July (Figure 3). Marine mammals recorded included bowhead whales, gray whales, belugas, 

unidentified cetaceans (species could not be verified due to limited view by observer), one polar 

bear, walruses, bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) and several smaller pinnipeds (Table 2, 

Figure 4). Smaller pinnipeds could not be identified to species but were likely ringed (Pusa 

hispida) or spotted seals. 

Over the course of the season, 11 dead animals were sighted, including one bowhead 

whale, one beluga, one unidentified large cetacean (likely gray whale), three walruses and five 

unidentified pinnipeds (Table 3). All carcasses were reported to National Marine Fisheries 

Service Alaska Region Stranding Coordinator; cetacean carcasses were also reported to the NSB 

Department of Wildlife Management. 

July 

During July, 16 flights were conducted for a total of 66.6 hours and nearly 17,000 km 

(Table 1). Low ceilings, widespread fog and poor visibility negatively impacted survey time in 

early July, but superb weather conditions in the latter half of July allowed for an unprecedented 

nine consecutive survey days. Marine mammals observed included 1 bowhead whale, 136 gray 

whales, 831 belugas (mainly in Elson Lagoon just east of Pt. Barrow, Alaska), 3 unidentified 

cetaceans, 4,004 walruses, and 273 unidentified pinnipeds (Table 2, Figure 5). 

Gray whales were sighted nearshore between Wainwright and Pt. Barrow, Alaska, and 

the prevailing behavior observed was feeding, as evident from well-formed mud plumes. Gray 

whales were also seen west of Pt. Hope, Alaska, in the southernmost part of the study area. A 

dead cetacean, initially reported to the aerial team by Lisburne Radio, was observed close to 

shore east of Cape Lisburne, Alaska, on 27 July (Table 3). Review of the images taken of the 

carcass indicated it was likely a gray whale (Figure 6). 

Several hundred belugas were observed in Elson Lagoon northeast of Barrow, Alaska, on 

26 July (Figure 7). The COMIDA team diverted from normal survey operations to investigate the 

lagoon after initial shore observations were reported by Robert Suydam and Leslie Pierce of the 

NSB Department of Wildlife Management. Approximately 8% of the belugas appeared to be 

calves, based on analysis of photographs. 

Walruses were mainly distributed north of latitude 71.5°N, near or hauled out on ice floes 

(Figure 8). When possible, survey altitude was increased near walruses hauled out on ice to 

avoid potential disturbances. 

Sea ice was present only in the northernmost part of the study area, generally north of 

latitude 71.5°N. Ice coverage in this area varied from 0-95% broken floe, and sea states were 
82

generally very good (Beaufort 00-02). The remainder of the study area was completely ice-free. 

Sea states ranged from Beaufort 00-07. From 20-28 July, survey conditions were phenomenal in 

the study area, with low sea states (Beaufort 00-04) and excellent visibility. 

August 

During August, nine flights were conducted for a total of 41.7 hours and 10,500 km 

(Table 1). The survey aircraft was not available from 1-6 August due to scheduled aircraft 

maintenance in Anchorage, Alaska, and low ceilings precluded flying on several days or caused 

surveys to be shortened. In addition, the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at the Wiley PostWill Rogers Airport in Barrow, Alaska, was not fully operational in mid-August and jet fuel was 

extremely limited in late August, both of which further impacted survey opportunities. Marine 

mammals observed included 80 gray whales, 49 belugas, 3 unidentified cetaceans, 8,584 

walruses, 1 bearded seal and 69 unidentified pinnipeds (Table 2, Figure 9). 

Gray whales remained mainly in nearshore regions between Wainwright and Pt. Barrow, 

Alaska, and the prevailing behavior was feeding, as evidenced by well-formed mud plumes. 

Gray whales were also observed in the area west of Pt. Hope, Alaska, where they had been 

observed in July. 

In early August, walruses were distributed throughout the survey area north of latitude 

71°N, both in the water and hauled out on the few remaining scattered ice floes. In late August, 

most walruses were very near shore between Pt. Lay and Barrow, Alaska. On 30 August, several 

large walrus haulouts on the coast were documented by the COMIDA team. Walruses were 

observed at three haulouts located 22 miles east of Cape Lisburne, comprising an estimated 

2,500, 1,000 and 200 animals each (Figure 9). These haulouts were on narrow beaches along 

rocky cliff faces. Despite the aircraft maintaining a survey altitude of 1,500 ft and avoiding 

direct overflight of the animals, walruses in the smallest aggregation seemed to respond to the 

aircraft by flushing into the water. The Cape Lisburne haulouts were not observed again due to 

their more remote location and the decision to avoid further potential disturbance. 

The fourth haulout documented on 30 August was approximately 3 miles northeast of Pt. 

Lay, Alaska (Figure 9). It was located was located on the beach of a low-lying barrier island. 

Approximately 4,000 animals were at the haulout. 

Biologists from the USFWS and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) were notified 

throughout the field season with information about all haulouts to facilitate agency monitoring of 

the aggregations. 

 

Open water persisted throughout August, with only scattered broken floe ice throughout 

the study area. Observed sea states ranged from Beaufort 02 to 07 in open water areas. 
83

September 

During September, thirteen flights were conducted for a total of 46.3 hours and 10,900 

km (Table 1). Survey conditions improved slightly in September, although periods of high 

winds curtailed surveying on several days. The BWASP study area was surveyed on three days, 

and those data are not included here. Marine mammals seen included 10 bowhead whales, 45 

gray whales, 3 unidentified cetaceans, 1 small unidentified cetacean, 1 polar bear, 39,309 

walruses (includes repeat sightings of Pt. Lay haulout), and 46 unidentified pinnipeds (Table 2, 

Figure 10). 

Bowhead whales were seen on 13 September northwest and west of Pt. Barrow, and on 

18 September north of Pt. Barrow, Alaska (Figure 10). One dead bowhead was sighted on 17 

September approximately 50 km southwest of Barrow, Alaska (Table 3, Figure 11). Despite 

efforts to relocate the carcass during a flight on 18 September, the animal was not resighted due 

to low ceilings and reduced visibility in the area. 

Gray whale distribution remained nearshore between Pt. Franklin and Barrow, Alaska, 

although fewer whales were seen compared to July and August. 

Walruses continued to be observed in large numbers nearshore and in the aggregation 

hauled out near Pt. Lay, Alaska, which was first sighted by the COMIDA team on 30 August. 

The Pt. Lay haulout was resighted during subsequent flights on five dates: 6, 12, 16, 17 and 24 

September. Group size estimates of the haulout varied substantially, from <1,000 walruses to 

>15,000 walruses, indicating that the haulout was very dynamic (Figure 12, Figure 13). 

The single polar bear was observed on 24 September on the beach, at position 70.445°N, 

160.578°W. 

Open water persisted throughout September, with only scattered broken floe ice in the 

northernmost part of the study area. Observed sea states ranged from Beaufort 02 to 07 in open 

water areas. 

At the request of the National Weather Service Ice Desk, the survey team took 

photographs of sea ice in the COMIDA study area. The images, along with georeferencing data, 

were sent to ice forecasters to assist with ground-truthing of satellite imagery (Figure 14). 

October 

During October, six flights were conducted for a total of 25.2 hours and 5,600 km (Table 

1). The aircraft was grounded due to mechanical issues for six days in early October and was 

unavailable for five days in mid-October due to scheduled maintenance in Anchorage. Weather 

was dismal in the latter half of October, and persistent high winds (>25 kts) led to an early end of 
84

COMIDA 2010 on 27 October. Marine mammals observed included 22 bowhead whales, 5 gray 

whales, 1 beluga, 6 unidentified cetaceans, 94 walruses, 2 bearded seals and 27 unidentified 

pinnipeds (Table 2, Figure 15). 

Sightings of marine mammals were fewer in October than in previous months of the 

survey period, and fewer than October surveys in past years, likely due to decreased survey 

effort and suboptimal survey conditions. Bowhead whales were observed during three flights on 

7, 8 and 9 October, northwest and west of Barrow, Alaska, including areas near active lease 

sales. Walruses were still present in the survey area, but none were seen at the haulout near Pt. 

Lay, Alaska, during a survey conducted on 8 October. 

Open water persisted throughout October, with new/grease sea ice forming in shallow 

nearshore areas only. Observed sea states ranged from Beaufort 02 to 07 in open water areas. 

Conclusions 

Despite periods of limited survey activity due to aircraft logistics or environmental 

conditions, COMIDA achieved very good coverage of the study area in 2010. A portion of each 

transect line was surveyed at least once, with especially good coverage of transects in the CSPA. 

Total kilometers on transect in 2010 (19,326, Table 1) were comparable to kilometers on transect 

in 2009 (21,432), despite a 2010 field season that was shorter by three weeks; average transect 

kilometer per week was greater in 2010 (1,171) compared to 2009 (1,128). The coastal transect 

continued to provide additional flexibility for transiting to and from the survey area and for 

documenting walrus haulouts on land. 

Bowhead whale sighting distribution in 2010 (Figure 16) was north and west of Pt. 

Barrow, Alaska, and similar to that observed in previous years in the northeastern Chukchi Sea 

(Clarke and Ferguson, 2010). Unlike summer 2009 (Clarke, 2010), bowheads were not seen 

nearshore between Pt. Franklin and Barrow, Alaska, indicating they may use that area 

intermittently. 

The area between Wainwright and Pt. Barrow, Alaska, continued to provide excellent 

feeding habitat for gray whales throughout the study period (Figure 17). Gray whales were 

sighted in this area throughout the field season, from 3 July to 9 October. Gray whales were also 

concentrated west of Pt. Hope, Alaska, where they were recorded both times flights were 

conducted in the southernmost survey block, on 20 July and 20 August. As in 2008 and 2009, 

gray whales were not seen near Hanna Shoal, which they did occupy in the late 1980s and early 

1990s (Moore and Clarke, 1992). 

Walrus distribution and movements were similar to those documented in 2009 (Figure 

18). Walruses were seen in the vicinity of, and hauled out on, sea ice when it was present (July 

and August). When sea ice diminished in the survey area (early September), walruses were 
85

clustered in the water nearshore and aggregated in coastal haulouts on land. Group size 

estimates at the haulout near Pt. Lay, Alaska, varied considerably throughout September. Few 

walruses were observed in October. Tagging data from the USGS indicated that walruses 

remained close to the Pt. Lay haulout location until early October, after which most of the tagged 

animals left the COMIDA study area (http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/walrus/2010 

animation_Norseman.html). 

Problems and Recommendations 

COMIDA project management learned in May 2010 that the NOAA Aircraft Operations 

Center (AOC) would not be able to provide a previously-scheduled survey aircraft (de Havilland 

Twin Otter) to COMIDA until August, at the earliest, due to NOAAs ongoing aerial monitoring 

of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Increasing concern over NOAA AOCs 

ability to support COMIDA 2010 led management to actively pursue an alternative survey 

aircraft. Thanks to the efforts of several individuals at MMS, NMML, and the Department of the 

Interior Aviation Management Division, COMIDA was able to procure the services of a Turbo 

Aero Commander 690A for the duration of the 2010 field season. It is highly likely that 2010 

COMIDA aerial survey effort would have been seriously compromised, or perhaps not even 

occurred, if the Aero Commander had not been available. The use of an Aero Commander for 

the duration of COMIDA 2010 demonstrated the feasibility of using this type of aircraft 

exclusively for surveys in the Chukchi Sea study area. A Turbo Aero Commander will be used 

for COMIDA aerial surveys in 2011. 

Conducting surveys in late October has proven difficult. In 2008 and 2009, October 

surveys were based from Kotzebue, Alaska. Several flights were conducted, but a large 

percentage of survey time was spent off-effort during transits to and from the study area, or they 

were focused on the southernmost part of the study area, which is not a high priority for 

COMIDA. In 2010, October surveys were solely based from Barrow, Alaska. Shorter periods of 

daylight, frequent snow squalls, potential icing conditions, and prolonged strong wind events 

curtailed survey effort. Survey planning in 2011 should consider a provisional end to the survey 

season by mid-October, with the possibility of extending surveys only if weather conditions 

permit. 

Presentations of COMIDA 2010 Data 

In January 2011, three COMIDA-related posters and one talk will be presented at the 

Alaska Marine Science Symposium, Anchorage, Alaska. 
86

Posters: 

- Eastern North Pacific Gray Whale Distribution and Habitat Use in the Chukchi Sea from 

Aerial Surveys: 1982-1991, 2008-2010 – Amelia Brower, Janet Clarke, Megan Ferguson, 

Cynthia Christman and Stephanie Grassia 

- Pacific Walrus Sightings Documented by Aerial Surveys of the Northeastern Chukchi 

Sea in 2010 - Cynthia Christman, Amelia Brower, Janet Clarke, Megan Ferguson and 

Stephanie Grassia 

- Distribution, Relative Abundance and Behaviors of Bowhead Whales in the Alaskan 

Beaufort and Northeastern Chukchi Seas – Autumn, 2007-2010 – Stephanie Grassia, 

Janet Clarke, Megan Ferguson, Cynthia Christman and Amelia Brower 

Talk: 

- A Tale of Two Seas: Lessons from Multi-decadal Aerial Surveys for Cetaceans in the 

Beaufort and Chukchi Seas – Megan Ferguson, Janet Clarke, Cynthia Christman, 

Stephanie Grassia and Amelia Brower 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

Numerous individuals and organizations contributed to the success of the 2010 COMIDA 

aerial surveys. Megan Ferguson (NMFS/AFSC/NMML) is the NMML Program Coordinator 

and Janet Clarke (SAIC Ocean Sciences Division) is the COMIDA Program Manager. In 

addition to Ferguson and Clarke, Cynthia Christman, Amelia Brower, and Stephanie Grassia 

(NMFS/AFSC/NMML) acted as COMIDA Field Team Leaders (Figure 19). Observers included 

Mike Borden, Brendan Hurley, Brenda Rone and Becky Scott, (NMFS/AFSC/NMML). Charles 

Monnett (MMS, Alaska OCS Region, COR), Robyn Angliss, Dave Rugh, Kim Shelden and 

Janice Waite (NMFS/AFSC/NMML) provided useful advice and logistical support throughout 

the season; AFSC also provided web support for posting of daily survey reports. Mike Hay 

gamely updated the data collection program and provided additional software support in a timely 

manner. The Aero Commander was provided by Northern Commanders, where we appreciated 

the support of Mary Pratt and Jeff Wolfe. We are particularly grateful for the enthusiastic efforts 

of our Clearwater Air pilots (Figure 20), Andy Harcombe and Aiden Loehr, and co-pilots, Stan 

Churches and Chris Palm, whose ingenuity allowed us to survey even when circumstances did 

not seem to be in our favor. Jan Bennett and Lark Wuerth (Department of the Interior, Aviation 

Management Unit) monitored every flight via satellite-linked Aviation Flight Following. In 

Barrow, Alaska, additional logistical support was provided by the North Slope Borough and 

King Eider Inn. A final word of appreciation and acknowledgment is extended to the Flight 

Service and National Weather Service offices in Barrow, Alaska. Our thanks to all.

 
87

REFERENCES 

Clarke, J.T. 2010. Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA), 2009. Report 

prepared for NMML-NMFS and MMS-Alaska. 26 pp. 

Clarke, J.T and M.C. Ferguson. 2010. Aerial surveys of large whales in the northeastern 

Chukchi Sea, 2008-2009, with review of 1982-1991 data. Paper SC/61/BRG13 presented 

at the International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee Meetings, Morocco, June 

2010. 18 pp. 

Clarke, J., C. Christman and M. Ferguson. 2010. Aerial surveys of endangered whales in the 

Beaufort Sea, Fall 2006-2008. Report prepared by the National Marine Mammal 

Laboratory for the Minerals Management Service. OCS Study BOEMRE 2010-033. 120 

pp plus appendices. 

Moore, S.E. and J.T. Clarke. 1992. Distribution, abundance and behavior of endangered whales 

in the Alaskan Chukchi and western Beaufort Seas, 1991: with a review 1982-91. 

Prepared for Minerals Management Service, OCS Study MMS 92-0029. 
88

Figure 1. COMIDA 2010 study area showing perpendicular transect lines, coastal transect, 

bathymetry and Sale 193 Lease Blocks. 

2009 transect lines are also plotted to illustrate varying coverage between years. 
89

Figure 2. COMIDA 2010 survey aircraft, Turbo Aero Commander 690A, call sign N222ME, 

chartered from Northern Commanders, Spokane, Washington. Photo by Janet Clarke (SAIC).
90

Figure 3. COMIDA survey effort by month, 2010. 
91

Figure 4. COMIDA marine mammal sightings by species, 2010. 
92

Figure 5. COMIDA marine mammal sightings and survey effort, July 2010. 
93

Figure 6. Carcass of an unidentified cetacean (likely a gray whale) sighted on Flight 214, 27 

July 2010, at position 68.856°N, 165.718°W. 

Photo by Amelia Brower (NOAA/AFSC/NMML) under NMML Permit No. 782-1719-09. 
94

Figure 7. Large group of belugas sighted on Flight 213, 26 July 2010, in Elson Lagoon northeast 

of Barrow, Alaska. 

Photo by Amelia Brower (NOAA/AFSC/NMML) under NMML Permit No. 782-1719-09. 
95

Figure 8. Walruses hauled out on sea ice. 

Photo by Amelia Brower (NOAA/AFSC/NMML) under USFWS Permit No. MA212570-0. 
96

Figure 9. COMIDA marine mammal sightings and survey effort, August 2010. 
97

Figure 10. COMIDA marine mammal sightings and survey effort, September 2010. 
98

Figure 11. Carcass of a bowhead whale, sighted on Flight 233, 17 September 2010, at position 

71.146°N, 157.986°W. 

Photo by Mike Borden (NOAA/AFSC/NMML) under NMML Permit No. 782-1719-09. 

 
99

Figure 12. Walrus haulout near Pt. Lay, Alaska, 6 September 2010. The haulout size was 

estimated at 15,000 walruses. The yellow arrow indicates a small pond that can be used for 

geographical reference with Figure 13. 

Photo by Mike Borden (NOAA/AFSC/NMML), USFWS Permit No. MA212570-0. 

 
100

Figure 13. Walrus haulout near Pt. Lay, Alaska, 17 September 2010. An estimated 6,000 walruses were hauled out on land and an 

additional 2,000 animals were observed in nearby waters. The yellow arrow indicates a small pond that can be used for geographical 

reference with Figure 12. 

Photo by Mike Borden (NOAA/AFSC/NMML), USFWS Permit No. MA212570-0. 
101

Figure 14. Sea ice, Flight 229, 12 September 2010. Photo by Mike Borden 

(NOAA/AFSC/NMML). 
102

Figure 15. COMIDA marine mammal sightings and survey effort, October 2010. 
103

Figure 16. COMIDA bowhead whale sightings, July-October 2010. 
104

Figure 17. COMIDA gray whale sightings July-October 2010. 
105

Figure 18. COMIDA walrus sightings, July-October 2010. 

Embedded chart depicts observed changes in group size estimates of walruses hauled out near Pt. 

Lay, Alaska. 
106

Figure 19. COMIDA 2010 Team Leaders. 

From left to right – Janet Clarke, Megan Ferguson, Cynthia Christman, Stephanie Grassia and 

Amelia Brower. 

Photo by Stan Churches (Clearwater Air). 
107

Figure 20. COMIDA 2010 pilots, Stan Churches and Andy Harcombe. 

Photo by Mike Borden (NOAA/AFSC/NMML). 

 
108

Table 1. Summary of 2010 COMIDA survey effort. 

Month Total Time (hr) Total Km Transect Time (hr) Transect Km July 66.6 16,771 35.9 7,416 August 41.7 10,506 19.8 4,105 September* 46.3 10,953 23.3 4,832 October 25.2 5,585 14.7 2,973 Total 179.9 43,814 93.7 19,326 * excludes time and distance from portions of Flights 229 and 235 dedicated to BWASP surveys 

Table 2. Summary of 2010 COMIDA marine mammal sightings (no. of sightings/no. of animals). Includes dead animals. 

Month 

Bowhead 

Whale 

Gray 

Whale 

Beluga Unidentified 

Cetacean1

Small 

Unidentified 

Cetacean2

Polar 

Bear 

Walrus Bearded 

Seal 

Unidentified 

Pinniped3

Small 

Unidentified 

Pinniped4

July 1/1 66/136 16/831 3/3 0/0 0/0 85/4,004 0/0 8/8 196/265 August 0/0 58/80 6/49 3/3 0/0 0/0 134/8,584 1/1 16/16 51/53 September* 8/10 34/45 0/0 3/3 1/1 1/1 99/39,309 0/0 8/8 31/38 October 18/22 3/5 1/1 6/6 0/0 0/0 5/94 2/2 1/1 21/26 Total 27/33 161/266 23/881 15/15 1/1 1/1 323/51,991† 3/3 33/33 299/382 

* excludes marine mammals seen during portions of Flights 229 and 235 dedicated to BWASP surveys 1 includes any large cetacean that could not be identified to species; likely bowhead or gray whale, but possibly other mysticetes 2 includes any small cetacean that could not be identified to species; possibly belugas or harbor porpoises 3 includes any large pinniped that could not be identified to species; possibly walruses or bearded, ringed or spotted seals 4 includes any small pinniped that could not be identified to species; likely ringed or spotted seals 

† includes several repeat sightings of walruses hauled out near Pt. Lay, Alaska 
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Table 3. Summary of 2010 COMIDA dead marine mammal sightings. 

Flight 

No. 

Date Latitude 

(°N) 

Longitude 

(°W) 

Species Notes 

207 7/20/2010 68.112 167.679 unidentified 

pinniped 

214 7/27/2010 68.856 165.718 unknown cetacean reported to survey team by Lisburne Radio; probable gray whale; 

very close to shore 

214 7/27/2010 69.367 167.912 walrus 218 8/14/2010 71.098 161.327 beluga floating 225 8/30/2010 69.388 167.379 unidentified 

pinniped 

probable walrus 

233 9/17/2010 71.146 157.986 bowhead whale searched for again on 18 September but not resighted 233 9/17/2010 70.445 163.811 unidentified 

pinniped 

233 9/17/2010 70.351 163.460 unidentified 

pinniped 

233 9/17/2010 71.224 157.465 unidentified 

pinniped 

233 9/17/2010 69.934 163.509 walrus 233 9/17/2010 70.957 158.974 walrus 
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Appendix 4: BWASP and COMIDA Observer Manual – 2010 

Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey Program (BWASP) 

and 

Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) 

Observer Manual – April 2010 

NOAA/NMFS/AFSC/NMML 

Contributors: 

Amelia Brower 

Cynthia Christman 

Janet Clarke 

Megan Ferguson 

Stephanie Grassia 

Mike Hay 

Laura Morse 
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Preface 

The National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), 

NOAA Fisheries Service, under formal Interagency Agreements (IA) with the Minerals 

Management Service (MMS), has the lead on the collection and analysis of data for the BWASP 

(Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey Project) and COMIDA (Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in 

Drilling Area) projects. Both of these projects involve aerial surveys of the Outer Continental 

Shelf in northern Alaska with an emphasis on documenting bowhead whale distribution. There 

is considerable interest by regional and federal government agencies, including the North Slope 

Borough and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the general public in information collected 

by these projects. 

This document provides an information overview for participants in the BWASP and COMIDA 

aerial surveys, including the procedures and protocols instituted for data collection, data 

processing and information dissemination. This is not a static document, as updates are 

frequently required to keep the information current. Major revisions to the document will be 

undertaken annually prior to the start of the field season. Aerial survey participants are 

encouraged to provide feedback on the documentation to the Project Manager. 

 
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I. COMIDA/BWASP Observer General Information – 2010 

Introduction 

BWASP and COMIDA aerial surveys will be coordinated by the Project Manager. The 

Project Manager will work closely with the Team Leaders, who will direct all field activities. 

The remainder of each field team will consist of two biological observers, pilot, co-pilot and 

mechanic. The Project Manager and MMS COR will occasionally be in the field, and it is 

possible that they may join one of the teams as a 4th observer. All members of the field team will 

have specific duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to weather briefings, 

occasional aircraft safety briefings, flight data QA/QC, and equipment checks. Each flight team 

will have a designated Field Data Manager and Weather Data Manager, the duties of which are 

described elsewhere. The Project Manager and Team Leaders will likely be in daily 

communication, either email or phone. Team members are welcome to contact the Project 

Manager if needed, although communication via the Team Leader is preferred. Additional 

information concerning field duties is included in the Survey Objectives, Protocol and Design 

section. 

Communities 

Barrow - COMIDA aerial surveys are based in Barrow, which is located in the northwest 

corner of Alaska, bordered by the Chukchi Sea to the west and the Beaufort Sea to the east 

(Figure 1). Demographics in Barrow and nearby Browerville are ~60% Inupiat and 40% nonInupiat making for a very diverse community. Information about Barrow can be found at a 

website hosted by King Eider Hotel at http://kingeider.net/eider/ (look for Barrow links at the 

bottom of the page). The local government is the North Slope Borough, based in Barrow but 

with jurisdiction for the entire North Slope, including villages ranging from Kaktovik in the east 

to Anaktuvak Pass in the interior and Pt. Hope in the southern coastal area. The current mayor of 

the NSB is Mr. Edward Itta. The NSB website is an excellent source of information, 

http://www.co.north-slope.ak.us/. It is important for team members to be aware of the cultural 

sensitivities of the communities we are working from, and conduct themselves responsibly. In 

particular, do not trespass on private property, do not go to Pt. Barrow without a guide, and 

remember that anything you say or do will be reflected back on the project. If there are any 

questions as to appropriate behavior, check with the Team Leader or Project Management. 

 

Deadhorse - BWASP aerial surveys will be based from Deadhorse, aka Prudhoe Bay, which 

is located near the central Alaskan Beaufort Sea coast (Figure 2). Deadhorse is a collection of 

oilfield camps located near the airport. Access to the actual oilfield is restricted. There is no 

town, per se; most people working in Deadhorse are generally on some type of two or three week 

rotation. 
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Other Villages (aka Emergency Landing Sites) - There are several small villages/ camps 

along both the Chukchi (Wainwright, Pt Lay, Atqusuk, Pt Hope) and Beaufort Sea (Nuiqsut, 

Alpine, Kaktovik) coasts that have runways suitable for landing our survey aircraft. However, 

most of them do not have lodging, basic visitor services, or aircraft fuel. There are two 

emergency landing sites with services, where the aircraft can be diverted if landing at Barrow or 

Deadhorse is not possible. Both are at least two hours from our base of operations, which is why 

pilots insist on having considerable fuel reserves until they are able to assess daily weather. 

Kotzebue is located on Kotzebue Sound south of the COMIDA study area, and is an emergency 

alternate for COMIDA flights. The Maniiliq Corporation website has some basic information on 

Kotzebue (http://www.maniilaq.org/kotzebue.html). Bettles is located south of Deadhorse on the 

south side of the Brooks Range, and is an emergency alternate for BWASP flights. There is very 

little in Bettles, but it does have a lodge and fuel http://www.bettleslodge.com/. Neither of these 

sites should be planned stopovers, although all observers are encouraged to carry overnight 

essentials with them in case diversions are necessary. 

Lodging and Other Amenities 

Lodging arrangements have been made for scientific crew, pilots and mechanic in both 

Barrow and Deadhorse. Each team member is responsible for paying for their own meals and 

lodging and expensing for reimbursement. We are not able to set up accounts in either location. 

Barrow – all team members will be staying at the King Eider Inn (contact information: 907 

852 4700; mailing address PO Box 1283; physical location 1752 Ahkovak St, Barrow, AK, 

99723), which is located directly across the street from the airport. Some of the rooms have 

kitchenettes. Team members may either eat at one of several restaurants in town or purchase 

food for preparation; most team members do a combination of both. There are workout facilities 

available at the high school or recreation center, and several semi-organized sports events. 

Deadhorse – most team members will be staying at Deadhorse Camp (contact information: 

907 388 8535; mailing address: PO Box 340040, Deadhorse, AK, 99734, shipping address: Mile 

412.8, Dalton Highway, Deadhorse, AK, 99734), which is located about a mile from the airport. 

Some team members may stay at the Prudhoe Bay Hotel, which is located closer to the airport 

(907 659 2449). All food is provided for team members as part of the lodging cost. Deadhorse 

Camp does not have its own workout facilities, but team members have been successful at 

infiltrating workout facilities at other camps. 

Transportation 

Barrow - the King Eider is located within walking distance to the airport and no vehicle will 

be needed (with the possible exception of arrival and departure days to ferry equipment to and 

from the aircraft). Most everything is within walking distance in Barrow or Browerville, 

including restaurants and grocery. Taxis are plentiful and most trips are <$10. 

Deadhorse - Deadhorse Camp is far enough from the airport to require a truck. Truck rental 

is difficult to set up because trucks are limited. A crew cab pickup will be reserved for ferrying 
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the entire crew to and from the aircraft, as well as running various errands. Gasoline will need to 

be paid for by observers, and expensed accordingly. 

Alcohol 

Barrow is a “damp” city. Absolutely no alcohol can be bought or sold, but can be in 

possession and brought in for personal consumption. On a commercial flight, the following can 

be transported in checked baggage: one 12-pack of beer, two bottles of wine OR one bottle of 

hard liquor. Most hotels have policies on alcohol as well. Note that the King Eider hotel does 

not allow alcohol in their establishment. 

Deadhorse is dry and alcohol is strongly frowned on in all of the camps, including 

Deadhorse Camp. 

All crew members are expected to abide by the laws and rules of the city and private 

establishments. 

Firearms 

 The COMIDA/BWASP projects do not provide firearms for the project and no personal 

observer firearms are allowed on the survey aircraft. It is up to the discretion of the pilots 

whether they bring firearms onto the plane. Both the King Eider and Deadhorse Camp allow 

firearms in their establishments, but with caution. They ask that the firearms stay unloaded and 

locked or stowed away while in the hotel or camp. 

Communications 

Personal cell phones may work in Barrow; AT&T/Cingular and T-Mobile generally work. 

Verizon has generally not worked or is, at best, intermittent (as of 2009). If personal cell phones 

do not work, the next choice is calling cards. Service availability is subject to change so will be 

assessed at the start of the field season. 

Cell phone service in Deadhorse is excellent for almost any carrier. 

Most lodging has free wifi or Ethernet. There is wifi available at most rooms in the King 

Eider; Wifi is available at all camps in Deadhorse. 

Public Relations 

COMIDA, BWASP and other arctic research projects are of immense interest to the local 

communities. Our crew(s) should make every reasonable effort to meet with stakeholders to 

discuss the objectives, methods and goals of the COMIDA and BWASP aerial survey projects. 

Much of this will be started by the Project Manager when she is on-site, but continued 

throughout the field seasons by the Team Leader(s). It is important to stress during these 

meetings that the field crew is responsible for collecting data and making sure that they are 

disseminated to interested parties, but that field biologists are not involved in policy decisions. 
116

Media Requests: 

Any team member that is approached by the media should refer them immediately to the 

Team Leader. In the event that our project has unique or out-of-the-ordinary sightings or 

circumstances, the Team Leader(s) will immediately contact the Project Manager or Project 

Coordinator, who will collect the pertinent information and coordinate with Public Affairs 

personnel at NMFS Headquarters (connie.barclay@noaa.gov) and similar personnel at FWS (for 

sightings of walrus and/or polar bears). Management will also ensure that supervisors, Division 

Directors, Doug DeMaster and Bill Karp are kept informed. Coordinating in this way allows for 

the information to be shared in a controlled and manageable way, and removes the field crew 

from having to directly deal with media requests. See Appendix A for additional information on 

coordination with Public Affairs Officer regarding sharing of photographs. 

Non-Animal Photography: 

 The MMS sponsor has requested that the BWASP/COMIDA team provide him with 

“action” images and videos taken throughout the field season. He may distribute images within 

MMS to raise/maintain awareness of our projects. Examples might include pilots/mechanic 

preparing the aircraft prior to a flight, setting up the computer and entering data, looking out the 

window, etc. These are not the most exciting photos, but will be much appreciated by MMS. 

Short videos are also welcome. Any images should be stamped with name and agency, but do 

not need to have permit numbers included. Send images to either the Project Manager or Project 

Coordinator. 

Decision-making Processes 

The pilots are solely responsible for determining if conditions are safe enough to fly and 

return safely to base, as they are responsible for the safety of people and property. This is true 

regardless of the experience level of the pilot or Team Leader. Team Leaders are encouraged to 

discuss weather conditions with pilots to better understand their concerns about local weather 

patterns and establish a positive team environment. Weather conditions change rapidly in the 

Arctic, and unsafe flying conditions in the morning may give way to beautiful conditions in the 

afternoon and vice versa. 

Once a determination has been made as to safety of flight conditions, Team Leaders, in 

consultation with the Project Manager and the pilots, will decide the most appropriate areas to 

fly. 

For both COMIDA and BWASP, the intention is to cover the survey area(s) as completely 

as possible. The COMIDA area is divided into survey blocks which, in the past, have been 

surveyed with north-south transect lines. In 2009, a new survey protocol was introduced that 

features systematic transect lines that run southeast-northwest, or roughly perpendicular to the 
117

shore line (Figure 1). Details of the survey protocol are included in the Survey Objectives, 

Protocol and Design section. A coastal transect is also flown to and from transect starting points 

when possible. One complete coastal transect per week is the targeted level of effort. As always, 

flexibility is essential, because the reality of Arctic flying is that the best laid plans on the ground 

will often need to be adjusted once airborne. The highest priority survey blocks in the COMIDA 

survey area are those with active lease areas, followed by the coastal blocks. The southernmost 

part of the study area, including Block 22 and parts of Blocks 20 and 21, is of lowest priority as 

it is not part of Chukchi Lease Sale 193. Transects in the southernmost part of the COMIDA 

study area may require a refueling stop in Kotzebue. 

BWASP survey blocks are all accessible via Deadhorse (Figure 2) and are flown using 

north-south transects with randomly chosen start and end points. Details are included in the 

Survey Objectives, Protocol and Design section. Far western blocks may require re-fueling in 

Barrow. As with COMIDA, the intent is to fly all survey blocks equally, without duplicating 

effort in any one area before other areas have been flown. Starting in the west and working 

towards the east is always preferable as the direction of the autumn migration of cetaceans 

through the Alaskan Beaufort Sea is from east to west. 

Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances may occur that preclude regular surveying. 

Possibilities include: 

Automated Flight Following unavailable – in the event that AFF monitoring is not available 

to conduct real-time monitoring of survey flights, the only survey that will be initiated is a 

coastal transect with a very specific flight plan. No offshore surveys will be conducted without 

monitoring by AFF. Increased sat phone communication will be initiated, upon consultation 

with pilots. If AFF becomes unavailable once a survey flight is already in progress (as indicated 

by sat phone call from ADM in Anchorage), the survey aircraft will immediate transit directly 

back to either Deadhorse or Barrow. Should AFF become available again during that flight, 

transect surveys may continue at the Team Leader and pilots discretion. 

Flight Service unavailable – Barrow and Deadhorse Flight Service close at 10 PM, after 

which air traffic control defaults to Fairbanks. Surveys should never be planned such that the 

aircraft is not on the ground prior to 10 PM. No exceptions. Local Flight Service can provide 

much better forecasts and up-to-the-minute local weather conditions that are not possible from 

Fairbanks. 

Search and Rescue request for assistance – human safety always precludes survey 

requirements; we will assist if asked and collect data during those flights as possible. 

Avoidance of hunting areas – always truncate transect lines away from coastal villages 

during various hunting seasons and whalers in boats; we will get additional guidance from NSB 

and other groups as to timing and locations of these hunts. Furthermore, there is a Whaler 

Communication Center in Barrow and Deadhorse (at SA-10 camp) to assist with whaling 

logistics and ensure whaler safety. Individuals at the communication center can provide 
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information on if and where whalers are active. See also below under Avoidance of Sensitive 

Wildlife Areas. 

Confirming a unique or odd marine mammal sighting, assisting with finding a struck whale, 

and/or VIP on board – These are rather discretionary circumstances. The Team Leader should 

contact the Project Manager and discuss the circumstances of discretionary requests. Further 

communication with NMML and MMS representatives may be required. 

Aircraft Safety Considerations 

Each person flying on the COMIDA/BWASP surveys must be aircraft egress trained, 

including dunk-tank training, and have completed several additional trainings. All observers will 

be issued flight suits (Mac 100s) and must wear them during over-water flights. Swit-liks are 

also worn during (minimum) takeoff and landing, but should be worn throughout the flight as 

well. In addition, the Team Leader(s) and pilots will conduct periodic egress and safety trainings 

on the aircraft so that each team member knows precisely what their responsibilities are in an 

emergency situation. These trainings will review emergency materials, including use of GPS, sat 

phone, EPIRBs, Aircraft and Marine band handheld radios, etc. Additional information on 

Aviation Safety is available in the NOAA Aviation Safety Policy, which is available on the 

NMML LAN. 

 

One-time flights are available for non-egress-trained individuals (“VIP”), but must be preapproved by the Project Manager and the aircraft operator. Individuals requesting a ride on a 

flight must have a mission-applicable reason for doing so (e.g., representatives from the NSB 

Wildlife Management Department, MMS, NMFS Headquarters or Region, ADF&G, USGS, 

etc.). Survey flights will not be altered to suit the needs of VIPs (e.g., flying to specific areas for 

flight-seeing), and all VIPs must be made aware that the flight may last in excess of seven hours. 

Cooperation with NSB Search and Rescue (SAR) 

Upon arrival in Barrow, the COMIDA Project Manager and Team Leader(s), along with at 

least one of the pilots, will make contact with the NSB Search and Rescue Department to let 

them know of our presence and activities, including our aircraft type, call sign, emergency 

frequencies, contact phone numbers and map of the study area and survey blocks. This visit has 

a two-fold purpose: both to introduce our project in the event that we should need assistance and 

let NSB SAR know that our aircraft and crew could be available for coordination and assistance 

should the occasion arise for a SAR effort while we are based in Barrow. 

Avoidance of Sensitive Wildlife and/or Hunting Areas 

Subsistence hunting is an essential part of life on the North Slope. Targeted marine mammal 

species include bowhead whales, belugas, walrus and pinnipeds. Every effort will be made to 

avoid direct over-flights of areas where subsistence hunting of marine mammals is taking place. 

Transects should be truncated three to five miles short of where any subsistence activity is 
119

occurring. Most subsistence activity will be fairly close to shore and within nearshore lagoons, 

although whalers can be found in excess of 40 miles offshore. A map showing the bowhead 

whale hunting areas for North Slope villages is provided for reference (Figure 3); timing may 

change slightly from year to year so will need to be verified prior to the start of the field seasons. 

Exact dates for the fall hunts can be obtained from either Craig George (craig.george@northslope.org) or Robert Suydam (robert.suydam@north-slope.org) with the NSB Wildlife 

Management Department. There are also several subsistence use maps available on the NSB 

Department of Wildlife Management Coastal Resource Atlas webpage, http://www.northslope.org/nsb/default.htm. 

There is a critical habitat area for Spectacled Eiders in the Ledyard Bay area. The eiders are 

molting and care needs to be taken that they are not disturbed during this time. If there is a 

considerable reaction of the birds from aircraft overflight, survey protocol will be adapted. 

As new pilots are introduced to this project, they will need to be informed of when and 

where to alter flight paths and altitudes. It will be the responsibility of the Team Leader to 

remind pilots of the importance of respecting subsistence pursuits. Survey Objectives, Protocol, 

and Design includes a summary of situations and scenarios where altitudes and flight paths may 

need to be adjusted. 

Cooperation with Other Research 

The potential level of industrial activities occurring in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas in 

2010 is likely to be high, and it is anticipated that there will be additional fixed wing aircraft 

flying other over-water surveys as well as helicopters conducting crew transfers. Team 

Leader(s) should foster good working relationships with other scientists whenever possible. 

Seismic exploration and other assorted research may be conducted by Conoco Phillips, Shell and 

MMS (Figure 4). Industry will monitor for marine mammals via Marine Mammal Observers 

(MMOs) onboard participating vessels and aircraft, and marine mammal sightings from these 

projects will be disseminated via official channels. Sharing of information about 

BWASP/COMIDA marine mammal sightings should also be sent through official channels (see 

Dissemination section below). General information about other project study areas and 

frequency of planned aerial surveys are included in Appendix B. USFWS and USGS will also 

be active in the area in July if walrus haulouts are detected on the Chukchi coast as they were in 

2007 and 2009. Steps for disseminating information about COMIDA walrus sightings are 

included in Section VIII. 

Dissemination of Information to Stakeholders/ Interested Parties 

A daily report from the Team Leader(s) to the Project Manager will be uploaded to 

SharePoint each day of the field season; more information on this task is included elsewhere in 

this document. Regulatory decisions concerning industrial activities may be contingent on 

information from COMIDA/BWASP surveys, so at no time do we want to hold up the process. 
120

Internet connectivity can prove difficult, however. In the event that a daily report cannot be 

transmitted electronically, pertinent information (particularly about bowhead or other cetacean 

sightings) can be phoned in to the Project Manager, who will in turn relay the information to 

appropriate stakeholders. Transmittal of the daily report should NOT delay flights on surveyable 

days, but every effort should be made to transmit the information as soon as feasible. Ideally, 

the daily report should be uploaded on the same day as the survey flight. 

Flight Days - Immediately following each survey flight, the Field Data Manager will check 

the flight data for quality (additional information in the Field Data Manager Section). Reports on 

cetacean sightings, weather summary and flight path information are generated automatically by 

the Data Collection program at the end of each flight; those individual files together with the 

edited Access flight file will be transferred to the Team Leader. After checking the files for 

errors or inconsistencies, the Team Leader will email a short text summary and all flight 

information and files to the Project Manager. The Project Manager will conduct further QA on 

the flight file and email a single file to NMML and MMS. Team Leader(s) and team members 

should not disseminate any information directly; rather, requests for information should be 

referred to the Project Manager. If for any reason, daily flight information cannot be emailed 

within a reasonable amount of time, the Team Leader(s) should inform the Project Manager as to 

the situation. Transfer of daily flight information should occur no more than five hours after the 

end of the flight. 

Non-Flight Days - In the event that no flight is undertaken, an email should be sent as soon 

as the decision is made to not fly, stating the reason why (low visibility, high winds, pilot day 

off, etc) no flight has occurred. 

Other Useful Information 

 The 2010 Observer & AOC Pilot Schedule, and COMIDA/BWASP & NOAA AOC 

Master Contact List are included as Appendices in this document. These particular documents 

will be updated throughout the field season, and new copies will be made available to all 

interested parties. Phone numbers, email addresses and other contact information should not be 

distributed beyond project participants without the consent of the Project Manager and Project 

Coordinator. 

Ground Safety and Bear Awareness 

The North Slope is home to two bear species, polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and brown 

bears (Ursus arctos). An awareness of their presence and behavior is important for your 

personal safety. 

In Barrow, polar bear sightings are common throughout the season along the beach and, 

on occasion, in town. You will be walking a fair bit around town during your stay in Barrow, so 
121

it is important to remain aware at all times of your surroundings. Always be aware of places 

where you can take cover, including flagging down anyone in a vehicle. The King Eider 

managers usually hear the latest on if/where there are bears around, so we generally have a good 

idea of day-to-day activity. Most sightings make the rounds via word of mouth around town and 

the community of Barrow is very “bear aware”. If you think a bear has gone undocumented, 

advise the Team Leader who will contact NSB Wildlife Department representatives. 

In Deadhorse, brown bears are year round residents in the area and are frequently seen 

around the camps. In the fall of 2008, one well known bear managed to wander into Prudhoe Bay 

Hotel and had to be killed. Camps are frequently visited by brown bears throughout the year as 

the bears check out the dumpsters around the buildings. Walking around Deadhorse is frowned 

upon, due to the bear presence as well as industrial activity and truck traffic in the area. Polar 

bears are rarely sighted in Deadhorse but, if observed, understand that these bears are far less 

habituated to human activity and may be far more aggressive than resident brown bears. If you 

observe any bears anywhere in Deadhorse, report it to the NSB police located in SA-10 

immediately or to camp managers. 

Each project has bear deterrent devices for carrying during survey flights and which will 

be available to take and carry when moving around town or heading down the Haul Road, 

including: 

- Bear Spray 

- Bear Bangers 

- Air Horn 

Situational awareness is your best form of defense. For further information refer to the 

Bear Awareness and Defense Training Manual on the NMML LAN. 

 
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II. BWASP/COMIDA Survey Objectives, Protocol, and Design 

Introduction 

The MMS-sponsored Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey Project (BWASP) has two 

components, defined by geographic area: 

 

“BWASP” generally refers to surveys flown in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea (east of 157°W) 

“COMIDA” refers to surveys flown in the Alaskan Chukchi Sea (west of 157°W). 

Survey protocol (i.e., data collection) is similar between areas, but survey design is quite 

different. Preparation and observer duties for each component are the same. All data collected 

are appended to the same large “BWASP” database, which extends back to 1979. 

Aerial surveys are flown every day, weather permitting. Scheduled aircraft maintenance 

(e.g., 100 hr), pilot’s off-duty day, illness, and absence of Automated Flight Following (AFF) are 

valid reasons for flights to not be scheduled. On any other day, all observers should be prepared 

to be rolling down the runway at 9:00 AM, unless previously indicated. 

COMIDA and BWASP aerial surveys are conducted under authorization of the National 

Marine Fisheries Service, Permit No. 782-1719, and Fish and Wildlife Service, Permit No. 

MA212570-0. In addition, BWASP and COMIDA have also received Administrative Approval 

from the North Slope Borough Planning and Community Services Department. Copies of each 

of these permits are in all field computer cases, and should always be on the aircraft during 

surveys. 

Survey Objectives and Design - COMIDA 

COMIDA surveys in 2010 will start 1 July and end around 31 October. Surveys will be 

flown on an Aero Commander provided by Northern Commander. 

Objectives 

1. Provide data compatible with the MMS marine mammal database for use in 

estimation of the distribution of cetaceans and pinnipeds in the Chukchi Sea Planning 

Area (CSPA). The CSPA is shown in Figure 1. 

2. Document geographical areas of importance for specific behaviors including 

calving/ pupping, feeding, hauling out, and migrating. 

3. Provide timely information on marine mammal observations and environmental 

conditions, including ice conditions, following each survey flight to organizations as 

directed by the MMS Contracting Officer for real-time management of activities in the 

region. 
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The COMIDA survey design was modified in 2009, so that transect lines are perpendicular 

to shore. The following describes the new survey design and “best case scenario” protocol. 

Aerial surveys remain focused on a study area encompassing the northeastern Chukchi Sea 

from shore seaward, ranging from 68°N to 72°N and 157°W to 169°W, overlaying Lease Sale 

193 and incorporating ten survey blocks (Figure 1). The transect lines overlaying the CSPA (and 

adjacent areas closer to shore) have higher priority than survey lines in the southernmost area 

(i.e., Block 22). COMIDA surveys are based out of Barrow. 

Target airspeed is 110 kts; faster airspeeds may be initiated during deadheads (over large 

areas unsurveyable due to lack of visibility), transits over land or emergency situations, at the 

Team Leader’s discretion after consulting with the pilot about fuel consumption. 

Each year, one set of transect lines will be generated from a single random point, designated 

as “anchor” (Table 1). Each transect will be spaced approximately 19 km (10 nm) from the next 

closest transect (Figure 1). Transects are perpendicular to the coastline. In consecutive years, 

transects will be generated from a new randomly selected anchor, and placed in the same relative 

configuration of 19 km apart and perpendicular to the coastline. In this way, multi-year transect 

coverage will be uniform throughout the study area. Transects that are less than ~30 km in 

length will not be targeted, unless surveying them allows for smoother transitions between other 

lines. 

Transect lines that terminate at 72N or 169W should end just short of those points, so that 

search effort between transect lines is conducted with the study area. When we terminate the 

lines right at 72N or 169W, the subsequent turn puts us outside the survey area and that effort 

ends up being excluded during some post-field analyses. 

Transect lines should terminate slightly offshore of the coastline (regardless of where the 

computer-generated end point is positioned), such that the search line between transects is about 

1⁄2 km offshore of the coast/barrier island. This will allow coverage of the coastline for presence 

of hauled out walrus, other pinnipeds, and polar bears, but will also allow observers to search for 

small odontocetes that might be in very near shore areas. Transect termination should not occur 

over land. 

COMIDA survey lines and waypoints will be provided to all team members on both the 

BWASP and COMIDA aircraft, as circumstances may arise where both aircraft could fly 

COMIDA lines. Because a single set of transect lines will be flown each year in the COMIDA 

area, the waypoints for those lines will only need to be entered once, at the beginning of the 

survey year, by the pilots. 
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The objective of the survey will be to fly each transect in its entirety prior to re-surveying 

any transect. In summer (July through August), surveys will ideally start with transects in the 

northern part of the survey area and work transect lines consistently southward (note that pilots 

may prefer to work opposite of this pattern for safety of flight reasons). This pattern is expected 

to reduce any potential re-sightings within one day as most marine mammals would be expected 

to be migrating northward into the Chukchi Sea area in summer. During a survey, every second 

transect line will be flown, again to reduce the likelihood of repeat sightings. For example, one 

day would ideally find transects 1, 3, 5, and 7 flown in their entirety. The following day, 

transects 9 and 11 would be flown in their entirety, and so on. Once every second transect has 

been surveyed within the study area from north to south, transects in the north would again be 

targeted, starting with transects 2, 4, 6, and 8, etc. Ideally, this pattern will repeat until all 

transects have been flown at least once. At that time, all transect lines will be resurveyed. 

Estimated times for completing various transect groupings are provided in Table 2. 

In fall (September through October), the sequence will be reversed, working from the 

southernmost transects northward in the same manner as described above. During this time 

period, marine mammals would be expected to start migrating southward out of the Chukchi 

area, so the survey coverage will once again be against the migration, and reduce the incidence 

of repeat sightings. 

The reality of surveying in the northeastern Chukchi Sea is that weather plays a significant 

role in where useful surveys can be completed. Transect lines will likely need to be truncated 

due to reduced visibility, low ceilings, high sea states, etc. In those circumstances, the next 

acceptable transect line will be surveyed using the following general guidelines: 

a. If environmental conditions appear to be localized and surveying further in the 

direction of travel looks possible, transit to next adjacent survey line and continue in same 

direction of travel. 

b. If environmental conditions appear to be widespread and surveying further in the 

direction of travel looks less than desirable, transit to the second transect line from current 

and head in the opposite direction. 

c. Surveys to or from the start of transect lines will be flown along the coastal transect 

(weather and fuel permitting) to target near shore areas, search for carcasses, and monitor 

pinniped haulouts. 

d. Sections of transects will be flown, where possible, to “stair step” to and from areas 

offshore. 

When survey effort on transect ends due to decreasing light, survey conditions or fuel 

requirements, the return to Barrow will be along the coastline whenever possible, using the 

predefined coastal transect to maintain consistency over the entire field season. This transect is 

offset from shore by approximately one km, and can be adjusted to avoid sensitive subsistence 
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hunting areas and sites known to have spotted seal haulouts. The coastal transect can also be 

flown enroute to the start of an offshore transect. Experience in 2009 showed that the best 

approach to the coastal transect is to visually reference the one km distance from shore, rather 

than try to fly to waypoints. 

Aerial surveys in the northeastern Chukchi Sea are contingent on the environmental 

conditions present in any particular season and year. The scenarios presented above are “best 

case”, and may not always be attainable due to low ceilings, fog, snow squalls, high sea states or 

any of a myriad of other unsuitable survey conditions. The proposed transect survey design 

remains flexible enough to allow deviations to the planned survey sequence to take advantage of 

the best survey conditions while still achieving adequate coverage of the entire survey area. 

When transects are truncated due to environmental conditions, the Team Leader and Project 

Manager will determine the best means of completing those transects. 

In the event that the Flight Plan filed by the pilots changes drastically during the course of 

the survey due to unsuitable survey conditions, it may be necessary to update Flight Service with 

new information. This may require an increase in altitude for increased radio range or a call to 

AFF to ask them to relay the information. The pilots will determine if the Flight Plan needs to be 

updated and the best means of doing so. Team Leaders should work closely with the pilots to 

ensure that Flight Plans have enough flexibility to allow COMIDA objectives to be met while 

still providing the detail needed in case of emergency. 

During summer, it may be possible to conduct two surveys in one day. The Team Leader 

may opt to do this when the weather is favorable and pilot flight time allows. Consecutive days 

of two flights each are not recommended due to fatigue of both pilots and observers. 

There are several villages along the Alaskan Chukchi coast that conduct subsistence hunts of 

marine mammals, which were referenced in the “Avoidance of Sensitive Wildlife and/or Hunting 

Areas” section. Every effort should be made to not interrupt or interfere with subsistence hunts. 

Transects may be truncated or possibly skipped to avoid active hunting areas; the coastal transect 

may need to be modified as well. 

The southernmost COMIDA block (22) and areas in Ledyard Bay (blocks 20 and 21) are of 

lower priority as they are outside of the CSPA, so effort should be adjusted accordingly. If 

circumstances arise where surveys will target the southern part of the COMIDA study area, it 

may be necessary to refuel in Kotzebue. The Standard Operating Procedure in those 

circumstances will be to head to Kotzebue first, and see if fuel is available. If fuel is available, 

then a full survey can be planned from there. If it is not available (or available in a timely 

fashion), then the survey can be adjusted to use the fuel on board and still make it back to 

Barrow. A coastal transect could be flown enroute to Kotzebue, either completely to Pt. Hope, 
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or partial (cutting across land near Cape Sabine). Conducting transect surveys in the southern 

area first, before attempting to refuel, is not recommended as fuel might not be available in 

Kotzebue and an unplanned overnight stay would be warranted. Surveys in the southern part of 

the COMIDA study area should not be attempted if there is any foreseeable chance that the 

survey will not be able to return to Barrow. While Kotzebue has fuel and lodging, it is not our 

base of operations and overnights should not be planned for. 

The COMIDA survey team may be asked to fly transects in Block 12 or elsewhere in the 

BWASP study area. Surveys in the BWASP area would likely be limited to August (prior to the 

start of BWASP or BOWFEST) or late October after BWASP has ended and would likely be 

flown only in situations where weather or other circumstances preclude flying in the COMIDA 

area. Surveys in the BWASP area will only be conducted on direction from the Project Manager. 

Transects in the BWASP study area will be flown consistent with other BWASP transect 

coverage (see below). 

Survey Objectives and Design – BWASP 

BWASP surveys started in 1979 and have continued uninterrupted since then, with few 

modifications to their design or purpose. One of the biggest changes over time has been the 

survey time period. In the early 1980s, surveys were conducted from April through October; 

currently surveys are limited to 31 August to 20 October. The current objectives are: 

1. Determine annual fall migration of bowhead whales, including inter-year differences 

and long term trends in distance from shore and water depths; 

2. Monitor temporal and spatial trends in the distribution, relative abundance, habitat 

and behaviors of endangered whales; 

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

of bowhead whales across the Alaskan Beaufort Sea; 

4. Provide an objective area-wide context for management understanding of the fall 

migration of bowheads and site-specific study results (e.g., industry); 

5. Record and map beluga whale distribution and incidental sightings of other marine 

mammals; and 

6. Determine seasonal distribution of endangered whales in other planning areas of 

interest to MMS. 

Aerial surveys are conducted in a study area encompassing the Alaskan Beaufort Sea from 

shore to 72°N, between 140°W and 157°W, and incorporating twelve survey blocks (Figure 2). 

In recent years, very few surveys have been conducted in blocks 8, 9, and 10. Bowheads are 

seldom seen that far offshore in open water (light ice) years in September and October, and the 

area is far north of any active lease areas. Survey blocks 8, 9, and 10 remain optional to fly, 

depending on annual circumstances. The Project Manager, in consultation with the MMS COR 

and NMFS PI, will determine if and how often blocks 8, 9 and 10 should be flown once the 

BWASP season starts. 
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BWASP flights are based out of Deadhorse. Target airspeed is 110 kts; faster airspeeds may 

be initiated during deadheads (over large areas unsurveyable due to lack of visibility), transits 

over land or emergency situations, at the Team Leader’s discretion. 

Transects are flown in survey blocks based on sets of unique transect grids computergenerated for each survey block (or two survey blocks together). Transect grids are derived by 

dividing each survey block into sections 30 minutes of longitude across. Random points along 

the north and south edge of each block(s), per 30 minutes of longitude, are connected with a 

transect line. Transect lines are connected alternately at their northernmost or southernmost ends 

to produce one continuous flight grid within each survey block. Survey blocks are often 

combined and flown together. Common combinations include blocks 3 and 11, 1 and 2, 4 and 6, 

and 5 and 7. When two survey blocks are flown together, one continuous transect line is flown 

per 30 minutes of longitude (there is no need to start new lines at the boundary of the new block). 

Additional information on generating waypoints for BWASP survey blocks is provided in 

Section III. 

The selection of the survey blocks to be flown on a given day is nonrandom, based on 

reported or observed weather conditions over the study area and what blocks have been surveyed 

recently. Weather permitting, the project attempts to distribute effort fairly evenly across the 

entire study area. Surveys should be flown west to east to avoid duplication of sightings. An 

ideal sequence of surveys would be the following: Block 12, Blocks 3 and 11, Blocks 1 and 2, 

Blocks 4 and 6 and Blocks 5 and 7. In reality, this sequence often cannot be flown due to 

weather. Transits to and from the start of the survey blocks should be modified over time so as 

not to follow the same path. Any of the above mentioned combinations, with the exception of 

blocks 5 and 7, can easily be flown in one survey in the twin otter or commander. 

Transect lines that terminate at 72N or 169W should end just short of those points, so that 

search effort between transect lines is conducted with the study area. When we terminate the 

lines right at 72N or 169W, the subsequent turn puts us outside the survey area and that effort 

ends up being excluded during some post-field analyses. 

Much of the central Alaskan Beaufort Sea coast has barrier islands that range anywhere 

from a few to several kilometers from the main coastline. Transect lines should terminate outside 

of the barrier islands (regardless of where the computer-generated end point is positioned), such 

that the search line between transects is about 1⁄2 km offshore of the barrier island. This will 

allow coverage of the barrier island itself for presence of polar bears but will also allow 

observers to search for small odontocetes that might be in near shore areas. Detailed coverage of 

the coastline for polar bears is of lower priority as FWS conducts their own low-altitude surveys 

to census polar bears along the coastline. 
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The western edge of Block 12 is just offshore from Barrow and may require a refueling stop 

there, but should not require an overnight stay. Deadhorse is ~1.5 hours from Barrow, so 

refueling should only be necessary to extend the survey day. 

In the event that the Flight Plan filed by the pilots changes drastically during the course of 

the survey due to unsuitable survey conditions, it may be necessary to update Flight Service with 

new information. This may require an increase in altitude for increased radio range or a call to 

AFF to ask them to relay the information. For BWASP flights, radio calls to Deadhorse Flight 

Service can usually be made without forfeiting the entire survey, due to its centralized location. 

The pilots will determine if the Flight Plan needs to be updated and the best means of doing so. 

Team Leaders should work closely with pilots to ensure that Flight Plans have enough flexibility 

to allow BWASP objectives to be met while still providing the detail needed in case of 

emergency. 

There are two subsistence whaling areas in the BWASP survey areas. Kaktovik conducts 

bowhead whaling near their village on Barter Island (~143°W) in early to mid-September. 

Nuiqsut, which is a village located inland on the Colville River, conducts bowhead whaling off 

Cross Island which is a barrier island immediately northeast of Prudhoe Bay. Nuiqsut whaling 

usually occurs in early to mid-September. During their respective whaling seasons, care should 

be taken to avoid overflights of Kaktovik or Cross Island as well as overflights of whaling boats. 

This can be done by surveying alternate blocks or by truncating transect lines near shore. There 

is a whaler communication center at the SA-10 camp in Deadhorse that can provide information 

on whaling activities. The North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management can also 

provide information on whaling activities and timing. 

 

In 2010, the MMS-funded BOWFEST project will be flying aerial surveys in the area of 

Block 12 until ~18 September. Block 12 should not be targeted for BWASP surveys until 

BOWFEST is completed for the season. BOWFEST data can/will be incorporated into analyses 

of bowhead migration. 

Other Considerations 

In 2010, there will be two BWASP/COMIDA survey aircraft on the North Slope from 31 

August to 20 October. There may be situations or circumstances whereby both aircraft/survey 

teams fly BWASP or both fly COMIDA areas. Every effort will be made to give teams prep 

time if those circumstances occur, and every effort will be made to ensure that teams are back at 

their respective base camps by the end of the day. 

Daily Sequence 

The Team Leader and Pilot-in-Command will determine the likelihood of a survey flight on 

a daily basis. On most flight days, pilots and mechanic will be asked to have the aircraft ready to 
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take-off at 9:00 AM, which means that all observers and equipment need to be at the aircraft no 

later than 1⁄2 hour prior, or 8:30 AM. In rare circumstances (e.g., late flight the previous day), the 

scheduled earliest take-off time may be delayed. 

On days during which weather may delay take-off, it is the responsibility of each observer to 

maintain contact with the Team Leader; an email and phone list has been distributed to each 

observer. It is the Team Leader’s responsibility to provide adequate information to each 

observer as to the plans for the day. All observers are “on-call” until such time when a survey 

flight has been cancelled for the day. Exceptions to the “on-call” status are noted elsewhere. 

When a flight plan has been agreed upon by the Team Leader and pilots, the Team Leader 

will relay that information to the Project Manager, either via email or phone. Information should 

include estimated time of departure, area planned to be surveyed (transect line numbers for 

COMIDA and survey blocks for BWASP), and number of observers (if number is other than the 

standard three). This, in addition to the information provided by the pilots to the Automated 

Flight Following (AFF) monitoring team at DOI, allows an additional degree of flight safety. 

On days when no survey flight is possible, Team Leaders should inform the Project 

Manager, via email, ASAP, as to reason(s) why. 

Field Team Members - General Responsibilities 

Team Leader – Main conduit of information from Project Manager to rest of observer team 

and pilots. Consults with Project Manager about flight plans and survey successes and/or 

problems. Consults with pilots to determine suitability of weather for safely surveying and 

decides on primary and secondary plans for surveying. Responsible for in situ survey decisions 

relating to circling, high density areas, transit courses to/from survey areas, disputes, sea states, 

etc. May serve as Data Recorder during flight. Responsible for receiving daily flight 

information from Field Data Manager within a few hours of the end of the flight, conducting 

further data checks and formatting draft daily report to send to Project Manager. Sign aircraft 

billing statements, scan copies of them, and upload them to SharePoint at: Shared 

Documents/PaperworkAndReceipts/<YEAR>/AircraftUseReports. Fill out Flight Suit Tracker 

(Appendix I) spreadsheet after each flight to keep track of flight suit use. Send photos of sea ice 

to The National Weather Service (NWS) and Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL). 

Our pictures are valuable because they show NWS’s Sea Ice Desk things that the remote sensing 

cannot. The sea ice photos should be put in either a Word document or PDF with the Event No. 

included and, if possible, include the approximate size of the floe. Also attach and send the Ice 

Summary of the flight. Send this to: Amy Holman (Amy.Holman@noaa.gov), Kathleen Cole 

(kathleen.cole@noaa.gov), of the NWS, and Jim Overland (james.e.overland@noaa.gov) at 

PMEL. 
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Field Data Manager – Responsible for timely (within a few hours of end of flight) initial 

quality check of daily flight data, including cross-checking with Data Recorder and handwritten 

observer notebooks. May serve as Data Recorder during flight. Depending on base location, 

may be needed to ferry pilots to and from aircraft before and after flight, and assist with carrying 

project gear to and from aircraft. Participate in safety briefings and egress practices, as 

determined by Team Leader. 

Weather Data Manager – Responsible for cataloguing daily weather information for archival 

purposes (see attached Weather document). May serve as Data Recorder during flight. 

Depending on base location, may be needed to ferry pilots to and from aircraft before and after 

flight, and assist with carrying project gear to and from aircraft. Participate in safety briefings 

and egress practices, as determined by Team Leader. 

Field Team Members - Survey Responsibilities 

Primary Observers - two (one left, one right), positioned at bubble windows, responsible for 

providing the Data Recorder with clear and concise information on sightings and environmental 

variables; provide the pilots with clear instructions regarding locations of animals and 

subsequent circling. Observers need to stay focused on task and continuously scan and search 

the water the entire time while on transect, search, or circling. Animals can pop up and 

disappear very quickly, and it is important not to miss any sightings. 

Data Recorder – primarily responsible for entering all data as completely and concisely as 

possible into the Data Collection program; collecting environmental data whenever overall 

conditions change; tracking relative position of aircraft to animals during circling; getting pilot’s 

attention when intercom is not on secondary observer. 

Each Team Leader will determine the best configuration given the field team present. 

Occasionally a 4th observer may fly as part of the team, although this is not standard practice. 

Under rare circumstances, a survey may be conducted with less than three scientific crew, but 

this is not ideal and should not be undertaken without consulting with the Project Manager. 

AOC Pilot Regulations 

All AOC pilots need to abide by AOC crew duty rules, which include the following: 

1. There must be a pilot “off-duty” day at least every seventh day. This is true 

regardless of whether or not flights have occurred on the active days. Pilots need to 

inform AOC of their “off-duty” day in the morning, so the decision to call for a “noflight” day needs to be made the night before. 

2. Flight time per day cannot exceed 12 hours per day; crew duty time cannot exceed 

16 hours per day. 

3. There must be 12 hours of off-duty time between crew duty periods. Therefore, a 

late flight on one day must be followed with a late start the next day. 
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There may be some flexibility in AOC crew duty schedules. Team Leaders will work 

closely with AOC pilots to ensure that BWASP/COMIDA objectives are met in a safe and 

responsible manner. 

Additional information on AOC is included in the OMAO Crewmember Guidelines, which 

is available on the NMML LAN. 

Automated Flight Following (AFF) 

Automated Flight Following (AFF) is a system that automatically tracks the location and 

velocity of specially-equipped aircraft, providing this information in near-real-time to 

dispatchers, aviation managers, and other authorized users. The equipment includes geolocation 

and data communications devices that use satellite-based technology. For COMIDA and 

BWASP, the AFF system is monitored by personnel at the DOI Aviation Management Office 

(AVM) in Anchorage (Jan Bennett, 907 271 3935; Lark Wuerth, 907 271 6032). In the event 

that AFF is unavailable to conduct real-time following of survey flights and/or that AVM is not 

available to monitor the flight via AFF, no offshore surveys will be conducted. Additional 

monitoring of AFF may be conducted by the Project Manager and others, but following by AFF 

and dedicated monitoring by AVM must be in place for an offshore flight to be initiated. The 

only survey that will be initiated if either of these systems is not available is a coastal transect 

with a very specific flight plan. Increased satellite phone communication will be initiated, upon 

consultation with AOC pilots. If AFF becomes unavailable once a survey flight is already in 

progress (as indicated by sat phone call from ADM in Anchorage), the survey aircraft will 

immediately transit directly back to either Deadhorse or Barrow. Should AFF become available 

again during that flight, transect surveys may continue at the Team Leader and pilot discretion. 

Survey Planning 

Weather should be checked by the Team Leader no later than 8 am each morning, with the 

exception of mandatory pilot off days (note: the Weather Data Manager should collect daily 

weather regardless of flight status). The pilots will generally check with flight service (FAA) in 

either Barrow or Deadhorse. Pilot reports are often available as are weather reports from various 

surface vessels in the area. Vessel reports are particularly useful as there are generally not many 

aircraft that are flying offshore. The more information available, the better an informed decision 

can be made as to when and where to fly. 

If a survey is not possible due to weather, it is important to document weather for the day as 

detailed in the Weather Reporting section of this document. 

Current and forecasted weather conditions assist in the decision-making process concerning 

if, when and where survey can be safely and effectively conducted. Determining when and 

where to fly is a cooperative effort between the Team Leader and the pilots. Decisions about 
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safety, flight endurance and forecasted weather, particularly as it relates to landing requirements 

such as reserve fuel and alternate landing field, are the responsibility of the pilots. Decisions 

about where to fly (what survey areas), once safety has been considered, are the responsibility of 

the Team Leader who will base his/her decisions on previous survey effort and objectives. The 

objective of the surveys is to get coverage of the entire study area and ideally all transects will be 

flown before being repeated, with new areas targeted during each survey. However, if weather 

does not cooperate, transect surveys can be flown in the same area more than once. 

Factors to consider when planning surveys: 

Light – sunrise and sunset. This is not an issue during summer but will become an 

increasing limiting factor as fall approaches, particularly during late October surveys. 

Ice cover (or lack thereof) – ice cover will mollify the effects of high winds, and allow 

for successful surveying of areas in higher than normal wind conditions. 

Icing – mainly an aircraft safety issue, about which it is the prime responsibility of the 

pilots to keep the Team Leader informed. Severe icing at ground level may be enough to 

keep the aircraft grounded; icing once airborne should be avoided. Doing so means avoiding 

snow squalls, and avoiding flying in and out of cloud cover. 

Forecast – surveying off northern Alaska means that there are relatively few airstrips that 

can be used as alternates to Deadhorse and Barrow, particularly those with instruments and 

fuel. Therefore, the forecast needs to be heeded to ensure that returning to base is possible. 

Wind speed – high wind speeds may hinder survey effort, particularly when there is no 

ice cover, as high winds lead to unacceptable sea states. Transect surveys should not be 

conducted in wind speeds >21 kts (unless there is ice cover) because this would indicate a 

Beaufort scale of >B5 which are unacceptable conditions (see Table 4). This does not mean 

that a survey flight should not be attempted if winds are >21 kts; there may be areas in the 

vast study area where winds are not that strong and sea states are acceptable. High winds 

sustained over several days, when ice is not present, will generally preclude survey efforts as 

it takes a few days for the seas to calm after high wind events. 

Wind direction – impacts how the survey is flown. Strong winds in any direction will 

produce head winds, tail winds, and cross winds which need to be factored into flight 

endurance by the pilots and can also affect visibility. 

Visibility – No flight should be undertaken if visibility is at or below minimums at the 

airport. If visibility is suitable at the airport and is forecast to remain so over the course of the 

day, and other conditions (wind, etc) are suitable, then a survey flight should likely be 

attempted. Visibility during surveys generally refers to downward/outward visibility as this is 

what impacts the ability to see marine mammals. 

General Survey Guidelines and Protocol 

Both BWASP and COMIDA are flown using basic line-transect methodology, but there are 

several line-transect assumptions that are not met. For example, we do not fly with a center line 
133

observer. Perhaps the main assumption that is not met is that transects are NOT randomly 

allocated in the study area independently of the distribution of the survey population(s). The 

determination of where to survey for both BWASP and COMIDA is dependent upon weather, 

previous survey effort, and trying to meet the objectives of each project. These surveys are not 

conducted to assess population size or density, but rather to attempt to meet objectives 

determined by MMS, which stress determination of distribution and migration timing. 

Altitude 

Target altitude for COMIDA 1,200’, although higher or lower altitudes are acceptable, as 

noted below: 

• <1000' should not be maintained for >10 minutes except for safety reasons; flying lower 

than 1000’ is in violation of our USFWS permit for overflights of walruses and polar 

bears; 

• >1500’ over walruses on ice (if responding to aircraft by diving into water) and polar 

bears on ice or swimming in water (if responding to aircraft by running or swimming 

erratically). Note: FWS flies at 700 m (~2300’) to avoid disturbance when 

photographing walruses on ice; walruses will react differently depending on behavioral 

state, but in general seem to respond to abrupt changes by the aircraft (e.g., turning, 

change in pitch) more than if the aircraft continues in straight line. In 2009, walruses on 

ice responded to the aircraft at 1200’, so altitude was increased to >1500’ prior to 

overflights; 

• >1500’ over walrus haulouts on land; however, recommended guidelines are for higher 

altitudes such as 2000’ and to stay over the water both for passing by and for circling 

because walruses tend to react more to the noise of a plane over land than over water; be 

very cautious near any cliffs as the topography may amplify noise from the plane. 

Walrus spook very easily and a stampede can be disastrous for them; 

• >1500’ in areas of walrus subsistence hunting near Wainwright, Barrow and Pt. Lay; 

• >3000’ over spotted seal haulouts in Kasegaluk Lagoon and adjacent areas; 

• 1000-1500’ to avoid localized weather such as low clouds or precipitation. 

The target altitude for BWASP 1,500' (the historic target altitude), but higher or lower 

altitudes are acceptable, as noted below. 

• <1000' should not be maintained for >10 minutes except for safety of flight purposes. 

• >1500’ over walruses on ice (if responding to aircraft by diving into water) and polar 

bears on ice or swimming in water (if running or swimming erratically in response to 

aircraft). 

Note: If target altitudes cannot be met, alternate survey transects/blocks can be selected 

Flight Path Adjustments 

COMIDA coastal transect – should be flown approximately 1 km offshore coastline. 

Exceptions noted below: 

• Active subsistence hunting of belugas or other marine mammals, as evidenced by several 

small boats in area – divert by at least 5 km around subsistence hunt activity. 
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COMIDA offshore transects – should be flown via pre-determined waypoints 

• Nearshore end of transect ends offshore by ~0.5 km and does not cross over land 

• Transects should not cross beyond barrier islands or traverse lagoon systems 

• Transects that end near villages (within 10 km) should be truncated IF marine subsistence 

activity is present 

• Bowhead fall whaling area (near Barrow) should be avoided on days when whalers are 

hunting 

BWASP transects – should be flown via daily generated survey block waypoints 

• Nearshore end of transect ends offshore by ~0.5 km and does not cross over land 

• Transects should not cross beyond barrier islands or traverse lagoon systems 

• Transects that end near villages (within 10 km) should be truncated IF marine subsistence 

activity is present 

• Two N-S survey blocks flown together (e.g., 1 and 2) should have one smooth transect 

between the two (e.g., do not have short transit between end of one block and start of 

next). 

• Bowhead fall whaling areas (near Barrow, Kaktovik and Cross Island) should be avoided 

if possible on days when whalers are hunting. 

Species Priority 

The order of priority for data collection is large cetaceans (bowheads, grays, minke, fin, 

humpback, right), small cetaceans (beluga, harbor porpoise, killer whale, Dall’s porpoise, 

narwhal), polar bear, walrus, and other pinnipeds. A data “cheat sheet” is provided in Table 3 

and will be given to each observer as a reminder of priorities, both between and within species 

groups. 

Sightings/Marks 

Only Primary Observers (left and right) will call (mark) initial sightings while on transect. 

Pilots, Data Recorder, and 4th Observers will not call (mark) sightings until sightings are aft 

abeam of the aircraft (3 and 9 o’clock). Sightings will then be entered as “off transect”. More 

information on this is included in Section IV. 

High Density Sightings 

In areas of high density sightings where circling will not be initiated (e.g., walrus groups on 

ice, gray whales enroute to transect, spotted seal haulouts), individual sightings should be entered 

as unique events for as long as practicable. In situations where it is no longer possible for the 

data to be entered consistently and completely, and where the Data Recorder is not able to keep 

up with event entry (and this will happen!), sightings of one species can be “clumped” into 

groups based on increments of 30 seconds. Best, high, low estimates can be entered into the 

sighting form. The Data Recorder will be responsible for informing the Primary Observers when 

this is necessary. The Team Leader can provide additional guidance in these situations, but the 
135

data is only as good as what is entered by the Data Recorder, so the latter has the ultimate say. 

Each Observer will have a log book in which notes can be written for individual events – these 

will be particularly useful in high density sighting areas. There is additional information in 

Section IV. 

Circling

Circling will be initiated whenever a Primary Observer needs to investigate a sighting for 

further details, such as species, group size or presence of calves, and can occur both while on 

transect or on search. The aircraft should not divert from level until the Data Recorder has 

entered a Sighting Event and the Observer has provided a clinometer angle. Circling will be to 

the side of the aircraft on which the original sighting was made, and the Primary Observer on 

that side will be the main person responsible for directing the pilot to the location of the original 

sighting. All observers should give clear and concise instructions to the pilots, using either 

“port” and “starboard” or “left” and “right” or numbers on a clock face. Sample preferred 

instructions include “break track right” or “break track port”. 

Once circling has been initiated, it is important that all observers work together with the data 

recorder to calmly collect information on the number of cetaceans present. Whales in close 

proximity (within five whale lengths) to the original sighting may be added to the original 

sighting. Sightings beyond the original group should be entered individually, as possible. In 

situations where there are too many whales to be entered individually, one entry can be used to 

enter an area-wide group number, with information on geographic area for group included in the 

Notes field. The data collection program allows for an initial group size to be entered, which can 

then be updated later to better reflect the “final_group” size. 

When circling has been initiated AND numerous cetaceans are in the area, sightings of 

ringed, bearded or unidentified pinnipeds should not be called out. Sightings of rarer pinniped 

species (e.g., ribbon seal) or large groups of walruses on ice should be indicated, but can also be 

noted when the circling event is completed. There is simply too much information that needs to 

be recorded that is of higher priority. 

If photography is needed/wanted, the Primary Observer and data recorder should work 

together to direct the pilots to circle in the direction of the removable window. 

Circling can be disorienting so care needs to be taken to avoid calling out duplicate 

sightings; the Data Recorder will have primary responsibility for keeping track of relative 

positions by using the BWASP Tool to zoom in and track carefully. There is more information 

on this capability in Sections III and IV. The push pin and text feature allow for real-time 

notation of relative positions and sub-group sizes. 
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Circling should never be initiated on walrus or pinniped sightings, with few exceptions. 

Walrus groups hauled out on land should be photographed, as per USFWS instructions, although 

flyovers should be kept to a minimum and occur only long enough to obtain photos. At no time 

should walruses (or any other marine mammal) be intentionally harassed. Polar bears may be 

circled upon based on the USFWS permit, however this should be done only when recorded 

information can be significantly enhanced by a more intensive look. Polar bears on Cross Island 

(after whalers have left) or congregated around another large food source (e.g., floating whale 

carcass) are significant activities to photograph. 

Unique situations will present themselves over the course of the field season, and each Team 

Leader will determine the best course of action during the flight. The Project Manager may 

advise on various ways to handle situations but, ultimately, the Team Leader is the one who will 

make decisions real time. The Team Leader should always provide adequate documentation of 

decisions that might appear unorthodox. 

Photography 

The BWASP/COMIDA project does not have a photography objective. However, 

photography is encouraged, particularly in the following circumstances: 

Rare species (for the Alaskan Arctic) sightings, such as mysticetes other than bowheads or 

 gray whales, odontocetes other than belugas, pinnipeds such as ribbon seals 

Bowhead calves, preferably with cow in same frame 

Walruses at shore haulouts 

Swimming polar bears but only if photo can be taken on initial flyby 

Unexpected behaviors, such as mating 

Feeding bowheads 

Carcasses 

Sea ice distant shots, showing the horizon, especially any ice that looks “gnarly” or like it 

might be multi-year ice. 

Photography sessions should not exceed 15 minutes in most cases, as they are not part of the 

overall objectives. All photos should be shot in RAW when possible. Pictures should be put on 

the NMML-BWASP-COMIDA computer in the appropriate folder and processed and renamed 

the day they are taken. This is important because the photos get named sequentially, and if 

photos do not get added in the correct order, they will be named out of order. The photos should 

also be catalogued in the Excel photo log in sequential order with date, species, event number, 

photographer, and comments. For Photo and Photo log Protocol, see Section IX. 

Reporting 

BWASP/COMIDA has several reporting requirements, including daily, quarterly and annual 

reports. Reporting requirements related directly to field activities are detailed in Section VIII. 
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Most reporting will be the responsibility of the Project Manager, with assistance from Team 

Leaders. 

 
138

III. BWASP SURVEY TOOL - Developed by MMS and RDI 

Introduction 

1.1. Programs needed on the NMML survey laptops for BWASP-COMIDA field work: 

 1.1.1 Basic Programs: Windows XP, MS Office 2007 (including Word, Access and 

 Outlook) 

1.1.2 Specific Programs – should be installed onto C: drive (not in Docs andSettings): 

 1.1.2.1 BWASP_Tools directory – This should be copied directly from a 

different laptop as an intact folder, as it contains all data and most of the software. Make 

sure the folder includes the most recent version of the BWASP_Survey Tool. Also 

ensure that the Access database is the most recent version saved, or else flights will be 

out of sequence when the reconfigured laptop is used again. From the BWASP_Tools 

directory, several Shortcuts can and should be placed on the Desktop, including Shortcuts 

to the Data, BWASP_Survey tool, Waypoint Maps directory and Waypoint Creator 

program. 

1.1.2.2 ArcGIS 9.3 and 9.3.1 – BWASP-COMIDA programs use the 9.3.1 

version (have not yet upgraded to ARCGIS 10.0). If a laptop has been completely 

reconfigured after a crash, then version 9.3 must be loaded first, with the 9.3.1 upgrade 

after that. Version 9.3.1 will not load if there is a previous version of ARCGIS has not 

been installed on the computer. 

1.1.2.3 Visual Basic (must be loaded for the BWASP_Survey Tool to work), 

Internet Explorer (must be used to accessing Sharepoint), ACDSee 

1.2. BWASP Survey Program requirements for GPS: 

Ultimately the GPS unit needs the ability to port to a computer and send the datastream. 

It should have a barometric altimeter because that is what has been used in previous 

years. The 76 does not have a barometric altimeter, but the 76cs does. Datastreams 

from the unit are in a standardized format (nmea 183), so the particular unit the data are 

coming from doesn’t matter, but there does have to be a way to send it to the computer, 

such as a serial port or usb. However, if the port changes (e.g. serial to usb) then the 

survey program will have to have a few lines changed to read from the new port. 

1.3. The BWASP Survey Tool is used to collect environmental, effort and sighting data 

during BWASP/COMIDA surveys. 

1.4. This tutorial provides navigation of the data collection tool; additional detailed 

information on how to enter data specific to BWASP and COMIDA is included in 

Section IV. 

2. Setting up the Survey Laptop 
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 2.1 Connecting to survey plane power supply 

2.1.1 Once the aircraft auxiliary power is on, plug in and start the computer. Plug in 

the mouse and insert the external drive in the USB port. 

1.2 Connecting to the GPS Unit 

2.2.1 When the laptop is powered up with the mouse connected and external 

drive in the USB port and has finished the boot-up processes, connect the GPS unit 

with the serial port connection to the port on the back of the computer. (The GPS 

should already be calibrated with Comm setting as “NMEA” and 4800 baud rate). If 

this is not done in the correct order, the computer mouse may malfunction or other 

bugs may arise. 

2.2.2 To turn on the GPS unit, hold down the button with the red light bulb icon 

until the first screen display appears. The screen display changes automatically. 

When the second screen display appears press the PAGE button. Press the PAGE

button again when the third screen display appears. In the fourth screen display the 

unit defaults to a satellite search mode. 

2.2.3 If the mouse cursor is not reacting properly to user inputs, turn off the 

GPS unit, unplug the serial port connector, restart the computer, and resume at step 

2.0. 

2.2.4 Sync the computer time with the GPS unit time. Click on the computer 

clock (right hand lower corner) and make sure that the date is correct, and if 

necessary, sync the computer time so that it matches what the GPS unit is reading. 

2.2.5 For further information on working with the Garmin GPS unit, consult the 

Garmin Users Manual which is in the computer pelican case. The manual can 

also be found online at: 

http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/GPSMAP76S_OwnersManual.pdf 

3.0 Using the Survey Tool 

3.1 Launching the Survey Tool 

3.1.1 There are two ways to launch the tool: 

3.1.1.1 Double click the icon for the Shortcut to BWASP_Survey.exe on the desktop. 

3.1.1.2 In Windows Explorer select C:\BWASPTools\bin\BWASP_Survey.exe. 

3.2 The Start-Up Form 
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3.2.1 The first form encountered at launch is the Start-Up form. It allows the user 

to choose either the Launch Survey function, which is selected for collecting 

data during a survey, or the Summarize Flight function, which is used for 

summarizing data once the survey is complete (data summary occurs 

automatically on closure of the Survey Tool, but this added function allows the 

user to re-summarize if post-flight editing occurs). 

 

3.2.2 To launch the survey, the user must first select the survey being flown, ( i.e. 

BWASP or COMIDA). 

3.2.3 Like most forms in the BWASP_Survey application, the controls can be 

navigated through with the mouse, the Tab and arrow keys, or with standard 

Windows shortcuts, such as using the Alt key or provided shortcut keys. 

These and similar shortcuts exist throughout the application, and are very 

useful for efficient data entry and form navigation. Note that shortcuts for any 

given form work only when the form is active. As is standard in Windows, 

only one form can have the focus, or be active, at any given time. 

3.2.4 To begin the survey application, select Launch Survey. 

3.3 The Enter Flight Data Form 
141

3.3.1 The Enter Flight Data Form is used to collect data pertinent to each flight. All 

of the dropdown boxes (Team Leader, Pilot, Co-pilot) and the Aircraft ID text box need to have 

entries before the form will allow the user to save. To scroll through each dropdown list, use the 

arrow keys or mouse. Data can be entered using the dropdown list or a new name can be entered 

by hand (Aircraft ID must be entered by hand, no drop-down exists). There is a character limit in 

this window so abbreviate if there is a problem with the program crashing (i.e. Aero Commander

should be typed in as Aero). 

3.3.2 To enter names permanently into the database (and avoid having to add them 

manually), go to the Access database for the survey being flown (BWASP or COMIDA), and 

select the “lut_observer” table to enter additional observers or “lut_pilot” to add additional 

pilots. 

3.3.3 Data backs up to an external drive which defaults to the E: drive. If a backup 

flash drive is not used then Disable should be chosen. Once the survey program is running the 

backup drive can be changed, turned on or turned off using controls on the Main form, which 

will be discussed later. 

3.3.4 When the data have been entered click the Save Flight Data button or press Alt + s. 

3.3.5 The Main Menu form that will appear (see section 3.6) will indicate the flight 

number. 

3.4 The Resume Flight Form 
142

3.4.1 It is possible to resume data entry for a flight begun earlier (e.g., a flight 

interrupted by a refueling stop). If the Launch Survey button is chosen from the 

Start-Up Form and a flight has already been logged for that day, select Resume 

Last Flight, because there should only be one flight number per day per survey. 

 3.5 The Real Time Data Form 
143

3.5.1 The first two menus to appear are the Main Menu (above and next section) and 

Real Time Data (above) forms. On the far right of the Main Menu form is an 

Open GPS Port button (circled in red above). Select this button to engage the 

GPS. 

3.5.2 The Real Time Data Form shows date and time from the computer, and latitude, 

longitude and altitude as output from the GPS unit (once the Open GPS Port button is 

selected). The data shown on the form are updated every two seconds. If the GPS 

unit is not streaming data, the Real Time Data Form will show 0 for both latitude and 

longitude. If event buttons are selected when the GPS is not streaming data to the 

computer, the following window will open: 

 

(To resume data collection, you must resolve the GPS data stream interruption 

which may necessitate a program restart, but often is because the GPS has been 

accidentally unplugged from the power strip.) 

3.5.3 The GPS unit must be calibrated. It has 3 different ways of calibration: Current 

Elevation, Current Pressure, and GPS Elevation. The GPS elevation is 

triangulated from satellites, is the least accurate, and should not be used. 
144

3.5.3.1 The “auto calibrate” function needs to be turned off, otherwise the GPS will 

continue to calibrate based on the GPS elevation. This can be done by 

navigating to the GPS information page and hitting Menu twice. Scroll to the 

Setup option, hit Enter, scroll right to Altimeter, and select Altimeter Auto 

Calibration Off if it is not already done so. 

3.5.3.2 The other thing to do is to calibrate the barometric pressure. Navigate to the 

plot page. When you do, you will get a pop up saying “no data coming from 

GPS unit”, but the data are in fact still being logged, so hit OK. Hit Menu, 

Calibrate Altimeter, scroll to the Calibrate Altimeter Using, hit Enter, and 

select Current Pressure. Ask the pilots for the current pressure (e.g. 29.96), 

enter that in, and hit Set . 

3.5.3.3 Check the altimeter readings throughout the flight. If the Real Time Data 

screen is reading consistently more than 100’ off of the pilots’ radar altimeter, 

it might be a good idea to recalibrate to the current elevation based off of the 

pilots’ reading. To do this, navigate to the plot page, hit Menu, Calibrate 

Altimeter Using, hit Enter, and select Current Elevation. Ask the pilots for the 

current elevation, enter that in, and hit Set. 

3.6 The Main Menu Form 

3.6.1 The Main Menu Form has the flight number and flight type in the title bar. On 

the form there are two menus, seven buttons and a dropdown list. 

3.6.1.1 Menu Data Backup allows the user to change the port being used for data 

backup, or to manually save to the flash drive. 

3.6.1.2 Menu Shortcuts provides another way to perform functions, and can be used 

as a reminder of what the available shortcuts are. 
145

3.6.1.3 The button Flighttype is selected to start and end the flight, and whenever the 

flight type changes. Initial environmental conditions (Event #1) for the flight 

are entered here; environmental conditions can also be updated whenever a 

change in flight type occurs. Event number and time are shown in the title bar; 

event number is also displayed in the lower right corner. 

** This form can also be opened using Alt + t shortcut or the F2 key. 

3.6.1.3.1 Before an entry has been made in a dropdown list, the name of the 

field (e.g., Sea State, Visual Impediment, etc.) is shown in red font 

color. Once the entry has been made the font color changes to black. 

The name of the entry field also appears in the upper right of the form 

when the mouse pointer hovers over a list or a list is selected. To 

move between the dropdown lists use the Tab key or mouse. To scroll 

through the drop down list, use the keyboard down arrow, type the first 

few letters of the desired entry (auto-complete will finish the word), or 

use the mouse to expose and select from the dropdown list. 

3.6.1.3.2 Observers must be entered on Event 1. If this is not done, observers 

will need to be manually entered into the Access database at a later 

time for events missing this info. Observers will trickle down to all 
146

subsequent recorded events once entered. Observers can be changed 

on any event. 

3.6.1.3.3 The Transect_id Box is used for COMIDA flights only. The transect 

# or C for coastal transect is to be entered in this field when COMIDA 

transects are started. When the transect ends, this field will 

automatically remain empty in the database. 

3.6.1.3.4 When the flight type, environmental conditions and observers have 

been entered, select Save Data. If the event does not need to be saved, 

select Quit Without Saving. 

3.6.1.4 The button Environmental Conditions loads a Data Entry Form for 

changing environmental conditions. The Environmental Conditions Event 

Data Entry Form is used when the event is logged solely for the purpose of 

entering a change in environmental conditions. The data entry fields are 

populated automatically from the previous saved entry. 

When the data have been entered, select Save Data. If the event does not need 

to be saved, select Quit Without Saving. 

 3.6.1.4.1 This form can also be opened with the F3 key. 
147

3.6.1.5 The button Sighting loads a Data Entry Form for sightings, and is used only 

when a sighting needs to be entered. Sightings should never be logged during 

a change in Flight Type. Details on entering data in this form can be found in 

Section IV of this manual. 

When the data have been entered, select Save Data. If the event does not 

need to be saved, select Quit Without Saving. 

3.6.1.5.1 This form can also be opened using the F4 key. 
148

3.6.1.6 The button Map loads the real time Map display, which shows flightlines, 

sightings and other features as needed. See Section 3.7 for further detail. 

3.6.1.7 The button Edit Table (also selectable via the F6 key) loads the selected 

record in a form that allows the user to edit previously saved data. The record 

is selected by choosing the available event from the dropdown list adjacent to 

the Edit Table button. Note that the adjacent drop down includes the Event 

number and Event type (Flight Type, Sighting, Environmental). Events that 

were not saved are not available in the list. 

(Note that fields with no data entered have either -1 or “.” saved to the 

database.) 
149

3.6.1.8 The button Exit is used to exit the program and prompt the generation of the 

flight data summary. (Note: Do not close out of the program by clicking the 

“x” in the top right corner or certain fields in the final table will not populate.) 

This should be selected at the end of the flight or flight segment (in the event 

that the flight will be resumed). All, some, or no reports can be chosen after 

which Continue is selected. See Section 3.8 for further detail. 

3.6.1.9 There is also one shortcut labeled on the bottom of the Main form, Save To 

Backup (E:\) = Ctrl + S. Save To Backup allows the Data Recorder to 

manually back-up the database to the external drive, which is largely 

unnecessary because events are written to the external drive automatically. If 

for any reason the external drive has been disabled, the shortcut will indicate 
150

Save To Backup (Disable) = Ctrl + S. The external drive should never be 

disabled unless the program is opened for training purposes. 

3.7 The Map Form 

3.7.1 Select the Map button on the main form (or F5 or Alt + m). A basic map of 

northern Alaska will be displayed. 

3.7.2 There is a Shortcuts menu in the upper left that will allow the user to select tools 

and defines what the tool shortcuts are. 
151

3.7.3 Layers such as Flightlines, Cetaceans, COMIDA Lines etc., can be displayed by 

selecting the appropriate check boxes on the left hand side of the map. Layers can 

also be de-selected if the display gets too “busy”. 

3.7.4 The map scale can be adjusted with the Zoom Tools (the +/- symbols) which will 

zoom in/out of the user-defined extent by using the mouse “click and drag” over the 

area of interest). More detailed geographic features appear as the scale is enlarged. 
152

 

3.7.5 The Survey Extent button zooms back out to the extent of the survey. Note that the 

Zoom Tool is still activated and remains activated until another tool is chosen. 

3.7.6 The Pan Tool (hand symbol) allows the user to move the map to the desired display 

by left-clicking with the mouse. Scroll bars on the map allow the same utility (red 

arrow below). Both of these methods require use of the mouse. 
153

3.7.7 The Center on Plane Pan Tool (airplane symbol) will automatically center the 

display on the coordinates streaming from the GPS unit, and mark the plane’s 

location with a red symbol. This automatically updates every 10 seconds. As long 

as the toggle is depressed the display will center on the plane. To deactivate the 

Center on Plane - Pan Tool, select the Hand symbol – Pan Tool. 
154

3.7.8 The Information Tool provides the user with a method of viewing data on a 

particular sighting. This tool can only be enabled when one of the sighting layers is 

turned on. 

3.7.8.1 Once the Information Tool is selected and the category of interest -Cetaceans 

or Other Entries - is selected, use the mouse to click on the sighting/event of 

interest, and a Sighting Attributes form with pertinent details of the event will 

pop-up. 
155

3.7.9 The Temporary Point and Text Tools provide the user with a method for 

denoting a temporary location. This tool is indicated by the pushpin button. 

Clicking on the pushpin will change the cursor to a pen icon, which can then be 

placed anywhere on the map. When a Temporary Point is placed on the map, a 

Text Box will appear. 

3.7.9.1 Enter text in the Text Box that refers to the point (e.g., BH group 1), then hit 

Enter. Be brief and concise to prevent clutter on the map. Text can be changed 

by selecting the Change Text Tool (button with an “A”), then selecting the Text 

Box to be changed. 

3.7.9.2 To Delete Temporary Points and Text Boxes, select the Yellow “X” button, and 

drag and drop to include the features to be deleted. The Clear All Graphics

can also be used to delete graphics. 

3.7.9.3 The Temporary Point Tool is designed to be used during circling opportunities 

for spatial referencing, when the map has been zoomed in to a tight view. 

Individual cetacean sightings or groups can be denoted with temporary points. 

These points are not saved in the database. 
156

3.7.10 The 5 Second Marks Tool is intended to be used for high temporal resolution 

marking of the planes position while circling. It is used together with the above 

Temporary Point and Text tools. There are two choices for this tool – Turn Off 

Marking and Turn On Marking. 

3.7.10.1 This tool is activated only when the map is zoomed in to a ratio of 

~1:70,000. The high resolution marking aids in accurate drops of temporary 

points (e.g., sightings) and in improving group estimation and delineation of 

sub-groups. 

3.8 Summarizing data with the BWASP Summary Application 

3.8.1 The data are summarized automatically on exit of the Survey Application. After 

the Main form is exited, a Create Reports? Menu will open. There are three possible 

reports, Sighting Summary, Ice Summary and Sighting Map. If all three reports 

are desired, check Output Reports. If only some of the reports are desired, check 

only those reports. One of the reports is a jpg map image and the other two are Word 

files with information on the flight and sightings. The summary files may take a while 
157

to compile, depending on the length of the flight. An example of these reports are 

included as Figure 5. 

3.8.1.1 Sighting Summary produces two tables in a single word document, one with 

summary data for the flight and one with a summary of cetacean sightings. 

3.8.1.2 Ice Summary is a summary of environmental conditions at every saved event. 

This summary takes quite long to compile and it is recommend that this NOT be 

run on the aircraft and can be compiled at a later time. 

3.8.1.3 Sighting Map is a map of the flight track and all cetacean sightings. 

3.8.2 Reports are saved to C:\BWASPTools\SummaryFiles. These files are part of the 

Daily Report that is sent to the Project Manager each day. 

3.8.3 Data are usually edited after the survey has ended, in which case the flight should be 

summarized again. To launch the Summary Application follow the directions in 

Section 3.2 of this manual, but select Summarize Flight. 

3.8.3.1 The following window will appear. The user will select the Survey (BWASP or 

COMIDA), the flight number (check box) and which reports need to be resummarized. Once these have been appropriately selected, hit Continue. 
158

3.8.3.2 To create a Combined Flight Map, select the flights of interest, check the 

Combined Flight Map option, and select Continue. The generation of the map 

may take some time. 

4.0 Waypoint Creator – BWASP surveys blocks only 

4.1 Launch the Waypoint Creator Tool 

4.1.1 Waypoints for the BWASP survey area should be generated prior to the 

survey flight. Several maps should be generated, including: each 

individual block, block combinations 3 and 11, 1 and 2, 4 and 6, and 5 and 

7. Waypoints do not need to be generated for any of the COMIDA survey 

blocks (blocks 13-22). 

4.1.2 There are two ways to launch the WaypointCreator Tool. 

4.1.2.1 Double click the icon for the Shortcut to WaypointCreator.exe on 

the desktop. 

4.1.2.2 In Windows Explorer select C:\BWASPTools\bin\ 

WaypointCreator.exe. Note that the path is in the bin folder, not 

directly in BWASPTools. 

4.2 Instructions for creating Waypoints 

4.2.1 Select the Select Blocks button, then place the cursor anywhere in the 

block for which waypoints are needed. The survey block outline will 

highlight in red. If waypoints for more than one block are needed (e.g., 3 

and 11), after selecting the first block, hold down the Shift key and select a 

second block. Both block outlines will be highlighted in red. 

4.2.2 Use the Zoom In, Zoom Out and Pan buttons to move around the map 

and set the ratio to a viewable/printable aspect. The Zoom In tool requires 

you to click and drag a box around the area you want to zoom in on, and 

the Zoom Out tool is just a single click in the center of the area you want 

to zoom out on. 
159

4.2.3 When block(s) have been selected for waypoint generation, select Create Waypoints. 

The waypoints will be identified on screen in red (south [S] and north [N]) and 

transect lines will be drawn in green. 
160

4.2.3.1 To save the map and get the locations (lat and long) of each 

waypoint, select Export. Jpgs are saved to C:\Documents 

andSettings\BWASP\Desktop\BWASP waypoint maps. 

4.2.3.2 Map files are automatically dated, and should be renamed to reflect 

the survey blocks (e.g., b3_11_waypoints_7-17-09.jpg depicts the 

waypoints for blocks 3 and 11 generated on 17 July 2009). 

4.2.3.3 Print at least one copy of each waypoint map for the pilots; the 

team leader may want a copy as well. 

4.2.3.4 As each survey block/block combo is flown, a new set of 

waypoints for that block/combo should be generated and provided 

to the pilots. 

4.2.3.5 Waypoints are automatically generated from east to west (1S and 

1N are easternmost), and most surveys should be flown west to 

east. The Team Leader should remind pilots to enter waypoints 

from west to east. 

4.2.4 When waypoints have been created for a set of blocks and additional survey block 

 waypoints are needed, select Clear Waypoints. All waypoints will be deleted. 

4.3 Exiting WaypointCreator 

4.3.1 Select Exit to close the program. 

 
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5.0 Installing a New Version of Survey Tool to Field Laptops 

5.1. Download BWASP_Survey_v##.exe and the data folder from SharePoint’s Shared 

Documents/Software, etc folder. 

5.2. Add the new BWASP_Survey_v##.exe to the following directory in the field laptop: 

C:\BWASPTools\bin. Do not change the title of the new BWASP_Survey_v##.exe file 

because it is important to keep the version number (the “_v##” in the filename) associated 

with the file. 

The data folder should replace the old version’s data folder which will need to be deleted, but 

it could be renamed and kept at first until it is known that the new version is working 

correctly. 

5.3. Delete the old Shortcut to BWASP_Survey_v##.exe icon on the laptop’s desktop. 

Delete the old Shortcut to data icon on the laptop’s desktop. 

5.4. Create a new shortcut for the new BWASP_Survey_v##.exe and the new data folder: 

5.4.1. Go to Windows Explorer and navigate to C:\BWASPTools\bin folder. Right-click 

on the new BWASP_Survey_v##.exe, and select “Create Shortcut.” A file named 

Shortcut to BWASP_Survey_v##.exe will appear in the C:\BWASPTools\bin folder. 

5.4.2. Go to Windows Explorer and navigate to C:\BWASPTools\data folder. Rightclick on the new data folder and select “Create Shortcut.” A file named Shortcut to data 

will apprear in the C:\BWASPTools/data folder. 

5.5. Drag this new shortcut to the desktop. Use this new shortcut to launch the new version 

of BWASP_Survey.exe. 

 
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IV. Data Collection Instructions 

Introduction 

The Data Collection Software instructions focus on data entry of the technical information 

associated with environmental conditions and marine mammal sightings. These are intended 

to supplement the BWASP Survey Tool Section, which contains information on program 

buttons, menus and screens, instructions for loading the software, and instructions on 

creating daily Waypoints for the BWASP survey area (COMIDA transect lines are set for 

the season). Users of the BWASP Tool should be familiar with that Section as well. 

General Information 

As soon as any Event Data Form button is selected (Flight type, Environmental Conditions, 

Sighting), spatial data (lat, long) and time are saved to the database for that entry. If for any 

reason the entry should not be saved (e.g., button pressed before sighting is abeam of the 

aircraft), select “Quit without saving”, then select the Event Data Form at the correct time 

and location. 

One date, one aircraft = one flight. Regardless of how many times the aircraft lands and takes 

off, the entire effort for one day is still one flight. Always. So a survey that originates in 

Deadhorse, completes transects in blocks 3 and 11, lands at Barrow to refuel, does two 

transect lines in block 12 before returning to Deadhorse at the end of the day is denoted by a 

single flight number. Use the “Resume Flight” button. 

Any flights originating on the “COMIDA” aircraft will be designated as COMIDA during the 

Data Collection software start-up. Flights originating on the “BWASP” aircraft will be 

designated BWASP. This is true regardless of the type of aircraft (twin otter or aerocommander) or the area flown. 

Several Event Data Forms can be open concurrently, and often are in situations where several 

sightings have occurred quickly or where environmental conditions have changed rapidly. 

The Data Recorder should rely on Primary Observers to keep track of some sighting data (in 

observer log books) in circumstances where several sightings have occurred quickly. See 

instructions under Sightings below. 

All observers and the Data Recorder should feel free to prompt and remind each other (nicely!) 

about data entry, protocol, format, methodology, etc. BWASP/COMIDA biologists all have 

previous experience with aerial surveys on several projects worldwide, but each project is 

slightly different as far as how it is implemented, and it will be extremely important to keep 
163

lines of communication open among all personnel to foster familiarity with our data 

collection procedures. 

Flight Type 

Select this button whenever the “Flight Type” changes, e.g., start transect, start search, deadhead 

at start of flight, etc.(descriptions below) The type of flight is important in determining 

effort and sightings on transect versus during other flight types. A transect ID number box is 

also located here for use on COMIDA flights. With each change in Flight Type, 

Environmental Conditions can also be updated, but if there are no changes, the data entered 

on the previous entry will trickle down to subsequent entries. Sightings are never entered 

via the Flight Type button. 

Flight Type may be mis-entered during the course of the flight due to several reasons, resulting 

in inaccurate data summaries. Flight Type together with either a Sighting or an 

Environmental (position) update results in the combined field “Entry”. The text data in the 

Entry field must match correctly with two numerical codes in the “Flt type” and “Ent tag” 

fields in the mdb file. These codes are included below, along with examples. The Field 

Data Manager and Project Manager will provide QA of the flight data to ensure that the 

codes are entered accurately, but Data Recorders are also encouraged to check for accuracy. 

Code combinations are therefore: 

Flt 

type 

Ent 

tag 

Entry 

1 1 Deadhead (at start of 

flight) 

1 2 Deadhead (during 

flight) 

1 5 Deadhead (at end of 

flight) 

2 1 Start transect or 

Resume (transect) 

2 2 P(osition) on transect 

2 3 S(ighting) on transect 

4 1 (start) Search or 

Resume (search) 

4 2 P(osition) on Search 

4 3 S(ighting) on Search 

5 1 Divert to Circling 

5 2 P(osition) on Circling 

5 3 S(ighting) on Circling 
164

 

(Words within parentheses in the Entry column will not be displayed in the data set.) 

Note: automatic location updates are included in the BWASP-COMIDA dataset – these 

events are not entered by the Data Recorder and do not have an Entry type associated with 

them. The Flt type/Ent tag codes will likely be inconsistent for these updates. There is no 

need for the Data Recorder or the Field Data Manager to try to adjust these codes; the 

Project Manager will deal with these inconsistencies. 

Reason for Entry: 

Deadhead – Used when the survey flight has just begun, areas over land (except for brief periods 

over during coastal transits), time periods when visibility is zero (e.g., transiting above cloud 

cover with no downward visibility), and at the end of a flight. If observers have any 

downward visibility over water and feel they could detect cetaceans, the survey type should 

be search, transect or circling. Any Environmental Condition data entered while on 

deadhead will be saved as “position on deadhead”. Possible combinations for this type of 

entry are “start deadhead” and “position on deadhead”. Note that each flight has to start and 

end with a deadhead. 

Start transect – Used at the start of a transect line, which will be indicated by the pilots using 

their GPS and waypoint system. Any Environmental Condition data or Sighting data 

entered after this point will be saved as “p on transect” or “s on transect”. Also, see the 

Transect_id information below. 

End transect – Used to denote the actual end of the transect line, and indicated by the pilots. 

Each transect line requires an “end transect” prior to beginning any other survey type 

(search, deadhead). Should also be used to end a transect when a sighting is recorded by 

anyone other than a Primary Observer (this sighting should be entered as sighting on search 

so an End transect is required first). 

Divert to Circling – Used when the flight is diverted away from a transect line or search to circle 

or otherwise investigate a sighting. Any data entered while on divert is logged as circling, 

therefore “s on circling” and “p on circling”. Circling will generally occur in the direction 

of the original sighting, and be based on the original observer’s directions to the pilots. As 

soon as the aircraft turns, “divert” should be entered (observers should assist the Data 

Recorder and remind them to enter “divert”). An “oval track” encompassing the original 

sighting is the preferred method of circling, but in reality circling will often be more 

haphazard (Figure 6). During circling, it is often useful for the Data Recorder to zoom in 

tightly on the local area and use the 5-second marks Tool and the Temporary Point and Text 

Tools to better track the location of the aircraft in relation to sightings. See Section III for 

instructions on using these tools.
165

Resume – Used when the flight resumes either a transect line or search survey when circling is 

completed. The flight will automatically resume to the flight type prior to the Divert (e.g., if 

on transect, will resume to transect). 

Search – Used during any non-deadhead, non-transect or non-circling survey type; data entered 

during this survey type is logged as “p on search” or “s on search”. 

Transect_id: 

The Transect_id is entered into its own field in the Flight Type window, which is located to the 

right of the Reason for Entry drop down. For COMIDA area flights only, a value should be 

entered in this field on any “Start transect” event. Transect_ids are either numeric 

(corresponding to the ID number of the offshore transect) or “C” (for coastal transect). No 

Transect_id is needed for flight in the BWASP area. 

Note: The only way to change the Transect_id once a COMIDA transect is underway is by 

editing the original “Start transect” event and changing the value using Edit Table. 

Environmental Conditions 

Environmental Conditions can be updated when Flight Type is changed, but are also entered 

whenever conditions change by selecting the “Environmental Conditions” button. The data 

entry is the same under both circumstances. Env. Conditions are not saved until the form is 

closed. Once the form is saved, Env. Conditions will trickle down to subsequent entries 

until changed again. An Env. Conditions window will pop up automatically every 5 minutes 

as a prompt to update. Save this regardless of whether there any changes are made. 

Remember that Env. Conditions should be averaged over the entire viewing area (forward, out 

and backward), and not limited to the precise location of the aircraft at any given time. Env. 

Conditions should not be rapidly changing within the course of a single minute. 

Fields to be entered: 

Sky Conditions – choices include overcast, partly cloudy and clear; all responses refer to cloud 

cover above the aircraft; this particular data selection will trickle down to all subsequent 

entries until changed by the Data Recorder. 

Sea State – refers to sea conditions as they relate to Beaufort wind scale (Table 4) – note that in 

ice-covered waters the Beaufort state is likely not related to the wind strength as ice will 

dampen sea conditions. N/a should be used only when absolutely no water is visible (100% 

ice or over land) and will be entered automatically when Deadhead is entered. The sea state 

entered will trickle down to all subsequent entries until changed by the Data Recorder. 
166

Visibility Left and Right – choices are unlimited, 5-10 km, 3-5 km, 2-3 km, 1-2 km, <1 km, 0 

km; refers to downward and outward visibility as it relates to being able to see marine 

mammals. A horizontal distance table (Table 5) provides distances (meters) associated with 

clinometer angles at various altitudes between 1000’ and 1500’, and can be referenced for 

visibility assessment. For example, at 1300’ altitude, if an observer could realistically see 

marine mammals essentially to the horizon (1 degree), then visibility is 9.5 km. At 1500’ 

altitude, if an observer could realistically see mammals out to an angle of 20°, then visibility 

is 1.3 km. Note that under high wind/no ice conditions, visibility is reduced for marine 

mammals and should be entered as such, due to the higher sea states. Visibility is entered 

automatically as “0 km” when a Deadhead is entered. Visibility data will trickle down to all 

subsequent entries until changed by the Data Recorder. Several things can affect visibility, 

including low clouds and fog, snow squalls, glare and others. These impairments to 

visibility are entered in a separate field. 

% ice cover – choices include 0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 99 and 100; if there is 

no ice, select “0”. Any amount of ice present, regardless of type, will need to be averaged 

between left, right and in front of the aircraft (as noted through bubble windows). Ice cover 

should be averaged for the area in which marine mammals can effectively be seen, which 

should be the same area for which visibility was estimated. Therefore, at 1000’ and 

visibility effective out to a clinometer angle of 20 (~ 1 km), then ice cover should also be 

estimated for that area. If the ability to see marine mammals extends out to 5 km, then the 

% ice cover should also be estimated for that area. Only one value is entered for % ice 

cover, averaged for all sides of the aircraft. This field is entered automatically as “0” when a 

Deadhead is entered as Flight Type. Ice cover % also trickles down to subsequent entries so 

if ice cover changes noticeably, new information should be entered. A % ice cover of “0” 

always needs to be entered with type of ice = “no ice”. 

Type of ice –choices are no ice, broken floe, grease/new, new+broken floe, floe, shorefast, lead, 

pack/floe, frazzle (frazil) and pack. Ice type categories have evolved over several years 

(since 1982) of BWASP surveys, and were originally based on the Naval Hydrographic 

Office Publication Number 609 (USDOD,Navy, 1956). While ice types can be and often are 

the subject of numerous discussions onboard the survey aircraft (and elsewhere), we will 

maintain consistency among 25 years of data collection by keeping the historic ice 

categories. The definitions have been updated using the “Observers Guide to Sea Ice” 

prepared by O.P. Smith of University of Alaska Anchorage for NOAA in 2000. Several of 

these categories consist of one or more type of ice; some ice type entries will have to be 

judgment calls based on experience of the survey team. When disagreement occurs, the 

Team Leader will make the ultimate call on ice type. Remember that the one of the main 

objectives to estimating ice is determining the overall habitat in which marine mammal 
167

species are sighted. Additional information on ice types along with photographs can be 

viewed at: 

http://www.gi.alaska.edu/~eicken/he_teach/GEOS615icenom/iceglossary/iceglossary.htm. 

Categories: 

No ice – No ice of any type within area of marine mammal effective visibility. 

Shorefast – Ice which forms and remains fast along the coast 

Grease/new – Thin, soapy-looking surface layer of coagulated frazil ice; this category would 

also include ice known as Nilas which is defined as a thin, elastic crust of ice, easily bending 

on waves and often with a striped or chevron appearance. 

Frazzle (Frazil) – Separate fine needles or plates suspended in the water (difficult to 

distinguish from >1000 ft altitude); subcategory of Grease/new ice 

Floe – Any relatively flat piece of ice 20 m or more across 

Broken floe – Floe ice that has been broken into smaller pieces usually from wave or wind 

action 

New+broken floe – New ice interspersed with thicker older sections of broken up floe ice 

Pack – Multiyear ice that has survived at least one melting season, characterized by 

undulating weather ridges and meltwater drainage patterns 

Pack/floe – Sections of multiyear ice interspersed with solid floe ice (such as that which has 

formed in previously open water leads). 

Lead – open water area that occurs with floe or pack ice pulls apart 

Visibility Impairment Left and Right – choices include fog, haze, low ceiling, glare, precip and 

none; refers to significant impairment (affecting at least 50% of entire 180° viewing area 

from each side of aircraft) affecting ability to observe marine mammals. If there are no 

visual impairments, select “none”; this particular data selection will trickle down into all 

subsequent entries until changed by the Data Recorder. However, if fog, haze, low ceilings, 

glare or precipitation are significant, then the impairment should be noted. The usefulness 

of noting visual impairments is the potential for including or not including this data into 

future analysis. 

Observers – on the very first event of the flight, enter the names of the Data Recorder, Left and 

Right Observers, and 4th Observer, if necessary. The names can be selected from the dropdown menu, or can be typed in for one-time visitors. These names will trickle down to all 

succeeding events unless they are manually changed during the flight. 

Notes – This field should be reserved for short notes that might assist the Data Recorder later 

when the flight is being QA’d, e.g., any odd weather factor or if something needs to be fixed 

on a previous entry. 
168

 

Save Data – if the entry is legitimate (new updated data were entered) always be certain to hit 

“Save Data”, as data are not saved to the hard drive or backup drive until this step is 

complete. 

Quit without Saving – if for some reason the entry is not legitimate and/or does not need to be 

entered, select “Quit without Saving”. The entry will not be saved, although the entry 

numbering system will make it appear as if it has been (disregard this). 

Sighting 

Select this button when the observer who has made the sighting indicates that the aircraft is 

abeam of the sighting by saying MARK. For pinnipeds and bears, one can assume that the 

sighting is nearly always abeam of the aircraft when they are seen, but cetacean sightings 

may not be abeam when first detected so do not hit the Sighting button until the observer 

indicates that they are. In the event that the Sighting button is selected early or at the wrong 

time, simply hit “Quit without saving” to exit the entry. 

Sightings are never entered when a Flight Type is being entered. Sightings must be independent 

of any Flight Type entry. 

 

Only sightings taken while actually “on transect” and from a Primary Observer should be entered 

as such. Once the aircraft has diverted off the transect line (for any reason), “divert to 

circling” should be used and subsequent positions/sightings will be recorded as “circling” 

until “resume” is entered. Any sightings made during this circling will be recorded as 

“sighting on circling”, with the only exception being whales that are closely associated with 

the original sighting (within five body lengths) or a calf that is clearly associated with the 

original sighting. While this may be different from methods used on other projects, this has 

been consistently maintained over the life of this project and therefore will continue to be 

maintained. Observers should continue to search for animals on their respective sides of the 

aircraft. During circling, it is preferred that cetacean sightings be entered individually if 

possible, although the reality of several sightings in one area may preclude individual 

entries. Pinniped sightings (other than walrus) have lower priority than other marine 

mammals, and will be entered at the discretion of the Data Recorder. More than one pass 

might be required to obtain adequate group size and assess number of calves present. 

Abnormal behaviors or unexpected sightings should be photographed, if possible. Circling 

should not exceed 10-15 minutes in most cases, as the main objectives of surveys are to 

assess a large area. 
169

Sightings made by someone other than a Primary Observer (Data Recorder, Pilot, 4th observer) 

should not be entered as “on transect”. In the event that a sighting is missed by the Primary 

Observers, an “end transect” should be entered via the Flight Type menu followed by 

entering the sighting. Then a “start transect” should be entered to continue the transect 

effort. 

For each animal/object type, all possible data that can be entered is highlighted in red which 

indicates that, whenever possible, each of these fields should be updated. A “cheat sheet” 

(Table 3) will be provided to each observer to remind them of species and data priority. 

 

It is the Data Recorder’s responsibility to prompt the observer for the needed information. 

Information does not need to be entered in the order of the drop-down menus. 

 

Several sighting windows can be open concurrently, so if additional sightings are made in a short 

period of time simply open additional sighting windows. 

It is easier to enter the data while the sighting window is open initially than to go back and reenter the info in the edit mode. 

NOTE: general species information is included in Appendix C, and was taken from the COMIDA 

IA (does not include references). 

The Guide to Marine Mammals of Alaska (Wynne, 2007) provides additional information and 

some aerial photographs of some Arctic specie. (Third Edition, Alaska Sea Grant. 80 pp.). 

Available from: http://seagrant.uaf.edu/bookstore/pubs/MAB-44.html#web. 

There are aerial photos of several Arctic cetacean species at: 

http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/gallery/. Unfortunately, there are not many aerial shots of 

pinniped species. 

Fields to be entered: 

Observer - whoever called out the sighting. For cetacean sightings, the Data Recorder should 

immediately notify the observer of the sighting event number (located on the top blue bar) 

so that the observer can keep track of information if the Data Recorder is unable to enter the 

information quickly enough during a high sighting period. 

Observers are responsible for keeping track of event number, species, group size, calf #, 

clinometer angle and heading in observer green notebooks, which will be provided. In 

circumstances where several sightings occur quickly, this information will be used as backup data for the Data Recorder, whether during or after the flight. Notebook information 
170

should be clear and concise. Notebooks are not intended to be repositories of complete 

sighting information per observer. If an observer would like additional information on their 

sightings, they are welcome to ask the Field Data Manager after the flight summaries and 

reports have been completed. Querying the Data Recorder for specific sighting information 

during the flight is generally not a good idea – they are busy enough already. 

Side of Plane – left or right. Seems redundant to Observer but must be entered. 

Sighting Data – divided into type of animal/object seen – choices are cetacean, pinniped, polar 

bear, vessel and land mammal. Select type of animal/object using drop down menu. 

Cetaceans: 

Species – 

Choices include bowhead, beluga, gray, small unid. cetacean, small unid. marine mammal, 

unknown cetacean, narwhal, humpback, orca whale, Dall’s porpoise, harbor porpoise, 

minke, fin, N. Pacific right whale, which represent the species most likely to be seen in the 

Beaufort or Chukchi seas. If another species is seen, use the NOTES field to add this info 

and GET PHOTOS. Also use the NOTES field to enter any additional information if 

unknown cetacean is entered (e.g., probable species if unable to determine). 

Clino (clinometer) – 

Enter the angle of the sighting (0 is horizon, 90 is directly beneath plane); angle must always be 

read when aircraft is level. If the angle is greater than 90, enter 90. Never use “0” for the 

angle because that will result in no data in the x of whale, y of whale fields of the survey 

program, and the calculation of actual location will not compute. If an animal is at the 

horizon, the angle should be “1” instead. 

Swim direction – 

Choices are 1 o’clock to 12 o’clock and No Dir; the nose of the plane is 12 o’clock, the tail is 6 

o’clock; observer should call out straight clock readings (not 1:30 or 1415); the program 

software automatically calculates the heading of the whale based on the heading of the plane 

and clock reading. DO NOT enter swim direction while the aircraft is circling as the GPS 

cannot catch up quickly enough. If the swim direction cannot be entered at the time of the 

initial entry when the aircraft heading is consistent, wait until the aircraft has resumed the 

same heading as when the initial sighting was made. No Dir should be entered if swim 

direction was not noted; or leave the entry blank. 

Swim Speed – 

Choices are: 

Still – estimated speed of 0 km/hr; essentially not moving; behavior resting 
171

Slow – estimated speed of >0-2 km/hr, which is equal to ~ one body length per 30 seconds 

Medium – estimated speed of >2-4 km/hr, which is equal to ~ one body length per 15 seconds 

Fast – estimated speed of >4 km/hr; which is equal to ~ one body length per 1 second 

Unknown – unable to discern speed 

Group Size Data Entry – 

Group_Size - 

What: The total number of cetaceans initially observed prior to circling. The relative area 

within which animals should be considered a single group is five (5) whale lengths from 

closest animal. Therefore, sightings on opposite sides of the plane could be considered a 

single group. 

Important: A Group_Size must be entered or the record will not save. If circling is initiated, 

an initial Group Size estimate should be entered prior to diverting to circling. 

 Final_group - 

 What: That total number of cetaceans observed within a group after circling to confirm 

numbers. Initial Group_Size is still entered into the Group_Size field. 

 Important: Final_group field does not need to be populated for a sighting event to be saved. 

Final_group and Group_Size can be the same number, and Final_group can also be larger or 

smaller than Group_Size. Note: when data are summarized at the end of the flight, any 

sighting record that does not have a Final_group will be automatically populated with the 

number from Group_Size. Final_group is the literal group size in the data. 

 Low_estimate - 

 What: Estimate of minimum group size, and used mostly for larger aggregations of bowhead 

and gray whales, and beluga. 

 Important: Low_estimate field does not need to be populated for a sighting to be saved. 

High_estimate- 

 What: Estimate of maximum group size and used mostly for larger aggregations of bowhead 

and gray whales, and beluga. 

Calf_no - 

 What: total number of calves seen during the sighting; does not need to be co-indicated by 

Cow-Calf behavior. 

Calf_on_circle - 

 What: Number of calves seen after circling has commenced. 

Important: Calf_on_circle field does not need to be populated for a sighting event to be 

saved. 

Sight Cue – 

Choices are: 

Body – back, head, flukes, flipper 

Splash – water disturbance is first indication of activity 
172

Track – “footprints” can be seen in new ice or very calm water 

Blow – exhalation vapor 

Slick – oily area on surface 

Mud plumes – distinct muddy area that is clearly defined from the rest of the water 

Whale towed by boat – in this case the sighting is the vessel, not the whale so do not use for 

cetacean sightings 

Birds or fish – disturbance on the surface which may indicate feeding opportunities for marine 

mammals as well 

Behavior – Every cetacean sighting should have a behavior entered. 

Choices are: 

Swim – proceeding forward through water propelled by fluke movement; “footprints” may be 

seen where the body breaks the water’s surface 

Rest – animal floating at surface with no discernible movement 

Dive – body orientation changes relative to surface resulting in submergence; may or may not 

include flukes lifting clear of surface 

Mill – swimming slowly at surface in close approximation to other whales, with varying 

headings 

Feed – several indications including repeated diving in small general area; mud streaming from 

mouth, defecation, synchronous diving or echelon-swimming formation at surface; surface 

swimming with mouth agape, flukes-out dive; for gray whales, presence of mud plumes is 

excellent cue to feeding behavior 

Breach – animal launching body upwards and out of water such that half to nearly all of the body 

is above the surface before falling back into the water, resulting in a large splash 

Unknown – unable to discern behavior 

Cow with calf – adult whale and obvious calf (1/3 to 1/2 size of adult) within two whale lengths 

of each other; use only in circumstances where there is a 1:1 ratio between adult and calf; if 

larger group of several adults and several calves is recorded the behavior should be more 

general (swim, mill, feed, etc) and the calves should be recorded via the entry for Calf No.; 

calves should be determined based on combination of factors, including relative size to 

adult, coloration (often but not always gray, sometimes black), behavior (close swimming to 

adult, underneath adult). 

Flipper slap – whale on side, striking water surface with pectoral flipper one or many times 

Tail slap – whale slapping surface water with tail; whale body usually under water 

Dead – deceased, bloated, stinker 

Mate – ventral-ventral orientation of two whales; usually occurs in groups of whales that are 

milling; may see large penis 

Spy hop – head extended vertically out of water without lunging 

Underwater blow – exhalation while submerged, creates visible bubble 

Roll – rotating on longitudinal axis; may be associated with mating 
173

Run – not seen in large cetaceans unless they are de-evolving; [do not use] except possibly with 

Dall’s porpoise or orca (very fast swimming) 

Thrash - rapid flexure or gyration in water 

Log play – milling or otherwise associating with log in water; most often seen with calves 

Group Classification – 

Choices include: 

Single (use for any size animal; if calf, indicate via Calf No) 

Pair (use for any size animal; if single cow-calf pair, this will be indicated via Cow-Calf 

behavior as well as in Group Size and Calf No) 

Adult group (adults only) 

Mixed group (adults and calves; indicate number of calves via Calf No) 

Habitat – 

Choices are: open water, leads or lead system, large broken floe, med-lg floes, polynya, bay or 

lagoon, river mouth, tide rip. Of limited use because it does not provide information that is 

not already provided in Env. Conditions. This should be the lowest priority information for 

entering for cetaceans. 

Note: Should be entered for any carcass sightings to determine if floating or on land/ice 

Certainty – 

This field has to do with effort related to detecting calves. Choices include low, medium, and 

high, as described below: 

Low – no effort to account for presence of calf; sighting made somewhat offline of track and 

flight continues, no circling 

Medium – flew directly over; relatively high probability of detection; sighting made very close to 

track line but no circling 

High – circled numerous times; highest probability of calf detection. 

Repeat Sighting – 

Current choices are: 

No – any new sighting (transect or search); initial sightings made on search should never be 

changed to repeats if potentially resighted during transect survey at a later time. Unless an 

animal can be positively re-identified based on coloration or scarring, it should not be 

entered as repeat. 

Yes – should be entered only if certainty of repeat is extremely high, based on position of whale 

and ability to re-identify based on color or scarring patterns. 

Unknown – should likely be used in situations where an animal or group of animals is resighted 

after some period of time within a single flight and in a general area but not positively reidentified. 
174

Aircraft Response – 

Choices include no, yes and unknown, as described below: 

No – no change in expected behavior of cetacean, such as abrupt swim direction change or steep 

dive; dependent on type of whale and behavior (e.g., feeding gray whales often turn abruptly 

at surface as evidenced by curved mud plumes; whales dive abruptly when approaching 

edge of ice, etc); surveys conducted >1000’ would not be expected to elicit aircraft response 

in most cetaceans 

Yes – abrupt and unexpected change in behavior. Note that diving, change in swimming 

direction or speed, rolling, tail slapping, etc, may be in response to aircraft but are also 

behaviors that cetaceans normally exhibit. Each observer will need to determine if such 

behavior was a response to the aircraft 

Unknown – sighting too brief to be able to determine A/R 

Environmental Conditions – these will trickle down from the previous entry, but can be changed 

if needed within a sighting record; Environmental Condition data that is entered for a 

sighting will also trickle down to subsequent records that have not yet been opened. Any 

sighting records that are concurrently open will not automatically update to the new Env. 

Cond., and will need to be updated as well. 

Observers – can be modified with any sighting if observer positions have changed (due to 

rotation, relief break, etc). 

Notes – use this field to enter information that might be useful to the Data Recorder during the 

QA process, e.g., to clarify sighting data or remind to update Env Cond. 

Photos - Check this box if photos are taken. There is also a photo tracking Excel sheet that needs 

to be filled out. 

Be SURE to Save the Data! 

Pinniped: 

Nearly all data types are highlighted for pinnipeds as were for cetaceans, with the exception of 

Certainty. In reality, far less data are recorded for pinnipeds because pinnipeds are usually 

seen for less time and it is more difficult to make species determinations from >1000’. 

Walrus sightings have the highest priority for pinniped sightings; pinnipeds that cannot be 

identified to species have the lowest priority regarding data entry. 

Species – 

Includes ringed, small unid pinn, unknown pinn, walrus, bearded, spotted, northern sea lion, 

northern fur seal, harbor, and ribbon. Only some of these are likely to be seen in the 
175

Chukchi or Beaufort seas (ringed, bearded, spotted seals and walrus), while some are 

possible (ribbon seal) and some are highly unlikely (northern sea lion, northern fur seal, 

harbor seal). 

Clino (Clinometer) -

Same as for Cetaceans 

Swim Direction – 

Same as for Cetaceans 

Group Size Data Entry – 

Group_Size - 

What: The total number of pinnipeds initially estimated. For walrus and other pinnipeds that 

might be aggregated in an area, it is acceptable to clump sightings from both Primary 

Observers over a short time period, perhaps 30 seconds or one minute (i.e., not necessary to 

enter individual groups on ice). Use the Comments to indicate a 30-second count and record 

individual observer counts. 

Important: A Group_Size must be entered or the record will not save. 

 Final_group - 

 What: The best estimate of pinnipeds after circling or pass is complete. Initial Group_Size 

is still entered into the Group_Size field. 

 Important: Final_group field does not need to be populated for a sighting event to be saved. 

Final_Group and Group_size can be the same number, and Final_Group can also be larger 

or smaller than Group_Size. 

 Low_estimate - 

 What: Estimate of minimum group size (or running count), and used mostly for larger 

aggregations of walrus. 

 Important: Low_estimate field does not need to be populated for a sighting to be saved. 

High_estimate- 

 What: Estimate of maximum group size (or running count) and used mostly for larger 

aggregations of walrus. 

Calf_no - 

 What: total number of pups seen during the sighting; does not need to be co-indicated by 

Cow-Calf behavior. 

Calf_on_circle – VERY LOW PRIORITY for pinnipeds as pups are difficult to see from higher 

altitudes (i.e., data is likely not of high confidence) 

 What: Number of pups seen after circling has commenced. 

Important: Calf_on_circle field does not need to be populated for a sighting event to be 

saved. 
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Sighting cue – 

Choices are: 

Body 

Splash 

Track 

Birds or fish 

Behavior – Walrus should have behavior entered; low priority for other pinnipeds 

Choices are: 

Swim 

3⁄4 to entire body exposed; resting/lying on surface of water 

Dive 

Feed 

Lying, resting or alert on ice – make sure that environmental conditions indicate ice in area 

Dead 

Group Classification – 

Same as for cetaceans 

Habitat – High Priority for walrus; low priority for other pinnipeds 

Choices are: 

On land (barrier island or beach) 

On ice (near lead or on floe) 

Open water 

Repeat – 

Same as for cetaceans. 

With the exception of large haulouts on ice or land of walruses and perhaps spotted seals on 

haulouts, repeat sightings of pinnipeds would be extremely rare. 

Aircraft Response – 

Same as for cetaceans 

Note: if aircraft response is observed in walrus aggregation, answer “yes” and use Notes to 

indicate the % of group that reacted. 

Environmental Conditions – 

Same as for cetaceans 

Observers – can be modified with any sighting if observer positions have changed (due to 

rotation, relief break, etc). 
177

Notes – use this field to enter information that might be useful to the Data Recorder during the 

QA process, e.g., to clarify sighting data or remind to update Env Cond. 

Photos - Check this box if photos are taken. There is also a photo tracking Excel sheet that needs 

to be filled out. 

Be SURE to Save the Data! 

Polar Bear: 

Polar bear data are increasingly important as the relationship to sea ice continues to evolve. 

Every effort should be made to record as much data as possible on polar bear sightings. 

Clino (clinometer) – 

Same as for cetaceans 

Swim Direction – 

Same as for cetaceans; do not enter if bear is onshore. 

Swim Speed – 

Same as for cetaceans; do not use if on land 

Group Size Data Entry – 

Group_Size - 

What: The total number of polar bears initially estimated. 

Important: A Group_Size must be entered or the record will not save. 

 Final_group - 

 What: The best estimate of polar bears after circling or pass is complete. Initial Group_Size 

is still entered into the Group_Size field. 

 Important: Final_group field does not need to be populated for a sighting event to be saved. 

Final_Group and Group_size can be the same number, and Final_group can also be larger or 

smaller than Group_Size. Likely to be used only near Cross Island, Barter Island or near 

whale carcasses. 

 Low_estimate - 

 What: Estimate of minimum group size, and likely used only near known polar bear 

aggregation areas such as Cross or Barter Islands. 

 Important: Low_estimate field does not need to be populated for a sighting to be saved. 

High_estimate- 

 What: Estimate of maximum group size, and likely used only near known polar bear 

aggregation areas such as Cross or Barter Islands. 
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Calf_no - 

 What: total number of cubs seen during the sighting; does not need to be co-indicated by 

Cow-Calf behavior. 

Calf_on_circle – VERY LOW PRIORITY for polar bears as cubs are difficult to see from higher 

altitudes (i.e., data is likely not of high confidence) 

 What: Number of pups seen after circling has commenced. 

Important: Calf_on_circle field does not need to be populated for a sighting event to be saved. 

Sighting cue – 

Choices are: 

Track – tracks seen on ice or beach before bear is actually seen; do not enter if bear is not seen 

Kill site – seen before bear is seen; does not include bowhead carcasses that are known to be in 

place near villages or Cross Island 

Body 

Splash 

Birds or fish 

Behavior – 

Choices are: 

Walk 

Run 

Swim 

Sitting or lying on ground or ice 

Feeding at bone pile – near land, particularly near Kaktovik, Barrow and Cross Island 

Feeding on seal on ice 

Dead 

Group Classification – 

Choices are: 

Single adult or subadult 

Female with cub(s) 

Mixed group 

Habitat – 

Choices are: 

On land (barrier island or beach) 

On ice (near lead or on floe) 

Open water 

Repeat – 
179

Same as pinnipeds 

Aircraft Response – 

Choices are: 

No – no significant change in behavior as initially observed. 

Yes – abrupt and prolonged change in behavior clearly attributable to the presence of the aircraft; 

such as starting to run, stopping abruptly, change of direction in running or swimming, 

looking at plane, etc. 

Unknown – 

Environmental Conditions – 

Same as for cetaceans 

Observers – can be modified with any sighting if observer positions have changed (due to 

rotation, relief break, etc). 

Notes – Enter Pre- and post-overflight behavior – rest, run, sit, stand, walk 

Photos - Check this box if photos are taken. There is also a photo tracking Excel sheet that needs 

to be filled out. 

Be SURE to Save the Data! 

Vessels and Aircraft: 

Species – 

Choices include: 

Small craft – includes whalers 

Small recreational vessel – e.g., sailboat 

Large recreational vessel – e.g., cruise ship 

Commercial vessel – drill ships/platforms and accompanying vessels 

Seismic vessel 

Icebreaker 

Aircraft 

If vessel is not identifiable, make best guess and write any information in Notes 

Clino (clinometer) – 

Same as for cetaceans 

Swim Direction – 

Same as for cetaceans 
180

Group Size – 

Total number of vessels; if seismic vessel is indicated, note if other small vessels are nearby. 

Reminder that streamers towed behind seismic vessels have a tail buoy that might resemble 

a small boat from some distance. 

Final_Group, Low_estimate, High_estimate – not necessary 

Sighting Cue – 

Choices are: 

Vessel – includes wake 

Behavior – 

Choices are: 

Fishing 

Whaling 

Seismic 

Breaking ice 

Other – include info in Notes if possible 

Habitat – 

Choices are: 

Open water 

Leads in ice 

Bay or lagoon (or inside barrier islands) 

River mouth 

Unconsolidated ice 

Very low priority data 

Repeat – 

Choices are: 

No 

Yes – if seen on same flight 

Unknown 

Environmental Conditions – 

Same as for cetaceans 

Observers – can be modified with any sighting if observer positions have changed (due to 

rotation, relief break, etc). 
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Notes – 

Description of vessels, type of aircraft, relative size, name, activity, etc. 

Be SURE to Save the Data! 

Land Mammals: 

Most effort over land will be “on deadhead” so sightings are not entered. However, on occasion, 

the survey will venture briefly over land. In those circumstances, there is no need to “start 

deadhead”, and land mammal sightings can be entered. 

Species – 

Choices include: brown bear, sea otter, caribou, musk ox, arctic fox, other 

Clino (clinometer) – 

Same as for cetaceans 

Swim direction – 

Of limited use for land mammals – can indicate overall direction of heading of herd 

Swim speed – 

Choices are: still, slow, medium, fast, unknown 

Group size – 

Total number of animals 

Final_Group, Low_estimate, High_estimate, Calf no, and Calf on Circle – can be used for larger 

herds of animals, but very low priority 

Sighting Cue – 

Choices include: 

Body 

Tracks 

Kill site 

Behavior – 

Choices are: 

Walk 

Run 

Swim 

Rest 
182

Group Classification – 

Choices are: 

Single animal 

Mother-pup 

Multiple adults 

Mixed group 

Habitat – 

Choices include: 

Tundra 

Beach 

Rocky cliff 

Other – indicate via Notes – e.g., an animal swimming between mainland and barrier islands 

Repeat – 

Choices include: 

No – likely response for all land mammal sightings 

Yes 

Unknown 

Aircraft Response – 

Same as for polar bears 

Environmental Conditions – 

Same as for cetaceans 

Observers – can be modified with any sighting if observer positions have changed (due to 

rotation, relief break, etc). 

Notes – 

Enter any pertinent data to the sighting that has not been entered elsewhere. 

Be SURE to Save the Data! 

 
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V. COMIDA/BWASP Field Data Manager Instructions 

 

Introduction 

One member of each survey team will be responsible for initial quality assurance and control of 

the daily flight data, prior to passing the files to the Team Leader. This person must have 

good MS-ACCESS skills and be detail-oriented. The Field Data Manager may or may not 

also serve as Data Recorder on the aircraft. Flight data must be checked daily, after each 

flight is completed (only one flight per day, regardless of how many flight segments there 

are). The review of the flight data has to occur before the daily report can be generated and 

posted.

Field Data Processing Sequence: 

1. Survey flight data can be edited during the flight itself, if the Data Recorder has the time 

and skills to do so. 

2. When the Data Collection Program is terminated (when the aircraft has crossed over land 

enroute to landing), several summary programs should be initiated. These programs will 

result in the processing of a Summary Table, Cetacean Sightings Table, and Flight Track 

Map. The Summary Tables and Map should be considered “drafts” initially, because 

data revisions may be required which could revise each. The Ice Summary should not be 

initiated on the aircraft as it takes too long to compile; this summary should be 

undertaken at a later time. 

3. After the flight is completed and summary files have been initially generated, the Field 

Data Manager will upload the raw flight data (the Master Access File, either 

2010_COMIDA or 2010_BWASP) to the NMML SharePoint website. This begins the 

data editing/tracking process. Refer to the SharePoint Section for information on how to 

use SharePoint. 

4. To start the editing, the Master Access Table should be “checked out” from the NMML 

SharePoint site – this indicates to other users of SharePoint that the data are currently 

undergoing revision. 

5. The first level of Data Quality Check on the daily flight data consists of reviewing three 

tables within the Master Access File. 

a. Flight Data Table 

b. Update to FlightInfo Table 

c. Update to SummaryInfo Table 

6. If significant changes are made to the Master Access mdb file, the flight may need to be 

summarized again. Refer to the BWASP_SurveyTool_Help document for instructions on 

how to do this. 

a. Run the Ice Summary Tool at this time. 

7. The edited Master Access File should be uploaded to SharePoint once all revisions have 

been completed. Changes to the Flight Data Table should be noted in the Comments 

section on SharePoint during the upload. 

 
184

Basic responsibilities of the Field Data Manager include: 

a. Checking the daily flight data, which may include cross-checking observer notebooks for 

missing information and working with the Data Recorder to confirm all data have been 

entered and saved correctly. 

b. Providing the Team Leader with a “clean” version of all data files, including the Access 

mdb and updated Summary tables and map, if necessary. This information will be 

transferred to the Project Manager via the NMML SharePoint website, which will allow 

the Project Manager to make any necessary final revisions, while keeping track of 

versions. (The Team Leader may opt to have the Field Data Manager conduct the 

SharePoint step as well). 

c. Track MS-Access file versions to ensure that only one version is the “final” copy. 

d. Notify the Team Leader of any problems inherent in the data collection process, and 

whether they are related to apparent software problems or inconsistencies with how data 

are being collected. 

To maintain as much consistency both intra-year (2010) and inter-year (historical database goes 

back to 1979), please do not ever hesitate to contact the Project Manager for clarification. 

(janet.clarke@saic.com). The data are the heart of this project; it is essential that they be 

collected and recorded as consistently as possible. 

Data Quality Check 

A. Flight Data Table 

Each flight is stored as a unique table within the Master Access file. This file is found in 

C:/BWASPTools\data. On each field computer, there will be two Access files, 

2010_BWASP.mdb (for BWASP flights) and 2010_COMIDA.mdb (for COMIDA flight. 

Once the Access mdb has been uploaded to the SharePoint website and checked out, the 

Flight Table needs to be opened to allow for review and editing. The table is quite “wide” 

and cumbersome, as there are 60 fields. The data fields do not follow “logical” patterns 

because new data fields (many added in 2009) needed to be added onto the end of the 

database. When conducting QA/QC, it is helpful to “hide” those fields not currently being 

checked. 

The following information provides guidance on what should or should not be in each of those 

fields, what to look for regarding consistency, and suggestions on how to look at “subsets” 

of data. 

The first eight columns of data are entered automatically via the computer program and interface 

with the GPS. If there are errors in these first columns, it could be indicative of bugs in the 

software and the Team Leader should be informed. Values in these columns should be 

sequential for the most part, with exceptions noted below. 

HINT: Review these first eight columns as a set, as if the rest of the data is not even present. 

OID – Primary Key – do not change. Should be identical to Event. 
185

Event – Survey events from start to finish. Should always be in chronological order. Events 

that were not saved during the course of the flight are still included in the database (Saved = 

0). Do not delete any events, even if they are unsaved or appear to have no data, as this will 

very negatively impact the mapping and other summary processes. If an event is 

accidentally deleted, a record will need to be added to the end of the flight with the 

appropriate data (use the previous event for location, time, altitude, etc), then re-sorted to be 

inserted into the proper order. 

Flt_No – COMIDA flights will start with 201 and will be chronological over the course of the 

annual field season; BWASP flights will start with 1 and also be chronological. The flight 

number should remain the same throughout entire flight. Verify that Table flight number 

matches the flight number in the table (sounds like a no-brainer but it has been problematic 

in the past). 

GMT_Minus8_DateTime – combined field. Verify that date is correct (should be one date per 

flight unless flight goes past midnight local time). Times are local AK DST. 

ArcLat – Latitude in decimal degrees. 

ArcLong – Longitude in decimal degrees. All longitudes in the western hemisphere are (-) 

numbers. Verify that all longitudes are negative. 

Alt – Altitude in feet. Verify that no altitudes appear unrealistic (e.g., too low [~200’] or too 

high [>5000’]. Low altitudes during take offs and landings are acceptable (and 

encouraged!). Higher than normal altitudes during deadheads or transits may also be 

acceptable. 

Air_Head – heading of aircraft as determined by data from the GPS. This information is used 

for determining actual positions of animals along the trackline, together with clinometer 

angle, altitude and side of plane. If an event has not been saved (Saved = “0”), there will 

not be an Air_Head and the field will be empty. 

The Data Recorder inputs to the computer program start with Entry. 

HINT: if there is no data between the Alt field and the Block field and the event is saved 

(Saved=1), that event is an automatic location update generated by the computer. No 

additional review is required of these data points. There will also be events that are not 

saved (Saved=0). If there appears to be a sighting on an unsaved event, double-check with 

observer notebooks that the event really IS supposed to be not saved. Otherwise, ignore the 

unsaved events at this point, but do not delete them. Deleting events within the database 

corrupts the database. 

Entry – Choices here are deadhead, p on deadhead, search, p on search, s on search, start 

transect, p on transect, s on transect, end transect, divert to circling, p on circling, s on 

circling, resume. Every flight must begin with a “deadhead” and end with a “deadhead”. 
186

Deadheads should also be entered in the data whenever both Visleft and Visright both 

report “0 km” and whenever the aircraft is over land. 

The next several fields of data are related to events which are sightings (cetaceans, pinnipeds, 

polar bears, vessels, and land critters) during the course of the flight. Different amounts of 

information will be entered depending on what the sighting is (refer to Table 3). If the event 

is not a sighting, all of the following rows will be either “.” or “-1”. 

Note that there are several data fields “to the right” in the database that are also related to 

sighting events (Final_group, Low_estimate, High_estimate, CalfonCircle). “Hiding” fields 

that are not sighting-related may assist data editing. 

Species – only an Event that is designated “s on *” should have anything in this column. If a 

Species is entered (and supporting data such as group size are also entered) and the Entry is 

not “s on *”, the Entry needs to be changed to reflect a sighting. If no Species is entered 

and the Entry is “s on *”, then the Data Recorder and observer notebooks need to be 

checked to clarify what the correct intention is. In the event that Species and Entry do not 

seem to agree, check the Saved column – if a “0” is entered in Saved then the data have not 

been saved and may not be real. In those circumstances, always check observer books to 

make sure the data truly should not be saved. If there is no Species (e.g., on non-sighting 

events), there should be a “.”. *If a Species has been entered on a “start transect” or “end 

transect”, an event will need to be added to incorporate the sighting without losing the 

correct survey data. If this circumstance arises, note where this needs to occur and notify 

the Project Manager. 

Sightcue – if the Species is a cetacean, there should be something in this column, but it is not 

absolutely necessary. Any Species other than cetaceans may or may not have data entered. 

If there is no Sightcue, there should be a “.”. 

Habitat – this is low priority data for all Species except polar bears and walrus. If no Habitat 

has been entered, see if other data on this sighting is of assistance (e.g., Behavior of 

“swimming” would indicate “in open water” while a Behavior of “running” in an area of 

80% ice would indicate “on ice”. Also check observer log books. If there is no Habitat 

entered, there should be a “.”. 

Behavior – this is a high priority for cetaceans, polar bears and walrus, lower for pinnipeds other 

than walrus. If there is no Behavior entered, there should be a “.”. 

Size – this field is obsolete and is a holdover from earlier data formats within this project. It 

should not be populated automatically via the data collection program. No data should be in 

this field unless entered manually by the Field Data Manager. 

Totalno – total number of animals/vessels initially attributed to this Event. If there is anything 

entered in the Species column, there must be a Totalno. If there is no Species, the value 

should be “-1”. 
187

Calfno – total number of calves or pups observed in the group. If no calves/pups were entered 

for this Event, then the value will be “-1”, not 0. 

Clinometer – high priority on cetaceans, polar bears, walrus and vessels. If there are no data in 

the field, double check with observer notebooks to see if anything was written down. No 

values >90. If there is no Clinometer angle, the value should be “-1”. 

Sop – Side of plane. Designated with “l” or “r”. Must be entered for all Species types. If 

nothing is entered, see if other data field can be used to determine which side of the plane 

(e.g., cross-check Observer with Obsleft and Obsright). If there is no Sop entered, there 

should be a “.”. 

Swimdir – always indicated (in this field) as a clock position, whole numbers only. High 

priority for cetaceans and vessels. If there is no Swimdir entered, there should be a “.”. 

Swimspeed – low priority for all Species. If there is no Swimspeed entered, there should be a 

“.”. 

Response – high priority for cetaceans, polar bears and walrus. Check observer logbooks if 

there is no response recorded for those Species types; if Response is consistently not 

recorded for those Species types, notify Team Leader so that the importance of this field can 

be reiterated to the survey team. If there is no Response entered, there should be a “.”. 

Repeat – low priority for all Species types, unless Repeat is “yes”. Therefore, most rows will 

be “.”. 

Observer – mandatory for all events that have a Species. If for any reason this is missing, use 

other data fields (e.g., Obsleft, Obsright) and observer log books to determine the 

Observer. For non sighting-events that have no Observer, there should be a “.”. 

The following fields are physically located at the end of the database (because they were added 

in 2009), but they are discussed here because they are part of sighting-related data. 

Family – these codes represent the sighting “family”, where “1” is cetacean, “2” is pinniped, “3” 

is polar bear, “4” is vessel, “5” is land mammal, and “0” is any event that is not a sighting. 

These codes are also in the Access database, lut_Family. 

Final_group – may be the same, higher or lower value than Totalno. If this field is populated, 

this number was included in the sum for the Summary Table, in lieu of the number in the 

Totalno field. This field does not have to be populated; there should be a “-1” if nothing 

was entered. 

Low_estimate – may be the same or lower than the value in Totalno or Final_group. This field 

does not have to be populated; there should be a “-1” if nothing was entered. 

High_estimate – may be the same or higher than the value in Totalno or Final_group. This 

field does not have to be populated; there should be a “-1” if nothing was entered. 
188

Calf on Circle – should only be populated if 1) calves are also entered in the Calfno field, and 

2) the aircraft diverted to circling. Should not be higher than the number entered in the 

Calfno field. 

The next eight fields are environmental data. Every saved event (Saved of “1”) should have data 

in nearly every one of these fields, with the exception of deadheads 

Skycon – sky conditions should always have some type of data entered, with the exception of 

“deadhead” events which should be “.”. 

VisImpLeft – visual impairment left should always have data entered, with the exception of 

“deadhead” events which should be “.”. 

VisImpRight - visual impairment right should always have data entered, with the exception of 

“deadhead” events which should be “.”. 

Vis_left – visibility left should always have data entered; events that are “deadhead” will 

automatically have “0 km” entered. “0 km” can also be on events other than “deadhead”. 

Vis_right – visibility right should always have data entered; events that are “deadhead” will 

automatically have “0 km” entered. “0 km’ can also be on events other than “deadhead”. 

Icepercent – ice percentage should always have data entered; events that are “deadhead” will 

automatically have a “0” entered. “0” Icepercent can also be on events other than 

“deadheads”. An Icepercent of “0” must have an Icetype of “no ice”. If Icepercent other 

than “0” is entered, there must also be an Icetype that is not “no ice”. 

Icetype – ice type should always have data entered; events that are “deadhead” will 

automatically have “no ice” entered. “no ice” can also be on events other than “deadhead”. 

An Icetype of “no ice” must have an Icepercent of “0”. If Icetype is “no ice”, there must 

also be a number entered for Icepercent. 

Seastate – should always have data entered; events that are “deadhead” will automatically have 

an “n/a” entered. “n/a” can also be entered for areas where Icepercent is “100%”. If 

Icepercent is <100%, there must be a Seastate entered. 

Most of the remaining fields are either generated automatically within the data collection 

program or are a result of information entered by the Data Recorder during the initial flight 

startup. 

Block – survey block in which the location (as determined by ArcLat and ArcLong) occurs. 

Locations over land or outside of the study area (e.g., north of 72°N) will have a “0” entered. 

Depth_m – no data; all field are left blank. This info is automatically entered during data 

manipulation. 

Aerial_Survey – name of survey, either “BWASP” or “COMIDA”. 
189

Swimdir_True – swim direction is calculated automatically based on data in the Air_head and 

Swimdir fields. Any events that do not have data entered in both of those fields should 

have “-1”. 

Magvar_gps – magnetic variation data directly from the GPS. All saved events should have 

data in this field. 

Magvar_dir – magnetic variation direction will always be “E”. 

Airhead_gps – no idea what this is but it appears to have the same input as Air_head. 

Certainty – data will be entered only on some sighting events (mainly cetaceans); all other fields 

will have “-1”. 

Group – these codes are tied to the Group Composition codes in the Access database; look at 

lut_GroupClassification table to determine what the codes represent and if they are 

reasonable to the sighting. Note than only codes 13-16 should be for cetaceans, 31 and 37-

39 should be used for pinnipeds and 51-53 used for polar bears. Non-sighting events should 

be “-1”. 

Saved – any events that should be saved are “1” and events that do not need to be saved are “0”. 

All events should have either “0” or “1”; none should be null. 

Notes – can be entered for any event, but most often for sightings; check that Notes make sense; 

check observer notebooks for additional clarification if needed. 

FltType – code is tied to Entry type, whereby deadhead = “1”, transect = “2”, search = “4” and 

circling = “5”. These codes are automatically generated by the program, but if Entry is 

manually changed during or after the flight, the FltType code also needs to be manually 

changed. 

Enttag – code is tied to Entry type, whereby start, end, divert or resume = “1”, position is “2”, 

sighting is “3” and end of flight is “5”. These codes are automatically generated by the 

program, but if Entry is manually changed during or after the flight, the Enttag code also 

needs to be manually changed. “5” will also be entered on all automatic updates generated 

by the computer. 

Xofwhale – actual longitude of sighting, based on ArcLong, Alt, Sop, Clinometer and 

Air_head. 

Yofwhale - actual latitude of sighting, based on ArcLat, Alt, Sop, Clinometer and Air_head.

Dist_from_Shore – no data; all field are left blank. This field is calculated during data 

manipulation. 

DataRecorder – info entered at beginning of flight and perhaps modified during flight if 

observers rotate; rotation of Data Recorder is not recommended to maintain consistency of 

data recording throughout flight. 

ObsLeft – info entered at beginning of flight and perhaps modified during flight if observers 

rotate. 

ObsRight - info entered at beginning of flight and perhaps modified during flight if observers 

rotate. 

ObsFourth – only populated if a fourth observer is on flight. 
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PhotoTaken – “1” if photos were taken of a sighting, “0” for all other events 

Lattemp – values in this field are taken from Yofwhale and, if no value in that field, ArcLat. 

This field, together with Longtemp, is used by the Summary Mapping program to map 

cetacean sightings. Sightings that do not have values in these two fields will not be plotted. 

Longtemp – values in this field are taken from Xofwhale and, if no value in that field, 

ArcLong. This field, together with Lattemp, is used by the Summary Mapping program to 

map cetacean sightings. Sightings that do not have values in these two fields will not be 

plotted. 

Transect_id – for COMIDA flights only, any events with FltType = “2” should have a number 

or “C” entered. All other events will be blank. On BWASP flights, the fields will be blank 

or may have a “0”. 

B. SummaryInfo Table, Sighting Summary Table and Summary Map 

The SummaryInfo Table within the Master Access file is updated when the summary programs 

run at the termination of the flight. Each flight becomes a new record in the 

SummaryInfoTable. Summary files are located in C:\BWASPTools\SummaryFiles. 

 

The information in the SummaryInfo Table should match exactly the Summary Table generated 

at the end of each flight, which becomes part of the daily report (see Figure 5). 

Everything in the Summary Table should be checked against Flight Table Data. If any of the 

Entry codes in the Flight Table have been changed during the review process, it is likely 

that the Summary Table will need to be re-generated. 

Daily Report Summary Table: 

Total bowheads: total number of bowheads observed (does not include repeat sightings but does 

include “unknown” repeats). Use Species, Totalno and Final_group fields in Flight Table 

to count. The value in Final_group takes precedence over the Totalno when it has been 

entered. 

Bowhead sightings: total number of sightings (does not include repeat sightings but does include 

“unknown” repeats). Use Species field in Flight Table to count sightings. 

Bowheads on transect: total number of bowheads observed “on transect” only; does not include 

bowheads seen on search or during circling (does not include repeat sightings but does 

include “unknown” repeats). Use Species, Entry, TotalNo and Final_group fields to 

count. 

Bowhead cow-calf pairs: total number of bowhead cow-calf pairs observed (does not include 

repeat sightings but does include “unknown” repeats). Use Species and CalfNo field in 
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Flight Table to count. Do not rely on Behavior field of “Cow-calf pair” as this will not 

always be recorded when a calf is seen. 

Bowhead cow-calf pairs on transect: total number of bowhead cow-calf pairs observed “on 

transect” only; does not include calves seen on search or during circling (does not include 

repeat sightings but does include “unknown” repeats). Use Species, Entry and CalfNo field 

in Flight Table to count. Do not rely on Behavior field of “Cow-calf pair” as this will not 

always be recorded when a calf is seen. 

Bowhead repeats: total number of bowheads seen that were considered “repeats” (Repeat = 

“yes”. Use Species and Repeat to count. 

Possible repeats: total number of bowheads seen that were entered as possible repeats (Repeat = 

“unknown”). Use Species and Repeat to count. 

Total gray whales: total number of gray whales observed (does not include repeat sightings but 

does include “unknown” repeats). Use Species, Totalno and Final_group fields in Flight 

Table to count. The value in Final_group takes precedence over the Totalno when it has 

been entered. 

Total belugas: total number of belugas observed (does not include repeat sightings but does 

include “unknown” repeats). Use Species, Totalno and Final_group fields in Flight Table 

to count. The value in Final_group takes precedence over the Totalno when it has been 

entered. 

Other whale sightings: total number of cetaceans other than bowheads, grays and belugas 

observed (does not include repeat sightings but does include “unknown” repeats). Use 

Species, Totalno and Final_group fields in Flight Table to count. The value in 

Final_group takes precedence over the Totalno when it has been entered. 

Total walrus: total number of walrus observed (does not include repeat sightings but does 

include “unknown” repeats). Use Species, Totalno and Final_group fields in Flight Table 

to count. The value in Final_group takes precedence over the Totalno when it has been 

entered. 

Total bear: total number of polar bears observed (does not include repeat sightings but does 

include “unknown” repeats). Use Species, Totalno and Final_group fields in Flight Table 

to count. The value in Final_group takes precedence over the Totalno when it has been 

entered. 

The second and third columns of the Summary Table include data on total time and distance for 

the survey flight. These numbers and distances cannot be easily checked against the Flight 

Table, however, the total amounts can be “eyeballed” to make sure that the totals look 

reasonable. 

Start and End time: date and time should match the first and last saved entry in the Flight Table. 

Transect, Search, Circling, Deadhead minutes and km: this one needs to be eyeballed. If the 

survey flight consisted of mostly time on transect and transect minutes and km are fairly 
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low, there is likely something wrong. If the flight was mostly a search survey and transect 

minutes and km are low, it is probably okay. Use the Flight Map as a reminder for time 

spent in different survey modes. Note that the flight map colors do not denote survey type 

but rather Beaufort sea state, so do not use the colors as a guide to survey type. Remember 

that the coastal route in the Chukchi is transect, not search. HINT: most survey effort that is 

east-west will be “search”. Most effort in the BWASP areas (blocks 1-12) that is northsouth is transect; survey effort in the COMIDA area that is northwest-southeast is likely 

transect. 

Search blocks: blocks in which search effort (anything not transect) was conducted. 

Transect blocks: blocks in which transect effort was conducted. 

 The Daily Summary Sightings Table: 

This table should be cross-checked with the Daily Summary Flight Table to ensure that all 

sightings that should be included actually are. Only cetacean sightings (all species) are 

included in this table. Event numbers are provided in the first column of the table and are 

also plotted on the Summary Map. Sightings designated as repeats (Repeats = “yes”) are 

not included (sightings where Repeat = “unknown” are included in the table). Sightings 

that are on transect will be reflected in the last column (On effort) as “True”. 

The Daily Summary Map: 

This Summary Map will automatically size to the extent of the flight. Flight lines are colorplotted based on sea state. Only sightings of cetaceans are plotted, as circles with stars 

around them, and the event number associated with the sighting will plot nearby. The Map 

should be reviewed for errors, such as flightlines that appear out of place (e.g., heading off 

the map) which may indicate a location error in an event, or sightings that have not plotted 

correctly. 

C. FlightInfo Table 

The FlightInfo Table within the Master Access file is updated when the summary programs run 

at the termination of the flight. Each flight becomes a new record in the Table. This 

information was entered by the Data Recorder at the beginning of the flight. Not much to 

check in this table except to make sure that it has recorded accurately. There must be an 

entry in this table for each flight. 

 
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D. Ice Data Table 

The Ice Summary should be done after initial quality checks are completed. This task must be 

carried out on the Field laptop. Refer to the BWASP_SurveyTool_Help document for 

instructions on compiling this info. Note that only those events that have an Entry Type

will be included in the Ice Summary. 

E. Re-summarize Tables and Regenerate Map 

If any revisions were done to the Flight Data Table, likely all Tables should be re-summarized 

and a new map generated. These should replace the original files for that flight day, both on 

the field computer and on SharePoint. This is especially important for the SummaryInfo 

Table, which includes all of the pertinent summary data for the day. If this table is not 

updated on SharePoint, the erroneous (= unrevised) values remain and will affect future data 

analyses. 

F. Compacting the Access Database 

In Access 2007, the database will automatically compact each time it is closed if the correct 

Access Option is selected. On each project laptop and for each project mdb (2010_BWASP 

and 2010_COMIDA, make sure the following has been selected: 

Open Access. 

Using the MS Office Button (upper left corner of display), select Access Options. 

Go to Current Database. 

Check Compact on Close, and hit OK. 

G. Upload Edited Data and Summary Tables/Maps to SharePoint 

Go to Section VI, SharePoint Instructions. 

H. Replacing the Active Access File 

When too many flights are included in the active Access file (either 2010_BWASP or 

2010_COMIDA, the file becomes too large and takes quite long to upload onto SharePoint. 

To remedy this, the Access mdb will be emptied of flight data after every fourth flight. 

1. Download the active mdb from the SharePoint site and make any revisions required. 

2. Make a copy of the active mdb (2010_COMIDA or 2010_BWASP). 

3. Rename the copy using the following format: first flight_fourth flight_project name.mdb 

(e.g., 201_204_COMIDA.mdb). 
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4. Upload the new mdb to the SharePoint site within the same project directory – it will be 

designated as “New” (indicated in green text) for a few days. 

Then: 

5. Open the active mdb in Access and delete the old flight data tables only (e.g., Flight_201-

Flight_204). Do not modify the SummaryInfo or FlightInfo tables as that information 

needs to remain intact for flights to continue to be logged in sequence. 

6. The mdbs will automatically compact to get rid of hidden files, if step VI (above) has 

been completed. (If step VI is not completed, please follow those instructions and do so). 

7. Upload the active mdb to the SharePoint site, where it will automatically replace the 

previous mdb as a new version (because this version has not been renamed). 

 
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VI. USING SHAREPOINT –The Basics 

SharePoint is a web-based application, maintained at AFSC. The NMML Arctic Marine 

Mammal Research site is password-protected and allows for document management and 

versioning for tracking edits. Nearly every BWASP or COMIDA flight will require data editing 

after the flight has ended. Other than those minor edits that are made during the flight itself, all 

edits made to the flight data will be made to the Master Access databases maintained on 

SharePoint. SharePoint will allow each set of flight data edits to be saved as a new version, so 

that the original “off the flight” version remains intact regardless of specific edits necessary to 

clarify the flight data. 

The most up-to-date version of each flight will always be maintained in the Master 

Access databases on SharePoint, and not necessarily on the field laptops. This is the best way 

for the COMIDA-BWASP management team to ensure that versions are not overwritten or that 

multiple copies of flight data are not co-existing. To ensure that the most recent versions remain 

on SharePoint, the following instructions have been established. This process is a bit 

cumbersome, but experience in 2008-2009 has shown it to be the best way forward at this time. 

The preferred browser and software for accessing SharePoint is Internet Explorer and

Office 2007. Other internet browsers and software versions will require different approaches, 

and are not recommended; instructions for accessing SharePoint via Mozilla are included at the 

end of this Section. 

I. Internet Explorer (IE) 

Opening SharePoint via IE 

1) Go to the following website address (If the default browser on the computer is set to 

Mozilla, then IE needs to be opened and have the SharePoint site as a favorite within 

IE in order to access SharePoint correctly): 

https://agora.afsc.noaa.gov/sites/nmmlarcticmarmam

2) The following screen will appear. Enter user name and password. 
196

3) The NMML Arctic Marine Mammal Research site will open to the following screen:

Navigating SharePoint via IE 

1) Along the left margin are links to the site’s content.
197

a) Pictures: Share relevant images (useful for reports, etc.). 

b) Documents: Includes Shared Documents, which is the main folder for BWASP and 

COMIDA data (discussed below). 

c) Lists: Used for organizational purposes. 
198

d) Discussions: Not currently in use. 

e) Sites: Not currently in use. 

Uploading Data via IE 

After a flight and before edits are made to the flight data**, the Field Data Manager or 

Team Leader will upload the newest flight data to the appropriate Master Access file, located in 

the Shared Documents folder on SharePoint. The COMIDA Master Access database is in the 

COMIDA data 2010 folder and the BWASP Master Access database is in the BWASP data 

2010 folder. One table (Flight #) and two records of data (one each from SummaryInfo and 

FlightInfo tables) will be uploaded. The upload is limited to this table and specific records to 

ensure that the Master Access file on SharePoint (and all versioning) is not overwritten by a new 

Access file. 

Upload/amend the master file as follows: 

1) Open the appropriate survey data folder (BWASP data 2010 or COMIDA data 2010) 

on SharePoint. There are 2 ways to do this: 

a) Double click on the Master Access mdb file.
199

The following window will open. Select Check Out and Edit, with Use 

my local drafts folder checked. Hit OK.

 OR: 

b) Click on the drop down menu to the right of the file name and select Check 

Out. 
200

 

The following window will open. Check Use my local drafts folder and 

hit OK. 

2) The Master Access file on SharePoint will open automatically and be saved temporarily 

in the local SharePoint Drafts folder on the laptop (please consult with the primary data 

manager for help locating this folder if you have problems). 

3) Open the working (field) Access file and select the Flight Table to be added to the 

Master Access file on SharePoint. Hit Ctrl + C (copy) or right mouse click and select 

Copy. 
201

4) Go back to the Master Access file in the SharePoint drafts folder, and, in the upper left 

margin under the Tables navigation pane, right mouse click and select Paste. The 

following screen prompt will pop up. Select Structure and Data and click OK.

5) In the working (field) Access file, open the FlightInfo Table, select the last entry (flight 

data for that day), then copy using Ctrl + C (copy) or right mouse click and select 

Copy. 

6) Go back to the Master Access file in the SharePoint drafts folder, open the FlightInfo 

Table, and select the last blank row denoted with an asterisk. Hit Ctrl + V (paste) or

right mouse click and select Copy. 
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7) Go back to step 5 and repeat for data in the SummaryInfo Table.

8) After the daily Flight Table has been added and the FlightInfo and SummaryInfo

Tables have been updated in the Master Access file in SharePoint drafts folder, close the 

Master Access file and upload it from the SharePoint Drafts folder back to SharePoint. 

To do this, go to the SharePoint window and click on the drop down menu of the Master 

Access file and select Check In.
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9) In the window that appears, select Major version because the upload includes a new 

flight table. Versioning choices are as follows:

Minor versions will be used for edits made to existing tables of the Master file. These 

will be designated as decimals (x.1, x.2, etc.). 

Major versions will be used when new flight tables are added. These will be designated 

as whole numbers (1.x, 2.x). If done correctly, the flights should correspond to a version 

number (i.e. Flight 1 = version 1.0, Flight 2 = version 2.0), so please be careful when 

designating versions! 

Overwrite DO NOT USE!!!! We want to track all changes made. 

Check NO on keeping the document checked out.

Comments - Note all changes that were made to the file (e.g., “Flight 2 has been added 

to the file” or “The following edits have been made to Flight 2”). The Program Manager 

will advise during the season on how specific these comments should be. The objective 

is to track how data is edited throughout the season, and when and why changes were 

made. 
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Click OK. When prompted to upload the document, hit Yes. The document is now 

checked back in. 

10) The file in the SharePoint Drafts folder should disappear after uploading. 

11) To confirm that the file versioning is correct, click on the drop down menu of the Master 

Access file and select Version History. A list of all file versions will open. Check that 

the version number (major/minor) is correct. The size of the file should have changed as 

well.
205

 
206

Editing Data and Resummarizing Data via IE 

If additional edits are required to the flight data, follow the steps above to edit flight data, 

however, select Minor version with each uploaded edited version instead of major version (see 

step 9 above). Check the versioning history as described above to be sure comments and version 

numbers are as expected. Depending on the edits made, file size may also change. 

If the editing process necessitates that the data be resummarized using the BWASP_Tool, 

copy the edited Master Access file (2010_COMIDA.mdb or 2010_BWASP.mdb) into the 

C:\BWASPTools\data folder (a shortcut to this folder is located on the project laptop) and run 

the summary for the edited flight via the BWASP Survey Tool program before uploading the 

edited file. This step updates the SummaryInfo Table located in the Master Access file for the 

edited flight, which is information required for the Daily Report. 

If SharePoint is Not Accessible

In the event that SharePoint is not available due to network or remote access problems, 

data files will be emailed back and forth to the Program Manager. File naming will follow the 

versioning history. For example, 2010_BWASP_v11.1.mdb corresponds to BWASP Flight 11, 

minor version 1. When SharePoint becomes available, then files can be uploaded. 

II. Mozilla Firefox (MF) 

Mozilla Firefox requires a different approach to accessing files, but many of the same 

principles apply. Familiarity with the first part of this Section, including the rationale behind 

data versioning and saving of files, is important. 

Opening SharePoint via MF 

1) Go to the following website address: 

https://agora.afsc.noaa.gov/sites/nmmlarcticmarmam

2) The following screen will appear. Enter user name and password. 

 
207

3) Refer to the Internet Explorer Section for Navigating SharePoint. 

Uploading Data via MF 

1) Open the appropriate survey data folder (BWASP data 2010 or COMIDA data 2010) 

in the Shared Documents folder on SharePoint. 

2) Click on the drop down arrow to the right of the Master Access file and select Check 

Out.

3) A document that is checked out will be indicated as such by a small green arrow in the 

lower right corner of the file icon. 
208

4) Double click on the document. In the window that appears, select Save File, and save 

to the desktop for ease of locating. Be sure you do this step after you have checked out 

the document!!!!

5) Open the Master Access file that was saved to the desktop. 

6) Open the working (field) Access file and select the Flight Table to be added. Hit Ctrl 

+ C (copy) or right mouse click and select Copy.

7) Follow steps 4 through 7 in the Internet Explorer part of this Section to add the flight 

table and new records to the FlightInfo and SummaryInfo tables in the Master Access 

file. 

8) When the Flight Table has been added and the FlightInfo and SummaryInfo Tables 

have been updated in the Master Access file, close that file and upload it back to 

SharePoint. Click on the Upload button along the top menu bar and then Upload 

Document. 
209

9) Click Browse and locate the edited document located on the laptop computer. Make 

sure that “Add as new version to existing file” is checked. Add version comments as 

needed (e.g., flight # added, etc.) and click OK.

10) Click Check In on the next screen. No further information should be entered.
210

11) The document needs to be published as a Major version. Click the drop down arrow to 

the right of the file name and select Publish a Major Version.

12) Click OK. 
211

13) Click on the right drop down arrow and select Version History.

14) Verify that the latest version is correctly numbered to match the flight number added. 

The file size should change as well. 
212

15) Delete the Master Access file that was downloaded to the laptop from SharePoint. 

Editing Data and Re-summarizing Data via MF 

Follow the steps as for using Internet Explorer to edit flights, but do not create major 

versions. Do look at the versioning history as described in step 11 to ensure that comments and 

version numbers are correct. Depending on the edits made, the file size should typically change 

as well. 

If the editing process necessitates that the data be resummarized using the BWASP_Tool, 

copy the edited Master Access file (2010_COMIDA.mdb or 2010_BWASP.mdb) into the 

C:\BWASPTools\data folder (a shortcut to this folder is located on the project laptop) and run 

the summary for the edited flight via the BWASP program before uploading the edited file. This 

step updates the SummaryInfo Table located in the Master Access file for the edited flight, 

which is information required for the Daily Report. 

If SharePoint is Not Accessible via MF 

 Use the same procedures as for Internet Explorer. 

 
213

VII. COMIDA/BWASP Daily Weather Check and Reporting 

Introduction 

 Weather data is important for several reasons, including incorporation into annual reports as 

 well as more in-depth analyses that may occur in the future. 

 Duties include: 

1. Saving (as pdf or html) basic weather information pages 

 2. Compiling files into a single document and sending to the Program Manager 

periodically during the season. 

What to Save 

Files should be saved to folders using structure such as: BWASP/Month/Day or

COMIDA/Month/Day. The Weather Data Manager(s) will be responsible for compiling 

weather and environmental information each day of the COMIDA and BWASP field 

seasons, regardless of whether or not a survey flight is undertaken. Once all files are saved, 

the COMIDA2010StationWeather or BWASP2010StationWeather Excel spreadsheet should 

be filled in. This spreadsheet will include all months of the survey season. It can be found 

on the desktop of the project laptop and should be transferred back to the project laptop 

when the Weather Data Manager leaves. The spreadsheet should be backed up periodically 

to Sharepoint.

1. Airport Observations 

Source: Alaska Aviation Weather Unit website, http://aawu.arh.noaa.gov/ 

What: Save selected stations in 24 to 48 hour increments. Weather data should be saved as 

STNID_DayMonthYear. pdf or html , every day of the active season, even mandatory 

pilot rest days or aircraft maintenance days. This can be done at the end of the day, as most 

stations display data for the previous 48 hours. This information does not need to be 

printed. 

a. Beaufort region – weather reports should be obtained from Kaktovik (PABA), 

Deadhorse (PASC), Kuparak (PAKU), Alpine (PALP) and Barrow (PABR) 

b. Chukchi region – weather reports should be obtained from Barrow (PABR), 

Wainwright (PAWI), Pt. Lay (PPIZ), Lisburne (PALU), and Pt. Hope (PAPO). 

Frequency: A weather table should be populated with basic information from these observation 

reports (Table 6). This should be filled in, at minimum, three times a day (morning, 

afternoon, and end of day) for the major stations (Barrow, Deadhorse, Kaktovik, Pt. Lay, 

Wainwright), as possible. This table will be used for a “quick look” review of seasonal 

weather. This can be a running table; subsequent days can be added onto the end of the 

table. The Team Leader will advise on additional “opportunistic” data to be added to the 
214

table as it is available, e.g., pilot/survey team/ship reports. The e-table should be sent to the 

Project Manager every three weeks. 

2. Forecast Surface Map 

Source: Located on the bottom of the AAWU page, http://aawu.arh.noaa.gov/ 

What: Click to open, then right click to save the forecast surface map as 

sfc.DayMonthYear.gif. Save to the appropriate Month/Day folder. 

Frequency: Once per day 

3. Hourly Weather Bookmark 

Source: http://aawu.arh.noaa.gov/Sigwx.php 

What: Open the Northern Alaska (1:6 million) link. Right click and save the image as 

NOAK6.DayMonthYear. 

Frequency: Once per day, and is best to grab in the morning. This provides a visual snapshot of 

the weather conditions for the entire survey region. 

4. POES Polar Satellite-Radar Images 

Source: http://www.arh.noaa.gov/poes.php 

What: Scroll down to ACF -Visual 1280x1024 Image, open, right click and save as GOESV.DayMonthYear. Do the same for ACF-Infrared 1280x1024 and save as:GOESIR.DayMonthYear 

Frequency: Once per day.

5. MODIS Images 

Source: http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/subsets/?subset=AERONET_Barrow 

What: Select MODIS AQUA True color/500m, and download JPG image with ancillary files 

(.zip). Do not alter the filename!! This data may be used to plot “real-time” sightings 

with ice imagery. 

Frequency: Once per day. Only one image is generated per day, and the images are archived 

and retrievable on the website.. Note that the files are numbered in a Julian calendar format 

which means days of the year are sequentially numbered. 

6. Sea Ice Analysis and Sea Surface Temperature Maps 

Source: http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/ice.php 
215

What: This page includes links to Sea Ice Analysis and Sea Surface Temperature Analysis. 

Open each, right click and save as a PNG image: SeaIce.DayMonthYear.png or

SST.DayMonthYear.png. If unable to save as a .png file, save as a web archive file. 

Frequency: These do not update on a daily basis, so it is not necessary to check every day; 

check regularly to retrieve all available updates. 

7. NDBC-Station PRDA2 Buoy (BWASP ONLY) 

Source: http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=prda2 

What: Right click and save as a Web Archive, single file (*mht) or other file type such as .pdf 

if you have the capability. 

Frequency: Best saved at the end of the day, so that data for the entire day are available. 

Weather Websites of Interest (in no particular order) 

General: 

http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/marfcst.php - National Weather Service Forecast Office out of 

Anchorage, AK, for Alaska Region Marine Zones. Primarily for forecasted winds. 

http://aawu.arh.noaa.gov/ - National Weather Service Alaska Aviation Weather Unit. Click on 

yellow polygon across the north slope to view current weather as reported from several airports 

(also shows where alternate strips are for landing in inclement weather). This is also a good site 

to find IFR/VFR conditions and icing levels. In the left legend under Map Data, select Hourly 

Depiction Charts or Graphic Area Forecast. 

http://www.arh.noaa.gov/wmofcst.php?wmo=FPAK51PAFG&type=public – National Weather 

Service, Alaska Region Headquarters forecasts, including aviation and marine forecasts. 

http://pafg.arh.noaa.gov/ - National Weather Service, Fairbanks, AK – map of current hazards 

including marine. 

http://www.wunderground.com – Weather Underground website, general weather.

http://www.sunrisesunset.com/usa/Alaska.asp - provides information on sunrise and sunset for 

several locations in Alaska; especially useful in late fall when daylight is dropping by ~1.5 

hrs/wk. 

http://www.athropolis.com/map2.htm - Arctic site with links to current weather for several sites 

as well as other fun Arctic stuff. 
216

http://www.buoyweather.com/index.jsp - Buoyweather website by region, scroll over United 

States and click on Alaska for a “virtual buoy” report, based on model predictions using wave 

height, wave direction, wind speed, and wind direct data extracted from NOAA. Useful for 

remote areas where there are few real buoys. 

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=PRDA2 – National Data Buoy Center, 

home page of PRDA2, which is a weather station located at the desalinization plant northwest of 

Deadhorse. Excellent info for current and recent winds. 

http://climate.gi.alaska.edu/ - Alaska Climate Research Center includes links to Alaska weather 

conditions and forecasts, as well as links to hydrologic and sea ice information. 

http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/ice.php?img=sst - National Weather Service forecast office – map of sea 

surface temperatures. 

http://www.gi.alaska.edu/snowice/sea-lake-ice/barrow_webcam.html - University of Alaska 

Fairbanks, Floating Ice Group – cool ice-related stuff out of Barrow and elsewhere. 

http://adds.aviationweather.noaa.gov/metars/index.php - Aviation Digital Data Service – 

provides METARs and TAFs in translated form for any airport. 

Sea Ice Websites

ftp://polar.ncep.noaa.gov/pub/history/ice/alaska - daily constructed images of sea ice extent in 

GIF format. 

http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/ice.php - NWS ice desk page. 

http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/ - files/images from the MODIS satellite for use in ArcMap. The 

protocol for this is in prep. 

http://nsidc.org/data/seaice/ - another potential ice data source. 

http://polar.ncep.noaa.gov/seaice/Analyses.html - MMAB Sea Ice Analysis Page – click on 

Alaska Region Sea Ice to get a view of latest ice concentrations from passive microwave sensors. 

http://www.nersc.no/Seaice_archive/background.php - Nansen Environmental and Remote 

Sensing Center archived sea ice info. 
217

http://www.arctic.noaa.gov/detect/ice-seaice.shtml - NOAA Arctic Change website with info on 

Ice and sea ice. 

http://www.gi.alaska.edu/snowice/ - University of Alaska Fairbanks snow, ice and permafrost 

website 

http://www.gi.alaska.edu/~eicken/he_teach/GEOS615icenom/form/types.html - University of 

Alaska Fairbanks website of ice nomenclature. 

NOTE: If you locate any newer/additional ice data products please let the Project Manager or 

Team Leaders know. 

Additional websites of interest:

Chlorophyll: 

http://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/PRODUCTS/chlo.html 

SST: 

http://www.weather.gov/gis/shapepage.htm 

 
218

VIII. COMIDA/BWASP Field Reports 

Introduction 

Multiple field reports are required during the season. The process for summarizing and 

distributing information from COMIDA/BWASP on a regular basis is described below. 

Daily Report 

The Daily Report is the principal means by which BWASP and COMIDA results are 

dispensed during the field season. A Daily Report (Figure 5) is required by Interagency 

Agreements to be posted to the web within 24 hours of the completion of each flight for 

COMIDA and within 48 hours of the flight for BWASP. The Team Leader is responsible for 

submitting the draft Daily Report to the Program Manager (or designee) within ~4-5 hours of the 

flight ending. The Daily Report has been automated as much as possible so that it is not a burden 

for the Team Leader to develop on a daily basis. 

The review process is extensive and begins with the Project Manager or Project 

Coordinator, but there are several additional levels of review before the Daily Report is approved 

for distribution via the AFSC website (Figure 6). Therefore, every effort should be made to meet 

the established field deadline (<5 hours). Delays due to flight processing, late return to base, or 

computer/internet technical issues are always a possibility. In the event of delays to the Daily 

Report, the Program Manager or designee should be alerted by email or phone. This will be 

especially important in situations of unusual sightings or circumstances (e.g., many bowheads 

seen near seismic activity, large numbers of whales feeding in a small area, large walrus 

haulouts, etc.). In those cases, the Team Leader should be ready to relay information, via phone 

or email, to the Program Manager who will in turn phone MMS (Chuck Monnett) and NMFS 

(Brad Smith) representatives with the pertinent information. A follow-up email to Monnett, 

Smith, Robyn Angliss and Phil Clapham will also occur. 

On days when no flights are conducted, a Daily Report shall still be prepared and should 

indicate the reason why no surveys were flown (e.g., high winds, fog, or aircraft problems). 

Daily Reports will be posted on the AFSC NMML website: 

http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/cetacean/bwasp/index.php. 

Text for Daily Report: 

 

On days when aerial surveys are conducted, a report shall be prepared containing a brief 

text description of what happened on that day. As shown in Figure 5, the text will include: 

• comments describing the survey area flown (such as, “Transects 1, 3 and 5, 

complete and a coastal transect from Wainwright to Barrow” or “Blocks 1 and 2, 

westernmost half”), 
219

• number of hours flown, 

• number of hours on systematic transect survey effort, 

• number of bowhead whales seen, and number of bowhead cow/calf pairs, 

• general information on weather and visibility, 

• all species sighted plus other relevant information on unusual sightings (e.g., 

humpback whales) or unusual circumstances (e.g., many bowheads seen near 

seismic activity, or large numbers of whales feeding in a small area, large walrus 

haulouts on land). 

The text should not identify vessel numbers or locations, as industrial activity has been 

interpreted by the Alaska OCS Region, MMS to constitute proprietary data. Vessels that should 

be listed are if whalers or subsistence hunters in boats were out and transects had to be truncated 

around them to avoid impacts. 

Properties for Daily Report:

 

Properties on Daily Report should be: 

Title: Project Name Flight # - Daymonthyear (eg., BWASP Flight 1 – 1September2009) 

Subject: Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey 

Author: National Marine Mammal Lab 

No other properties should be filled in. 

In Word 2007, these properties can be set/changed by doing the following: 

• Click on the red/yellow/green/blue "Office Button" icon at the very top left corner of the 

MS Word window 

• Select "Prepare" 

• Select "Properties" 

• Edit the properties 

Daily Flight Summary Table, Sighting Table and Sighting Map:

Data tables and flight maps are produced automatically by the MMS Survey Data 

Collection Program (see Sections III and V) and are designed to be included in the Daily Report. 

Photographs

A relevant photograph can be added to the end of the Daily Report with appropriate 

photographer/agency/permit number credit included per NMML media distribution 

requirements (see Appendix A). The photo should already have been renamed via the photo 

renaming protocol (see Renaming Photos) and the file name of the photo should be included. A 

low resolution image is advised to minimize file size. A photograph is not necessary every flight, 

and is meant as a “value added” feature (e.g., cow/calf, unusual species such as fin whale, or 

unusual event such as a walrus haulout). 
220

Other Field Reports 

 If large walrus haulouts are located along the Chukchi coastline, the information should 

be relayed as quickly as possible by the Team Leader to colleagues at USFWS and USGS listed 

below, with copies to Cynthia Christman (COMIDA/BWASP walrus data liaison), the Project 

Manager and Project Coordinator. Information should include date, time and location of haulout 

sighting, approximate number of animals, reaction to aircraft overflight, and any useful photos 

obtained. 

USFWS: 

Joel Garlich-Miller – 907 786 3820; joel_garlichmiller@fws.gov 

USGS: 

Chad Jay, 907 786 7404; chad.jay@usgs.gov 

Tony Fischback, 907 786-7145; afischback@usgs.gov 

Dan Monson, 907 786-7161; dmonson@usgs.gov 

There are several additional reports/tables that will be submitted by the Project Manager 

throughout the field season to specific parties. These include ship reports, and walrus and polar 

bear sighting locations (also required as part of the FWS Research Permit). These tables will be 

compiled from the Master Access database, and will normally not require inputs from field team 

members. Sample tables are included here to illustrate the type of information that will be 

shared (Tables 7, 8 and 9). 

Dead Animals

All dead animals sighted during aerial surveys will be documented to the best ability 

possible. Data collected should include date and time, location (latitude and longitude), species, 

and number (this can and should all be reported in the flight data). Large whales should be 

photographed, if possible. Team Leaders should immediately (after landing) report carcasses 

located along shore or close to shore (within 10 nm) to the NSB Department of Wildlife 

Management. 

Cetaceans and pinnipeds other than walrus should also be reported to the NMFS 

Stranding Network Coordinator (Kaili Jackson, 907 586 7209, kaili.jackson@noaa.gov, and Barb 

Mahoney, 907 271 3448, barbara.mahoney@noaa.gov), with copies to the Project Manager and 

Project Coordinator. A copy of the Marine Mammal Stranding Report – Level A Data form 

(Appendix D) should be filled out by the Team Leader for any large animal stranding. 

Walrus carcasses should be noted in the flight data, and will be reported to FWS as part 

of the regular walrus sighting report from the Project Manager. A Level A should be filled out 

and sent to: joel_garlichmiller@fws.gov. 
221

Dead polar bears should be noted in the flight data, and photographs taken if possible. 

FWS will be notified of any dead polar bear sightings. A Level A should be sent to: 

Karyn.rode@fws.gov. 

 
222

IX. Photo Protocol 

●All photos should be shot in RAW when possible. 

●All cameras used to shoot species photos should be synced with the project computer to 

ensure correct time and date. 

●Pictures should be put on the computer and processed the day they are taken. They 

should be put in the appropriate folder (outlined below) on the NMML-BWASP-COMIDA 

computer. 

●Before any renaming, a copy of the raw photos should be backed up on the external hard 

drive. These photos will be placed in folders according to the date they are taken. 

●No marine mammal photos taken under permit should be posted to the web in any fashion, 

this includes to Facebook or any media sharing site. 

Photo folder and naming structure for the 2010 COMIDA/BWASP field season

COMIDA/BWASP Photos 2010 (folder on desktop) 

ÆCOMIDA (subfolder) 

ÆBowhead (subfolder) 

 ÆBowhead10_1001 (file name) 

ÆCOMIDA Misc 

 ÆCOMIDA Misc10_1001 

ÆWalrus 

 ÆWalrus10_1001 

ÆOther Cetaceans 

 ÆBeluga (subfolder) 

 ÆBeluga10_1001 

 ÆGray 

 ÆGray10_1001 

ÆOther Species 

 Æ Folders to be added and named as needed 

ÆBWASP 

Æ Bowhead 

 ÆBowhead10_0001 

ÆOther Cetaceans 

 ÆBeluga 

 ÆBeluga10_0001 

ÆBWASP Misc 

ÆBWASP Misc10_0001 

ÆPolar Bear 
223

ÆPolar Bear10_0001 

ÆOther Species 

ÆFolders to be added as needed 

ÆRaw Photos 

ÆDay.Month.Year (Subfoler) 

Things to note about naming protocol: 

*All photos taken during COMDIA will be numbered starting in the 1000s.

*All photos taken during BWASP will be numbered in the 0000s. 

*If photos are provided in more than one format, (i.e. .jpeg and RAW) then both files receive the 

same file name. Also note that if an .xmp file is created it should receive the same name as the 

other files (ACDSee does this when renaming). 

*If a species is photographed and a folder doesn’t exist, make the folder in the appropriate 

location. 

*Photographer’s name and the date are not included in the file name. 

*Observers wishing to contribute their personal photos should use the same protocol as used for 

photos taken of species. These photos will be placed in the COMIDA or BWASP Misc folders. 

If you wish to add a description of personal photographs please use the Image Description box 

under the EXIF tab in properties. 

Entering Metadata

Once photos are in the correct folders, ACDSee will be used to enter metadata. Open ACDSee 

(to the Manage screen) and navigate to the folder containing your photos. Highlight all the 

photos you took that day and right-click. Navigate to BatchÆBatch Set Information. Once in 

this window click on the EXIF tab at the top. Fill in Artist with the photographer’s full name 

(NOT initials!) and Copyright with NOAA/NMFS/AFSC/NMML. At the bottom left of the 

window is Date/Time; click on the arrow to the right of it and navigate to Map to Field Æ

EXIF: Image: Date/time Original. Once all three fields are filled in, click Perform Set 

Information in the bottom right corner. Be aware that ACDSee may make an .xmp file when 

the metadata are stored. This file will match the original file name. 
224

Renaming photos

All photos should be renamed once they are in the appropriate folder. All photos for a given 

species will be numbered consecutively throughout the season; thus, it is important that the file 

names get changed each time photos are downloaded onto the computer. USE THE NAMING 

SYSTEM OUTLINED ABOVE! 

Photos can be renamed manually or using ACDSee. To rename with ACDSee, highlight the 

photos and right-click. Navigate to Rename. Using the Template tab, fill in the Template:

area with the file name you wish to use. The file name must match the following convention: 

SpeciesYY_####, where ‘Species’ is the species i.d. (e.g., Bowhead, Gray, Beluga, Walrus, 

Polar Bear), YY is the last two digits of the year, #### is a stand in for the numbers following the 

underscore. (For example Bowhead10_####) In the Start at box click auto detect and enter the 

number for your first file. This number should always be a four digit number beginning with 

either 0 for BWASP or 1 for COMIDA. To finish, click Start Rename. This should also 

rename the .xmp file appropriately. 
225

Resizing and adding captions to photos

Open ACDSee Pro 3 (see shortcut on desktop). 

In the Folders pane on the left side of the screen, browse to the photograph that is going to be 

edited. Double-click on the photograph to bring it into full view. (While images can be edited 

and saved as new files while leaving the original untouched, it is better practice to make a copy 

of the original first, then edit the copy.) 

Click on Process from the upper right menu bar. 

In the Processing Tools pane on the left side of the screen, click on Edit. Under the Geometry

operation, click on Resize. At the bottom of the Resize pane, click on Estimate new file size, to 

see the original file size. Keep Preserve Aspect Ratio checked, and decrease the Pixels Width

to the desired size. The height should change automatically. Click on Estimate new file size 

again, to recalculate the modified file size. A file size around 600KB should be suitable for 

sending photographs via email. When the resize is complete, click Done. 
226

In the Processing Tools Edit pane under the Add operation, click on Text. In the Add Text pane, 

add all pertinent caption information (e.g. Photo by Jane Doe, NOAA Fisheries/AFSC/NMML, 

Permit No. 000-0000-00). Modify the font type, size, color and alignment as needed, and 

uncheck the Drop Shadow effect, as it may be checked by default. Click on the text box that 

appears on the image, resize it, and move it to the desired location on the image. In the 

Processing Tools Add Text pane, click Done. 

In the upper left menu bar, click on File and save the edited image as a new file. When you 

close the program a Save Changes window will pop up asking if you want to save your edits. If 

the original image was edited, select Discard. 

Renaming Edited/Stamped photos

Files can retain their original name with ‘_edited’ following the number, or they can be renamed 

for PR purposes. If any edited or stamped copies of photos are created, please create a subfolder 

called “Edited_Stamped” and put the revised copies into it. If any photos are released for PR 

purposes, please note this in the comments section of the photo log. If any photos are added to 

the daily report the file name should be included. 

Backing up photos

Once the metadata have been entered for all photos and the photos have been correctly renamed, 

back them up on the external hard drive provided by the project. 

Photo Log

There is a photo log located in each of the COMIDA and BWASP photo folders and it should be 

filled out each time photos are taken. Information to be included is: 1) Date, 2) Species, 3) Event 

#, 4) Photographer, and 5) Comments. The comments section only needs to be filled out on an 

as-needed basis. Double check the survey data base from the day to make sure the ‘photo’ box is 

checked on the appropriate event #s. 
227

Figure 1. COMIDA study area with survey blocks, coastal transect, 2010 offshore transects, and CSPA area (with active leases).
228

Figure 2. BWASP study area and survey blocks with bathymetry. Survey lines run roughly north-south.
229

Figure 3. Bowhead Whale Subsistence Sensitivity (source: North Slope Borough Division of Wildlife Management). 
230

Figure 4. Offshore oil and gas activity proposed for 2010 in the Alaskan Beaufort and Chukchi seas.
231

Figure 5. Daily Report Example (also refer to NMML BWASP website 

http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/cetacean/bwasp/index.php). 

COMIDA – Flight 225 – 2 September 2009 

Area flown: Transect 17, complete; Transect 14 and Coastal, partial Total hours flown: 5.2 Total transect hours: 3.3 Number of bowheads seen: 0 (0 calves) Weather and visibility: Sea state conditions were very good ranging from Beaufort 2-4. Visibility was also good with predominantly 5 to 10 miles while on transect. Sightings: Gray whales, walrus, bearded seals and unidentified pinnipeds. Walrus “haul-out” (at least 1000 animals) encountered 

near Icy Cape. Aircraft was at 1,000’ when the walrus were first spotted; altitude increased to 1,200’ for circling during photos. No reaction from walrus on the beach or in the water. Photo included.

Bowhead Preliminary Summary, Flight 225 Date: 9/2/2009Total bowheads: 0 Start time: 9/2/2009 9:24:12 AM End time: 9/2/2009 2:37:10 PMBowhead sightings: 0 Transect minutes: 198 Transect km:658.4Bowheads on transect: 0 Circling minutes: 3 Circling km: 6.2 Bowhead Cow-calf pairs: 0 Trans+Circ minutes: 201 Trans+Circ km: 664.6 Bowhead Cow-calf Pairs on transect: 0 Search minutes: 64 Search km: 246.6 Bowhead repeats: 0 Total minutes: 313 Total km: 1115.7Possible repeats: 0 Deadhead minutes: 48 Deadhead km: 204.5 Total gray whales: 9 Search blocks: 12, 13, 16, 15 Total belugas: 0 Transect blocks: 17, 20, 18, 19, 16, 0, 13, 12 Other whale sightings: 0 Total walrus: 1128 Total bear: 0 Event Lat Long Block Species Total Repeat Calves Swim direction Swim Speed Behavior 

17 71.2 

-

157.44 13 gray whale 1 . 0 -1 . feed 

19 71.2 

-

157.47 13 gray whale 1 . 0 -1 . feed 

28 71.1 -157.8 13 gray whale 1 . 0 -1 . feed 29 71.09 

-

157.83 13 gray whale 1 . 0 -1 . swim 

32 71.08 

-

157.88 13 gray whale 1 . 0 -1 . feed 

51 70.89 

-

158.52 13 gray whale 1 . 0 137 . feed 

54 70.87 

-

158.59 13 gray whale 1 . 0 -1 . dive 

733 70.89 

-

158.68 13 gray whale 1 . 0 33 . swim 

795 71.2 -157 13 gray whale 1 . 0 -1 . dead 
232

ACTION ROLE PRIMARY 

RESPONSIBLE 

PARTY

SECONDARY 

RESPONSIBLE PARTY 

(in order)

DOCUMENT 

FORMAT

Create and Send Daily 

Report

Team Leader/ 

Field Data Manager

Several Word

Review Daily Report Project Manager Janet Clarke Megan Ferguson Word

Review Daily Report/ 

Convert to PDF/ 

Upload to SharePoint

User Megan Ferguson Julie Mocklin, Kim Shelden, 

Janice Waite

PDF

Review Daily Report Approver 1 Kim Shelden Janice Waite, Julie Mocklin, 

Dave Rugh, Eric Boerner

PDF

Review Daily Report Approver 2 Phil Clapham Robyn Angliss, John 

Bengtson

PDF

Post Daily Report to 

NMML Website

Approver 3 Susan Calderon Gary Duker PDF

Figure 6. BWASP/COMIDA Daily Report Approval Chain, 2010. 
233

Figure 7. Circling Maps Example from onboard computer. 
234

Table 1. 2010 COMIDA transect points and distances. 

Line 

# 

Longitude 

(offshore) 

Latitude 

(offshore) 

Longitude 

(coastal) 

Latitude 

(coastal) 

Distance 

(km) 

Distance 

(nmi) 

Appr 

Time 

(hr) 

Apprx 

Time 

(min) 

1 -157.282 72.000 -157.000 71.914 14 7 0.07 4 

2 -158.074 72.000 -156.999 71.674 52 28 0.26 15 

3 -158.877 72.000 -156.999 71.435 91 49 0.45 27 

4 -159.691 72.000 -156.999 71.195 131 71 0.64 38 

5 -160.518 72.000 -157.279 71.046 156 84 0.77 46 

6 -161.358 72.000 -157.632 70.920 179 97 0.88 53 

7 -162.211 72.000 -158.113 70.835 195 105 0.96 58 

8 -163.080 72.000 -159.070 70.899 188 102 0.92 55 

9 -163.963 72.000 -159.620 70.818 206 111 1.01 61 

10 -164.864 72.000 -159.941 70.702 230 124 1.13 68 

11 -165.783 72.000 -160.278 70.558 255 138 1.25 75 

12 -166.721 72.000 -160.613 70.440 280 151 1.37 82 

13 -167.680 72.000 -161.067 70.347 301 163 1.48 89 

14 -168.662 72.000 -161.793 70.337 309 167 1.52 91 

15 -169.000 71.865 -162.230 70.239 304 165 1.50 90 

16 -169.000 71.661 -162.545 70.103 293 158 1.44 86 

17 -169.000 71.458 -162.789 69.949 284 153 1.39 84 

18 -169.000 71.254 -163.053 69.809 273 148 1.34 81 

19 -169.000 71.050 -163.179 69.618 265 143 1.30 78 

20 -169.000 70.847 -163.190 69.404 273 147 1.34 80 

21 -169.000 70.643 -163.363 69.235 267 144 1.31 79 

22 -169.000 70.439 -163.678 69.106 253 137 1.24 75 

23 -169.000 70.235 -164.010 68.983 239 129 1.17 70 

24 -169.000 70.032 -164.542 68.916 214 116 1.05 63 

25 -169.000 69.828 -165.159 68.871 185 100 0.91 54 

26 -169.000 69.624 -165.950 68.871 147 79 0.72 43 

27 -168.999 69.420 -166.802 68.880 106 57 0.52 31 

28 -168.999 69.216 -167.630 68.880 66 36 0.32 19 

29 -168.999 69.012 -168.393 68.880 28 15 0.14 8 

30 -169.000 68.785 -166.214 68.785 112 61 0.55 33 

31 -169.000 68.615 -166.235 68.615 112 61 0.55 33 

32 -169.000 68.445 -166.332 68.445 109 59 0.54 32 

33 -169.000 68.275 -166.265 68.275 113 61 0.55 33 

34 -169.000 68.105 -165.893 68.105 129 70 0.63 38 
235

Table 2. Estimated survey time to complete COMIDA transect groupings, for general planning 

purposes only. Does not incorporate variables such as circling, head or tail winds, etc. 

Transect 

Combination 

Transect 

Distance 

(nm) 

Search 

Between 

Transects 

(nm) 

Transit 

Distance 

– Direct* 

(nm) 

Total 

Distance 

(nm) 

Estimated 

Total 

Time (hr) 

2, 4, 6, 8 297 90 100 487 4.4 

10, 12 276 30 150 456 4.1 

14, 16 325 30 245 600 5.5 

18, 20 295 30 320 645 5.9 

22, 24 253 30 390 673 6.1 

26, 28 115 30 480 625 5.7 

3, 5, 7, 9 350 90 70 510 4.6 

11, 13 300 30 185 515 4.7 

15, 17 318 30 265 613 5.6 

19, 21 287 30 330 647 5.9 

23, 25 229 30 405 664 6.0 

27, 30 118 50 480 648 5.9 

* not the Coastal Transect

Table 3. Species priority list. 

Cetaceans - Highest Priority Walrus - Highest Priority Polar Bear - Highest Priority 

Primary Data Species Group size and Final Group, if different 

Species Clinometer angle High and Low Estimate 

Clinometer angle Group Size and Final Group, if different Clinometer angle 

Group Size and Final Group, if different High and Low Estimate Behavior 

High and Low Estimate Behavior Habitat 

Calf No., Calf on Circle, and Certainty Response (if "yes"; default is "no") Response (if "yes"; default is "no") 

Swim direction Notes - % of total group that responded Update any Environmental Condition 

Behavior Habitat Notes - pre and post overflight behavior 

(sit, run, walk, swim, stand, rest) 

Response (if "yes"; default is "no") Update any Environmental Condition Any other info is incidental 

Update any Environmental Condition Any other info is incidental 

 

Data - Secondary Vessel – High Priority 

Sight cue Other Pinnipeds - Lowest Priority Species (type) 

Group classification Species Group size 

Swim speed Group size Clinometer angle 

Habitat Clinometer angle Heading 

Repeat (default is "no") Any other info is incidental Notes – description, activity 

 
236

Table 4. Beaufort wind scale. 

Force Wind 

(Knots) 

WMO 

Classificatio

n 

Appearance of Wind Effects On the Water 

0 Less than 1 Calm Sea surface smooth and mirror-like 

1 1-3 Light Air Scaly ripples, no foam crests 

2 4-6 Light Breeze Small wavelets, crests glassy, no breaking 

3 7-10 Gentle Breeze Large wavelets, crests begin to break, scattered whitecaps 

4 11-16 Moderate Breeze Small waves 1-4 ft. becoming longer, numerous whitecaps 

5 17-21 Fresh Breeze Moderate waves 4-8 ft taking longer form, many whitecaps, some 

spray 

6 22-27 Strong Breeze Larger waves 8-13 ft, whitecaps common, more spray 

7 28-33 Near Gale Sea heaps up, waves 13-20 ft, white foam streaks off breakers 

8 34-40 Gale Moderately high (13-20 ft) waves of greater length, edges of crests 

begin to break into spindrift, foam blown in streaks 

9 41-47 Strong Gale High waves (20 ft), sea begins to roll, dense streaks of foam, spray 

may reduce visibility 

10 48-55 Storm Very high waves (20-30 ft) with overhanging crests, sea white with 

densely blown foam, heavy rolling, lowered visibility 

11 56-63 Violent Storm Exceptionally high (30-45 ft) waves, foam patches cover sea, visibility 

more reduced 

12 64+ Hurricane Air filled with foam, waves over 45 ft, sea completely white with 

driving spray, visibility greatly reduced 

Table 5. Horizontal distance to sighting (meters), based on altitude in feet and angle down from 

the horizon in degrees. 

Angle, 

deg 1 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 

ALT, 

Feet 

1000 18796 1861 901 568 391 275 189 119 58 0 

1050 19736 1954 946 597 411 289 199 125 61 0 

1100 20676 2047 992 625 430 303 208 131 64 0 

1150 21615 2140 1037 653 450 317 218 137 67 0 

1200 22555 2233 1082 682 469 330 227 143 69 0 

1250 23495 2326 1127 710 489 344 237 149 72 0 

1300 24435 2419 1172 739 508 358 246 155 75 0 

1350 25374 2512 1217 767 528 372 256 161 78 0 

1400 26314 2605 1262 796 547 385 265 167 81 0 

1450 27254 2698 1307 824 567 399 275 173 84 0 

1500 28194 2791 1352 852 586 413 284 179 87 0 

 
237

Table 6. Daily weather record.

Date 

(m/d/yr) 

Time 

(AK 

local) 

Location or 

Region 

Ceiling (ft) Visibility (nm) Other (precip, etc) Wind 

direction 

Wind speed 

(kts) 

Data Source 

(web site, pilot 

report, etc 

 BRW (pabr) AAWU website 

 Wain (pawi) AAWU website  P Lay (ppiz) AAWU website  C Lisb (palu) AAWU website  P Hope (papo) AAWU website 

Kotzebue 

(paot) AAWU website 

 BRW (pabr) AAWU website  Wain (pawi) AAWU website  P Lay (ppiz) AAWU website  C Lisb (palu) AAWU website  P Hope (papo) AAWU website 

Kotzebue 

(paot) AAWU website 

 BRW (pabr) AAWU website  Wain (pawi) AAWU website  P Lay (ppiz) AAWU website  C Lisb (palu) AAWU website  P Hope (papo) AAWU website 

Kotzebue 

(paot) AAWU website 
238

Table 7. Sample ship report. 

Locations (latitude and longitude), time of sighting and other basic information of all vessels will be relayed daily by the Project Manager to Brad 

Smith (brad.smith@noaa.gov), Phil Clapham (phillip.clapham@noaa.gov) and Jim Wilder (james.wilder@noaa.gov). The information should 

include a description of the vessel (size, unique markings, etc.), activity, and direction headed. Transfer of this information will occur daily after 

survey data has been initially reviewed, as described in (Section 1) above. This information should be kept confidential as it may be of proprietary 

interest to industry. Data will be catalogued in the following table format: 

Date Time Vessel 

Description 

Latitude (°N) of Aircraft 

Longitude (°W) of Aircraft 

Clinometer Angle to Ship 

Activity (if discernible) 

Direction of Travel 

Other Info? 

Vessel description: name (if known), color, relative size, markings, pirate flag 
239

Table 8. Polar bear sighting information. 

Polar bear sightings, particularly of bears seen in offshore or open water areas, will be emailed weekly to Craig Perham of USFWS 

Anchorage by the Project Manager or designee. Unique sightings (e.g., several bears in open water) will be shared immediately. The following table format will be used: 

Date/Time Location 

(Lat/Long) 

Type of Aircraft 

Altitude Harassment Activities 

# of polar bear observations 

# of observed polar bears harassed

Reaction (rest, run, sit, stand, swim, walk) 

Table 9. Walrus sighting information. 

Walrus sightings will be sent to Joel Garlich-Miller of USFWS Anchorage at the end of the COMIDA season by the Project Manager or 

designee. Observations of walrus on coastal haulouts along the northeastern Chukchi Sea coast will be relayed to FWS during the 

season, likely weekly, along with any photos taken. The following table format will be used: 

Species Date Time Latitude Longitude Animals Approached Animals Harassed (%) 
240

APPENDIX A 

Media Contacts and Photo Distribution 

 

Media Contacts 

Any contact with the media should follow the NMFS protocol described below (as per email 

from Lori Budbill, lori.budbill@noaa.gov, 18 March 2010). Staff should also make sure that 

supervisors, Division Directors, Doug DeMaster and Bill Karp are kept informed. 

 Please fill out the form and send it to: 

connie.barclay@noaa.gov 

 If the time is past noon and you have talked with large national media or your interview topic 

was high profile and likely to reach headquarters or Congressional offices, please also report media 

contacts to headquarters at (301) 713-2370. If there is no answer, please contact the national public 

affairs cell phone at (202) 441 2398. 

 These efforts will make sure that NMFS leaders are not blind-sided by reports on agency 

issues suddenly appearing in the media, and will help keep track of media interest in agency issues and 

topics over time. 

NAME OF 

REPORTER 

AND MEDIA 

OUTLET 

TELEPHONE 

NUMBER/ 

CONTACT 

VIA EMAIL 

QUESTIONS/ 

REQUEST 

ACTION 

TAKEN/ 

ANSWER TO 

QUESTION 

(Note who 

responded) 

ROUTINE OR 

URGENT, IF 

URGENT EXPLAIN 

WHY 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
241

Photographs 

 Photographs taken during BWASP/COMIDA surveys are taken under a NMML-obtained 

permit, and are the property of the government. To protect the agency distribution rights as well as 

retain proper credit for the photographer, there is an established protocol for sharing and distributing 

images for publication and use. The procedure is as follows: 

1. Request approval from Phil Clapham/Acting CAEP Leader for use: 

• Federal use by NOAA or MMS is generally always allowed, but it is important to 

keep Phil in the loop. 

• External use requires his approval 

2. Photos are to be shared with these points in mind: 

• Make sure that any photos for distribution were taken within the terms of NMFS and 

FWS permits. 

• The media organization cannot claim copyright or use them for any commercial 

purpose now or hereafter. “Commercial” is defined as “sell or otherwise distribute 

for commercial for-profit purposes.” 

• Specify “one-time use only”. 

• Make sure that MMS and NMFS are acknowledged for funding and conducting the 

work. 

• Let the photographer know that their photo might show up in the media! 

• Make sure that photos have the following “stamp”: 

 Photo by <name of photographer > 

 NOAA/AFSC/ NMML 

 Permit No. #### [use NMFS or FWS permit, as appropriate] 

3. When sending photos to the requester, be sure to CC: the following so they are also aware of the 

photo’s distribution. 

• Lisa Hiruki- Raring (Lisa.Hiruki-Raring@noaa.gov), AFSC outreach coordinator 

• TBD, Public Affairs Officer, AFSC region 

4. Copies of photos taken during BWASP/COMIDA surveys should be made available to the MMSCOR for use by MMS to “advertise” project and provide visual documentation of the project. The 

Program Manager or Project Coordinator will organize this distribution. 
242

APPENDIX B 

Additional Research Efforts and Oil and Gas Proposed Activity (updated each year) 

 
243

APPENDIX C 

Species Information – From COMIDA IA 

 List of marine mammals known to occur in the northeastern Chukchi Sea. 

 Common name Scientific name

Cetaceans – baleen whales Bowhead whale* Balaena mysticetus

 Gray whale* Eschrichtius robustus

 Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae

 Fin whale Balaenoptera physalus

 Minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Cetaceans – toothed whales Beluga (white whale)* Delphinapterus leucas

 Killer whale Orcinus orcas 

 Harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena

 Dall’s porpoise Phocoenoides dalli

Pinnipeds Walrus* Odobenus rosmarus

 Bearded seal* Erignathus barbatus

 Spotted seal* Phoca largha

 Ringed seal* Phoca hispida

 Ribbon seal Phoca fasciata

Bear Polar bear* Ursus maritimus

* Common occurrence in the study area. 

Bowhead whale

The stock of bowheads that migrates annually from the Bering Sea through the Chukchi Sea 

to the Beaufort is of particular interest because these whales, currently listed as endangered 

under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), are hunted by Alaskan Natives at several coastal 

villages along the migratory route, and the whales’ migration crosses over areas proposed for 

petroleum extraction. The majority of the Western Arctic stock migrates annually from wintering 

areas (November to March) in the northern Bering Sea, through the Chukchi Sea in the spring 

(March through June), to the Beaufort Sea (Fig. 1) where they spend much of the summer (midMay through September) before returning again to the Bering Sea (Fig. 2) in the fall (September 

through November) to overwinter (Braham et al. 1980, Moore and Reeves 1993). Most of the 

year, bowhead whales are closely associated with sea ice (Moore and Reeves 1993). The 

bowhead spring migration follows fractures in the sea ice around the coast of Alaska, generally 

in the shear zone between the shorefast ice and the mobile pack ice. During the spring 

migration, bowheads typically begin arriving along the northwest coast of Alaska in early April 

and continue migrating past Point Barrow until well into June (George et al. 2004), possibly late 

June (Mel’nikov and Zeh 2006). 

In summer, most bowheads are in relatively ice-free waters in the southern Beaufort Sea, an 

area often exposed to industrial activity related to petroleum exploration and extraction (e.g., 
244

Richardson et al. 1987, Davies 1997). Sightings are rare in the northeastern Chukchi Sea 

through July and August (Moore 1992, Moore and DeMaster 2000); however, there is increasing 

evidence that some bowheads are found in the Chukchi and Bering Seas in summer, possibly as a 

function of an expanding population (Rugh et al. 2003). There are suggestions that certain areas 

near Barrow are important feeding grounds (Lowry et al. 2005). This feeding activity in the 

western Beaufort Sea is what led to the MMS-funded research on bowhead whale feeding 

ecology (BOWFEST) starting in 2007. 

From September through mid-October, the fall migration is underway as bowheads leave the 

Beaufort Sea (Moore and Reeves 1993). During the autumn migration, bowheads select shelf 

waters in all but “heavy ice” conditions, when they select slope habitat (Moore 2000). The 

MMS, and its precursor, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), have funded and/or conducted 

aerial surveys of the fall migration of bowhead whales each year since 1979. 

The Western Arctic bowhead whale stock has been increasing at about 3.4% in recent years; 

the estimate of bowheads migrating past Point Barrow in the spring of 2001 is 10,470 (95% 

confidence interval of 8,100-13,500; George et al. 2004). Some analyses suggest the population 

may be approaching carrying capacity though there is no sign of slowing in the population 

growth rate (Brandon and Wade 2006). 

Gray whale

Gray whales typically occur across coastal and shallow water areas of the Chukchi Sea in 

the summer. Each fall, the whales migrate south along the coast of North America from Alaska 

to Baja California, in Mexico (Rice and Wolman 1971), most of them starting south in 

November or December (Rugh et al. 2001). However, there is acoustic evidence that gray 

whales do sometimes stay near Barrow through the winter (Moore et al. 2006). 

The most recent abundance estimate for 2006-2007, from shore-based counts made during 

the southbound migrations along the central California coast, was 20,110 (SE = 1,766), which is 

similar to abundance estimates made in 2000-2001 (19,448; SE = 1,882) and 2001-2002 (18,178; 

SE = 1,780). (Rugh et al. 2008). The eastern North Pacific stock was removed from the ESA in 

1994 (Rugh et al. 1999) and is estimated to currently be at 99% to 100% of carrying capacity 

(Wade and Perryman, 2002). 

Humpback whale

Humpbacks are distributed worldwide in all ocean basins, though in the North Pacific region 

these whales rarely occur in Arctic waters. Humpback whales in high latitudes of the North 

Pacific are seasonal migrants that feed on euphausiids and small schooling fishes (NMFS 1991, 

Clapham and Mead 1999). Humpback whales have been known to enter the Chukchi Sea 

(Johnson and Wolman 1984, Miller et al. 1986, Mel’nikov 1999, Mymrin et al. 1999), but not 

until 2006 and 2007 were there documented sightings in the northeastern Chukchi Sea (LGL, 

unpubl. data) and near Point Barrow (Green et al. 2010). 

The entire central North Pacific humpback whale stock is estimated to consist of 4,005 

whales (CV = 0.095; Calambokidis et al. 1997). 
245

Fin whale

Within the U.S. waters in the Pacific, fin whales are found seasonally off the coast of North 

America and Hawaii and in the Bering Sea during the summer. BWASP data include one 

sighting of three fin whales in the southern Chukchi Sea in July 1981. Fin whales were seen in 

2007 (LGL, unpubl. data) and one fin whale was seen during the 2008 COMIDA surveys. 

Reliable estimates of current and historical abundance for the entire Northeast Pacific fin 

whale stock are currently not available. Ranges of population estimates for the entire North 

Pacific prior to exploitation and in the early 1970s are 42,000 to 45,000 and 14,620 to 18,630, 

respectively (Ohsumi and Wada 1974), representing 32% to 44% of the pre-commercial whaling 

population size (Braham 1984). 

Minke whale

Minke whales are distributed worldwide, but sightings as far north as Point Barrow are rare 

(Leatherwood et al. 1982; Mizroch 1992), although sightings within the Chukchi Sea are not 

unusual (e.g. Miller et al. 1986). Few data are available on migratory behavior and apparent 

"home ranges" of the Alaska stock of minke whales (e.g., Dorsey et al. 1990). In the central 

Bering Sea, an estimated 936 minke whales (95% CI 473-1,852, CV = 0.35) were observed 

during the summer of 1999 (Moore et al. 2000). However, this covers only a small portion of the 

Alaska stocks range. Seabird surveys around the Pribilof Islands indicated an increase in local 

abundance of minke whales between 1975-78 and 1987-89 (Baretta and Hunt 1994). No data 

exist on trends in abundance in Alaskan waters (Angliss et al. 2001). Only seven minke whales 

are reported to have been taken for subsistence by Alaska Natives between 1930 and 1987 (C. 

Allison, International Whaling Commission, personal communication). The most recent harvest 

(2 whales) in Alaska occurred in 1989 (IWC 1991). 

Beluga

Belugas are distributed throughout seasonally ice-covered arctic and subarctic waters of the 

Northern Hemisphere (Gurevich 1980), and some stocks are closely associated with open leads 

and polynyas (nonlinear openings in the sea ice) in ice-covered regions (Hazard 1988). 

Depending on season and region, beluga whales may occur in both offshore and coastal Alaskan 

waters, with concentrations in areas now designated as separate stocks: Bristol Bay, eastern 

Bering Sea, eastern Chukchi Sea, and Beaufort Sea (Angliss et al. 2001). Most belugas from 

these summering areas are assumed to overwinter in the Bering Sea, but few data exist to support 

this conclusion (O’Corry-Crowe et al. 1997; O’Corry-Crowe and Lowry 1997). 

The population abundance estimate for the eastern Chukchi Sea stock is 3,710 animals 

(Angliss and Outlaw 2005). There is no evidence that the eastern Chukchi Sea stock is declining 

(Angliss and Outlaw 2005). The annual subsistence take by Alaska Natives between 1999 and 

2003 averaged 65 animals per year from the eastern Chukchi sea stock. The Alaska Beluga 

Whale Committee monitors the subsistence harvest of belugas (Angliss and Outlaw 2005). 
246

Killer whale 

Killer whales have been observed in all oceans and seas of the world (Leatherwood et al. 

1982) and are found throughout Alaska waters, including the Chukchi Sea (Braham and 

Dahlheim 1982; Miller et al. 1986). They occur primarily in coastal waters, although they have 

been sighted well offshore (Heyning and Dahlheim 1988). Seasonal movements in polar regions 

may be influenced by ice cover and in other areas primarily by availability of food. 

An estimated 216 killer whales belong to the Eastern North Pacific Northern Resident stock, 

whales that do not eat other marine mammals (Ford et al. 2000). Population trends for the entire 

stock are currently unknown though portions of the stock in Prince William Sound and Kenai 

Fjords have increased 3.3% per year from 1984 to 2002 (Matkin et al. 2003). 

Transient killer whales are the only known predators of bowhead whales. In a study of 

marks on bowheads taken in the subsistence harvest, 4.1% to 7.9% had scars indicating the 

bowhead whales had survived attacks by killer whales (George et al. 1994). A minimum number 

of 314 transient killer whales have been photographed from the Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands, 

and Bering Sea Transient stock (Angliss and Outlaw 2005). 

Harbor porpoise

Harbor porpoises are found from Point Barrow, along the Alaskan coast, and down the west 

coast of North America to Point Conception, California (Gaskin 1984; Suydam and George 

1992; Dahlheim et al. 2000). They occur primarily in coastal waters, but are also found where 

the shelf extends offshore (Gaskin 1984; Dahlheim et al. 2000). Currently, there is no reliable 

information on population trends; however, aerial counts from 1999 (Hobbs, unpublished data) 

with appropriate correction factors provide a conservative abundance estimate of 66,000 for the 

Bering Sea stock of harbor porpoise (Angliss and Outlaw 2005). 

Dall’s porpoise

Dall’s porpoise are widely distributed across the entire North Pacific Ocean from the 

continental shelf to deep (2,500+ m) oceanic waters (Hall 1979). They have been sighted as far 

north as 65°N (Buckland et al. 1993), which is just south of the Bering Strait. Surveys 

conducted in 1999 and 2000 in the central-eastern and southeastern Bering Sea resulted in new 

information about the distribution and relative abundance of Dall’s porpoise in those areas 

(Moore et al. 2002). Dall’s porpoise were abundant in both areas, were consistently found in 

deeper water (286 m, SE = 23 m) than harbor porpoise (67 m; SE = 3 m; t-test, P < 0.0001) and 

were particularly clustered around the shelf break in the central-eastern Bering Sea (Moore et al. 

2002). 

Results of surveys in 1999 and 2000 in the central-eastern Bering Sea and southeastern 

Bering Sea provided provisional estimates of 14,312 (CV = 0.26) and 9,807 (CV = 0.20) Dall’s 

porpoise, respectively (Moore et al. 2002). These estimates are considered provisional because 

they have not been corrected for animals missed on the trackline, animals submerged when the 

ship passed, and responsive movement. However, because these surveys did not cover the entire 

range of Dall’s porpoise, they cannot be used to determine a minimum population estimate. 
247

Walrus

The Pacific walrus occur primarily in the shelf waters of the Bering and Chukchi Seas 

(Allen 1880; Smirnov 1929). Most of the population congregates during the summer in the 

southern edge of the Chukchi Sea pack ice between Long Strait, Wrangell Island, and Point 

Barrow (Fay et al. 1984). The remainder of the population, primarily adult males, stays in the 

Bering Sea during summer (Brooks 1954; Burns 1965; Fay 1955; Fay 1982; Fay et al. 1984). 

Females and sub-adult males migrate toward Bering Strait in the autumn when the pack ice 

begins to re-form (Fay and Stoker 1982). Walruses use terrestrial haulout sites when suitable 

haulout sites on ice are unavailable. The major haulout sites are located along the northern, 

eastern, and southern coasts of the Chukchi Peninsula, on islands in the Bering Strait, on the 

Punuk Islands, on Round Island in Bristol Bay (Lentfer 1988), and at Cape Seniavan on the north 

side of the Alaska Peninsula. Walrus generally winter in the Bering Sea. As winter pack ice 

recedes, many walrus follow the ice edge to its northern margin in the autumn. Large numbers 

of walrus migrate past the Lisburne Peninsula northward over rich potential feeding habitat such 

as Hanna Shoal. During this northward migration, many walrus move along coastal leads 

between Point Hope and Point Barrow and are hunted by Natives in coastal communities. 

Concern has been expressed by Native hunters that in recent summers, sea ice is receding faster 

and further to the north, making walrus less available to the communities that depend on them. 

However, in the summer of 2007, large numbers of walruses were seen hauled out on the 

Alaskan coast because there was no sea ice on which to rest (LGL, unpubl. data). In general, 

very little information is available on how walruses move through the northern Chukchi Sea and 

where they forage. 

The current size and trend of the Pacific walrus population is unknown (Gorbics et al. 1998). 

The total initial estimate of 270,000 to 290,000 animals in 1980 was later adjusted to about 

250,000 (Fay et al. 1984; Fedoseev 1984). Subsistence harvest mortality levels are estimated at 

5,789 animals per year (Angliss and Outlaw 2005). 

Bearded seal

Bearded seals are circumpolar in their distribution, extending from the Arctic Ocean south to 

Hokkaido in the western Pacific. In Alaskan waters, bearded seals occur on the continental 

shelves of the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas (Burns 1981a; Johnson et al. 1966; Ognev 

1935). The majority of bearded seals move south with the seasonally advancing sea ice in winter 

(Burns 1967). Pups are born in the pack ice from March through mid-May (Burns 1967). In 

summer, many of the seals that winter in the Bering Sea move north through Bering Strait during 

April - June and are distributed along the ice edge in the Chukchi Sea during the summer (Burns 

1967; 1981a). Some seals, particularly juveniles, may spend the summer in open-water areas of 

the Bering and Chukchi seas (Burns 1981a). 

Reliable estimates of abundance, abundance trends, and stock structure are not available. 

Early estimates of the Bering-Chukchi Sea stock range from 250,000 to 300,000 animals (Popov 

1976; Burns 1981a; Burns et al. 1981a). Bearded seals are an important species for Alaskan 

subsistence hunters, with estimated annual harvests of 6,788 (Angliss and Outlaw 2005). 

Spotted seal
248

Spotted seals are distributed along the continental shelf of the Beaufort, Chukchi, Bering, 

and Okhotsk Seas south to the northern Yellow Sea and western Sea of Japan (Shaughnessy and 

Fay 1977). Of eight known breeding areas, three occur in the Bering Sea. Satellite tagging 

studies indicate that spotted seals summering along the Chukchi Sea coast migrate south in 

October and pass through the Bering Strait in November (Lowry et al. 1998), moving south into 

the Bering Sea with the ice edge through December (Lowry et al. 2000). Preferred habitat for 

spotted seals in Alaska during January-April is the transition zone of pack ice between the 

southern fringe of ice and the heavier southward-drifting pack ice (Burns et al. 1981a; Lowry et 

al. 2000). Pups are born in the pack ice during March-April; during April-May, spotted seals 

inhabit the southern margin of the ice edge (Braham et al. 1984) and move to coastal habitats 

after the ice retreats (Fay 1974; Shaughnessy and Fay 1977). During August-October, spotted 

seals inhabit coastal and estuarine habitats in the northern Bering and Chukchi Sea (Braham et al. 

1984; Lowry et al. 2000). Availability of food and freedom from disturbance seem to be 

important criteria for selection of coastal haulout sites (Lowry 1982). 

A reliable estimate of spotted seal population abundance, abundance trends, and stock 

structure is currently not available (Rugh et al. 1997; Angliss and Outlaw 2005). Burns (1973) 

estimated 200,000 to 250,000 animals in the Bering Sea stock, including Russian waters, based 

on the distribution of “family” groups (mother and pup, with attending male) on ice during the 

mating season. However, comprehensive systematic surveys were not conducted to obtain these 

estimates. Spotted seals are an important species for Alaskan subsistence hunters, primarily in 

the Bering Strait and Yukon-Kuskokwim regions, with estimated annual harvests ranging from 

850-3,600 seals taken during 1966-1976 (Lowry 1984). More recently, the subsistence harvest 

database indicates that the estimated number of spotted seals harvested for subsistence use per 

year is 5,265 animals (Angliss and Outlaw 2005). 

Ringed seal

Ringed seals are found throughout the arctic in areas of seasonal sea ice as well as in areas 

covered by the permanent polar ice cap (McLaren 1958; Smith 1987; Kelly 1988a; Ramsay and 

Farley 1997; Reeves 1998). In the North Pacific Ocean, they are found in the Bering Sea and 

range as far south as the seas of Okhotsk and Japan. Most ringed seals overwinter, breed, give 

birth, and nurse their young within the shorefast sea ice (McLaren 1958; Smith and Stirling 

1975), although some breeding seals (and pups) have been observed in pack ice (Finley et al. 

1983). In the Chukchi and Beaufort seas, ringed seals haulout in highest densities in shorefast ice 

during the May-June molting season, immediately following the March-April pupping season 

(Johnson et al. 1966; Burns and Harbo 1972; Frost et al. 1988; 1997; 1998; 1999). Little is 

known about the distribution of ringed seals during the open-water season, July-October, but 

ringed seals have been seen both hauled out on pack ice and foraging in open water some 

distance away from the nearest sea ice (Smith 1987). Ringed seals migrate north and south with 

the retreat and advance of the sea ice edge, but some seals in areas of seasonal shorefast sea ice 

may be sedentary (Burns 1970; Smith 1987; Heide-Jørgensen et al. 1992; Kapel et al. 1998; 

Teilmann et al. 1999). In addition to ice-associated migrations, ringed seals can also travel long 

distances east or west, particularly young seals (Smith 1987; Kapel et al. 1998). 

A reliable estimate of abundance, abundance trends, and stock structure for the Alaska stock 

of ringed seals is currently not available (Angliss and Outlaw 2005). Crude estimates of 
249

population in Alaskan waters include 1-1.5 million (Frost 1985) or 3.3-3.6 million, based on 

aerial surveys conducted in 1985, 1986, and 1987 (Frost et al. 1988). Surveys conducted in the 

Beaufort Sea in the 1990s (Frost et al. 2002) and the eastern Chukchi Sea in 1999 and 2000 

(Bengtson et al. 2005) resulted in a total of approximately 249,000 seals (Angliss and Outlaw 

2005). This is a minimum population estimate because it does not include much of the 

geographic range of the stock, and the estimate for the Alaska Beaufort Sea has not been 

corrected for the number of ringed seals not hauled out at the time of the surveys. Ringed seals 

are an important species for Alaska Native subsistence hunters. The most recent annual 

subsistence harvest in Alaska is estimated to be 9,567 (Angliss and Outlaw 2005). 

Ribbon seal 

Ribbon seals inhabit the North Pacific Ocean and adjacent fringes of the Arctic Ocean, most 

commonly in the Okhotsk and Bering seas (Burns 1981b). During the breeding season, ribbon 

seals are found only in the pack ice of the Okhotsk and Bering seas (Kelly 1988b). In Alaska 

waters, ribbon seals are found in the open sea, on the pack ice, and only rarely on shorefast ice 

(Kelly 1988b). Ribbon seals in Alaska range northward from Bristol Bay in the Bering Sea into 

the Chukchi and western Beaufort Seas (Burns 1970; 1981b; Braham et al. 1984; Moore and 

Barrowclough 1984), inhabiting the northern part of the Bering Sea ice front from late March to 

early May (Burns 1970; 1981b; Braham et al. 1984), and moving north with the receding ice 

edge in May to mid-July (Shustov 1965; Tikhomirov 1966; Burns 1970; 1981b; Burns et al. 

1981a). Ribbon seals usually haul out on thick pack ice (Shustov 1965; Tikhomirov 1966; Burns 

1981b; Burns et al. 1981a) and only rarely on shorefast ice (Bailey 1928). In April, they have 

been found throughout the ice front but most abundantly over deep water south of the continental 

shelf (Braham et al. 1984). Little is known of the distribution of ribbon seals after the ice recedes 

from the Bering Sea (Kelly 1988b); they are presumed to be solitary and pelagic in summer and 

autumn but their distribution is unknown (Burns 1981b). Many ribbon seals may migrate north to 

the Chukchi Sea during the summer (Kelly 1988b), while others may remain pelagic in the 

Bering Sea, near the edge of the continental shelf (Burns 1970; 1981b). Single ribbon seals have 

been observed during the summer (June-August) within 84 miles of the Pribilof Islands (Burns 

1981b), near Cordova (Burns 1981b), and south of the Aleutian Islands (Stewart and Everett 

1983). 

A reliable estimate of abundance, abundance trends, and stock structure for the Alaska stock 

of ribbon seals is currently not available (Angliss and Outlaw 2005). The worldwide population 

of ribbon seals was estimated at 240,000 in the mid-1970s, with an estimate of 90,000 to 100,000 

in the Bering Sea (Burns 1981b). Ribbon seals are also taken by Alaska Native subsistence 

hunters, primarily from villages in the vicinity of the Bering Strait and to a lesser extent at 

villages along the Chukchi Sea coast (Kelly 1988b). The annual subsistence harvest was 

estimated to be less than 100 seals annually from 1968 to 1980 (Burns 1981b). The more recent 

annual subsistence harvest in Alaska is estimated to be 193 (Angliss and Outlaw 2005). 

 

Polar bear

Polar bears are circumpolar in their distribution around the northern hemisphere. Two stocks 

occur in Alaska: the Chukchi/Bering seas stock and the southern Beaufort Sea stock. Polar bear 

movements are extensive and individual activity areas are enormous. The most recent estimate 
250

for the Chukchi/Bering seas population, made by the IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group in 1998, 

was approximately 2,000-5,000 animals, and the abundance of the southern Beaufort Sea stock is 

estimated to be 1,800 animals (Angliss and Allen 2009). Since passage of the Marine Mammal 

Protection Act, the number of polar bears killed by humans has declined, and both stocks appear 

to have increased. 

 
251

APPENDIX D 

Level A Stranding Form (PDF version available) 
252
253

APPENDIX E 

2010 Observer & Pilot Schedule (updated each year) 

APPENDIX F 

COMIDA/BWASP Master Contact List (updated each year) 

Appendix G 

Additional Reference Materials – available on SharePoint 

Aviation Safety Policy 

 Aviation Health Module 

 Aviation Safety Policy and Procedures Module 

 Basic Aviation Safety & Survival Module 

OMAO Crewmember Guidelines and Information 

Disclosure Statement for Crewmembers and Qualified Non-Crewmembers 

Survival in Cold Waters – Staying Alive 

NOAA Observers Guide to Sea Ice 

Bowhead Whale Subsistence Harvest: 2008-2012 

 Bear Awareness and Defense Training Manual, LTR Training Systems 

 Efficacy of Bear Spray in AK 

Dalton Highway Visitor Guide 

 
254

Appendix H 

Suggested personal gear for arctic aerial surveys in the summer 

Wristwatch 

Good pair of sunglasses with UV and glare protection 

Clothing: prepare for temps from the 30s to the 60sF, sometimes with drizzle or light snow and 

wind. 

Slippers for use at the King Eider Inn (shoes are not allowed); socks are OK; the inn provides 

slippers. 

Walking shoes/boots that can tolerate mud and puddles but still be comfortable for over a 

mile; sneakers or running shoes are OK. 

Shoes good enough to wear at a restaurant (very casual is OK). 

Clean aircraft shoes or down booties for use in the aircraft (outdoor shoes will be shed to 

keep the plane clean); some booties are provided by our project. Hard soled shoes or 

boots will protect your feet in the event of a ditching and ending up on land or ice. 

Rugged pants, jeans, pant shells (overpants) for walking around town. 

T shirts, long-sleeve shirts, comfortable attire for wearing in the hotel, restaurants, and at the 

NARL offices, including going to business meetings. 

Light, water resistant jacket. 

Warm coat good for a walk in a cold wind; two light jackets (wind shell plus fleece) doubled 

can serve as well or better than a big coat. 

Light hat with visor for drizzly days, and a heavier hat (wool) for cold, windy, wet days. 

Scarf or neck gaiter. 

Light gloves (e.g., fingerless) that can allow you to work at the computer in the plane. 

Overmitts that can go over the gloves for times when you are standing around in the cold. 

Sweatpants or shorts and sweatshirt for working out at the gym. 

Sneakers for use in the gym (not used for walking outdoors). 

Variety of socks – tough enough for shuffling around in the hotel (with or without slippers) 

and warm enough for sitting in a cold airplane. 

Drysuit for flying (NMML provided); wear long jons (preferably wool, not synthetic 

material) underneath - the amount of undergarments depends on personal temperature 

sensitivity, but it may be better to dress lightly under the drysuit so that it is easier to get 

in and out, and then add scarf, hat, and gloves if chilly. 

Parkas and blankets will be available in the aircraft. 

Goo gel or other sort enclosed package of high calorie carbohydrate for emergency energy in the 

event of a ditching 

Trash bag for use as warmth in the event of a ditching 

Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses 
255

Contact lens solution 

Day pack with all the things you need during an aerial survey plus enough to make it through the 

night at a different place (wallet, credit card, snacks, toothbrush/paste, pants) 

Cash – estimate $100 to $200/month for taxis, souvenirs, etc. 

Meals, groceries, and hotel costs can be paid for with credit cards. 

Hard candy or Tums for munching while flying 

Bonine/Dramamine for motion sickness (the long, straight tracklines and no mountains make for 

pretty smooth sailing for the most part) 

Cell phone (not all contract plans work in the Arctic) 

Certificate of egress training 

Personal medicines/vitamins/aspirin 

Dental stuff 

Laundry bag (laundry machines might be available in the hotel or it might be across town; this is 

“misc. expense” on your voucher, not “laundry”) 

Shampoo 

Hand cream 

Scissors, hair stuff 

Foot powder 

Hankies 

Plastic bags to cover dirty shoes when packing 

Water bottle 

Penknife (but do NOT have it in your pack when going through security!) 

Favorite snacks/teas/coffee 

A few books 

Music with player (the other option is humming) 

Movie DVDs 

Personal camera 

Binoculars and bird book (binos are provided for use in the aircraft, but it’s nice to have your 

own pair for birding and touring) 

Lady Jane adapters for downloading while in flight 

Sleeping mask and/or earplugs (for light sleepers) 

Bug repellant 

There are stores in Barrow where many essentials can be purchased (snacks, sunglasses, hats, 

toothbrush, etc.) but things are more expensive than in Seattle. 

 It’s good to take a cloth/reusable grocery bag when shopping. 

Bear repellant (spray) and “bear bangers” will be available. Walks within Barrow are considered 

safe from bears and usually safe from dogs (most are tied up), but walks along the beach 

can be risky, especially north of NARL. Rabies is common in the Arctic. Don’t pet 

dogs, lemmings, foxes, or wild wolves. 
256

 Guns were standard issue in the past, complete with professional training. However, 

policies have changed to the point that guns are no longer carried on NOAA aircraft and 

might even be disallowed. Guns can be more dangerous than bears. 

 In regard to long walks in the Barrow area, Point Barrow, north of the dock on Elson 

Lagoon, is Native land and is off limits to tourists without a guide. In part, this may be a 

safety concern because polar bears often visit the Point looking for dumped whale parts. 

 
257

Appendix I 

Flight Suit Tracker (some names to change) 

Date Flight #

Janet

Suit 11

Megan

Suit 9

Cynthia

Suit 1

Millie

Suit 20

Stephanie

Suit 21

Brendan

Suit 8

Becky

Suit 6

Brenda

Suit 5

Dee

Suit 5

Amy

Suit 10

Mike

Suit 19

Heather

Suit 22

Kim

Suit 22

XL

Suit 15

*Please enter date, flight #, and X the box of who was on the flight. Thanks!

 
258

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259

Appendix 5: Poster and Oral Presentation Abstracts Related to COMIDA Aerial Surveys 

Marine Mammal Occurrence in the Northeastern Chukchi Sea, Alaska – Comparison of 

Data from Autumn 1989-91 and Autumn 2008 

Broadscale aerial surveys in the northeastern Chukchi Sea for marine mammals were 

conducted in autumn 2008 after a hiatus of 17 years. The study area extends from the 

northwestern Alaskan coast westward to the International Dateline at 169°W, between 68° and 

72°N (surveys were previously conducted north to 73°N). The area overlays Lease Sale 193 of 

the Chukchi Sea Planning Area, and surveys are being conducted to collect information on 

marine mammals undergoing seasonal migrations through these lease areas and associated 

waters. Broadscale surveys were previously conducted in this area from 1989-91. Changes in 

late autumn prevailing sea ice between 1991 and 2008 have been monumental, and there are 

concerns over the effect of later-developing sea ice on marine mammal populations. Sightings of 

cetaceans, including bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), and beluga 

(Delphinapterus leucas) whales, walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) 

in autumn 2008 are compared to sightings of the same species in autumn 1989-1991. 

Observations of sea ice development during both time periods are also included. Results 

presented here are preliminary, as the 2008 survey season finished on 10 November. This is the 

first year of a multiyear study sponsored by the Minerals Management Service, Alaska OCS 

Region. 

 
260

Marine Mammal Occurrence in the Northeastern Chukchi Sea, Alaska – Summer 2008 

Broadscale aerial surveys in the northeastern Chukchi Sea for marine mammals were 

conducted in summer 2008. This study represents the first effort to document the occurrence of 

marine mammals from mid-June through late August in this large geographic area. Previous 

survey efforts have occurred during the spring bowhead migration in April and May (although 

efforts have been confined to areas relatively close to shore) and during the early autumn 

migration from mid-September through October. The study area extends from the northwestern 

Alaskan coast westward to the International Dateline at 169°W, between 68° and 72°N. The 

survey area overlays Lease Sale 193 of the Chukchi Sea Planning Area, and surveys are being 

conducted to collect information on marine mammals undergoing seasonal migrations through 

and to lease areas and nearby waters. Sightings of cetaceans, including bowhead (Balaena 

mysticetus), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), fin (Balaenoptera physalus) and beluga 

(Delphinapterus leucas) whales, walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

are summarized. Observations of summer sea ice breakup are also included and discussed with 

historical context. Results presented here are preliminary. This is the first year of a multiyear 

study sponsored by the Minerals Management Service, Alaska OCS Region. 

 
261

Swimming polar bears in the Alaskan Chukchi Sea – the REAL story 

 On 16 August 2008, ten polar bears (Ursus maritimus) were observed west and northwest 

of Point Barrow, Alaska, during an aerial survey for marine mammals. All ten bears were 

swimming. The “swimming polar bear” story was advanced by the popular press and used by 

various organizations to further discussion on global warming and the loss of sea ice. In the 

process, several facts were misstated, probably both accidentally and deliberately. This poster 

presents the facts of the swimming polar bears, including details of sightings and objectives and 

methodology of the study. Historical data on polar bear sightings in the western Alaskan Arctic 

are also presented. 

Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey Project (BWASP) Status Update in 2009 

The Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey Project (BWASP) has been ongoing in the Alaskan 

Beaufort Sea since 1979 under funding from the Minerals Management Service (MMS). Since 

2007, these surveys have been coordinated through the National Marine Mammal Laboratory 

(NMML NOAA Fisheries Service). The objectives for BWASP include determining the annual 

fall migration path and relative abundance of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), spatiotemporal variability of their distribution as a function of habitat features, and their behavior. 

Sighting data are also collected on other marine mammals. The study area encompasses 150,000 

km2

 of the Alaskan Beaufort Sea from 140°W to 157°W between shore and 72°N and is 

subdivided into twelve survey blocks. These blocks are surveyed using randomly-selected 

survey lines, one per 30 minutes of longitude. A DeHavilland Twin Otter aircraft with six- to 

eight-hour flight range is currently used for these surveys, allowing for safe and effective survey 

coverage. The timing of the field season has been relatively consistent, currently commencing 

31 August and ending 20 October, with surveys flown every day, weather and logistics 

permitting. The thirty-year time series of the BWASP dataset provides a unique opportunity to 

investigate changes over time in the distribution, relative abundance, and behavior of bowhead 

whales and other marine mammals in relation to environmental conditions. For example, ice 

conditions during historical BWASP surveys have ranged from very heavy (in some years during 

this study, ice was heavy enough to prevent vessel traffic from entering the Beaufort Sea) to very 

light. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, there was essentially no ice in the study area in summer and early 

fall, as sea ice receded to historical minimums. Bowhead distribution and relative abundance in 

these low-ice years appeared similar to that previously documented in light to moderate ice 

years, likely because bowheads are strongly associated with shelf habitat, although there is some 

evidence that bowhead whales are feeding more in the Western Alaskan Beaufort Sea. Beluga 

distribution and relative abundance in the BWASP study area has decreased in recent years, 

perhaps due to the absence of ice cover and belugas migrating farther north. 

 
262

Aerial Surveys for Marine Mammals in the Northeastern Chukchi Sea: 2009 

COMIDA (Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Areas) aerial surveys for marine 

mammals were conducted in the northeastern Chukchi Sea from mid-June through the end of 

October 2009, providing survey coverage of the Chukchi Sea Planning Area during the ice-free 

season. COMIDA aerial survey objectives include determining the distribution of cetaceans, 

pinnipeds and polar bears and documenting areas of importance for specific behaviors such as 

calving/pupping, feeding, migrating and hauling out. The 125,000 km2

 study area, 

encompassing the region from 68°N to 72°N and from shore to 169°W, is subdivided into 10 

survey blocks. A revised survey design was adopted in 2009, with offshore transect lines 

oriented perpendicular to the coastline instead of oriented north-south. In addition, there was a 

coastal transect (one km offshore) from Pt. Barrow to Pt. Hope. Surveys were flown in 

DeHavilland Twin Otters and an Aero Commander. A total of 240 hours were flown in 2009, 

with 175 hours actively surveying in good conditions and 59% of that time spent on transect 

effort. Good survey coverage of the study area was achieved despite frequent time periods of 

inclement weather which prevented flying. Marine mammals recorded included bowhead whales 

(Balaena mysticetus), gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), belugas (Delphinapterus leucas), one 

humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), polar bears (Ursus maritimus), walrus (Odobenus 

rosmarus), and several smaller pinnipeds. Bowheads were seen feeding near Pt. Franklin from 

30 June through 11 July, and southwest of Pt. Barrow on 19 September. Gray whales were 

documented feeding in the nearshore area between Pt. Barrow and Wainwright from mid June 

through early September; after mid-September, few gray whales were seen. The lone humpback 

whale was spotted feeding among four gray whales in mid-July near Wainwright. Belugas were 

seen in the study area in summer and late fall. Walrus distribution was closely associated with 

ice when ice was present in the study area; after which walrus were seen close to and on shore. 

Four polar bears were seen. 

 
263

Pacific walrus sightings documented by aerial surveys of the northeastern Chukchi Sea in 

2009 

In the summer and fall of 2009, aerial surveys were conducted in the northeastern 

Chukchi Sea as part of the Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) project. 

The surveys were designed to document the distribution of marine mammals in the northeastern 

Chukchi Sea and identify areas important for migration, foraging, and reproduction. In addition, 

the surveys were designed to encompass the Chukchi Sea Planning Area, which contains areas of 

potential industrial activity. Surveys were conducted from June 24 to October 29, from 72°N to 

68°N between 169°W and 157°W. Offshore and coastal transect lines were flown in a fixedwing airplane at an altitude of 1,000-1,600 feet. A total of 49 flights were conducted over 240 

survey hours. Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) were observed in all months of the study 

period from June to October, with the majority of sightings observed from July to September. 

Excluding known duplicate sightings, the survey team observed 667 sightings of walrus, 

comprising 15,994 individuals. More than three-quarters of the walruses observed were sighted 

in mid-summer and early fall, with 49% of individuals observed in July and 30% of individuals 

observed in September. There were very few walruses observed in October. Walruses were 

widely distributed and were sighted in open water or hauled out on ice or land. A shift in habitat 

usage occurred over the study period with more animals hauled out on ice from June-August, 

when sea ice was present, to more animals hauled out on land in September. In July, 90% of 

individuals sighted were hauled out on ice, whereas in September, 82% of individuals sighted 

were hauled out on land. In September, a haulout of approximately 2,500-4,000 walruses was 

documented on land near Icy Cape (70°19’N 161°46’W). The haulout was observed on three 

separate flights between September 2-13, and was not seen again despite subsequent surveys in 

the area. The increase in walruses hauled out on land in the fall is likely due to the complete lack 

of sea ice in the northeastern Chukchi Sea. 

 
264

Efficiency of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) relative to manned aircraft for surveying 

bowhead whale distribution and density in the Arctic. 

Manned aircraft have been successfully used to survey the distribution and abundance of the 

Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort (BCB) stock of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in the western 

Arctic since 1979. In recent years, interest in the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) as 

an aerial survey platform for studying BCB bowheads has grown. The effectiveness of UAS in 

surveying cetaceans has yet to be demonstrated. We used analytical methods to address the 

following question: Given a UAS platform that is capable of reliably operating in the Arctic, how 

much effort (measured in distance and time) would be required for the UAS to conduct a survey 

designed to estimate bowhead whale density, in order to achieve the same precision as a density 

estimate derived from a manned aircraft survey? Specifically, we conducted a relative efficiency 

analysis that accounted for differences between the platforms’ field of view and probability of 

detecting objects located directly on the trackline. The amount of UAS effort required to meet 

the target precision depended heavily upon the trackline detection probability and encounter rate 

variance for the UAS relative to the manned aircraft. A direct field comparison of UAS vs. 

manned aircraft surveys is essential for answering further questions. 

 
265

Eastern North Pacific Gray Whale Distribution and Habitat Use in the Chukchi Sea from 

Aerial Surveys: 1982-1991, 2008-2010 

Marine mammal aerial surveys were conducted in the northeastern Chukchi Sea (68-

73°N, 157-169°W) from June to October 1982-1991. Renewed interest in oil and gas activity in 

this area provided the impetus for the surveys to recommence in 2008; the recent surveys are part 

of the Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) project, funded by the Minerals 

Management Service. These broad-scale surveys have documented the distribution of the Eastern 

North Pacific stock of gray whales on summer feeding grounds in the Chukchi Sea. Arctic waters 

comprise the northernmost part of their range, which extends southward along the west coast of 

North America down to wintering areas off California, the Baja Peninsula, and in the Gulf of 

California. Gray whales in the Chukchi Sea have been found in high densities in three different 

areas. First, the greatest number of gray whales (which have occurred during all months 

surveyed) were nearshore between Point Barrow and Point Lay. Second, gray whales were 

consistently seen in the area offshore of Point Hope in spite of relatively little survey effort 

in that area. Third, in autumn of 1989-1991, there was a high density area offshore over Hanna 

Shoal; however, few gray whales were seen in that area in autumn of 2008-2010. The recent lack 

of summer sea ice in the Chukchi may be affecting the location of high densities of prey, and 

hence the distribution of gray whales. Gray whale calves have been sighted mostly in nearshore 

shallow areas. 

 
266

Pacific Walrus Sightings Documented by COMIDA Aerial Surveys of the Northeastern 

Chukchi Sea in 2010 

In 2010, the National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML) (NOAA Fisheries), through 

an interagency agreement with the Minerals Management Service, conducted aerial surveys in 

the northeastern Chukchi Sea as part of the Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area 

(COMIDA) project. The surveys, which have been conducted annually by NMML since 2008, 

were designed to document the distribution of marine mammals in the northeastern Chukchi Sea 

during the ice-free months (June-October). Surveys were conducted from July 1 to October 27, 

from 72°N to 68°N between 169°W and 157°W. A total of 44 flights were conducted over 188 

survey hours. Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) were widely distributed throughout the 

survey area and were observed in all months of the study period. Excluding known duplicate 

sightings of haulouts, NMML recorded 314 walrus sightings comprising 26,688 individuals. In 

July and August, walruses were observed in open water or hauled out on sea ice. On August 30, 

the first haulouts on land were documented, one located 3 miles northeast of Point Lay and three 

located 22 miles east of Cape Lisburne. The Point Lay haulout was observed on five subsequent 

surveys between September 6-24; group size estimates of the haulout varied between days and 

ranged from 800 to 15,000 individuals. Additional surveys were conducted near Point Lay from 

October 8-25 but no haulouts were sighted. The increase in walruses hauled out on land in the 

fall is likely a result of the lack of sea ice in the northeastern Chukchi Sea. 

 
267

Distribution, Relative Abundance and Behaviors of Bowhead Whales in the Alaskan 

Beaufort and Northeastern Chukchi Seas - Autumn 2007-2010 

Broad-scale aerial surveys for marine mammals were conducted annually under the 

auspices of COMIDA (Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area) and BWASP (Bowhead 

Whale Aerial Survey Project), sponsored by the Minerals Management Service. Survey 

objectives included determining the autumn (September and October) migration path, relative 

abundance, and behavior of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus). The combined survey area 

extended from 140°W to 169°W and 68°N to 72°N, and was divided into 22 survey blocks. 

Bowhead distribution and relative abundance were summarized based on survey blocks and 

depth zones. Results were limited to 2007-2010, corresponding to data collected since summer 

sea ice extent was at historical minimums. Bowhead distribution in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea 

was relatively close to shore and, based on sighting rate, habitat preference was strongly 

associated with the inner continental shelf (≤50 m depth zone). In the northeastern Chukchi Sea, 

distribution was southwesterly from Pt. Barrow. Highest sighting rates were in blocks 13 and 18, 

with sighting rates highest in the outer continental shelf (51-200 m depth zone). Feeding and 

milling (which may be indicative of feeding) were recorded across the Beaufort Sea, but seen 

only once in the Chukchi Sea. Mating behavior was also observed in one group of four whales 

located in the Beaufort Sea. A total of 53 calves were sighted. 

 
268

A Tale of Two Seas: Lessons from Multi-decadal Aerial Surveys for Cetaceans in the 

Beaufort and Chukchi Seas 

Three decades of aerial surveys have revealed apparent differences in the consistency of 

habitat partitioning between the dominant cetacean species in the Beaufort Sea compared to the 

Chukchi Sea. The Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey Project conducted annual line transect aerial 

surveys for marine mammals in the western Beaufort Sea from 1979-2010. Analogous surveys in 

the northeastern Chukchi Sea were conducted between 1982 and 1991, recommencing annually 

from 2008-2010 as part of the Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area project. In 2007, a 

landmark year for the Arctic, summer sea ice extent reached a record minimum. In the western 

Beaufort Sea, belugas and bowhead whales are the most abundant cetaceans; they exhibited 

consistent habitat partitioning during the pre- and post-2007 time periods: belugas have been 

found primarily in the outer continental shelf and basin, whereas bowheads have been found 

primarily in the inner continental shelf. In contrast, in the northeastern Chukchi Sea, gray and 

bowhead whales are the most abundant cetaceans. Prior to 2007, gray whales were found 

primarily in coastal or shoal waters, whereas bowhead whales were found primarily in the outer 

continental shelf. Since 2007, however, bowhead and gray whale distributions have overlapped 

substantially; although the depth zone of maximum encounter rate is temporally variable, this 

temporal variability appears synchronous in both species. We discuss oceanographic 

mechanisms that could potentially cause differences in temporal patterns of habitat use between 

the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. 
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269 

Appendix 6: Aerial Surveys of Large Whales in the Northeast Chukchi Sea, 2008-2009, 

with Review of 1982-1991 Data 

Aerial Surveys of Large Whales in the Northeastern Chukchi Sea, 

2008-2009, with Review of 1982-1991 Data 

JANET T. CLARKE1

 AND MEGAN C. FERGUSON2

Contact e-mail: janet.clarke@saic.com 

ABSTRACT 

Broad-scale aerial surveys of the northeastern Chukchi Sea off Alaska were conducted from June-October 

2008-2009, after a hiatus since 1991. These surveys are now known as the Chukchi Offshore Monitoring 

In Drilling Area (COMIDA) project. Climatic changes in the Arctic between the early 1990s and the 

present have been well-documented, including (but not limited to) the dramatic reduction in summer sea ice 

cover in the Chukchi Sea. The 17-year lag between surveys in this region allowed for comparisons of large 

cetacean relative abundance and distribution over time, although comparisons were impacted due to the 

temporal and spatial variability of surveys in any single year. Results from the current study are still 

preliminary since only one partial season (2008) and one full season of data (2009) have been collected in 

recent years and the data have not been corrected for sighting and availability bias. In 1982-1991 and 

2008-2009, 107 bowhead whales, 533 gray whales, 1 humpback whale (in 2009) and 1 fin whale (in 2008) 

were seen during 113,758 transect kilometers flown. Bowhead whales were observed in all months of the 

survey and were distributed mainly west and southwest of Pt Barrow, including sightings within the 

Chukchi Sea Planning Area. Bowhead distribution in light ice years remained similar between the 1980s 

and 2008-2009. Bowhead whale sighting rates (whales per unit effort) were highest in the 50-200m depth 

zone. Bowhead whales were observed feeding in the Chukchi Sea in October 1983 and in June, July and 

September 2009. Gray whales were observed in all months of the survey; they were distributed in 

nearshore, shallow water areas and offshore over Hanna Shoal. Most gray whales (73%) were feeding. 

The majority of the gray whale calves were seen in three years, 1982, 1985 and 2009, mainly in July of 

each year. 

KEYWORDS: ARCTIC; NORTHERN ALASKA; CHUKCHI SEA; BOWHEAD WHALE; GRAY 

WHALE; FIN WHALE; HUMPBACK WHALE; HABITAT; SURVEY-AERIAL; FEEDING; 

OCEANOGRAPHY 

INTRODUCTION 

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) commenced funding of aerial surveys of endangered whales in oil 

and gas lease areas offshore of Alaska in 1979. The U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) assumed these 

responsibilities in 1982. From 1979-1991, surveys in the northeastern Chukchi (68°-73°N, 157°-169°W) were 

conducted through a series of Interagency Agreements (IA) between MMS and the Naval Oceans Systems Center 

(Ljungblad et al., 1987) and directly with contractors (Moore and Clarke, 1992). No surveys were conducted in this 

broad area from 1992-2007, although localized surveys nearshore were conducted in 2006-2008 (Thomas et al., 

2010). In 2008, MMS initiated an IA with the National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML) of the U.S. National 

Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to conduct broadscale aerial surveys in the Chukchi Sea Planning Area (CSPA), 

which encompasses the northeastern Chukchi Sea (68°-72°N, 157°-169°W). These aerial surveys are part of the 

Chukchi Offshore Monitoring In Drilling Area, or COMIDA, program, and they were designed to document 

distribution and abundance of cetaceans and pinnipeds and to monitor areas of importance for specific behaviors 

such as calving, pupping, feeding, hauling out and migrating. COMIDA surveys are of particular relevance now 

because there is renewed interest in offshore oil and gas activity in the Chukchi Sea, as evidenced by the recordbreaking Lease Sale 193, which occurred in February 2008 (MMS, 2008). 

 

1

 Science Applications International Corporation, 14620 268th Ave E, Buckley, WA 98321, USA 2

 Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program, National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, 7600 

Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, USA 
SC/62/BRG13 

270 

 The spring migration of the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Sea stock of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) 

in the northeastern Chukchi Sea passes through nearshore leads in the ice between Pt Hope and Pt Barrow (Moore 

and Reeves, 1993). Most of the stock migrates offshore to summer feeding areas in the Canadian Beaufort Sea. 

Although bowheads have been documented in the Chukchi Sea throughout summer (Moore, 1992; Moore et al., 

2010), their presence there is thought to be low (Dahlheim et al., 1980; Miller et al., 1986). The return migration 

across the Alaskan Beaufort Sea in autumn is nearshore (Clarke and Ferguson, 2010), and commences at least as 

early as August (Rugh, 2010). The autumn migration of bowhead whales across the northeastern Chukchi Sea 

appears to follow both a west-northwesterly route along the ice edge (Quakenbush et al., 2010) and a broad 

southwesterly route towards the Chukotka coast, but autumn migration patterns are not well understood in this area 

(Moore and Clarke, 1993). 

The Eastern North Pacific stock of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) undergoes one of the longest 

migrations of any mammal, from winter grounds near Baja California to summer feeding areas in the Bering and 

Chukchi seas. Recent evidence indicates that the Chukchi Sea has replaced the northern Bering Sea as the preferred 

feeding area for gray whales because amphipod biomass has decreased in the latter area (Bluhm et al., 2007; Coyle 

et al., 2007; Moore et al., 2003). Gray whales were reliably sighted in the northeastern Chukchi Sea during surveys 

conducted from 1982-1991 (Moore et al., 2000), when ice cover in summer and autumn was greater than at present. 

Sightings of large whale species other than bowhead and gray whales are becoming more frequent in the 

northeastern Chukchi Sea (e.g., Haley et al., 2010). Therefore, we include a review of sightings of other large 

whales in the COMIDA database. 

METHODS AND RESULTS 

The study area was the northeastern Chukchi Sea from 68°N to 72°N latitude and from 157°W to 169°W, 

an area totaling 122,500 km2

, which was subdivided into 10 survey blocks (Figure 1). The historical data (1982-

1991) incorporated results from four additional survey blocks located from 72° to 73°N latitude between 157° and 

169°W, which were flown regularly from 1989-1991. Surveys were flown from 16 June to 31 October from 1982-

1991 and 2008-2009, although effort varied temporally among years. Surveys were flown in a Grumman Turbo 

Goose from 1982-1991, deHavilland Twin Otter aircraft in 2008-2009 and an Aero Commander in 2009. Line 

transect aerial surveys were flown at 305 to 460 m altitude, maintaining a speed of 220 to 300 km/h. During the 

early period (1982-1991), the transects tended north/south and were located between randomly determined start and 

end points anchored to the survey block boundaries, The survey design changed dramatically in 2009 to transects 

oriented perpendicular to shore, thereby cutting across isobaths, prevailing currents, and expected gradients in 

marine mammal density. In 2009, a coastal transect was flown 1 km offshore and parallel to the coast between Pt 

Barrow and Pt. Hope. Two primary observers maintained a continuous watch for marine mammals, one on each 

side of the aircraft, while a third observer/data recorder entered data into a laptop computer for each sighting, 

whenever survey conditions changed or every five to ten minutes. The aircraft occasionally made brief (less than 10 

minutes) diversions from the transect to investigate sightings for species verification, to determine group size and to 

confirm presence or absence of calves. Flightlines were considered to be "on effort" if the data were logged as on 

transect. In contrast, "off effort" flightlines included data collected while on search mode or when circling, 

connecting tracklines or deadheading to a location. Data routinely logged when cetaceans were seen included time, 

altitude, position, sea state, ice cover, visibility conditions, species, inclinometer angle (to determine distance from 

the trackline), number of whales, initial heading and behavior. Sea state was classified according to the Beaufort 

scale (Chapman, 1977), and ice cover estimated as a percentage of the sea surface. Additional details of survey 

protocol are provided elsewhere (e.g., Moore and Clarke, 1992; National Marine Mammal Laboratory, NMFS, 

NOAA, 2010). 

 Total transect distance (km) per survey block or depth zone for “on effort” flightlines only was calculated 

by clipping the transects to polygons (defined by either survey block boundaries or isobaths) using R version 2.10.1 

(R Development Core Team, 2009) and packages sp (Pebesma and Bivand, 2005), maptools (Lewin-Koh et al., 

2009), rgdal (Keitt et al., 2010), gpclib (Peng et al., 2009), and PBSmapping (Schnute et al., 2008). Transect 

distances differ slightly among the effort-by-year, effort-by-block, and effort-by-depth analyses due to slight 

differences in the region within which effort was summarized. Sighting rate (whales per unit effort) was calculated 

as the number of whales per transect kilometer (Tr-km) surveyed for survey blocks and depth zones. Sighting rates 

were not corrected for availability or perception bias. Sighting rates for survey blocks were calculated only for the 
SC/62/BRG13 

271 

current study area; sighting rate per depth zone was calculated for the extended survey area, spanning 68°N to 73°N. 

Depths at sightings were taken from the International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean (IBCAO; 

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/bathymetry/arctic/arctic.html). 

Over 113,000 km of transect surveys were flown from 1982-1991 and 2008-2009 (Figure 1). Effort varied 

greatly among years and months (Table 1). The most annual effort was in 2009 (greater than 21,000 Tr-km), when 

the survey period extended almost nonstop from mid-June through the end of October. The least annual effort 

(approximately 3,000 Tr-km) was in 1990 and 1982, when effort in the study area occurred only in October. 

Monthly effort was highest in October (over 56,000 Tr-km) and lowest in June (approximately 4,000 Tr-km). 

Survey Block 13 had twice as much survey effort as any other block (27,425 Tr-km; Table 2), and Blocks 13, 14, 17 

and 18 were surveyed the most frequently over all years combined (Figure 2). 

Comparison of ice cover among years is difficult to assess from the survey data alone because effort was 

not evenly distributed. However, ice cover in autumn (September-October) was considered heavy in 1983 and 1988, 

moderate in 1984, 1985, 1987 and 1991, and light in 1982, 1986, 1989, 1990, 2008 and 2009 (Moore and Clarke, 

1992; National Snow and Ice Data Center, 2008, 2009). 

There were 77 on-effort sightings of 107 bowhead whales in the Chukchi Sea from 1982-1991 and 2008-

2009 (Table 3). Bowhead whales were seen in all survey months in the Chukchi Sea (Figure 3), with the greatest 

number of sightings in October. Most whales were seen west and southwest of Pt Barrow, with a few sightings 

northwest. Bowhead sightings were within the CSPA and close to active leases. Highest sighting rates per block for 

all years combined were in Blocks 13 (WPUE=0.0023) and 18 (WPUE=0.0020; Table 2); sighting rates were 

highest in Block 13 in June through September and in Block 18 in October. Most of the whales (13 whales) 

observed in Block 18 were seen in October 1983 and 1988, both heavy ice years, but the other five whales in Block 

18 were seen in ice-free water in 1989 and 2009. The highest bowhead sighting rate per depth zone for all months 

combined was in the 50-200m zone (WPUE=0.0012; Table 4). Bowhead whale sighting rate in June was highest in 

the shallowest depth zone (0-35m), but the highest sighting rates in all other months (considered individually) were 

either in 35-50m or 50-200m depth zones. Bowheads were not seen in waters >200m deep, but this depth zone was 

underrepresented in the study area (only a small area north of Block 13). In light ice years (1982, 1986, 1989, 1990, 

2008 and 2009), surveys were consistently conducted in September and October only (i.e., there was no summer 

effort in most years). During light ice years, the distribution of bowhead whales was similar between the 1982-1991 

period and the 2008-2009 period (Figure 4). There were no bowhead whale sightings in 2008 or 2009 north of 72°N 

because the recent survey area did not extend that far north. 

Most bowhead whales were recorded as engaged in directional swimming (59%). Feeding behavior was 

rarely recorded on-effort and is likely underrepresented in the database due to the difficulty of identifying this 

behavior in the brief periods of time allowed during transects. Bowhead whale feeding behavior was recorded offeffort (while on search or circling) in two years during this study, under very different circumstances. In 1983, a 

heavy ice year, nine bowheads were observed feeding on 17 and 18 October (Figure 5) in 70-80% ice cover. In 

2009, a light ice year, bowhead whales were observed feeding from 30 June to 11 July near Pt Franklin, and at least 

one easily re-identifiable whale was present during this 13-day period. Ice cover at this time ranged from 5% to 

80%. A group of at least 12 bowheads was also observed feeding southwest of Pt Barrow on 19 September 2009 

when no ice was present. 

There were 254 on-effort sightings of 533 gray whales in the Chukchi Sea from 1982-1991 and 2008-2009 

(Table 3). Gray whales were seen in all months in the Chukchi Sea (Figure 6), with the greatest number of sightings 

in September. Most whales were seen nearshore between Pt Barrow and Pt Lay, with an additional area of 

concentration in offshore shoal areas. Few gray whales were seen in the deeper water areas between the shallow 

nearshore continental shelf and Hanna Shoal (northern half of Block 14), except during August. Gray whales were 

seen offshore (in Block 14 and farther north) in autumn 1989-1991, but few were seen in that area in autumn 2008-

2009, and few gray whales were seen within the CSPA or near active leases. The highest sighting rate per block for 

all years combined was in Block 22 (WPUE=0.0230; Table 2), where relatively high numbers of gray whales were 

seen in September and October during relatively little survey effort. Sighting rates were also high in Blocks 13 

(WPUE=0.0096) and 17 (WPUE=0.0090; Table 2). In 2009, when survey effort was nearly nonstop from mid-June 

through the end of October, gray whale sighting rates were twice as high in August (WPUE=0.0154) as in July 

(WPUE=0.0078), and dropped off considerably in September (WPUE=0.0026) and October (WPUE=0.0033). The 
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highest sighting rate per depth zone for all years combined was in 0-35m category (WPUE=0.0063; Table 5). Gray 

whale sighting rate in all months except August was highest in the shallowest depth zone (0-35 m). In August, the 

sighting rate was highest in the 50-200m depth zone. 

Most gray whales were recorded as feeding (73%) in all survey months. Feeding was evidenced by the 

presence of conspicuous mud plumes streaming out of the mouths of surfacing whales. Gray whale calves were 

often undetected during initial on-effort sighting events, and many would likely have remained undetected if brief 

diversions off-effort (in search or circling mode) were not initiated. Including all on-effort and off-effort sightings, a 

total of 50 gray whale calves were seen (Figure 7). Calves were seen mainly in nearshore areas, and most (n=34) 

were seen in Block 13, where the majority of survey effort was conducted. Most calves were observed in July of 

1982 (n=18, all off-effort), 1985 (n=15) and 2009 (n=10). One calf was seen in August 2008, and six calves were 

seen in September. All calf sightings were in 0-10% ice cover. One cow-calf pair observed in July 2009 was in 

close proximity to feeding bowhead whales near Pt Franklin. That cow-calf pair exhibited protection of the calf 

wherein the calf moved under the cow so that only the calf’s flukes could be seen. 

One fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) was seen on 2 July 2008 at 69.228°N, 165.675°W, in survey Block 

20. The whale was swimming alone, and no other marine mammals were in the immediate area. 

One humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was seen on 25 July 2009 at 70.384°N, 160.837°W, in 

survey Block 17. The whale was feeding very near shore and close to four gray whales. 

DISCUSSION 

Although bowhead whale sightings are still far fewer in the northeastern Chukchi Sea than in the Beaufort Sea, data 

collected in 2008-2009 corroborated data collected on bowheads from 1982-1991. Bowhead whale distribution in 

2008-2009 suggested a southwesterly migration route across the northeastern Chukchi Sea, particularly in October. 

Results from satellite-tagged bowhead whales in 2006-2009 also confirmed a southwesterly migration route, as 

suggested in Moore and Clarke (1990), in addition to a more westerly route for whales presumably heading towards 

Wrangel Island and the Chukotka coast (Quakenbush et al., 2010). Bowhead distribution can also be inferred by the 

presence of bowhead whale calls on hydrophones deployed throughout the northeastern Chukchi Sea (Delarue et al., 

2009). 

 The distribution of bowhead sightings from June to October is unexpected. Most of the summer bowhead 

sightings and the highest sighting rates occurred in Block 13, closest to the Beaufort Sea. Bowhead whales observed 

in the northeastern Chukchi Sea during summer may be late migrants to or early returnees from summer feeding 

areas in the Canadian Beaufort Sea. Conversely, some of the bowheads observed in the summer in the Chukchi Sea 

may not undergo a complete migration, similar to gray whales that do not migrate the entire distance from the 

Bering/Chukchi Sea to Mexico (Rugh et al. 2008). Summer observations of bowhead whales nearshore in the 

Chukchi Sea near Pt Franklin were recorded in July 2003 (Moore et al., 2010), and four bowhead whales were seen 

during nearshore surveys in 2008 (Thomas et al., 2010). Surveys conducted in summer 1984 (Moore et al., 1986), 

1985 and 2008 (this study), and oil industry-sponsored aerial surveys in July 2006 and 2007, did not yield any 

bowhead whale sightings. Moore (1992) summarized summer records of bowhead whale sightings in the 

northeastern Chukchi Sea from 1975-1991 and listed only three sightings west of Pt Barrow in June or July. The 

sightings of bowheads feeding near Pt Franklin over a 13-day period in late June through mid July 2009 may be 

some of the first reported for this area during this time period and indicates that this area may sometimes be 

important to bowhead whales in the summer. Bowheads have been previously identified as feeding in September 

near the area in which they were seen feeding in 2009, although far fewer in number (Moore, 1992). Bowheads 

feeding nearshore in the northeastern Chukchi Sea may be taking advantage of euphausiids and other prey advected 

north in the Alaska Coastal Current. Feeding observed in 1983, a heavy ice year, was farther from shore and in 

deeper water. Heavier ice nearshore that year may have prevented feeding from occurring elsewhere along the 

bowhead whale migration route (e.g., nearer to shore east of Barrow). Alternatively, the ice might have affected the 

aerial marine mammal observers' ability to detect feeding whales. 

Gray whale distribution in 2008-2009 remained primarily nearshore between Pt Lay and Pt Barrow, and 

underscores the continued importance of that area to gray whales in all months surveyed. Overall sighting rates 

were lowest in June, increased through August, then decreased through October, reflecting the migration timing of 
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gray whales in Alaskan waters (Rugh et al., 2001). This temporal pattern in sighting rates was repeated in data 

collected from 1982-1991 and also observed during oil industry-sponsored surveys in 2006-2008 (Thomas et al., 

2010). Feeding remained the predominant behavior in 2008-2009. Mud plumes were often noted even when no 

whales were present at the surface. The lack of gray whale sightings in the Hanna Shoal area was unexpected. 

There was also no evidence of mud plumes over Hanna Shoal, which are generally seen in areas where gray whales 

are feeding. Feeding gray whales were regularly sighted offshore in the 1980s. Clarke et al. (1989) suggested that 

gray whales may forage along the coast as they first move into the Chukchi Sea in the summer and move to offshore 

areas in autumn after the ice recedes. The lack of summer sea ice cover in the Chukchi may have changed the 

location of high concentrations of prey or the overall density of prey. There was only one year (2009) of recent 

effort offshore from summer through autumn (surveys were not conducted there in September and the first half of 

October 2008), so it remains to be seen if the lack of offshore gray whales in 2009 was an unusual event or 

representative of a changing Arctic environment. 

 It is evident from these aerial survey data that the shallow coastal areas of the northeastern Chukchi Sea 

may serve as nursery habitat for gray whale calves in some years, particularly in July. Clarke et al. (1989) discussed 

the potential benefits of this habitat for cow-calf pairs, including less competition from other adults to allow the cow 

to feed more successfully and greater protection from potential predators, such as killer whales (Orcinus orca). 

Killer whales are occasionally observed in the Chukchi Sea (George et al. 1994), but their presence there may be 

less than in the Bering Sea. Gray whale calves have rarely been observed in offshore areas of the northeastern 

Chukchi Sea, and spatial segregation has also been reported for the Chukotka Peninsula (Krupnik et al., 1983; 

Yablokov and Bogoslovskaya, 1984). 

Habitat partitioning between bowhead and gray whales, as described by Moore (2000) and Moore et al. 

(2000), remained evident in the 2008-2009 surveys. Bowheads showed a strong preference for outer shelf waters 

(50-200m) in all months except June, when results may have been biased by less survey effort and the repeated 

sightings of feeding bowhead whales very close to shore in 2009. Gray whales showed a strong preference for 

coastal/shoal areas (<35m) in all months except August, when they may move farther offshore to take advantage of 

newly uncovered feeding areas when the ice recedes. 

While results from these analyses should be considered preliminary because they were based on raw 

sighting rates (uncorrected for perception or availability bias) they clearly underscore the seasonal importance of the 

northeastern Chukchi Sea to bowhead and gray whales. The COMIDA surveys are the only broad scale, offshore 

aerial survey effort underway in the northeastern Chukchi Sea, and the only effort that can reliably collect data that 

may be used to determine marine mammal density and abundance in areas of active oil and gas leases. Although the 

time series in the offshore Chukchi Sea does not benefit from the same long-term, uninterrupted surveys as the 

closely related BWASP study (Clarke and Ferguson, 2010), the data collected in the early years (1982-91) provide 

valuable insight into cetacean distribution and density patterns during more variable summer ice conditions, and 

provide a baseline for comparison with the current COMIDA study. Data from COMIDA, combined with 

information from other research efforts including physical, chemical, and biological sampling, satellite tagging, and 

passive acoustic monitoring, will continue to improve our understanding of the temporal and spatial nature of large 

cetacean distribution and density patterns in the northeastern Chukchi Sea, including documenting the impacts of 

climate change and anthropogenic activities. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

Support and funding for aerial surveys in the northeastern Chukchi Sea were provided by the Minerals Management 

Service, Alaska OCS Region (formerly part of Bureau of Land Management), where we particularly appreciate the 

support and guidance of Charles Monnett. Don Ljungblad, formerly with the Naval Oceans Systems Center, was the 

Project Supervisor from 1979-1986. Sue Moore, formerly of SEACO and SAIC and currently with NOAA, was the 

Project Manager from 1981-1992, and continues to provide much appreciated support to this and several other 

Arctic studies. Since 2008, COMIDA has been managed by the National Marine Mammal Laboratory, NOAA 

Fisheries, where we appreciate the support and assistance of Phillip Clapham, David Rugh, Kim Shelden, Cynthia 

Christman, and Joanne Wejak. Mike Hay, of Resource Data Incorporated, provided invaluable and timely software 

support. Numerous observers, pilots, mechanics, programmers and other staff have been responsible for conducting 

surveys safely and effectively, collecting solid data and carrying out numerous analyses, and deserve our 

unmitigated appreciation. We also thank the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management and 
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274 

National Weather Service personnel in Barrow for their continued assistance and the villages of Barrow and 

Kotzebue for their annual hospitality during the field season. 

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Figure 1. Chukchi Sea study area, survey blocks and aerial survey effort in 1982-1991, 2008, and 2009. 

 
Figure 2. Distribution of transect effort in th

 

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

13 14 15 16

# of Years with Transect Effort

SC

277 

he northeastern Chukchi Sea by month, year, and survey blo

Jun

J

17 18 19 20 21 22 Survey Block

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ock. 

n

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct
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Figure 3. On-effort bowhead whale sightings per month, all years combined. 

 
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Figure 4. On-effort bowhead whale sightings in light ice years. 
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Figure 5. Locations of on- and off-effort feeding bowhead whales, 1983 and 2009. 
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Figure 6. On-effort gray whale sightings per month, all years combined. 

 
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Figure 7. On- and off-effort gray whale calf sightings, by month. 

 
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Table 1. Summary of survey flights per month and year, with total kilometers flown on transect (Tr-km). 

 June July August September October Total Tr-km/Year 

1982 x 3,461 

1983 x x 5,478 

1984 x x x x 6,713 

1985 x x 7,058 

1986 x x 11,025 

1987 x x 11,471 

1988 x 6,337 

1989 x x 12,769 

1990 x 3,084 

1991 x x 13,576 

2008 x x x x 11,647 

2009 x x x x x 21,139 

Total Tr-km/Month 3,998 13,275 10,675 29,123 56,686 113,758 

 
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Table 2. Bowhead and gray whale sightings (n) and sighting rate (whales per unit effort=WPUE) per survey block per month. Survey Effort (Tr-km) is included only for current survey blocks (13-22) and does not include effort between 72° and 73°N that was flown from 1989-91. Six bowheads and 16 gray whale sightings were north of 72°N and are not included here. The maximum WPUE per month and for all months combined is bolded. 

Bowhead Whales

 JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT TOTAL 

Block 

Trkm n WPUE Tr- km n WPUE Tr- km n WPUE Tr- km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE 

13 398 5 0.0126 3,713 7 0.0019 1,992 2 0.0010 9,022 15 0.0017 12,301 35 0.0028 27,425 64 0.0023 14 213 0 0.0000 2,050 0 0.0000 846 0 0.0000 5,039 2 0.0004 5,787 12 0.0021 13,936 14 0.0010 15 47 0 0.0000 1,235 0 0.0000 1,026 0 0.0000 2,668 0 0.0000 3,160 1 0.0003 8,136 1 0.0001 16 0 256 0 0.0000 1,463 0 0.0000 849 0 0.0000 2,016 0 0.0000 4,584 0 0.0000 17 318 0 0.0000 1,572 0 0.0000 925 0 0.0000 2,851 2 0.0007 5,462 2 0.0004 11,128 4 0.0004 18 225 0 0.0000 1,082 0 0.0000 112 0 0.0000 2,283 0 0.0000 5,506 18 0.0033 9,208 18 0.0020 19 5 298 0 0.0000 816 0 0.0000 422 0 0.0000 625 0 0.0000 2,165 0 0.0000 20 0 1,087 0 0.0000 671 0 0.0000 1,234 0 0.0000 2,753 0 0.0000 5,745 0 0.0000 21 0 568 0 0.0000 113 0 0.0000 0 908 0 0.0000 1,589 0 0.0000 22 0 611 0 0.0000 1 500 0 0.0000 2,503 0 0.0000 3,615 0 0.0000 

TOTAL 87,532 101 0.0012 Gray Whales 

 JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT TOTAL 

Block 

Trkm n WPUE Tr- km n WPUE Tr- km n WPUE Tr- km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE 

13 398 1 0.0025 3,713 54 0.0145 1,992 65 0.0326 9,022 108 0.0120 12,301 35 0.0028 27,425 263 0.0096 14 213 0 0.0000 2,050 0 0.0000 846 4 0.0047 5,039 51 0.0101 5,787 1 0.0002 13,936 56 0.0040 15 47 0 0.0000 1,235 0 0.0000 1,026 0 0.0000 2,668 0 0.0000 3,160 0 0.0000 8,136 0 0.0000 16 0 256 0 0.0000 1,463 0 0.0000 849 0 0.0000 2,016 0 0.0000 4,584 0 0.0000 17 318 15 0.0472 1,572 31 0.0197 925 34 0.0367 2,851 9 0.0032 5,462 11 0.0020 11,128 100 0.0090 18 225 0 0.0000 1,082 1 0.0009 112 0 0.0000 2,283 0 0.0000 5,506 2 0.0004 9,208 3 0.0003 19 5 298 0 0.0000 816 0 0.0000 422 0 0.0000 625 0 0.0000 2,165 0 0.0000 20 0 1,087 10 0.0092 671 0 0.0000 1,234 0 0.0000 2,753 2 0.0007 5,745 12 0.0021 21 0 568 0 0.0000 113 0 0.0000 0 908 0 0.0000 1,589 0 0.0000 22 0 611 5 0.0082 1 500 23 0.0460 2,503 55 0.0220 3,615 83 0.0230 

TOTAL 87,532 517 0.0059 
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Table 3. Summary of large whale sightings, 1982-1991 and 2008-2009. 

 June July August September October Total 

Bowhead Whale 2/5 3/7 2/2 20/21 50/72 77/107 

Gray Whale 9/16 51/101 75/103 68/199 51/114 254/533 

Humpback Whale 0 1/1 0 0 0 1/1 

Fin Whale 0 1/1 0 0 0 1/1 

Table 4. Number of bowhead whale sightings (n) and sighting rate (whales per unit effort= WPUE) per depth zone. 

Tr-km=transect kilometer. The maximum WPUE per month and for all months combined is italicized. 

TOTAL June July August 

Depth Range (m) Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE 

0 to 35 708 5 0.0071 3,723 3 0.0008 3,116 0 0.0000 

35 to 50 1,736 0 0.0000 6,089 0 0.0000 4,775 0 0.0000 

50 to 200 1,554 0 0.0000 3,464 4 0.0012 2,783 2 0.0007 

>200 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Total 3,998 5 0.0013 13,275 7 0.0005 10,675 2 0.0002 

TOTAL September October TOTAL 

Depth Range (m) Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE 

0 to 35 4,844 3 0.0006 9,582 5 0.0005 21,974 16 0.0007 

35 to 50 13,033 8 0.0006 25,480 38 0.0015 51,113 46 0.0009 

50 to 200 10,841 10 0.0009 20,253 29 0.0014 38,895 45 0.0012 

>200 404 0 0.0000 1,371 0 0.0000 1,775 0 0.0000 

Total 29,123 21 0.0007 56,686 72 0.0013 113,758 107 0.0009 

 
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Table 5. Number of gray whale sightings (n) and sighting rate (whales per unit effort= WPUE) per depth zone. Trkm=transect kilometer. The maximum WPUE per month and for all months combined is italicized. 

TOTAL June July August 

Depth 

Range (m) Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE 

0to35 708 5 0.0071 3,723 43 0.0116 3,116 27 0.0087 

35to50 1,736 10 0.0058 6,089 45 0.0074 4,775 47 0.0098 

50to200 1,554 1 0.0006 3,464 13 0.0038 2,783 29 0.0104 

200+ 0 0 0 0 0 

Total 3,998 16 0.0040 13,275 101 0.0076 10,675 103 0.0096 

TOTAL September October TOTAL 

Depth 

Range (m) Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE Tr-km n WPUE 

0to35 4,844 38 0.0078 9,582 26 0.0027 21,974 139 0.0063 

35to50 13,033 94 0.0072 25,480 38 0.0015 51,113 234 0.0046 

50to200 10,841 67 0.0062 20,253 50 0.0025 38,895 160 0.0041 

200+ 404 0 0.0000 1,371 0 0.0000 1,775 0 0.0000 

Total 29,123 199 0.0068 56,686 114 0.0020 113,758 533 0.0047 
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