PROJECTS
Introduction & Objectives
Prior to this project, no surveys had been completed for marine mammals in the Mariana Archipelago. The objective for this study was to determine what species of marine mammals and sea turtles are present in the Marianas and estimate abundance.
Technical Approach
A systematic line transect survey was completed along the Mariana Archipelago. Data collected included visual sightings data, photos, and towed array acoustics.
Progress & Results
The survey was conducted January-April 2007 and covered over 11,033 km of tracklines. There were 153 sightings of 13 species. This survey produced the first density estimates for 12 marine mammal species in the Mariana Archipelago. The density estimates were used in effects models and consultations between the Navy and NOAA for the Navy’s Mariana Islands Training and Testing environmental impact statement and associated regulations.
Project Information
Timeline
2007
Location
Mariana Island Chain offshore
Methods
Visual survey, photo identification
Conceptual Framework
Data, Reports, & Publications
Technical Reports
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An Analysis of Acoustic Data from the Mariana Islands Sea Turtle and Cetacean Survey (MISTCS) March 2014 Revision.
Norris et al. 2013.
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Type:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
During 2007, the first large-scale survey for marine mammals and sea turtles -- the Mariana Islands Sea Turtle and Cetacean Survey (MISTCS) -- was conducted in the Navy’s Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC; DoN 2007, Fulling et al. 2011). The survey region encompassed approximately 584,800 square kilometers (km2) and was a rectangle bounded by 18° – 10° N and 142° –148° E. The survey used standard line-transect methodology and also included passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) using a towed hydrophone array system.
An Analysis of Acoustic Data from the Mariana Islands Sea Turtle and Cetacean Survey (MISTCS) (rev. Nov 2013).
Norris et al. 2012.
More details
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Type:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
During 2007, the first large-scale survey for marine mammals and sea turtles -- the Mariana Islands Sea Turtle and Cetacean Survey (MISTCS) -- was conducted in the Navy’s Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC; DoN 2007, Fulling et al. 2011). The survey region encompassed approximately 584,800 square kilometers (km2 ) and was a rectangle bounded by 18° – 10° N and 142° –148° E. The survey used standard line-transect methodology and also included passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) using a towed hydrophone array system
Distribution and Preliminary Abundance Estimates for Cetaceans in the Waters off Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI): 2007 Boreal Winter Survey (MISTCS survey).
Fulling et al. 2011.
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Type:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
Cetacean distribution and abundance are reported from the first systematic line-transect visual survey in the waters of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The survey was conducted during January–April 2007 following standard line-transect protocols. Trackline coverage (11,033 km) was dominated by high sea states (88.2%); however, 13 cetacean species were recorded.
Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Survey and Density Estimates for Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (MISTCS survey).
SRS-Parsons 2007. 2007.
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Type:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
The objective of Mariana Islands Sea Turtle and Cetacean Survey (MISTCS) was to conduct the first systematic line-transect visual survey of the waters around Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands and generate density estimates for those species which had adequate data.
Publications
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Estimation of minke whale abundance from an acoustic line transect survey of the Mariana Islands.
Norris, N.F., K.J. Dunleavy, T.M. Yack, and E.L. Ferguson. 2017.
Marine Mammal Science
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Type:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
The minke whale is one of the most abundant species of baleen whales worldwide, yet is rarely sighted in subtropical waters. In the North Pacific, they produce a distinctive sound known as the “boing,” which can be used to acoustically localize individuals. A vessel-based survey using both visual and passive acoustic monitoring was conducted during the spring of 2007 in a large (616,000 km2) study area encompassing the Mariana Islands.
Distribution and Abundance Estimates for Cetaceans in the Waters of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Fulling, GL.; P.H. Thorson and J. Rivers. 2011.
Pacific Science
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Type:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
Cetacean distribution and abundance are reported from the first systematic line-transect visual survey in the waters of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The survey was conducted during January–April 2007 following standard line-transect protocols.
Presentations
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