Rare detections of North Pacific right whales in the Gulf of Alaska, with observations of their potential prey

Wade, Paul R.; Robertis, Alex De; Hough, K.; Booth, Rebecca K.; Kennedy, Amy S.; LeDuc, Rick; Munger, Lisa M.; Napp, Jeffrey M.; Shelden, Kim E. W.; Rankin, Shannon; Vásquez, Oswaldo; Wilson, Christopher D.

doi:10.3354/esr00324

Cited by 25 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…This approach can be compared to using sonobuoys to detect cetacean vocalisations (e.g. Wade et al 2011), but for high-frequency calls of species such as harbour porpoises. In Scotland, an obvious application would be the Pentland Firth, where considerable environmental monitoring investment is likely from the tidal-stream energy industry in the near future.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using drifting passive echolocation loggers to study harbour porpoises in tidal-stream habitats

Wilson¹,

Benjamins²,

Elliott³

2013

Endang. Species. Res.

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Moored passive acoustic detectors (e.g. C-PODs) are widely used to study harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena distribution and relative abundance, but their use in tidal-stream habitats is complicated by the need for retrievable flow-resistant seabed fixings and the occurrence of flow-induced noise in the resultant data. In this study, we explored the use of a new method aimed at tidal-stream habitats, which are of increasing interest for marine renewable energy generation. Porpoise detectors (C-PODs) were attached to multiple drifters and repeatedly set adrift at a tidal-stream site in western Scotland during May 2010 and August 2011. Porpoise vocalisations were successfully detected under varying tidal conditions during approximately 63 h of drifting. Harbour porpoise distribution, as determined by the drifting detectors, was similar to that found using the traditional, yet more logistically intensive, visual and acoustic boat-based surveys and to an extent that found by moored C-PODs. Drifting detectors also mapped tidally driven spatiotemporal variability in ambient noise levels which could influence porpoise detection. In summary, drifters equipped with passive acoustic detectors offer a new, rapid and inexpensive tool for investigating porpoise occurrence and behaviour in tidal-stream habitats, and should be considered as part of a comprehensive marine mammal monitoring approach of these energetic environments in the context of marine renewable energy development and other industries.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using drifting passive echolocation loggers to study harbour porpoises in tidal-stream habitats

Wilson¹,

Benjamins²,

Elliott³

2013

Endang. Species. Res.

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“…The whale was feeding at the surface on the large calanoid copepod N. plumchrus (C5 stage), the same species that has been found in the stomachs of North Pacific right whales killed south of Kodiak Island (Omura et al 1969). Wade et al (2011a) also noted this copepod among other zooplankton species in an area where right whales were seen on Albatross Bank south of Kodiak Island.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 67%

“…In contrast, the eastern North Pacific population has been estimated at fewer than 50 animals using multiple independent techniques (Wade et al 2011b;Marques et al 2011;LeDuc et al 2012). Once widely distributed in the Gulf of Alaska, around the Aleutian Islands and in the eastern Bering Sea, most recent sightings and acoustic detections of eastern North Pacific right whales have been confined to an area within the southeastern Bering Sea (LeDuc et al 2001;Shelden et al 2005;Wade et al 2006Wade et al , 2011aMunger et al 2008;Marques et al 2011). Animals have been regularly detected in this area during visual and acoustic surveys since 1996, and it has been designated as critical habitat in the US (NMFS 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recent observations of critically endangered North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica) off the west coast of Canada

et al. 2016

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Background: The eastern North Pacific population of right whale (Eubalaena japonica) is considered to be one of the smallest whale populations in the world and is at serious risk of extirpation. During the past century, there have been only six records of North Pacific right whales off the west coast of Canada. All six were taken by whaling operations, the last in 1951. Results: Two independent and extremely rare sightings of North Pacific right whales were made off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, in 2013. We describe observations made of these two whales and include information on prey and genetic identity for one individual. Conclusions: These sightings represent the first time this species has been confirmed in Canadian waters in 62 years, and likely the only time in the last 15 years that the species has been sighted south of the Kodiak Island area, Alaska, in the eastern North Pacific Ocean. It can be concluded that, although extremely rare, the species has not been extirpated from waters off Canada's Pacific coast.

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“…Directional frequency analysis and recording (DIFAR) sonobuoys have been in use in whale research programs for the past two decades (Blackwell et al, 2012;Blackwell et al, 2013;Gedamke and Robinson, 2010;Greene et al, 2004;Guerra et al, 2011;McDonald and Moore, 2002;McDonald, 2004;McDonald et al, 2001;Miller et al, 2014;Miller et al, 2015;Oleson et al, 2007;Rankin et al, 2005;Rivers, 1997;Sirović and Hildebrand, 2011;Swartz et al, 2003;Thode et al, 2000;Wade et al, 2006;Wade et al, 2011). These studies indicate that sonobuoys comprise an efficient means for synoptic-scale acoustic monitoring of baleen whales allowing for coverage of broad pelagic areas in relatively short time periods.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Software for real-time localization of baleen whale calls using directional sonobuoys: A case study on Antarctic blue whales

Miller¹,

Calderan²,

Gillespie³

et al. 2016

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America

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Directional frequency analysis and recording (DIFAR) sonobuoys can allow real-time acoustic localization of baleen whales for underwater tracking and remote sensing, but limited availability of hardware and software has prevented wider usage. These software limitations were addressed by developing a module in the open-source software PAMGuard. A case study is presented demonstrating that this software provides greater efficiency and accessibility than previous methods for detecting, localizing, and tracking Antarctic blue whales in real time. Additionally, this software can easily be extended to track other low and mid frequency sounds including those from other cetaceans, pinnipeds, icebergs, shipping, and seismic airguns.

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Rare detections of North Pacific right whales in the Gulf of Alaska, with observations of their potential prey

Cited by 25 publications

References 34 publications

Using drifting passive echolocation loggers to study harbour porpoises in tidal-stream habitats

Using drifting passive echolocation loggers to study harbour porpoises in tidal-stream habitats

Recent observations of critically endangered North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica) off the west coast of Canada

Software for real-time localization of baleen whale calls using directional sonobuoys: A case study on Antarctic blue whales

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