Distribution, Abundance, Behavior, and Bioacoustics of Endangered Whales in the Western Beaufort and Northeastern Chukchi Seas, 1979-87

Ljungblad, Donald K.; Moore, Sue E.; Clarke, Janet T.; Bennett, John C.

Distribution, Abundance, Behavior, and Bioacoustics of Endangered Whales in the Western Beaufort and Northeastern Chukchi Seas, 1979-87

1988

Ljungblad, Donald K. | Moore, Sue E. | Clarke, Janet T. | Bennett, John C.

Aerial surveys of bowhead whales and, secondarily, other marine mammals were made from 1 Sep - 23 Oct 1987 in the western Beaufort and northeastern Chukchi Seas. A shore-based acoustic monitoring station was maintained at Barrow, Alaska from 9 Sept 21 Oct 1987 to record the calls of migrating bowhead whales as they passed into the northeastern Chukchi Sea. Survey results and observations on bowhead whale distribution, relative abundance and density, migration patterns, general behavior, and sound production are presented. Presented also are survey results and observations on gray whale distribution, relative abundance, and general behavior on belukha and walrus distribution, and relative abundance. Incidental sightings of all marine mammals are reported. This report also summarizes the study efforts made between 1979 and 1987. Keywords: Balaena mysticetus, Eschrichtius robustus, Geographical distribution, Autumn, Marine biological noise, Tracking, Alaska, Chukchi Sea, Beaufort Sea, Animal migration, Whale population, Habitat, Whale behavior, Population density.

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