6. Biologically Important Areas for Cetaceans Within U.S. Waters – Gulf of Alaska Region

Abstract

We integrated existing published and unpublished information to delineate Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) for fin, gray, North Pacific right, and humpback whales, and belugas in U.S. waters of the Gulf of Alaska. BIAs are delineated for feeding, migratory corridors, and small and resident populations. Supporting evidence for these BIAs came from aerial-, land-, and vessel-based surveys; satellitetagging data; passive acoustic monitoring; traditional ecological knowledge; photoand genetic-identification data; whaling data, including catch and sighting locations and stomach contents; prey studies; and anecdotal information from fishermen. The geographic extent of the BIAs in this region ranged from approximately 900 to 177,000 km. Information gaps identified during this assessment include (1) reproductive areas for fin, gray, and North Pacific right whales; (2) detailed information on the migration routes of all species; (3) detailed information on the migratory timing of all species except humpback whales; and (4) cetacean distribution, density, and behavior in U.S. Gulf of Alaska waters off the continental shelf. To maintain their utility, these BIAs should be re-evaluated and revised, if necessary, as new information becomes available.