Beaked Whale Presence, Habitat, and Sound Production in the North Pacific

Abstract

Abstract : The goal of this project is to understand beaked whale distribution, density and habitat, and improve capabilities for classification of these species from passive acoustic data. By studying beaked whale presence, habitat and sound production in the North Pacific, the Navy will be better prepared to conduct environmental impact assessments in this region of significant training activity. In addition, fundamental information will be gained on beaked whale foraging ecology. Our objective is to construct a density estimate and distribution map of beaked whale presence in the southern California region, based on long-term passive acoustic monitoring data. Our primary effort focuses on Cuvier s beaked whales, whose acoustics are well known, but whose density and distribution are not. Another focus is on the other beaked whale species in the North Pacific, whose acoustic signatures have not been well characterized. We aim to improve understanding of the acoustic characteristics of these species, to allow for study of their populations using passive acoustic monitoring. Better knowledge of beaked whale distribution and abundance is expected to lead to better understanding of the niche habitats of each beaked whale species, allowing use of environmental correlates to interpret distribution maps.