DID YOU KNOW? DTIC has over 3.5 million final reports on DoD funded research, development, test, and evaluation activities available to our registered users. Click
HERE to register or log in.
Accession Number:
ADA505095
Title:
Prey Fields and Habitat of Deep Divers: 3D Characterization and Modeling of Beaked and Sperm Whale Foraging Areas
Descriptive Note:
Research rept.
Corporate Author:
DUKE UNIV BEAUFORT NC MARINE LAB
Report Date:
2008-01-01
Pagination or Media Count:
11.0
Abstract:
The physical and biological characteristics of the areas inhabited by deep diving odontocetes are poorly understood. Our long term goals are i to measure and characterize the biomass in areas and at depths inhabited by beaked and sperm whales ii to measure and characterize the physics of these environments iii to assemble the characteristics measured i and ii into a depth integrated, 3- dimensional habitat model the model will include other dependent and independent data, e.g., chlorophyll and depth, respectively. Our final long term goal is to then apply the habitat model produced to other geographic areas to assess their likelihood as beaked and sperm whale habitat. The primary scientific objective for this years work was to measure the biological and physical environment in areas both frequently i.e., hot spots and rarely i.e., cold spots utilized by beaked whales in the Tongue of the Ocean TOTO, particularly on the AUTEC range, Andros, Bahamas. These hot and cold spots were determined using data from the M3R program DeMarzio REF. The AUTEC range work was completed in coordination with two other programs, the Behavioral Response Study BRS and the Marine Mammal Monitoring M3R at AUTEC. The RV Roger Revelle possesses specialized sampling gear that provided a unique technical capabilities, specifically the Hydrographic Doppler Sonar System HDSS, which is a one of a kind Doppler current profiling system capable of measure current directions and velocities to approx. 1000 meters depth. The technical objectives were i to measure the biomass in the TOTO in a representative way so that the biomass in areas not actually sampled could be accurately extrapolated by the habitat modeling ii to take physical oceanographic measurements integrated with biological sampling iii to compare the deep diving odontocete echolocation activity on the AUTEC range with our measurements of the biological and physical environment.
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
