Spatial Use by Odontocetes Satellite Tagged off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina in 2016

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Abstract:

In 2014 a study was initiated off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, to examine the spatial use and diving behavior of a number of species of odontocetes, with particular emphasis on Cuviers beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). During 2014 and 2015, remotely deployed Low-Impact Minimally Percutaneous External-electronics Transmitter (LIMPET) satellite tags were used to obtain movement data from 9 Cuviers beaked whales, 35 short-finned pilot whales, 9 common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, hereafter bottlenose dolphins), 1 sperm whale (Physeter microcephalus) and 1 short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), ranging over periods from 1.3 to 193.8 days (Baird et al. 2015, 2016; Foley et al. 2015a; Thorne et al. 2015). This report summarizes information obtained through additional field efforts undertaken in 2016, while incorporating results from the first two years of effort. The present work is intended to complement ongoing research by Duke University off Cape Hatteras (hereinafter referred to as the Duke program) by providing information on the movement and diving behavior of these species over the medium term (weeks to months). The Duke program is focusing on shorter-term dive behavior (i.e., hours to days) using Digital Acoustic Tags and longer-term movements (i.e., months to years) using photo-identification (photo-ID) techniques (Swaim et al. 2014). The photo-ID work has demonstrated a high degree of re-sightings, particularly of shortfinned pilot whales, suggesting some residency in the Cape Hatteras Study Area. Attempts were made in the field to obtain digital images of all tagged animals to ensure that linkages could be drawn between the photo-ID and satellite tagging work. Photographic matches of tagged animals and their associates are presented in the annual report of the Duke program (Foley et al. 2015b, 2016, 2017a).

Author(s):
Baird, Robin W. ; Webster, Daniel L. ; Swaim, Zach T. ; Foley, Heather J. ; Anderson, David B. ; Read, Andrew J.
Author Organization(s):
CASCADIA RESEARCH COLLECTIVE OLYMPIA WA; DUKE UNIV BEAUFORT NC; HDR
Funding Organization(s):
NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING COMMAND NORFOLK VA, NORFOLK , VA ; FLEET FORCES COMMAND NORFOLK VA, NORFOLK
Document Type:
Technical Report/Final Report
Publication Date:
2017 Aug 01
Pagination:
54

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Identifying Numbers
Contract Number(s):
N62470-15-D-8006
Task Number(s):
28
Subject Terms
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
No COI(s) Identified
Descriptor(s):
odontocetes, cape hatteras, marine mammals, north carolina, habitats, animals, cetaceans, continental slopes, fish, pressure transducers, wildlife, geography, mammals, united states, continental shelves, transmitting, virginia
Keyword(s):
ODONTOCETES, LIMPET SATELLITE TAGS, LIMPET (Low-Impact Minimally-Percutaneous External-electronics Transmitter), photo-ID (photo-identification), SPOT (Smart Position and Temperature), SPATIAL USE, Cuviers beaked whales, short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, SPERM WHALES, short-beaked common dolphinS
Subject Categories:
Earth Sciences and Oceanography; Navigation, Detection and Countermeasures
Creation Date:
2021 Aug 24
Update Date:
2021 Nov 16