Bowhead Whale Monitoring Study In The Southeast Beaufort Sea July September 1984

The bowhead whale is a large, baleen whale found only in Arctic and sub-Artic waters. It is now one of the rarest cetaceans and is currently considered an endangered species. During August and September whales are present in areas of offshore oil exploration activity in the southeast Beaufort Sea. Aerial systematic and photogrammetric surveys were conducted in the southeast Beaufort Sea during August and September 1986, to investigate the distribution, relative abundance, and age segregation of the whales in relation to petroleum activites in the region. Two systematic surveys of the study area were completed from August 25-September 1 and September 7-14. Photogrammetric surveys of portions of the study area were conducted from August 25-September 1. Bowhead sightings recorded by researchers and by industry personnel during 1986 were also examined.

This study examines the spatial distribution, relative abundance, and age segregation of bowhead whales in relation to petroleum industry activities and oceanographic features in the south-east Beaufort Sea during the 1985 open water season. Surface oceanographic conditions at the time of the aerial surveys (August-September) are described using satellite imagery analyses and in-situ temperature and wind data from industry vessels. Aerial photographic surveys provided information on the age/size class distribution and site tenacity of bowhead whales within the study area. Bowhead sightings recorded by other researchers working in that area during 1985 are also examined. Comparisons are made with results of previous bowhead whale surveys in the area.