PROJECTS
Introduction & Objectives
Humpback whales have been visually observed near Saipan as well as acoustically detected along the Mariana Island chain during winter months. The population identity of these humpback whales was unresolved until recently. A pilot study to survey FDM was conducted to determine if and how humpback whales utilize the shallow areas around the island. The goal of the visual surveys is to collect individually-identifying information from humpback whales present near and around Farallon de Medinilla (FDM).
Technical Approach
A small vessel was utilized to conduct non-systematic surveys around FDM and nearby shallow banks. Photographs and standard survey data (e.g. location, time, behavioral state) were taken of all marine mammal encounters.
Progress & Results
A four-day survey was completed 29 January to 1 February 2020 before bad weather ended the survey. Humpback whales were sighted each day at FDM or nearby areas, including within-day and between-day resights. Photographed individuals included animals in the Mariana Islands humpback whale catalog and new individuals.
Project Information
Timeline
2019-2020
Location
Farallon de Medinilla (FDM)
Species
Methods
Visual survey, photo identification
Performing Organizations
Point of Contacts
Project Manager
Dr. Jessica Chen
NAVFAC Pacific
Data, Reports, & Publications
Technical Reports
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Vessel-based Humpback WhaleSurvey in and around Farallon de Medinilla: 29 January − 4 February 2020.
Deakos et al. 2021.
More details
Collapse details
Type:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
In order for the U.S. military to conduct readiness training with the Mariana Island Training and Testing Study Area (MITT), including the area around Farallon de Medinilla (FDM), the Navy is required to monitor potential impacts of these activities on Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act-listed species. Humpback whales belonging to the North Pacific population are known to use portions of the MITT seasonally for breeding activities, specifically Marpi Reef and shallow waters around Saipan. A small-vessel visual survey for humpback whales was conducted between 29 January 2020 and 1 February 2020 to better understand the use of shallow-water habitat around FDM
Publications
+Presentations
+Associated Projects & Blog Posts
Blog Posts
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