Kaua‘i field project - August 2026
August 25, 2026
Researchers from Cascadia Research Collective are conducting a 9-day field session off Kaua'i to deploy LIMPET satellite tags on odontocete cetaceans prior to a Submarine Command Course (SCC) to be able to examine their behavior before, during, and after the training event. Click on the image below to see daily updates from the field.
Another CEE Trial – and Gervais’ beaked whales!
August 10, 2026
A second controlled exposure experiment trial with simulated Continuously Active Sonar (CAS) was conducted on August 1. In addition to the usual goose-beaked whales, we also had a sighting of less common Gervais' beaked whales.
Killer Whale Ecotype Study (KWEST) kicks off
July 27, 2026
Research scientists from the University of Washington and NOAA recently departed from Kodiak, AK aboard the R/V Aquila for a 2-month research cruise focused on distinct groups of killer whales, or ecotypes, that hunt different prey and travel in different parts of the Gulf of Alaska.
First CEE Trial of 2026 – and False Killer Whales
July 23, 2026
The Atlantic BRS team had an extremely productive day on Friday, July 17th with tags deployed on both false killer whales and goose-beaked whales, as well as a successful controlled exposure experiment with simulated Continuous Active Sonar signals.
Kemp’s ridley / Loggerhead Hybrid Turtle Tagged at Jekyll Island
June 15, 2026
Researchers were surprised by an unusual turtle that stranded in Georgia-- a Kemp’s ridley / Loggerhead Hybrid Turtle, and were able to tag the animal for release.
A Macrocephalus Mother's Day Tradition
May 27, 2026
HDR-lead team encountered a group of mainly female sperm whales with calves on Mother's Day for the 2nd year in a row, and successfully deployed a tag from a drone. We believe it's the first CATS tag deployed on a sperm whale via drone.
First Tagged Sea Turtle Released from Jekyll Island, Georgia
October 17, 2025
Collaborators at the Jekyll Island Authority in Georgia have released the first satellite-tagged green turtle in Georgia waters under the Navy’s “Green and Kemp's Ridley Turtle Tagging for Availability Bias Estimates” Project.
Controlled Exposure Experiment Trial with Simulated CAS Signals
October 1, 2025
On Friday, September 19th, the project team led by Duke University and Southall Environmental Associates conducted a Controlled Exposure Experiment (CEE) trial with goose-beaked whales Ziphius cavirostris in our study area off Cape Hatteras. They generated simulated Continuous Active Sonar (CAS) signals with a brand-new sound source built specifically for this purpose.
Atlantic BRS - successful CEE trial with the USS Donald Cook
July 22, 2025
The Atlantic BRS team just completed a successful controlled exposure experiment with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) involving eight satellite-tagged beaked whales off Cape Hatteras.
Green turtles are back on the Space Coast
July 21, 2025
A field team led by co-Principle Investigator Dr. Kate Mansfield of the Marine Turtle Research Group at the University of Central Florida kicked off the second year of tagging for our “Kemp’s Ridley and Green Sea Turtle Tagging for Availability Bias Analysis” project.
Atlantic BRS - field work update
July 16, 2025
You never know what you will see offshore, and this weekend was no exception.
Atlantic BRS 2025 - Old Friends & Baby Beaked Whales
June 26, 2025
Field work recently kicked off for the Atlantic BRS project field season and we're happy to say that things appear much more "normal" compared to 2024 when Ziphius were relatively scarce at the Hatteras study site.
Kemp's on the move!
May 19, 2025
Five Kemp’s ridley turtles satellite tagged on the east coast of Florida have moved out of Florida waters.
2024-2025 Large Whale Season Summary
March 24, 2025
We have two separate efforts focusing on cetaceans off the coast of Virginia. The first is our Offshore (Outer Continental Shelf) Cetacean Study, which focuses primarily on deep diving odontocetes like sperm whales. The second effort is our Nearshore and Mid-Shelf Baleen Whale Monitoring Project.
Kaua'i Field Work Updates
February 20, 2025
Scientists from Cascadia Research Collective recently completed a ~9-day field project off Kaua’i that started on February 9th. This project is timed to occur prior to a Submarine Command Course (SCC) training event. The primary goal is to deploy satellite telemetry tags on multiple species of odontocete cetaceans prior to the SCC, to be able to examine their behavior before, during, and after the event. This approach has been very successful in the past as a way of examining how different species respond to Navy training activities including mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). Click through the picture below to see daily updates.
Males have joined the turtle tagging party
July 15, 2024
Researchers from Inwater Research Group (IRG), supported by Dr. Kate Mansfield of the UCF Marine Turtle Research Group and Andrew DiMatteo of CheloniData LLC, have deployed a satellite-linked data logger on an adult male green sea turtle in St. Lucie County, Florida. This initiative aims to study the diving behavior and habitat use of male green turtles along the U.S. east coast.
First Satellite Tag Deployments for Atlantic BRS 2024
July 8, 2024
In June 2024, a Duke University team initiated the Atlantic Behavioral Response Study (BRS) by deploying satellite-linked dive recorders on goose-beaked whales (Cuvier's beaked whales) off the coast of North Carolina. These tags collect data on the whales' diving behavior and locations, enhancing understanding of their baseline activities. Additionally, the team released a rehabilitated hawksbill sea turtle named Bagheera back into the Atlantic Ocean.
Back in the turtle tagging business
June 28, 2024
Researchers at the University of Central Florida (UCF), led by Dr. Kate Mansfield and supported by the UCF Marine Turtle Research Group and Andrew DiMatteo of CheloniData LLC, deployed five satellite-linked data loggers on adult nesting green turtles at the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Florida during the week of June 17th.
Mesoplodon mysterioso
June 13, 2024
We are thrilled to be part of the "Mystery Mesoplodon Expedition" off the west coast of Baja California searching for an elusive new species of beaked whale. Read about the initial discovery and stay tuned for updates on this exciting expedition!
Kauai' Field Work Updates
February 16, 2024
Scientists from Cascadia Research Collective are leading a ~9-day field project off Kaua’i that started on February 11th.
Seal Tagged in 2022 is Back Again!
February 14, 2024
On 10 February 2024, a local wildlife enthusiast, Caroline Prevost, was out on the Chesapeake Bay when she observed some harbor seals enjoying time in the water near island 4 of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.
Coming full circle – right whale mom returns with calf
March 15, 2023
Previously CATS tagged Right whale "Smoke" is sighted again in VA with a calf.
Right Whale Party in the Mid-Atlantic
February 4, 2023
A Surface Active Group of North Atlantic right whales off the coast of Virginia.
Right whales are on the move!
November 23, 2022
Two female right whales were sighted off Virginia during their southbound migration.
Atlantic BRS – 2022 CEE with the USS Farragut
August 26, 2022
A controlled exposure success story using a Navy ship.
August 2022 Kaua‘i Field Project
August 18, 2022
Cascadia Research Collective began an 8-10 day field project off Kaua’i starting on August 16th. This project is timed to occur prior to a Submarine Command Course (SCC). Their primary goal is to deploy LIMPET satellite tags on one or more species of odontocete cetaceans prior to the SCC, to be able to examine their behavior before, during, and after the SCC. This approach has been very successful in the past as a way of examining how different species respond to Navy training activities including mid-frequency active sonar.
NARW tagged off VA Beach!
March 2, 2022
A yearling right whale was tagged off Virginia.
Atlantic Behavioral Response Study kicks off 2021 field season
July 13, 2021
The Atlantic Behavioral Response Study kicked off the 2021 field season last week by deploying the first round of satellite-linked telemetry tags on Cuvier's beaked whales.
Blue whale tagged off the coast of Virginia
April 26, 2021
Details on the first blue whale tagged in the region.
Tracking an endangered North Atlantic right whale
March 15, 2021
A yearling right whale was tagged off the coast of VA and tracked for 12 days.
Entangled humpback whale
January 8, 2021
Our team assisted with the disentanglement efforts of a young humpback whale.
Atlantic BRS - Multi-scale CEE Success!
August 15, 2019
The first CEE while two different tag types were deployed.
One whale tagged twice.
March 8, 2019
D-tag and limpet tag on a humpback whale.
Sowerby's beaked whale tagged offshore of Virginia
September 12, 2018
A rarely seen beaked whale was tracked offshore.
Atlantic BRS 2018 Field Work is Underway
May 18, 2018
The 2nd year of Atlantic BRS has begun.
Seal Tagging Team Win!
February 6, 2018
Successful seal tag deployment on the Eastern Shore of VA.
Repeat tagging customers to humpback monitoring project
January 30, 2018
Some interesting notes on site fidelity in Humpack whales.
Sperm whales tagged off Virginia Beach
August 25, 2017
Several groups of sperm whales were sighted offshore of VA.
"Purple Heart" sea turtle released back into the ocean
June 12, 2017
Rescued sea turtle is tagged and released by a retired Marine.
Bonus tagging in JAX
June 15, 2016
Odontocete tagging in Florida.
Banner day tagging odontocetes at Hatteras!
June 1, 2016
A busy field day in NC.
Tagging North Atlantic Right Whales
May 9, 2016
Southeast US tagging project has successful season.
Tagging Atlantic Humpbacks
January 8, 2016
Year two of our Chesapeake Bay humpback whale project has begun!
Hatteras tagging wraps up for 2015
November 10, 2015
The finale of a successful field season.
Turtle Tagging Season Has Begun!
May 18, 2015
Tagging loggerhead and Kemp's ridley sea turtles off Virginia.
Tagging Deep Diving Odontocetes Off Cape Hatteras - Part 3
September 26, 2014
Details on the 3rd field session for the year.
Tagging Whales Off Cape Hatteras
May 21, 2014
Learning about the movements of odontocetes.
Sea Turtle Rehabilitation and Release
November 26, 2013
Tagging rescued sea turtles.
Cape Hatteras Field Work Update
October 28, 2013
Calm days at sea off NC.
Atlantic sea turtle tagging project is underway!
July 17, 2013
The start of a new turtle project.
Current
Visual Survey and Tagging of Hawaiian Odontocetes
Project Objectives
(1) define the spatial movement and habitat use patterns of species that are exposed to mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar (2) determine how these patterns influence exposure and potential responses
Current
Salmonid and Southern Resident Killer Whale Distribution in the Pacific Northwest
Project Objectives
1) Determine the occurrence of bull trout within and near the boundaries of the NWTT; 2) Determine the spatiotemporal occurrence of killer whale and baleen whale in the NWTT; 3) Characterize the occurrence of endangered fish species within the NWTT
Complete
Hawaiian Monk Seal Tagging
Project Objectives
Investigate potential impacts of naval activities on Hawaiian monk seals
Current
Gulf of Alaska Acoustic Moorings and Analysis
Project Objectives
Conduct systematic line transect survey for marine mammals for density estimates; conduct survey to determine ecotype identity of killer whales; analyze existing and newly collected data for seasonal occurrence, abundance, and density of cetacean
Complete
Accelerometry Tag Development
Project Objectives
Increase capacity and develop training for marine mammal monitoring in Hawaii utilizing non-invasive triaxial accelerometry biologging tags to quantify fine-scale behavioral and energetic responses of protected species to potential anthropogenic disturbance
Current
Monitoring Cetaceans in Hood Canal
Project Objectives
This 12‑month integrated pilot project combines three complementary components: (A) shore‑based theodolite monitoring of harbor porpoises, (B) high‑bandwidth passive acoustic monitoring and soundscape characterization, and (C) suction‑cup multi‑sensor tag deployments on Bigg’s (transient) killer whales. Together, these data streams will quantify occurrence, movement, diving, and behavioral context for these two key species in relation to the local soundscape—including operational signals near the Dabob Bay Range Complex (DBRC) and the Bangor Trident Base. Results can provide an empirical foundation and inform the study design of future cetacean behavioral response studies (BRS) in Hood Canal.
Complete
Behavioral Response Research Evaluation Workshop II (BRREW II)
Project Objectives
Response
Complete
Sea turtle tagging in the Mariana Islands Range Complex
Project Objectives
Develop a better understanding of sea turtle distribution and habitat use in the Mariana Islands, particularly in relation to locations used by the Navy for underwater detonation training
Complete
Small vessel visual surveys in the Mariana Islands Range Complex
Project Objectives
Identify species of beaked whales, odontocetes, and baleen whales that occur in the Mariana Islands; Monitor marine mammal and sea turtle presence, distribution, and diversity in nearshore waters during key seasons (summer and winter); Develop a better understanding of marine mammal distribution, movement patterns, habitat use, population structure, and abundance; Develop reference library of visually-validated acoustic recordings of marine mammals.
Complete
Occurrence of Green Sturgeon in Inland Waters (historical tag analysis)
Project Objectives
Compile green sturgeon tag and receiver data and analyze historical data for occurrence, distribution, and seasonality in Puget Sound and the Straits of Juan de Fuca
Current
Estimation of Received Levels of MFAS and Behavioral Response of Marine Mammals at PMRF
Project Objectives
Further our understanding of the Monitoring Questions: 1) What is the occurrence and estimated received levels of MFAS on 'blackfish', humpback, minke, sperm and Blainville's beaked whales within the PMRF instrumented range? and 2) What, if any, are the short term behavioral responses of 'blackfish,' humpback, minke, sperm and Blainville's beaked whales when exposed to MFAS/explosions at different levels/conditions at PMRF?
Current
Goose-Beaked Whale and Fin Whale Population Dynamics and Impact Assessment at the Southern California Offshore Antisubmarine Warfare Range (SOAR)
Project Objectives
Improve knowledge of baseline population demographics, vital rates, and movement patterns of Cuvier’s beaked whales and fin whales. Examine what, if any, short term behavioral and/or vocal responses occur when exposed to sonar or explosions at different levels and conditions. Determine if exposure to sonar or explosives impact the long term fitness and survival of individuals or the population, species, or stock
Complete
North Atlantic Right Whale Monitoring in the Southeast Calving Area
Project Objectives
Assess behavior of right whales in coastal waters of the Southeast calving grounds, including rates of travel of individuals, dive behavior, and rates of sound production
Complete
Mid-Atlantic Humpback Whale Monitoring
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, habitat use, and baseline behavior of humpback whales in the mid-Atlantic region
Complete
Occurrence, Ecology, and Behavior of Deep-diving Odontocetes
Project Objectives
Establish behavioral baseline and foraging ecology. Assess behavioral response to acoustic stimuli and Navy training activities
Complete
Pinniped Monitoring in the Northeast
Project Objectives
Document habitat use, haul-out patterns, and baseline behavior of seals
Complete
Behavioral Response of Humpback Whales to Vessel Traffic
Project Objectives
Understand the behavioral response of humpback whales to approaching vessels in the shipping channels at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
Complete
North Pacific Humpback Whale Tagging
Project Objectives
Determine the occurrence, movement patterns, and residency patterns of multiple humpback whale Distinct Population Segments within Pacific Ocean Navy Range Complexes
Complete
Satellite Tagging and Behavioral Monitoring of Male California Sea Lions in the Pacific Northwest to Assess Haul-out Behavior on Puget Sound Navy Facilities and Foraging Behavior in Marine Navy Testing and Training Areas
Project Objectives
To determine the abundance and habitat use of California sea lions that haul out at Navy facilities and forage in testing and training areas
Complete
Guadalupe Fur Seal Satellite Tracking
Project Objectives
Determine the at-sea distribution of endangered Guadalupe fur seals and whether they travel through or utilize the offshore waters of the Southern California Range Complex and Northwest Training and Testing area
Complete
Blue and Fin Whale Satellite Tagging
Project Objectives
Determine the movement patterns, occurrence, and residence times of blue whales and fin whales within U.S. Navy training and testing areas as well as Biologically Important Areas along the U.S. West Coast
Complete
Offshore Distribution of Southern Resident Killer Whales in the Pacific Northwest
Project Objectives
1) Identify and classify Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) detections from acoustic recorders and satellite tag tracking; 2) Develop a model to estimate the seasonal and annual occurrence patterns of southern resident killer whales relative to offshore Navy training ranges. 3) Characterize occurrence of anthropogenic sounds in potential SRKW habitat. 4) Develop state space habitat model for SRKW prey, based on fall Chinook salmon tagged released from California to British Columbia between 1977 and 1990 to estimate seasonal distribution along the west coast.
Complete
Acoustic Tagging of Green Sturgeon to Evaluate Habitat Use Along the Washington Coast
Project Objectives
With acoustic telemetry, determine 1) the location of green sturgeon detections within Washington, 2) the season for specific habitat use (e.g., estuaries; coastal waters), 3) the frequency an animal moves between coastal and estuarine waters, and 4) the range of each tagged animal.
Current
Telemetry and Genetic Identity of Chinook Salmon in Alaska
Project Objectives
To use a combination of pop-up satellite technology and salmon genetics to provide critical information on Chinook salmon spatial and temporal distribution in the Gulf of Alaska and along the Washington coast to inform salmon management and U.S. Navy training activities. The study seeks to 1) determine the occurrence, timing, and specific run of Chinook salmon through genetics within the Navy training areas; 2) describe the influence of environmental covariates on Chinook salmon occurrence; and 3) improve the understanding of run-specific timing and geographical occurrence of Chinook salmon as the prey of Southern Resident killer whales in Washington.
Complete
Characterizing the Distribution of ESA-listed Salmonids in Washington and Alaska
Project Objectives
Use acoustic tagging technology to provide critical information on spatial and temporal distribution of salmonids to inform salmon management, U.S. Navy activity, and Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) conservation. The study seeks to 1) determine the occurrence and timing of salmonids within the Navy training ranges, 2) describe the influence of environmental covariates on salmonid occurrence; and, 3) describe the occurrence of salmonids in relation to SRKW distribution.
Current
Pacific Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (PACMAPPS) survey
Project Objectives
Identify species of beaked whales, odontocetes, and baleen whales that occur in the surveyed areas; Monitor marine mammal and sea turtle presence, distribution, and diversity in offshore waters; Develop a better understanding of marine mammal distribution, movement patterns, habitat use, population structure, and abundance; Develop reference library of visually-validated acoustic recordings of marine mammals.
Current
Atlantic and Shortnose Sturgeon Monitoring in the Lower Kennebec River
Project Objectives
Assess Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon seasonal occurrence, migration, and overwintering
Current
Behavioral Response Analysis of Two Populations of Short-Finned Pilot Whales to Mid-Frequency Active Sonar
Project Objectives
Utilize newly developed statistical methods from the Atlantic BRS project and apply them to all the satellite-tagged pilot whales from both the Atlantic and Pacific studies.
Current
Jacksonville Shallow Water Training Range Vessel Surveys and M3R Species Verifications
Project Objectives
Monitor species composition and distribution on JSWTR, support M3R species verifications
Current
Distribution of Gulf Sturgeon in the Panama City Testing Range
Project Objectives
Assess Gulf Sturgeon distribution and habitat use through a multi-phase biotelemetry approach
Current
Green and Kemp's Ridley Turtle Tagging for Availability Bias Estimates
Project Objectives
Assess availability bias and habitat associations of endangered Kemp’s ridley and threatened green sea turtles to improve spatial density models
Current
Mid-Atlantic Offshore Cetacean Study
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, habitat use, and baseline behavior of cetaceans in the offshore and continental shelf break region of the VACAPES OPAREA
Complete
Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (AMAPPS)
Project Objectives
Assess the abundance, distribution, ecology, and behavior of marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds in U.S. Atlantic EEZ
Current
North Atlantic Right Whale Monitoring, Conservation, and Protection
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, habitat use, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in the mid-Atlantic region
Current
Mid-Atlantic Nearshore & Mid-shelf Baleen Whale Monitoring
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, habitat use, and baseline behavior of baleen whales in the mid-Atlantic region
Current
Atlantic Behavioral Response Study
Project Objectives
Assess behavioral response of beaked and pilot whales to mid-frequency tactical sonar
Complete
Pinniped Tagging and Tracking in Southeast Virginia
Project Objectives
Document habitat use, movement and haul-out patterns of seals in the Hampton Roads region of Chesapeake Bay and coastal Atlantic Ocean
Complete
Lower Chesapeake Bay Sea Turtle Tagging and Tracking
Project Objectives
Assess ocurrence and behavior of loggerhead, green, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles in the Hampton Roads region of Chesapeake Bay and coastal Atlantic OceanNo related documents to display
