Visual observations of whales taken from research vessel Yushin Maru No.3 in the North Pacific for the IWC Pacific Ocean Whale and Ecosystem Research, IWC-POWER, Program from 2016-07-02 to 2016-08-30 (NCEI Accession 0220470)

This dataset contains visual observations of whales taken from research vessel Yushin Maru No.3 in the North Pacific for the International Whaling Commission Pacific Ocean Whale and Ecosystem Research (IWC-POWER) Program from 2016-07-02 to 2016-08-30. IWC-POWER cruises in the North Pacific follow the series of IWC/IDCR-SOWER (Southern Ocean Whale and Ecosystem Research) cruises that were conducted in the Antarctic since 1978. The 7th annual IWC-POWER cruise was successfully conducted between 02 July to 30 August, 2016 in the central North Pacific (with the dedicated research area located between 20°N-30°N and 135°W - 160°W). Areas of the US EEZ were included within this research area. The cruise was organized as a joint project between the IWC and Japan. The cruise plan was endorsed at the 66a IWC/Scientific Committee (IWC/SC) meeting. Researchers from Japan, US, and Republic of Korea participated in the survey. The cruise had five main objectives: (a) provide information for the proposed future in-depth assessment of sei whales in terms of both abundance and stock structure; (b) provide information relevant to the Implementation Reviews of whales in terms of both abundance and stock structure (e.g., Bryde’s whales); (c) provide baseline information on distribution and abundance for an area of the North Pacific not recently and systematically surveyed for several large whale species/populations, including those that were known to have been depleted in the past, but whose status is unclear; (d) provide biopsy samples and photo-identification data to contribute to discussions of stock structure for several large whale species/populations, including those that were known to have been depleted in the past but whose status is unclear, and (e) provide essential information for the inter-sessional workshop to plan for a medium to long-term international program in the North Pacific. At the pre-cruise meeting, the Captain and crew of the vessel and international researchers agreed on the procedures and objectives of the survey. The survey was conducted using methods based on the IWC/SC guidelines. The predetermined transect lines were completed within the anticipated time schedule. Survey track line coverage was 97.2% within the designated survey area and a total of 2,237.5 n.miles was surveyed in the Passing with abeam closing mode (NSP) and the Independent Observer passing mode (IO). Additionally, 626.2 and 580.1 n.miles were surveyed during transit to and from the research area respectively. Sightings of: Blue (1 school / 1 individual), sei (1/1), Bryde’s (28/32), sperm (32/125), Cuvier’s beaked (2/5), Mesoplodon spp. (2/3), Ziphiidae (7/11), short finned pilot (2/31), pygmy killer (1/16) whales; Risso’s (2/19), bottlenose (1/37), common (8/217), striped (5/378) and spotted (1/133) dolphins were observed during the cruise. Bryde’s and sperm whales were the most frequently sighted large whale species. The Estimated Angle and Distance Training Exercises and Experiments were completed with improvements following SC suggestions. Photo identification data for 12 Bryde’s whales, 2 sperm whales were collected. A total of 23 biopsy (skin and blubber)samples was collected from 1 blue, 1 sei, 16 Bryde’s whales and 5 sperm whales using the Larsen biopsy rifle/darts system. In the case of Bryde’s whale, 3 samples (individuals) were collected from Sub-area 1 (west of 180°E) and 13 samples from Sub-area 2 (east of 180°E). These biopsy samples will enable genetic studies on stock structure to be conducted in contribution to the North Pacific Bryde’s whale Implementation Review to be held at the 2017 SC meeting. A total of 153 objects of marine debris were observed. All survey procedures were in accordance with the guidelines set forth and agreed upon by the SC. The 7th annual cruise of the IWC-POWER program was completed and provided important information on cetacean distribution in an area where no survey had been conducted in recent decades. These results will contribute to the aforementioned objectives of the IWC/SC.

This dataset is U.S. State Department MSR U2016-002 as part of the World Data Services for Oceanography.

Data are in PDF.