Seabird Observations During Cetacean Surveys In Santa MonicaBay, California

摘要

Seabird occurrence, distribution and behavior were assessed duringcetacean surveys conducted between 2006-2007 in Santa Monica Bay, California.Gulls were most sighted year-round (55.63%), followed by brown pelicans(Pelecanus occidentalis; 19.0%), terns (6.61%) and Western grebes (Aechmophorusoccidentalis; 6.53%). Gulls, shearwaters, and pelicans were often found foraging withshort-beaked and long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis, D. capensis),and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) near underwater canyons.Behavioral budget showed a predominance of passing by and floating activities.Feeding was observed in 6.5% of the sightings. This study provides baseline data forfuture seabird monitoring, conservation and management in the study area.