Satellite Tracking of Bowhead Whales: Movements and Analysis from 2006 to 2012. Final Report.

摘要

Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) are the most important species for many subsistence communities along the coasts of the Beaufort and Chukchi seas and for Bering Sea island communities for their nutritional and cultural importance. Bowhead whale summer and fall habitats coincide with areas of oil and gas activity and interest, therefore information is needed to better understand bowhead feeding areas and migration routes in order to plan lease sales, permit development activities, and design effective mitigation measures. Within a five-year (2006-2010) satellite telemetry study, we have combined satellite tag technology and the tag deployment skills of Native subsistence whalers to greatly increase our knowledge of bowhead whale movements and behavior in a relatively short period of time. During this study we provided information on the movements and timing of spring migration, rate of travel, ice conditions and use of leads along the spring migration route and at spring destinations. We also documented interactions with seismic operations and summer movements beyond the known range of the western Arctic stock of bowhead whales.