This report describes results from vessel surveys and visual species verifications conducted at the Jacksonville Shallow Water Training Range (JSWTR) in the Jacksonville Operating Area (OPAREA).

This report describes results of vessel surveys from a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.

This report documents the findings of a pilot study conducted in 2013 to investigate the efficacy of ground-based surveys as a potential alternative to, or in supplementation of, aerial surveys in detecting strandings of marine mammals and sea turtles (MM/ST) on remote shorelines, in this case the island of Ni‘ihau. In this study, aerial (helicopter) and ground-based (vehicle and horseback) shoreline surveys were conducted concurrently in order to compare the efficacy of each method. Observers scanned the shorelines of Kauai and Ni‘ihau, adjacent to PMRF, for stranded and near-stranded marine mammals and sea turtles within one week after an SCC training event that involved mid-frequency active sonar in August 2013.

Marine mammal (MM) monitoring was conducted during in-water pile driving (PD) at Hood Canal, Washington, during fall 2011. Monitoring was performed on construction days, during active-construction (“AC”, defined as 30 minutes prior to, during, and 30 minutes after PD) and non-construction (“NC”, downtime) periods. Baseline surveys were also conducted throughout Hood Canal on days when no PD occurred. Monitoring and baseline surveys occurred over 53 days. Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) recorded 1,207 sightings totaling 2,269 individual MM.

Ecologists and managers require accurate population estimates of marine mammals to assess potential anthropogenic threats to these animals. We present estimates of in-water density and abundance of a distinct stock of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) in Hood Canal, Washington, USA. We used aerial line-transect survey data collected from 2013 to 2016 to directly estimate harbor seal density and abundance in the waters of Hood Canal, a deep-water fjord in the Salish Sea. We estimated a correction factor for trackline detection probability from dive and surface time data gathered from regional seal tagging studies, and applied this factor to correct for seals missed on the trackline during surveys.

Status report for the acoustic and visual survey for cetaceans in Behm Canal and Southern Clarence Strait, Alaska, FY22.

The objective of this project under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program is to establish baseline information on occurrence and behavior of humpback whales near Naval Station Norfolk and within the Virginia Capes Operational Area (VACAPES OPAREA) by addressing the following questions: • What age classes (juveniles, sub-adults, adults) are utilizing the waters within and adjacent to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay? • Do humpback whales exhibit site fidelity over periods of days to years? • Do humpback whales congregate in specific high-traffic and/or high-use U.S. Navy training areas? • Do humpback whales spend significant time within or move through areas of U.S. Navy live-fire and mine neutralization exercise (MINEX) training (Year 2 and Year 3)?

A total of 23 nearshore and mid-shelf vessel surveys were completed during the 2023/24 field season. In total, 43 baleen whale sightings, including 33 sightings of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) composed of 43 individuals, 6 sightings of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) composed of 9 individuals (1 deceased), 3 sightings of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) composed of 3 individuals, and 1 sighting of a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) composed of 1 individual occurred during the 2023/24 field season.

This work builds upon and complements longer-term studies of movements and site fidelity of both Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off the North Carolina coast using photo-identiThe objective of this project under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program is to establish baseline occurrence and behavior data for humpback whales in the Hampton Roads mid-Atlantic region by addressing the following questions: • What age classes (juveniles, sub-adults, adults) are utilizing the waters within and adjacent to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay? Do humpback whales exhibit site-fidelity over periods of days to years? Do humpback whales congregate in specific high-traffic and/or high-use U.S. Navy training areas? Do humpback whales spend significant time within or move through areas of U.S. Navy live-fire and MINEX training (Year 2)? What are the relative sound levels humpback whaication (photo-ID)

The objective of this multi-year project under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program has been to establish baseline information on occurrence and behavior of humpback whales near Naval Station Norfolk and within the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Operating Area by addressing the following questions: What age classes (juveniles, sub-adults, adults) are utilizing the waters within and adjacent to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay? Do humpback whales exhibit site fidelity over periods of days to years? Do humpback whales congregate in specific high-traffic and/or high-use U.S. Navy training areas? Do humpback whales spend significant time within or move through areas of U.S. Navy live-fire and mine neutralization exercise (MINEX) training?

The objective of this multi-year project under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program has been to establish baseline information on occurrence and behavior of humpback whales near Naval Station Norfolk and within the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Operating Area by addressing the following questions: What age classes (juveniles, sub-adults, adults) are utilizing the waters within and adjacent to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay? Do humpback whales exhibit site fidelity over periods of days to years? Do humpback whales congregate in specific high-traffic and/or high-use U.S. Navy training areas? Do humpback whales spend significant time within or move through areas of U.S. Navy live-fire and mine neutralization exercise (MINEX) training?

The objective of this multi-year project under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program has been to establish baseline information on occurrence and behavior of humpback whales near Naval Station Norfolk and within the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Operating Area by addressing the following questions: What age classes (juveniles, sub-adults, adults) are utilizing the waters within and adjacent to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay? Do humpback whales exhibit site fidelity over periods of days to years? Do humpback whales congregate in specific high-traffic and/or high-use U.S. Navy training areas? Do humpback whales spend significant time within or move through areas of U.S. Navy live-fire and mine neutralization exercise (MINEX) training?

Navy Marine Species Observers (MSOs) monitored UNDET training exercises at the Pu‘uloa Underwater Range, located west of the Pearl Harbor entrance channel, on 2 and 4 April 2013. The intent of the exercises was to provide training in precision cutting for harbor clearance or salvage. The primary purpose of the MSO presence was to monitor mitigation measures conducted by Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 (MDSU-1); however, visual surveys were also conducted opportunistically.

The HDR Monitoring Team is tasked to initiate a monitoring project that will provide quantitative data and information on the seasonal occurrence, distribution, and density of protected species (marine mammals and sea turtles) in Chesapeake Bay waters near Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent (PAX) River, roughly from Drum Point, south to Smith Point along the western shore and over to the coastal waters of the eastern shore.

The endangered North Atlantic humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrates from six northern feeding grounds in the Gulf of Maine, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Newfoundland/ Labrador, western Greenland, Iceland, and Norway to Caribbean Sea waters during the winter months (Katona and Beard 1990, Christensen et al. 1992, Palsbøll et al 1997). Understanding the occurrence and behavior of humpback whales in the vicinity of United States (U.S.) Navy training and vessel-transiting activities off the coast of Virginia is important in mitigating potentially harmful impacts on the species.

A total of 22 nearshore and mid-shelf vessel surveys were completed during the 2024/25 field season. In total, 60 baleen whale sightings, including 40 sightings of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) totaling 59 individuals, 10 sightings of North Atlantic right whales (NARWs; Eubalaena glacialis) totaling 22 individuals, 7 sightings of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) totaling 14 individuals, and 3 sightings of individual minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), occurred during the 2024/25 field season. A total of 24 aerial surveys were flown during the 2024/25 field season in association with this effort and the Offshore Cetacean Study (OCS) (A. Engelhaupt et al. 2026); see Ozog and Engelhaupt 2026 for additional details regarding the aerial surveys. Baleen whale sightings from the aerial surveys included humpback (n=45), NARWs (n=8), fin (n=11), and minke (n=3) whales (Ozog and Engelhaupt 2026). During the OCS surveys, baleen whale sightings included fin whales (n=12), humpback whales (n=7), a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus; n=1), a minke whale (n=1), and an NARW (n=1) (A. Engelhaupt et al. 2026). Across this project and the OCS effort, satellite-linked telemetry tags were deployed on one humpback whale, one fin whale, and one NARW. Customized Animal Tracking Solution tags were deployed on two NARWs and two humpback whales. One biopsy sample was collected from the satellite-tagged humpback whale.

In May 2011, a rare occurrence took place off the Southern California coast. For the first time since U.S. Navy-funded aerial surveys began in the area in 2008, a group of 20 sperm whales, including four calves, was seen—approximately 24 nautical miles west of San Diego.

Baseline undisturbed behavior and social patterns of blue (Balaenoptera musculus) and fin whales (B. physalus) are not well described and are needed to identify and understand potential effects of anthropogenic activities. Behavioral data for blue and fin whales were collected during line-transect and focal-follow effort. Initially observed behavior state, heading, and minimum and maximum interindividual dispersal distance were recorded during line-transect sampling. Focal groups were circled for 10-60+ minutes and videotaped from outside Snell’s sound cone to avoid disturbance. During 24,736 km of survey effort, 51 fin whale sightings (85 individuals) and 49 blue whalesightings (81 individuals) were seen. Over 7 hours of video was collected for16 blue and 15 fin focal follows. During the summer seasons, blues (n=48) were seen more commonly than fins (n=35); in fall, fins (n=16) were seen significantly more frequently than blues (n=1). Mean group size was 1.7 whales for both species. Initially observed blue behavior was usually travel (85%) or mill (11%). Observed fin whale behavior was also mostly travel (90%), mill (4%), or surface-active travel (4%). Both species were seen socializing in fall but not summer; foraging was observed in summer through fall. Mean initial dispersal for blues and fins was 9.1 and 14.2 body lengths, respectively. In summer, blues were most frequently (26%) seen headed S; in fall (n=2), they were headed only inshore (E). In summer, fin whales were most commonly headed SSW (26%) or WNW (26%); in fall, they were headed mostly NE (38%) or WSW (38%). Dive/respiration/behavioral event rates were also collected. Both species may directly compete for food based on observations of inter-specific maneuvering for a bait ball. Data represent the most extensive record of systematic undisturbed behavior on these species in SOCAL and include social interactions not previously documented in this region.

Baseline undisturbed behavior and social patterns of blue (Balaenoptera musculus) and fin whales (B. physalus) are not well described and are needed to identify and understand potential effects of anthropogenic activities in the SCB. In 2008-2012, 72,467 km of aerial line transect and focal-follow effort was conducted in the SCB. Initially observed location, group size, behavior state, heading, and minimum and maximum inter-individual dispersal distance were recorded. Focal groups were circled for 10-60+ minutes and videotaped from outside the plane’s sound cone to avoid disturbance. A total of 122 fin whale sightings (208 individuals) and 65 blue whale sightings (104 individuals) were made. Behavior, occurrence and distribution were related to season, location, bathymetry, and time of day. Blue whales were seen only from summer-fall and concentrated primarily close to shore (

Baseline undisturbed behavior/social patterns of blue/fin whales are not well described and are needed to identify and understand potential effects of anthropogenic activities. Behavioral data were collected during aerial effort. Initially observed behavior state, heading, minimum/maximum inter-individual dispersal distance were recorded during line-transect sampling. During the summer seasons, blues were seen more than fins; in fall, fins were seen more. Initially observed blue behavior was usually travel or mill. Observed fin behavior was mostly travel, mill, or surface-active travel. Both species were seen socializing in fall but not summer; foraging was observed in summer through fall. In summer, blues were seen headed S; in fall, headed inshore. In summer, fins were headed SSW or WNW; in fall, they were headed NE or WSW. Data represent the most extensive record of systematic undisturbed behavior on these species in SOCAL and include social interactions not previously documented in this region.

Baseline undisturbed behavior and social patterns of blue (Ba/aenoptera musculus) and fin whales (8. physa/us) are not well described and are needed to identify and understand potential effects of anthropogenic activities. Behavioral data for blue and fin whales were collected during aerial survey line-transect and focal-follow effort. Initially-observed behavior state, group size, heading, and minimum and maximum inter-individual dispersal distance were recorded during line-transect sampling and / or subsequent verification circling by the aircraft. Focal groups were circled for 3- 60+ minutes and videotaped from outside Snell's sound cone to avoid disturbance. During 24,736 km of survey effort, 51 fin whale sightings (86 individuals) and 49 blue whale sightings (84 individuals) were seen . Over 7 hours of video was collected for 16 blue and 15 fin focal follows. During the summer, blues (n=48) were seen more commonly than fins (n=35); in fall, fins (n=16) were seen much more frequently than blues (n= 1 ). Mean group size was 1. 7 whales for both species. Initially observed blue behavior was usually travel (85%) or mill (11%). Observed fin whale behavior was also mostly travel (87%), mill (6%), or surface-active travel (3%). Both species were seen socializing (e.g., touching) in fall but not summer; foraging was observed in summer through fall. Mean initial dispersal for blues and fins was 8 and 16 body lengths, respectively. In summer, blues were most frequently (26%) seen headed S; in fall (n=2), they were headed only inshore (E). In summer, fin whales were most commonly headed SSW (26%) or WNW (26%); in fall, they were headed mostly NE (38%) or WSW (38%). Both species directly compete for food based on observations of inter-specific maneuvering for a bait ball. Data represent the most extensive record of systematic undisturbed behavior on these species in SOCAL and include social interactions not previously documented in this region. Dive / respiration / behavioral event rates were also collected and are currently being analyzed. Bacon, C., M.A. Smultea, B. Wursig, K. Lomac-MacNair, and J. Black.

Fifteen aerial surveys (72,647 km) occurred during 2008-2012 to monitor occurrence, abundance, and behavior of marine mammals in the Southern California Bight (SCB) on behalf of the U.S. Navy. Thirty-six (2%) of 2,151 total sightings of at least 11 species were mixed-species associations (i.e., at least two different species swimming together/interacting). Little is known about these associations. Risso’s dolphins were most frequently associated with another marine mammal species (19 [7%] of 238 total Risso’s sightings) as follows: with sperm whales (1x), California sea lions (CaSL) (3x), and bottlenose (7x), northern right whale (NRWD) (4x), long-beaked common (1x), unidentified (1x), and common dolphin sp. (2x). Up to 3 species occurred together on 3 different occasions: (1) sperm whales/Risso’s/NRW dolphins, (2) Risso’s/unidentified dolphins/CaSL, and (3) Pacific white-sided/common dolphins with CaSL. The most unusual mixed species sighting was 24 sperm whales (including 4 calves) with 11 Risso’s and ~50 NRW dolphins: Risso’s repeatedly charged adult sperm whales’ heads who responded by dropping their lower jaw, perhaps related to kleptoparasitism. Potential reasons for mixed-species associations include increased protection from predators via dilution, increased prey detection/consumption, and “play” (i.e., fin whale calf touching NRWD). Data include interactions not previously documented in the SCB among these socially complex animal groups.

Effects of mixed-species associations (MSA [at least two different species swimming together and / or inte racting]) on cetacean behavior rarely have been quantified, but are important for identifying and differentiating potential anthropogenic impacts . Baseline marine mammal behavior was assessed during 83 ,005 km of U.S. Navy supported aerial line-transect surveys in the Southern California Bight during 2008-2013.

Effects of mixed-species associations (MSA [at least two differentspecies swimming together and/or interacting]) on cetacean behavior rarely have been quantified, but are important for identifying and differentiating potential anthropogenic impacts. Baseline marine mammal behavior was assessed during 77,390 km of U.S. Navy supported aerial line-transect surveys in the Southern California Bight during 2008-2013. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess effects of MSA on group size, maximum nearest neighbor distance (a “cohesion” index, in body lengths), behavior state, and heading. Two percent (43) of 2,330 sightings were MSA involving 13 species (5 baleen whales, 7 toothed whales, 1 pinniped). Behavior and group size of some species differed significantly in MSA vs. non-MSA. MSA were predominated by Risso’s dolphins (44%; 19 of 43 MSA). Risso’s dolphins were most frequently associated with bottlenose dolphins (37% of 19 Risso’s MSA groups) followed by northern right whale dolphins (NRWD; 3% of 19). Risso’s dolphins tended to change headings more often in MSA (p

This study investigates mixed-species associations among marine mammals in the Southern California Bight, focusing specifically on Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus). Over a six-year period, aerial surveys were conducted to record the frequency and nature of these associations, revealing that Risso's dolphins were the most commonly observed species in mixed interactions. The results indicate a significant decline in the proportion of Risso's dolphins involved in such associations compared to historical records, possibly due to an increase in their relative abundance. The findings underline the importance of monitoring mixed-species associations to understand marine mammal dynamics and ecological interactions.

As part of the long-term United States (U.S.) Navy-funded Marine Species Monitoring Program, from 16–24 August 2022, Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) carried out a vessel-based field effort in conjunction with passive acoustic monitoring undertaken by U.S. Navy (Navy) scientists on and around the underwater hydrophone ranges of the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF).

As part of the long-term United States (U.S.) Navy-funded Marine Species Monitoring Program, from 5-13 August 2023, Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) carried out a vessel-based field effort in conjunction with passive acoustic monitoring undertaken by U.S. Navy (Navy) scientists on and around the underwater hydrophone ranges of the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF).

As part of the long-term United States (U.S.) Navy-funded Marine Species Monitoring Program, from 1-14 August 2021, a combination of boat-based field effort and passive acoustic monitoring was carried out on and around the underwater hydrophone ranges of the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF).

Movements and Spatial Use of Satellite‐tagged Odontocetes in the Western Main Hawaiian Islands: Results of Fieldwork Undertaken off O‘ahu in October 2010 and Kaua‘i in February 2011

Although considerable information is available on residency patterns and spatial use of odontocetes in the eastern half of the Hawai‘i Range Complex (HRC), much less is known about odontocetes in the western half of the HRC. In the second year of a three-year effort in the western main Hawaiian Islands we undertook surveys off Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau in July/August 2011, to examine spatial use and residency patterns using satellite tags, to provide visual verification of acoustically-detected odontocetes on the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), and to obtain individual identification photographs and biopsy samples for assessment of population identity and structure.

Here we combine results of field efforts funded through the U.S. Navy’s Living Marine Resources Program (through a three-year grant from the Naval Postgraduate School) as well as additional field time in the study area in 2011 and 2012 funded through the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center and Commander, Pacific Fleet. We also utilize results from research efforts in the eastern main Hawaiian Islands, off Lāna‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island, to help interpret results from photo-identification and satellite tagging.

A joint project in February 2013 of the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) combined passive acoustic monitoring and boat-based field efforts. There were 1,010 kilometers (km) (55.9 hours [hr]) of small-vessel field effort over the course of the 8-day project. Of the 55.9 hr of survey effort, 64.2 percent was spent within the PMRF instrumented hydrophone range boundaries, and 14.8 percent of the effort was in depths greater than 1,000 meters (m).

As part of a long-term U.S. Navy-funded marine mammal monitoring program, in August 2018 a combination of vessel-based field effort and passive acoustic monitoring was carried out on and around the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Kaua‘i prior to a Submarine Commander Course scheduled for mid-August 2018. The purpose of the monitoring effort was to assess the spatial movement patterns and habitat use of cetaceans that are exposed to mid-frequency active sonar and how those patterns influence exposure and potentially responses.

As part of a long-term U.S. Navy-funded marine mammal monitoring program, in February 2020 a combination of vesselbased field effort and passive acoustic monitoring was carried out on and around the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kaua‘i prior to a Submarine Command Course scheduled for mid-February 2020. The purpose of the monitoring effort was to assess the spatial movement patterns and habitat use of cetaceans that are exposed to midfrequency active sonar and how those patterns influence exposure and potentially responses. Results from this effort were compared with previous Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) survey effort and photo-identification and tag data from Kaua‘i, based on surveys in 11 different years since 2003.

In Hawaiian waters fishermen use the association between pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) to catch tuna. Targeting fishing effort around or in spotted dolphin groups has the potential to lead to bycatch, and anecdotal reports of hooking dolphins exist. We recorded information on fishing vessels associated with spotted dolphin groups from 2008 through 2018 to inform discussions about potential bycatch. Associations occurred from Oʻahu to Hawaiʻi Island, but were most prevalent off Hawaiʻi Island, where 29.7 % of spotted dolphin groups had fishing vessels present

Currently a single stock of short-finned pilot whales is recognized in Hawaiian waters, with an estimated abundance of over 12,000 individuals in the EEZ. However, preliminary genetic results suggest that pilot whales around the main Hawaiian Islands are reproductively isolated from those elsewhere in the tropical Pacific. Since the type and extent of anthropogenic interactions varies both among the main Hawaiian Islands and offshore, we test the hypothesis that there is only a single stock of this species in Hawai‘i using a combination of association analyses of photo-identification data and movement/habitat use analyses from satellite tags. Photographs over 13 years included over 6,500 identifications of 868 distinctive individuals. Satellite tag data from 64 deployments averaged 37 days (max=228 days). Combining tag and association analyses indicate individuals do not mix freely among the islands and suggest the existence of three socially isolated but partially overlapping insular communities and an offshore population. The ranges of the three insular communities are from Ni‘ihau to western O‘ahu, from O‘ahu to Lana‘i, and primarily off Hawai‘i Island. Tagged individuals from these insular communities (n=61 deployments) remained an average of 57.5 km from their tagging location, with a grand mean of depth used and distance from shore of 1,564 m and 15.2 km, respectively. Evidence for an offshore population comes from three individuals tagged in two isolated social clusters with mean distances from their tagging locations of 249 km, with a grand mean of depth used and distance from shore of 4,336 m and 81.1 km (max=381 km) respectively. Anthropogenic interactions vary among the population ranges, with long-line fishing in offshore waters, Navy activities primarily off Ni‘ihau, Kaua‘i and O‘ahu, and vessel-based whale watching and swim-with operations primarily off Hawai‘i Island. As each community is exposed to different anthropogenic threats they should be managed independently.

Dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima) have been studied rarely at sea. We used photo-identification, boat- and drone-based behavioral observations, and citizen science photo contributions to examine site fidelity, spatial use, and behavior in Hawaiʻi. Sighting rates were highest in island slope (500–1,000 m) waters. Over 40% of photo-identified individuals were linked by association in the same social network. More than half of the very distinctive individuals were seen more than once, and 28.5% were seen in multiple years, with one individual seen 14 times over a 15-year span. Resighted individuals and those in the main cluster of the social network were found in significantly shallower water than individuals that were not resighted or that were in isolated clusters. Distances between resighting locations suggest small home ranges. This suggests an insular slope-dwelling population that overlaps with an offshore population. Evidence of unsuccessful predatory attempts by large sharks was recorded on four individuals, and linear wounds consistent with interactions with line fisheries were documented on three individuals. Surface and subsurface behavior recorded by drone revealed vigilance behavior likely to minimize predation risk. Lessons learned from this study can be applied elsewhere to increase knowledge of this poorly known and difficult-to-study species.

Acoustic point-transect distance-sampling surveys have recently been used to estimate the density of beaked whales. Typically, the fraction of short time “snapshots” with detected beaked whales is used in this calculation. Beaked whale echolocation pulses are only intermittently available, which may affect the best choice of snapshot length. The effect of snapshot length on density estimation for Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) is investigated by sub-setting continuous recordings from drifting hydrophones deployed off southern and central California. Snapshot lengths from 20 s to 20 min are superimposed on the time series of detected beaked whale echolocation pulses, and the components of the density estimation equation are estimated for each snapshot length. The fraction of snapshots with detections, the effective area surveyed, and the snapshot detection probability all increase with snapshot length. Due to compensatory changes in these three components, density estimates show very little dependence on snapshot length. Within the range we examined, 1–2 min snapshots are recommended to avoid the potential bias caused by animal movement during the snapshot period and to maximize the sample size for estimating the effective area surveyed.

The overall goal of this study was to include the 2018 survey data in the previous 1991–2014 modeling dataset in order to improve SMDs for the CCE study area. Specific objectives included: Generating multi-year average density surfaces for the Navy and others to use in their long-term (2–7 year) environmental planning efforts; and Providing updated abundance and “minimum population size (Nmin)” estimates as defined in the Guidelines for Assessing Marine Mammal Stocks (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2016).

The objectives of our study were two-fold: (1) develop spatially-explicit density estimates for winter/spring to support management applications, and (2) compare model-predicted density and distribution patterns to previously developed summer/fall model results in the context of species ecology. We used a well-established Generalized Additive Modeling framework to develop cetacean SDMs based on 20 California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) shipboard surveys conducted during winter and spring between 2005 and 2015.

The Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey (HICEAS) 2017 was conducted in waters within the United States (U.S.) Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the Hawaiian Archipelago (henceforth “Hawaiian EEZ” for brevity) from 6 July through 1 December 2017 (Yano et al. 2018). The primary objective of this line-transect survey was to collect cetacean sighting data to support the derivation of cetacean density estimates using both design-based analyses and habitat modeling techniques.

In this study, winter and spring density estimates for the entire CCE study area were made from SWFSC summer and fall model predictions (temporal extrapolation) and CalCOFI winter and spring model predictions (spatial extrapolation) for short-beaked common dolphin ( Delphinus delphis delphis ), Pacific white-sided dolphin ( Lagenorhynchus obliquidens ), Dall's porpoise ( Phocoenoides dalli ), and fin whale ( Balaenoptera physalus ).

Rapid progress and affordability of photographic technology with increasing improvements in image resolution have facilitated advancements in efficiency and alternative approaches in data collection for marine mammals. We report these recent improvements by comparing marine mammal photographs taken during 2008-2013 aerial surveys of 16 marine mammal species in the Southern California Bight, shorebased studies of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Galveston Bay, Texas (2011-2013), and gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) off Sakhalin Island, Russia (20042010). Various Canon and Nikon high-definition cameras ranging from 8.2-36.3 MP resolution and 70-1600 mm lenses with image stabilization were used during the studies. Results of these photographic comparisons demonstrate the evolution of digital photography advancements with the successful capture of individuals, as well as detailed information for behavioral ecology studies. For example, (1) individual identification of marine mammal species from aircraft not previously reported (Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), killer whales (Orcinus orca), and blue and fin whales (Balaenoptera musculus and B. physalus)), (2) shore-based individual identification of bottlenose dolphins up to 500 m and of gray whales up to 2 km from shore, (3) instantaneous differentiation/confirmation of short-beaked vs. long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis and D. capensis) from 1,500-ft altitude with a 36 MP camera, (4) reduced proportion of “unidentified” dolphin and whale species, and (5) potential tracking of the behavior, social associations and durations, and relative position within the group of some individually identified delphinids and other species not previously studied in this manner. High- definition digital photography reduces costs and acquisition/processing time from earlier “tried and true” analog photography. This facilitates, advances, and compliments the efficacy of data collection for population and behavioral ecology studies on marine mammals, most recently allowing capture of individual identification images at distances of up to 2 km away.

DDG P Atlantic Aug 2016

DDG Q Atlantic Aug 2017

During a marine mammal vessel survey, a single Perimyotis subflavus (Tricolored Bat) was sighted 103.5 km off the coast of North Carolina. While we cannot determine whether the bat flew unaided from the mainland or stowed away on a ship, this is likely the furthest offshore sighting for the species. The possibility of Tricolored Bats flying offshore could have implications for wind-energy programs or other offshore industries.

CG C Atlantic Aug 2014

The abundance of two remote and broadly-distributed populations of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in Hawaiian waters was estimated using sighting data collected from ship-based, line-transect surveys conducted by NOAA Fisheries within the central Pacific between 1986−2017, including the three Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem.

The Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey (HICEAS) is a recurring ship-based, line-transect survey designed to estimate cetacean abundance in the entirety of the Hawaiian EEZ.

Aerial surveys provide a valuable platform to record and document behavior of marine mammals above and below the sea surface. This approach is advantageous in avoiding disturbance from the observational platform while circling outside the sound cone of the plane. Since 2008, the U.S. Navy has instituted a marine mammal monitoring program in southern California from several platforms, including aerial surveys, and has successfully captured previously undocumented behaviors and species interactions during the aerial effort. This included focal behavioral interactions between sperm whales, northern right whale dolphins, and Risso's dolphins on 14 May 2011, 24 nm west of San Diego, CA. This -1.5-hour encounter was documented in detail with high- definition digital photographs and video as the group traveled NE along the edge of a steep underwater drop-off. Risso's dolphins initiated charges towards the heads of the sperm whales on multiple occasions, followed by fast retreats. Sperm whale adults responded by displaying an open lower jaw. Risso's dolphins appeared to direct this behavior only toward adult sperm whales that had recently surfaced from long (> 20 min) dives; it was not directed toward the four calves in the group. Northern right whale dolphins intermingled with the Risso's dolphins and sperm whales, although they did not approach sperm whales as closely or abruptly as the Risso's dolphins. While similar apparently aggressive Risso's dolphin behavior has been documented toward other cetacean species, this is the first known occurrence of head-on charging by Risso's dolphins, accompanied by the elicited jaw display response from sperm whales. The interaction may be similar to aggressive pilot whales behavior towards sperm whales, and may function in acquiring regurgitated sperm whale food, or other needs by the Risso's dolphins.

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) exhibit maternally driven fidelity to feeding grounds, and yet occasionally occupy new areas. Humpback whale sightings and mortalities in the New York Bight apex (NYBA) have been increasing over the last decade, providing an opportunity to study this phenomenon in an urban habitat. Whales in this area overlap with human activities, including busy shipping traffic leading into the Port of New York and New Jersey. The site fidelity, population composition and demographics of individual whales were analysed to better inform management in this high-risk area. Whale watching and other opportunistic data collections were used to identify 101 individual humpback whales in the NYBA from spring through autumn, 2012–2018.

The present study provides new and current estimates of cetacean density for the six most commonly encountered cetacean species off southern California based on sighting data collected during 37 quarterly CalCOFI cruises from 2004 to 2013. The current study resulted from a high survey repetition rate that allowed for the examination of inter-annual and seasonal trends in density as well as temporal and spatial patterns of distribution for six common cetacean species off southern California: blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, short-beaked common dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and Dall’s porpoise.

Cetacean distribution, density and abundance in the Southern California Bight were assessed through visual and acoustic surveys during five California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) cruises from August 2012-November 2013. Visual monitoring incorporated standard line-transect protocol during all daylight transits while acoustic monitoring employed a towed hydrophone array during transits and sonobuoys at oceanographic sampling stations. Visual effort included 584 observation hours covering 10,900 kilometers yielding 565 sightings of 15 identified cetacean species.

Spatial and temporal distribution patterns, density and abundance of cetaceans in the southern California Bight were assessed through visual and acoustic surveys during five California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) cruises from August 2011 – July 2012. Visual monitoring incorporated standard line-transect protocol during all daylight transits while acoustic monitoring employed a towed hydrophone array during transits and sonobuoys at oceanographic sampling stations.

This report summarizes small boat based research conducted on cetaceans off southern California by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) in collaboration with Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) from August 2009 – July 2010. The primary objectives of this research were to use sighting, photo-identification, biopsy and acoustical sampling techniques to assess the occurrence, distribution and population structure of small cetaceans in a region that is subject to frequent naval exercises; this information is needed to evaluate possible effects from Mid Frequency Active Sonar (MFAS) trials and ultimately for the development of appropriate management protocols.

Trends in cetacean density and distribution off southern California were assessed through visual line-transect surveys during thirty-seven California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) cruises from July 2004–November 2013. From sightings of the six most commonly encountered cetacean species, seasonal, annual and overall density estimates were calculated. Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were the most frequently sighted baleen whales with overall densities of 0.91/1000km2 (CV=0.27), 2.73/1000km2 (CV=0.19), and 1.17/1000km2 (CV=0.21) respectively. Species specific density estimates, stratified by cruise, were analyzed using a generalized additive model to estimate long-term trends and correct for seasonal imbalances. Variances were estimated using a non-parametric bootstrap with one day of effort as the sampling unit. Blue whales were primarily observed during summer and fall while fin and humpback whales were observed year-round with peaks in density during summer and spring respectively. Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) and Dall’s porpoise (Phocoenoidesdalli) were the most frequently encountered small cetaceans with overall densities of 705.83/1000km2 (CV=0.22), 51.98/1000km2 (CV=0.27), and 21.37/1000km2 (CV=0.19) respectively. Seasonally, short-beaked common dolphins were most abundant in winter whereas Pacific white-sided dolphins and Dall’s porpoise were most abundant during spring. There were no significant long-term changes in blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale, short-beaked common dolphin or Dall’s porpoise densities while Pacific white-sided dolphins exhibited a significant decrease in density across the ten-year study. The results from this study were fundamentally consistent with earlier studies, but provide greater temporal and seasonal resolution. Keywords: Cetaceans; Line transect; Density; Abundance; Distribution; Trends; Southern California; CalCOFI

Coral reef surveys were conducted at Farallon de Medinilla (FDM) September 27 – October 1, 2017 by Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center Pacific, Scientific Diving Services (SDS) to satisfy requirements of the Mariana Islands Training and Testing Area Biological Opinion (MITT BO) issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 2015 (NMFS 2015). The primary objectives of this survey were to quantify the abundance and location around the island of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed corals, quantify coral reef health (percent cover of living coral, coral species composition, and coral condition), and compile observations of ordnance impacts

Coral reef surveys were conducted at Farallon de Medinilla (FDM) September 27 – October 1, 2017 by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific), Scientific Diving Services (SDS) to satisfy requirements of the Mariana Islands Training and Testing Area Biological Opinion (MITT BO) issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 2015 (NMFS 2015). Two reports have been produced, based upon the field data obtained. The first report, entitled “Farallon De Medinilla 2017 Coral Reef Survey Report,” is dated May 2018 (Carilli et al. 2018). This document should be regarded as the second report of the 2017 survey results

Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted during a survey of marine mammals in nearshore waters surrounding Pagan Island, a remote volcanic island in the western tropical Pacific, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. The objective was to collect baseline information for Department of Defense's CNMI Joint Military Training Environmental Impact Statement. The primary effort was conducted over 11 days in August 2013. Visual/acoustic line-transect surveys were conducted using a towed hydrophone array system during daytime, and moored sonobuoys were deployed at night. Fourteen acoustic encounters occurred during line-transect surveys consisting of the following (subtotal in parentheses): bottlenose dolphin (1), spinner dolphin (1), beaked whales (4), and unidentified dolphins (8). Of this total, eleven were acoustic only encounters and three were concurrently sighted by observers. The four beaked whale acoustic encounters could not be classified in the field so data were post-processed resulting in the following classifications: Blainville's beaked whales (3) and Cuvier's beaked whale (1). Localization ranges (perpendicular to trackline) were between 0.3 and 2 km and varied by species/species groups. Sonobuoys were moored in depths of 30-50m at two sites located off sand beach areas on the west side of the island. Approximately 67 hours of recordings were made for an average recording duration of 7.4 hours per night. The majority of detection events (55) were of dolphins (undetermined species). Sperm whales were detected once by each sonobuoy. In summary, passive acoustic methods were able to detect delphinids, as well as deep diving species during both line-transect surveys and shallow water sonobuoy monitoring sites. Although brief in duration, this effort provided important information about the occurrence of several species of marine mammals documented for the first time at this remote island.

Beaked whales are among the most poorly understood marine mammals. They are deep-diving odontocetes, spending most of their time submerged with infrequent, short surface intervals. Due to this behavior, they are difficult to study using visual observation methods alone . However, recent advancements in passive acoustic detection and survey techniques have shown to provide viable methods for stu dying beaked whales (Yack et al. 2013). In the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), there is little known abo ut beaked whale abundance and distribution.

This project is intended to provide baseline information on the species composition, density, distribution, and basic behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present within the United States (U.S.) Navy’s Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Operating Area (OPAREA). This study is part of a larger, multi-institutional, marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring program of U.S. Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico supporting Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing (AFTT)

Remote biopsy sampling is a common method used to obtain tissue samples from wild cetaceans. Using this technique, researchers typically obtain a small sample of skin and blubber using a biopsy tip fired from a crossbow or modified air rifle. Analysis of these tissues can provide important information on specific identity, sex, pollutant levels, diet, and reproductive status, which are critical to studies of free-ranging cetaceans. Biopsy sampling is generally considered to be a relatively benign procedure, but all prior attempts to evaluate its impact have been subjective assessments of the behavioral response of individuals at the surface. The goal of the present study is to provide a quantitative assessment of the immediate effects of biopsy attempts on the behavior of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) equipped with digital acoustic recording tags (DTags) off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. A biopsy attempt was defined as any instance of contact between a biopsy dart with an animal. A series of five metrics was examined to determine if behavior of whales was affected by a biopsy attempt, including: foraging behavior (number of dives, depth, and number of prey capture attempts); time spent within 3 m of the surface; fine-scale body orientation; fluke rate and amplitude; and group vocalization rate. The short-term reactions to biopsy attempts appear to be ephemeral and should not compromise the fitness of the animal, although the effects of increasing the group vocalization rate after a biopsy attempt should be examined further. The results of this analysis provide the first subsurface, quantitative assessment of the short-term effects of biopsy sampling on cetaceans.

The Pacific Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (PacMAPPS) survey occurred from 1 August to 26 August 2021, beginning and ending in Kodiak, AK. Over the course of the survey, a total of 2,330 km of on-effort tracklines were surveyed in suitable weather conditions, and a total of 687 sightings of marine mammals were documented (including duplicates and resights).

This survey implemented visual line transect and passive acoustic methods to assess the presence and distribution and to estimate density and abundance of cetaceans in Behm Canal and central Clarence Strait.

This report represents one facet of a collaborative multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.

This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.

This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.

This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast

This report forms part of a multi-institutional monitoring project intended to provide information on the species composition, population identity, density, and baseline behavior of marine mammals and sea turtles present in United States (U.S.) Navy range complexes along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.

A protected species monitoring program was initiated in 2007 when the US Navy identified Onslow Bay, NC as a potential site for an Undersea Warfare Training Range. To estimate marine mammal density, distribution and seasonality, traditional visual line transect surveys from both aerial and vessel platforms have been augmented with passive acoustic monitoring techniques. In 2010, 20 aerial (10,939 km of trackline) and 14 vessel (958 km of trackline) survey days were completed. In order of decreasing frequency Tursiops truncatus, Stenella frontalis, Grampus griseus, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Delphinus delphis, and Balaenoptera physalus were sighted. T. truncatus and S. frontalis comprised most sightings in both aerial (85%) and vessel (100%) surveys. Approximately 1,000 digital images were taken for species and individual identification during vessel‐based surveys. To date, six T. truncatus and one S. frontalis have been re‐sighted across seasons and years, suggesting some degree of residency in the study area. Passive acoustic monitoring techniques include towing a four‐element hydrophone array during vessel surveys and deploying High‐frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) on the sea floor. Analysis of towed array recordings suggests that visual surveys detect approximately half of the dolphin groups that were acoustically detected. Hundreds of vocal detections are present in the HARP data, which will provide insights into of diel and seasonal patterns of marine mammal vocalization. This project, now in its fourth year, is providing a valuable long‐term window into abundance and residency patterns of cetaceans in offshore waters of North Carolina. 

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

In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), the United States (U.S.) Navy has obtained a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Biological Opinion under the Endangered Species Act. The Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC) Monitoring Plan was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permits. The monitoring plan and reporting requirements provide science-based answers to questions regarding whether or not marine mammals are exposed to, and react to, Navy MFAS and explosives. As such, the Navy developed the MIRC Monitoring Plan to conduct activities that meet these monitoring goals.

A shore-based platform, incorporating two high-powered 25 × 150-millimeter binoculars ("Big Eyes"), was evaluated as an alternative approach for surveying marine areas for protected species (marine mammals and sea turtles). During a pilot study at a test site on Oahu (278-meter [m] elevation), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) blows were visible through Big Eyes at 37 kilometers (km) away in Beaufort Sea State (BSS) 2. This suggests the approach could be effective at detecting baleen and sperm whales from long distances, priority species under the United States Department of the Navy's Marine Species Monitoring Program.

Aerial shoreline surveys following U.S. Navy (Navy) training events were conducted in the Hawaii Range Complex to monitor for strandings and to document sightings of marine mammals and sea turtles in an effort to answer the monitoring question: “Do marine mammals strand along shorelines of the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) within 1 week following Navy training events?” This report summarizes marine mammal and sea turtle sighting data obtained during 67.5 hours of aerial survey effort over 16 days in the MHI between 2010 and 2014.

A shore-based platform, incorporating high-powered 25×150mm binoculars ("bigeyes"), was evaluated as an alternative approach for surveying marine areas for protected species (marine mammals and sea turtles). During a pilot study at a test site on Oahu (273m elevation), humpback whale blows were visible through bigeyes 37km away in Beaufort Sea State (BSS) 2. This suggests the approach could be effective at detecting baleen and sperm whales from long distances, priority species under the U.S. Navy's Marine Species Monitoring Program. Systematic scans using bigeyes were performed in Guam over 20 days from a north-facing (193m) and a northeast-facing (157m) shore station in May 2014 and March 2015. These two sites were chosen because of mostly unobstructed views of the ocean, as well as generally high BSS that prohibit visual surveys from small vessels in this area. A SnapZoom digiscoping adapter, equipped with an iPhone or GoPro, was attached to the bigeye eyepiece allowing collection of photos and video, complementing supertelephoto (500-800mm) photography on a DSLR to assist with species confirmation. Observers recorded 33 odontocete sightings comprised of 4 confirmed species (spinner and bottlenose dolphins, pilot and melon-headed whales), but no baleen or sperm whales were observed. Several sightings were distant from shore, including two unidentified dolphins observed 9 km offshore in BSS 6, cued by diving birds, and a group of 160 melon-headed whales 14km offshore in BSS 5. The species observed and the sighting rate of 0.28 per hour, or 1.7 per day, were comparable to results from smallvessel surveys in Guam, suggesting an overall low density of marine mammals, and large whales in particular, during this time of year. These results demonstrate that shore-based surveys can provide an alternative means of surveying an area where use of other research platforms are impractical or cost prohibitive.

The telemetry and survey studies managed by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) was initiated in winter 2021 to collect data on harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) along the U.S. East Coast. The purpose of this field season’s research was to collect baseline data to inform a proposed pinniped behavioral response study and continue long-term pinniped surveys, specifically in the Navy OPAREAS along the northwestern Atlantic coast. A summary of the data collected in previous field seasons can be found in DeAngelis (2023).

The aim of the 2021-2022 field season’s research, Phase II of the Pinniped BRS, was to continue to obtain data to measure baseline behavior to understand the physical or biotic factors that influence the movement and foraging tactics of harbor and gray seals; the amount of time seals spend in specific areas, paying particular attention to Navy OPAREAS; and, the anthropogenic risks (e.g., noise-producing military activities) seals potentially encounter in nearshore and offshore areas.

Cetacean distribution, density and abundance in the Southern California Bight were assessed through visual and acoustic surveys during eighteen California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) cruises from February 2012-April 2016. Visual monitoring incorporated standard line-transect protocol during all daylight transits while acoustic monitoring employed a towed hydrophone array during transits and sonobuoys deployed at oceanographic sampling stations. Visual effort included 2,031 observation hours covering 31,807 kilometers. A total of 1,914 sightings were made, which included 18 different cetacean species. Acoustic effort included 1m027 sonobuoy deployments and 478 towed array deployments.

Navy Research Funded Year Three Project Reports

This document contains amplifying technical data and information for the United States Department of the Navy’s Southern California Range Complex Comprehensive Monitoring Report.

In order to train with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), the United States (U.S.) Navy has obtained a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and a Biological Opinion under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Navy has developed Monitoring Plans for individual Navy Range Complexes, guided by the Integrated Comprehensive Monitoring Program (ICMP), to provide marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring guidelines as required under the MMPA and the ESA (Department of the Navy 2010). The Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) Monitoring Plan, implemented in 2014, was developed with NMFS to comply with the requirements under the permits (Department of the Navy 2014). The ICMP provides the overarching framework for coordination of the U.S. Navy Monitoring Program (Department of the Navy 2010). The ICMP outlines objectives for range/project-specific Monitoring Plans and U.S. Navy-funded research relating to the effects of naval training and testing activities on protected marine species (Department of the Navy 2010).

CG B HRC Feb 2014

A marine mammal species verification and satellite tagging test was carried out as part of the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) program in collaboration with the Cascadia Research Collective from 11 June to 02 August 2012 at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF). The primary objective of the test was to acoustically detect marine mammals at PMRF and vector observers to vocalizing animals. This allowed the team to: 1) Visually verify at-sea species acoustically detected on the PMRF undersea range 2) Deploy satellite tags on marine mammals prior to the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) to monitor animals’ movement before, during and after navy training. 3) Photograph animals to create a photo-ID record for the Hawaii Range Complex 4) Collect biological samples (fecal/biopsy) 5) Document group composition and behavior

Spatially explicit estimates of marine species distribution and abundance are required to quantify potential impacts from human activities such as military training and testing, fisheries interactions, and offshore energy development. There are 4 protected species of sea turtle (loggerhead, green, Kemp’s ridley, and leatherback) commonly found along the east coast of the USA, our study area, and which require impact assessments.

In the Pacific, the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) program maintains systems that continuously run algorithms to detect, classify and localize marine mammals year-round on the U.S. Navy’s deep-water Southern California Antisubmarine Warfare Range (SOAR) in Southern California and the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i. Long-term archive data collected on these ranges allow for numerous types of studies on species inhabiting the ranges, including the monitoring of abundance, behavioral responses to naval activities, and habitat usage. They also provide the opportunity to study ambient sound levels and soundscapes. In FY24 the M3R program had five goals for SOAR and PMRF: Support real-time monitoring of on-water tagging operations Collection and postprocessing of M3R binary archives and periodic broadband recordings Data preservation: conversion of Alesis recordings to M3R packet recorder format SOAR Continuous Active Sonar Behavioral Response Study (CAS BRS) DICASS sonobuoy receiver adaption in preparation for deployment at SOAR.

Documenting year-round diversity and distribution of marine mammals off Southern California is important for assessment of effects of potentially harmful anthropogenic activities. Although the waters off Southern California have been surveyed extensively for marine mammals over the past 18 years, such surveys have been periodic and were conducted primarily from summer to fall, thereby missing potential seasonal shifts. We examined seasonal abundance and population density of cetaceans off Southern California from 16 shipboard line-transect surveys conducted quarterly during 2004–08. The study area consisted of 238,494 km² of coastal, shelf, and pelagic oceanic habitat from near-shore waters to 700 km offshore.

For August 2012 through August 2013, the U.S. Navy proposes to keep the same level of monitoring effort in the Southern California Range Complex as was committed to and accomplished annually previously from 2011-2012 (DoN 20111).

The United States (U.S.) Navy routinely conducts training and testing activities in the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Operating Area (OPAREA) off the mid-Atlantic and Southeast U.S. The region encompassing the deeper waters of the continental shelf, shelf break, and continental slope has been recognized as an important habitat for multiple species of cetaceans. Kenney and Winn (1986) showed that the shelf edge from Cape Hatteras to Georges Bank was the second most intensively used cetacean habitat off the northeastern U.S. based on 3 years of surveys conducted by the Cetacean and Turtle Assessment Program (CETAP 1982). This progress report includes all offshore monitoring activities conducted in 2021. The goals of this effort focus on addressing fundamental information gaps related to marine mammal occurrence, exposure, and response as identified by the U.S. Navy’s Integrated Comprehensive Monitoring Program (DoN 2010) and recommendations provided by a Scientific Advisory Group review (DoN 2011).