MMS High Altitude Survey for Mammals, Southern California
Entry ID:
seamap50
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Summary
Abstract:
Marine Mammal and Seabird Surveys of The Southern California Bight Studies: -- So. Calif. Bight High Aerial [Cetaceans] Study Code: SH Contract Number: AA550-CT7-36
Principal Investigator(s)/Affiliation: K. S. Norris and B. J. Le Boeuf, University of California, Santa Cruz, and G. L. Hunt, University of California, Irvine.
Purpose:
OBJECTIVES: Objectives of the study were to characterize the marine mammal and seabird fauna of the Southern California Bight, estimate abundance of species, describe the distribution, determine the timing and routes of migrations and movements, and document seasonal changes in numbers or patterns of habitat-use. In addition, studies were conducted to determine the size and status of breeding ... colonies of seabirds and pinnipeds, their productivity, and trends in growth.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
DATA COLLECTION:
TIME PERIOD: May 1975 through March 1978
STUDY AREA: The Southern California Bight, from Point Conception to the U.S.-Mexico boundary and offshore to the 2,000 m isobath.
METHODOLOGY: Aerial and ship surveys were conducted along pre-established transects designed to systematically sample marine mammal and seabird abundance in all waters of the study area. Aerial surveys were conducted at two altitudes (200 ft and about 750-1,000 ft ASL) alternating at 2-3 week intervals. Seabirds and pinnipeds were recorded only on the low-altitude surveys which predominantly sampled along eight lines of latitude, separated by 25 nm, and connecting lines of longitude. High-altitude surveys sampled cetacean abundance along 15 Loran lines oriented northeast-southwest and separated by 12-15 nm. On low-altitude surveys, seabirds were counted only within a 50 m corridor on the shaded side of the aircraft. Marine mammals were counted in an unbounded corridor on one side of the aircraft on low-altitude surveys and both sides of the aircraft on high-altitude surveys. A clinometer or marks on the wing-strut were used to estimate the declination, and the measurement or estimate later used to calculate probability density functions of frequency with right-angle distance. Ships were used for surveys of inshore waters along standard (i.e., predetermined and replicate) transects and for search, catch, and tagging/tracking of small cetaceans. The standard ship transect cruises sampled abundance of seabirds and marine mammals over banks, basins, and ridges in waters inshore of the Patton Escarpment (the shelf break). Seabirds and marine mammals were counted on both sides of the cruise track and distance estimated or measured with a range-finder. Catch cruises attempted to find and remain with schools of common dolphin and other small cetaceans; therefore, data on sightings from these cruises cannot be used as samples of animal abundance. The Southern California Bight Study also included ground and aerial censuses of pinniped and seabird colonies, and special studies of productivity, mortality rates, and foraging range.
DATABASES PRODUCED: Databases produced include 1) sightings of seabirds and marine mammals on 24 *low-altitude aerial surveys, 2) sightings of cetaceans on 35 high-altitude aerial surveys, 3) sightings of seabirds and marine mammals on 29 ship transect surveys, and 4) sightings of cetaceans on 34 catch cruises. Included in this database are the following: High Altitude Mammal Observations: 75,489 km of effort, 695 sightings of 68,557 individual animals Low Altitude Mammal Observations: 37,843 km of effort, 1,320 sightings of 15,070 individual animals Low Altitude Bird Observations: 35,445 km of effort, 7,950 sightings of 63,359 individual animals Ship Observations: 17,903 km of effort, 23,519 sightings of 181,287 individual animals
CURRENTNESS REFERENCE: ground condition
SPATIAL REFERENCE INFORMATION - GEODETIC MODEL
Horizontal Datum Name: D_WGS_1984
Ellipsoid Name: WGS_1984
Semi-major Axis: 6378137.000000
Denominator of Flattening Ratio: 298.257224 
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Description:
Access data from the OBIS and OBIS-SEAMAP websites.
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Multimedia Sample
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Caption:
Mammals Survey
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Geographic Coverage
(Click for Interactive Map)
Spatial coordinates
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N: 34.53
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S: 32.2
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E: -117.13
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W: -121.37
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Data Set Citation
Dataset Originator/Creator:
Minerals Management Service
Dataset Title:
MMS High Altitude Survey for Mammals, Southern California
Dataset Series Name:
OBIS-SEAMAP
Dataset Release Date:
2004-02-12 23:13:11.702922-05
Dataset Release Place:
http://seamap.env.duke.edu/
Dataset Publisher:
OBIS-SEAMAP
Data Presentation Form:
vector digital data
Online Resource:
http://www.mms.gov/
Parent DIF
This data set description is a member of a collection. The
collection is described in
OBIS-SEAMAP
Temporal Coverage
Start Date:
1975-05-18
Stop Date:
1978-03-25
Data Resolution
Latitude Resolution:
0.000167 Decimal degrees
Longitude Resolution:
0.000167 Decimal degrees
Horizontal Resolution Range:
1 meter - < 30 meters
Access Constraints
ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: Open public unless otherwise noted.
DISTRIBUTION LIABILITY: Not to hold OBIS-SEAMAP liable for errors in the data. While we have made every effort to ensure the quality of the database, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of these datasets. Also please refer to Use Constraints.
Use Constraints
Not to use data contained in OBIS-SEAMAP in any publication, product, or commercial application without prior written consent of the original data provider. To cite both the data provider and OBIS-SEAMAP appropriately after approval of use is obtained. Also please refer to Distribution Liability.
Data Set Progress
COMPLETE
Distribution
Distribution Format:
Shapefile
Personnel
Role:
TECHNICAL CONTACT
Role:
DIF AUTHOR
Phone:
919-613-8021
Fax:
919-684-8741
Email:
efujioka at duke.edu
City:
Durham
Province or State:
NC
Postal Code:
27708
Country:
USA
Role:
TECHNICAL CONTACT
Phone:
(503) 287-5173
Email:
eci at teleport.com
City:
Portland
Province or State:
OR
Postal Code:
97232
Country:
USA
Publications/References
Bonnell, M. L., B. J. Le Boeuf, M. O. Pierson, D. H. Dettman, and G. D. Farrens. 1981. Pinnipeds of the Southern California Bight. Part I of Investigator's Reports, Summary of Marine Mammal and Seabird Surveys of the Southern California Bight Area, 1975-1978. Final Report prepared by the University of California, Santa Cruz, for the Bureau of Land Management, Contract No. AA550-CT7-36. National ... Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia. NTIS # PB-81-248-171. 535 pp.
Briggs, K. T., E. W. Chu, D. B. Lewis, W. B. Tyler, R. L. Pitman, and G. L. Hunt. 1981. Distribution, Numbers, and Seasonal Status of Seabirds of the Southern California Bight. Part III of Investigator's Reports, Summary of Marine Mammal and Seabird Surveys of the Southern California Bight Area, 1975-1978. Final Report prepared by the University of California, Santa Cruz, for the Bureau of Land Management, Contract No. AA550-CT7-36. National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia. NTIS # PB-81-248-197. 470 pp.
Dohl, T. P., K. S. Norris, R. C. Guess, J. D. Bryant and M. W. Honig. 1981. Cetacea of the Southern California Bight. Part II of Investigator's Reports, Summary of Marine Mammal and Seabird Surveys of the Southern California Bight Area, 1975-1978. Final Report prepared by the University of California, Santa Cruz, for the Bureau of Land Management, Contract No. AA550-CT7-36. National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia. NTIS # PB81248189. 414 pp.
Creation and Review Dates
DIF Creation Date:
2007-12-28
Last DIF Revision Date:
2010-03-02
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