GLBA Marine Mammals Data- 1993 to 1998

MARINE MAMMALS, From 1993 to the present, National Park Service (NPS) biologists have recorded all opportunistic marine mammal sightings made during humpback whale monitoring surveys in Glacier Bay and Icy Strait. Opportunistic sightings were recorded because little information previously existed on the habitat characteristics, group size and distribution of most marine mammals in the Glacier Bay area. We used a 6 m vessel powered with a 60 hp outbord engine to conduct surveys in Glacier Bay and Icy Strait from approximately May through October annually. After sighting and identifying a particular marine mammal within 100 meters of the survey vessel, we recorded the sighting data on a specialized data sheet, including the location, group size, water depth, sea surface temperature, and any noteworthy information on the animals' behavior. All relevant information from the datasheets was later entered into a Microsoft Access database. A group was defined as one or more individuals within several body-lengths of each other, exhibititing synchronous surfacings and a common direction of travel. For a complete description of the methods, see: Gabriele, C.M., J.L. Doherty, and T.M. Lewis (1999). Population characteristics of humpback whales in Glacier Bay and adjacent waters: 1999. Gustavus, Alaska 99826, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve: 35 pp. Gabriele, C.M. and T. M. Lewis (2000). Summary of Opportunistic Marine Mammal Observations in Glacier Bay and Icy Strait 1994-1999. Gustavus, AK, U.S. National Park Service, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve: 34 pp.