Studies of odontocete population structure in Hawaiian waters
Baird RW, McSweeney DJ, Webster DL, Gorgone AM, Ligon AD. 2003. Studies of odontocete population structure in Hawaiian waters. Contract No. AB133F-02-CN-0106. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Seattle, WA
We undertook a survey of the main (windward) Hawaiian Islands during May and June 2003 to examine odontocete population structure. Our goals were: 1) to collect genetic samples to be used for examination of inter- and intra-Hawaiian population structure; 2) to collect photo-identification data to examine movements of individuals between islands and as a basis for population assessment; and 3) to examine habitat use in relation to potential deep-water barriers to movement. There were 140 sightings of 14 species of odontocetes. Species most commonly seen were bottlenose dolphins (41 groups), pantropical spotted dolphins (25 groups), spinner dolphins (19 groups), short-finned pilot whales (17 groups), rough-toothed dolphins (13 groups), and dwarf sperm whales (8 groups). Other species sighted during this survey included dense-beaked whales (5 groups), melon-headed whales (3 groups), false killer whales (1 group), killer whales (1 group), pygmy sperm whales (1 group), pygmy killer whales (1 group), striped dolphins (1 group), and a single sperm whale. Genetic sampling resulted in a total of 346 samples from nine species. Combined with previously available samples this should allow for intra-Hawai’i assessment of genetic differentiation of four species, and assessment between Hawai’i and elsewhere of at least seven species.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Baird, Robin; McSweeney, Daniel; Webster, Daniel; Gorgone, Antoinette; Ligon, Allan
- Date of Issue
- 2003-10-04
- Publisher
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Units
- PACN
- Keywords
- Abundance (Biodiversity), Cetacean, Distribution (Biodiversity), Hawaii, Marine Mammals, Observations, odontocetes, Population Structure, Presence (Biodiversity)