NMML Harbor Porpoise Vessel Survey, SE Alaska, Fall 1992

In fall 1992, the south side of the Alaskan Peninsula and the Kodiak
Archipelago were surveyed for harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) from the NOAA
John N. Cobb using line transect methodology. The shipboard platform was 28.36
m (93 ft) in length with a bridge height of 4.27 m (14 ft). To obtain data on
seasonal movements of porpoise, a limited number of transects were made in
areas of known porpoise concentrations. When a sighting was made, the following
variables were recorded: time, angle, number of reticles to the sighting, radar
distance (nm) to the shoreline at the same angle of the sighting, the species,
the count of the porpoise seen (best, high, and low), and the animal(s)
direction of travel. Search effort was recoded by noting the time and location
of the ship at the beginning and end of each transect.