Marine bird and mammal observations in the North Pacific Ocean, 2002-2006

This data provides observation of marine birds and mammals along a 7,500 km east-west CPR transect. Data were collected aboard a platform of opportunity (M/V Skaubryn). Due to the large size of the M/V Skaubryn, modifications were made to the standardized marine bird survey techniques (Tasker et al. 1984, Buckland et al. 1993). Species-specific detection and identification curves revealed that the optimal strip-width for this vessel was 400m (Hyrenbach et al., submitted). Marine mammals were recorded using line transect techniques; sightings from the centerline to the horizon were recorded, and the radial distance and the angle from the track were estimated (Heinemann 1981, Buckland et al. 1993).