NYSDEC aerial surveys

Original provider:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Dataset credits:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Abstract:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of
Marine Resources contracted Tetra Tech to conduct aerial whale monitoring in
the New York Bight (NYB). Monitoring consisted of 36 monthly line-transect
aerial surveys starting in March 2017 and ending in February 2020. The NYB
survey area is a 43,449 square kilometer area of ocean from the south shore of
Long Island to the continental shelf break. These surveys focused on six large
whale species: the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), fin whale (B.
physalus), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), North Atlantic right
whale (Eubalaena glacialis), sei whale (B. borealis), and sperm whale
(Physeter macrocephalus). This longitudinal multi-year study provides new
insight into the occurrence, relative abundance, behavior, and densities and
abundance of the six large whale species, as well as the occurrence other
marine species, in the NYB.

A total of 733.1 hours and 149,482 kilometers of flight time were completed
over 263 survey flights. Observations were conducted by two observers from a
high-winged, twin-engine Partenavia aircraft; one observer was positioned on
each side of the aircraft and looked through bubble windows. Data recorded
included all parameters required to estimate density and abundance using
distance sampling techniques. A total of 3,069 sightings of 37,410 estimated
individuals were recorded, including all six large whale species, other marine
mammals, sea turtles, and other marine species (i.e., sharks, rays, fish
schools, etc.).

Further details may be found in the Final Comprehensive Report at
www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/mmaeran3.pdf and the associated
references.