US Navy
Marine Species Monitoring
Pacific Region: Current Projects
Hawaii-Southern California Training & Testing Monitoring Projects
The table below summarizes current marine species monitoring projects being conducted in the Pacific Ocean in support of Hawaii-Southern California Training & Testing (HSTT) Marine Mammal Protection Act requirements (50 CFR Part 218). Reports and data from these projects will be made available on the individual project profile pages and the Reading Room as they become available.
| Project Description | Intermediate Scientific Objective* | Status |
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Title: Pacific Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (PACMAPPS) survey
Location: Gulf of Alaska, Mariana Island archipelago, Hawaiian Islands archipelago, California-Oregon-Washington Objectives: Identify species of beaked whales, odontocetes, and baleen whales that occur in the surveyed areas; Monitor marine mammal and sea turtle presence, distribution, and diversity in offshore waters; Develop a better understanding of marine mammal distribution, movement patterns, habitat use, population structure, and abundance; Develop reference library of visually-validated acoustic recordings of marine mammals. Methods: Visual surveys, photo-identification, biopsy and genetic analysis, satellite tagging, opportunistic acoustic recording during sightings Performing Organizations: National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Fisheries Science Center Timeline: 2017-2022 Funding: FY17 $183k; FY18 $164k+$265k; FY21 $533k; FY22 planned |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Determine what populations of marine mammals are exposed to Navy training and testing activities Establish the baseline habitat uses, seasonality, and movement patterns of marine mammals and ESA-listed species where Navy training and testing activities occur Establish the regional baseline vocalization behavior, including seasonality and acoustic characteristics) of marine mammals where Navy training and testing activities occur Application of passive acoustic tools and techniques for detecting, classifying, locating, and tracking marine mammals |
Continuing Marianas 2021; Gulf of Alaska 2022 |
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Title: Characterizing the distribution of ESA-listed salmonids in Washington and Alaska
Location: Washington and Gulf of Alaska Objectives: To use acoustic tagging technology to provide critical information on spatial and temporal distribution of salmonids to inform salmon management, U.S. Navy training activities, and SRKW conservation. The study seeks to 1) determine the occurrence and timing of salmonids within the Navy training ranges 2) describe the influence of environmental covariates on salmonid occurrence; and 3) describe the occurrence of salmonids in relation to Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) distribution in Washington. Methods: Acoustic telemetry (pinger tags) Performing Organizations: NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center Timeline: 2018-2022 Funding: FY18 $631K; FY19 $591K; FY20 $238K; FY21 planned |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas. Estimate the distribution, abundance, and density of marine mammals and ESA-listed species in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas. Establish the baseline habitat uses, seasonality, and movement patterns of marine mammals and ESA-listed species where Navy training and testing activities occur. |
Continuing |
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Title: Telemetry and Genetic Identity of Chinook Salmon in Alaska
Location: Gulf of Alaska and Washington Objectives: To use a combination of pop-up satellite technology and salmon genetics to provide critical information on Chinook salmon spatial and temporal distribution in the Gulf of Alaska and along the Washington coast to inform salmon management and U.S. Navy training activities. The study seeks to 1) determine the occurrence, timing, and specific run of Chinook salmon through genetics within the Navy training ranges; 2) describe the influence of environmental covariates on Chinook salmon occurrence; and 3) improve the understanding of run-specific timing and geographical occurrence of Chinook salmon as the prey of Southern Resident killer whales in Washington. Methods: Pop-up satellite tagging Performing Organizations: University of Alaska Fairbanks Timeline: 2020-2022 Funding: FY20 $441K; FY21 $222K |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas. Estimate the distribution, abundance, and density of marine mammals and ESA-listed species in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas. Establish the baseline habitat uses, seasonality, and movement patterns of marine mammals and ESA-listed species where Navy training and testing activities occur. |
Continuing |
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Title: Offshore Distribution of Southern Resident Killer Whales in the Pacific Northwest
Location: Washington (Northwest Training Range Complex, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport Range Complex) Objectives: 1) Identify and classify Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) detections from acoustic recorders and satellite tag tracking; 2) Develop a model to estimate the seasonal and annual occurrence patterns of southern resident killer whales relative to offshore Navy training ranges. 3) Characterize occurrence of anthropogenic sounds in potential SRKW habitat. 4) Develop state space habitat model for SRKW prey, based on fall Chinook salmon tagged released from California to British Columbia between 1977 and 1990 to estimate seasonal distribution along the west coast. Methods: Passive acoustic monitoring, model development, visual survey, satellite tagging, analysis of archived data Performing Organizations: NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center Timeline: 2014-2021 Funding: FY14 $439K; FY15 $426K; FY16 $369K; FY17 $247K; FY21 planned |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas |
Continuing |
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Title: Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammals in the Gulf of Alaska Temporary Maritime Activities Area
Location: Gulf of Alaska Temporary Maritime Activities Area Objectives: Determine spatial distribution and occurrence of beaked whales, other odontocetes, and baleen whales in offshore areas using passive acoustic recorders Methods: Passive acoustic monitoring Performing Organizations: Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California San Diego Timeline: 2011-2019 Funding: FY11 $300K; FY12 $285K; FY13 $250K; FY15 $280K; FY17 $250K |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas |
Completed |
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Title: North Pacific Humpback Whale Tagging
Location: Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Alaska Objectives: Determine the occurrence, movement patterns, and residency patterns of multiple humpback whale Distinct Population Segments within Pacific Ocean Navy Range Complexes Methods: Long-term satellite tracking, biopsy sampling, photo-identification Performing Organizations: Oregon State University Timeline: 2016-2020 Funding: FY17 $483k; FY18 $139k; FY19 $215k |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas. |
Current Final fieldwork 2019, reporting completed by 2021 |
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Title: Acoustic Tagging of Green Sturgeon to Evaluate Habitat Use Along the Washington Coast
Location: Washington (Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay) Objectives: With acoustic telemetry, determine 1) the location of green sturgeon detections within Washington, 2) the season for specific habitat use (e.g., estuaries; coastal waters), 3) the frequency an animal moves between coastal and estuarine waters, and 4) the range of each tagged animal. Methods: Acoustic telemetry (pinger tagging) Performing Organizations: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Timeline: 2020-2022 Funding: FY20 $158k |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Estimate the distribution, abundance, and density of marine mammals and ESA-listed species in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Establish the baseline habitat uses, seasonality, and movement patterns of marine mammals and ESA-listed species where Navy training and testing activities occur |
Continuing Beginning 2020 |
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Title: Satellite Tagging and Behavioral Monitoring of Male California Sea Lions in the Pacific Northwest to Assess Haul-out Behavior on Puget Sound Navy Facilities and Foraging Behavior in Marine Navy Testing and Training Areas
Location: Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Naval Station Everett Objectives: To determine the abundance and habitat use of California sea lions that haul out at Navy facilities and forage in testing and training areas Methods: Satellite and depth tags Performing Organizations: Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center; Washington Department of Marine Fisheries Service Timeline: 2013-2016 Funding: |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas. Estimate the distribution, abundance, and density of marine mammals and ESA-listed species in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Establish the baseline habitat uses, seasonality, and movement patterns of marine mammals and ESA-listed species where Navy training and testing activities occur. |
Completed |
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Title: Aerial Surveys of Marine Mammals Conducted in the Inland Puget Sound Waters of Washington, summer 2013 – winter 2016
Location: Northwest Training Range Complex, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport Range Complex, Puget Sound Washington Objectives: 1) Conduct aerial surveys during four seasonal periods within the inland Puget Sound Survey Area to assess potential differences in seasonal distribution, numbers, and behavioral state patterns of marine mammals; 2) Collect data to estimate densities of marine mammals in the inland Puget Sound waters for species with sufficient sightings; 3) Estimate abundance for each marine mammal species seen an adequate number of times; 4) Document the distribution and habitat use of each species observed; 5) Document and describe behaviors seen without performing focal follows. Methods: Aerial visual survey Performing Organizations: Smultea Environmental Sciences Timeline: 2013-2017 Funding: |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas. Estimate the distribution, abundance, and density of marine mammals and ESA-listed species in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Establish the baseline habitat uses, seasonality, and movement patterns of marine mammals and ESA-listed species where Navy training and testing activities occur Establish the baseline behavioral patterns (foraging, diving, etc.) of marine mammals where Navy training and testing activities occur |
Completed |
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Title: Occurrence of Green Sturgeon in Inland Waters (historical tag analysis)
Location: Washington Objectives: Compile green sturgeon tag and receiver data and analyze historical data for occurrence, distribution, and seasonality in Puget Sound and the Straits of Juan de Fuca Methods: Analysis of archived acoustic telemetry (pinger tags) Performing Organizations: NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center Timeline: 2020-2021 Funding: FY20 $33k |
Estimate the distribution, abundance, and density of marine mammals and ESA-listed species in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Establish the baseline habitat uses, seasonality, and movement patterns of marine mammals and ESA-listed species where Navy training and testing activities occur |
Current begins 2020 |
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Title: Coral survey at Farallon de Medinilla
Location: Farallon de Medinilla (FDM) Objectives: Assess presence and status of ESA-listed corals at FDM Methods: Geo-referenced dive survey, visual survey Performing Organizations: Naval Facilities Engineering Command Expeditionary Warfare Center, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific formerly SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific Timeline: 2017, 2022 (every 5 years) Funding: FY17 $255K; FY21 $299K |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas |
Continuing Survey performed in 2017, next survey planned for 2021/22 |
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Title: Small vessel visual surveys in the Mariana Islands Range Complex
Location: Guam and southern CNMI (Tinian, Saipan, Rota, Aguijan) Objectives: Identify species of beaked whales, odontocetes, and baleen whales that occur in the Mariana Islands; Monitor marine mammal and sea turtle presence, distribution, and diversity in nearshore waters during key seasons (summer and winter); Develop a better understanding of marine mammal distribution, movement patterns, habitat use, population structure, and abundance; Develop reference library of visually-validated acoustic recordings of marine mammals. Methods: Visual surveys (nearshore small vessel winter and summer season), photo-identification (develop catalogs for multiple cetacean species), biopsy and genetic analysis, satellite tagging, opportunistic acoustic recording during sightings Performing Organizations: National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Cetacean Research Program Timeline: 2010-2019 Funding: FY14 $458k; FY15 $495k; FY16 $489k; FY17 $352k; FY18 $307k |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Evaluate potential exposure of marine mammals and ESA-listed species to Navy training and testing activities Determine what populations of marine mammals are exposed to Navy training and testing activities Establish the baseline habitat uses, seasonality, and movement patterns of marine mammals and ESA-listed species where Navy training and testing activities occur Establish the regional baseline vocalization behavior, including seasonality and acoustic characteristics) of marine mammals where Navy training and testing activities occur Application of passive acoustic tools and techniques for detecting, classifying, locating, and tracking marine mammals |
Completed |
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Title: Pilot survey for humpback whales at Farallon de Medinilla
Location: Farallon de Medinilla (FDM) Objectives: The goal of the visual surveys is to collect individually-identifying information from humpback whales present near and around Farallon de Medinilla (FDM) Methods: Visual survey, photo identification Performing Organizations: NAVFAC Pacific, HDR Inc., PIFSC NOAA Timeline: 2019-2020 Funding: FY19 $87.5k |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Establish the baseline habitat uses, seasonality, and movement patterns of marine mammals and ESA-listed species where Navy training and testing activities occur Establish the baseline behavioral patterns (foraging, diving, etc.) of marine mammals where Navy training and testing activities occur |
current survey complete, reporting in progress |
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Title: Pilot study for shore based humpback surveys in Saipan
Location: Saipan Objectives: Humpback whale nearshore distribution in nearshore Saipan waters Methods: Combined shore based surveys for humpbacks with rapid small boat responses to sightings for satellite tagging, biopsy and photo-identification Performing Organizations: National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Cetacean Research Program Timeline: 2015 Funding: FY15 $67k |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Determine what populations of marine mammals are exposed to Navy training and testing activities Establish the baseline habitat uses, seasonality, and movement patterns of marine mammals and ESA-listed species where Navy training and testing activities occur Establish the baseline vocalization behavior of marine mammals where Navy training and testing activities occur |
Completed |
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Title: Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammals Using Gliders in Marianas
Location: Guam, CNMI Objectives: Identify acoustically distinct species of beaked whales, odontocetes, and baleen whales that occur in the Mariana Islands; develop a better understanding of marine mammal distribution, habitat use, and abundance Methods: Passive acoustic monitoring on underwater gliders Performing Organizations: HDR, Oregon State University, University of Washington Timeline: 2014-2016 Funding: FY13 $397k |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Establish the baseline habitat uses, seasonality, and movement patterns of marine mammals and ESA-listed species where Navy training and testing activities occur Establish the baseline vocalization behavior of marine mammals where Navy training and testing activities occur |
Completed |
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Title: Mariana Islands Sea Turtle and Cetacean Survey (MISTICS)
Location: Mariana Island Chain offshore Objectives: Determine what species of marine mammals and sea turtles are present and estimate abundance. Methods: visual survey, photo identification Performing Organizations: U.S. Navy NAVFAC Pacific, HDR Inc. Timeline: 2007 Funding: $4.5M |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Estimate the distribution, abundance, and density of marine mammals and ESA-listed species in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas |
Completed |
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Title: Pacific Islands comprehensive stranding investigations
Location: Hawaii, Guam, CNMI Objectives: Conduct comprehensive investigations of stranded marine mammals throughout the Pacific Islands with emphasis on the Hawaiian and Mariana Island chains. This includes conducting necropsies of stranded animals, collecting and archiving samples, conducting disease screening, genetic testing, and analysis of historical data. The objective is to examine stranding patterns and causes of death for marine mammals in the Pacific Islands. Methods: necropsy, disease screening, genetic testing Performing Organizations: University of Hawaii Stranding Laboratory Timeline: 2018-2023 Funding: FY18 $118k, FY20 $324k; FY21 TBD |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Establish the baseline habitat uses, seasonality, and movement patterns of marine mammals and ESA-listed species where Navy training and testing activities occur |
Continuing |
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Title: Sea turtle tagging in the Mariana Islands Range Complex
Location: Guam, Tinian, Saipan Objectives: Develop a better understanding of sea turtle distribution and habitat use in the Mariana Islands, particularly in relation to locations used by the Navy for underwater detonation training Methods: Sea turtle satellite tagging, habitat use analysis of tag data, historical analysis Performing Organizations: National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program Timeline: 2013-2022 Funding: FY13 $99K, FY14 $120K, FY15 $200K, FY16 $193K, FY17 $180K FY18 $218K |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas |
Continuing final field season in 2021, final reporting in 2022 |
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Title: Cuvier's Beaked Whale, Blue Whale, and Fin Whale Impact Assessments at Non-Instrumented Range Locations in the SOCAL Range Complex
Location: Southern California Objectives: Further our understanding of the Monitoring Questions: What, if any, are the short term behavioral and/or vocal responses when exposed to sonar or explosions at different levels or conditions? Does exposure to sonar or explosives impact the long term fitness and survival of individuals or the population, species or stock? (with focus on blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale, Cuvier's beaked whale, and other regional beaked whale species) Methods: PAM, satellite tagging, Photo-ID, visual survey Performing Organizations: Scripps Institution of Oceanography Timeline: 2014-2016 Funding: $300,000 - $600,000 |
Establish the baseline habitat uses and movement patterns of marine mammals and sea turtles where Navy training and testing activities occur Establish the regional baseline vocalization behavior, including seasonality and acoustic characteristics) of marine mammals where Navy training and testing activities occur Determine what behaviors can most effectively be assessed for potential response to Navy training and testing activities Application of passive acoustic tools and techniques for detecting, classifying, and tracking marine mammals Evaluate behavioral responses of marine mammals exposed to Navy training and testing activities to support PCoD development Leverage existing data with newly developed analysis tools and techniques |
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Title: Marine mammal sightings during CalCOFI cruises
Location: Southern California Objectives: Further our understanding of the Monitoring Question: "What is the seasonal occurrence and density of cetaceans within the Navy's Southern California Range Complex?" Methods: Visual survey (CALCOFI) Performing Organizations: Scripps Institution of Oceanography Timeline: 2004-2018 Funding: $100,000 - $130,000 |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Establish the baseline habitat uses and movement patterns of marine mammals and sea turtles where Navy training and testing activities occur |
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Title: Blue And Fin Whale Satellite Tagging
Location: Southern California Objectives: Further our understanding of the Monitoring Question: What are the occurrence, movement patterns, and residency patterns of blue and fin whales within Navy U.S West Coast at-sea ranges as compared to the rest of their distribution throughout the Pacific Ocean? Methods: Satellite tagging, photo-ID, biopsy, visual survey Methods: Satellite tagging, photo-ID, biopsy, visual survey Performing Organizations: Oregon State University Timeline: 2014-2017 Funding: $600,000-$1,000,000 |
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals and ESA-listed species are present in Navy range complexes, testing ranges, and in specific training and testing areas Establish the baseline habitat uses and movement patterns of marine mammals and sea turtles where Navy training and testing activities occur Establish the baseline behavioral patterns(foraging, diving, etc.) of marine mammals where Navy training and testing activities occur |
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