AK-25-03b, Passive Acoustic Monitoring for Cetaceans in Lower Cook Inlet

The purpose of this study is to conduct data collection, analysis, and synthesis components for the project Passive Acoustic Monitoring for Cetaceans in Lower Cook Inlet conducted in partnership between BOEM and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Alaska Fisheries Science Center Marine Mammal Laboratory (AFSC-MML). The proposed study will use passive acoustic monitoring to characterize the acoustic and oceanographic environment and document the temporal occurrence of humpback, right, fin, minke, killer, and beluga whales and other cetaceans at the three entrances to LCI, Alaska. Data from the project will be used to relate variation in marine mammal occurrence to oceanographic conditions. The specific objectives of this agreement are:Participate in the preparation, deployment, and recovery of integrated sub-surface moorings in the three entrances to LCI.Provide information on temporal and spatial occurrence of marine mammals within the study area by analyzing data from standard passive acoustic recorders and echolocation detectors.Provide information on the temporal and spatial presence of anthropogenic noise sources within the study area.Contribute expert interpretation of results for investigation of marine mammal trends in relation to oceanographic inflow events.The eligible recipient is the University of Washington.