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Photo by Thomas Jefferson
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The annual shore-based survey monitoring the northward migration of gray whale cows and calves is currently underway at the Piedras Blancas Light Station.
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The Protected Resources Division (PRD) of the Southwest Fisheries Science Center conducts research on marine mammals and turtles in all oceans of the world, with special focus on the eastern Pacific. Our major field research is conducted through two types of Research Vessel Surveys: Abundance and Ecosystem Assessment Surveys, and Process (question-based) Surveys and Aerial Surveys. We also conduct shore-based surveys and research from small boats. Our laboratory-based research focuses on molecular genetics, photogrammetry, stable isotopes, hormone assays, and passive acoustics. |
| The Marine Mammal Protection Act mandates that we maintain populations at Optimum Sustainable Levels and as functioning elements of their ecosystem. The Endangered Species Act mandates that we prevent extinction and recover species. Both acts require that we investigate population structure, estimate population size and trends in abundance, identify and mitigate anthropogenic threats, and designate critical habitat. Our research is also guided by the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act, the management needs of NOAA and the U.S. delegations to a number of international agreements, and a variety of additional agreements and conventions. Because marine mammals and turtles are transboundary, our research is necessarily international in scope. |
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Our primary mission is to assess marine mammals and turtles relative to management objectives in U.S. waters, or oceans where the U.S. has a vested interest. The research feeding into our assessment science has four components: 1) abundance estimation and monitoring of abundance trends, 2) identification of units to conserve, 3) quantifying life history, condition, and health, and 4) understanding ecosystem state (structure and function). We also strive to identify and mitigate threats, support users of our data, and educate and build capacity. These elements combine to advance the science of management and conservation, our ultimate goal.
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| | WHAT'S NEW? | | | 5/8/2012 | | BBC Filming of Gray Whale Survey | | The SWFSC gray whale calf count at Piedras Blancas Lighthouse will be featured on the BBC production "Planet Earth Live"and will play on National Geographic in the U.S. starting around mid May. To learn more about eastern North Pacific gray |
| | | 4/23/2012 | | SWFSC Scientists and Gray Whales are Forging New Paths | | The California gray whale is a beloved icon, drawing crowds to the beaches for a close up look at these migrating denizens. Their journey is one of the longest made by any mammal, covering over 12,000 miles round trip, from |
| | | | | 3/15/2012 | | Antarctic Killer Whale Research Featured in Upcoming TV Series | | Discovery's television series "Frozen Planet" features research and field work recently performed by Southwest Fisheries Science Center scientists Bob Pitman and John Durban. Visit the site to learn more and watch video, including that of the cooperative hunting behavior of |
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