Karin Forney

Research Interests:

Since 1987, I have conducted research on the abundance, distribution, ecology, and status of over 25 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in the eastern and central North Pacific Ocean, with emphasis on small cetaceans. In recent years, I have also collaborated on studies of endangered leatherback turtles off California. My research interests include 1) oceanographic variability and its effect on the abundance and distribution of cetaceans and other marine vertebrates, 2) habitat-based predictive modeling of cetacean density and distribution, 3) monitoring and mitigating impacts of human-caused mortality and injury on protected species, and 4) quantitative methods for estimating marine animal abundance and evaluating population trends. Additional responsibilities include writing or co-authoring annual Stock Assessment Reports for Pacific Marine Mammal Stocks under NMFS jurisdiction, and conducting field research in small aircraft and aboard oceanographic research vessels.

Education:

• PhD in Oceanography, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA
• M.S. in Biology University of California, San Diego
• B.A. in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, University of California, San Diego

Selected Publications:

• Barlow, J., and Forney, K.A. 2007. Abundance and density of cetaceans in the California Current ecosystem. Fishery Bulletin 105(4): 509-526.
• Benson, S. R., K. A. Forney, J. T. Harvey, J. V. Carretta, and P.H Dutton. 2007. Abundance, distribution and habitat of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) off California, 1990-2003. Fishery Bulletin 105:337-347.
• Forney, K.A. and D. Kobayashi. 2007. Updated estimates of mortality and injury of cetaceans in the Hawaii-based longline fishery, 1994-2005. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SWFSC-412. 30p.
• Forney, K. A. 2007. Preliminary Estimates of Cetacean Abundance along the U.S. West Coast and within four National Marine Sanctuaries during 2005. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SWFSC-TM-406. 27 p.
• Yoklavich, M.M., M. S. Love, and K.A. Forney. 2007. A fishery-independent assessment of an overfished rockfish stock, cowcod (Sebastes levis), using direct observations from an occupied submersible. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 64:1-10.
• Redfern, J.V., M.C. Ferguson, E.A. Becker, K.D. Hyrenbach, C. Good, J. Barlow, K. Kaschner, M.F. Baumgartner, K.A. Forney, L.T. Ballance, P. Fauchald, P. Halpin, T. Hamazaki, A.J. Pershing, S.S. Qian, A. Read, S.B. Reilly, L. Torres, F. Werner. Techniques for Cetacean-Habitat Modeling: A Review. 2006. Marine Ecology Progress Series 310:271-295.
• Forney, K.A. and P. Wade. 2006. Worldwide distribution and abundance of killer whales. Pages 145-162 In: "Whales, whaling and ocean ecosystems", J.A. Estes, R.L. Brownell, Jr., D.P DeMaster, D.F. Doak, and T.M. Williams (eds), University of California Press. 418p.
• Forney, K. A., S. R. Benson and G. A. Cameron. 2001. Central California gillnet effort and bycatch of sensitive species, 1990-98. p. 141-160 In: E. F. Melvin and J. K. Parrish (eds), “Seabird Bycatch: Trends, Roadblocks and Solutions”. University of Alaska Sea Grant Publication AK-SG-01-01, Fairbanks, Alaska. 212p.
• Forney, K. A. 2000. Environmental models of cetacean abundance: reducing uncertainty in population trends. Conservation Biology 14(5):1271-1286.
• Forney, K. A. and J. Barlow. 1998. Seasonal patterns in the abundance and distribution of California cetaceans, 1991-92. Marine Mammal Science 14:460-489.
• Forney, K. A., J. Barlow and J. V. Carretta. 1995. The abundance of cetaceans in California waters: Part II. Aerial surveys in winter and spring of 1991 and 1992. Fishery Bulletin 93:15-26.