Staff l Publications l Life History l Photogrammetry
The Photogrammetry and Life History Program continues to develop new tools for the assessment of marine mammals, and contribute crucial data to our mandated research efforts. Working closely with our colleagues in the Protected Resources Division, our team monitors the life history, condition and health of populations, and collects data essential to regular abundance estimates.
- Our Stranding Program and Fishery Observer Program are integral to the collection of life history data.
- Our Frozen Tissue Archive holds a treasure trove of information, and as lab techniques advance, we continue to learn new kinds of information from these samples.
- Is that dolphin pregnant? We developed a new way to find out, by measuring steroid hormones in blubber.
- Our photogrammetry team has successfully made the transition to a digital camera system this year - a major accomplishment!
Current Research
Ecosystem Survey of Delphinus Species
Fieldwork Highlights
- CA Coastal Bottlenose Dolphin Health Assessment Research:
The Photogrammetry and Life History Program has initiated the development of a new marine mammal health assessment project. This is a collaborative effort with several institutions, bringing together a diversity of expertise. The first phase of fieldwork began in November 2008, and is focused on assessment of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as PCBs, DDTs, HCHs and PBDEs, in coastal bottlenose dolpins off San Diego County and around the Channel Islands.
- Killer Whales sighted off La Jolla, CA - January 15, 2009:
PRD scientists encountered a pod of eight Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) off La Jolla on January 15, 2009. The pod included two adult males and two calves. The orcas chased a large school of Common Dolphin (Delphinus sp.) offshore. See photos from this rare sighting. To learn about PRD's research on Killer Whale genetics, click here.
- Snowball Fight! Scientist vs. Killer Whale:
Bob Pitman shares the story of his snowball fight with a Killer Whale in Antarctica. This amazing interaction took place during a field study with Wayne Perryman and Don LeRoi in 2007. http://www.livescience.com/animals/090206-nhm-killer-whale-snowball.html
Recent Publications
Kellar, N.M., Trego, M.L.,Marks, C.I.,Chivers, S.J., Danil, K. and Archer, F.I. 2009. Blubber testosterone: A potential marker of male reproductive status in short-beaked common dolphins. Marine Mammal Science 25(3):507-22.
Gilpatrick, J. and W. Perryman. 2008. Geographic variation in external morphology of North Pacific and Southern Hemisphere blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). Journal of Cetacean Resource Management 10(1):9-21.
Paula A. Olson and Tim Gerrodette. Killer Whales of the Eastern Tropical Pacific: A Catalog of Photo-Identified Individuals. NOAA Technical Memorandum. NOAA-NMFS-SWFSC.
This catalog contains 195 individual killer whales, photographed during SWFSC surveys in the Eastern Tropical Pacific 1986-2006. It also illustrates the movements of whales sighted multiple times.
Mandates
Marine Mammal Protection Act
Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (MMHSRP and 1992 amendments)
Oceans and Human Health Initiative (OHHI 2005)
Ecosystem Approach (NOAA Strategic Plan)