IMIS

From 9 July to 22 August, 1992, a part of a larger study, the southeastern Bearing Sea and waters surrounding the Aleutian Islands were surveyed for killer whales (Orcinus orca) from the NOAA Brielyn Marie using line transect methodology. To provide adequate coverage throughout the area, the study was limited to areas of known killer whale concentrations. The vessel was 36.5 m (113 ft) long and had a bridge height of 6.0 m (18.5 feet). The objectives of this study were as follows: 1) Develop a photographic identification catalogue of each killer whale encountered, and its pod, to determine pod identity, distribution, and movements relative to annual survey effort, 2) Obtain minimum population estimated of killer whales in the central/eastern Aleutians and the south side of the Alaskan peninsula, and 3) Establish baseline data for detecting annual changes in abundance.