Bowhead Whales and acoustic seismic surveys in the Beaufort Sea

• Published in: Polar Record
• Main Authors: Reeves, Randall R., Ljungblad, Donald K., Clarke, Janet T.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1984
• Subjects: General Earth and Planetary Sciences; Ecology; Geography, Planning and Development; Balaena mysticetus; Beaufort Sea; Polar Record
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0032247400005398; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0032247400005398

Abstract Seismic survey activities in the western Beaufort Sea, involving ships and sound production, were monitored in autumn 1982 for their possible effects on migrating Bowhead whales Balaena mysticetus . The study, begun in 1981 by die Minerals Management Service of the US Department of the Interior, covered offshore waters between the Alaskan coast and 72°N. Distribution, behaviour and numbers of whales were recorded, and procedures were established for monitoring and controlling seismic activities in their presence.