Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) sightings and population estimates for the Canadian High Arctic 2002-2004 ...

• Main Authors: Richard, Pierre R, Laake, J, Hobbs, R C, Heide-Jørgensen, Mads Peter, Asselin, Natalie C, Cleator, H
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: PANGAEA 2010
• Subjects: International Polar Year 2007-2008 IPY; Baffin Island; Baffin; Eclipse Sound; International Polar Year; IPY; Monodon monoceros; narwhal*; Prince Regent Inlet
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.1594/pangaea.819059; https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.819059

Aerial surveys of narwhals (Monodon monoceros) were conducted in the Canadian High Arctic during the month of August from 2002 to 2004. The surveys covered the waters of Barrow Strait, Prince Regent Inlet, the Gulf of Boothia, Admiralty Inlet, Eclipse Sound, and the eastern coast of Baffin Island, using systematic sampling methods. Fiords were flown along a single transect down the middle. Near-surface population estimates increased by 1.9%-8.7% when corrected for perception bias. The estimates were further increased by a factor of approximately 3, to account for individuals not seen because they were diving when the survey plane flew over (availability bias). These corrections resulted in estimates of 27 656 (SE = 14 939) for the Prince Regent and Gulf of Boothia area, 20 225 (SE = 7285) for the Eclipse Sound area, and 10 073 (SE = 3123) for the East Baffin Island fiord area. The estimate for the Admiralty Inlet area was 5362 (SE = 2681) but is thought to be biased. Surveys could not be done in other known ... : Data extracted in the frame of a joint ICSTI/PANGAEA IPY effort, see http://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.150150 ...