Polar Bears in the Deep Offshore Regions of the Beaufort Sea: A Preliminary Study to Estimate Distribution and Density in Previously Under-Surveyed Area, 2011-2012
The aerial survey of polar bears in the offshore region of the Beaufort Sea was conducted between March 21 and March 30, 2012. A total of 7 776 km were flown on transect with 4 observers and 2 pilots. A total of 4 bears were sighted in the primary study area, which consisted of 2 adult females and 2...
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| Format: | Dataset |
| Language: | English |
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Canadian Cryospheric Information Network
2015
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| Online Access: | https://dx.doi.org/10.5443/11958 https://www.polardata.ca/pdcsearch/?doi_id=11958 |
| Summary: | The aerial survey of polar bears in the offshore region of the Beaufort Sea was conducted between March 21 and March 30, 2012. A total of 7 776 km were flown on transect with 4 observers and 2 pilots. A total of 4 bears were sighted in the primary study area, which consisted of 2 adult females and 2 yearlings. Insufficient data prevented an estimated sightability function, so existing data was used to estimate polar bear density in the area, which was found to be one of the lowest polar bear densities across their range. Observation data is available in both excel and csv formats. For the GPS data, the dates and coordinates that do not correspond to the area of study and time period of this metadata were acquired during off-survey flight time. The GPS data is available in both text and gpx formats. : Purpose: The potential presence of polar bears in the deep waters of the offshore region of the Beaufort Sea has been a longstanding interest of Inuvialuit communities, but scientific surveys for bears in this region have never been undertaken. Led by the Joint Secretariat, this study involved an aerial survey in early March 2012 to document the distribution and density of polar bear in the deep offshore region of the Beaufort Sea. Preliminary estimates of bear density in the offshore region will enable regulators to better understand the potential effects of offshore oil and gas development activities on these marine mammals. At the same time, results from this study will help guide further studies into population structure in this part of the Beaufort Sea, eventually leading to a longer-term understanding of polar bears in the region. : Summary: Not Applicable |
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