At-sea seabird censuses. Data on the species encountered (including marine mammals), their abundance, distribution and behavior. Data collected aboard cruises off the coast of the Western Antarctic Penninsula, 1993 - present.
The objectives of the LTER seabird component during the 92-93 season cruises were similar. These objectives included 1) determining the pelagic abundance and distribution of Adelie Penguins, 2) examining how the physical and biological characteristics of the marine environment influence these parame...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Dataset |
| Language: | English |
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Environmental Data Initiative
2014
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| Online Access: | https://dx.doi.org/10.6073/pasta/e3871e749fa737dd94d5a269ac90e8ce https://portal.edirepository.org/nis/mapbrowse?packageid=knb-lter-pal.100.1 |
| Summary: | The objectives of the LTER seabird component during the 92-93 season cruises were similar. These objectives included 1) determining the pelagic abundance and distribution of Adelie Penguins, 2) examining how the physical and biological characteristics of the marine environment influence these parameters and, 3) using these data to identify foraging areas that may be important to Adelie populations being studied as part of land-based work at Palmer Station. Secondary objectives included documenting the abundance and distribution of other seabirds and marine mammals within the LTER study area. The focus of the January cruise was the nearshore foraging habitat,which required sampling at smaller scales. All seabird censuses were thus conducted within approximately 100 kms of Palmer Station while traversing a sampling grid with stations at 10km intervals. The first two days (18-20 January) of this cruise were spent covering the selected grid as rapidly as possible resulting in 45 transects spaced at 45-60 minute intervals. There were no stops at the 10km stations during this Fast Grid phase. Upon completion of the Fast Grid, a force 12 gale suspended data collection for 24 hours. From January 22-25 the grid direction was reversed and the grid repeated. During this Slow Grid phase, 2-M net tows were done at 10km intervals and BOPS and 1-M and 2-M net tows every 20 km. All seabird censuses during the cruise were done using the procedures outlined in the previous paragraph. |
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