SCORE study area with designated military operating areas outlined in red and white.

marine mammal studies at the southern california offshore range (score)

We began conducting small-vessel surveys in association with the Marine Mammal Monitoring (M3R) on Navy Ranges program in 2006.  This has grown into our largest and longest area of research, expanding from basic species identification surveys to focused studies on the effect of sonar and other military activities on local species. Results from this study can be found on the "Publications" and "Reports" pages with more to be published very soon. 

telemetry 

 ReeeWe use a variety of systems for collecting data on free-ranging marine mammals in our work. Tags allow us to collect data that are not attainable from observations alone. These include movements, habitat use, and diving behavior. We use these data to gather baseline information and to assess how anthropogenic impacts such as military activities may have individual and population level impacts with with an overarching goal that our research informs conservation and management policies for the preservation of these species. Refer to the "Publications" and "Reports" pages to see what we have accomplished using this technology.

LIMPET tag deployment on a Cuvier's beaked whale at SCORE. Erin Falcone, 2013, under NMFS permit #16111

An example of the digital catalog management system custom built by MarEcoTel staff for fin whales.

photo-identification

Photo-ID is a major component of almost every project we conduct.  We currently maintain identification catalogs and sighting history data for fin whales and Cuvier's beaked whales along the US West Coast.