Marine Mammal Sighting and Census data were collected from Coastal Alaska. Data were collected by Alaska Department of Fish and Game from 05 May 1985 to 13 June 1985. Data were processed by NODC to the NODC standard F127 Marine Mammal Sighting and Census format. This file format is used for data from field observations of marine animals. Data may be reported either for individual, random sightings or for sightings made as part of systematic ship or aircraft surveys along specified tracks. These data provide information on animal population densities and distributions, activities, migratory routes and breeding locales. Cruise or survey information, start and end positions, start and end times, and platform speed, direction, and altitude are reported for each observation or series of observations. Position, date and time are reported for each sighting location, along with a code indicating presence or absence of animals and, if present, their distance to the observer, shoreline, and ice edge and heading direction. For each sighting location, animal sighting data are reported by species for all observed species. Species identification, total number of individuals, and counts by age group (adults, subadults, juveniles, unknown) may be reported in summary for all animals sighted or by subgroups distinguished by sex, behavior, markings, or other characteristics. A text record is available for comments.

Individual Animal and other data were collected using visual observation and other instruments from AIRCRAFT in the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and Arctic Ocean. Data were collected from 02 September 1990 to 07 November 1991 by US DOI; Minerals Management Service in Anchorage (MMS). Data has been processed by NODC to the NODC standard Marine Mammal Sighting and Census (F127) format. The F127 format is used for data from field observations of marine animals. Data may be reported either for individual, random sightings or for sightings made as part of systematic ship or aircraft surveys along specified tracks. These data provide information on animal population densities and distributions, activities, migratory routes and breeding locales. Cruise or survey information, start and end positions, start and end times, and platform speed, direction, and altitude are reported for each observation or series of observations. Position, date and time are reported for each sighting location, along with a code indicating presence or absence of animals and, if present, their distance to the observer, shoreline, and ice edge and heading direction. For each sighting location, animal sighting data are reported by species for all observed species. Species identification, total number of individuals, and counts by age group (adults, subadults, juveniles, unknown) may be reported in summary for all animals sighted or by subgroups distinguished by sex, behavior, markings, or other characteristics. A text record is available for comments.

This dataset contains vessel- and aircraft-based mammal sightings data and associated environmental data collected in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas during the open water season 2006-2010. The aerial data are derived from marine mammal observers aboard aircrafts flown at 1000 ft to 1500 ft. The data contains marine mammal sightings data and associated environmental data collected during the open water season 2006-2010 (excluding 2009) in Chukchi Sea and Beaufort Sea. In addition, this metadata describes aerial navigational GPS data recorded during observations. Data collection methods changed slightly between years. The metadata for each attribute should be studied carefully before these data are used for analyses.

The aerial surveys of Whales data in this accession were collected from aircraft by Don Llungblad over the Chukchi Sea between September 1987 and October 1988 by Sea World Research Institute, San Diego, CA. The data were submitted by Ms. Karen M. McClune in a tape. The data have been processed and are available in F127-Marine-Animal-Sightings file format of NODC.

Whale monitoring biological data was collected from Chukchi Sea by Sea World Research Institute, San Diego, CA. The data was collected over three month period spanning from September 20 to November 3, 1989. The data submitted by Ms. Karen M. McClune has been processed by NODC and is available in F127-Marine Animal Sightings file format.

This data set was collected as part of the Joint Monitoring Program during seismic activities in the Chukchi Sea. The 2006 data was collected by ship and aircraft as part of the Joint Monitoring Program during seismic activities in the Chukchi Sea in summer and fall of 2006. The 2007 data was collected by ship as part of the Marine Mammal Monitoring and Mitigation During Open Water Seismic Exploration program in summer and fall of 2007. The objective of the surveys was to update data on distribution and relative abundance of marine mammals in coastal areas of the eastern Chukchi Sea during the open-water season.

The aerial surveys of Whales data in this accession were collected from aircraft by Steve Tracey over the Bering Sea between September 1987 and October 1988 by Sea World Research Institute, San Diego, CA. The data were submitted by Ms. Karen M. McClune in a tape. The data have been processed and are available in F127-Marine-Animal-Sightings file format of NODC.