San Diego Bay Marine Mammal Surveys

SSC Pacific scientists are supporting Commander, Navy Region Southwest, with continuing endemic marine mammal surveys in San Diego Bay. Marine mammal (and sea turtle) sightings will be recorded using the real-time Whale Identification Logging and Display (WILD) system currently under development by SSC Pacific scientists (below). This effort is focusing on determination of abundance and population trends of marine mammals in and around San Diego Bay.

Real-time water quality data, including conductivity, temperature, salinity, pH, etc., are being collected along survey transects utilizing the Marine Environmental Survey Capability embarked aboard the R/V ECOS. Spatial mapping of species occurrence and water-quality data, along with comparison to seasonal variations and potential associations with water quality indices, will be analyzed over the project's 18-month period of performance.

Capabilities:

• Real-time environmental data collection
• GIS data management

Applications:

• Natural resource management
• MMPA/ESA compliance support