Pelorus Sound / Te Hoiere (HS66) Hydrographic Survey Marine Mammal Observations

Study Extent

Pelorus Sound / Te Hoiere, Admiralty Bay and French Pass. Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand

Sampling

Marine Mammal Observations from a hydrographic multibeam survey

Quality Control

The crew on board survey vessels underwent a briefing with NIWA’s senior experienced trained Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Niki Davey. MMO sightings were matched against photography and WORMS for validation of species identification. Positions were plotted within a GIS to ensure geographic integrity

Method steps

1. The crew on board the survey vessels underwent a briefing with NIWA’s senior experienced trained Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Niki Davey. Marine mammal observations and subsequent sightings are only required when the multibeam is in operation (on effort). However any opportunistic sightings made at any other time were encouraged to be recorded as well. During this meeting the crew were briefed in the following areas to ensure a rigorous as possible approach to recording marine mammal sightings is being taken: * Identification: An identification booklet outlining the features of the 8 important marine mammal species known in the Marlborough Sounds was provided to each vessel. This includes notes on fin shape, beak presence/absence, colouration and an indication of adult size. The species we can expect the crew to encounter are Bottlenose, Dusky, Hectors, common dolphins, and Killer (Orca), humpback, southern right whales. Also to be recorded was the New Zealand fur seal. * Logsheets: These were provided for the crew and covered the general areas of animal number and species, environment at sea, location and animal details. The priority fields included GPS location (of vessel when sighting made), species to best of ability, number of animals and whether a photo was taken. Each log sheet field was discussed during the briefing. * Photography: A camera was provided for the crew on the survey vessels. Images of the animals were encouraged when it was possible. Emphasis was made on beaks and fins. * Environmental: Laminated sheets covering the Beaufort scale was provided for additional information in the environmental section. * Observations: The crew were also briefed on the difficulties in spotting marine mammals up against a coastal back drop such as the Sounds and recommendations were to look using both the naked eye and with binoculars. Also vigilance was emphasised when the vessels enter bays and come around headlands. Also known areas of resident populations have been noted with extra vigilance encouraged here also. * Reporting: The logsheets were scanned and sent to the MMO on a weekly basis.

Pelorus Sound / Te Hoiere, Admiralty Bay and French Pass. Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand