Pilot study for shore based humpback surveys in Saipan
Technical Approach
Work was conducted in conjunction with the project Small vessel visual surveys in the Mariana Islands. With this pilot project, a shore station was set up at a high elevation location to conduct visual surveys of coastal areas. Shore-based observations were conducted from elevated stations around Saipan to look for humpback whales. On some days, shore-based observations were conducted from locations along the northern Saipan coastline when the small boat was on the water, however efforts were not coordinated. Other shore-based observations were conducted from locations around Saipan when the conditions were too rough for small-boat operations.
