Kaua‘i field project - August 2026
August 25, 2026
Researchers from Cascadia Research Collective are conducting a 9-day field session off Kaua'i to deploy LIMPET satellite tags on odontocete cetaceans prior to a Submarine Command Course (SCC) to be able to examine their behavior before, during, and after the training event. Click on the image below to see daily updates from the field.
Killer Whale Ecotype Study (KWEST) kicks off
July 27, 2026
Research scientists from the University of Washington and NOAA recently departed from Kodiak, AK aboard the R/V Aquila for a 2-month research cruise focused on distinct groups of killer whales, or ecotypes, that hunt different prey and travel in different parts of the Gulf of Alaska.
Happy Whale Humpback Happenings
June 22, 2026
A few interesting matches have come out of our Mid-Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalog efforts and partnership with Happy Whale!
2024-2025 Large Whale Season Summary
March 24, 2025
We have two separate efforts focusing on cetaceans off the coast of Virginia. The first is our Offshore (Outer Continental Shelf) Cetacean Study, which focuses primarily on deep diving odontocetes like sperm whales. The second effort is our Nearshore and Mid-Shelf Baleen Whale Monitoring Project.
Kaua'i Field Work Updates
February 20, 2025
Scientists from Cascadia Research Collective recently completed a ~9-day field project off Kaua’i that started on February 9th. This project is timed to occur prior to a Submarine Command Course (SCC) training event. The primary goal is to deploy satellite telemetry tags on multiple species of odontocete cetaceans prior to the SCC, to be able to examine their behavior before, during, and after the event. This approach has been very successful in the past as a way of examining how different species respond to Navy training activities including mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). Click through the picture below to see daily updates.
Winter is here in Virginia, and so are the seals!
January 21, 2025
NAVFAC LANT researchers are back at it for the 11th field season of monitoring gray and harbor seals at two major haul-out locations in southeastern Virginia.
First Satellite Tag Deployments for Atlantic BRS 2024
July 8, 2024
In June 2024, a Duke University team initiated the Atlantic Behavioral Response Study (BRS) by deploying satellite-linked dive recorders on goose-beaked whales (Cuvier's beaked whales) off the coast of North Carolina. These tags collect data on the whales' diving behavior and locations, enhancing understanding of their baseline activities. Additionally, the team released a rehabilitated hawksbill sea turtle named Bagheera back into the Atlantic Ocean.
Mesoplodon mysterioso
June 13, 2024
We are thrilled to be part of the "Mystery Mesoplodon Expedition" off the west coast of Baja California searching for an elusive new species of beaked whale. Read about the initial discovery and stay tuned for updates on this exciting expedition!
It’s Whale Season in the Mid-Atlantic!
November 20, 2023
Baleen whale season has started in the mid-Atlantic and we have several projects in the region studying their occurrence and behavior.
Coming full circle – right whale mom returns with calf
March 15, 2023
Previously CATS tagged Right whale "Smoke" is sighted again in VA with a calf.
Right Whale Party in the Mid-Atlantic
February 4, 2023
A Surface Active Group of North Atlantic right whales off the coast of Virginia.
An Urban Whale
February 3, 2023
A juvenile North Atlantic right whale finds itself in a busy area.
Right whales are on the move!
November 23, 2022
Two female right whales were sighted off Virginia during their southbound migration.
Cuvier's from Cape to Canyon
September 16, 2022
Photo ID match of a Goose-beaked whale between Cape Hatteras and Virginia Beach after two years.
Atlantic BRS – 2022 CEE with the USS Farragut
August 26, 2022
A controlled exposure success story using a Navy ship.
August 2022 Kaua‘i Field Project
August 18, 2022
Cascadia Research Collective began an 8-10 day field project off Kaua’i starting on August 16th. This project is timed to occur prior to a Submarine Command Course (SCC). Their primary goal is to deploy LIMPET satellite tags on one or more species of odontocete cetaceans prior to the SCC, to be able to examine their behavior before, during, and after the SCC. This approach has been very successful in the past as a way of examining how different species respond to Navy training activities including mid-frequency active sonar.
Pinniped season has begun in SE Virginia
October 27, 2021
Camera traps have been installed to track seals in Virginia.
Tracking an endangered North Atlantic right whale
March 15, 2021
A yearling right whale was tagged off the coast of VA and tracked for 12 days.
Fantastic video of an encounter with North Atlantic right whales off the coast of Virginia Beach
January 27, 2021
Footage of three right whales off Virginia.
One whale tagged twice.
March 8, 2019
D-tag and limpet tag on a humpback whale.
Blue whales and sei whales and right whales - OH MY!!!
April 18, 2018
A spring aggregation of endangered whales offshore.
Repeat tagging customers to humpback monitoring project
January 30, 2018
Some interesting notes on site fidelity in Humpack whales.
First Harbor Seal Haul-Out Survey of the Season in Virginia
December 19, 2017
Seals have arrived in Virginia
Banner day tagging odontocetes at Hatteras!
June 1, 2016
A busy field day in NC.
Tagging North Atlantic Right Whales
May 9, 2016
Southeast US tagging project has successful season.
Seals of Rhode Island and Virginia
February 17, 2016
Two projects studying harbor seals on the east coast.
Tagging Atlantic Humpbacks
January 8, 2016
Year two of our Chesapeake Bay humpback whale project has begun!
Hatteras tagging wraps up for 2015
November 10, 2015
The finale of a successful field season.
Panama City Dolphin Survey Complete!
August 12, 2015
Bottlenose dolphin photo ID efforts in Florida
Great Day for a Mid-Atlantic Offshore Survey
April 20, 2015
Pelagic cetaceans and sea turtle sightings.
White “Leucistic” Bottlenose Dolphin Seen on Marine Mammal Survey
October 30, 2014
Leucism, like albinism, is a genetic condition that results in a lack of pigmentation in the skin.
Tagging Deep Diving Odontocetes Off Cape Hatteras - Part 3
September 26, 2014
Details on the 3rd field session for the year.
Tagging Whales Off Cape Hatteras
May 21, 2014
Learning about the movements of odontocetes.
Cape Hatteras Field Work Update
October 28, 2013
Calm days at sea off NC.
Current
Visual Survey and Tagging of Hawaiian Odontocetes
Project Objectives
(1) define the spatial movement and habitat use patterns of species that are exposed to mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar (2) determine how these patterns influence exposure and potential responses
Complete
Vessel-based Marine Mammal Surveys in Puget Sound, Washington
Project Objectives
Conduct marine mammal in-water vessel-based line transect surveys in the Puget Sound basin to: 1) Record data on all marine mammal species seen with the study area, with a focus on the killer whale (Orcinus orca) and the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). 2) Identify the seasonal occurrence and abundance/density of cetaceans within the study area. 3) Identify the effects of environmental variables on the distribution and abundance of species in the study area.
Current
Gulf of Alaska Acoustic Moorings and Analysis
Project Objectives
Conduct systematic line transect survey for marine mammals for density estimates; conduct survey to determine ecotype identity of killer whales; analyze existing and newly collected data for seasonal occurrence, abundance, and density of cetacean
Current
Monitoring Cetaceans in Hood Canal
Project Objectives
This 12‑month integrated pilot project combines three complementary components: (A) shore‑based theodolite monitoring of harbor porpoises, (B) high‑bandwidth passive acoustic monitoring and soundscape characterization, and (C) suction‑cup multi‑sensor tag deployments on Bigg’s (transient) killer whales. Together, these data streams will quantify occurrence, movement, diving, and behavioral context for these two key species in relation to the local soundscape—including operational signals near the Dabob Bay Range Complex (DBRC) and the Bangor Trident Base. Results can provide an empirical foundation and inform the study design of future cetacean behavioral response studies (BRS) in Hood Canal.
Complete
Behavioral Response Research Evaluation Workshop II (BRREW II)
Project Objectives
Response
Complete
Mariana Islands Sea Turtle and Cetacean Survey (MISTICS)
Project Objectives
Determine what species of marine mammals and sea turtles are present and estimate abundance.
Complete
Pilot study for shore based humpback surveys in Saipan
Project Objectives
Humpback whale nearshore distribution in nearshore Saipan waters
Complete
Pilot survey for humpback whales at Farallon de Medinilla
Project Objectives
The goal of the visual surveys is to collect individually-identifying information from humpback whales present near and around Farallon de Medinilla (FDM)
Complete
Small vessel visual surveys in the Mariana Islands Range Complex
Project Objectives
Identify species of beaked whales, odontocetes, and baleen whales that occur in the Mariana Islands; Monitor marine mammal and sea turtle presence, distribution, and diversity in nearshore waters during key seasons (summer and winter); Develop a better understanding of marine mammal distribution, movement patterns, habitat use, population structure, and abundance; Develop reference library of visually-validated acoustic recordings of marine mammals.
Current
Estimation of Received Levels of MFAS and Behavioral Response of Marine Mammals at PMRF
Project Objectives
Further our understanding of the Monitoring Questions: 1) What is the occurrence and estimated received levels of MFAS on 'blackfish', humpback, minke, sperm and Blainville's beaked whales within the PMRF instrumented range? and 2) What, if any, are the short term behavioral responses of 'blackfish,' humpback, minke, sperm and Blainville's beaked whales when exposed to MFAS/explosions at different levels/conditions at PMRF?
Current
Goose-Beaked Whale and Fin Whale Population Dynamics and Impact Assessment at the Southern California Offshore Antisubmarine Warfare Range (SOAR)
Project Objectives
Improve knowledge of baseline population demographics, vital rates, and movement patterns of Cuvier’s beaked whales and fin whales. Examine what, if any, short term behavioral and/or vocal responses occur when exposed to sonar or explosions at different levels and conditions. Determine if exposure to sonar or explosives impact the long term fitness and survival of individuals or the population, species, or stock
Current
Southern California Beaked Whale Occurrence (formerly "Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammals in Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL)")
Project Objectives
Determine the distribution and temporal patterns of beaked whale occurrence in the waters within and outside the Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL). Use passive acoustic monitoring to determine what species are present in SOCAL and examine spatial and temporal patterns.
Complete
NAS Patuxent River Marine Species Surveys
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, seasonality, and abundance of Tursiops in the waters near NAS PAX River
Complete
Bottlenose Dolphin Occurrence in Estuarine and Coastal Waters near Panama City, Florida
Project Objectives
Determine species occurrence, and distribution, habitat use, and abundance of Tursiops in St. Andrew Bay and coastal waters adjacent to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division.
Complete
Baseline Monitoring for Marine Mammals in the East Coast Range Complexes (vessel surveys)
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, habitat associations, and stock structure of marine mammals and sea turtles in key areas of Navy range complexes
Complete
Haul-Out Counts and Photo-Identification of Pinnipeds in Narragansett Bay, RI
Project Objectives
Document seasonal occurrence, habitat use, and haul-out patterns of seals
Complete
North Atlantic Right Whale Monitoring in the Southeast Calving Area
Project Objectives
Assess behavior of right whales in coastal waters of the Southeast calving grounds, including rates of travel of individuals, dive behavior, and rates of sound production
Complete
Occurrence, Distribution, and Density of Marine Mammals Near Naval Station Norfolk and Virginia Beach
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, seasonality, and abundance of Tursiops in the coastal waters of Hampton Roads military installations
Complete
Mid-Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalog
Project Objectives
Establish a centralized collaborative humpback whale photo-id catalog for the mid-Atlantic and southeast regions to support management and environmental planning
Complete
Mid-Atlantic Humpback Whale Monitoring
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, habitat use, and baseline behavior of humpback whales in the mid-Atlantic region
Complete
Occurrence, Ecology, and Behavior of Deep-diving Odontocetes
Project Objectives
Establish behavioral baseline and foraging ecology. Assess behavioral response to acoustic stimuli and Navy training activities
Complete
Pinniped Monitoring in the Northeast
Project Objectives
Document habitat use, haul-out patterns, and baseline behavior of seals
Complete
North Pacific Humpback Whale Tagging
Project Objectives
Determine the occurrence, movement patterns, and residency patterns of multiple humpback whale Distinct Population Segments within Pacific Ocean Navy Range Complexes
Current
Pacific Islands Comprehensive Stranding Investigations
Project Objectives
Conduct comprehensive investigations of stranded marine mammals throughout the Pacific Islands with emphasis on the Hawaiian and Mariana Island chains. This includes conducting necropsies of stranded animals, collecting and archiving samples, conducting disease screening, genetic testing, and analysis of historical data. The objective is to examine stranding patterns and causes of death for marine mammals in the Pacific Islands.
Complete
Blue and Fin Whale Satellite Tagging
Project Objectives
Determine the movement patterns, occurrence, and residence times of blue whales and fin whales within U.S. Navy training and testing areas as well as Biologically Important Areas along the U.S. West Coast
Complete
Offshore Distribution of Southern Resident Killer Whales in the Pacific Northwest
Project Objectives
1) Identify and classify Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) detections from acoustic recorders and satellite tag tracking; 2) Develop a model to estimate the seasonal and annual occurrence patterns of southern resident killer whales relative to offshore Navy training ranges. 3) Characterize occurrence of anthropogenic sounds in potential SRKW habitat. 4) Develop state space habitat model for SRKW prey, based on fall Chinook salmon tagged released from California to British Columbia between 1977 and 1990 to estimate seasonal distribution along the west coast.
Complete
Acoustic and Visual Survey for Cetaceans in Behm Canal and Southern Clarence Strait, Alaska
Project Objectives
Conduct visual line-transect surveys and passive acoustic monitoring for cetaceans, and other marine mammals, to determine species occurrence, and to estimate density within Navy’s testing range. Acoustic monitoring devices will be deployed during the vessel based survey, and long-term passive acoustic hydrophones will be monitored for year-round detection of rare and/or cryptic cetacean species.
Current
Pacific Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (PACMAPPS) survey
Project Objectives
Identify species of beaked whales, odontocetes, and baleen whales that occur in the surveyed areas; Monitor marine mammal and sea turtle presence, distribution, and diversity in offshore waters; Develop a better understanding of marine mammal distribution, movement patterns, habitat use, population structure, and abundance; Develop reference library of visually-validated acoustic recordings of marine mammals.
Current
Jacksonville Shallow Water Training Range Vessel Surveys and M3R Species Verifications
Project Objectives
Monitor species composition and distribution on JSWTR, support M3R species verifications
Current
Distribution of Gulf Sturgeon in the Panama City Testing Range
Project Objectives
Assess Gulf Sturgeon distribution and habitat use through a multi-phase biotelemetry approach
Current
Mid-Atlantic Offshore Cetacean Study
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, habitat use, and baseline behavior of cetaceans in the offshore and continental shelf break region of the VACAPES OPAREA
Complete
Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (AMAPPS)
Project Objectives
Assess the abundance, distribution, ecology, and behavior of marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds in U.S. Atlantic EEZ
Current
Mid-Atlantic Nearshore & Mid-shelf Baleen Whale Monitoring
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, habitat use, and baseline behavior of baleen whales in the mid-Atlantic region
Current
Atlantic Behavioral Response Study
Project Objectives
Assess behavioral response of beaked and pilot whales to mid-frequency tactical sonar
Current
Haul-Out Counts and Photo-Identification of Pinnipeds in Virginia
Project Objectives
Document seasonal occurrence, habitat use, and haul-out patterns of seals
Complete
Pinniped Tagging and Tracking in Southeast Virginia
Project Objectives
Document habitat use, movement and haul-out patterns of seals in the Hampton Roads region of Chesapeake Bay and coastal Atlantic OceanNo related documents to display
