Wintering habitat model for the North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) in the southeastern United States.

ABSTRACT: The coastal waters off the southeastern United States (SEUS) are a primary wintering ground for the endangered North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), used by calving females along with other adult and juvenile whales. Management actions implemented in this area for the recovery of the right whale population rely on accurate habitat characterization and the ability to predict whale distribution over time. We developed a temporally dynamic habitat model to predict wintering right whale distribution in the SEUS using a generalized additive model framework and aerial survey data from 2003/2004 through 2012/2013. We built upon previous habitat models for right whales in the SEUS and include data from new aerial surveys that extend the spatial coverage of the analysis, particularly in

SUBMITTER: Gowan TA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3989274 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature