Aerial Marine Mammal Observations in the Chukchi Sea, 2006

Metadata:

• Identification_Information
• Data_Quality_Information
• Spatial_Data_Organization_Information
• Spatial_Reference_Information
• Entity_and_Attribute_Information
• Distribution_Information
• Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc.

Title: Aerial Marine Mammal Observations in the Chukchi Sea, 2006

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data

Online_Linkage: pacmars.eol.ucar.edu

Online_Linkage: www.chukchiscience.org

Publication_Date: August 2013

Edition: 2

Description:

Abstract:

This data set was collected as part of the Joint Monitoring Program during seismic activities in the Chukchi Sea in summer and fall of 2006. The objective of the aerial surveys was to update data on distribution and relative abundance of marine mammals in coastal areas of the eastern Chukchi Sea during the open-water season. Aerial surveys were conducted from Barrow to Point Hope in two ways: a sawtooth flight pattern and a coastline flight pattern. The sawtooth survey was broad-scale, reaching approximately 20 nm offshore. The coastal survey hugged the coastline, focusing on nearshore areas and lagoons.
This data set contains aerial based observations of marine mammals recorded over the Chukchi Sea in 2006. The parameters of this data set include latitude and longitude of the location the observation was made; a unique and sequential observation number; the local date and time of the observation; the species of mammal observed; the number of mammals observed and details about the mammal's behavior and characteristics including the total number of individuals and juveniles, as well as speed, heading, movement, and angular deviation; whether the observation was made on or off transect; the altitude of the aircraft when the observation was made; the platform the observation was made from; the observers initials; any additional comments concerning the observation; and the name of the contractor who recorded and analyzed the data. The related data set entitled Aerial Marine Mammal Observation Flight Tracks from the Chukchi Sea, 2006 contains flight track information.

Purpose:

Aerial surveys were conducted in 2006 to monitor marine mammal abundance, distribution, and behavior and determine the potential effects of offshore seismic exploration activities on marine mammals.

Supplemental_Information:

This metadata has not been reviewed by the contractor who collected the data. Metadata was created from the report provided by LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc. to the companies who sponsored the study.
Surveys focused on beluga, bowhead, and gray whales, though other marine mammals were observed. Pinniped observations were made, but were limited due to flight altitude and speed.
This data was created by LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc. for ConocoPhillips and was submitted by LGL directly to ConocoPhillips.
Edition 2 Updates (August 2013): Due to absence of negative sign in DECLONG field, DECLONG and DECLAT fields were removed from the data and fields LAT_DD83 and LON_DD83, calculated by ConocoPhillips, were added to data. Edition 2 of data in CSV format, CSV does not contain Object ID field.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 2006

Status:

Progress: Complete

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: As needed

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -167.547483

East_Bounding_Coordinate: -153.8076169

North_Bounding_Coordinate: 71.92598294

South_Bounding_Coordinate: 68.365217

Keywords:

Place:

Place_Keyword: Alaska

Place_Keyword: Chukchi Sea

Theme:

Theme_Keyword: marine mammal

Theme_Keyword: aerial

Theme_Keyword: biology

Theme_Keyword: polar bear

Theme:

Theme_Keyword: oceans

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category

Theme_Keyword: environment

Temporal:

Temporal_Keyword: 2006

Access_Constraints: None.

Use_Constraints:

User shall not employ selective use of this data; data must be used in its entirety. User must comprehend all information contained within the metadata, especially as it pertains to data quality and spatial coverage of data. User must ensure that the most recent version of data and metadata are used. User must contact data originator of biological data before using such data in a publication. Acknowledgment of data originator and all points of contact listed for data would be appreciated.

Data_Set_Credit:

ConocoPhillips and Shell would like to express their appreciation to LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc. for creating this data set.

Native_Data_Set_Environment:

Microsoft Windows XP Version 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 3; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.2.6.1500

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Position: Senior Scientist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: ConocoPhillips, 700 G Street

City: Anchorage

State_or_Province: AK

Postal_Code: 99501

Contact_Instructions:

Please contact Data Distributor for information about obtaining data (see Distribution Information in metadata).

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: ConocoPhillips

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Position: Senior Scientist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: Shell, 3601 C Street, Suite 1000

City: Anchorage

State_or_Province: AK

Postal_Code: 99503

Contact_Instructions:

Please contact Data Distributor for information about obtaining data (see Distribution Information in metadata).

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: Shell

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

The whale sighting information entered into the software in real time was cross-checked against the recorded dictation after each survey to correct any data entry errors.
Completeness: Usable data refers to sightings and effort collected under good sighting conditions, i.e. Beaufort Scale 4 or less for whales, and Beaufort Scale 2 or less for pinnipeds, or sightability moderately impaired or better. Non-usable data refers to sightings and effort collected under poor conditions, i.e. Beaufort Scale 5 or more for whales, and Beaufort Scale 3 or more for pinnipeds or sightability seriously impaired or impossible.

Lineage:

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Data were recorded on laptop computer using Garmin NRoute software that automatically recorded time and the aircraft position at two second intervals. Also used was a Garmin GPSmap 76CSx. Additional locations were recorded through keystrokes initialed by the computer operator when animals were observed, at start and end of transect lines, and the ends of 2 minute effort periods, or when additional comments or observations were made.

Process_Description:

Due to absence of negative sign in front of DECLONG values, DECLONG and DECLAT fields were removed from the data and fields LAT_DD83 and LON_DD83 were added to the data. Coordinate values were processed at ConocoPhillips using original spatial data in ArcGIS.

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector

Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Entity point

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 211

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Geographic:

Latitude_Resolution: 0.000000

Longitude_Resolution: 0.000000

Geographic_Coordinate_Units: Decimal degrees

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983

Ellipsoid_Name: Geodetic Reference System 80

Semi-major_Axis: 6378137.000000

Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257222

Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Altitude_System_Definition:

Altitude_Resolution: 1.000000

Altitude_Encoding_Method:

Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: Aerial based marine mammal observations.

Entity_Type_Definition:

Aerial based marine mammal observation in the Chukchi Sea, 2006.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: LAT_DD83

Attribute_Definition:

Latitude of observation in decimal degrees. Calculated at ConocoPhillips.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ConocoPhillips

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: LON_DD83

Attribute_Definition:

Longitude of observation in decimal degrees. Calculated at ConocoPhillips.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ConocoPhillips

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: SIGHTINGNU

Attribute_Definition: Unique ID number for each entry.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: SPECIES

Attribute_Definition: The species of animal observed.

Attribute_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: BHW

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Bowhead whale

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: LGL

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: GW

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Gray whale

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: LGL

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: U

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Unknown

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: LGL

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: WW

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: BEHAVIOR

Attribute_Definition: Observed animal behavior.

Attribute_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: FE

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Feeding

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: LGL

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: MI

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: RE

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Resting

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: LGL

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: TR

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Traveling

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: SPEED

Attribute_Definition: Swimming speed category of observed animal.

Attribute_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: M

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Marine mammal traveling at "medium" speed.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: LGL

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: N

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: S

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Marine Mammal traveling at 'slow' speed.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: HEADING

Attribute_Definition:

Direction of movement of observed animal. Recorded in azimuth and text.

Attribute_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ONOFFTRANS

Attribute_Definition:

Indicates if animal observation was made on or off set flight transect.

Attribute_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ANGLE

Attribute_Definition:

Angular deviation of headings. Batschelet (1981) methods used for calculation.

Attribute_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ALTITUDE

Attribute_Definition: Altitude of aircraft in feet.

Attribute_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: OBSVR

Attribute_Definition: Initials of person who made animal observation.

Attribute_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: COMMENTS

Attribute_Definition: For notes concerning this record.

Attribute_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: DATE_

Attribute_Definition: Local date observation was recorded.

Attribute_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: CONTRACTOR

Attribute_Definition: Company contracted to collect and/or analyze data.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: LGL

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: INDIVIDUALS

Attribute_Definition: Number of animals observed in the group.

Attribute_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: MOVEMENT

Attribute_Definition: Observed animal movement.

Attribute_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: DE

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Dead

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: LGL

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: JUVENILES

Attribute_Definition:

Number of juvenile animals observed. If none observed, field was left blank.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: PLATFORM

Attribute_Definition: The mode of transportation from which data was collected.

Distribution_Information:

Distributor:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: National Center for Atmospheric Research

Contact_Person: Earth Observing Laboratory

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical

Address: 3450 Mitchell Lane

City: Boulder

State_or_Province: CO

Postal_Code: 80301

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 303-497-8154

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: codiac@ucar.edu

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: stott@ucar.edu

Distribution_Liability:

The user assumes the entire risk related to use of this data and information. NOAA and/or AOOS and their third party data providers are providing this data and information "as is," and disclaim any and all warranties, whether express or implied, including (without limitation) any warranties of completeness, utility. accuracy, merchantability or fitness of this data for a particular purpose. ConocoPhillips and Shell make no representation or warranty, express or implied, with regard to any of these data or metadata, as used alone or in combination with another data set, and expressly disclaim any representation or warranty. It is the responsibility of the data user to fully comprehend the metadata before use of the data. Each person accessing or using the data or metadata assumes all risks and all liabilities arising from or associated with such access or use. ConocoPhillips and Shell shall have no responsibility or liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in the data or metadata or by improper or incorrect use of the data or metadata.

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20130820

Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata

Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998

Metadata_Access_Constraints: None

Metadata_Use_Constraints:

ConocoPhillips and Shell make no representation or warranty, express or implied, with regard to any of these data or metadata, as used alone or in combination with another data set, and expressly disclaim any representation or warranty. It is the responsibility of the data user to fully comprehend the metadata before use of the data. Each person accessing or using the data or metadata assumes all risks and all liabilities arising from or associated with such access or use. ConocoPhillips and Shell shall have no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the data or metadata or for any improper or incorrect use of the data or metadata.