Whale data collected using visual observations and other instruments from aircraft in the Arctic Ocean from 1979-08-02 to 1982-10-18 (NCEI Accession 8400149)

Whale data were collected using visual observations and other instruments in the Arctic Ocean from aircraft. Data were collected from 02 August 1979 to 18 October 1982 by the US Navy; Naval Ocean Systems Command as part of the MMS Studies program.

Data has been processed by NODC to the NODC standard Marine Mammal Sighting and Census (F127) format.

The F127 format is used for data from field observations of marine animals. Data may be reported either for individual, random sightings or for sightings made as part of systematic ship or aircraft surveys along specified tracks. These data provide information on animal population densities and distributions, activities, migratory routes and breeding locales. Cruise or survey information, start and end positions, start and end times, and platform speed, direction, and altitude are reported for each observation or series of observations. Position, date and time are reported for each sighting location, along with a code indicating presence or absence of animals and, if present, their distance to the observer, shoreline, and ice edge and heading direction. For each sighting location, animal sighting data are reported by species for all observed species. Species identification, total number of individuals, and counts by age group (adults, subadults, juveniles, unknown) may be reported in summary for all animals sighted or by subgroups distinguished by sex, behavior, markings, or other characteristics. A text record is available for comments.