CE14020 Cetaceans on the Frontier 6 Survey

CTD and plankton sampling over the track covered during daylight hours, possible of moorings if weather forces (not ideal). Marine mammals monitoring survey. The overall objective of this cruise and the associated research is to collect data on the distribution and abundance of key marine mammals and seabirds within the Porcupine Basin and adjacent offshore areas. A range of different methodologies will be used to collect qualitative and quantative data. The primary objectives are; 1. To recover deployed moored passive acoustic arrays that were deployed in May 2014. These arrays will be used to assess anthropogenic and ambient sound data, and to detect marine mammal vocalisations in the Porcupine Basin and adjacent areas (See Appendix 1, Figure 2). High Priority. 2. To conduct double platform, absolute abundance survey of cetaceans in key habitats on the slopes and canyon systems of the Porcupine Basin (see Appendix 1, Figure 1) High Priority. 3. To conduct a habitat-focused, acoustic survey of cetacean distribution and relative abundance in key habitats all species using both low and high frequency acquisition systems (two towed hydrophone arrays) in the Porcupine Basin. Medium Priority. 4. To conduct a survey of seabird species and abundance according to European Seabirds at Sea (ESAS) methods in offshore waters over slope habitats of the Porcupine Bank, Sea Bight and shelf edge. High Priority. 5. To carry out systematic CTD sampling stations in order to explore relationships oceanographic variables and marine mammal abundances along the continental shelf habitat. Medium Priority. 6. Where possible, collect photo-identification data of bottlenose dolphins and baleen whales to facilitate on-going longitudinal studies (e.g. IWDG photo ID catalogue). Medium Priority.