Index of visual monitoring, location, species behavior, and identification of cetaceans from CalCOFI cruises in the California Current System, 2005-2015 (ongoing).

Field observations are carried out to gain understanding of cetacean ecology and habitat. Visual monitoring for cetaceans has been conducted on quarterly CalCOFI cruises since July 2004 using standard line-transect protocol (Burnham et al. 1980;Buckland et al. 1993; Barlow 1995). Visual observers watch during daylight hours, when weather permits (Beaufort sea states 0 to 5 and visibility greater than 1 nautical mile) and while the ship transits between CalCOFI stations.