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SC/69B/ASI/02
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Resource ID
22004
Access
Open
Document Number
SC/69B/ASI/02
Full Title
Report of the Norwegian 2023 survey for minke whales in the Small Management Area EN-the North Sea
Author
Nils Oien, Deanna Leonard, Frederike Bohm
Authors Summary
The Report of the Norwegian 2023 survey reports on the progress of a current six-year program to survey the Northeast Atlantic over the period 2020-2025 to get a new estimate of minke whale abundance by the end of this period. In the summer of 2023, the North Sea, comprising the Small Management Area EN, was surveyed with one vessel using double platform methodology. A total of 2,897 nautical miles of primary search effort was conducted within the surveyed blocks. The most common species sighted were harbour porpoises and minke whales. In addition, sightings were made of fin whales, sei whales, sperm whales, white-beaked and white-sided dolphins, common dolphins and Rissos dolphins. Compared to the 2018 survey of this area, fewer minke whales and harbour porpoises were recorded in the northern part of the survey area. In addition, a survey of harbour porpoises was conducted within three fjords and a national park in southern Norway.
Publisher
IWC
Publication Year
2024
Abstract
As part of a six-year program over the period 2020-2025 with the aim to get a new estimate of minke whale abundance in the Northeast Atlantic in a timely manner regarding RMP requirements, the North Sea, the Small Management Area EN, was surveyed with one vessel during the summer June-August 2023. Three survey strata were surveyed and received a reasonable coverage. About 2,897 nautical miles of primary search effort was conducted within these blocks. The most common species sighted were harbour porpoise and minke whale. Apparently both the minke whale and harbour porpoise sighting rates in the North Sea were lower in 2023 than in the earlier survey year 2018. The decrease is apparently more evident in the northern North Sea. Fjords in western Norway were surveyed and revealed comparable densities of harbour porpoises as seen in recent fjord surveys.