8889
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Bowhead whale calves in the western Beaufort Sea, 2012-2017
Janet Clarke, Megan Ferguson, Amelia Brower, and Amy Willoughby
International Whaling Commission
2018
SC/67B/AWMP/03
Data on Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Sea bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) calf distribution, calf ratio, and relative density (sighting rate) were collected via line-transect aerial surveys conducted during July-October 2012-2017 in the western Beaufort Sea, north of Alaska. Calves were seen in all months in all years. A total of 160 calves were seen in summer (July-October) and 245 calves were seen in fall (September-October). Total calves per year ranged from 22 (2012) to 155 (2017). Calf distribution mirrored that of non-calves: in deeper water (>50 m) east of 150°W in July, on the shelf (