Marine Mammal and Turtle Ship-based Surveys
Monitoring the status of protected species through abundance and ecosystem assessment surveys
Ship-Based Surveys
A major mission of the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division is to monitor the status of protected species in U.S. waters or waters where the U.S. has a vested interest. Most of this monitoring is conducted aboard NOAA research vessels. Ship-based surveys typically take a multidisciplinary approach and consist of studies of protected species abundance, distribution, and biology, as well as ecosystem research.
Research Surveys
California Current Surveys