Jim
Hain
Associated
Scientists at Woods Hole, Woods Hole, Massachusetts
Jim
Hain received his Ph.D. in biological oceanography from the University of Rhode
Island in 1975. He has conducted research from Newfoundland to South America,
with emphasis on the U.S. outer continental shelf and coastal habitats of
endangered marine mammals. One of his areas of expertise is in aerial surveys,
with experience in fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, blimps, and most recently,
with aerostats. He routinely uses statistical analyses and geographic
information system (GIS) methods. While with Associated Scientists, Jim has
been awarded grants or contracts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Marine
Mammal Commission, Minerals Management Service, National Science Foundation,
and the Office of Naval Research. He is a member of the Society for Marine
Mammalogy, Senior Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics,
and is Associate Editor of Right Whale News. In October 1997,
he received a Coastal America Award for his research relating to the mitigation
of ship strikes on right whales on their wintering calving grounds.
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
Cetacean
observations from an aerostat: a developing capability
Lei
Harris and Jim Hain
In preparation for a field
investigation of disturbance to right whales due to the presence of vessels, a
14-day pilot study was conducted in August 2002 to test the study design and
equipment. A remotely operated camera
was mounted below a 1500 cubic foot aerostat to passively record right whale
behavior in the Bay of Fundy. The
advantages of this overhead video system included: real time information,
increased accuracy of behavioral data, a unique perspective, and the ability to
locate a whale up to 5 meters below the surface. Due to the remote
characteristics of the aerostat, close vessel approaches were not required.
Preliminary data for the behavioral study were collected. The methodology also proved useful in the
assessment of a whale prior to a disentanglement effort. Video-frame grabs were also used for
photo-identification and documentation of scars and marks. Our experiences in
the pilot study will allow us to make refinements prior to 2003 field season.
__________
Abstract from the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium
meeting, New Bedford, Massachusetts, 29-30 October 2002
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Shore-based observations of
right whales:
Science and stewardship
Jim Hain
A collaboration between three organizations (Associated Scientists, Marineland, and the Marine Resources Council) is aimed at improving methods and increasing the value of right whale sightings data contributed by a volunteer sighting network (VSN) in coastal waters of NE Florida. In its second year, the VSN consisted of four linked components: 1) training, education, and outreach, 2) opportunistic sightings, 3) dedicated watches, and 4) sighting responses. In the 2001-2002 season, there were 20 sighting reports. Of these, 13 were verified right whales, of which 11 were photographed and photo-identified. There were 11 'follows' of right whales for behavioral characterization, with an average of 5 1/2 hrs per follow. The shore-based sightings were supplemented by observations from a blimp and other aircraft. With the increased data quality, the VSN provides a valuable complement to the aerial surveys, geographically and temporally. An important dimension is the direct and effective involvement of local citizens (including young people). The efforts of 1-2 scientists are magnified, sighting effort is increased, and awareness and stewardship enhanced. Multiple linked and diverse approaches, as well as broad collaboration, are essential to the successful study and monitoring of right whales and their habitat in SE U.S. coastal waters.
__________
Abstract from the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium meeting, New Bedford,
Massachusetts, 29-30 October 2002
A mother/calf right whale sighted near
Matanzas Inlet, Florida, 15 February 2006.
(Photo: J.D. Hampp)
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