SHIPBOARD SURVEYS OF MARINE BIRDS 1 1 



transect; when other reasons invalidate the use of the ob- 

 servations to develop density indexes; between standard 

 transects; or in areas and times where transects were not 

 planned. 



Record Keeping 



Data collected during pelagic surveys are transcribed 

 onto coding forms (Fig. 2) using information fields 

 (Appendix A), and special codes (Appendix B). Data are 

 then entered into the computer from the coding forms. 

 These forms are usually filled in at the time of the obser- 

 vation, directly from binoculars to coding form (always 

 if a second observer or helper is available). If it is im- 

 possible to record directly onto the form (e.g., because 

 of high bird numbers), then tape recorders or waterproof 

 notebooks can be used, but data should be transferred to 

 the coding forms as soon as possible. The disadvantages 

 of a tape recorder or notebook are in the time needed to 

 transcribe information from one place to another, and in 

 adding another step where transcription errors can occur. 

 Transcription errors are a major problem in automating 

 data. The tape recorder must also be checked frequently 

 to be sure that it is not malfunctioning. As with the direct 

 entry method, use of a notebook also distracts the ob- 

 server's attention from the count zone. All marine mam- 

 mal sightings inside and outside the transect zone are 

 recorded using the same format as bird sightings, except 

 that the codes for Behavior are different. Coding forms 

 constitute our major field record, and as such should be 

 filled out meticulously in pencil, double checked for ac- 

 curacy, and kept clean and in a safe place. Any pertinent 

 observations that cannot be coded should be printed clearly 

 in the space provided under Field Notes. This should in- 

 clude documentation of all rare or unusual sightings. 

 Figure 2 gives examples of proper entry of raw data onto 

 the coding form. 



Do not enter numbers into any field when the informa- 

 tion is unknown or in doubt unless there is a specific code 

 for unknown or doubtful. Zeros represent actual data. 

 When a field (e.g., Station, Transect Width, Number of 

 Birds) is used, zeros should not be placed in the columns 

 to the left of the first significant number or letter entered 

 (i.e., fill in zeros to the right but not to the left). For ex- 

 ample, in the Station Number field, transect number 1 

 should be entered as " 1", transect 10 as "-10", and 

 transect 100 as "100". If there are no birds observed 

 within the count zone then the form is filled out with 

 NONE or BIRD for the alpha identification code, a "0" 

 in the Number column, and a "0" in the Zone column. 

 Our data-entry program will automatically generate the 



taxonomic code when the proper species alpha code 

 (Appendix C) is entered. It is thus necessary to enter the 

 taxonomic code on the data sheet only if an alpha code 

 is not listed. 



We have developed analyses programs that require cer- 

 tain coding fields to be entered. These fields are listed 

 and explained in Appendix A. It is of vital importance 

 that observers read Appendix A carefully in order to 

 understand coding techniques. The codes, coding forms, 

 and placement of many of the fields were originally 

 developed by researchers in the Outer Contentinal Shelf 

 Environmental Assessment Program. We have tried to 

 keep our format as similar as possible to the NODC file 

 type "033" format and codes. 



Acknowledgments 



The basis for all pelagic surveys of marine birds was 

 established many years ago by the pioneering efforts of 

 W. R. P. Bourne, H. B. Moore, R. C. Murphy, V. C. 

 Wynne-Edwards, and many other biologists and laymen. 

 We began in early 1975 on the project in Alaska as con- 

 ceived and defined by J. C. Bartonek and C. J. Lensink. 

 The project evolved and refinements have been made up 

 to the present time by many people. To all who helped: 

 Thank you. 



Special thanks are extended to R. Day, C. Harrison, 

 W. Hoffman, C. Lensink, H. Petersen, and G. Sanger. 

 All contributed extensive amounts of time as well as their 

 intelligence to the development of these techniques. 



K. Briggs and R. G. B. Brown critically reviewed the 

 manuscript and provided many useful suggestions on its 

 improvement. 



Most of this project was supported by funds from the 

 Bureau of Land Management, as administered by the 

 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 



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