compilation of more complete ecological species accounts. It is clear, 

 however, that toothed whales and dolphins, like most pinnipeds, 

 represent a major link in the overall food chain. Furthermore, it is 

 probable that cetaceans play a significant role in influencing relative 

 species abundance levels of other marine biota. (FEIS Proposed Channel 

 Island Marine Sanctuary) 



A recent study by the BLM of the Southern California Bight 

 (1975-1977) covered a 3-year period of observations. Recordings were 

 made of all marine mammals observed along aerial and nautical 

 transects. Based on observed distribution, projected distributions and 

 density were plotted for 5' latitude by 5' longitude squares created 

 within the bight. The purpose was to be able to estimate at any given 

 time and place, the number and type of marine marmials likely to be 

 found. 



The BLM study and studies documenting gray whale migration routes 

 and population densities (Gilmore 1960a, 1976; Rice 1959/1960) were 

 used to determine what types of animals in what numbers would be seen 

 in the Santa Barbara Channel area. 



Study Area II: Cook Inlet, Alaska 



Cook Inlet is a tidal estuary. It measures 200 nautical miles long 

 and 75 nautical miles wide at the mouth. Oriented northeast and 

 southwest it joins the Gulf of Alaska east of the Alaska peninsula. 

 Glaciers are common throughout the mountainous surroundings with many 

 streams and several major rivers emptying their silt and sediment loads 

 into the inlet (Figure 1). Due to strong and constant currents (5 to 6 

 knots) and an average tidal flow of 25-30 feet, the water in the Cook 

 Inlet is very silty. 



After the break-up of the ice in the Cook Inlet around March or 

 early April "hooligan," a smelt-like fish, move up the Cook Inlet and 

 into the river mouths in mid-April or early May. Following the 

 hooligan are the beluga whales ( Delphinapterus leucas ). From the 

 initial movement of the hooligan, throughout the salmon migration 

 beginning in mid-June and until the inlet begins to freeqe, belugas are 

 inhabitants of the Cook Inlet. 



Materials and Methods 



Data on the occurrence and behavior of marine mammals was collected 

 by interviews for anecdotal data and by actual observation documented 

 on sighting cards. Individuals working in areas or jobs associated 

 with offshore platforms were interviewed to obtain their observations 

 and opinions concerning the local marine life. In addition they were 

 asked to fill out sighting cards during the study whenever they saw 

 marine mammals. Educational posters were provided to assist them in 

 making accurate recordings. Persons involved in this program were 



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