Aerial surveys for marine mammals were conducted from 2008-2010 during the open water season (June through early November) in the Chukchi Sea Planning Area (CSPA). The Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) aerial survey objectives were to: 1. Provide data compatible with the MMS marine mammal database directly to MMS for inclusion in that database and for use in estimation of the distribution of cetaceans and pinnipeds in the CSPA from 3 surveys during June-November; 2. Document geographical areas of importance for specific behaviors including calving/pupping, feeding, hauling-out, and migrating; and 3. Provide timely information on marine mammal observations and environmental conditions, including ice conditions, following each survey flight to organizations as directed by the COR (e.g., National Ice Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, MMS) for real-time management of activities in the region.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

Interagency Agreement M08PG20023