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The central aim is to update the abundance estimates of bowhead whales to aid conservation efforts.

February 6, 2026Open Access

Bowhead and beluga distribution and abundance aerial survey field report, 2025

Key Points

The central aim is to update the abundance estimates of bowhead whales to aid conservation efforts.
Conducted a large-scale aerial survey from July 28 to August 24, 2025.
Utilized line-transect methodology to assess whale distribution and abundance.
Focused on the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort population crucial for Alaska Native communities.
Generated updated abundance estimates for the BCB population of bowhead whales.
Documented distribution patterns critical for management and conservation strategies.

Abstract

The Western Arctic stock of bowhead whales (also known as the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort BCB population of bowhead whales, Balaena mysticetus) is a critical subsistence resource for U.S. Alaska Native Iñupiat communities and is listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. To satisfy International Whaling Commission (IWC) mandates requiring updated abundance estimates at least once every 10 years, the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (NOAA Fisheries) conducted a large-scale aerial line-transect survey from 28 July to 24 August 2025.

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K. T. Goetz

A. Tyler Brower

C. L. Christman

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Bowhead and beluga distribution and abundance aerial survey field report, 2025

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Abstract

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