Encl. (3) to COMDTINST 16475.7
carcass and continue with normal operations.
5. DXX WHALE SIGHTING PROGRAM:
A. UNIT PREPARATIONS. Units operating in the DXX AOR should review references
(a) through (d) and follow the guidelines outlined in this instruction to establish an
effective unit sighting program. The program will include reporting sightings to the
National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML) for inclusion in their national data base.
NMML distributed sighting forms to all cutters in PACAREA in June 1996. Additional
forms may be obtained by calling the NMML at 206-526-4030. They will also answer
any questions about the national sighting program.
B. IDENTIFICATION GUIDES. Units should ensure that appropriate personnel are able
to identify protected species. The Guide to Marine Mammals of Alaska is available
from the Alaska Sea Grant College Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks for
.00. This publication has pages which are water resistant in spiral bound format.
NMML also recommends the Sierra Club Handbook of Whales and Dolphins and the
Sierra Club Handbook of Seals and Sirenians, both available from the Sierra Club
Bookstore, San Francisco (415)977-5600.
C. COLLATERAL DUTY ASSIGNMENT. Units should identify a person onboard that
has primary responsibility for photographing, videotaping and submitting completed
sighting forms for endangered marine mammals.
D. SIGHTING PRIORITIES. All sightings of marine mammals should be documented on
the NMML Marine Mammal Sighting form. The specific priorities of the DXX
sighting program are:
(1) Entangled or injured whales;
(2) "Floaters" - dead whales;
(3) Large groups of whales.
E. PROBABLE LOCATIONS OF WHALES. Historical sighting data from aerial and
shipboard surveys indicates whales are normally found in the vicinities of:
(1) West Coast of Alexander Archipelago (March-June) - gray whale seasonal
migrants seen close to shore on the northbound transit.
(2) Shelikof Bay (Kruzof Island) (July-August) - a few gray whales are seen in and
near this bay.
(3) Davidson Bay (Chichagof Island) (July-August) - a few gray whales are seen in
and near this bay.
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