621 sightings of approximately 1,609 cetaceans were recorded during a 2021 Antarctic research voyage. The Marine National Facility RV Investigator voyage IN2021_V01 collected this data using line-transect distance sampling over 3,612 km of formal effort. Humpback whales were the most frequently observed species, followed by fin whales.
Use Cases
- Model cetacean distribution patterns based on line-transect survey effort.
- Analyze species abundance and frequency, such as humpback and fin whale sightings.
- Study predator-krill overlap dynamics mentioned as a voyage objective.
- Correlate cetacean sightings with environmental conditions like sea state logged during the survey.
Strengths
- 621 distinct cetacean sightings documented.
- Survey effort quantified with 3,612 km of formal line-transects.
- Observations conducted by four trained observers using standardized protocols.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
Provenance
- Source
- Australian Ocean Data Network
- Collection Method
- Line-transect distance sampling conducted by trained observers from Deck 05 and the bridge of RV Investigator.
- Time Range
- 29 January to 24 March 2021 (AEST)
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-05-05 01:44:16.214685; freshness should be verified.
- Geography
- Survey area off the Australian Antarctic Territory, voyage from Hobart to Hobart.