Cetacean Density Models for 14 Species in the California Current Ecosystem, 1991-2009

NOAA developed predictive habitat-based models of cetacean density for 14 species and species groups in the California Current Ecosystem. The models are based on seven shipboard surveys conducted during summer and fall between 1991 and 2009. The dataset includes predictions for striped dolphin, common bottlenose dolphin, sperm whale, fin whale, humpback whale, and others.

Use Cases

• Predicting cetacean habitat suitability based on environmental variables from shipboard surveys
• Analyzing spatial distribution patterns for 14 cetacean species/groups in the California Current
• Supporting marine spatial planning and conservation efforts with modeled density estimates
• Comparing modeled densities across species like fin whales, humpback whales, and common dolphins

Strengths

• Models cover 14 taxonomically diverse cetacean species and species groups
• Based on seven dedicated shipboard surveys conducted over an 18-year period (1991-2009)
• Produced by the authoritative source NOAA, Department of Commerce

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment
• Data reflects temporal bias inherent to summer and fall survey seasons

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Predictive models built from seven shipboard cetacean surveys

Time Range

Survey data from 1991 to 2009

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-14 22:57:49.027124; freshness should be verified

Geography

California Current Ecosystem