Gulf Watch Alaska Nearshore Component: Sea Otter Aerial Survey Data Kenai Fjords National Park, 2002-2016

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: George G. Esslinger
Publication_Date: 2017
Title:

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular digital data
Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, Alaska
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center

Other_Citation_Details:

Suggested Citation: Esslinger, G.G., 2017, Gulf Watch Alaska Nearshore Component: Sea Otter Aerial Survey Data from Kenai Fjords National Park, 2002-2016: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7CJ8BN7.

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.5066/F7CJ8BN7
Online_Linkage: https://alaska.usgs.gov/portal/project.php?project_id=99
Online_Linkage:

http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/swan/monitor/nearshore.cfm

Larger_Work_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council
Publication_Date: Unknown
Title: Gulf Watch Alaska
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Website
Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, Alaska
Publisher: Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (EVOSTC)

Other_Citation_Details:

Gulf Watch Alaska is the long-term ecosystem monitoring program of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council for the marine ecosystem affected by the 1989 oil spill.

Online_Linkage: http://www.gulfwatchalaska.org/

Description:

Abstract:

These data are part of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) long term monitoring program, nearshore monitoring component. Specifically, these data describe sea otter (Enhydra lutris) aerial survey observations from the waters around Kenai Fjords National Park between 2002 and 2016. Sea otters are a keystone predator, well known for structuring the nearshore marine ecosystem through their consumption of invertebrate prey. The dataset consists of 3 comma delimited files exported from Microsoft Excel. The data consists of 1. Strip transect counts, 2. Intensive Search Unit (ISU) counts, and 3. Transect coordinates. For each aerial survey, a pilot flew an airplane at an altitude of 91m over pre-determined transects while an observer searched on one side of the plane and recorded sea otter group counts and locations. Sea otters observed within 400 m of each transect were later used to estimate abundance. Sea otters sighted beyond the confines of designated transect swaths were also counted and mapped, time permitting. To estimate the number of sea otters in small groups (<20) not detected along transect swaths (e.g., due to diving behavior or the presence of kelp canopy), 400m diameter circles (i.e. ISUs) were searched intensively by periodically flying 5 concentric circles around an initiating group. These ISUs were distributed throughout the survey area in an attempt to accurately represent the full range of observation conditions encountered during the survey. When large groups of sea otters (≥20) were sighted on transect, they were circled until a complete count was made.

Purpose:

The purpose of this data is to assess change in the abundance and distribution of sea otters in the waters around Kenai Fjords National Park.

Supplemental_Information:

This sea otter aerial survey data set is a component of the nearshore monitoring portion of the Gulf Watch Alaska (GWA) program. There are 3 data sets associated with the sea otter aerial surveys: 1. Strip transect counts, 2. Intensive Search Unit (ISU) counts and 3. Transect coordinates. The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council and state and federal agencies are supporting a fiveyear, $12 million longterm monitoring program in the Gulf of Alaska region affected by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. The monitoring program, called Gulf Watch Alaska, includes 25 principal scientists and seeks to provide data to identify and help understand the impacts of multiple ecosystem factors on the recovery of injured resources. This program is expected to be 20 years in total length, but planned and funded in fiveyear increments. It builds upon the past 23 years of restoration research and monitoring by the EVOSTC and federal and state agencies. Monitoring efforts will span a range of species and marine conditions, organized in three components, with integrated data management and synthesis of science information provided across the components. The program includes sites in Prince William Sound, lower Cook Inlet and the outer Kenai Peninsula coast. Environmental Drivers component – oceanography, plankton Nearshore component – intertidal invertebrate and algae, sea otters, seabirds, lingering oil Pelagic component – whales, seabirds, forage fish

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Range_of_Dates/Times:

Beginning_Date: 2002
Ending_Date: 2016

Currentness_Reference: ground condition

Status:

Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None planned

Spatial_Domain:

Description_of_Geographic_Extent: The Gulf of Alaska: Kenai Fjords National Park.
Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -150.867
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -149.367
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 60.000
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 59.167

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Metadata Identifier
Theme_Keyword: USGS:ASC137

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Theme_Keyword: sea otters
Theme_Keyword: Enhydra lutris
Theme_Keyword: marine mammals
Theme_Keyword: aerial survey
Theme_Keyword: abundance
Theme_Keyword: distribution

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Biocomplexity Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: marine ecology
Theme_Keyword: monitoring
Theme_Keyword: coastal ecosystems

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Categories
Theme_Keyword: biota
Theme_Keyword: environment

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: ecology
Theme_Keyword: ecosystem monitoring
Theme_Keyword: population dynamics

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: Geographic Names Information System
Place_Keyword: Kenai Fjords National Park
Place_Keyword: Gulf of Alaska

Taxonomy:

Keywords/Taxon:

Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Taxonomic_Keywords: sea otters
Taxonomic_Keywords: northern sea otters
Taxonomic_Keywords: Enhydra lutris kenyoni

General_Taxonomic_Coverage:

This data set contains aerial observations of northern sea otters, Enhydra lutris kenyoni.

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Animalia
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Phylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Chordata
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subphylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Vertebrata
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
Taxon_Rank_Value: Mammalia
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subclass
Taxon_Rank_Value: Theria
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Infraclass
Taxon_Rank_Value: Eutheria
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Carnivora
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Suborder
Taxon_Rank_Value: Caniformia
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Mustelidae
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subfamily
Taxon_Rank_Value: Lutrinae
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Enhydra
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Enhydra lutris
Applicable_Common_Name: sea otter

Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:

Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Any person using the information here should fully understand the data collection procedures before beginning analyses. The burden for determining fitness of use lies entirely with the user. For purposes of publication of dissemination, citations or credit should be given to the authors and USGS. USGS grants to the public a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use these data for non-commercial educational or scientific research purposes. Please let owner know when data are used and cite primary authors and database when using or publishing these data. This material is based upon work funded by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council under Project/Program No. 12120114-R. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Trustee Council.

Data_Set_Credit:

The following is a list of individuals involved in data collection for this dataset: James Bodkin, Jose de Creeft, George Esslinger, Patrick Kearney, Dan Monson, Taj Shoemaker.

Native_Data_Set_Environment:

The original data is stored as Microsoft Excel Workbooks in a Windows operating environment, but has been exported as comma delimited text files for dissemination.

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

At some point prior to conducting an aerial survey, each aerial observer underwent a training program that involved comparing aerial counts with ground-based counts and were able to consistently detect at least 90% of the sea otters within ISUs. A group of sea otters was defined as 1 or more sea otters spaced <3 otter lengths apart. Adult sea otters were distinguished from pups when possible and are identified as separate fields in the data. However, because the observer was traveling at a speed of 65 mph and an altitude of 91’, small pups may not have been detected and large pups were sometimes indistinguishable from adults. Therefore, pup counts should be regarded as minimum counts. Groups of >20 sea otters typically contain active individuals which make it more challenging to obtain accurate counts so photographs are often taken and used to check these counts. Sea otters hauled out on land are typically more difficult to sight, but were counted when observed. During the aerial survey, sea otter locations were mapped on either 1) paper maps and later digitized into ArcMap or 2) digitized directly into a tablet computer. Mapped otter locations are approximate and, especially where sea otters were observed in offshore waters devoid of landmarks, may be off by several hundreds of meters.

Logical_Consistency_Report:

We carry out a standard QAQC procedure for this data. Entries are checked against field data sheets and data standards for accuracy, missing values, outliers, and inconsistencies. When applicable, data is checked against validated ranges.

Completeness_Report:

All of the planned survey transects are included in the “Transect coordinates” data. However, transects or portions of transects may not have been surveyed if the survey crew encountered: 1) hazardous conditions such as downdrafts, 2) land due to low tide, or 3) sensitive areas such as sea lion rookeries. Transects that were not surveyed are not included in the “Sea otter group counts and locations” data.

Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:

Transect coordinate accuracy was not tested quantitatively. High density transects are designed to intersect with the shoreline on at least one end and the vast majority of these planned intersection points seemed to align well with reality during the surveys. However, planned shoreline intersection points may not match reality due to factors such as tidal state (especially on gradually sloping beaches), navigation error, and inaccuracies in the shoreline maps used to design the surveys, mostly resulting from changes in the shoreline from ongoing natural processes such as erosion, sedimentation, or isostatic rebound. Mapped otter locations are approximate and, especially where sea otters were observed in offshore waters devoid of landmarks, may be off by several hundreds of meters.

Lineage:

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Field
Methodology_Identifier:

Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Methodology_Keyword: aerial survey

Methodology_Description:

The methods for designing, performing, and analyzing the data for aerial surveys are complicated. See Bodkin and Udevitz 1999 for details.

Methodology_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Bodkin, J.L., and M.S. Udevitz.
Publication_Date: 1999
Title: An aerial survey method to estimate sea otter abundance
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document
Other_Citation_Details:

Methodology_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Bodkin, J.L.
Publication_Date: 2011
Title: SOP for conducting sea otter aerial surveys - Version 1.2
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document
Other_Citation_Details:

Bodkin, J. L. 2011. SOP for conducting sea otter aerial surveys - Version 1.2: Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network. Natural Resource Report NPS/SWAN/NRR—2011/393. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Aerial survey observational data are collected by experienced field observers. Field data were recorded on paper field data sheets for electronic entry at a later time or entered directly into a tablet computer into Microsoft excel spreadsheets.

Process_Date: Unknown

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Field data sheet QAQC: the aerial observer and then a data manager review the data sheets for missing, illegible, or confusing entries and correct any issues. Spreadsheet QAQC: tabular sea otter counts are checked against maps showing sea otter group counts and locations and also checked row by row/cell by cell for accuracy and completeness. Basic descriptive statistics were run on the data count data to look for outliers or values inconsistent with the protocol. Additional details are provided in the entity/attribute section.

Process_Date: Unknown

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Indirect_Spatial_Reference:

Transect start and end coordinates are unique for each Block, Year, and Replicate combination in the strip transect count data. Sea otter group coordinates are included for each group in the strip transect count data.

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Point

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Geographic:

Latitude_Resolution: 0.00000001
Longitude_Resolution: 0.00000001
Geographic_Coordinate_Units: Decimal degrees

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983
Ellipsoid_Name: World Geodetic System of 1984
Semi-major_Axis: 6378137
Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.25722210088

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: KEFJ sea otter strip counts in decimal degrees
Entity_Type_Definition:

This is spreadsheet data exported as a comma delimited file. Each record (row) represents one group of observed sea otters along a transect. In the case of no otters observed, each row represents one transect.

Entity_Type_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: BLOCK
Attribute_Definition:

Unit within the region (Alaska Peninsula, Kenai Peninsula or Prince William Sound). Fourcharacter name for the sampling block.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: KEFJ
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: This block encompasses Kenai Fjords National Park.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: YEAR
Attribute_Definition:

Year of survey; this attribute is preferable to the “date” field for sorting transects within a year.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 2002
Range_Domain_Maximum: 2016
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: date

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: DATE
Attribute_Definition:

Date sea otter group was observed, year -monthday (yyyy-mmdd)

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 20020604
Range_Domain_Maximum: 20160622
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: date

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: OBSERVER
Attribute_Definition:

First initial and first seven letters of last name of aerial observer.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: DMONSON
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Daniel H Monson
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: GESSLING
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: George G Esslinger
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: REPLICATE
Attribute_Definition:

Replicate number; used to designate the order surveys were flown when more than one survey was flown in a given year.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 1
Range_Domain_Maximum: 3

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: STRATUM
Attribute_Definition:

Designates which stratum each transect falls within, high density (H) or low density (L). Sea otter groups sighted off-transect have a “.” in this column.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: H
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: High density
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: L
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Low density
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: .
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Sea otter sighting was not on a transect, so no stratum is designated.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: TRANSECT
Attribute_Definition:

Sequential integer number assigned to each transect within a survey when survey is designed. Transect number; designates which transect the sea otter group was observed on, if any. Sea otter groups sighted off-transect have a “0” in this column.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 0
Range_Domain_Maximum: 387

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: GROUP
Attribute_Definition:

Sequential integer number assigned to each group of sea otters along a transect. Group number; used to designate the order sea otter groups were sighted on a given transect. "0" is assigned for otters observed off transect or when no otters are observed along a transct.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 0
Range_Domain_Maximum: 16

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ADULTS
Attribute_Definition: Number of adult sea otters observed in a group.
Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 0
Range_Domain_Maximum: 90

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: PUPS
Attribute_Definition: Number of sea otter pups observed in a group.
Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 0
Range_Domain_Maximum: 6

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ISU
Attribute_Definition:

Intensive Search Unit; indicates an ISU number if a group of sea otters occurred within an ISU. An ISU is a 400m diameter circle, located within the transect strip, where the survey plane flew 5 concentric circles to search for sea otters that were not sighted (for example, because they were diving or camouflaged by kelp). These data were later used to estimate the proportion of sea otters not detected on transects and adjust the overall abundance estimate for each survey accordingly. Sea otter groups sighted during the strip count portion of the ISU are indicated with an ISU number in the “Strip transect counts” data and also entered into the “ISU counts” data, linked by the Block, Year, Replicate, and ISU number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 0
Range_Domain_Maximum: 61

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: CC
Attribute_Definition:

Complete Count; designates whether a group of sea otters was circled until it was completely counted.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 0
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: No
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 1
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Yes
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: GROUP_X
Attribute_Definition:

Sea otter group longitude in decimal degrees, NAD83. "." has been entered when there were no otters observed.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: -150.8497281
Range_Domain_Maximum: -149.5262133
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: decimal degrees

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: GROUP_Y
Attribute_Definition:

Sea otter group latitude in decimal degrees, NAD83. "." has been entered when there were no otters observed.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 59.2900162
Range_Domain_Maximum: 59.94743033
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: decimal degrees

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: KEFJ sea otter ISU counts
Entity_Type_Definition:

This is spreadsheet data exported as a comma delimited file. Each record (row) represents one ISU conducted along a transect.

Entity_Type_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: BLOCK
Attribute_Definition:

Unit within the region (Alaska Peninsula, Kenai Peninsula or Prince William Sound). Fourcharacter name for the sampling block.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: KEFJ
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: This block encompasses Kenai Fjords National Park.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: YEAR
Attribute_Definition:

Year of survey; this attribute is preferable to the “date” field for sorting transects within a year.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 2002
Range_Domain_Maximum: 2016
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: date

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: DATE
Attribute_Definition:

Date sea otter group was observed, year -monthday (yyyy-mmdd)

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 20020604
Range_Domain_Maximum: 20160622
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: date

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: OBSERVER
Attribute_Definition:

First initial and first seven letters of last name of aerial observer.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: DMONSON
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Daniel H Monson
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: GESSLING
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: George G Esslinger
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: REPLICATE
Attribute_Definition:

Replicate number; used to designate the order surveys were flown when more than one survey was flown in a given year.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 1
Range_Domain_Maximum: 3

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: STRATUM
Attribute_Definition:

Designates which stratum each transect falls within, high density (H) or low density (L). Sea otter groups sighted off-transect have a “.” in this column.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: H
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: High density
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ISU
Attribute_Definition:

Intensive Search Unit; indicates the number of a particular ISU. Sequential integer number assigned to each ISU within a survey. An ISU is a 400m diameter circle, located within the transect strip, where the survey plane flew 5 concentric circles to search for sea otters that were not sighted (for example, because they were diving or camouflaged by kelp). These data were later used to estimate the proportion of sea otters not detected on transects and adjust the overall abundance estimate for each survey accordingly. Sea otter groups sighted during the strip count portion of the ISU are indicated with an ISU number in the “ISU counts” data and also entered into the “Strip transect counts” data, linked by the Block, Year, Replicate, and ISU number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 1
Range_Domain_Maximum: 61

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: TRANSECT
Attribute_Definition:

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 3
Range_Domain_Maximum: 370

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: GROUP
Attribute_Definition:

Group number, sequential integer number used to designate the order sea otter groups were sighted in a given ISU.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 1
Range_Domain_Maximum: 10

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: STRIP ADULTS
Attribute_Definition:

Number of adult sea otters observed in a group while flying the strip count portion of an ISU. When the observer asked the pilot to initiate an ISU, the plane temporarily departed the transect flight path to circle the initiating sea otter group 5 times. Any adult sea otters sighted prior to the first quarter turn of the first circle are included in the “Strip_Adults” count.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 0
Range_Domain_Maximum: 14

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: STRIP PUPS
Attribute_Definition:

Number of sea otter pups observed in a group while flying the strip count portion of an ISU. When the observer asked the pilot to initiate an ISU, the plane temporarily departed the transect flight path to circle the initiating sea otter group 5 times. Any sea otter pups sighted prior to the first quarter turn of the first circle are included in the “Strip_Pups” count.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 0
Range_Domain_Maximum: 4

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: CIRCLE ADULTS
Attribute_Definition:

Number of adult sea otters observed in a group while flying the circle count portion of an ISU. When the observer asked the pilot to initiate an ISU, the plane temporarily departed the transect flight path to circle the initiating sea otter group 5 times. Any adult sea otters sighted after the first quarter turn of the first circle are included in the “Circle_Adults” count.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 1
Range_Domain_Maximum: 14

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: CIRCLE PUPS
Attribute_Definition:

Number of sea otter pups observed in a group while flying the circle count portion of an ISU. When the observer asked the pilot to initiate an ISU, the plane temporarily departed the transect flight path to circle the initiating sea otter group 5 times. Any sea otter pups sighted after the first quarter turn of the first circle are included in the “Circle_Pups” count.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 0
Range_Domain_Maximum: 3

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: BEHAVIOR
Attribute_Definition:

Behavior is defined as "whatever the otter was doing before the plane arrived" and recorded for each group as either diving (D) or non-diving (N). Diving otters include any individuals that swim below the surface and out of view, whether traveling or foraging. If any individual(s) in a group are diving, the whole group is classified as diving. Non-diving otters are animals seen resting, interacting, swimming (but not diving), or hauled-out on land or ice.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: D
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Diving, out of view.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: N
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Non-diving, otters than can be seen.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: KEFJ transect coordinates all surveys combined decimal degrees
Entity_Type_Definition:

This is spreadsheet data exported as a comma delimited file. Each record (row) represents one transect endpoint.

Entity_Type_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: BLOCK
Attribute_Definition:

Unit within the region (Alaska Peninsula, Kenai Peninsula or Prince William Sound). Fourcharacter name for the sampling block.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: KEFJ
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: This block encompasses Kenai Fjords National Park.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: YEAR
Attribute_Definition:

Year of survey; this attribute is preferable to the “date” field for sorting transects within a year.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 2002
Range_Domain_Maximum: 2016
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: date

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: REPLICATE
Attribute_Definition:

Replicate number; used to designate the order surveys were flown when more than one survey was flown in a given year.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 1
Range_Domain_Maximum: 3

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: STRATUM
Attribute_Definition:

Designates which stratum each transect falls within, high density (H) or low density (L). Sea otter groups sighted off-transect have a “.” in this column.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: H
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: High density
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: producer defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: TRANSECT
Attribute_Definition:

Sequential integer number assigned to each transect within a survey when survey is designed along with a letter indicating which end. For example, transect 1 in the otter data spreadsheets is designated here by endpoints 001E and 001W. Note that each stratum within each replicate will have their own 001E and 001W.

Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 001
Range_Domain_Maximum: 388

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: X_Coordinate
Attribute_Definition: Sea otter group longitude in decimal degrees, NAD83
Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: -150.85508
Range_Domain_Maximum: -149.44832
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: decimal degrees

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Y_Coordinate
Attribute_Definition: Sea otter group latitude in decimal degrees, NAD83
Attribute_Definition_Source: producer defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 59.1995
Range_Domain_Maximum: 59.95221
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: decimal degrees

Overview_Description:

Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

The information contained in these datasets includes strip transect counts, ISU counts, and transect coordinates from sea otter aerial surveys conducted in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:

producer defined

Dean, T. A., and J. L. Bodkin. 2011. Protocol narrative for marine nearshore ecosystem monitoring in the Southwest Alaska Network of National Parks: Version 1.0. Natural Resource Report NPS/SWAN/NRR—2011/449. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Bodkin, J.L., and M.S. Udevitz. 1999. An aerial survey method to estimate sea otter abundance, in Garner, G.W., and others, eds., Marine Mammal Survey and Assessment Methods: Rotterdam, Netherlands, Balkema Press, p. 13-26. Bodkin, J. L. 2011. SOP for conducting sea otter aerial surveys - Version 1.2: Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network. Natural Resource Report NPS/SWAN/NRR—2011/393. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Gulf Watch Alaska Nearshore Component: Sea Otter Aerial Survey Data Kenai Fjords National Park, 2002-2016

Metadata: