Marine Resources Assessment for the Marianas Operating ... - SPREP

AUGUST 2005 FINAL REPORT
Obtain marine mammal and sea turtle datasets for the Marianas MRA study area that may not have
been available for inclusion in this assessment. While all available comprehensive data have been
included (Table A-1), acquiring the following datasets may ensure more complete data coverage:
• CNMI marine mammal database (contact: Mr. Michael Trianni, CNMI). Data have yet to be
compiled into a working database and thus data are currently unavailable.
• Fisheries Agency of Japan surveyed waters for whales in an area including the Marianas during
1993 (contact: Dr. Tomio Miyashita, FAJ). Per a directive from Navy, we did not compile data
from Japan.
• Humpback whale sighting surveys conducted at least during 1995 and 1996 (contact: Dr. M.
Yamaguchi, Ogasawara Marine Center). Per a directive from Navy, we did not compile data from
Japan.
• Aerial survey sightings of sea turtles around Guam that have been documented since 1975
(contact: Jay Gutierrez, Guam DAWR or Gerry Davis, NOAA Fisheries-PIRO). All aerial sea turtle
data available from Guam were requested from the Guam DAWR. Reports received did not
include specific locations (e.g., coordinates or locations plotted on maps), species identifications,
or dates.
• Sea turtle nesting records at Guam that have been collected consistently since 1990 and most
reliably from 2000 to present (contact: Jay Gutierrez, Guam DAWR). All available sea turtle
nesting data from Guam were requested. Reports received did not include specific locations (e.g.,
coordinates or locations plotted on maps), species identifications, or dates.
• Aquatic survey sightings and nesting records of sea turtles collected at Tinian in 1995 (contact:
Susan Pultz, USFWS). The initial intent was to obtain data used to prepare a report authored by
Susan Pultz (Pultz et al. 1999). We were unable to locate Susan Pultz. Yet, all available sea turtle
data specific to Tinian were requested from the Pacific Islands Regional Office, NOAA Fisheries
(contact: Dr. William Robinson, Regional Administrator), the CNMI DFW (contact: Paul Hamilton,
Director), and the Guam DAWR (contact: Trina Leberer, Acting Chief). We obtained all the
sighting and nesting records of sea turtles available for Tinian from Larry Ilo and Joseph Ruak
from the CNMI DFW.
• Opportunistic marine mammal and sea turtle sightings recorded during scuba diving excursions at
Guam (contact: Pete Petersen, Micronesian Divers Association). Data were requested by phone
and email with no response.
• Opportunistic sea turtle sightings recorded during the Coral Reef Ecosystem Division (CRED)
cruise (NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette) around Guam and the CNMI in 2003 (contact: Dr. Steven
Kolinski, NOAA Fisheries-PIRO). Julie Rivers (NAVFAC, Pacific) requested these data on behalf
of GMI and has yet to receive the data from NOAA Fisheries.
Acquisition and analysis of existing data is less expensive than collecting authentic marine mammal
and sea turtle survey data. The potential contribution of these datasets to our understanding of the
distribution of these protected species is high. Cost: Moderate. Priority: 1.
Update EFH identifications/descriptions/maps and HAPC as revised, redesignated, or additional
amendments (i.e., Amendment 8 to the Bottomfish and Groundfish FMP, Pelagic Squid Fishery
Management under FMP Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region) and/or plans (i.e.,
Archipelago Fisheries Ecosystem Plans) become available from the FMCs and NOAA Fisheries.
Cost: Low. Priority: 1.
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