Sean Todd
Director, Allied Whale and Steven K. Katona Chair in Marine Sciences
College of the Atlantic
105 Eden Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
207.801.5725
stodd@coa.edu

Allied Whale has been studying endangered humpback, fin, and right whales from Mount Desert Rock’s marine field station for nearly 40 years. Visual observations from small vessels and from the island’s lighthouse tower have established a long-term record of marine mammal presence over time. However, the location (bearing and range) is not always included, making it difficult for researchers to link the presence of whales with their habitat. Sea Grant funds supported purchase of a digital surveying theodolite and accessories to collect, store, and process spatial data that can later be resolved into marine mammal swim tracks and other animal behavior. The spatial data will provide a visual complement to acoustic survey data, serve as a control for studies of tourism’s impact on whales, and contribute to other research conducted by Allied Whale.

Sea Grant funds: $4,000