This project intends to increase the understanding of false killer whale (FKW) foraging behavior in relation to prey and fishing activity, to help inform strategies to reduce depredation and bycatch

The University of California San Diego (UCSD) Scripps Institution of Oceanography has been awarded a $139,659 Cooperative Agreement from the Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Unallied Science Program (CFDA 11.472). This 2-year project aims to increase understanding of false killer whale foraging behavior in relation to prey and fishing activity, in order to inform strategies to reduce depredation and bycatch. The key objectives are to test hypotheses about how local oceanographic conditions drive prey distributions, how false killer whales target high-density prey, and how they react to and modify foraging in the presence of fishing vessels. Scripps will leverage its oceanographic research expertise, facilities, and vessels to conduct this project, which is expected to contribute to the optimal management of fishery and protected resources through improved scientific understanding.

The proposed project will test the following hypotheses: 1. Local physical oceanographic conditions drive distributions of FKW prey, 2. Fkws sense and target high density of prey, and 3. FKW react to and modify their foraging behavior in the presence of fishing vessels.