This project aims to fill data gaps through the identification, development, and lab testing of monitoring technologies and methods that directly target areas where both fishing effort occurs and…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded a $440,000 Project Grant under the Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects program (CFDA 11.469) to the University of Maine System. The award, effective February 1, 2025 through January 31, 2027, aims to fill data gaps and develop a roadmap for a more dynamic approach to North Atlantic right whale acoustic research in the Gulf of Maine. Key objectives include:

1. Identifying, developing, and lab testing monitoring technologies and methods to track fishing effort and right whale presence based on oceanographic conditions.

2. Characterizing right whale foraging habitat by developing predictive models of prey distribution using existing data on Calanus finmarchicus population dynamics and trophic transfer.

This project leverages the University of Maine System's extensive research capabilities in marine sciences, climate change, and environmental monitoring to support NOAA's mission of understanding and protecting marine ecosystems.

This project aims to fill data gaps through the identification, development, and lab testing of monitoring technologies and methods that directly target areas where both fishing effort occurs and where right whale presence is predicted to occur based on oceanographic conditions. The goal is to introduce a roadmap to a more dynamic approach to north atlantic right whale (NARW) acoustic research in the gulf of maine that builds on innovative and emergent passive acoustic monitoring technologies, and takes commercial fishing industry concerns into account. Additionally, the project will characterize NARW foraging habitat by developing predictive models of prey distribution. Existing data from ongoing sampling efforts will be used to investigate knowledge gaps in prey aggregation, drivers of calanus finmarchicus population abundance, and trophic transfer of lipids.