mini_SOW_NARW_realtime_6_17_2024.docx

Title: Modeling Real-Time Population Density of North Atlantic Right Whales and Database Support for Cetacean, Sea Turtle, and Other Wildlife Observations in the United States North Atlantic Exclusive Economic Zone

Introduction:

The purpose of this study is to develop a near real-time (NRT) modeling system for the endangered North Atlantic right whale (NARW) population and a survey segment database of cetacean and other marine wildlife observations to assist the ongoing modeling efforts of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The NRT system will predict whale density across the eastern seaboard using real-time visual and acoustic observations, coupled with environmental covariates. Initially, the system will serve as a research and development testbed, allowing a collaborative team of developers to address statistical challenges and refine software workflow. Once the effectiveness of the density models is established, daily predictions will be made operational and disseminated to the public. The system's capabilities could be expanded to issue short-term forecasts and encompass additional species, contingent on data availability and the development of suitable methods. BOEM and the NOAA/NMFS will jointly fund this study. BOEM is particularly interested in supporting study objectives that most closely align with its mission.

Objectives:

1. Develop a near real-time modeling system for the endangered North Atlantic right whale population

2. Create a survey segment database of cetacean and other marine wildlife observations Tasks:

1. Incorporate various survey datasets into the modeling or segment database

2. Export survey segment data to BOEM

3. Design a formal protocol for the Modeling Website to enable authorized modelers to seamlessly export survey segments

4. Develop a structured data pipeline for visual observations collected through ship-based and aerial surveys

5. Construct a formal data pipeline for processing and analyzing data from acoustic surveys

6. Design and implement a data interchange pipeline facilitating the seamless exchange of information between visual data recording software and the project database utilized for PSO operations

7. Establish a formal statistical methodology to incorporate PSO monitoring data into density models