Development of Monitoring Plans for Arctic Marine Mammals

The U.S. Marine Mammal Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service convened an international workshop in Valencia, Spain, 4–6 March 2007, to develop long-term, pan-arctic monitoring strategies for arctic marine mammals. Workshop participants recognized the need to monitor not only the population dynamics of marine mammals but also the key factors that drive those dynamics, including behavior, health status, trophic dynamics, habitat quality and availability, and the effects of human activities. Some factors may respond quickly to climate change and new human activities in the Arctic and thus may portend changes in the status of certain marine mammal species. Participants discussed previous and ongoing research and monitoring efforts for ringed seals and belugas and, using these species as case studies, developed a comprehensive monitoring framework for arctic marine mammals, including specific and general monitoring needs and tools that should be considered when developing integrated regional or species-based monitoring plans.

To develop and implement such plans, participants recommended that arctic nations convene international expert monitoring groups and charge the groups with: (1) developing and periodically updating comprehensive monitoring plans; (2) establishing research and monitoring priorities; (3) developing data collection and sharing protocols; (4) promoting research and monitoring partnerships; and (5) clarifying funding needs, identifying potential funding sources, and developing funding proposals.

Such a coordinated, multi-national and multi-disciplinary approach is essential to ensure that adequate information is available to conserve arctic marine mammals in the face of climate change and associated changes in human activities.