Kim Shelden | NOAA/NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center (original) (raw)

Papers by Kim Shelden

AFSC Processed Report, 2024

The Eastern Bering Sea (EBS) beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) stock inhabits the waters of Norton S... more The Eastern Bering Sea (EBS) beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) stock inhabits the waters of Norton Sound and the Yukon River Delta, Alaska, during the ice-free period from sea-ice breakup in spring to the beginning of freeze-up in autumn. During June, July, and August, belugas aggregate near the Yukon River Delta, where they feed on seasonally abundant anadromous fish such as Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) and salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.). EBS belugas are an important nutritional and cultural resource for Alaska Natives, and are harvested by more than 20 communities near Norton Sound and the Yukon River. To collect data for an updated abundance estimate of EBS belugas, aerial line-transect surveys were conducted in Norton Sound and near the Yukon River Delta from 18 June through 1 July 2024. Flights were conducted on 7 days (18-21, 24, 30 June and 1 July) covering 6,934 km of transect effort. Within the study area, a high-density stratum, where belugas have been observed in large numbers during previous surveys in 2017 and 2022, was sampled multiple times. A digital camera mounted in the belly port of the aircraft collected images primarily within the high-density stratum at 3-second intervals. A total of 29,031 images were collected. Images were reviewed to determine if an observer correction factor for belugas missed along the trackline (g(0)) could be estimated. Images will also be reviewed for age class based on skin color and size (calf, juvenile (light gray), adult (white)) and group composition. Caveats to developing a g(0) correction factor based on a review of sightings within the camera and observer fields of view are discussed. Throughout the study area, 338 beluga groups totaling 1,716 belugas were sighted (328 sightings, 1,195 belugas on transect). This included 24 cow-calf pairs (23 observed on transect). Five beluga carcasses were also observed, photographed, and reported to the Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network. The highest densities of belugas extended along the Yukon River Delta north of Scammon Bay within the 5 m depth contour, then east into Pastol Bay, broadening northward to Unalakleet within the 5-15 m depth contours. Other marine mammal sightings included a minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), a pod of six killer whales (Orcinus orca), harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena, 2 sightings, 4 total), 5 small, unidentified pinnipeds, and one unidentified marine mammal. Compared to the 2017 and 2022 surveys, the encounter rate of belugas (whales/km) observed on transect in 2024 was slightly lower, though this was largely due to diverting from the trackline north of Scammon Bay, where a group of approximately 500 belugas were sighted while circling, and therefore not included in the encounter rate.

Throughout the State of Alaska, ranging from the eastern Beaufort Sea to Bristol Bay, and within ... more Throughout the State of Alaska, ranging from the eastern Beaufort Sea to Bristol Bay, and within the boundaries of Cook Inlet, belugas are an important subsistence resource for Native communities. Cook Inlet belugas (CIBs, Delphinapterus leucas) are geographically and genetically isolated from the other Alaska beluga stocks. CIBs are critically endangered and reside year-round adjacent to Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. Prior to 1999, there were no restrictions on the number of CIBs subsistence harvested. Following a voluntary suspension of the hunt and a moratorium in 1999, harvest of a limited number (1-2 CIB per year) occurred until 2007. This report provides a retrospective analysis of samples collected from subsistence harvested CIBs from 1989 to 2005. Data include prey items from stomach contents, reproductive parameters from ovaries and testes, contaminant analysis from blubber and liver (including several persistent organic pollutants (POPs), per-and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS), and total mercury), and pathology including gross and histologic findings. The purpose of this review is twofold: to develop a baseline from CIBs harvested during the period of population decline (i.e., 1991-2004) and to determine if there are any indicators to explain what may be causing the current decline since 2010. Harvested CIBs were on average 20 years old (range 2-33 years old). Eulachon and salmon were the primary prey item consumed. This was not unexpected because the hunt coincided with the arrival of anadromous fish returning to the inlet's rivers to spawn. Of 11 females in the harvest whose reproductive tracts were examined, 2 (18%) were not pregnant, 2 (18%) were newly pregnant, and 7 (64%) had term fetuses or had recently given birth. The high proportion of CIB females who were pregnant or recently postpartum is likely due to the timing of the harvest which began prior to and continued throughout the CIB birthing season which ranges from July through October. Of the contaminants examined, both mirex and mercury showed a significant increase in concentration with body length with no detectable difference between sexes. This is likely due to the weak offloading tendency of mirex and limited transference of mercury from mother to fetus. Concentrations of many of the other POPs analysed (e.g., PCB, DDT, chlordanes, HCH, iv chlorobenzenes, and α-HBCD) were significantly higher in males than in females, and within females, concentrations were higher in those that were pregnant versus lactating. PBDEs and α-HBCD significantly increased from 1995 to 2005 for both sexes, with males showing higher concentrations of α-HBCD than females. Overall, levels were higher in CIBs than other Alaska beluga populations which may be due to proximity to Anchorage and industrial activities. On gross pathology, the parasitic nematode Crassicauda giliakiana was prevalent in 64% of CIB kidneys, which is higher than in other Alaska beluga populations. On histopathology, most of the lesions in blubber, kidney, lung, and stomach were confirmed to be caused by parasitic nematodes or were consistent with the effects of these parasites. Overall, histopathology of harvested CIBs does not differ markedly from other beluga populations. There is some suggestion that pollutants such as flame retardants have increased over time, but it is unclear if levels would significantly affect CIB fetal development although congenital defects have recently been documented in this population. Of note, CIBs do have a high rate of C. giliakiana in the kidneys compared to other beluga populations. Determining whether this parasite has an effect on renal function in severe cases would be of interest. Because only the skin and blubber are consumed by hunting communities, and in relatively small amounts, it is unlikely that parasites or pollutants would accumulate to levels that would cause illness or death in humans. The cause for the current lack of recovery for the CIB population cannot be determined based on these findings.

The Cook Inlet beluga (CIBs, Delphinapterus leucas) population was designated as a depleted stock... more The Cook Inlet beluga (CIBs, Delphinapterus leucas) population was designated as a depleted stock under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in 2000, and subsequently listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2008. To assess the role that the Alaska Native harvest played in the CIB population decline, we need to examine the harvest level in relation to the decline in the decades prior to these regulatory actions. The

The worldwide literature on management of spotted seals, Phoca largha, was reviewed and updated, ... more The worldwide literature on management of spotted seals, Phoca largha, was reviewed and updated, and aerial surveys weref lown in 1992 and 1993 to determine the species' distribution and abundance in U.S. waters. In April, spotted seals were found only in the Bering Sea ice front. In June, they were seen along deteriorating ice floes and fast ice in Norton Sound. Surveys along most of Alaska's western coast in August and September found over 2,500 spotted seals in Kuskokwim Bay and concentrations of 100-400 seals around Nunivak Island, Scammon Bay, Golovnin Bay/Norton Sound, Cape Espenberg/Kotzebue Sound, and Kasegaluk Lagoon. All of these sites have been used by spotted seals in the past. The sum of the highest counts, irrespective of year, was 3,570 seals (CV =0.06). This is not an abundance estimate for all spotted seals in the Bering Sea, because it does not account for animals in the water, and we did not survey the Asian coast and some islands. Also, spotted seals and ...

For management purposes, the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission has con... more For management purposes, the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission has considered bowhead whales as havi ng five stocks (geographically distinct segments of the population): Spitsbergen, Davis Strait, Hudson Bay, Okhotsk Sea and Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas (B-C-B). These divisions are defined primarily by known distribution and seasonal movements. Historically, bowhead whales had a circumarctic distribution, with several periods of range expansion and contraction depending upon access through Arctic straits. Heavy exploitation by pre-20 th century commercial whalers reduced bowhead whale abundance, further segregating stocks. A portion of the B-C-B stock escaped whalers by migrating into the pack ice each spring and summering in th e Beaufort Sea. Few bowhead whales are now found in the summer in the Chukchi or Bering Seas. The distribution of this species should be c onsidered labile, affected by sea ice and availability of prey, a factor that improves the l...

This report does not constitute a publication and is for information only. All data herein are to... more This report does not constitute a publication and is for information only. All data herein are to be considered provisional. (Delphinapterus leucas) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA); the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) recommended that a Status Review be conducted to incorporate new scientific findings available since the publication of a scientific review in 2000 in the journal Marine Fisheries Review 62 (3). list Cook Inlet belugas as endangered under the ESA. After reviewing the information contained in the petition, as well as other scientific information readily available, NMFS determined the petitioned action may be warranted. Within 12 months of the date of the petition, NMFS must make one of the following findings: 1) the petitioned action is not warranted; 2) the petitioned action is warranted and the Secretary of Commerce will publish in the Federal Register (FR) a proposed regulation to implement the action pursuant to 50 CFR 424.16; or 3) the petiti...

NOTE – NMFS is in the process of reviewing humpback whale stock structure under the Marine Mammal... more NOTE – NMFS is in the process of reviewing humpback whale stock structure under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in light of the 14 Distinct Population Segments established under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (81 FR 62259, 8 September 2016). A complete revision of the humpback whale stock assessments will be postponed until this review is complete. In the interim, new information on humpback whale mortality and serious injury is provided within this report.

STOCK DEFINITION AND GEOGRAPHIC RANGE Gray whales formerly occurred in the North Atlantic Ocean (... more STOCK DEFINITION AND GEOGRAPHIC RANGE Gray whales formerly occurred in the North Atlantic Ocean (Fraser 1970, Mead and Mitchell 1984), but this species is currently found only in the North Pacific (Rice et al. 1984). The following information was considered in classifying stock structure of gray whales based on the phylogeographic approach of Dizon et al. (1992): 1) Distributional data: two isolated geographic distributions in the North Pacific Ocean; 2) Population response data: the eastern North Pacific population has increased, and no evident increase in the western North Pacific; 3) Phenotypic data: unknown; and 4) Genotypic data: unknown. Based on this limited information, two stocks have been recognized in the North Pacific: the Eastern North Pacific stock, which lives along the west coast of North America (Fig. 35), and Figure 35. Approximate distribution of the Eastern North the Western North Pacific or "Korean" stock, Pacific stock of gray whales (shaded area). Ex...

STOCK DEFINITION AND GEOGRAPHIC RANGE The humpback whale is distributed worldwide in all ocean ba... more STOCK DEFINITION AND GEOGRAPHIC RANGE The humpback whale is distributed worldwide in all ocean basins. In winter, most humpback whales occur in the subtropical and tropical waters of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Humpback whales in the high latitudes of the North Pacific are seasonal migrants that feed on euphausiids and small schooling fishes (Nemoto 1957; 1959, Clapham and Mead 1999). The humpback whale population was considerably reduced as a result of intensive commercial exploitation during the 20 century. A large-scale study of humpback whales throughout the North Pacific was conducted in 2004-06 (the Structure of Populations, Levels of Abundance, and Status of Humpbacks, or SPLASH, project). Initial results from this project (Calambokidis et al. 2008), including abundance estimates and movement information, are used in this report. Genetic results, which may provide a more comprehensive understanding of humpback whale population structure in the North Pacific, should...

The bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus, is currently listed as endangered under the Endangered Spe... more The bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus, is currently listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. Literature on the species is updated since 1984, and elements are reviewed that may contribute to the evaluation of the status of bowhead whale stocks.

From December to February in most years from 1967 to 2007, observers counted gray whales, Eschric... more From December to February in most years from 1967 to 2007, observers counted gray whales, Eschrichtius robustus, from shore sites south of Carmel in central California. In addition to gray whales, other cetacean species were also recorded. These observations were summarized and compared among survey platforms and to ocean conditions. Eleven cetacean species were identified including eight odontocete species (killer whale, Orcinus orca; Pacific white-sided dolphin, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens; common dolphin, Delphinus spp.; bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, northern right whale dolphin, Lissodelphis borealis; Risso’s dolphin, Grampus griseus; Dall’s porpoise, Phocoenoides dalli; and harbor porpoise, Phocoena phocoena) and three mysticete species (humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae; minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata; and blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus). As expected, the detection of certain species among survey platforms (shore-based census watches, 25-power “Big Ey...

Aerial surveys provide an assessment of the offshore distribution of gray whales and an estimate ... more Aerial surveys provide an assessment of the offshore distribution of gray whales and an estimate of the proportion of whales th at migrate beyond the visual range of shore-based observers. Six surveys were conducted concurrent with shore-based surveys during 1979, 1 980, 1988, 1993, 1994 and 1996. Annual differences were tested for in the distribution of whales within an area 3 n.miles north and south of Granite Canyon, and it was found that the distributions within 3 n.miles of the shore differed by year but the shifts in the di stribution were minor ( 2.25 n.miles) distribution of gray whale pods did not differ s ignificantly between survey years. An average of 4.76% (SE = 0.85%) of the whale pods were observed beyond 2.25 n.miles and only 1.28% (SE = 0.07%) beyond 3 n.miles.

AFSC Processed Report, 2024

AFSC PROCESSED REPORT 2006-16 , 2006

AFSC PROCESSED REPORT 2006-06 , 2006

AFSC PROCESSED REPORT 2008-08 , 2008

AFSC PROCESSED REPORT 2008-03, 2008

AFSC PROCESSED REPORT 2008-02 , 2008

NMFS began comprehensive, systematic aerial surveys of the beluga population in Cook Inlet in 199... more NMFS began comprehensive, systematic aerial surveys of the beluga population in Cook Inlet in 1993. Unlike previous efforts, these surveys included the upper, middle, and lower sections of the Inlet. These surveys documented a decline in abundance of nearly 50% between 1994 and viii 1998, from an estimate of 653 whales to 347 whales. Although this rapid decline stopped after hunting was regulated in 1998, beluga numbers have not increased.

AFSC PROCESSED REPORT 2012-03 , 2012

Limited information exists on the foraging behavior of the endangered population of beluga whales... more Limited information exists on the foraging behavior of the endangered population of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in Cook Inlet, Alaska, especially during the winter months with heavy ice-cover. We used satellite telemetry to record the movement (n = 14) and diving (n = 11) behavior of whales across 3 years (1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003), including the winter months.

AFSC PROCESSED REPORT 2015-03, 2015

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has conducted aerial surveys of the beluga populatio... more The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has conducted aerial surveys of the beluga population in Cook Inlet, Alaska, each June, July, or both from 1993 to 2012, after which biennial surveys began in 2014. The current document presents survey results and subsequent analyses yielding an abundance estimate and population trend based on data collected during June 2014. Surveys occurred 3-12 June 2014 (52 flight hours). All surveys were flown in twinengine, high-wing aircraft (i.e., an Aero Commander) at a target altitude of 244 m (800 ft) and speed of 185 km/hour (100-120 knots), consistent with NMFS' surveys of Cook Inlet conducted in previous years. Tracklines were flown 1.4 km from the shoreline, along the entire Cook Inlet coast, including islands. Additionally, sawtooth pattern tracklines were flown across the inlet. These aerial surveys effectively covered 32% of the total surface area of Cook Inlet and 100% of the coastline. In particular, most of the upper inlet, north of the Forelands where beluga whales are consistently found, was surveyed six times (out of eight attempts). Paired, independent observers searched on the coastal side of the plane, where virtually all beluga sightings occur, while a single observer searched on the inlet side. A computer operator/data recorder periodically monitored distance from the shoreline (1.4 km) with a clinometer (angle 10°). After finding beluga groups, a series of aerial passes allowed all observers to each make four or more independent counts of every group (i.e., typically 16 counts of each group conducted during eight passes). In addition, whale groups were video recorded for later analysis and more precise counts in the laboratory. Belugas were not seen in lower Cook Inlet (south of East and West Foreland) nor in the upper inlet south of North Foreland and Moose Point. Much of the survey period occurred during low tides that were 5 to 7 ft versus negative low tides, which expose vast expanses of mudflats and typically line up whales within the deeper channels. Because of this, whale groups tended to be more dispersed over the unexposed mudflats in the Susitna delta and Chickaloon Bay. Beluga groups were found from Chuitna River to the Little Susitna River in the Susitna delta, scattered from the Susitna delta to Point Possession, and from Chickaloon River to the bluffs approaching Point Possession. The annual sums of medians from aerial counts provide an index of relative abundance, not corrected for estimates of whales missed. Daily overall medians ranged from 231 iii to 352 whales. The annual median index count of 352 whales represents the highest median count to date for this project. Corrected group sizes ranged from 2 to 168 whales (SD = 53). Similar to the past five survey years, whales were not found in Knik Arm. The greatest numbers were found in the Susitna delta (average group size = 71, range: 2 -168) compared to Chickaloon Bay (average groups size = 22, range: 2 -79). The abundance estimate was based on 3 days of surveys (9-11 June) where coverage of the upper inlet was complete and observer counts with (11 groups) and without (4 groups) video recordings were obtained for every beluga whale group observed. The abundance estimate of 340 (CV = 0.08, 95% CI = [291,398], Nmin = 318) falls within the range of abundance estimates from the last 10 survey years (312 -375 whales). The 10-year trend (2004-2014) was -0.4% /year with a SE of 1.3% (i.e., a declining trend: P (< 0.0) = 62%). During the period since management of the hunt began (1999-2014), the trend was -1.3% /year with a SE of 0.7% (i.e., a declining trend: P (< 0.0) = 97%). iv CONTENTS Abstract .

AFSC PROCESSED REPORT 2016-02, 2016

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has conducted aerial surveys to estimate abundance o... more The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has conducted aerial surveys to estimate abundance of the beluga population in Cook Inlet, Alaska, each June, July, or both from 1993 to 2012, after which biennial surveys began in 2014. The current document presents survey results and subsequent analyses yielding an abundance estimate and population trend based on data collected during June 2016. Surveys occurred May 31 -June 9, 2016 (49.2 flight hours). All surveys were flown in twin-engine, high-wing aircraft (i.e., an Aero Commander) at a target altitude of 244 m (800 ft) and speed of 185 km/hour (100 knots), consistent with NMFS' surveys of Cook Inlet conducted in previous years. Tracklines were flown 1.4 km from the shoreline, along the entire Cook Inlet coast, including islands. Additionally, sawtooth pattern tracklines were flown across the inlet in 2016. These aerial surveys effectively covered 40% of the total surface area of Cook Inlet and 100% of the coastline. In particular, most of the upper inlet, north of the East and West Foreland where beluga whales are consistently found, was surveyed seven times (out of seven attempts). Paired, independent observers searched on the coastal side of the plane, where most beluga sightings occur, while a single observer searched on the inlet side. A computer operator/data recorder periodically monitored distance from the shoreline (1.4 km) with a clinometer (angle 10°). After finding beluga groups, a series of aerial passes allowed all observers to each make independent counts of every group. In addition, whale groups were video recorded for later analysis and more precise counts in the laboratory. Belugas were not seen in lower Cook Inlet (south of East and West Foreland) nor in the upper inlet south of North Foreland and Moose Point. Much of the survey period occurred during negative low tides, which expose vast expanses of mudflats and typically line up whales within the deeper channels. Beluga groups were found from Beluga River to the Little Susitna River in the Susitna Delta, along offshore tracklines from North Foreland to Point Possession, near Moose Point shoals south of Point Possession, from Burnt Island to the bluffs approaching Point Possession in Chickaloon Bay, and in Turnagain Arm. The annual sums of medians from aerial counts provide an index of relative abundance, not corrected for estimates of whales missed.