Detection of Brucella ceti and Brucella-Associated Disease in Stranded Cetaceans in Hawaii, USA, 2000-24.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 2025.
61(2):522–529
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Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:
- April 1, 2025
Numerous marine mammal populations worldwide are declining because of increased anthropogenic and natural threats, including infectious disease. Brucella ceti, morbillivirus, and herpesvirus have been detected from stranded cetaceans and been recognized as pathogens that may result in considerable cetacean morbidity and mortality. Beaked whale circovirus has been reported in multiple cetacean species in Hawaii, USA, and the western Pacific Ocean, but the pathologic relevance in these species remains uncertain. We screened for the presence of Brucella in 66 cetaceans of 17 species that stranded in Hawaii 2000-24 by targeting the insertion sequence 711 partial sequence using PCR.
Complete
Aerial Surveys of Marine Mammals Conducted in the Inland Puget Sound Waters of Washington, summer 2013 – winter 2016
Project Objectives
1) Conduct aerial surveys during four seasonal periods within the inland Puget Sound Survey Area to assess potential differences in seasonal distribution, numbers, and behavioral state patterns of marine mammals; 2) Collect data to estimate densities of marine mammals in the inland Puget Sound waters for species with sufficient sightings; 3) Estimate abundance for each marine mammal species seen an adequate number of times; 4) Document the distribution and habitat use of each species observed; 5) Document and describe behaviors seen without performing focal follows.
Current
Marine Mammal Sightings During CalCOFI Cruises
Project Objectives
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals are present in Southern California and estimate the abundance and density across seasons
Complete
Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammals in the Gulf of Alaska
Project Objectives
Determine the spatial distribution and occurrence of beaked whales, other odontocetes, and baleen whales in offshore areas using bottom-mounted passive acoustic recorders and deep-diving autonomous gliders
Western gray whale detections in western Pacific
June 8, 2026
Gray whale vocalizations are well-known and have been detected on mobile U.S. Navy passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) systems for decades. Gray whales produce highly variable and complex signals. Given some historical and conservation interest in the overall distribution and migratory patterns and behaviors of gray whales in the north Pacific, the Navy has conducted systematic monitoring for the calls of gray whales in times and areas that would inform species distribution patterns.
