NMFS - Alaska Beluga Monitoring Partnership (AKBMP) Project

Alaska Beluga Monitoring Partnership (AKBMP):
Volunteer Monitoring Protocol
Overview:
Thank you for your interest in our shore-based beluga monitoring program. Belugas are an important part
of the Cook Inlet ecosystem and your participation in our monitoring efforts will provide researchers,
managers, and the public with valuable information on beluga distribution, behavior, and habitat use. This
monitoring protocol provides a standardized methodology for conducting shore-based beluga monitoring
sessions and enables the systematic collection of AKBMP field observations. The data you collect will be
submitted to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cook Inlet Beluga Whale
Opportunistic Sightings Database and Cook Inlet Beluga Ecosystem Portal and will help inform the
conservation and management of this important endangered species.
Participant Safety: All participants are responsible for ensuring their own safety while participating in

AKBMP monitoring sessions. We recommend at least two volunteers on site during a monitoring session.
Each participant should come prepared to a monitoring session and ensure that the equipment outlined on
the Monitoring Checklist (presented below) is available on site. If at any time you feel unsafe during a
monitoring session, please leave the monitoring site and do not return until safe conditions are restored. If
you observe any suspicious activities occurring on or around a monitoring site, please inform your local
police or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Law Enforcement Hotline (800) 853-1964
when appropriate.
Responsible Viewing: All marine mammals are protected under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act

(MMPA) and several marine mammal species, including the Cook Inlet beluga whale, are protected under
the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Per this legislation, it is illegal to harass, pursue, feed, hunt,
capture, or kill wild marine mammals in the United States. Please review and abide by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Mammal Viewing Guidelines for Alaska (available on
our website) at all times.
Reporting Marine Mammal Strandings, Entanglements, and Suspicious Activities: Please report stranded

and/or entangled live or dead animals to the NMFS Stranding Hotline (877) 925-7773 and report marine
mammal harassment or other suspicious activities to the NMFS Enforcement Hotline (800) 853-1964. In
the event of an emergency please dial 911. Please make a note of this report in your data entry for that
monitoring session.
AKBMP Monitoring Sites:
We currently monitor from five official sites in Cook Inlet. Below, we list the location of these sites and
specify the AKBMP partner organization facilitating monitoring at each site. In Fall 2021 we will be adding
The Point at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center as a pilot site to determine if it is a location we want to
permanently add to our program.
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Ship Creek
Site Location: At the base of Ship Creek in Anchorage overlooking entrance to Knik Arm
Partner Organization: Beluga Whale Alliance and Defenders of Wildlife
Mile Marker 95.3 Pullout
Site Location: At the Seward Highway mile marker 95.3 pullout
Partner Organization: Beluga Whale Alliance
Twentymile River
Site Location: At the Twentymile River mouth in front of the boat launch
Partner Organization: Beluga Whale Alliance
Kenai River
Site Location: On the bluffs above the lower river
Partner Organization: Alaska Wildlife Alliance and Kenai Peninsula College
Kasilof River
Site Location: At the Kasilof River mouth
Partner Organization: Alaska Wildlife Alliance and Kenai Peninsula College
The Point*
Site Location: Within the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where Placer
and Portage River meet
Organization: Alaska Wildlife Alliance and Kenai Peninsula College
Prior to Monitoring
Prior to monitoring with us in the field, we require that each volunteer attend a volunteer orientation
and complete a volunteer form and liability waiver. Please visit our website (http://akbmp.org) to view
and sign up for upcoming monitoring orientations in your area or virtually; if none are scheduled,
please contact the AKBMP coordinator to receive a link to a recorded volunteer orientation. You will
not have access to the signup schedules to monitor until you fill in your volunteer form and waiver. You
must complete at least one training session in the field with a Lead Observer prior to monitoring on
your own. You can do this by signing up for a monitoring session (how to do this described in next
section) that has a Lead Observe assigned.
Signing Up for a Monitoring Session
Monitoring sessions are scheduled in advance by the AKBMP coordinator and are updated monthly
(i.e., the September monitoring schedule will be posted at the end of August and so on). All monitoring
sessions last for about two hours and occur during daylight hours, scheduled around the tide. We ask
that volunteers remain on site for the entire session duration to maximize the likelihood of observing
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beluga activity and completing the session. You can sign-up for monitoring sessions on our website
(http://akbmp.org) under the Monitor page. The schedule is only accessible by volunteers that have
completed the necessary steps. Click the site you would like to monitor at and add your name to any
and all sessions that you would like to attend. If you’re experiencing difficulties signing up for a session
online, please contact the AKBMP coordinator ([email protected]). We ask that each volunteer
commit to attending a minimum of three monitoring sessions over the course of the field season;
however, there is no maximum limit to the number of monitoring sessions a volunteer can sign-up for.
Preparing for a Monitoring Session
Participants should read through this protocol, the datasheets, the Monitoring Key and Monitoring
Session Checklist below prior to conducting a session. Please come prepared for each session with
your own binoculars and the additional items outlined below on the checklist at the end of this protocol
as needed.
AKBMP Datasheets
We record data on two separate datasheets during a monitoring session. The first is the Session Log,
on which we record participant information and the environmental conditions on site. The second
datasheet we use is the Beluga Log, on which we record data on beluga sightings. Please review the
Monitoring Definitions and the Monitoring Key provided below for a description of the information you
will be recording during your session.
Participant Roles
For safety reasons, we recommend a monitoring session be attended by at least two individuals
whenever possible. When this is the case, one individual should serve as the Primary Observer and
the other as the Data Recorder. Both should actively scan for belugas and other marine mammals
over the course of the monitoring session. If only one observer is on site during a session, this
individual should serve as the Primary Observer and Data Recorder.
During a Monitoring Session
Monitoring volunteers should begin and end each session in accordance with the monitoring start and
end times specified on the session schedule for their site. At the start of each session, the Data
Recorder should fill out the information requested on the Session Log and should record any notable
changes in site conditions under the notes section on the Site Form as they occur. Environmental
conditions should be recorded at the end of the session as an average over the monitoring duration
(any extreme environmental conditions can be added to the Site Form note section). Over the course of
the session, the Observer(s) and Data Recorder should continue to actively scan the monitoring area
for belugas and other marine mammals (alternating between using their unaided eye and binoculars).
The Data Recorder should record all beluga or other marine mammal sightings on the Beluga Log as
they occur. On the back of this log is a section for recording a timeline and visual summary of the
session and/or beluga group sighting. The Data Recorder should use a new Beluga Log for each new
group of belugas observed in the monitoring area (see below for definition of group).
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End of Session Debrief
At the end of each session, this is a good time to fill in the environmental conditions as an average of
what was experienced over the duration of your session. The Observer(s) and Data Recorder should
review the datasheets to ensure that each is accurate and complete.
Data Entry and Submission
Following each monitoring session that you participate in, please have one volunteer that was present
during the session enter the data recorded during that session into the AKBMP Online Data Entry Form
(this form can be found under the Monitor page on our website). If possible, please also photograph or
scan your datesheets and upload them on our website (also located on the Monitor page on our
website). If you do not feel that you are able to enter your monitoring data into our online form, please
communicate this to the AKBMP coordinator so that we can find an alternative. If you prefer to return a
hard copy of your datasheets (instead of photographing or scanning your forms), you can arrange for
them to be picked up or delivered to the AKBMP coordinator.

Monitoring Definitions
The following content was adapted and modified from the NMFS Best Practices Guidelines for
documenting Cook Inlet Beluga Whales and from Steinert (2017) unpublished. Content was modified and
new content was added as necessary.
Site Name: The name and/or location information for the particular site you are monitoring at (e.g.,
Ship Creek, MM 95.3, Twentymile River, Kenai River, Kasilof River).
Monitoring Area: Refers to the area within your range of view (using the unaided eye or
binoculars) over which you can observe and confidently identify marine mammals.
Monitoring Start: The time at which a monitoring session begins (e.g., 8:00 AM); the start time for
each session is indicated on your monitoring site's sign-up sheet.
Monitoring End: The time at which a monitoring session ends (e.g., 10:30 AM); the end time for
each session is indicated on your monitoring site's sign-up sheet.
Observers: The individual(s) in the field team responsible for scanning the monitoring area for
belugas and other marine mammals and relaying these observations to the Data Recorder.
Data Recorder: The individual in the field team primarily responsible for recording participant
information, site information, environmental conditions, and beluga observations; this individual
should also scan for belugas and other marine mammals when not recording data. Additionally, this
person will be responsible for submitting the data to the online form.
Sighting Conditions: The quality and range of your visibility from the monitoring site during a
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monitoring session; this can be affected by rain, glare, fog, whitecaps, or low light; please refer to
Monitoring Key for the scale.
Weather Conditions: Circle the predominant weather condition on site at the beginning of each
monitoring session. Describe any significant change in weather conditions as they occur over the
monitoring session in the notes section.
Glare: Indicate the extent of glare affecting the monitoring area. You can also describe the severity of
the glare (e.g., the percentage of the monitoring area affected) in the notes section.
Beaufort Sea State: Refer to the Beaufort Scale in the Monitoring Key; discontinue all monitoring
activities if sea state reaches force 6 conditions.
Ice Cover: Indicate the percentage (0-100) of ice covering the monitoring area; please base this
percentage on the total surface area of the water that would be visible under ice-free conditions.
Number of Motorized Watercrafts: Total number of motorized watercrafts observed within the
monitoring area over the course of a monitoring session. Please describe any additional details in the
notes section.
Number of Non-motorized Watercrafts: Total number of non-motorized watercrafts observed within
the monitoring area over the course of a monitoring session. Please describe any additional details in
the notes section.
Number of Fishers: Total number of fishers of any gear type (on shore or in a boat) you observe
fishing within the monitoring area over the course of a monitoring session. Please describe any
additional details in the notes section.
Trash / Marine Debris Present: Indicate the extent to which trash or marine debris are present in and
around the monitoring. Please describe any additional details in the notes section.
Number of Aircraft Flights: Total number of aircraft flights observed flying over the monitoring
area during a monitoring session. Multiples flights by the same aircraft can occur and each flight
should be counted in total.
Beluga Sighting: When an individual or group of belugas is observed in the monitoring area.
Group: A discrete group of belugas or other marine mammals observed traveling or milling in unison.
Use your best judgment to differentiate between one and multiple groups. Ask a Lead Observer or the
AKBMP coordinator if you have issues with understanding what defines a group. If one discrete group
merges with another, please record this in the notes section on your Beluga Log. Assign a new Group
ID (A, B, C…) to each new group of belugas observed in the monitoring area.
Group ID: An alphabetical code assigned to each new group of belugas observed during a monitoring
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session at a given monitoring site (e.g., group A, B, C, and so on). If a group (e.g., Group A) travels
outside of your field of view for an extended period of time but you observe them again at a later time
or a different location, please add a number to the end of that group’s ID code (e.g., Group A.1, A.2,
and so on).
Monitoring Start (on Beluga Log): The time you first observe a discrete group of belugas (e.g.,
Group A) in the monitoring area. Please record an observation start time for each new group of
belugas observed. If you lose sight of a group (e.g., Group A) but observe that group again at a later
time or from a different location (e.g., Group A.1) please record a new start time for this observation.
Monitoring End (on Beluga Log): The time you last observe a discrete group of belugas (e.g.,
Group A) in the monitoring area. Please record an observation end time for each discrete group of
belugas observed. If you lose sight of a group (e.g., Group A) and observe them again at a later time
or from a different location (e.g., Group A.1) please record a new end time for this observation.
Estimated Group Size: The best estimate of the total number of belugas in a group (see the
Methods for Determining Group Size section below).
Beluga Color/Age: Refers to the likely age of a beluga based on its color and body size (e.g., calves
are born dark grey and lighten in color as they mature). See the Monitoring Key for color and age
class definitions. Please fill in the spaces provided with the number of belugas in the group that fit
within each age class.
Group Distance from Shore: Circle how far the group is from the shoreline of the monitoring site.
Behavior: Circle any behaviors you observe over the course of a group sighting; refer to the
Monitoring Key for behavior codes and definitions. Please differentiate between behaviors that are
observed and those that are inferred (observing a fish in a beluga’s mouth would constitute observed
feeding; whereas observing fish jumping and birds circling above a group of milling belugas would
constitute suspected feeding).
Other Marine Mammals Observed: Please refer to the AKBMP Marine Mammal Guide for Cook
Inlet (provided under the Resources page on our website) or to a regional marine mammal
identification guide (e.g., Wynne 2007) for help identifying other species of marine mammals that you
observe during a monitoring session.

Other Sections on the Datasheets:
Notes Section (Session Form)
Use this section to record any notable changes in site dynamics or environmental conditions as they
occur over the course of a monitoring session (e.g., a bear entered the monitoring site and
observations ceased until the bear departed; storm clouds rolled in mid-way through the session and
sighting conditions decreased to X). You can also use this section to record any notable ecological
activity observed over the course of a session (e.g., we observed gulls and hooligan dip-netters
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catching hooligan in the monitoring area; the river was covered in ice at the start of the session, but the
ice broke up as the tide came in).
Notes Related to the Beluga Sighting (Beluga Log)
Record any additional information related to the beluga group sighting. Include any notable behaviors
you observe (e.g., six seals were traveling in close proximity to the group of belugas); notable changes
in group spread or formation (e.g., the group transitioned from milling in a tight circle to traveling in a
long line); relevant information on an individual’s body condition (e.g., signs of illness, infection,
tagging scars, wounds, etc.); or signs of entanglement (e.g., rope wrapped around dorsal ridge). If you
observe an entangled animal, please notify the NMFS Stranding Hotline immediately (877) 925-7773.
Human Activity
Recording human activity at during a monitoring session when whales are not in the area is just as
important as recording them when whales are. Having a complete understanding of this activity is
helpful for understanding any impacts on the whales.
Human Activity and Belugas (Beluga Log)
Record human activities that you observe while belugas are present in the monitoring area. Please
note whether the humans involved in this activity were aware of the belugas’ presence (this can be
very difficult to know so please only note it if you are sure). If you observe beluga activity and human
activity occurring within the monitoring area simultaneously, please use the timeline on the back of
the Beluga Log to record the timing of initial beluga behavior, when human activity entered the area,
when beluga behavioral changes were observed (if any), and when human activity ended. A timeline
of the human events and whale events is the best way to document if there were interactions
occurring. If you observe any activities that constitute harassment, please report this to the NMFS
Enforcement Hotline immediately (800) 853-1964. Make note of this harassment in your notes.

Methods for Determining Group Size
Refer to the following guidelines when estimating beluga (or other marine mammal) group size; only
count the number individuals that you actually observe surface (i.e., not ripples or blows).
When a group is milling:
Small group: Count the total number of whales that surface simultaneously to determine the
minimum number of individuals in the group. Repeat this process several times and record your
highest count as the estimated group size.
Large group: If multiple observers are present, break the monitoring area into subsections. Assign
one observer to each subsection and have them count the total number of whales surfacing
simultaneously in their section, add up the count for each section and record this as the estmated
group size.

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When a group is traveling:
Choose a geographic feature ahead of you on the horizon and in front of the group of belugas you
are observing (i.e., in their direction of travel). Count each individual whale that surfaces as they pass
by this point; record your total as the estimated group size.
For a large group (and if several observers are on site), have each observer generate their own count
using the above technique. After the entire group has traveled past the reference point, add up each of
the observer counts and record the average of these counts as the estimated group size.

Photographing Belugas:
If possible, please photograph the belugas you observe and submit these photos to the AKBMP website or
email to AKBMP coordinator; all of the images we receive will be submitted to our partner, Cook Inlet
Beluga Whale Photo-ID Project.
When possible -- Capture images from 90-degree angles to marks or wounds -- Capture a time
sequence of photographs showing the various parts of an individual beluga -- Capture images of the
dorsal ridge and sides of the belugas -- Capture images of the head or tail if visible during a sighting.

Monitoring Session Checklist:
Recommend Gear
__Datasheets
__Charged cell phone
__Rain gear
__sunscreen
__notebook

__Monitoring key
__First aid kit
__Waterproof boots
__Camp chair
__Snacks

__Writing utensils
__Bear spray
__Hat and gloves
__Camera
__Water bottle

__Binoculars
__Extra layers
__Sunglasses
__Dry bag

Conducting a Monitoring Session from Start to Finish
Prior to the Start of a Monitoring Session
__ Review the AKBMP monitoring protocol, monitoring key, and datasheets
__ Contact the AKBMP coordinator with any questions you have
__ If it is your first session, make sure you signed up with a lead observer
At the Start of a Monitoring Session
__ Ensure you have the equipment you need on site (outlined on the Monitoring checklist)
__ Scan the monitoring site to ensure that it’s safe to monitor
__ Identify who will be data recorder and fill out the Session Log (fill in environmental data at the end)
__ Have a Beluga Log on hand for when/if you see belugas

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During the Monitoring Session
__ Actively scan for belugas alternating between the unaided eye and binoculars
__ When belugas, use back of Beluga Log to fill in timeline of events related to group
__ Complete all information for a group, use a new Beluga Log for each group
__ Record any notable changes in site or environmental conditions in the Session Log
notes
__ If desire, capture photos of the belugas or other marine mammals observed during
session
At the End of a Monitoring Session
__ Fill in the average environmental conditions for the session (note any extreme changes in the
note section on the Session Log)
__ Review all of the datasheets to ensure that they are accurate and complete
__ Check the site to ensure that you have left no trash or belongings behind
__ Store your completed datasheets in a secure place
__ Have only ONE volunteer enter the data into the AKBMP online data entry form
__ Upload your datasheets digitally to the AKBMP website (OR you may arrange to turn
in the hardcopies of your datasheets to the coordinator)
__ Upload any photos you took of belugas or other marine mammals to AKBMP website
__ If you encounter any issues email your coordinator to help get your data submitted

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