West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

CHAPTER 7
Pinnipeds
• Jug handle—Seal or sea lion floats on its side with
one front flipper and one rear flipper above the
water, creating what looks like a handle.
• Porpoising—Pinniped is swimming fast, jumping
at least partially out of the water in fluid, arching
motions. This swimming pattern resembles that of
dolphins or porpoises seen at a distance.
• Rafting—A group of pinnipeds resting at the
surface together.
• Spooked from haulout—Pinnipeds which had
been resting on a beach, rocks or ice dove into the
water due to your vessel’s interaction with them
• Vocalizing—Pinniped making directed noises at
you or at another pinniped.
Marine Mammal Data Collection Forms
There are three forms to use when collecting marine mammal
information.
1. Biospecimen Form.
• Use this form to record length, sex, and weight
information from dead marine mammals.
• Use this form anytime canine teeth or a tissue
sample is collected from a dead marine mammal.
2. Marine Mammal Sighting Form.
• Use this form to record marine mammal interaction
or sighting information.
1/30/2004 7-17