CE14002 Cetacean on the Frontier 5 Survey

To deploy static acoustic monitoring (SAM) devices (C-PODs) on acoustic release systems on the slopes of the Porcupine Bank and Seabight to enable static monitoring of four sites over the survey duration. If and when appropriate, to deploy a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) to obtain biopsy samples and photo-identification images of bottlenose dolphins and baleen whales from rarely accessible offshore habitat. To conduct a survey of seabird species and abundance according to ESAS methods in offshore waters over slope habitats of the Porcupine Bank, Sea Bight and shelf edge.

To sample Mauve Stinger jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca for stable isotope analysis and to investigate the prevalence of the bacterium Tenacibaculum maritimum. To sample phytoplankton and zooplankton (including Euphausiids). To collect photo-identification data of bottlenose dolphins and baleen whales to facilitate ongoing longitudinal studies (e.g. IWDG photo ID catalogue).