The estimation of the detection function and g(0) for shortbeaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), using doubleplatform data collected during the NASS-95 Faroese survey

Abstract

This paper examines the data for common dolphins collected during a general double-platform line transect cetacean survey carried out in waters around the Faroe Islands in 1995 (from southeastern Iceland to western Ireland) in order to determine the extent to which a correction factor can be estimated to account for animals missed on the trackline and for responsive movement towards the vessel. A major assumption of conventional distance-based methods is that all objects at zero distance from the line are detected (i.e. g(0)=1). If this assumption is violated the estimated density and hence abundance will be negatively biased. It also assumes that animals do not respond to the survey vessel before they are detected by the observers. If the animals are attracted to the vessel, for example, this will result in a positively biassed estimate. The g(0) estimate was obtained using the method of Borchers et al. (1998). Visual inspection of the data suggested that the dolphins were attracted to the vessel and this was accounted for following the Buckland and Turnock (1992) approach. Coefficients of variation (CVs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a non-parametric bootstrap procedure. During the survey, almost 1,700 n.miles were sailed on primary research effort. There were 153 common dolphin sightings including 52 duplicates. The chosen model for the detection function incorporated perpendicular distance, group size and Beaufort sea state. The resulting estimate of g(0) was 0.7961 (CV=0.14). Density estimates obtained under an assumption of no responsive movement are almost six times higher than when it is taken into account, highlighting the importance of collecting appropriate data to allow analysis of this potential problem in cetacean surveys.