Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species
We conduct surveys and develop abundance and distribution models to better understand how protected species such as whales, dolphins, and sea turtles use our waters.
Our Research
We are developing models and tools to provide seasonal abundance estimates that incorporate environmental habitat characteristics for marine mammals, turtles, and seabirds in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Other federal agencies involved in this mission are:
These models rely on seasonal distribution and abundance data our scientists have collected over multiple years using aerial and shipboard surveys. They also include dive pattern information from individually-tagged turtles and detections from passive acoustic recording devices.
The program coordinates the data collection and analysis efforts of NOAA Fisheries’ Northeast and Southeast science centers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Migratory Birds. Through these efforts, we are providing enhanced data to managers and supporting conservation initiatives.
Reports
Links
- AMAPPS Marine Mammal Model Viewer
- AMAPPS II on the Marine Cadastre
- Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species
News and Outreach
- East Coast Marine Life Survey Renewed for Five More Years
- Offshore Seabirds and Weird Whales (WCAI radio segment)
- Nine Leatherback Turtles Satellite Tagged in Cape Cod Bay
- BOEM Ocean Science - AMAPPS Findings Close Critical Data Gaps
- BOEM Ocean Science - Surveys and Spatial Distribution of Protected Species in the Atlantic
- AMAPPS cruise blog
More Information
Northeast Fisheries Science Center Protected Species Branch