Research Program of the Okhotsk-Korean Gray Whale Population Habitat Using Satellite Telemetry in

Transcription

1 WESTERN GRAY WHALE ADVISORY PANEL WGWAP 10/Inf.3 10 th Meeting May 2011 PUBLIC ENGLISH Research Program of the Okhotsk-Korean Gray Whale Population Habitat Using Satellite Telemetry in Submitted by: IPEE RAS WGWAP 10/Inf.3

2 DRAFT Russian Academy of Sciences A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IPEE RAS) Research Program of the Okhotsk-Korean Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) Population Habitat Using Satellite Telemetry in Moscow, 2011

3 Introduction The A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution Russian Academy of Sciences in accordance with Research Program of the Okhotsk-Korean Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) Population Habitat Using Satellite Telemetry in 2010 (Program) has conducted effort on tagging, photo identification and biopsy sampling of gray whales off Sakhalin Island. Due unexpected technical difficulties and poor weather only a single male whale was tagged. This whale over October 2010-February 2011 has traveled from Sakhalin Island (Russia) to the coast of Oregon (USA). There is no evidence tagging has compromised the whale's health. The photoidentification data and biopsy samples are being analyzed; nonetheless it is already obvious that obtained and expected results aren't sufficient to reach undoubtful conclusions on Western Gray Whales status. In 2011it is planned to continue the research and tag 12 gray whales (males) off NE Sakhalin. The present data of the Okhotsk-Korean Gray Whale population distribution, problem description, program goals and objectives, procedure framework, whale tag deployment techniques, collecting of whale biopsy samples and the time to be spent in the vicinity of whales in detail described in the Research Program of the Okhotsk-Korean Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) Population Habitat Using Satellite Telemetry, which was presented at 62 IWC Scientific Committee meeting (Agadir, 2010) (see Annex). Field operation timeframe The proposed dates for the field operations (30 days) are August 15 October 10, Field operation area The primary area to conduct the proposed operations to deploy tags on the Okhotsk- Korean population of gray whales is the Sakhalin Island north-eastern offshore area outlined by latitudes attributed to 51 * and 55 * degrees of north latitude and * and * degrees of eastern longitude. Upon deployment of the 12 tags if the ship time is still available there will be an opportunity to monitor the tagged whales to assess the effectiveness of the used tagging technique and biopsy sampling. Data processing As in 2011/12 data on the location of animals equipped with radio tags will be transferred to a specially equipped computer installed at the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the RAS. The data will be broken down by disciplines and processed as soon as they are obtained. The processed results will be used to produce technical reports to be submitted for review to a specially established expert panel, that will include some foreign scientists as well as to the co-funders of the study (ENL and SEIC). Genetic review of biopsy samples will be conducted in Russian and interested foreign laboratories. Intermediate and final reports on results will be produced by the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the RAS in cooperation with the above-mentioned panel and will be submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia, the IWC Scientific Committee, IUCN and the co-funders of the program (ENL and SEIC). Proposed Outputs As a result of the work the following outputs are expected: 2

4 (1) Up to 12 Argos satellite systems telemetry tags shall be deployed on males of the Okhotsk-Korean population of gray whales in accordance with guidance by the Scientific Committee of the IWC and IUCN. (2) The movements of the tagged whales within the feeding waters, along the autumn migration routes and movements towards the wintering grounds along with the spring migration routes shall be tracked. (3) Russian experts shall be trained to use foreign tag deployment techniques and whale tracking by telemetry (4) The results will contribute to an improved overall strategy and specific monitoring and conservation measures for the Okhotsk-Korean population of gray whales and its habitat. (5) The results and experience shall be gained to improve tag deployment techniques in view of the similar operations off the coast of eastern Kamchatka in following year (s). (6) If obtained, the results of the analyses of the opportunistically collected biopsy samples will contribute to the refinement of information on the population genetic characteristics and the sex composition of the Okhotsk-Korean population of gray whales. Program Participants The A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the RAS was appointed the executive in charge of the program. Employees of the Institute of Marine Biology of the RAS, Pacific Oceanological Institute of the RAS and its Kamchatka Branch, Pacific Fisheries and Oceanography Research Institute (TINRO-Center) and its regional branches, and Kronotsky State Biosphere Reserve will be engaged in the program on contractual terms. The engaged employees will monitor satellite tracking of tagged whales, and some of them will identify and tag whales. Pursuant to the IWC Scientific Committee guidance, to minimize the risks while tagging whales and to train and consult Russian participants, international and foreign experts will be present onboard the vessel, including B. Mate (developer of satellite tags with vast expertise of their deployment on gray whales), and A. Bradford (specialist in identifying specific animals of the Okhotsk-Korean gray whale population in the sea). As the expected migration routes may pass in the exclusive economic zones of Canada, USA, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the People s Republic of China, experts of these countries may be involved in the program, including follow-up studies. Program Timeframe The program timeframe, including its preparation, approval, field operations and drawing up of a final report, is 1 May December 30, Information reports will be drawn up after completing field operations (October 31, 2011) and preliminary analysis of transmitters operation (April 30, 2012). The results of genetic studies of biopsy tissue samples will be prepared by April 30, The final report will be drawn up by December 30, Information and final reports will be sent to the RF Ministry of Natural Resources, IWC, IUCN, the co-funders of the study (ENL and SEIC) and other establishments and organizations concerned. The program will include four stages: Program Stages 3

5 1 st stage May - July 2011 Developing and approving required documentation, obtaining permits, executing contracts with collaborators - Russian scientific and other organizations concerned, purchasing equipment, preparing for field operations. Reporting readiness for field operations and satellite tracking analysis to the IWC Scientific Committee (June 2011, Tromso, Norway). Holding a kick-off meeting in Moscow or on Sakhalin. 2 nd stage August - October Whale tagging and biopsy sampling. Drawing up an information report by October 31, rd stage October August Processing collected and incoming materials and data. Holding a workshop in Moscow (April 2012) to discuss preliminary results of tagged whales tracking and genetic studies. Drawing up an intermediate report by April 30, Reporting to the IWC Scientific Committee preliminary results on tagged whales migrations on Sakhalin in 2011 and results of the biopsy samples genetic studies. 4 th stage August - December 30, Preparing and submitting the final program report to the RF Ministry of Natural Resources, IWC, IUCN, the co-funders of the study (SEIC and ENL) and other establishments and organizations concerned. Doctor of Biological Sciences, Program Manager, Deputy Director A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the RAS V.V. Rozhnov 4

6 ANNEX Russian Academy of Sciences A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IEE RAS) Research Program of the Okhotsk-Korean Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) Population Habitat Using Satellite Telemetry Moscow,

7 Introduction The abundance of the majority of large cetaceans in the World Ocean has plummeted drastically as a result of commercial whaling. At present, some populations have reached or nearly reached prewhaling levels (end of the 19 th century) and do not cause any concern, while the condition of others remains critical. The gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) listed in the Russian Federation Red Book is among such species. The species is divided into two populations: Chukchee-California (=eastern) and Okhotsk-Korean (of the Sea of Okhotsk, western). By the end of the 19 th century the eastern population was depleted by whaling. Calculations show that the initial (prewhaling) stock of the eastern population amounted to 18,600 individuals in the mid 19 th century but dropped to 2,800 by Later, as whaling was prohibited, the population began to restore and rebounded to 12,600 by 1968, to 21,600 by 1988, and to 22,000 32,400 by Therefore, after prohibition of commercial whaling, the size of the eastern population exceeded its prewhaling size. Some scientists believe that as a result of exceeding the environmental capacity, the eastern population decreased to a level of 14,000-21,000 individuals by 2002 and since that time has maintained this - evidently natural - level of abundance. By the mid 20 th century the Okhotsk-Korean (western) population was considered hunted to extinction (by the effects of whaling); however, in individuals were sighted near Sakhalin, and the population was entered in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) with an Insufficient Data status which was changed to Critically Endangered in 2000 after the conducted studies. At present, the stock is estimated at individuals. The term and nature of use of various habitat areas should be clearly identified to develop the preservation strategy for the whales and specific prevention measures to protect them from adverse impacts. The whales were thought to feed near the Sakhalin coast in summer and breed south of Korea and Japan in winter. However, the performed surveys do not allow for an unambiguous conclusion. There are several potential migration scenarios. Evidently, the issue can only be resolved by direct observations of migrations. According to urgent recommendations of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and IUCN, migration observations via satellite telemetry should begin without delay. Upon the IWC Scientific Committee guidance, B. Mate, the American researcher, tagged 17 females of the eastern population in the Gulf of California in 2005 with satellite transmitters to study potential health consequences for gray whales. The tagging has not been reported to affect their health. In gray whales were tagged at Chukotka, with no negative effects either. A female of a hump-backed whale is known to have lived and bred for 30 years after tagging. Present Data of the Okhotsk-Korean Gray Whale Population Distribution After the population was "re-discovered" in 1983, for a long time information on the Okhotsk-Korean population was gathered irregularly, in the course of other researches. As many as 34 whales were encountered near the eastern coast of Sakhalin in September 1989, and 5 whales were sighted at the south of the island in January. Since1995, methodical studies of the population including its size, photo-identification, behavior and genetic studies, have been conducted in the Piltun Bay area under the Russian- 6

8 American program provided by the Kamchatka Institute of Environment and Nature Use of the RAS (currently the Kamchatka Branch of the Pacific Geography Institute of the RAS) in cooperation with the Texas A&M University. Since 2001, research has been conducted near the Sakhalin coast, in the northern segment of the Sea of Okhotsk, and at the eastern Kamchatka coast, including searching for new feeding areas, census, photo-identification, studies of behavior, feeding resources, and hydroacoustic surveys, within the framework of the joint program of Exxon Neftegas Limited and Sakhalin Energy provided by the A.V.Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology of the Far Eastern Branch of the RAS and the V.I.Ilyichev Pacific Oceanological Institute. The report of the International Western Gray Whales Range Wide Workshop held in Tokyo in September 2008 shows that the present stock of the western gray whale population is individuals (58% males and 42 % females), 60 of which are females, 25 or so of them reproductive, and the population keeps growing. Others estimate the population size at individuals. As compared to the Chukchee-California whales, females have a longer reproductive interval. The male/female proportion is 60/40 for calves and 70/30 for adults. For a long time the shallow waters adjacent to Piltun Bay where oil and gas fields are being actively developed were considered the only feeding area of whales. The duration of the feeding period there may vary subject to the weather (mostly ice) conditions and is 4.5 to 6 months. Whales begin to migrate to their wintering and breeding grounds in the second half of October through November. Later feeding areas were discovered to the south of this area and farther offshore, as well as in the central part of the eastern Kamchatka coast. Individuals and small groups were encountered at the northern segment of the Sea of Okhotsk and near the Northern Kuril Islands. Such encounters became more frequent and extended northwards along Kamchatka. The photo-identification conducted at the Kamchatka eastern coast in 2004 and showed that39 out of 78 sighted animals had been observed earlier near Sakhalin. Moreover, some whales may be encountered in both areas within one season. Problem Description In the late 20 th and early 21 st century chemical and noise ocean pollution, collisions with ships, intensive fishery, etc replaced the direct threat of commercial whaling. The Okhotsk-Korean gray whale population may be subject to such threats during feeding. The population may also be affected in some way during migrations and wintering. Five animals are known to have died in fishing gear of Japanese fishermen, one died for some unknown cause and one was found dead on Sakhalin. Despite the evidence of slow recovery, the future of the population is uncertain and depends directly on implementing required and sufficient protection measures throughout the habitat from the feeding areas to the winter breeding grounds. To develop and implement such measures, the time and routes of autumn and spring whale migrations and inter-seasonal moves and breeding areas should be determined. It was considered that in autumn gray whales migrate for wintering from the Sea of Okhotsk to the South China Sea. Historically, migration routes of the population went along both coasts of Japan and Korean Peninsula to the western and south-western coast of China. However, no gray whales have been encountered in these areas in the last 30 to 40 years, except for six cases off the north-eastern coast of Japan. Therefore, current migration routes and wintering area remain unknown. There are several scenarios of the gray whales distribution in the Sea of Okhotsk and potential migration routes and wintering grounds. 1. A remnant genetically isolated population of the Sea of Okhotsk has survived and exists; its migration routes and wintering grounds are not identified but are supposedly in the South China Sea. A part of the population comes from wintering directly to the 7

9 Sakhalin area. The other part migrates to the eastern coast of Kamchatka in spring to meet the Chukchee-California whales, moves down to Sakhalin in summer, then returns to Kamchatka and only after that turns to the south, along the Kuril Islands, for wintering. 2. A remnant genetically isolated population of the Sea of Okhotsk has survived; its migration routes and wintering grounds are not identified but are supposedly in the South China Sea. In spring, some Chukchee-California whales move from the California coasts to Chukotka and then down to Kamchatka (possibly reaching Kamchatka along the Aleutian Islands) and further to Sakhalin where they stay in summer together with the Okhotsk-Korean population. In autumn, the Chukchee- California and Okhotsk-Korean whales move to the north and south off Sakhalin, respectively. 3. No remnant population of the Sea of Okhotsk has survived or ever existed. A single population inhabited the northern segment of the Pacific before large-scale commercial whaling. At least, there was an intensive gene exchange between the western and eastern sub-stocks. The Asian wintering areas may have been used irregularly. After the whales in the Sea of Okhotsk had been hunted to extinction, the gray whale began to spread to its historical habitat and re-inhabited the Sea of Okhotsk as the Chukchee- California population grew rapidly in the 1980s-1990s. If the tendency remains and the population in the Sea of Okhotsk keeps increasing, some whales may re-inhabit their Asian wintering grounds. Each of these scenarios has its debatable arguments and facts. Genetic studies testify to the genetic isolation of the Okhotsk-Korean population but do not discard potential mixing of the populations at the sampling spot - feeding areas near the Sakhalin Island. Absence of the reliable data on the migration routes of the Okhotsk and eastern Kamchatka gray whales makes the studies of gray whales an urgent necessity. Among the most promising studies is satellite tagging. The Scientific Committee, Conservation Committee and the plenary session of the 61 st session of the IWC and special meetings of the IUCN paid special attention to the condition and monitoring of the western gray whale population. The IWC Scientific Committee established a Co-ordination Group tasked with providing guidance (with account for the guidance of the IUCN Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel) and programs for satellite tagging of western gray whale population with account for scientific, environmental, study standards and those safe for whales. In particular, it was suggested to revise genetic studies of the western and eastern populations and submit the results to the IWC in Satellite tagging should include two stages: on Sakhalin in 2010 and on the eastern Kamchatka in The IWC has strongly advised the duly authorised Russian bodies to issue appropriate permits for performing such operations. Program Goals and Objectives The program goal is to obtain, via satellite telemetry, reliable information on the temporal and spatial distribution of the Okhotsk-Korean gray whale population to develop required and sufficient measures to preserve these animals. The satellite programme involves the following key tasks: (1) Deploying 12 Argos satellite radio tags on gray whales near the north-eastern coast of Sakhalin in 2010; in order to (2) Identify the timing and routes of spring and autumn migrations; (3) Identify the wintering grounds; and 8

10 (4) Further study and characterise the feeding offshore territories of the Okhotsk- Korean gray whale population in the Sea of Okhotsk and off the eastern Kamchatka coast. (5) Training Russian specialists to use foreign techniques of telemetric tagging and whale tracking; In addition, if it proves possible while not compromising the above key objectives, biopsy sampling to obtain tissue samples will occur to further studies of the genetic traits and sex composition of the Okhotsk-Korean population of gray whales. Procedure Framework The methods and equipment to attach telemetric tags and track individuals of the Okhotsk-Korean population of gray whales along their migration routes and wintering grounds shall be such that they are recognized to minimise any disturbance to the animals and cause no long-term harm whilst maximising the collection of representative data. To achieve this the programme will follow field protocols that are in accordance with guidance provided by the IWC Scientific Committee and the IUCN Western Gray Whale Advisory Pane. The key programme requirements to achieve this are: (1) use of deployment techniques and tags proven to be successful on the with the Chukchi California (eastern) population; (2) the tagging effort should be carried out by experienced investigators familiar with tagging of gray whales; and (3) Only tag known males with no visible health problems using infection-free telemetry equipment. This guidance will be observed throughout the lifetime of the programme. Whale tag deployment techniques During August and September 2010 Argos satellite tags shall be deployed on up to 12 whales. The average tag lifetime is about 120 days. Given that the whales are expected to migrate out of Russian waters towards their wintering grounds in October-November 2010, waters the tags will be employed in Russia for not more than four months. The proposed tags have been chosen in view of the set tasks and deployment on gray whales and both the equipment and deployment techniques have been successfully tested on the whales of the Chukchi California (eastern) population and recognised as safe and effective by the IWC and IUCN. A research vessel will accommodate and bring the research team close to the positions of deployment. Final deployment will take place from a small (ca. 6m) inflatable vessel (e.g. Zodiac) equipped with the required equipment. To mitigate short-term effects on whale feeding the inflatable will be powered by a four-stroke out-board engine or other engine of identical or smaller noise impact at a comparable capacity. The tagging team will consist of 5-6 experts: a team leader, driver, camera and/or video operator, individual identification expert and data recorder. Potential tagging targets (i.e. males) will be determined BASED ON EXISTING, GENETICALLY VERIFYED SEX INFORMATION from existing photo-identification catalogue(s) and the information provided to IPPE by the IWC, for the purposes of the present programme only; this information and suitable photographs will also be provided to all members of the field team prior to the start of the field season. Experienced marine mammal observers (4 persons) will be on the research vessel board to be of assistance in 9

11 searching for candidate whales for tagging. The final decision on tagging a particular whale on a specific occasion will be taken in the field by the individual identification expert in conjunction with the field team leader, inter alia taking into account the apparent health of the individuals and their behaviour. To assist in making the final decision, the inflatable may approach the whale(s) slowly to distances of up to 15m; deployment of tags will occur when the inflatable is within 1-3m of the target animal. All identification and tagging operations will be recorded by cameras/video cameras; associated data including the environmental conditions, the geographical position of any encounters, the geographical position of tagging, the position of the implanted tag on the animals will be recorded in the field and later added onto an electronic database. Such information will be used integrated into the final reports. As part of the follow-up study to assess tagging technique effectiveness and potential health implications of tagging, in the event of further encounters of a tagged animal, its health status, behaviour and the location of the tag will be recorded. Collecting of whale biopsy samples The IWC Scientific Committee has recognised the need to continue biopsy sampling for further monitoring of the sex composition and genetic characteristics of the Okhotsk-Korean population. Biopsy sampling is not the primary objective of this programme. However, it may be undertaken on an opportunistic basis provided that it does not interfere with the primary objectives i.e. (1) the deployment of up to 12 telemetry tags on healthy males; and (2) follow up studies on the effectiveness of the deployment techniques and tags on the health of the animals; The decision as to whether and when biopsy sampling may occur will be taken by the team leader. Biopsy samples will be collected by a qualified expert using the technique proven for the whales of this population with a specially designed dart to ensure animal safety and health. The entire biopsy sampling will be recorded with photo and video equipment for further comparison with the available photo catalogs. The time to be spent in the vicinity of whales The IWC Scientific Committee will discuss the international standards for time spent in the vicinity of whales at its next session (June 2010); in 2009 the IWC approved the national standards of Argentina were approved i.e. the time spent in the vicinity of whales shall be not more than 1.5 hours and breaks between shall be not less than 0.5 hour. The experienced telemetry and biopsy sampling scientists in the present programme will ensure that the time spent on experimental work with individual animals will be considerably less than the Argentine standards. Field operation timeframe The proposed dates for the field operations (28 30 days) are August 10 September 30, Field operation area The primary area to conduct the proposed operations to deploy tags on the Okhotsk- Korean population of gray whales is the Sakhalin Island north-eastern offshore area outlined by latitudes attributed to 51 * and 55 * degrees of north latitude and * and * degrees of eastern longitude. Upon deployment of the 12 tags if the ship time is still available 10

12 there will be an opportunity to monitor the tagged whales to assess the effectiveness of the used tagging technique and biopsy sampling. Data processing Data on the location of animals equipped with radio tags will be transferred to a specially equipped computer installed at the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the RAS. The data will be broken down by disciplines and processed as soon as they are obtained. The processed results will be used to produce technical reports to be submitted for review to a specially established expert panel, that will include some foreign scientists as well as to the co-funders of the study (ENL and SEIC). Genetic review of biopsy samples will be conducted in Russian and interested foreign laboratories. Intermediate and final reports on results will be produced by the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the RAS in cooperation with the above-mentioned panel and will be submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia, the IWC Scientific Committee, IUCN and the co-funders of the program (ENL and SEIC). Proposed Outputs As a result of the work the following outputs are expected: (7) Up to 12 Argos satellite systems telemetry tags shall be deployed on males of the Okhotsk-Korean population of gray whales in accordance with guidance by the Scientific Committee of the IWC and IUCN. (8) The movements of the tagged whales within the feeding waters, along the autumn migration routes and movements towards the wintering grounds along with the spring migration routes shall be tracked. (9) Russian experts shall be trained to use foreign tag deployment techniques and whale tracking by telemetry (10) The results will contribute to an improved overall strategy and specific monitoring and conservation measures for the Okhotsk-Korean population of gray whales and its habitat. (11) The results and experience shall be gained to improve tag deployment techniques in view of the proposed similar operations off the coast of eastern Kamchatka in (12) If obtained, the results of the analyses of the opportunistically collected biopsy samples will contribute to the refinement of information on the population genetic characteristics and the sex composition of the Okhotsk-Korean population of gray whales. Program Participants The A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the RAS was appointed the executive in charge of the program. Employees of the Institute of Marine Biology of the RAS, Pacific Oceanological Institute of the RAS and its Kamchatka Branch, Pacific Fisheries and Oceanography Research Institute (TINRO-Center) and its regional branches, and Federal State Institution North-eastern Basin Authority for Protection, Reproduction of Fishery Resources and Fishery Regulation (FSI Sevvostrybvod) will be engaged in the program on contractual terms. The engaged employees will monitor satellite tracking of tagged whales, and some of them will identify and tag whales. Pursuant to the IWC Scientific Committee guidance, to minimize the risks while tagging whales and to train and consult Russian participants, international and foreign experts will be present onboard the vessel, including G. Tsidulko (member of the IUCN Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel and the IWC Co-ordination Group for satellite tagging 11

13 of gray whales), B. Mate (developer of satellite tags with vast expertise of their deployment on gray whales), and A. Bradford (specialist in identifying specific animals of the Okhotsk- Korean gray whale population in the sea). As the expected migration routes may pass in the exclusive economic zones of Japan, the Republic of Korea and the People s Republic of China, experts of these countries will be involved in the program, including follow-up studies. Program Timeframe The program timeframe, including its preparation, approval, field operations and drawing up of a final report, is November 30, December 30, Information reports will be drawn up after completing field operations (October 31, 2010) and preliminary analysis of transmitters operation (April 30, 2011). The results of genetic studies of biopsy tissue samples will be prepared by April 30, The final report will be drawn up by December 30, Information and final reports will be sent to the RF Ministry of Natural Resources, IWC, IUCN, the co-funders of the study (ENL and SEIC) and other establishments and organizations concerned. Program Stages The program will include four stages: 1 st stage December July 2010 Developing and approving required documentation, obtaining permits, executing contracts with collaborators - Russian scientific and other organizations concerned, purchasing equipment, preparing for field operations. Elaborating the program with the IUCN Panel (April 2010, Geneva). Reporting readiness for field operations and satellite tracking analysis to the IWC Scientific Committee (June 2010, Morocco). Holding a kick-off meeting in Moscow or on Sakhalin. 2 nd stage August - September Whale tagging and biopsy sampling. Drawing up an information report by October 31, rd stage October August Processing collected and incoming materials and data. Holding a workshop in Moscow (April 2011) to discuss preliminary results of tagged whales tracking and genetic studies. Drawing up an intermediate report by April 30, Reporting to the IWC Scientific Committee (the venue to be determined at the 62nd IWC Session) preliminary results on tagged whales migrations on Sakhalin in 2010, results of the biopsy samples genetic studies, and planned whale tagging at the eastern Kamchatka in 2011). 4 th stage August - December 30, Preparing and submitting the final program report to the RF Ministry of Natural Resources, IWC, IUCN, the co-funders of the study (SEIC and ENL) and other establishments and organizations concerned. Doctor of Biological Sciences, Program Manager, Deputy Director A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the RAS V.V. Rozhnov 12