The marine survey method evolved out of a partnership with the USFS. The Forest Service wanted to get a better handle on the recreation use that was occurring around Point Adolphus and we wanted to compare this use to the distribution and abundance of marine mammal activity.

The boat in this picture is one of two that was loaned to us by the Sitka Ranger District via Hoonah Ranger District as part of a cost share challenge agreement. In the forground of this shot you will notice the 'deckwriter', a plastic clipboard with a pencil on a lanyard for data collection on-the-go. Data sheets are copies of local chart info with distance dilineations added in Arcview for help in estimating position. Of course the paper is water proof.