This portion of the CIMT project establishes the relationship between remote and directly sensed physical and biological oceanographic processes and the distribution and movement of apex predators and is tightly coupled with the Tagging of Pacific Pelagics project (TOPP). In the short-term, it will provide us with an understanding of the location and dynamics of apex predator foraging habitat; ultimately, it will provide a basis from which to predict the effects of the climate variability on the dynamics of apex predator distribution and abundance patterns – a key goal of resource managers.

The goal of the tagging group is to quantify the forging and diving behavior, food habits, and at-sea distribution of California sea lions, sea turtles, blue and humpback whales. This portion of the CIMT project seeks to establish the relationship between remote and directly sensed physical and biological oceanographic processes and the distribution and movement of apex predators.

*New* Animated Sea Lion Track Video (click the image to open the movie).

Note: The movie uses Quicktime with embedded Flash. You will need QuickTime version 7.1 or later. Click here to upgrade your QuickTime version.