Evaluating the bias in line-transect estimates of cetacean density and abundance caused by Beaufort conditions

Key Points

• This research evaluates the impact of Beaufort conditions on cetacean density and abundance estimates using line-transect surveys.
• Utilized ship-based visual line-transect surveys for data collection.
• Employed the Beaufort scale to categorize survey conditions.
• Analyzed the correlation between Beaufort conditions and density estimates.
• Identified significant bias in density estimates due to varying Beaufort conditions.
• Showed that higher Beaufort levels generally correspond to lower density estimates for cetaceans.