Updated 1978-2001 abundance estimates and their correlations for the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas stock of bowhead whales

The method of Cooke (1996) and Punt Butterworth (1999) for computing abundance estimates bowhead whales the BeringChukchi-Beaufort Seas stock is reviewed. These are computed from N4 number that passed within 4km visual range observation ‘perch’ which counted, estimated proportions P4 this standard errors (SE) P4. Errors discovered while assembling data used in developing previous were corrected, new detection probabilities, values SEs using corrected data. was then applied. resulting 2001 estimate 10,545 (95% confidence interval 8,200 to 13,500), extremely close N4/P4 10,470 8,100 13,500) (George et al., 2004). rate increase population 1978 3.4% per year 1.7% 5%).