NF-FS7300-24-MM004 PHASE ONE AERIAL SYSTEM FOR CCEP

The AFSC/MML conducts pinniped stock assessments to meet the mandates of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Pinniped stock assessments require data collection methods that rely on fixed-wing, crewed aerial surveys to ensure coverage of the entire west coast region. The current survey system is antiquated and can no longer be updated to interface with new technology that makes processing of the data inefficient. Other pinniped fixed-wing, crewed aerial survey programs have adopted an integrated camera and computer system that produces high quality, georeferenced imagery that can be easily processed through automated programs. With these modernized systems, the surveys only require a single observer, or just the pilot that operates the camera user interface for pre-programmed flight transects, and better quality electronics allow for flying at higher altitudes and faster speeds, which decreases the hazards associated with crewed aerial sur