Distribution of cetaceans on the continental shelf break off Nova Scotia and in adjacent waters with a focus on northern bottlenose whales, Hyperoodon ampullatus

Using data collected in 2001 and 2002, I described the distribution and quantified the movements of northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus) in the waters off northeastern US and southeastern Canada.; Surveys in 2001 provided the opportunity to examine the distribution of cetaceans along the 1000 m contour. Cetaceans were visually and acoustically detected along the entire survey route with a total of 11 species encountered. The estimated species diversity in submarine canyons was not significantly different from that on other parts of the continental slope.; Research in 2002 allowed the examination of the distribution of cetaceans in Shortland and Haldimand canyons, areas for which cetacean distribution was previously unknown. Shortland and Haldimand canyons appear to be important for northern bottlenose whales and likely, for blue whales. These waters should be given protection from anthropogenic development. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...