Estimating humpback whale abundance using hierarchical distance sampling

We developed a Bayesian distance sampling analysis using a hierarchically structured model parameterization to estimate humpback whale abundance in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (Breeding Stock A). We included covariates that affect detection (altitude and sighting cue) and occurrence probability (year and distance from shore). Population sizes for 2008, 2011 and 2015 were estimated to be 7,689 (P.I.95% = 6,585–8,931), 8652 (P.I.95% =...