Biologically Important Areas for Cetaceans - Migratory Corridor

Migratory Corridor Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) for Cetaceans include areas and months within which a substantial portion of a species or population is known to migrate. BIAs were defined by compiling the best available information from scientific literature (including books, peer-reviewed articles, and government or contract reports), unpublished data (sighting, acoustic, tagging, genetic, photo identification), and expert knowledge. This information was then used to create written summaries and maps highlighting areas shoreward of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone that are biologically important to cetacean species (or populations), either seasonally or year-round. Other BIA types include feeding, reproduction, and small and resident population.