Repeatability of Methods of Propeller Cut Analysis Using Photographs of Cuts and Scars on Carcasses And Living Animals

James L. Wood

Lumatrex, Inc.

P. O. Box 510129

Melbourne Beach, FL  32951

321-956-1939

ABSTRACT

Improved methods and computational tools for analyzing the scars and cuts resulting from propeller strikes on marine mammals will allow researchers to gain insight into the types of vessels involved in fatal and nonfatal propeller strikes on various species of marine mammals.  Application of the methods developed by the author require a fair degree of precision in both identifying the endpoints of cuts visible in photographs and in measuring the parameters required for the analysis.  This study demonstrates that the skills required for this analysis can be developed by most members of the research community with only a minimum amount of training.

View Paper  -- PropCutAnalysisRepeat.pdf         61 KB

 Note: If you would like to download a copy of the paper, simply right-click on the link and select "Save Target As ..." from the menu.