STOCK DEFINITION AND GEOGRAPHIC RANGE

The distribution of Cuvier's beaked whales is poorly known, and is based mainly on stranding records (Leatherwood et al. 1976). Strandings have been reported from Nova Scotia along the eastern U.S. coast south to Florida, around the Gulf of Mexico, and within the Caribbean (Leatherwood et al. 1976; CeTAP 1982; Heyning 1989; Houston 1990). Stock structure in the western North Atlantic is unknown. Cuvier's beaked whale sightings have occurred principally along the continental shelf edge in the mid-Atlantic region off the northeast U.S. coast (CeTAP 1982; Waring et al. 1992; Palka and Waring, in prep.). Most sightings were in late spring or summer. Based on sighting data, this species is a rare inhabitant of waters off the northeast U.S. coast (CeTAP 1982). POPULATION SIZE The total number of Cuvier's beaked whales off the eastern U.S. coast is unknown. However, seven estimates of the undifferentiated complex of beaked whales (Ziphius and Mesoplodon spp.) is available from select regions of the habitat during summer 1978-82