Journal of Data Science

Abstract: This paper proposes a parametric method for estimating animal abundance using data from independent observer line transect surveys. This method allows measurement errors in distance and size, and less than 100% detection rates on the transect line. Based on data from southern bluefin tuna surveys and data from a mike whale survey, simulation studies were conducted and the results show that 1) the proposed estimates agree well with the true values, 2) the effect of small measurement errors in distance could still be large if measurements on size are biased, and 3) incorrectly as suming 100% detection rates on the transect line will greatly underestimate the animal abundance.