Visual Survey
The line-transect sampling survey will form the main research component of the expedition. The purpose of this survey is to determine the abundance and distribution of the Yangtze’s Critically Endangered baiji river dolphin and Yangtze finless porpoise.
Conventional line-transect sampling will be conducted using two large vessels with 4m high viewing platforms. As a general rule, vessel one (KeKao No.1) will cover the north side of the Yangtze channel, cruising at a distance not closer than 300m to the bank. Vessel two (Honghu Vessel) will cover the south side, cruising at a distance not closer than 300m to the bank. This strategy worked well for the channel sections covered during the pilot survey, but it may need to be modified for wider stretches further downstream. Both vessels will change to the opposite bank when turning at Yichang and Shanghai, so that they can each cover the whole survey area. They will maintain a constant speed of 15km/hour and follow the track-line determined by the Line Transect Sampling rules outlined below. Cruise tracks will be printed out at turn-around points and attempts will be made to cover any missed areas on the return journey. KeKao No.1 will cruise one hour ahead of the Honghu Vessel in order to make sure that the two sets of data are independent.

Acoustic Survey
The acoustic survey will run simultaneously alongside the visual line transect survey. The purpose of this research is to detect any groups of baiji or Yangtze finless porpoises that are missed by the visual survey team. Two types of hydrophone towing systems will be used: System 1 and System 2. Both systems were tested in September 2006 on Finless Porpoises near Choshi (near to NRIFE). The acoustic survey team will also be equipped with backup systems: Ultrasonic acoustic data loggers and an audible frequency recorder (AUSOMS-D).
The acoustic survey team will comprise of engineers from NRIFE, IHB, and one independent professional cetacean observer from Japan. Members of the visual survey team who are off-effort may be recruited to assist from time to time.

Habitat Survey
The water quality and sediment sampling survey will be conducted every 50km – 100km along the Yangtze River between Yichang and Shanghai. The purpose of this survey is to gather reliable data about the condition and variation of the water quality in areas where Yangtze freshwater cetaceans occur in both high and low densities.  
 
To avoid disturbing the line transect or acoustic survey teams, water sampling will be conducted every half hour before the survey effort begins, and immediately after the survey effort ends. Special arrangements will be made to ensure that samples can be taken near river confluences and sand bars. The team will sample both directly from the KeKao No.1 and will use a small zodiac for near-shore sampling.
Beat Muller will travel to the Tian-e-Zhou Oxbow Semi Natural Baiji Reserve during the first week of the survey to take water and sediment samples. This work is part of an ongoing water-quality monitoring program that began during the March 06 Pilot Expedition. It is essential to develop a continuous and rigorous monitoring program at the reserve for the safety of the resident Yangtze finless porpoise population and for any baiji that may be translocated there in the future.
The organic contaminant samples will be sent to SGS in Shanghai for analysis. The samples for trace metals, nutrients and ions will be analyzed at EAWAG in Switzerland.