The synoptic distribution and estimates obtained by combining results from the three simultaneous and coordinated, and thus compatible, surveys – T-NASS, CODA and SNESSA - will represent a considerable enhancement of our understanding of cetacean populations in the North Atlantic, and thus contribute to maintaining or recreating favourable conservation status of cetacean species. The unique opportunity to get almost complete coverage of the northern North Atlantic reduces tremendously the bias/doubt that might arise from the possible movements of the whales between surveyed and non-surveyed areas that arises in cases when the survey area does not cover the distribution range of the target species. The opportunity of being able to place observers on three major non-whale surveys in areas adjacent to the T-NASS core area, again increases the area simultaneously surveyed, thus adding to the value of the overall survey.

Tight coordination of the participating surveys will increase the value of each survey and the validity and usefulness of the estimates obtained. In this way, T-NASS and associated surveys will become much more than the sum of their components. Despite previous efforts at coordination, this opportunity has never arisen before, and may never be available again.

T-NASS and associated surveys will represent the largest ever coordinated and simultaneous effort for estimating cetacean population.