Go to the web page for Twin Otter International, the operator of this particular aircraft: twinotter.com/
Take a look at what the research page says:
Research Aircraft
DeHavilland DHC-6 Twin Otter(s)
Two Pilot All-Weather STOL Aircraft
Large & Small Camera/Nadir Port Aircraft
UAV Science Platform with Wing Hard-points
Wescam Skyball & Raytheon Turrett Installation and Operation
Oxygen Equipped (25,000 feet ASL max)
Autopilot & Trackair Aerial Survey Pilot Display
USG satellite Automated Flight Following ( www.aff.gov)
Satellite Phone Communications
Intercom for Science Team/Pilot Communications
4500-7000 lbs Useful Load
8400W Max Scientific Power (300 Amps @ 28VDC
384 Cubic Foot Extra Large Cabin
Large Door (H=50", W=55")
Marine Mammal Survey
Airborne Surveillance
Other Modifications On Request
We operated quite a bit in this area, and I would say they’re either counting whales (“marine mammal survey”) or doing some other environmental survey.
They weren’t fish spotting- a fish spotter doesn’t carve holes in the same spot all day long. I use to fish spot in Alaska.
That is a TOIL vistaliner out of grand junction CO. They are on a Government contract. The work they are doing is not public.
I just emailed my buddy that works for them