<p>Marine top predators (seabirds, marine mammals and other megafauna) were counted during POLARSTERN cruise ANT-XXIX/1 passing the east Atlantic from Bremerhaven to Cape Town in fall 2012. Continuous half-hour transect counts were conducted by two observers from the bridge, situated approximately 18 meters above sea level, throughout daylight hours and while the vessel maintained its traveling speed (see Joiris &amp; Falck 2011).</p>