06 Oct Humpback Whales on the Comeback Trail
Posted at 15:00h in Newsletter
This study looks at humpback whales in the Chesterfield-Bellona archipelago and how they are surviving two centuries after whaling almost made them extinct. Using Wildlife Computers SPLASH10 tags, the authors tracked locations in conjunction with photo IDs to identify 95 whales.
This study shows the archipelago is suitable for reproduction, but the population is atypical, namely a preponderance of mothers and calves. Further studies are needed to determine which population the whales belong to. Consistent monitoring is needed to follow the evolution of the population and adapt management measures for this breeding ground and historic whaling site.