Biological Parameters of the Antarctic Minke Whale at the Virginal Population Level

Abstract

New data from Japanese catches in Antarctic seasons 1971–72 and 1972–73 are used to calculate biological parameters. Determinations are: fetal sex ratio (52.0% females); sex ratio in catch (54.1% females); [Formula: see text], males (27.9 ft), females (29.5 ft); age at asymptotic body length, males (18–20 yr), females (20–22 yr); male sexual maturity at testis weight (0.4 kg); length at beginning of sexual maturity, males (21 ft), females (24 ft) and at 50% sexually mature, males (23.6 ft), females (26.2 ft); age at sexual maturity, females (6 yr); apparent pregnancy rate (89.5%); annual ovulation rate (0.866); litter size (1.007); natural mortality coefficient of sexually mature sample (0.127) and of sexually immature sample (0.213); age at recruitment (6 yr); and rate of recruitment in virgin population (0.119).