Observations of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in new Caledonian waters during 1991–1993

Abstract

Recent sightings confirm that humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae migrate to New Caledonia. Totals of 37 and 73 incidental sightings were made during the winter and spring of 1991 and 1992 respectively. Sightings were distributed widely all around New Caledonia, but concentrated in the south, mainly around Noumea, Ile des Pins and the Southeast Lagoon, areas with the highest human visitation. Very young calves were photographed in some sightings. Encouraged by the number of sightings, in August 1993 we commenced a programme of photo-identification and behavioural observation in the Southeast Lagoon. In five days of field work, 12 humpback whales were individually identified. One of these was a resight of an animal previously photographed off the coast of Queensland, Australia, in 1991. This supports the hypothesis that humpback whales migrating to New Caledonia are from Antarctic Area V stock. ‘Surface active’ group behaviour, typical of male competition for females in breeding areas, was also noted, and humpback whale song was detected on every day on which it was monitored for in the study area. Several juvenile animals were also observed. We interpret these observations as strong evidence that humpback whales mate and calve in New Caledonian waters.