Southern right whales: A reassessment of their former distribution and migration routes in New Zealand waters, including on the Kermadec grounds

Abstract

Historical and other documents have been re‐analysed to provide new insights into the former abundance, distribution, and seasonal movements of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis (Desmoulins, 1822)) in New Zealand waters. In 1935 Charles Haskins Townsend recorded a puzzling concentration of right whale captures south‐east of the Kermadec Islands. The priority he accorded this area can now be explained by the limitations within his sample. However, a close examination of relevant whaling journals and logbooks has confirmed that both sperm whales and right whales were killed there, sometimes in large numbers. This evidence of many right whales so far north in October and November has prompted a reassessment of the former distribution and migration routes followed by right whales throughout the wider New Zealand region. A seasonal migration is now suggested that includes waters well to the east of New Zealand up to, but not beyond, the Louisville Ridge.