Whales Eubalaena Research Articles

Risk Assessment of Whale Entanglement and Vessel Strike Injuries From Case Narratives and Classification Trees

Entanglements and vessel strikes impact large whales worldwide. Post-event health status is often unknown because whales are seen once or over short spans that conceal long-term health declines. Well-studied populations with high site fidelity verified by photo-ID offer opportunity to confirm deaths, health declines and recoveries. We used known outcome entanglements and vessel strikes of right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) to model probabilities of deaths, health declines and recoveries with Random Forest (RF) classification trees. Variables included presence or absence of phrases from case narratives (‘deep laceration’, ‘cyamid’, ‘healing’, ‘superficial’) and a categorical variable for vessel size. Health status post-entanglement was correctly classified in 95.7% of right whale and 93.6% of humpback whale cases (expected by chance=50%). Health status post-vessel strike was correctly classified in 91.4% of right whale and 88.6% of humpback whale cases. Important variables included cyamid presence, emaciation, discolored skin, constricting entanglements, gear-free resightings, superficial or healing lacerations, and vessel size. Cross-validated RF models were applied to unknown outcome cases to estimate the probability of deaths, health declines and recoveries. Total serious injuries (probability of death or health decline > 0.50) assigned by RF were nearly equal to current injury assessment methods applied by biologists for known outcomes. However, RF consistently predicted higher serious injury totals for unknown outcomes, suggesting that current assessment methods may underestimate risk for cases lacking details or long-term observations. Advantages of the RF method include: 1) risk models are based on known outcomes; 2) unknown outcomes are assigned post-event health status probabilities; and 3) identification of important predictor variables improves data collection standards.

Whales from space dataset, an annotated satellite image dataset of whales for training machine learning models

Monitoring whales in remote areas is important for their conservation; however, using traditional survey platforms (boat and plane) in such regions is logistically difficult. The use of very high-resolution satellite imagery to survey whales, particularly in remote locations, is gaining interest and momentum. However, the development of this emerging technology relies on accurate automated systems to detect whales, which are currently lacking. Such detection systems require access to an open source library containing examples of whales annotated in satellite images to train and test automatic detection systems. Here we present a dataset of 633 annotated whale objects, created by surveying 6,300 km2 of satellite imagery captured by various very high-resolution satellites (i.e. WorldView-3, WorldView-2, GeoEye-1 and Quickbird-2) in various regions across the globe (e.g. Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa, United States, Mexico). The dataset covers four different species: southern right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), and grey whale (Eschrichtius robustus).

Whaling tradition along the Cantabrian coast: public perception towards cetaceans and its importance for marine conservation

Whaling is currently a controversial practice and the focus of a relevant public debate. According to records, it represented an important socio-economic activity in the North of Spain from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century. The North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) was the main target species of this activity. As a consequence of the rising of whaling, the North-East Atlantic population of this species was severely depleted, and it has not recovered since then. This work presents a study on public perception of cetaceans and whaling along the Cantabrian coast (North of Spain) and evaluates the differences with respect to several non-coastal regions. More than 400 anonymous surveys were conducted in 12 study areas to examine knowledge about cetaceans and whaling, as well as attitudes and willingness to take action in whale and dolphin conservation. Results showed that whaling has a great cultural imprint on the Cantabrian coast inhabitants, which plays a relevant role in citizens’ perception. Participants from areas with whaling tradition demonstrated higher levels of knowledge about the history of this activity, but less positive attitudes with respect to cetacean conservation than respondents from inland provinces. Additionally, we observed that there are other influencing factors, such as gender or age. Our findings indicate that positive attitudes towards the protection of whales and dolphins are not always sufficient for citizens to collaborate for this cause. Therefore, an improvement in education programmes and awareness campaigns about the importance of protecting cetaceans and their environment is needed to achieve real and effective marine citizenship.

First Encounter of the North Pacific Right Whale (Eubalaena japonica) in the Waters of Chukotka

First Encounter of the North Pacific Right Whale (Eubalaena japonica) in the Waters of Chukotka

The use of underwater viewing deck of the semi-submersible whalewatching vessel Yellow Submarine at Península Valdés, Argentina as a platform of opportunity for scientifc research with the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis

Whale-watching vessels can be used as platforms to collect scientific data on the natural history of cetaceans. Vessels with underwater viewing decks are exceptional and offer a unique view of the whales. We assessed the underwater viewing platform of the semi-submersible vessel Yellow Submarine that operates off Puerto Pirámides, Península Valdés, Argentina as a platform of opportunity for southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) research. The variables considered during observations included, among others, the age class and sex of the animals observed, behavioral patterns, opportunities for individual photo-identification, distance and duration of the underwater observations and how weather conditions affected data collection. The Yellow Submarine offers a unique platform to make underwater observations of southern right whales in this calving ground. The main limitations are the relatively short duration of the observations and reduced visibility in spring.

The Great Australian Bight Right Whale Study, 1991–2018: bridging the gap between science and industry to provide baseline data for impact assessment in oil and gas

The Curtin University Great Australian Bight Right Whale Study (GABRWS) delivers cost effective scientific research to inform risk-based decision making and conservation management of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) listed endangered southern right whales (Eubalaena australis). The GABRWS has operated annually on Yalata Aboriginal lands at the Head of Bight in Australia’s largest calving ground, between 1991 and 2019, and at Fowlers Bay in the Nuyts Archipelago Marine Park between 2013 and 2019. The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009 require operators to demonstrate an understanding of values and sensitivities (particularly EPBC-listed threatened species and Matters of National Environmental Significance) in the environment and show that impacts and risks from proposed activities are as low as reasonably practicable and of an acceptable level. The GABRWS delivers peer reviewed science on southern right whale recovery and population trends critical for stock and impact assessment. The study promotes collaboration between the scientific institutions, the community, oil and gas (O&G) operators, stakeholders, government and regulators. Data are publicly available through published scientific literature and communicated through university and sponsor reports, sponsor presentations, community events and international conferences. The GABRWS provides a unique win-win example of a university program bridging the gap between science and industry to promote species conservation management and provide cost effective baseline scientific data for impact assessment in O&G. Benefits to sponsors also include collaboration with research, community and government organisations; access to scientific data in real time; and promotion of community stewardship and reputation.

Estimated calving interval for the New Zealand southern right whale (Eubalaena australis)

ABSTRACTSouthern right whales (Eubalaena australis) were widespread in New Zealand waters before commercial whaling in the nineteenth century caused drastic declines in their abundance and distribution. Following the cessation of whaling, the population has been recovering and is now slowly recolonising its former range. Estimates of population demographics, including reproductive output, are essential for predicting the trajectory of this population. We gathered photo-identification data on female southern right whales during annual field trips to the Auckland Islands, the principal calving area in New Zealand waters. Forty-five calving intervals were observed between 2006 and 2013 (mean interval = 3.31 years, 95% CI = 3.06–3.57). Incorporating the effects of possible missed calving events produced a plausible range of mean calving intervals from 3.17 to 3.31 years. Our results suggest that the calving interval of New Zealand southern right whales is similar to that found in populations elsewhere.

Mortalities of Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) in aSubtropical Wintering Ground, Southeast Queensland

Mortalities of Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) in aSubtropical Wintering Ground, Southeast Queensland

Recent observations of critically endangered North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica) off the west coast of Canada

The eastern North Pacific population of right whale (Eubalaena japonica) is considered to be one of the smallest whale populations in the world and is at serious risk of extirpation. During the past century, there have been only six records of North Pacific right whales off the west coast of Canada. All six were taken by whaling operations, the last in 1951. Two independent and extremely rare sightings of North Pacific right whales were made off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, in 2013. We describe observations made of these two whales and include information on prey and genetic identity for one individual. These sightings represent the first time this species has been confirmed in Canadian waters in 62 years, and likely the only time in the last 15 years that the species has been sighted south of the Kodiak Island area, Alaska, in the eastern North Pacific Ocean. It can be concluded that, although extremely rare, the species has not been extirpated from waters off Canada’s Pacific coast.

Correction: Two intense decades of 19th century whaling precipitated rapid decline of right whales around New Zealand and east Australia.

Right whales (Eubalaena spp.) were the focus of worldwide whaling activities from the 16th to the 20th century. During the first part of the 19th century, the southern right whale (E. australis) was heavily exploited on whaling grounds around New Zealand (NZ) and east Australia (EA). Here we build upon previous estimates of the total catch of NZ and EA right whales by improving and combining estimates from four different fisheries. Two fisheries have previously been considered: shore-based whaling in bays and ship-based whaling offshore. These were both improved by comparison with primary sources and the American offshore whaling catch record was improved by using a sample of logbooks to produce a more accurate catch record in terms of location and species composition. Two fisheries had not been previously integrated into the NZ and EA catch series: ship-based whaling in bays and whaling in the 20th century. To investigate the previously unaddressed problem of offshore whalers operating in bays, we identified a subset of vessels likely to be operating in bays and read available extant logbooks. This allowed us to estimate the total likely catch from bay-whaling by offshore whalers from the number of vessels seasons and whales killed per season: it ranged from 2,989 to 4,652 whales. The revised total estimate of 53,000 to 58,000 southern right whales killed is a considerable increase on the previous estimate of 26,000, partly because it applies fishery-specific estimates of struck and loss rates. Over 80% of kills were taken between 1830 and 1849, indicating a brief and intensive fishery that resulted in the commercial extinction of southern right whales in NZ and EA in just two decades. This conforms to the global trend of increasingly intense and destructive southern right whale fisheries over time.

Animal reactions to oncoming vehicles: a conceptual review

Animal-vehicle collisions (AVCs) are a substantial problem in a human-dominated world, but little is known about what goes wrong, from the animal's perspective, when a collision occurs with an automobile, boat, or aircraft. Our goal is to provide insight into reactions of animals to oncoming vehicles when collisions might be imminent. Avoiding a collision requires successful vehicle detection, threat assessment, and evasive behaviour; failures can occur at any of these stages. Vehicle detection seems fairly straightforward in many cases, but depends critically on the sensory capabilities of a given species. Sensory mechanisms for detection of collisions (looming detectors) may be overwhelmed by vehicle speed. Distractions are a likely problem in vehicle detection, but have not been clearly demonstrated in any system beyond human pedestrians. Many animals likely perceive moving vehicles as non-threatening, and may generally be habituated to their presence. Slow or minimal threat assessment is thus a likely failure point in many AVCs, but this is not uniformly evident. Animals generally initiate evasive behaviour when a collision appears imminent, usually employing some aspect of native antipredator behaviour. Across taxa, animals exhibit a variety of behaviours when confronted with oncoming vehicles. Among marine mammals, right whales Eubalaena spp., manatees Trichechus spp., and dugongs Dugong dugon are fairly unresponsive to approaching vehicles, suggesting a problem in threat assessment. Others, such as dolphins Delphinidae, assess vehicle approach at distance. Little work has been conducted on the behavioural aspects of AVCs involving large mammals and automobiles, despite their prevalence. Available observations suggest that birds do not usually treat flying aircraft as a major threat, often allowing close approach before taking evasive action, as they might in response to natural predators. Inappropriate antipredator behaviour (often involving immobility) is a major source of AVCs in amphibians and terrestrial reptiles. Much behavioural work on AVCs remains to be done across a wide variety of taxa. Such work should provide broad phylogenetic generalizations regarding AVCs and insights into managing AVCs.

Sightings of the western stock of North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica) in the far southeast of the Kamchatka Peninsula

KEIKO SEKIGUCHI, Graduate School of Arts and Science, International Christian University, 3–10–2 Osawa, Mitaka City, Tokyo 181-8585, Japan; HIROJI ONISHI, Faculty of Fisheries Science, Hokkaido University, 3–1–1 Minato-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 041-8611, Japan; HIROKO SASAKI, Graduate School of Fisheries Science, Hokkaido University, 3–1–1 Minato-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 041-8611, Japan; SHOTA HABA, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, 1577 Kurimamachiya-cho, Tsu City, Mie 514-8507, Japan; YUKA IWAHARA, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, 3–1–1 Minato-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 041-8611, Japan; DAISUKE MIZUGUCHI, Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2–24 Tanaka-Sekiden-cho, Kyoto City, Kyoto 606-8203, Japan; MAYUKO OTSUKI, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, 3–1–1 Minato-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 041-8611, Japan; DAISUKE SAIJO, School of Fisheries Science, Hokkaido University, 3–1–1 Minato-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 0418611, Japan; BUNGO NISHIZAWA, Graduate School of Fisheries Science, Hokkaido University, 3–1–1 Minato-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 041-8611, Japan; HIRONA MIZUNO and NAOKI HOSHI, School of Fisheries Science, Hokkaido University, 3–1–1 Minato-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 041-8611, Japan; TAKEHIKO KAMITO, Department of Life Science, International Christian University, 3–10–2 Osawa, Mitaka City, Tokyo 181-8585, Japan.

Metal Levels in Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) from Península Valdés, Argentina.

Península Valdes, Argentina, is a nursing ground for a population of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis). In the last two decades this area has been subjected to an increase in population, tourism and industrial growth. This has raised the concern for exposure to chemical contaminants such as metals. In this study we measured nonessential metals (Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Be, Co, Cd, Cr, Hg, Li, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, U and Ti), essential metals (Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo and Zn) and an essential element (Se) in skin biopsies from female southern right whales (n=10). This is the first report on tissue concentrations of metals in adult southern right whales. Overall, tissue values were on the low end of the spectrum and similar to the values reported in studies of mysticetes from other regions. Measured values do not reflect substantial amounts of accumulation and thus serve as a baseline.

Distribution of southern right whales on the Auckland Islands calving grounds

Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) were virtually extirpated from New Zealand by commercial whaling, but are now recovering. Previous research at the Auckland Islands has suggested that Port Ross, a sheltered embayment at the northern end of the islands, is the primary calving ground for right whales in New Zealand. However, an abundance of potentially suitable calving areas exist outside Port Ross, raising the question of whether the growing population might be expanding its distribution to occupy new or former habitats. To address this we conducted the first systematic line-transect survey of potential right whale calving habitat at the Auckland Islands in winter 2011. High densities of southern right whales were sighted inside Port Ross, including all but one of the 21 mother-calf pairs recorded. The survey confirmed that Port Ross is the principal calving area for southern right whales in the Auckland Islands. This conclusion has implications for the estimation of demographic parameters of right whales in New Zealand, which have thus far relied on data gathered largely in Port Ross, and highlights the importance of protecting this habitat.

Geospatial analysis of management areas implemented for protection of the North Atlantic right whale along the northern Atlantic coast of the United States

Abstract The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is a critically endangered large whale species found in waters off the U.S. and Canadian Atlantic coasts. The primary human-caused threats are entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with vessels. Since 2002, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service has implemented both seasonally and dynamically managed protective zones where right whales occur to reduce these threats; Seasonal Area Management (SAM) and Dynamic Area Management (DAM) for the reduction of right whale entanglements with fishing gear, and Seasonal Management Areas (SMA) and Dynamic Management Areas (DMA) for reduction of vessel collisions. This paper analyzes the presence of frequent concentrations of right whales outside of SAM and SMA zones, represented by the spatial and temporal occurrence of DAMs and DMAs. A grid of 1 min×1 min squares was geospatially applied to locations of DAMs and DMAs from April 2002 through June 2011 and the number of management areas that intersected each 1 min square was populated. DAMs and DMAs were most highly concentrated along the central Gulf of Maine. Of the 131 DAMs and DMAs implemented, 97 (74.0%) intersected this area, and were primarily implemented from October through February. The results of this analysis will aid in consideration of possible modifications to the size and location of SMAs along the northern Atlantic coast of the U.S. and other management actions for the reduction of vessel collisions with right whales.

Erratum to “Factors to consider in evaluating the management and conservation effectiveness of a whale sanctuary to protect and conserve the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)”. [Mar. Policy 35(2) (2010) 163–180

Erratum to “Factors to consider in evaluating the management and conservation effectiveness of a whale sanctuary to protect and conserve the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)”. [Mar. Policy 35(2) (2010) 163–180

Estimated absorbance spectra of the visual pigments of the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)

To assess the spectral sensitivities of the retinal visual pigments from the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), we have cloned and sequenced two exons from the rod opsin gene and two exons from the middle-wavelength sensitive (MWS) cone opsin gene in order to determine the amino acids at positions known to be key regulators of the spectral location of the absorbance maximum (λmax). Based on previous mutagenesis models we estimate that the right whale possesses a rod visual pigment with a λmax of 499 nm and a MWS cone visual pigment with a λmax of 524 nm. Although the MWS cone visual pigment from the right whale is blue-shifted in its spectral sensitivity like those from odontocetes, the spectral sensitivity of the right whale rod visual pigment is similar to those from terrestrial mammals.

Acoustic rediscovery of right whales in a former whaling area, the Cape Farewell Ground, between Greenland and Iceland.

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is one of the world’s most endangered cetaceans, with only 300–350 animals believed alive. Most right whales are thought to range from Florida to Nova Scotia, though the whereabouts of a significant portion of the population remains unknown in both winter and summer. Here we describe an acoustic survey for right whales near the Cape Farewell Ground, a late 18th-century whaling area. Continuously recording autonomous hydrophone instruments were deployed at five sites for one year in 2007–2008, after which data were analyzed by automatic detection with manual checking for “up” calls of right whales. Over 2000 calls were detected in all, with calls found at all sites but mostly from near the Cape Farewell Ground. The data are consistent with a seasonal migration northeastward toward Iceland in July–August followed by return movement later in the fall, with the last detection in December. At one site, calling occurred in the fall on 17 separate occasions, suggesting a significant number of right whales present. A right whale photo-identified in 2003 at the Cape Farewell Ground was not in the North Atlantic right whale catalog, suggesting the possibility of a previously unidentified stock.

The Urban Whale: North Atlantic Right Whales at the Crossroads, by S. D. Kraus and R. M. Rolland (eds.)

S. D. Kraus. R. M. Rolland (eds.). 2007. The Urban Whale: North Atlantic Right Whales at the Crossroads. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 543 pp. ISBN 13: 978-0-674-02327-7, price (hardbound), $55. The North Atlantic right whale ( Eubalaena glacialis ) is the most endangered of North America's marine mammals. This book is a comprehensive, attractive, and readable account of the current state of knowledge about the species, particularly aspects of its biology pertinent to conservation and recovery. Books that are single-species case histories are out of vogue for some publishers and academics, and edited volumes with chapters by multiple contributors can be uneven, dry, and difficult to read. In contrast, this book is exciting on multiple levels, ranging from changes in the North Atlantic marine ecosystem to the lives of individual whales under scrutiny at population and molecular scales. The chapters are tied together skillfully. The tale that unfolds is rich in history, disturbing in its implications, and inspiring in showing what a dedicated group of researchers can accomplish in the face of major logistic difficulties. This book has 17 chapters by 35 authors. Each chapter opens with a vignette based mostly on field notes and journal entries. These vignettes bring each topic alive, helping to place the reader into the worlds of right whale researchers and of the beast itself. Chapters are well illustrated with …

Characterization of the southeastern US black sea bass (Centropristis striata) pot commercial fishery and implications for western North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) management and policy

Abstract A vital component of marine policy is the conservation and management of diverse marine resources. In the southeastern US, commercial fishermen target black sea bass ( Centropristis striata ) with pots from North Carolina to Cape Canaveral, Florida. During the fall through spring fishing season, western North Atlantic right whale ( Eubalaena glacialis ) distribution overlaps the black sea bass commercial pot fishery. Fishermen interviews revealed that the number of pots set ranged from 3 to 240 and the number of pots set per trawl ranged from 1 to 18. Generally, the amount of gear increased from south to north.