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Simple Summary: The welfare of free-ranging cetaceans is being impacted around the world due to human activities like commercial fishing and marine traffic. Here, we validate a non-invasive physical indicator of welfare for humpback and fin whales found in the Gulf of St-Lawrence, Canada. Multi-scale measurement of welfare showed that most humpback whales were in a good welfare state, whereas most fin whales were in a moderate state. For both species, welfare was mainly affected by prolonged effects of physical trauma (entanglement in fishing gear and boat collisions) on body condition, specifically whales being thinner. Other factors impacting welfare included degradation of the marine environment (e.g., oxygen levels, water temperatures and salinity levels). Anthropogenic activities impacting marine environments are internationally recognized as welfare issues for wild cetaceans. This study validates a first evidence-based physical indicator for the welfare assessment protocol of humpback (n = 50) and fin whales (n = 50) living in a highly anthropized environment. Visual assessments of body condition, skin health, prevalence of injuries and parasite/epibiont loads were performed using a species-specific multi-scale measuring tool. A total of 6403 images were analyzed (fin, n = 3152; humpback, n = 3251) and results were validated through reliability and positive discrimination statistical tests. Based on physical measures, welfare assessment results showed that 60% of humpback whales were considered in a good welfare state compared to only 46% of fin whales. Significant relationships were observed in both species, between environmental parameters like dissolved oxygen levels, and prevalence of cutaneous lesions like pale skin patch syndrome. Furthermore, animals with injuries due to anthropogenic activities were more likely to be in poorer body condition, suggesting chronic stress affecting welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humpback whales undertake one of the longest known migrations of any mammal. While their migration route generally extends between latitudes, the breeding stocks are longitudinally separated and display high site fidelity to their feeding grounds. While there is an indication of certain breeding stocks overlapping with each other, the current information on the migration routes of humpback whales within the Southern Hemisphere limits our understanding of the extent of this exchange. Presented here is the longest documented great-circle distance between sightings on wintering grounds of two different ocean basins of an adult male humpback whale, involving two breeding stocks in the eastern Pacific (stock G) and southwest Indian Ocean (stock C). These two stocks are separated by a minimum of 120° longitude, and a great-circle distance of 13 046 km. This extreme distance movement demonstrates behavioural plasticity, which may play an important role in adaptation strategies to global environmental changes and perhaps be an evolved response to various pressures, underlining the importance of consolidation of global datasets on wide-ranging marine mammals.

Forage fish species provide essential linkages for energy transfer within pelagic marine food webs. Capelin (Mallotus villosus), the focal forage fish in coastal Newfoundland, Canada, suffered a stock collapse in 1991 and has not recovered. Despite this collapse, capelin continue to provide locally abundant prey aggregations. Here, I synthesize the lessons learned from a long-term capelin-predator research program (2004–2022) on the northeast Newfoundland coast during the postcollapse period. I highlight the importance of simultaneously estimating forage fish biomass and predator responses in a multispecies and multiyear context. High interannual variation in capelin spawning timing and biomass was observed. Lower capelin biomass consistently resulted in predator species- and assemblage-level dietary shifts toward a higher diversity of lower trophic level, alternative prey. Energetic foraging costs of seabirds also increased under lower capelin biomass, but responses differed among species. Summer capelin consumption by dominant seabirds (9389 tonnes) and whales (778 tonnes) indicated predator energetic requirements and revealed higher natural mortality relative to fishery-based (1289 tonnes) mortality. Overall, this case study illustrated that, despite high observed behavioural plasticity, varying species-specific predator responses to changing capelin biomass integrated to increase potential competitive interactions under low capelin biomass, providing a basis for ecosystem-level change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cetacean morbillivirus is an etiologic agent associated with strandings of live and dead cetacean species occurring sporadically or as epizootics worldwide. We report 2 cases of cetacean morbillivirus in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Brazil and describe the anatomopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular characterization findings in the specimens.

Top marine predators, such as odontocetes, pinnipeds, and seabirds, are known to forage around fishing boats as fishermen aggregate and/or discard their prey. Recently, incidents of humpback whales interacting with fishing boats have been reported. However, whether humpback whales utilise discard fish as a food source and how they forage around fishing boats is unknown. This study reports, for the first time, the foraging behaviour of a humpback whale around fishing boats. Three whales were tagged using a suction‐cup tag containing a video camera, and a behavioural data logger in the coastal area of Tromsø, Norway. Video data from one tagged whale showed that the whale remained in close vicinity of fishing boats for 43 min, and revealed the presence of large numbers of dead fish, fish‐eating killer whales, fishing boats, and fishing gear. In waters with large numbers of dead fish, the whale raised its upper jaw, a motion associated with engulfing discard fish from fishing boats, and this feeding behaviour differed markedly from lunge‐feeding observed in two other whales in the same area. This behaviour was defined as "pick‐up feeding". No lunge feeding was seen on the data logger when the whale foraged around fishing boats. This study highlights a novel humpback whale foraging strategy: low energy gain from scattered prey but also low energy costs as high‐energy lunge feeding is not required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The migration patterns of humpback whales in the southwestern Atlantic have not been studied in detail. Humpback whales that winter off the coast of Brazil migrate south to offshore waters around South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. This project uses data collected from satellite tags attached to humpback whales off the coast of Brazil between 2003 and 2019 to establish what paths they take and whether they use oceanic features, in particular seamounts, during their migrations.The results show that this population of humpbacks leave the Brazilian coast using two different paths, cross over multiple seamounts, including the Rio Grande Rise, and most of them use a direct path to their feeding grounds. The results indicate that humpback whales may use seamounts during their migration, although further research is required to understand their potential use of seamounts during their migration.

The use of objects by cetaceans is well known, and their ability to interact with their environment in complex behaviours has been demonstrated previously. However, baleen whales, including humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), are less often observed to perform object use, but this behaviour might be more common than previously thought. Only a few isolated observations of interactions with seaweed have been reported in the scientific literature to date. The recovery of humpback whale populations, as well as the rise of technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the use of social media, allow for a new assessment of this object interaction. Here, we describe in detail three instances of "kelping" on the east coast of Australia derived from aerial observations. A summary of over 100 separate and unrelated events drawn from social media, documented by photographs and videos, suggests that this form of interaction with seaweed is observed across different populations. The form of interaction with seaweed is similar between regions, predominantly displayed between the rostrum and dorsal fin. This behaviour may be playful but could also serve additional benefits in the context of learning and socializing, as well as ectoparasite removal and skin treatment by utilizing brown algae's antibacterial properties. Establishing this type of behaviour as distributed across different populations is important to better understand the species' habitat preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—The occurrence and distribution of fin whales and humpback whales along the route of the R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh in the Atlantic sector of Antarctica in January and February 2022 were studied. The features of the whales' distribution were considered depending on the depth of the water area, the abundance and age of krill, and the Chl-a concentration in the water. The highest occurrence of fin whales was found in the deep waters of the Powell Basin and the Orkney Trench, where the highest concentrations of adult krill were recorded. The highest occurrence of humpback whales was observed in shallow Bransfield Strait, where small and young krill predominated. The dependence of the occurrence of whales on the concentration of chlorophyll was not confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After decades of population growth, the central stock of the North Pacific population of humpback whales, known as the Hawaiʻi Distinct Population Segment (HDPS), was delisted from its endangered status in 2016. At that time, however, an unprecedented heating event, the Pacific Marine Heatwave (PMH) was already underway. The PMH coincided with reports of major declines of sightings of humpback whales, including calves of the year, on both the Hawaiian wintering grounds and the feeding grounds of Southeast Alaska. To examine the resiliency of the HDPS, we conducted aerial surveys of the high‐density Maui Nui region immediately following the PMH event in 2019 and 2020, using distance sampling methods identical to those used in an earlier series (1993–2003). Results showed whale densities at or above those seen earlier, with mean density for 2020 highest overall. Crude birth rates (percent groups containing a calf) were similarly comparable to those recorded in the earlier series, with an increase from 2019 to 2020. Overall, results suggest the central North Pacific humpback whale population stock to be resilient in the face of this major climatic event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cetaceans are known for their intelligence and display of complex behaviours including object use. For example, bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) are known to rub on rocks and some humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) populations undertake lateral bottom feeding. Such underwater behaviour is difficult to observe but can play a critical role in the whales' survival and well-being. Distinguishing social behaviours from those which serve a specific function remains challenging due to a lack of direct observations and detailed descriptions of such behaviours. A CATS (Customized Animal Tracking Solutions) suction cup tag with on board video and a 3D inertial measurement unit was deployed on three different humpback whales to assess their behaviour in the Gold Coast bay, Australia. Here, we present evidence of humpback whales (tagged and untagged individuals) performing bottom contact with prolonged rolling on sandy substrate. In addition, we showed that fish were actively feeding from the whales' skin during this behaviour. We detail the behaviour and discuss possible drivers, with a focus on cetacean innovation, possible ectoparasite removal, and habitat preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In his viewpoint against the general zeitgeist of humpback whale song analyses, Mercado (2022) makes several problematic arguments Although minimized, his arguments are based in parsimony; Mercado is assuming that the most efficient answers are the most likely to be true – an argument not always supported by evolutionary data. Parsimony in Mercado’s arguments can be divided into parsimony of mechanism (which mechanism is “simplest”) and parsimony of explanation (one mechanism is better than two). Both of these arguments are flawed. The first because social learning is not as rare or complex as has been previously claimed and the second because complex systems, particularly vocal systems, frequently utilize more than one mechanism of change. Mercado’s data do provide interesting contrasts to the assumptions made by humpback whale researchers, but his use of rhetoric and straw man arguments undermine the potential impact of those data.

The use of objects by cetaceans is well known, and their ability to interact with their environment in complex behaviours has been demonstrated previously. However, baleen whales, including humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), are less often observed to perform object use, but this behaviour might be more common than previously thought. Only a few isolated observations of interactions with seaweed have been reported in the scientific literature to date. The recovery of humpback whale populations, as well as the rise of technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the use of social media, allow for a new assessment of this object interaction. Here, we describe in detail three instances of “kelping” on the east coast of Australia derived from aerial observations. A summary of over 100 separate and unrelated events drawn from social media, documented by photographs and videos, suggests that this form of interaction with seaweed is observed across different populations. The form of interaction with seaweed is similar between regions, predominantly displayed between the rostrum and dorsal fin. This behaviour may be playful but could also serve additional benefits in the context of learning and socializing, as well as ectoparasite removal and skin treatment by utilizing brown algae’s antibacterial properties. Establishing this type of behaviour as distributed across different populations is important to better understand the species’ habitat preferences.

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) seasonally migrate between their corresponding breeding and feeding grounds; however, some individual whales deviate from this pattern migrating to different breeding or feeding grounds. Here, we report the first recorded movement of a humpback whale between the Antarctic Peninsula and the east coast of Australia. The individual whale, a known female, was identified by natural markings in the Antarctic Peninsula feeding area, and then photographed 15 years later in Byron Bay, on the eastern coast of Australia. This constitutes the longest migration for any humpback whale documented to date in the South Pacific Ocean and in the Southern Hemisphere (143° of longitude). Although the route is uncertain and the cues may be environmental, social or demographic, or some combinations thereof, this exceptional movement between two distant Breeding Stocks in the South Pacific Ocean demonstrates that longitudinal long-distance migrations among humpback whale populations do take place, at least occasionally, and perhaps may not be as atypical as it has been thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Despite exhibiting one of the longest migrations in the world, half of the humpback whale migratory cycle has remained unexamined. Until now, no study has provided a continuous description of humpback whale migratory behavior from a feeding ground to a calving ground. We present new information on satellite-derived offshore migratory movements of 16 Breeding Stock G humpback whales from Antarctic feeding grounds to South American calving grounds. Satellite locations were used to demonstrate migratory corridors, while the impact of departure date on migration speed was assessed using a linear regression. A Bayesian hierarchical state–space animal movement model (HSSM) was utilized to investigate the presence of Area Restricted Search (ARS) en route. Results 35,642 Argos locations from 16 tagged whales from 2012 to 2017 were collected. The 16 whales were tracked for a mean of 38.5 days of migration (range 10–151 days). The length of individually derived tracks ranged from 645 to 6381 km. Humpbacks were widely dispersed geographically during the initial and middle stages of their migration, but convened in two convergence regions near the southernmost point of Chile as well as Peru’s Illescas Peninsula. The state–space model showed almost no instances of ARS along the migratory route. The linear regression assessing whether departure date affected migration speed showed suggestive but inconclusive support for a positive trend between the two variables. Results suggestive of stratification by sex and reproductive status were found for departure date and route choice. Conclusions This multi-year study sets a baseline against which the effects of climate change on humpback whales can be studied across years and conditions and provides an excellent starting point for the investigation into humpback whale migration.

• The opportunistic sighting survey was conducted in the eastern Indian sector of the Southern Ocean in the 2018/19. • Four and five species of baleen and toothed whales, respectively, were observed during the survey. • Abundance of humpback whales estimated to be 22,395 individuals based on design-based line transect methods. • Humpback whales consumed 30.9 % of Antarctic krill biomass in the area, although the estimate depended on some assumptions. Past commercial whaling depleted the humpback whale in the Southern Ocean; however, its population has recovered since hunting was terminated in 1966. Information on abundance is essential not only managing target animals but understanding the ecosystem because the species is one of the main consumers of Antarctic krill. Abundance of this species has not been reported in the eastern Indian sector (80–150°E) of the Southern Ocean since the mid-2000s. A multidisciplinary ecosystem survey focusing on Antarctic krill was conducted in the area by the Japanese research vessel Kaiyo-maru in 2018/19 austral summer. An opportunistic cetacean sighting survey (platform of opportunity (POP) survey) was conducted as part of the survey. Four baleen and five toothed whale species were sighted during the sighting survey. Humpback whales (113 schools/178 animals) were most frequently observed, followed by fin whales (15/36). Abundance of humpback whales was estimated as 22,395 individuals (CV = 0.270, 95 % confidence intervals: 13,310–37,663) based on the design-based line transect method. Krill consumption by humpback whales in this area was tentatively estimated as 1.336 million tons, corresponding to 30.9 % of krill biomass, although the amount varied greatly depending on the consumption rate's assumption. The estimated abundance was comparable with previous estimates, however, there are some caveats in interpreting the results. As no approaching whale sightings were made during this POP survey, the proportion of sightings of unidentified large whales was high, possibly leading to an underestimation of the abundance. Dedicated sighting surveys are desirable to obtain more accurate and unbiased abundance estimates, especially for management purposes, although the results of this study could be used for ecological studies in combination with other data sets recoded by the multidisciplinary survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem dynamics at the northwest Antarctic Peninsula are driven by interactions between physical and biological processes. For example, baleen whale populations are recovering from commercial harvesting against the backdrop of rapid climate change, including reduced sea ice extent and changing ecosystem composition. Concurrently, the commercial harvesting of Antarctic krill is increasing, with the potential to increase the likelihood for competition with and between krill predators and the fishery. However, understanding the ecology, abundance, and spatial distribution of krill predators is often limited, outdated, or at spatial scales that do not match those desired for effective fisheries management. We update current knowledge of predator dependence on krill by integrating telemetry‐based data, at‐sea observational surveys, estimates of predator abundance, and physiological data to estimate the spatial distribution of krill consumption during the austral summer by three species of Pygoscelis penguin, 11 species of flying seabirds, one species of pinniped, and two species of baleen whale. Our models show that the majority of important areas for krill predator foraging are close to penguin breeding colonies in nearshore areas where humpback whales also regularly feed, and along the shelf‐break, though we caution that not all known krill predators are included in these analyses. We show that krill consumption is highly variable across the region, and often concentrated at fine spatial scales, emphasizing the need for the management of the local krill fishery at relevant temporal and spatial scales. We also note that krill consumption by recovering populations of krill predators provides further evidence in support of the krill surplus hypothesis, and highlight that despite less than comprehensive data, cetaceans are likely to consume a significant proportion of the krill consumed by natural predators but are not currently considered directly in the management of the krill fishery. If management of the krill fishery is to be precautionary and operate in a way that minimizes the risks to krill predator populations, it will be necessary in future analyses, to include up‐to‐date and precise abundance and consumption estimates for pack‐ice seals, finfish, squid, and other baleen whale species not currently considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A regular, though infrequent, artisanal whaling operation targeting humpback whales has been known to occur from the West African island of Annobón, Equatorial Guinea, since the late 18th century. Little has been known outside of Equatorial Guinea about this whaling operation since the mid-1970s. This paper presents a brief history of Annobon´´'s whaling, describes recently surfaced evidence of its continuation as recently as 2017 and considers the future of the operation.

Abstract Ecosystem dynamics at the northwest Antarctic Peninsula are driven by interactions between physical and biological processes. For example, baleen whale populations are recovering from commercial harvesting against the backdrop of rapid climate change, including reduced sea ice extent and changing ecosystem composition. Concurrently, the commercial harvesting of Antarctic krill is increasing, with the potential to increase the likelihood for competition with and between krill predators and the fishery. However, understanding the ecology, abundance, and spatial distribution of krill predators is often limited, outdated, or at spatial scales that do not match those desired for effective fisheries management. We update current knowledge of predator dependence on krill by integrating telemetry‐based data, at‐sea observational surveys, estimates of predator abundance, and physiological data to estimate the spatial distribution of krill consumption during the austral summer by three species of Pygoscelis penguin, 11 species of flying seabirds, one species of pinniped, and two species of baleen whale. Our models show that the majority of important areas for krill predator foraging are close to penguin breeding colonies in nearshore areas where humpback whales also regularly feed, and along the shelf‐break, though we caution that not all known krill predators are included in these analyses. We show that krill consumption is highly variable across the region, and often concentrated at fine spatial scales, emphasizing the need for the management of the local krill fishery at relevant temporal and spatial scales. We also note that krill consumption by recovering populations of krill predators provides further evidence in support of the krill surplus hypothesis, and highlight that despite less than comprehensive data, cetaceans are likely to consume a significant proportion of the krill consumed by natural predators but are not currently considered directly in the management of the krill fishery. If management of the krill fishery is to be precautionary and operate in a way that minimizes the risks to krill predator populations, it will be necessary in future analyses, to include up‐to‐date and precise abundance and consumption estimates for pack‐ice seals, finfish, squid, and other baleen whale species not currently considered.

Vessel strike and entanglement in fishing gear are global threats to large whales. United States management actions to reduce human-induced serious injury and mortality to large whales have been inadequate, partially due to static, spatial protection schemes that fail to adjust to distribution shifts of highly mobile animals. Whale conservation would benefit from dynamic ocean management, but few tools exist to inform dynamic approaches. Seabirds are often found in association with whales and can be tagged at lower cost and in higher numbers than whales. We explored the use of satellite-tagged seabirds (great shearwaters) as dynamic ocean management tools for near real-time identification of habitats where humpback and North Atlantic right whales aggregate, potentially increasing anthropogenic risk. We identified shearwater habitat use areas in the Gulf of Maine with 50% kernel density utilization distributions at yearly, monthly, and weekly scales using satellite-telemetry data from 2013-2018. We quantified overlap using whale sightings and whale satellite telemetry data at two spatial scales: Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the Gulf of Maine. Within the sanctuary, shearwaters overlapped with >50% of humpback sightings in 4 of 6 (67%) years, 15 of 23 (65%) months, and 50 of 89 (56%) of weeks. At the Gulf of Maine scale, shearwater use areas overlapped >50% of humpback sightings in 5 of 6 years (83%) and 16 of 22 (73%) months, and encompassed humpback 50% utilization distributions (based on satellite telemetry) in 2 of 3 (66%) years and 7/12 (58%) months analyzed. Overlap between shearwaters and right whales was much lower, with >50% overlap in only 1 of 6 (17%) years and 3 of 23 (13%) months. These initial results demonstrate that satellite-tagged shearwaters can be indicators of humpback whale habitat use in both space and time. With further study, tagged shearwaters may provide near-real time information necessary to operationalize dynamic management to mitigate human impacts on humpback whales.

The ecotour industry continues to grow with a distinct focus on providing the public with up-close encounters with cetaceans. As a result, research focusing on both the effects of ecotourism on cetaceans and the efficacy of conservation-focused educational interventions for whale-watching operators is necessary to monitor and develop industry standards. Each year, whale-watching tours target humpback whales along their Colombian Pacific breeding grounds. There are many benefits to ecotourism in this area, including the use of whale-watching vessels as a platform for scientific research and environmental education. However, some whale-watching operators may lack species-specific knowledge and/or do not follow the suggested industry guidelines. Researchers held educational seminars for whale-watching staff at six hotels that border the Gulf of Tribugá. Seminars focused on whale anatomy, behavior, anthropogenic effects on the species, and sustainable whale-watching protocols. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire aimed to assess constructs related to the conservation of this species. This self-report information was accompanied by implicit measures (e.g., sighting duration, distance from whales) recorded during tours in situ. Behavioral observations aimed at assessing whales’ response to ecotour vessels demonstrated that whales increased rates of surface-active behaviors (e.g., tail slashes) with increasing nearness and duration. Whale-watching operators’ conduct during sightings demonstrated that positive attitudes toward humpback whales did not translate into adherence to sustainable practices. This relationship between the whale-watching operators’ questionnaire results and their behavior in the field demonstrates the need for careful monitoring of this developing industry. This project represents a preliminary evaluation of this budding ecotour industry. Continued efforts to increase knowledge while promoting self-advocacy, positive perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, behavioral intentions, and attitudes towards these animals will enable the safeguarding of near-shore waters essential for breeding and nursing humpback whales.

Acoustic communication is important for animals with dependent young, particularly when they are spatially separated. Maternal humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) use acoustic calling to help minimize the risk of separation from their young calves during migration. These pairs also use acoustic crypsis to minimize detection by males. How they balance a restricted active space with the need to maintain acoustic contact during periods of separation is not yet understood. Here, we analyzed movement metrics of tagged adult female–calf pairs during migration to identify two behavioral states, "resting/milling" and "travelling." When travelling, these pairs dived synchronously and exhibited little to no spatial separation. Alternatively, adult females had significantly longer dive durations (p <.01) when resting, and while they spent prolonged times at depth, calves would surface several times independently. This demonstrated that these pairs are frequently separated during periods of rest. We then determined whether the call rates and acoustic levels of these pairs increased with more frequent separation, finding that both adult females and calves significantly increased their call rates, but not levels, when resting. We also found that adult female–calf pairs have a restricted active space, with less than 15% of calls estimated to be detectable beyond 2 km. However, as with call level, detection distance did not differ significantly between the two behavioral states. In summary, adult female–calf pairs maintain successful communication during periods of separation by calling more frequently rather than by producing louder calls. This strategy aids in maintaining acoustic contact while simultaneously limiting detectability by conspecifics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known of the movements and seasonal occurrence of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) of South Africa and the Antarctic, populations once brought to near extinction by historic commercial whaling. We investigated the seasonal occurrence and diel-vocalizing pattern of humpback whale songs off the west coast of South Africa (migration route and opportunistic feeding ground) and the Maud Rise, Antarctica (feeding ground), using passive acoustic monitoring data collected between early 2014 and early 2017. Data were collected using acoustic autonomous recorders deployed 200-300 m below the sea surface in waters 855, 1,118 and 4,400 m deep. Acoustic data were manually analyzed for humpback whale vocalizations. While non-song calls were never identified, humpback whale songs were detected from June through December in South African waters, with a peak in percentage of acoustic occurrence around September/October in the austral spring. In Antarctic waters, songs were detected from March through May and in July (with a peak occurrence in April) where acoustic occurrence of humpback whales was negatively correlated to distance to the sea ice extent. Humpback whales were more vocally active at night than in the day at all recording sites. Detection range modelling indicates that humpback whale vocalizations could be detected as far as 18 and 45 km from recorders in South African and Antarctic waters, respectively. This study provides a multi-year description of the offshore acoustic occurrence of humpback whales off the west coast of South Africa and Maud Rise, Antarctica, regions that should continue to be monitored to understand these recovering populations.

Cetaceans are known for their intelligence and display of complex behaviours including object use. For example, bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) are known to rub on rocks and some humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) populations undertake lateral bottom feeding. Such underwater behaviour is difficult to observe but can play a critical role in the whales’ survival and well-being. Distinguishing social behaviours from those which serve a specific function remains challenging due to a lack of direct observations and detailed descriptions of such behaviours. A CATS (Customized Animal Tracking Solutions) suction cup tag with on board video and a 3D inertial measurement unit was deployed on three different humpback whales to assess their behaviour in the Gold Coast bay, Australia. Here, we present evidence of humpback whales (tagged and untagged individuals) performing bottom contact with prolonged rolling on sandy substrate. In addition, we showed that fish were actively feeding from the whales’ skin during this behaviour. We detail the behaviour and discuss possible drivers, with a focus on cetacean innovation, possible ectoparasite removal, and habitat preferences.

The sub-population of humpback whales inhabiting the Arabian Sea is a small and genetically distinct population that remains in low latitudes year-round. Designated as Endangered on the IUCN Red list of Threatened Species, the sub-population faces a number of threats throughout its range, including entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, disease and habitat degradation. Research conducted primarily off the coast of Sultanate of Oman over the past 20 years has contributed to understanding the population's distribution, abundance, and conservation status. However, information on the population's health and specific threats is limited. This study examines all available images of Arabian Sea humpback whales obtained between 2000 and 2018 for evidence of disease, predation, epizoites, ectoparasites, and human-induced scars and wounds. Tattoo skin disease-like lesions were detected in 41% of 93 whales, with a roughly equal distribution between males and females. Prevalence of the disease was significantly higher in 2012-2018 (51.7%) than in 2000-2011 (27.6%). Killer whale tooth rakes were detected on the ventral surface of the tail flukes of 12% (95% CI 4.5-18%) of 77 individuals. Roughly two thirds (66.6%: 95% CI 52-80%) of the 42 individuals represented by good quality photographs of the caudal peduncle region at the fluke insertion bore scarring patterns consistent with entanglement in fishing gear. At least two individuals showed severe injuries or deformations likely caused by interactions with fishing gear. Six individuals had injuries consistent with vessel strikes. Documented entanglement events from Oman and Pakistan involved large-mesh nylon gillnets, known to be used extensively throughout the Arabian Sea. These findings indicate an urgent need to design effective measures for the management and mitigation of threats, and to continue monitoring Arabian Sea humpback whales, with an emphasis on methods that allow continued and expanded assessment of health, body condition, and anthropogenic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite exhibiting one of the longest migrations in the world, half of the humpback whale migratory cycle has remained unexamined. Until now, no study has provided a continuous description of humpback whale migratory behavior from a feeding ground to a calving ground. We present new information on satellite-derived offshore migratory movements of 16 Breeding Stock G humpback whales from Antarctic feeding grounds to South American calving grounds. Satellite locations were used to demonstrate migratory corridors, while the impact of departure date on migration speed was assessed using a linear regression. A Bayesian hierarchical state–space animal movement model (HSSM) was utilized to investigate the presence of Area Restricted Search (ARS) en route. Results: 35,642 Argos locations from 16 tagged whales from 2012 to 2017 were collected. The 16 whales were tracked for a mean of 38.5 days of migration (range 10–151 days). The length of individually derived tracks ranged from 645 to 6381 km. Humpbacks were widely dispersed geographically during the initial and middle stages of their migration, but convened in two convergence regions near the southernmost point of Chile as well as Peru's Illescas Peninsula. The state–space model showed almost no instances of ARS along the migratory route. The linear regression assessing whether departure date affected migration speed showed suggestive but inconclusive support for a positive trend between the two variables. Results suggestive of stratification by sex and reproductive status were found for departure date and route choice. Conclusions: This multi-year study sets a baseline against which the effects of climate change on humpback whales can be studied across years and conditions and provides an excellent starting point for the investigation into humpback whale migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During migration, humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) adult females and their calves use acoustic calling to help maintain contact. The signals produced by these pairs, however, may unintentionally attract nearby breeding males, which can result in interactions that have negative physical and physiological effects on the calf. Therefore, maternal females must choose the vocal and/or behavioral strategy that most effectively balances intra-pair communication with male avoidance. Here, we analyzed differences in adult female-calf vocal activity and movement behavior according to the presence of, and distance to, singing whales and other groups likely to contain males. The results of this study found that these pairs make only minimal changes to their vocal behavior in response to nearby males, suggesting that they have instead evolved calls that are naturally difficult to detect (i.e., produced at significantly lower rates and acoustic levels than other whale groups, resulting in a restricted active space). In addition, they maintain spatial separation from nearby groups by moving to shallower, inshore waters, increasing their proportion of time spent near the surface, and favoring a direct migratory course. This combination of cryptic strategies balances avoidance of unwanted conspecific interaction with the necessity of continued contact between maternal female humpback whales and their calves. For new mothers in the animal kingdom, male aggression can be costly to them and their offspring. Those that rely heavily on acoustics must balance vocal contact with their young with the risk of being overheard by nearby animals. In humpback whales, maternal females and their calves have evolved a male avoidance strategy that combines "whispered" calling with social distancing, allowing these pairs to communicate amongst themselves while minimizing potentially harmful interactions with other whales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Three species of cetaceans, the pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata attenuata), the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), are important components of the marine fauna of the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG). However, basic biological information on the behavior and occurrence of these species remains scarce. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the diurnal behavior of the three-mentioned species in the ACG. Methods: The north Pacific of Costa Rica, from Bahía Salinas to the Marine Sector of ACG was sampled between May 2005 and May 2006. The behavior scanning method was used to identify the general behavior of the cetacean groups. Results: Encounters were recorded for the three species, in a total of 36 sightings, but only for S. attenuata and M. novaeangliae for considerable periods of time. Stenella attenuata exhibited a wide variety of behaviors, being foraging (X2 = 29.42; d.f. = 1; P < 0.001) and travelling (X2 = 38.33; d.f. = 1; P < 0.001) significantly higher during the rainy season. Predominant behaviors for the humpback whale were mother-calf association, social and travelling; being the latter higher during the rainy season (X2 = 78.16; d.f. = 1; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Behaviors such as foraging and mother-calf were the most representative among species and the most frequent. This suggests that the area can be considered as a critical habitat for these species of cetaceans, with particular importance for highly migratory species such as humpback whales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) require a suite of essential habitats during their long migration. Therefore, the identification of critical habitats is important for continuation of their successful recovery. In this study we investigated the behaviours and habitat usage exhibited by humpback whales in two known aggregation sites on the east coast of Australia. Using a combined 5400 humpback whale records collected from Hervey Bay between 1999 and 2009 and from the Gold Coast Bay between 2011 and 2018, we analysed different types of behavioural categories. We found that humpback whales in Hervey Bay primarily exhibited surface travel and non-aggressive social behaviour, whereas both sites appeared to be similarly important for resting. Our results suggest that the Gold Coast Bay provides habitat for a wide range of critical humpback whale activities, in particular for resting mother–calf pairs, mature males seeking copulation and socialising immature whales. Hervey Bay had a higher number of mother–calf pair sightings, confirming the area as an important resting site. This study demonstrates that the two regions are critical habitats for humpback whales during their annual migration, but for different essential activities, and should be considered as a whale protection area. Behavioural observations of the eastern Australian population of humpback whales were used to identify critical habitat of this population. Study outcomes revealed Gold Coast Bay and Hervey Bay in Queensland as essential resting and socialising grounds, but with distinct differences. This shows that the two regions are critical habitats for humpback whales during their annual migration, but for different essential activities, such as courtship and resting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The humpback whales which breed in the Mexican Pacific represent an important fraction (~38%) of the estimated population of the North Pacific. Despite the importance of Mexican waters for the reproductive habits of this species, little is known about the ecology of these whales, along the continental coast of Mexico. We analysed the temporal variation of abundance, group types, and inter- and intra-annual recapture rates in the waters adjacent to Isabel Island National Park as well as intra- and inter-seasonal movements with Banderas Bay breeding areas. Inter- and intra-annual recapture rates in Isabel Island National Park were low (1.8%); while 34% of 222 individuals photo-identified in Isabel Island National Park were also recaptured in Banderas Bay. Groups with calves were uncommon (9.5%), while pairs (33.5%) and competitive groups (29.5%) were more common. Intense singing activity was detected in the waters adjacent to Isabel Island. These waters seem to function as a reproductive corridor for the so-called 'coastal stock' of humpback whales in the waters adjacent to the continental coast of the Mexican Pacific. Therefore, mid- and long-term studies are needed to understand the dynamics of these displacements. Our findings suggest that Isabel Island National Park is an important area for the mating ecology of the humpback whales of the continental waters of the Mexican coast, and support the initiative to incorporate a Marine Protected Area within the Isabel Island National Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the role of leading edge tubercles on the aerodynamic behavior of S823 airfoil tailored for wind turbine applications has been the forefront of the study. The aerodynamic characteristics of S823 airfoil effectuated by leading edge tubercles are ascertained at Reynolds number Re=200000 which is the usual operating range of most of the small-scale wind turbines. Firstly, the study elucidates the numerical investigation of baseline airfoil and later modified airfoils exhibiting different amplitude A and wavelength λ of the sinusoidal leading edge tubercles represented as A07W50, A12W50, and A07W25. The aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoils at Re=200000 and angles-of-attack ranging from 00 to 200 are evaluated numerically through k-ω SST turbulence model using ANSYS FLUENT® software package. A preliminary comparison of the computational data shows that the coefficient of lift Cl of all the modified airfoils was visibly superior to the baseline model across the angles tested. A07W50, A12W50 and A07W25 registered 20.6%, 26.2%, and 8.7% increase in the Cl values as compared to the baseline model. Contrasting to the Cl values, the aerodynamic efficiency Cl/Cd of the baseline model was slightly better but only across the pre-stall regime and later culminated with a sudden hard stall. Promisingly, this type of hard stall was not true for the tubercled models that demonstrated a more gradual and restrained stalling characteristic, thus showcasing superior performance in the post stall envelope that was never observed for the baseline model. Based on the outcomes, A07W50 model that displayed better aerodynamic characteristics was eventually fabricated and experimentally tested for its performance in a low speed wind tunnel. The numerical results of A07W50 were in good agreement with the experimental results. The overall results of the study prove beyond any point of doubt that tubercles indeed aid in improving the aerodynamic characteristics by enhancing the lift Coefficient Cl, rendering soft stalling nature and extending the scope of operation for the airfoil under study. Finally, the study positively confirms that leading edge tubercles very much play a significant role in passively augmenting the fluid dynamic characteristics of S823 airfoil and also qualify them to be a competitive passive flow control device.

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) calf survival during migration is dependent upon them maintaining contact with their mothers, and acoustics likely plays a significant role in this. Here, we analysed calls (n = 255) produced by migrating humpback whale adult female-calf pairs (n = 15) off the east coast of Australia. First, we identified nine common call types that were then quantitatively separated into two distinct clusters. One cluster contained calls that were considerably longer in duration, lower in frequency, and narrower in bandwidth than those in the second cluster. These are proposed to have been produced by the adult females and calves, respectively. We then compared acoustic features within presumed age class. Minimum, peak, and maximum frequencies were significantly different across both adult females and calves (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.05), suggesting that their calls encode socially relevant information regarding physical signaller attributes (i.e. age and body size). This study established a baseline adult female-calf call repertoire produced during the migration of east Australian humpback whales. Potential vocal masking from anthropogenic noise is of particular concern for communications between adult females and their calves, as it may put calves at risk of becoming separated from their mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Spatial relationships between predators and prey provide critical information for understanding and predicting climate‐induced shifts in ecosystem dynamics and mitigating human impacts. We used Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary as a case study to investigate spatial overlap among sand lance (Ammodytes dubius), a key forage fish species, and two protected predators: humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and great shearwaters (Ardenna gravis). We conducted 6 years (2013–2018) of standardized surveys and quantified spatial overlap using the global index of collocation. Results showed strong, consistent collocation among species across seasons and years, suggesting that humpback whales and great shearwater distributions are tightly linked to sand lance. We propose that identifying sand lance habitats may indicate areas where humpbacks and shearwaters aggregate and are particularly vulnerable to human activities. Understanding how sand lance influence predator distributions can inform species protection and sanctuary management under present and future scenarios.

Spatial relationships between predators and prey provide critical information for understanding and predicting climate‐induced shifts in ecosystem dynamics and mitigating human impacts. We used Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary as a case study to investigate spatial overlap among sand lance (Ammodytes dubius), a key forage fish species, and two protected predators: humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and great shearwaters (Ardenna gravis). We conducted 6 years (2013–2018) of standardized surveys and quantified spatial overlap using the global index of collocation. Results showed strong, consistent collocation among species across seasons and years, suggesting that humpback whales and great shearwater distributions are tightly linked to sand lance. We propose that identifying sand lance habitats may indicate areas where humpbacks and shearwaters aggregate and are particularly vulnerable to human activities. Understanding how sand lance influence predator distributions can inform species protection and sanctuary management under present and future scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two shipboard line-transect surveys of the Northeast Atlantic were conducted between 2002–2007 and 2008–2013 to meet the ongoing requirements of the Revised Management Procedure (RMP) for common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata acutorostrata) developed by the International Whaling Commission’s Scientific Committee. Here we present estimated abundances for non-target species for which there were sufficient sightings, including fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), killer whales (Orcinus orca), harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), and dolphins of genus Lagenorhynchus. The 2 surveys were conducted using a multiyear mosaic survey design with 2 independent observer platforms operating in passing mode, each with 2 observers. The abundances of Lagenorhynchus spp. from the 2002–2007 survey were estimated using single-platform standard distance sampling methods because of uncertainty in identifying duplicate sightings. All other estimates were derived using mark-recapture distance sampling techniques applied to a combined-platform dataset of observations, correcting for perception bias. Most notably, we find that the abundance of humpback whales, similar in both survey periods, has doubled since the 1990s with the most striking changes occurring in the Barents Sea. We also show that the pattern in distribution and abundance of fin whales and sperm whales is consistent with our earlier surveys, and that abundances of small odontocete species, which were not estimated in earlier surveys, show stable distributions with some variation in their estimates. Our estimates do not account for distributional shifts between years or correct for biases due to availability or responsive movement.

A ship-based mosaic survey of Northeast Atlantic cetaceans was conducted over a 5-year period between 2014–2018. The area surveyed extends from the North Sea in the south (southern boundary at 53oN), to the ice edge of the Barents Sea and the Greenland Sea. Survey vessels were equipped with 2 independent observer platforms that detected whales in passing mode and applied tracking procedures for the target species, common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata acutorostrata). Here we present abundance estimates for all non-target species for which there were sufficient sightings. We estimate the abundance of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) to be 11,387 (CV=0.17, 95% CI: 8,072–16,063), of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) to be 10,708 (CV=0.38, 95% CI: 4,906–23,370), of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) to be 5,704 (CV=0.26, 95% CI: 3,374–9,643), of killer whales (Orcinus orca) to be 15,056 (CV=0.29, 95% CI: 8,423–26,914), of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) to be 255,929 (CV=0.20, 95% CI: 172,742–379,175), dolphins of genus Lagenorhynchus to be 192,767 (CV=0.25, 95% CI: 114,033–325,863), and finally of northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus) to be 7,800 (CV=0.28, 95% CI: 4,373–13,913). Additionally, our survey effort in the Norwegian Sea in 2015 contributed to the 6th North Atlantic Sightings Survey (NASS) and the survey was extended into the waters north and east of Iceland around Jan Mayen island. This NASS extension, along with our Norwegian Sea survey in 2015, was used to estimate the abundance of fin whales, humpback whales, and sperm whales. All estimates presented used mark-recapture distance sampling techniques and were thus corrected for perception bias. Our estimates do not account for additional variance due to distributional shifts between years or biases due to availability or responsive movement.

Abstract Background Matching animal movement with the behaviors that shape life history requires a rigorous connection between the observed patterns of space use and inferred behavioral states. As animal-borne dataloggers capture a greater diversity and frequency of three dimensional movements, we can increase the complexity of movement models describing animal behavior. One challenge in combining data streams is the different spatial and temporal frequency of observations. Nested movement models provide a flexible framework for gleaning data from long-duration, but temporally sparse, data sources. Results Using a two-layer nested model, we combined geographic and vertical movement to infer traveling, foraging and resting behaviors of Humpback whales off the West Antarctic Peninsula. This approach refined previous work using only geographic data to delineate coarser behavioral states. Our results showed increased intensity in foraging activity in late season animals as the whales prepared to migrate north to tropical calving grounds. Our model also suggests strong diel variation in movement states, likely linked to daily changes in prey distribution. Conclusions Using a combination of two-dimensional and three-dimensional movement data, we highlight the connection between whale movement and krill availability, as well as the complex spatial pattern of whale foraging in productive polar waters.

Investigating the role of leading edge tubercles on the aerodynamic behavior of S823 airfoil tailored for wind turbine applications has been the forefront of the study. The aerodynamic characteristics of S823 airfoil effectuated by leading edge tubercles are ascertained at Reynolds number Re=200000 which is the usual operating range of most of the small-scale wind turbines. Firstly, the study elucidates the numerical investigation of baseline airfoil and later modified airfoils exhibiting different amplitude A and wavelength of the sinusoidal leading edge tubercles represented as A07W50, A12W50, and A07W25. The aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoils at Re=200000 and angles-of-attack ranging from 00 to 200 are evaluated numerically through k- SST turbulence model using ANSYS FLUENT® software package. A preliminary comparison of the computational data shows that the coefficient of lift Cl of all the modified airfoils was visibly superior to the baseline model across the angles tested. A07W50, A12W50 and A07W25 registered 20.6%, 26.2%, and 8.7% increase in the Cl values as compared to the baseline model. Contrasting to the Cl values, the aerodynamic efficiency Cl/Cd of the baseline model was slightly better but only across the pre-stall regime and later culminated with a sudden hard stall. Promisingly, this type of hard stall was not true for the tubercled models that demonstrated a more gradual and restrained stalling characteristic, thus showcasing superior performance in the post stall envelope that was never observed for the baseline model. Based on the outcomes, A07W50 model that displayed better aerodynamic characteristics was eventually fabricated and experimentally tested for its performance in a low speed wind tunnel. The numerical results of A07W50 were in good agreement with the experimental results. The overall results of the study prove beyond any point of doubt that tubercles indeed aid in improving the aerodynamic characteristics by enhancing the lift Coefficient Cl, rendering soft stalling nature and extending the scope of operation for the airfoil under study. Finally, the study positively confirms that leading edge tubercles very much play a significant role in passively augmenting the fluid dynamic characteristics of S823 airfoil and also qualify them to be a competitive passive flow control device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of nature-based tourism on wildlife has been the focus of much attention. Studies have demonstrated how boat-based cetacean-watching tourism can cause both short-term and long-term effects on targeted populations. However, limited attention has been given to the effect of swim-with activities on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). This study qualified whale responses to swim-with activities off Reunion Island during the 2018 humpback whales breeding season. We used both under- and above-water videos collected from social media outlets, commercial whale-watching operators, and audiovisual professionals. We documented a high rate of agonistic whale behaviors (during 42.1% of all observations; n = 164) towards swimmers within videos containing swim-with events. We documented seven agonistic behaviors including threat, attack, or defense behaviors that were predominantly exhibited by mother/calf groups (73.8%; n = 121) and by singletons (16.5%; n = 27). Pectoral shears (27.4%) and fluke thrashes (23.2%) were the most exhibited agonistic whale behaviors aimed towards swimmers, both of which pose a danger and serious injury to swimmers. During swim-with attempts whales changed their behavioral state (82.3%, n = 159) and used avoidance tactics to avoid swimmers (56.1%, n = 92). Whales exhibited a higher rate of agonistic behaviors when swim groups were active and dispersed, in contrast to when they were quiet and compact. To mitigate whale disturbance and improve swimmer safety, we recommend avoiding swimming with whale groups containing calfs. Our findings support the implementation of strong regulations and educational tools to ensure a sustainable practice of whale watching off the Reunion Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whale watching, including swim-with-whales activities, is developing at an enormous rate in Reunion Island. This is raising concerns about its impacts on breeding humpback whales and challenging the sustainability of the activity. In 2017, a dedicated-at-sea patrol team, "Quiétude," was created to observe, monitor, and raise awareness to the whale watchers in order to improve compliance with local guidelines. In this context, the team assessed whale watching in Reunion Island during two humpback whale breeding seasons in 2017 and 2018, between June and October. Sighted groups were mostly composed of mother/calf pairs spending most of their time resting near or at the surface. Whale-watching vessels were present in 85.1% of sightings, of which 68.4% were recreative. Swimwith-cetaceans activities were very frequently observed in 42% of sightings. Overall, compliance with the charter was as high as 68% of whale sightings with vessels/swimmers were in line with the recommendations. However, low compliance (32.8%) was observed with the specific recommendations of swim-with-cetaceans activities. Swimmers were reported in surface active groups displaying agonistic behaviors, which poses evident human safety concerns. Humpback whale resting behaviors were disrupted significantly by whale-watching activities. Humpback whales tended to avoid vessels and swimmers, especially when their behavior was intrusive or not compliant with the charter. Positive humpback whale responses were more likely to occur if the charter's recommendations were not breached. Our results highlight how a nonbinding regulation, with recommendations scrupulously pursued, allows for a reduction in whale-watching disturbances and supports a better tourism experience. Our results advocate for reinforcing tourism education, whale-watching adaptive management and regulations, specifically for vulnerable groups with a calf, and for the swim-with-whales activities. This could be efficiently achieved by engaging all stakeholders and the permanent team on the field "Quietude" to enhance dissemination of best practices and sensitivity around sustainable values of implemented regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gold Coast bay in eastern Australia has been hypothesised to be an important habitat, primarily for humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) mother-calf pairs. Here we investigated relative distribution, and temporal patterns from 2,305 humpback whales between 2011 to 2017. The data were collected from whale-watching vessels using citizen science. We analysed seasonal presence of mother-calf pairs, dive times, direction of movement and location to determine habitat use of the bay as aresting area. In average aquarter of all sighted whales were mother-calf pairs with peaks of sightings each October. The recorded average dive time of 3.20 minutes was short compared to that in migratory corridors. Mother-calf pairs were sighted more often closer to shore relative to other pods. We compared our results to recognised breeding and resting grounds and found similar results, indicating that the Gold Coast bay may serve as an important stop-over for humpback whale mother-calf pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whale-watching tourism is growing rapidly worldwide. Currently, it occurs in more than 119 countries and is estimated to produce more than US$2.5 billion in annual revenue. In northern Peru, this industry is relatively new, and the economic impact generated from whale watching remains unknown. This study was designed to provide an assessment of the economic impact of whale-watching activity in northern Peru. In this area the activity is focused on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). In 2018, we conducted surveys to 199 whale-watch tourists and six tour companies to estimate the economic impact of the activity. Our results indicate that whale watching of humpback whales is currently worth an estimate of US$3 million annually as a tourist attraction, an economic input that did not exist in the region 10 years ago. This activity has a significant potential for further growth; however, there is an urgent need for guidelines and regulations to ensure a sustainable and well-managed whale-watch tourism industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Humpback whales are known to undertake long-distance migration between feeding and breeding sites, but their movement behavior within their breeding range is still poorly known. Satellite telemetry was used to investigate movement of humpback whales during the breeding season and provide further understanding of the breeding ecology and sub-population connectivity within the southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO). Implantable Argos satellite tags were deployed on 15 whales (7 males and 6 females) during the peak of the breeding season in Reunion Island. A switching-state-space model was applied to the telemetry data, in order to discriminate between “transiting” and “localized” movements, the latter of which relates to meandering behavior within putative breeding habitats, and a kernel density analysis was used to assess the spatial scale of the main putative breeding sites. Results Whales were tracked for up to 71 days from 31/07/2013 to 16/10/2013. The mean transmission duration was 25.7 days and the mean distance travelled was 2125.8 km. The tracks showed consistent movement of whales from Reunion to Madagascar, demonstrating a high level of connectivity between the two sub-regions, and the use of yet unknown breeding sites such as underwater seamounts (La Perouse) and banks (Mascarene Plateau). A localized movement pattern occurred in distinct bouts along the tracks, suggesting that whales were involved in breeding activity for 4.3 consecutive days on average, after which they resume transiting for an average of 6.6 days. Males visited several breeding sites within the SWIO, suggesting for the first time a movement strategy at a basin scale to maximize mating. Unexpectedly, females with calf also showed extensive transiting movement, while they engaged in localized behavior mainly off Reunion and Sainte-Marie (East Madagascar). Conclusions The results indicated that whales from Reunion do not represent a discrete population. Discrete breeding sites were identified, thereby highlighting priority areas for conservation. The study is a first attempt to quantify movement of humpback whales within the southwestern Indian Ocean breeding range. We demonstrate a wandering behavior with stopovers at areas that likely represent key breeding habitat, a strategy which may enhance likelihood of individual reproductive success.

To maintain a sustainable harvest of marine mammals, knowledge on key life history parameters such as age is essential. In West Greenland, humpback whale numbers were low during the 1980s due to past commercial whaling. However, the moratorium, which was enforced in 1986, had a positive effect on their abundance and by 2010 it was possible for Greenland to reopen the subsistence hunt on humpback whales in West Greenland. In this study, eyes were collected from 12 humpback whales taken in the subsistence hunt from 2010 to 2015 and used for age and growth estimation. Aspartic acid racemization (AAR) and bomb radiocarbon dating techniques were performed on the eye lens nuclei to obtain independent age estimates. Through AAR, 11 individuals were estimated to be younger than 20 years old and a single individual estimated to be 46 years old. Radiocarbon dating supported these estimates as all individuals had post-bomb pMC values. The Gompertz growth curve showed that humpback whales reach their asymptotic lengths around age ten and hence at a relatively young age. In conclusion, half a century after commercial whaling ended, the humpback whales feeding off West Greenland appear to consist mainly of young individuals. An age distribution that is likely attributed to a historical overexploitation and since a rapid increase in abundance following the moratorium.