|
Humpback Whale
Megaptera
novaeangliae
Humpback Whale
Science
Return of the Humpback Whale
In the 1980s the
Pacific WildLife Foundation (then West Coast Whale Research) undertook
pioneering research of humpback whales on the west coast of Vancouver
Island, British Columbia. Now we are using those data to document their
recovery along the east and west coasts of Vancouver Island.
Identification of individual whales allows us to understand how whales
use the waters of the Pacific. Humpback whales can be identified by
markings on the undersides of their tail flukes. By regularly ‘sampling’
areas using photographs of whale’s tail flukes is the basis by which
estimates of population size and definition are drawn. Over time a
picture emerges how individuals use an area, how long they are present,
their migratory destinations, birth interval and age of sexual maturity.
Humpback whale
photo-identification sampling occurs annually in Clayoquot Sound on the
west coast of Canada, both through dedicated surveys by Dr. Jim Darling
of PWLF, other researchers and contributions from whale watching
operations in the region. All photo-identifications, in conjunction with
ID collections from throughout the Pacific will be used to further our
understanding of the abundance and behavior of humpbacks whales. This
information is critical to development of meaningful management and
conservation policies. Our partners include
Remote Passages and
Jamie’s Whaling Station. For more information humpback whales
click here and to learn more about this project or contribute,
click here.
Humpback Whale Identification Project
Identification of individual whales allows us to understand how whales
use the waters of the Pacific. Humpback whales can be identified by
markings on the undersides of their tail flukes. By regularly ‘sampling’
areas using photographs of whale’s tail flukes is the basis by which
estimates of population size and definition are drawn. Over time a
picture emerges how individuals use an area, how long they are present,
their migratory destinations, birth interval and age of sexual maturity.
Humpback whale photo-identification sampling occurs annually in
Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Canada, both through dedicated
surveys by Dr. Jim Darling of PWLF, other researchers and contributions
from whale watching operations in the region. All photo-identifications,
in conjunction with ID collections from throughout the Pacific will be
used to further our understanding of the abundance and behavior of
humpbacks whales. This information is critical to development of
meaningful management and conservation policies.To learn more about this
project or contribute,
click here.
Unusual Calls from Alaska
In July 2005, we
recorded
a very unusual
call made by a Humpback Whale in Frederick Sound,
Alaska. About 8 animals were bubble net feeding. The
call you hear on the video was repeated after a dive
probably by the same individual. The sound echoed off
distant mountains. We are baffled about its purpose.
Unusual Humpback Whale
Call Video
|
