Kershaw, Francine,Carvalho, Inês,Loo, Jacqueline,Pomilla, Cristina,Best, Peter B.,Findlay, Ken P.,Cerchio, Salvatore,Collins, Tim,Engel, Marcia H.,Minton, Gianna,Ersts, Peter,Barendse, Jaco,Kotze, P. G. H.,Razafindrakoto, Yvette,Ngouessono, Solange,Meÿer, Michael,Thorton, Meredith,Rosenbaum, Howard C.
Multiple processes drive genetic structure of humpback whale ( Journal Article
In: Molecular Ecology, no. 131, pp. n/a-n/a, 2017, ISBN: 1365-294X.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: behaviour, Humpback Whale, International Whaling Commission, megaptera novaeangliae, population assessment, population genetics, population identity, population structure, Southern Hemisphere, wildlife management
@article{,
title = {Multiple processes drive genetic structure of humpback whale (},
author = {Kershaw, Francine,Carvalho, Inês,Loo, Jacqueline,Pomilla, Cristina,Best, Peter B.,Findlay, Ken P.,Cerchio, Salvatore,Collins, Tim,Engel, Marcia H.,Minton, Gianna,Ersts, Peter,Barendse, Jaco,Kotze, P. G. H.,Razafindrakoto, Yvette,Ngouessono, Solange,Meÿer, Michael,Thorton, Meredith,Rosenbaum, Howard C.},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mec.13943},
issn = {1365-294X},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Molecular Ecology},
number = {131},
pages = {n/a-n/a},
abstract = {Elucidating patterns of population structure for species with complex life histories, and disentangling the processes driving such patterns, remains a significant analytical challenge. Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) populations display complex genetic structures that have not been fully resolved at all spatial scales. We generated a data set of nuclear markers for 3575 samples spanning the seven breeding stocks and substocks found in the South Atlantic and western and northern Indian Oceans. For the total sample, and males and females separately, we assessed genetic diversity, tested for genetic differentiation between putative populations and isolation by distance, estimated the number of genetic clusters without a priori population information and estimated rates of gene flow using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian approaches. At the ocean basin scale, structure is governed by geographical distance (IBD P < 0.05) and female fidelity to breeding areas, in line with current understanding of the drivers of broadscale population structure. Consistent with previous studies, the Arabian Sea breeding stock was highly genetically differentiated (FST 0.034–0.161; P < 0.01 for all comparisons). However, the breeding stock boundary between west South Africa and east Africa was more porous than expected based on genetic differentiation, cluster and geneflow analyses. Instances of male fidelity to breeding areas and relatively high rates of dispersal for females were also observed between the three substocks in the western Indian Ocean. The relationships between demographic units and current management boundaries may have ramifications for assessments of the status and continued protections of populations still in recovery from commercial whaling.},
keywords = {behaviour, Humpback Whale, International Whaling Commission, megaptera novaeangliae, population assessment, population genetics, population identity, population structure, Southern Hemisphere, wildlife management},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Elucidating patterns of population structure for species with complex life histories, and disentangling the processes driving such patterns, remains a significant analytical challenge. Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) populations display complex genetic structures that have not been fully resolved at all spatial scales. We generated a data set of nuclear markers for 3575 samples spanning the seven breeding stocks and substocks found in the South Atlantic and western and northern Indian Oceans. For the total sample, and males and females separately, we assessed genetic diversity, tested for genetic differentiation between putative populations and isolation by distance, estimated the number of genetic clusters without a priori population information and estimated rates of gene flow using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian approaches. At the ocean basin scale, structure is governed by geographical distance (IBD P < 0.05) and female fidelity to breeding areas, in line with current understanding of the drivers of broadscale population structure. Consistent with previous studies, the Arabian Sea breeding stock was highly genetically differentiated (FST 0.034–0.161; P < 0.01 for all comparisons). However, the breeding stock boundary between west South Africa and east Africa was more porous than expected based on genetic differentiation, cluster and geneflow analyses. Instances of male fidelity to breeding areas and relatively high rates of dispersal for females were also observed between the three substocks in the western Indian Ocean. The relationships between demographic units and current management boundaries may have ramifications for assessments of the status and continued protections of populations still in recovery from commercial whaling.
IWC
Report of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission 2016 Technical Report
no. 121, 2016.
BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, International Whaling Commission, management, Southern Hemisphere, Stock identity
@techreport{,
title = {Report of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission 2016},
author = {IWC},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
volume = {66b},
number = {121},
pages = {138},
publisher = {International Whaling Commission},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, International Whaling Commission, management, Southern Hemisphere, Stock identity},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
IWC
Report of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission 2016: Annex H: Report of the Sub-Committee on Other Southern Hemisphere Whale Stocks Technical Report
no. 122, 2016.
BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, International Whaling Commission, management, Southern Hemisphere, Stock identity
@techreport{,
title = {Report of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission 2016: Annex H: Report of the Sub-Committee on Other Southern Hemisphere Whale Stocks},
author = {IWC},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
volume = {66b},
number = {122},
pages = {44},
publisher = {International Whaling Commission},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, International Whaling Commission, management, Southern Hemisphere, Stock identity},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Rosenbaum, H.C.,Pomilla, C.,Mendez, M.C.,Leslie, M.,Best, P.,Findlay, K.,Minton, G.,Ersts, P.J.,Collins, T.,Engel, M.H.,Bonatto, S.,Kotze, D.,Meyer, M.,Barendse, J.,Thornton, M.,Razafindrakoto, Y.,Ngouessono, S,Vely, M.,Kiszka, J.
Population Structure of Humpback Whales from Their Breeding Grounds in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans Journal Article
In: PLoS ONE, vol. 4, no. 460, pp. e7318. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0007318, 2009.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, Indian Ocean, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, mtDNA, Oman, population identity, population structure, Population X, Southern Hemisphere
@article{,
title = {Population Structure of Humpback Whales from Their Breeding Grounds in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans},
author = {Rosenbaum, H.C.,Pomilla, C.,Mendez, M.C.,Leslie, M.,Best, P.,Findlay, K.,Minton, G.,Ersts, P.J.,Collins, T.,Engel, M.H.,Bonatto, S.,Kotze, D.,Meyer, M.,Barendse, J.,Thornton, M.,Razafindrakoto, Y.,Ngouessono, S,Vely, M.,Kiszka, J.},
url = {https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0007318},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-01-01},
journal = {PLoS ONE},
volume = {4},
number = {460},
pages = {e7318. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0007318},
abstract = {Although humpback whales are among the best-studied of the large whales, population boundaries in the Southern
Hemisphere (SH) have remained largely untested. We assess population structure of SH humpback whales using 1,527
samples collected from whales at fourteen sampling sites within the Southwestern and Southeastern Atlantic, the
Southwestern Indian Ocean, and Northern Indian Ocean (Breeding Stocks A, B, C and X, respectively). Evaluation of mtDNA
population structure and migration rates was carried out under different statistical frameworks. Using all genetic evidence,
the results suggest significant degrees of population structure between all ocean basins, with the Southwestern and
Northern Indian Ocean most differentiated from each other. Effective migration rates were highest between the
Southeastern Atlantic and the Southwestern Indian Ocean, followed by rates within the Southeastern Atlantic, and the
lowest between the Southwestern and Northern Indian Ocean. At finer scales, very low gene flow was detected between
the two neighbouring sub-regions in the Southeastern Atlantic, compared to high gene flow for whales within the
Southwestern Indian Ocean. Our genetic results support the current management designations proposed by the
International Whaling Commission of Breeding Stocks A, B, C, and X as four strongly structured populations. The population
structure patterns found in this study are likely to have been influenced by a combination of long-term maternally directed
fidelity of migratory destinations, along with other ecological and oceanographic features in the region.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, Indian Ocean, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, mtDNA, Oman, population identity, population structure, Population X, Southern Hemisphere},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Although humpback whales are among the best-studied of the large whales, population boundaries in the Southern
Hemisphere (SH) have remained largely untested. We assess population structure of SH humpback whales using 1,527
samples collected from whales at fourteen sampling sites within the Southwestern and Southeastern Atlantic, the
Southwestern Indian Ocean, and Northern Indian Ocean (Breeding Stocks A, B, C and X, respectively). Evaluation of mtDNA
population structure and migration rates was carried out under different statistical frameworks. Using all genetic evidence,
the results suggest significant degrees of population structure between all ocean basins, with the Southwestern and
Northern Indian Ocean most differentiated from each other. Effective migration rates were highest between the
Southeastern Atlantic and the Southwestern Indian Ocean, followed by rates within the Southeastern Atlantic, and the
lowest between the Southwestern and Northern Indian Ocean. At finer scales, very low gene flow was detected between
the two neighbouring sub-regions in the Southeastern Atlantic, compared to high gene flow for whales within the
Southwestern Indian Ocean. Our genetic results support the current management designations proposed by the
International Whaling Commission of Breeding Stocks A, B, C, and X as four strongly structured populations. The population
structure patterns found in this study are likely to have been influenced by a combination of long-term maternally directed
fidelity of migratory destinations, along with other ecological and oceanographic features in the region.
Hemisphere (SH) have remained largely untested. We assess population structure of SH humpback whales using 1,527
samples collected from whales at fourteen sampling sites within the Southwestern and Southeastern Atlantic, the
Southwestern Indian Ocean, and Northern Indian Ocean (Breeding Stocks A, B, C and X, respectively). Evaluation of mtDNA
population structure and migration rates was carried out under different statistical frameworks. Using all genetic evidence,
the results suggest significant degrees of population structure between all ocean basins, with the Southwestern and
Northern Indian Ocean most differentiated from each other. Effective migration rates were highest between the
Southeastern Atlantic and the Southwestern Indian Ocean, followed by rates within the Southeastern Atlantic, and the
lowest between the Southwestern and Northern Indian Ocean. At finer scales, very low gene flow was detected between
the two neighbouring sub-regions in the Southeastern Atlantic, compared to high gene flow for whales within the
Southwestern Indian Ocean. Our genetic results support the current management designations proposed by the
International Whaling Commission of Breeding Stocks A, B, C, and X as four strongly structured populations. The population
structure patterns found in this study are likely to have been influenced by a combination of long-term maternally directed
fidelity of migratory destinations, along with other ecological and oceanographic features in the region.
IWC
Report of the workshop on the comprehensive assessment of Southern Hemisphere humpback whales Technical Report
no. 392, 2006.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, Arabian Sea, Australia, Distribution, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Movements, Oman, population, populations, Southern Hemisphere, survey, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Report of the workshop on the comprehensive assessment of Southern Hemisphere humpback whales},
author = {IWC},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Report presented to the 58th meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/58/Rep5},
number = {392},
pages = {1-77},
abstract = {This report summarises all the data for SH humpback whales. Specific recommendations for Pop X (Arabian Sea/Oman) include: Given that the humpback whales of Region X represent an isolated population that has a very low estimate ofabundance, it is strongly recommended that further research be undertaken that will aid in protection of thisstock.There are whales in unsampled areas between Oman and other study areas in Africa and Western Australia. TheWorkshop recommended that studies should be conducted in these areas.It was recommended that further genetic sampling and analysis be completed to more conclusively determinethe degree of differentiation for humpback whales of Region X and the timing of its separation from otherhumpback whale populations.Distribution of whales in Region X clearly occurs throughout areas of the Arabian Sea but surveys conducted todate have been limited to the coast of Oman. The Workshop encourages more survey effort in other areas toevaluate movements and relationships with whales off the coast of Oman.Given the seasonal limitations in survey effort and an unresolved degree of movement and connectivity withother concentrations of humpback whales in the Indian Ocean, the Workshop suggests that satellite telemetrystudies be initiated.},
keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, Australia, Distribution, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Movements, Oman, population, populations, Southern Hemisphere, survey, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This report summarises all the data for SH humpback whales. Specific recommendations for Pop X (Arabian Sea/Oman) include: Given that the humpback whales of Region X represent an isolated population that has a very low estimate ofabundance, it is strongly recommended that further research be undertaken that will aid in protection of thisstock.There are whales in unsampled areas between Oman and other study areas in Africa and Western Australia. TheWorkshop recommended that studies should be conducted in these areas.It was recommended that further genetic sampling and analysis be completed to more conclusively determinethe degree of differentiation for humpback whales of Region X and the timing of its separation from otherhumpback whale populations.Distribution of whales in Region X clearly occurs throughout areas of the Arabian Sea but surveys conducted todate have been limited to the coast of Oman. The Workshop encourages more survey effort in other areas toevaluate movements and relationships with whales off the coast of Oman.Given the seasonal limitations in survey effort and an unresolved degree of movement and connectivity withother concentrations of humpback whales in the Indian Ocean, the Workshop suggests that satellite telemetrystudies be initiated.
Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Findlay,K.P.,Baldwin,R,Ersts,P.J.,Rosenbaum,H.C.
Seasonal distribution and population characteristics of humpback whales in Oman Technical Report
no. 413, 2006, ISBN: SC/A06/HW48.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Australia, cetacean, Distribution, habitat, habitat preference, habitat preferences, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Oman, population, population characteristics, Southern Hemisphere, whale, whales
@techreport{,
title = {Seasonal distribution and population characteristics of humpback whales in Oman},
author = {Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Findlay,K.P.,Baldwin,R,Ersts,P.J.,Rosenbaum,H.C.},
issn = {SC/A06/HW48},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the Workshop on the Comprehensive Assessment of Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales, Hobart, Australia, April 2006},
volume = {SC/A06/HW48},
number = {413},
pages = {1-48},
abstract = {Previously published data on the occurrence of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Arabian Sea suggest that the region hosts a non-migratory population that adheres to a Northern Hemisphere breeding cycle. Twelve small boat surveys were conducted at three main locations off the coast of Oman between February 2000 and November 2004 to investigate the distribution and seasonal abundance of humpback whales and other cetaceans. An even ratio of males and females were observed and sampled during surveys in the Gulf of Masirah in October and November (n=38), while almost all whales sampled in Dhofar February/March were male (n=28). Song was detected frequently in the Kuria Muria Bay in February/March, but observations of mother-calf pairs were sparse, and competitive groups were absent. Feeding was observed in both October/November and February/March, but behavioural and environmental observations indicate that the Gulf of Masirah is primarily an important feeding ground, while the Dhofar region, particularly the Kuria Muria Bay, appears to be a breeding area. However, a lack of recent observations of both mother-calf pairs and competitive groups raises the possibility that the primary mating, calving and nursing areas are yet to be identified. Of the 64 whales that have been identified using photographs of dorsal fins or tail flukes, six individuals have been observed on at least two surveys, four individuals on three surveys, one on four surveys and one on five separate surveys. Individually identified whales were re-sighted in both the Gulf of Masirah and Dhofar at different times of the year and across survey years, indicating year-round residence off the coast of Oman. A Chapman's modified Petersen estimator was applied to various data pairings to calculate abundance in the areas surveyed. All pairings yielded estimates of less than 100 individuals, but sample sizes were small there are various sources of possible bias. Analysis of scarring on the caudal peduncle region of individually identified whales in Oman indicate that between 30 and 40% of identified whales are likely to have been involved in entanglements with fishing gear. Comparison of the Oman photo-identification catalogue with those from Zanzibar, Antongil Bay (Madagascar) and Mayotte and the Geyser Atoll (Comoros Archipelago), yielded no photographic matches, and support the hypothesis of a discrete population as did comparison of the distribution of fluke pigmentation rankings from the Oman catalogue, which varied significantly from those of Madagascar and Mayotte. In general the data examined in this study suggest that the population or sub-population of humpback whales off the coast of Oman is resident year-round, small and potentially discrete, warranting further research and conservation efforts.},
keywords = {Australia, cetacean, Distribution, habitat, habitat preference, habitat preferences, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Oman, population, population characteristics, Southern Hemisphere, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Previously published data on the occurrence of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Arabian Sea suggest that the region hosts a non-migratory population that adheres to a Northern Hemisphere breeding cycle. Twelve small boat surveys were conducted at three main locations off the coast of Oman between February 2000 and November 2004 to investigate the distribution and seasonal abundance of humpback whales and other cetaceans. An even ratio of males and females were observed and sampled during surveys in the Gulf of Masirah in October and November (n=38), while almost all whales sampled in Dhofar February/March were male (n=28). Song was detected frequently in the Kuria Muria Bay in February/March, but observations of mother-calf pairs were sparse, and competitive groups were absent. Feeding was observed in both October/November and February/March, but behavioural and environmental observations indicate that the Gulf of Masirah is primarily an important feeding ground, while the Dhofar region, particularly the Kuria Muria Bay, appears to be a breeding area. However, a lack of recent observations of both mother-calf pairs and competitive groups raises the possibility that the primary mating, calving and nursing areas are yet to be identified. Of the 64 whales that have been identified using photographs of dorsal fins or tail flukes, six individuals have been observed on at least two surveys, four individuals on three surveys, one on four surveys and one on five separate surveys. Individually identified whales were re-sighted in both the Gulf of Masirah and Dhofar at different times of the year and across survey years, indicating year-round residence off the coast of Oman. A Chapman's modified Petersen estimator was applied to various data pairings to calculate abundance in the areas surveyed. All pairings yielded estimates of less than 100 individuals, but sample sizes were small there are various sources of possible bias. Analysis of scarring on the caudal peduncle region of individually identified whales in Oman indicate that between 30 and 40% of identified whales are likely to have been involved in entanglements with fishing gear. Comparison of the Oman photo-identification catalogue with those from Zanzibar, Antongil Bay (Madagascar) and Mayotte and the Geyser Atoll (Comoros Archipelago), yielded no photographic matches, and support the hypothesis of a discrete population as did comparison of the distribution of fluke pigmentation rankings from the Oman catalogue, which varied significantly from those of Madagascar and Mayotte. In general the data examined in this study suggest that the population or sub-population of humpback whales off the coast of Oman is resident year-round, small and potentially discrete, warranting further research and conservation efforts.
Rosenbaum,H.C.,Pomilla,C.,Olavarria,C.,Baker,C.S.,Leslie,M.,Mendez,M.C.,Caballero,S.,Brasseur,M,Bannister,J.L,Best,P.B.,Bonatto,S.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Engel,M.H.,Ersts,P.J.,Findlay,K.P.,Florez-Gonzalez,L.,Garrigue,C.,Hauser,N.,Jenner,C.,Meyer,M.,Minton,G.,Poole,M.M.,Razafindrakoto,Y.
A first and preliminary analysis of mtDNA sequences from humpback whales for breeding stocks A-G and X Technical Report
no. 461, 2006, ISBN: SC/A06/HW59.
BibTeX | Tags: Atlantic, Atlantic Ocean, breeding grounds, DNA, dolphin, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, mitochondrial DNA, Oman, population, South Atlantic, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, whale, whales
@techreport{,
title = {A first and preliminary analysis of mtDNA sequences from humpback whales for breeding stocks A-G and X},
author = {Rosenbaum,H.C.,Pomilla,C.,Olavarria,C.,Baker,C.S.,Leslie,M.,Mendez,M.C.,Caballero,S.,Brasseur,M,Bannister,J.L,Best,P.B.,Bonatto,S.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Engel,M.H.,Ersts,P.J.,Findlay,K.P.,Florez-Gonzalez,L.,Garrigue,C.,Hauser,N.,Jenner,C.,Meyer,M.,Minton,G.,Poole,M.M.,Razafindrakoto,Y.},
issn = {SC/A06/HW59},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Report presented to the Comprehensive Assessment of Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales, Hobart, Tasmania},
volume = {SC/A06/HW59},
number = {461},
keywords = {Atlantic, Atlantic Ocean, breeding grounds, DNA, dolphin, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, mitochondrial DNA, Oman, population, South Atlantic, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Zemsky,V.A.
Extermination of populations of commercial whale species and its possible biological consequences Technical Report
no. 268, 2005.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Atlantic, Atlantic Ocean, baleen whale, baleen whales, biological consequences, cetacean, cetaceans, depletion, extermination, mammals, marine, marine mammal, Marine mammals, oil, population, populations, Southern Hemisphere, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, status, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Extermination of populations of commercial whale species and its possible biological consequences},
author = {Zemsky,V.A.},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
number = {268},
pages = {249-259},
abstract = {Cetaceans inhabit practically all seas and oceans of the world and their role in ocean biocenoses is doubtless. Being the source of nutrition and technical resources - oil, meat, etc., - this numrous group of marine mammals had also substantial meaning for the man's economic activity. In a number of coastal regions, some whales are still an important, if not one, source of protein food. All cetaceans can be subdivided into two conditional categories: those which are caught for commerial needs and those which are not. The first group comprises practically all baleen whales, the size of most of which has no analogous in terrestrial mammals, and the sperm whale - the only one of toothed whales. All other cetaceans can be referred to the second group. They are much smaller in size, but more numerous and play not less important role in biocenoses. Some of them were of commercial value in the past and now have lost it almost completely. This brief review pursues three goals: firstly, to reveal the relationship between the population number of the commercial whales and whaling in a historical aspect; secondly, to determine the significance for the estimation of the current status of the large whales' populations of the materials, pulished in 1995, on the largest falsification of statistical data on the Soviet whaling operations in the Southern Hemisphere and in some regions of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and equatorial waters; thirdly, to try to reveal possible consequences of the drastic depletion of number of the large commerical whales for the ocean biogeocenoses.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Atlantic, Atlantic Ocean, baleen whale, baleen whales, biological consequences, cetacean, cetaceans, depletion, extermination, mammals, marine, marine mammal, Marine mammals, oil, population, populations, Southern Hemisphere, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, status, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Cetaceans inhabit practically all seas and oceans of the world and their role in ocean biocenoses is doubtless. Being the source of nutrition and technical resources - oil, meat, etc., - this numrous group of marine mammals had also substantial meaning for the man's economic activity. In a number of coastal regions, some whales are still an important, if not one, source of protein food. All cetaceans can be subdivided into two conditional categories: those which are caught for commerial needs and those which are not. The first group comprises practically all baleen whales, the size of most of which has no analogous in terrestrial mammals, and the sperm whale - the only one of toothed whales. All other cetaceans can be referred to the second group. They are much smaller in size, but more numerous and play not less important role in biocenoses. Some of them were of commercial value in the past and now have lost it almost completely. This brief review pursues three goals: firstly, to reveal the relationship between the population number of the commercial whales and whaling in a historical aspect; secondly, to determine the significance for the estimation of the current status of the large whales' populations of the materials, pulished in 1995, on the largest falsification of statistical data on the Soviet whaling operations in the Southern Hemisphere and in some regions of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and equatorial waters; thirdly, to try to reveal possible consequences of the drastic depletion of number of the large commerical whales for the ocean biogeocenoses.
Lento,G.M.,Dalebout,M.L.,Baker,C.S.
Species and individual identification of whale and dolphin products for sale in Japan by mtDNA sequences and nuclear microsatellite profiles Technical Report
no. 399, 1998.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Atlantic, baleen whale, baleen whales, beaked whales, developing, DNA, dolphin, dolphins, fin whale, Japan, Microsatellite, minke whale, mtDNA, North Atlantic, Oman, population, Porpoise, pygmy sperm whale, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, stocks, survey, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Species and individual identification of whale and dolphin products for sale in Japan by mtDNA sequences and nuclear microsatellite profiles },
author = {Lento,G.M.,Dalebout,M.L.,Baker,C.S.},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-01-01},
volume = {SC/50/O8},
number = {399},
pages = {1-12},
abstract = {We report on species and individual identification of whale and dolphin products available on commercial markets of Japan in 1997/98 based on analysis of mitochondria) DNA (mtDNA) sequences and microsatellite variation. The total sample of 74 products included four species of baleen whales, the fin (n=4), sei (n=1), northern minke (n=15) and southern minke (n=39) whales. The remaining 15 samples included dolphins (n = 8; at least four species), Baird's beaked whales (n=5), a porpoise (n=1), and a pygmy sperm whale (n=1), all sold as "kujira" in Japan. It is noted that two new species, the sei whale, and the pygmy sperm whale, appeared for the first time in this series of market surveys. With the inclusion of the sei whale, a total of eight species of baleen whale have been found for sale in post-moratorium surveys of markets in Korea and Japan. Comparison of the sei whale mtDNA to reference sequences from the North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere suggested that this product originated from the Southern Hemisphere. The last legal hunting of this population was in 1979-80. To investigate the stock origins of northern minke whale products sold in Japan, in 1997-98, the mtDNA haplotypes of these products were compared to those found previously in Korea, 1994-97 (Lento et al. 1998). This comparison revealed that four (33%) of the 12 haplotypes among the Japanese products were identical to those from Korea. This is not consistent with the hypothesis that northern minke whale products sold in Japan originate exclusively from the scientific hunting of a stock that is genetically distinct from the Korean coastal bycatch. Instead, these findings could suggest that whales from both stocks are being hunted illegally or that whale products are being smuggled between the two countries. To further investigate the possibility of smuggling and to estimate the total number of individual whales represented in commercial products, we are developing protocols for DNA profiling using microsatellite loci. Based on preliminary analysis of three loci, the four fin whale products, representing three mtDNA haplotypes, were shown to have originated from four individuals. The 15 northern minke whale products found in 1997-98, representing 12 mtDNA haplotypes, were shown to have originated from a minimum of 14 individuals. One of these products that shared a haplotype with a 1997 product, was also shown to be unique.},
keywords = {Atlantic, baleen whale, baleen whales, beaked whales, developing, DNA, dolphin, dolphins, fin whale, Japan, Microsatellite, minke whale, mtDNA, North Atlantic, Oman, population, Porpoise, pygmy sperm whale, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, stocks, survey, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
We report on species and individual identification of whale and dolphin products available on commercial markets of Japan in 1997/98 based on analysis of mitochondria) DNA (mtDNA) sequences and microsatellite variation. The total sample of 74 products included four species of baleen whales, the fin (n=4), sei (n=1), northern minke (n=15) and southern minke (n=39) whales. The remaining 15 samples included dolphins (n = 8; at least four species), Baird's beaked whales (n=5), a porpoise (n=1), and a pygmy sperm whale (n=1), all sold as "kujira" in Japan. It is noted that two new species, the sei whale, and the pygmy sperm whale, appeared for the first time in this series of market surveys. With the inclusion of the sei whale, a total of eight species of baleen whale have been found for sale in post-moratorium surveys of markets in Korea and Japan. Comparison of the sei whale mtDNA to reference sequences from the North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere suggested that this product originated from the Southern Hemisphere. The last legal hunting of this population was in 1979-80. To investigate the stock origins of northern minke whale products sold in Japan, in 1997-98, the mtDNA haplotypes of these products were compared to those found previously in Korea, 1994-97 (Lento et al. 1998). This comparison revealed that four (33%) of the 12 haplotypes among the Japanese products were identical to those from Korea. This is not consistent with the hypothesis that northern minke whale products sold in Japan originate exclusively from the scientific hunting of a stock that is genetically distinct from the Korean coastal bycatch. Instead, these findings could suggest that whales from both stocks are being hunted illegally or that whale products are being smuggled between the two countries. To further investigate the possibility of smuggling and to estimate the total number of individual whales represented in commercial products, we are developing protocols for DNA profiling using microsatellite loci. Based on preliminary analysis of three loci, the four fin whale products, representing three mtDNA haplotypes, were shown to have originated from four individuals. The 15 northern minke whale products found in 1997-98, representing 12 mtDNA haplotypes, were shown to have originated from a minimum of 14 individuals. One of these products that shared a haplotype with a 1997 product, was also shown to be unique.
IUCN
Cetaceans and cetacean research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary Book Chapter
In: no. 391, pp. 1-287, UNEP, 1991.
BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, cetacean, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, Oman, Pacific Ocean, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling
@inbook{,
title = {Cetaceans and cetacean research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary},
author = {IUCN},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-01-01},
journal = {UNEP marine Mammal Technical Report number 3},
number = {391},
pages = {1-287},
publisher = {UNEP},
keywords = {Antarctic, cetacean, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, Oman, Pacific Ocean, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inbook}
}
Leatherwood, S.,Donovan, G.P.
Cetaceans and cetacean research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary Book Chapter
In: no. 397, pp. 1-287, UNEP, 1991.
BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, cetacean, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, Oman, Pacific Ocean, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling
@inbook{,
title = {Cetaceans and cetacean research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary},
author = {Leatherwood, S.,Donovan, G.P.},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-01-01},
journal = {UNEP marine Mammal Technical Report number 3},
number = {397},
pages = {1-287},
publisher = {UNEP},
keywords = {Antarctic, cetacean, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, Oman, Pacific Ocean, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inbook}
}
Reeves,R.R.,Leatherwood,S.,Papastavrou,V.
Possible stock affinities of humpback whales in the northern Indian Ocean Book
UNEP, 1991.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, cetacean, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, Oman, Pacific Ocean, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling
@book{,
title = {Possible stock affinities of humpback whales in the northern Indian Ocean},
author = {Reeves,R.R.,Leatherwood,S.,Papastavrou,V.},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-01-01},
journal = {Cetaceans and Cetacean Research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary: Marine Mammal Technical Report Number 3},
number = {443},
pages = {259-269},
publisher = {UNEP},
abstract = {Records of humpback whales. Megaptera novaeangliae. in the northern Indian Ocean are compiled and evaluated to test various hypotheses concerning stock relationships. The conventional view that all humpbacks in this region are migrants from the Southern Hemisphere or, less likely, from the Pacific Ocean has been challenged recently by other authors. There is no reason to doubt that some Antarctic humpbacks cross the. Equator during their winter breeding migration northward. However, sightings in the northern Indian Ocean during the austral spring, summer and fall arc sufficiently frequent and widespread to support the hypothesis that some whales remain north of the Equator in the Indian Ocean year-round. Humpbacks appear to be present off Oman throughout the year, including relatively large concentrations, apparently feeding, during boreal summer/fall. We postulate that areas of cool, highly productive upwelling near the coast of Oman create conditions suitable for humpback feeding. The northern Indian Ocean is characterised by a virtual absence of modern commercial whaling and a paucity of cetacean research. As a result. evidence is insufficient to determine the relationships between stocks of humpbacks in the northern Indian Ocean and stocks of humpbacks elsewhere.},
keywords = {Antarctic, cetacean, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, migration, Oman, Pacific Ocean, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, stocks, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
Records of humpback whales. Megaptera novaeangliae. in the northern Indian Ocean are compiled and evaluated to test various hypotheses concerning stock relationships. The conventional view that all humpbacks in this region are migrants from the Southern Hemisphere or, less likely, from the Pacific Ocean has been challenged recently by other authors. There is no reason to doubt that some Antarctic humpbacks cross the. Equator during their winter breeding migration northward. However, sightings in the northern Indian Ocean during the austral spring, summer and fall arc sufficiently frequent and widespread to support the hypothesis that some whales remain north of the Equator in the Indian Ocean year-round. Humpbacks appear to be present off Oman throughout the year, including relatively large concentrations, apparently feeding, during boreal summer/fall. We postulate that areas of cool, highly productive upwelling near the coast of Oman create conditions suitable for humpback feeding. The northern Indian Ocean is characterised by a virtual absence of modern commercial whaling and a paucity of cetacean research. As a result. evidence is insufficient to determine the relationships between stocks of humpbacks in the northern Indian Ocean and stocks of humpbacks elsewhere.
Small,J.A..,Small,G.J.
Cetacean observations from the Somali Democratic Republic, September 1985 through May 1987 Journal Article
In: CEtaceans and Cetacean Research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary: UNEP - Marine Mammal Technical Report No.3, no. 476, pp. 179-210, 1991.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, Blue whale, bottlenose dolphin, Bryde's whale, cetacean, cetaceans, Common dolphin, dolphin, false killer whale, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, killer whale, location, marine, megaptera novaeangliae, melon-headed whale, migration, occurrence, Oman, Pacific Ocean, Risso's dolphin, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin, stocks, Striped dolphin, survey, trend, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling
@article{,
title = {Cetacean observations from the Somali Democratic Republic, September 1985 through May 1987},
author = {Small,J.A..,Small,G.J.},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-01-01},
journal = {CEtaceans and Cetacean Research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary: UNEP - Marine Mammal Technical Report No.3},
number = {476},
pages = {179-210},
abstract = {Two vessels operated along the Gulf of Aden and northern Indian Ocean coasts of Somalia from Aug. 1985 through May 1987. Their fishing activities carried them on a routine basis from Djibouti to the Horn of Africa and, on many cruises, into the Indian Ocean as far south as 8øN. The frequent and regular presence of these vessels afforded a unique opportunity for research since few previous surveys along the Somalian coast were transitory and/or of short duration. There were 398 sightings of cetaceans representing at least 14 species: blue whale, Bryde's whale, sperm whale, melon-headed whale, false killer whale, killer whale, short-finned pilot whale, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Risso's dolphin, spotted dolphin, striped dolphin and spinner dolphin (NO humpback whales!!). Sightings locations and related environmental data are discussed. Some trends between years were seen in the occurrence and location of blue, killer and short-finned pilot whales.},
keywords = {Antarctic, Blue whale, bottlenose dolphin, Bryde's whale, cetacean, cetaceans, Common dolphin, dolphin, false killer whale, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, killer whale, location, marine, megaptera novaeangliae, melon-headed whale, migration, occurrence, Oman, Pacific Ocean, Risso's dolphin, sanctuaries, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, Spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin, stocks, Striped dolphin, survey, trend, Upwelling, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Two vessels operated along the Gulf of Aden and northern Indian Ocean coasts of Somalia from Aug. 1985 through May 1987. Their fishing activities carried them on a routine basis from Djibouti to the Horn of Africa and, on many cruises, into the Indian Ocean as far south as 8øN. The frequent and regular presence of these vessels afforded a unique opportunity for research since few previous surveys along the Somalian coast were transitory and/or of short duration. There were 398 sightings of cetaceans representing at least 14 species: blue whale, Bryde's whale, sperm whale, melon-headed whale, false killer whale, killer whale, short-finned pilot whale, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Risso's dolphin, spotted dolphin, striped dolphin and spinner dolphin (NO humpback whales!!). Sightings locations and related environmental data are discussed. Some trends between years were seen in the occurrence and location of blue, killer and short-finned pilot whales.
Whitehead,H.
Humpback whale songs from the North Indian Ocean Journal Article
In: Investigations on Cetacea, vol. 17, no. 499, pp. 157-162, 1985.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, North Pacific, Northern Hemisphere, Oman, singing, Southern Hemisphere
@article{,
title = {Humpback whale songs from the North Indian Ocean},
author = {Whitehead,H.},
year = {1985},
date = {1985-01-01},
journal = {Investigations on Cetacea},
volume = {17},
number = {499},
pages = {157-162},
abstract = {The Author conducted acoustic watches during surveys conducted in the WWF-UUCN Indian Ocean Sperm Whale Project. The survey area extended between the Seychelles and Chagos in the South, to Sri Lanka, India and Oman (Muscat) in the north. It did not include the NW coast of India, Pakistan or Iran. Song was detected near the Kuria Muria Islands from Jan 15th-17th 1982, and in the Gulf of Mannar in Sri Lanka between 19 Feb and 10 March 1982. The songs in both these places contained similar content, and the author concludes that at least some whales were present in these areas and adhering to a Northern Hemisphere breeding cycle. He supports Ross's 1981 suggestion that upwelling in the NIO provides a year-round food source, and that the singing whales are neither Southern Hemisphere migrants, or North Pacific visitors. As no humpback whales were directly observed, he suggests that the survey either missed areas of peak concentration, or that the population is small and dispersed.},
keywords = {Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, North Pacific, Northern Hemisphere, Oman, singing, Southern Hemisphere},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The Author conducted acoustic watches during surveys conducted in the WWF-UUCN Indian Ocean Sperm Whale Project. The survey area extended between the Seychelles and Chagos in the South, to Sri Lanka, India and Oman (Muscat) in the north. It did not include the NW coast of India, Pakistan or Iran. Song was detected near the Kuria Muria Islands from Jan 15th-17th 1982, and in the Gulf of Mannar in Sri Lanka between 19 Feb and 10 March 1982. The songs in both these places contained similar content, and the author concludes that at least some whales were present in these areas and adhering to a Northern Hemisphere breeding cycle. He supports Ross's 1981 suggestion that upwelling in the NIO provides a year-round food source, and that the singing whales are neither Southern Hemisphere migrants, or North Pacific visitors. As no humpback whales were directly observed, he suggests that the survey either missed areas of peak concentration, or that the population is small and dispersed.
Slijper,E.J.,Van Utrecht,W.L.,Naaktgeboren,C.
Remarks on the distribution and migration of whales Journal Article
In: Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde, vol. 34, no. 475, pp. 4-86, 1964.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Atlantic, density, Distribution, fin whale, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, Maldives, migration, minke whale, minke whales, North Pacific, Oman, Pakistan, productivity, right whale, right whales, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, sperm whales, Strandings, whale, whales
@article{,
title = {Remarks on the distribution and migration of whales},
author = {Slijper,E.J.,Van Utrecht,W.L.,Naaktgeboren,C.},
year = {1964},
date = {1964-01-01},
journal = {Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde},
volume = {34},
number = {475},
pages = {4-86},
abstract = {The authors gained the cooperation of the Netherlands Association of Ship Owners and the Royal Netherlands Navy in a project to collect all whale sightings from vessels sailing around the globe between 1954 and 1957. A total of 4500 reports of 11,000 animals were received, with the majority of observations coming from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Vessels were given identification guides and all reported observations were scored on the perceived reliability of the identification. All Rorqual whales were grouped together, and a further distinction was made between humpback, sperm, right whales and "little piked whales" (minke whales). Sightings were plotted in 10 degree squares according to number of whales observed per 1000 hours steamed in daylight. Special attention is given to the observations of Captain W.F.J. Morzer Bruins, who the authors describe as a keen naturalist whose observations hold more credibility than those of others. His observations in the Indian Ocean include a high number of sperm whales off the southern coast of Oman and the Gulf of Aden in January-March and April-June, a scattering of stranded blue and fin whales along the W coast of India, and only 2 stranded and 2 live humpback whales (strandings both in India, and live sightings near Yemen/Oman border? and off S tip of India (near Maldives?). The larger number of compiled sightings from vessels are presented by species. Rorqual sightings were plentiful in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea coasts of Oman and Pakistan, and in the Arabian Gulf (but not as plentiful as they were in the area between 30 and 40 degrees S. The author concludes that the majority of the whales observed in the NIO do not belong to the Southern Hemisphere stock, but suggests that they migrate from the North Pacific through the Indonesian Archipelago and the Strait Malaya (despite very few observations here). He briefly considers, but discards as unlikely, the hypothesis of a resident NIO stock.The total number of humpback whale sightings in the IO amounted to 500 (compared to 1618 rorqual sightings and 799 "whale" sightings). The majority of animals were observed in coastal waters, and NIO sightings were generally concentrated in the months of Aug-Nov and Jan-April. some of the highest recorded densities in the NIO are off of Pakistan in the months of March, Aug, Oct, and December, but it is not clear how closely related this is to observer effort. Observations are very few in May, June, July and September, and the authors do not link this to the monsoon -but rather conclude that the whales are not present at that time. Although few calves were observed in the NIO, those that were observed, were all observed in November, January or September (but no indication is given of calf size). The authors conclude that this is evidence that the observed whales do not belong to the S. Hem stock, but are more likely from the N.Pacific, despite the fact that there are "no sightings of humpbacks in the south China Sea or the Indonesian Archipelago that could support this assumption". Sperm whales were observed with regularity throughout the year in the NIO, but in lower densities than Rorquals. A low number of sightings in the NIO during summer months again leads the author to conclude that the animals either migrate South or to the N. Pacific. This species, according to the authors is always associated with areas of high productivity.Minke whales were recorded in low densities in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Pakistan, but not in the central or Northern coasts of Oman.},
keywords = {Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Atlantic, density, Distribution, fin whale, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, Maldives, migration, minke whale, minke whales, North Pacific, Oman, Pakistan, productivity, right whale, right whales, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, sperm whales, Strandings, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The authors gained the cooperation of the Netherlands Association of Ship Owners and the Royal Netherlands Navy in a project to collect all whale sightings from vessels sailing around the globe between 1954 and 1957. A total of 4500 reports of 11,000 animals were received, with the majority of observations coming from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Vessels were given identification guides and all reported observations were scored on the perceived reliability of the identification. All Rorqual whales were grouped together, and a further distinction was made between humpback, sperm, right whales and "little piked whales" (minke whales). Sightings were plotted in 10 degree squares according to number of whales observed per 1000 hours steamed in daylight. Special attention is given to the observations of Captain W.F.J. Morzer Bruins, who the authors describe as a keen naturalist whose observations hold more credibility than those of others. His observations in the Indian Ocean include a high number of sperm whales off the southern coast of Oman and the Gulf of Aden in January-March and April-June, a scattering of stranded blue and fin whales along the W coast of India, and only 2 stranded and 2 live humpback whales (strandings both in India, and live sightings near Yemen/Oman border? and off S tip of India (near Maldives?). The larger number of compiled sightings from vessels are presented by species. Rorqual sightings were plentiful in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea coasts of Oman and Pakistan, and in the Arabian Gulf (but not as plentiful as they were in the area between 30 and 40 degrees S. The author concludes that the majority of the whales observed in the NIO do not belong to the Southern Hemisphere stock, but suggests that they migrate from the North Pacific through the Indonesian Archipelago and the Strait Malaya (despite very few observations here). He briefly considers, but discards as unlikely, the hypothesis of a resident NIO stock.The total number of humpback whale sightings in the IO amounted to 500 (compared to 1618 rorqual sightings and 799 "whale" sightings). The majority of animals were observed in coastal waters, and NIO sightings were generally concentrated in the months of Aug-Nov and Jan-April. some of the highest recorded densities in the NIO are off of Pakistan in the months of March, Aug, Oct, and December, but it is not clear how closely related this is to observer effort. Observations are very few in May, June, July and September, and the authors do not link this to the monsoon -but rather conclude that the whales are not present at that time. Although few calves were observed in the NIO, those that were observed, were all observed in November, January or September (but no indication is given of calf size). The authors conclude that this is evidence that the observed whales do not belong to the S. Hem stock, but are more likely from the N.Pacific, despite the fact that there are "no sightings of humpbacks in the south China Sea or the Indonesian Archipelago that could support this assumption". Sperm whales were observed with regularity throughout the year in the NIO, but in lower densities than Rorquals. A low number of sightings in the NIO during summer months again leads the author to conclude that the animals either migrate South or to the N. Pacific. This species, according to the authors is always associated with areas of high productivity.Minke whales were recorded in low densities in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Pakistan, but not in the central or Northern coasts of Oman.
Brown,S.G.
Whales observed in the Indian Ocean: notes on their distribution Journal Article
In: The Marine Observer, vol. 27, no. 339, pp. 157-165, 1957.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, Arabian Sea, Australia, baleen whales, Central Indian Ocean, cetacean, density, Distribution, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, Oman, population, South Africa, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales
@article{,
title = {Whales observed in the Indian Ocean: notes on their distribution},
author = {Brown,S.G.},
year = {1957},
date = {1957-01-01},
journal = {The Marine Observer},
volume = {27},
number = {339},
pages = {157-165},
abstract = {The paper provides a summary of the results of a questionnaire put to merchant ships and other vessels, 80 of which provided their track data. These vessels apparently had someone on watch during all daylight hours and reported all their cetacean sightings. The authors feel confident that while some sightings could not be identified to species level, a distinction could be drawn between sperm, humpback and "rorqual" whales. The "search effort" and sightings of the ships are plotted in the paper, with the majority of search effort and a high concentration of sightings occurring in the Gulf of Aden and S coast of Oman. Only two humpback whale sightings are recorded for the Northern Arabian sea - one near the horn of Africa/Somalia, and one near Sharbitat/Likbe. An additional string 4 of humpback whale sightings are recorded off the SW coast of India in the region of the Laccadive Islands.The author himself concludes: "There is apparently no great difference in the overall density of the large whale populations per unit area north and south of the equator. The highest concentrations of whales in the Indian Ocean occur in the Gulf of Aden and its approaches, the Arabian Sea and in the zone between South Africa and Australia. The least concentration is found in the Central Indian Ocean. In summer the concentration of baleen whales in the Antarctic is very many times greater than in the Indian Ocean but there is much less difference in winter . The number of sperm whales in the ocean as a whole seems not to outnumber that of the different species of baleen whales combined. Humpback whales and rorquals are found unexpectedly far north, on the supposition that they all belong to the southern hemisphere populations. Rorquals have been observed right across the 30ø to 40ø S. zone between South Africa and Australia where ships might be expected to intercept them occasionally during their migrations."},
keywords = {Antarctic, Arabian Sea, Australia, baleen whales, Central Indian Ocean, cetacean, density, Distribution, Gulf of Aden, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, Oman, population, South Africa, Southern Hemisphere, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The paper provides a summary of the results of a questionnaire put to merchant ships and other vessels, 80 of which provided their track data. These vessels apparently had someone on watch during all daylight hours and reported all their cetacean sightings. The authors feel confident that while some sightings could not be identified to species level, a distinction could be drawn between sperm, humpback and "rorqual" whales. The "search effort" and sightings of the ships are plotted in the paper, with the majority of search effort and a high concentration of sightings occurring in the Gulf of Aden and S coast of Oman. Only two humpback whale sightings are recorded for the Northern Arabian sea - one near the horn of Africa/Somalia, and one near Sharbitat/Likbe. An additional string 4 of humpback whale sightings are recorded off the SW coast of India in the region of the Laccadive Islands.The author himself concludes: "There is apparently no great difference in the overall density of the large whale populations per unit area north and south of the equator. The highest concentrations of whales in the Indian Ocean occur in the Gulf of Aden and its approaches, the Arabian Sea and in the zone between South Africa and Australia. The least concentration is found in the Central Indian Ocean. In summer the concentration of baleen whales in the Antarctic is very many times greater than in the Indian Ocean but there is much less difference in winter . The number of sperm whales in the ocean as a whole seems not to outnumber that of the different species of baleen whales combined. Humpback whales and rorquals are found unexpectedly far north, on the supposition that they all belong to the southern hemisphere populations. Rorquals have been observed right across the 30ø to 40ø S. zone between South Africa and Australia where ships might be expected to intercept them occasionally during their migrations."