Allison, C.
IWC individual catch database Version 6.1 Journal Article
In: vol. Version 18 July, 2016, no. 6, 2016.
BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Blue whale, Bryde’s whale, catch, Distribution, Humpback Whale, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, whaling
@article{,
title = {IWC individual catch database Version 6.1},
author = {Allison, C.},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
volume = {Version 18 July, 2016},
number = {6},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Blue whale, Bryde’s whale, catch, Distribution, Humpback Whale, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Thomas, Peter O.,Reeves, Randall R.,Brownell, Robert L.
Status of the world's baleen whales Journal Article
In: Marine Mammal Science, no. 242, 2015, ISBN: 1748-7692.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: anthropogenic noise, baleen whales, blue whales, Bycatch, cetaceans, Climate change, Endangered species, Entanglement, IUCN, ocean acidification, Red List, ship strike, status, whaling
@article{,
title = {Status of the world's baleen whales},
author = {Thomas, Peter O.,Reeves, Randall R.,Brownell, Robert L.},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.12281},
issn = {1748-7692},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Marine Mammal Science},
number = {242},
abstract = {No global synthesis of the status of baleen whales has been published since the 2008 IUCN Red List assessments. Many populations remain at low numbers from historical commercial whaling, which had ceased for all but a few by 1989. Fishing gear entanglement and ship strikes are the most severe current threats. The acute and long-term effects of anthropogenic noise and the cumulative effects of multiple stressors are of concern but poorly understood. The looming consequences of climate change and ocean acidification remain difficult to characterize. North Atlantic and North Pacific right whales are among the species listed as Endangered. Southern right, bowhead, and gray whales have been assessed as Least Concern but some subpopulations of these species - western North Pacific gray whales, Chile-Peru right whales, and Svalbard/Barents Sea and Sea of Okhotsk bowhead whales - remain at low levels and are either Endangered or Critically Endangered. Eastern North Pacific blue whales have reportedly recovered, but Antarctic blue whales remain at about 1% of pre-exploitation levels. Small isolated subspecies or subpopulations, such as northern Indian Ocean blue whales, Arabian Sea humpback whales, and Mediterranean Sea fin whales are threatened while most subpopulations of sei, Bryde's, and Omura's whales are inadequately monitored and difficult to assess.},
keywords = {anthropogenic noise, baleen whales, blue whales, Bycatch, cetaceans, Climate change, Endangered species, Entanglement, IUCN, ocean acidification, Red List, ship strike, status, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
No global synthesis of the status of baleen whales has been published since the 2008 IUCN Red List assessments. Many populations remain at low numbers from historical commercial whaling, which had ceased for all but a few by 1989. Fishing gear entanglement and ship strikes are the most severe current threats. The acute and long-term effects of anthropogenic noise and the cumulative effects of multiple stressors are of concern but poorly understood. The looming consequences of climate change and ocean acidification remain difficult to characterize. North Atlantic and North Pacific right whales are among the species listed as Endangered. Southern right, bowhead, and gray whales have been assessed as Least Concern but some subpopulations of these species - western North Pacific gray whales, Chile-Peru right whales, and Svalbard/Barents Sea and Sea of Okhotsk bowhead whales - remain at low levels and are either Endangered or Critically Endangered. Eastern North Pacific blue whales have reportedly recovered, but Antarctic blue whales remain at about 1% of pre-exploitation levels. Small isolated subspecies or subpopulations, such as northern Indian Ocean blue whales, Arabian Sea humpback whales, and Mediterranean Sea fin whales are threatened while most subpopulations of sei, Bryde's, and Omura's whales are inadequately monitored and difficult to assess.
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.
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.
Mehta,A.V.
How important are baleen whales as prey for killer whales (Orcinus orca) in high-latitude waters? PhD Thesis
2004.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Alaska, Antarctic, Atlantic, Australia, baleen whales, Blue whale, blue whales, Gulf of Maine, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, killer whale, killer whales, New Caledonia, New Zealand, North Atlantic, North Atlantic right whale, North Pacific, Oman, Orca, Orcinus orca, population, prey, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, right whale, right whales, whale, whales, whaling
@phdthesis{,
title = {How important are baleen whales as prey for killer whales (Orcinus orca) in high-latitude waters?},
author = {Mehta,A.V.},
year = {2004},
date = {2004-01-01},
number = {403},
pages = {1-15},
publisher = {Boston University},
abstract = {Data on humpback whales were collected from twenty-one regions: eleven in the North Atlantic and three in the North Pacific, as well as American Samoa, Vava'u (Tonga), New Zealand, New Caledonia, western Australia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and Oman. The other species and subspecies included in this project were sampled from a single population each (Fig. 1): North Atlantic right whales, blue whales off southeastern Australia, and pygmy blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) off western Australia. The proportion of whales in different sampling regions bearing rake marks ranged from 0% to over 40%. The Gulf of Maine population had a scarring rate of 9.9-11%, while SW Alaska had a rate of 21.1 to 21.9%. Oman had a rate of 9.1% (3 of 33 animals). The highest rate of scarring was the "Mexico" population with a scarring rate of over 40%. Of those scarred animals with multi-year sighting histories, 82.8% to 100% had those scars the first time they were sighted. Of the total number of whales sampled from these regions, 0% to only 4.8% acquired new or additional rake marks after their first sighting, supporting the hypothesis that most whales aquire their scars as calves, and that adult baleen whales do not constitute a major prey source for killer whales.Overall, the present study suggests that the hypothesis presented by Springer et al. (2003) - that killer whales in the North Pacific were forced by industrial whaling to switch prey from baleen whales to pinnipeds and sea otters - is untenable.},
keywords = {Alaska, Antarctic, Atlantic, Australia, baleen whales, Blue whale, blue whales, Gulf of Maine, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, killer whale, killer whales, New Caledonia, New Zealand, North Atlantic, North Atlantic right whale, North Pacific, Oman, Orca, Orcinus orca, population, prey, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, right whale, right whales, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
Data on humpback whales were collected from twenty-one regions: eleven in the North Atlantic and three in the North Pacific, as well as American Samoa, Vava'u (Tonga), New Zealand, New Caledonia, western Australia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and Oman. The other species and subspecies included in this project were sampled from a single population each (Fig. 1): North Atlantic right whales, blue whales off southeastern Australia, and pygmy blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) off western Australia. The proportion of whales in different sampling regions bearing rake marks ranged from 0% to over 40%. The Gulf of Maine population had a scarring rate of 9.9-11%, while SW Alaska had a rate of 21.1 to 21.9%. Oman had a rate of 9.1% (3 of 33 animals). The highest rate of scarring was the "Mexico" population with a scarring rate of over 40%. Of those scarred animals with multi-year sighting histories, 82.8% to 100% had those scars the first time they were sighted. Of the total number of whales sampled from these regions, 0% to only 4.8% acquired new or additional rake marks after their first sighting, supporting the hypothesis that most whales aquire their scars as calves, and that adult baleen whales do not constitute a major prey source for killer whales.Overall, the present study suggests that the hypothesis presented by Springer et al. (2003) - that killer whales in the North Pacific were forced by industrial whaling to switch prey from baleen whales to pinnipeds and sea otters - is untenable.
Roman, Joe.,Palumbi, Stephen. R.
Whales before Whaling in the North Atlantic Journal Article
In: Science, vol. 301, no. 451, pp. 508-510, 2003.
BibTeX | Tags: North Atlantic, whaling
@article{,
title = {Whales before Whaling in the North Atlantic},
author = {Roman, Joe.,Palumbi, Stephen. R.},
year = {2003},
date = {2003-01-01},
journal = {Science},
volume = {301},
number = {451},
pages = {508-510},
keywords = {North Atlantic, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
IWC
Report of the 54th meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, Annex N Report of of the Working Group to Review Sanctuaries and Sanctuary Proposals Technical Report
no. 119, 2002.
BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, sanctuaries, Stock identity, whale, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Report of the 54th meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, Annex N Report of of the Working Group to Review Sanctuaries and Sanctuary Proposals},
author = {IWC},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
number = {119},
publisher = {International Whaling Commission},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, sanctuaries, Stock identity, whale, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Mikhalev,Y.A.
Bryde's whales of the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters Technical Report
no. 157, 2002, ISBN: SC/49/035.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, Distribution, IWC, marine, Soviet whaling, stomach contents, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Bryde's whales of the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters},
author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.},
issn = {SC/49/035},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
journal = {Report presented to the Scientific Committee of the Internaitonal Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/49/035},
number = {157},
pages = {1-10},
abstract = {Zemsky and Sazhinov (1982) reported that the Soviet Union continued to take blue whales long after they were protected by the IWC. It became possible to pulish the data about this illegal whaling only after the disintegration of the Soviet Union (Tormosov 1993 - Report on 10th Biennial Meeting of the Society of Marine Mammalogy in Galveston, Texas; Yablokov 1994; Doroshenko 1996; Mikhalev 1997). The most complete available data on Soviet whaling were presented at the 45th and 46th meetings of the IWC and were discussed by the Scientific Committee (Zemsky et al 1995; Tormosov 1995; Zemsky et al 1996). A more detailed comparison between the accurate data and falsified data, which were submitted to the IWC by Soviet whaling fleets, for the period from 1947 to 1972 was published in a separate volume (Zemsky et al 1995, 1996). As a continuation of the recent publication of actual Soviet whaling data, this report presents data on illegal catches of Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters up to 5§ - 10§S. Data are presented on sex, size, distribution, stomach contents of whales taken as well as the reproductive state of females and the sizes of fetuses.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, Distribution, IWC, marine, Soviet whaling, stomach contents, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Zemsky and Sazhinov (1982) reported that the Soviet Union continued to take blue whales long after they were protected by the IWC. It became possible to pulish the data about this illegal whaling only after the disintegration of the Soviet Union (Tormosov 1993 - Report on 10th Biennial Meeting of the Society of Marine Mammalogy in Galveston, Texas; Yablokov 1994; Doroshenko 1996; Mikhalev 1997). The most complete available data on Soviet whaling were presented at the 45th and 46th meetings of the IWC and were discussed by the Scientific Committee (Zemsky et al 1995; Tormosov 1995; Zemsky et al 1996). A more detailed comparison between the accurate data and falsified data, which were submitted to the IWC by Soviet whaling fleets, for the period from 1947 to 1972 was published in a separate volume (Zemsky et al 1995, 1996). As a continuation of the recent publication of actual Soviet whaling data, this report presents data on illegal catches of Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters up to 5§ - 10§S. Data are presented on sex, size, distribution, stomach contents of whales taken as well as the reproductive state of females and the sizes of fetuses.
Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Findlay,K.P.,Baldwin,R.,Rosenbaum,H.C.,Kennedy,F.D.,Cockcroft,V.
Preliminary investigations of humpback whale Technical Report
no. 414, 2002, ISBN: SC/54/H3.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, Arabian Sea, Distribution, habitat use, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, megaptera novaeangliae, Northern Hemisphere, occurrence, Oman, population, relative abundance, sex-ratio, song, survey, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Preliminary investigations of humpback whale },
author = {Minton,G.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Findlay,K.P.,Baldwin,R.,Rosenbaum,H.C.,Kennedy,F.D.,Cockcroft,V.},
issn = {SC/54/H3},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the 54th meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/54/H3},
number = {414},
pages = {1-19},
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. Six small boat surveys and one shore-based survey were conducted at three locations off the coast of Oman between February 2000 and February 2002. Encounter rates varied between surveys from 0.0 whales/hour to 0.545 whales per hour. Two of 36 photo-identified whales were re-sighted between surveys. Sex ratios in October were near parity while all whales sampled in February were male. Song was detected frequently in the Kuria Muria Bay in February, but records of mother-calf pairs are sparse and competitive groups were absent. Feeding was infrequently observed in both October and February. Implications for relative abundance and habitat use are discussed. Additional questions are raised and recommendations for further research are made.},
keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, Distribution, habitat use, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, megaptera novaeangliae, Northern Hemisphere, occurrence, Oman, population, relative abundance, sex-ratio, song, survey, whale, whales, whaling},
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. Six small boat surveys and one shore-based survey were conducted at three locations off the coast of Oman between February 2000 and February 2002. Encounter rates varied between surveys from 0.0 whales/hour to 0.545 whales per hour. Two of 36 photo-identified whales were re-sighted between surveys. Sex ratios in October were near parity while all whales sampled in February were male. Song was detected frequently in the Kuria Muria Bay in February, but records of mother-calf pairs are sparse and competitive groups were absent. Feeding was infrequently observed in both October and February. Implications for relative abundance and habitat use are discussed. Additional questions are raised and recommendations for further research are made.
Rosenbaum,H.C.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R.,Glaberman,S.,Findlay,K.P.,Best,P.
Preliminary analysis of MtDNA variation among humpback whales off the coast of Oman and their relationships to whales from wintering grounds in the southwestern Indian Ocean Technical Report
no. 458, 2002, ISBN: SC/54/H4.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, genotyping, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, Mayotte, migration, Oman, population characteristics, South Africa, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Preliminary analysis of MtDNA variation among humpback whales off the coast of Oman and their relationships to whales from wintering grounds in the southwestern Indian Ocean},
author = {Rosenbaum,H.C.,Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R.,Glaberman,S.,Findlay,K.P.,Best,P.},
issn = {SC/54/H4},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the 54th meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/54/H4},
number = {458},
pages = {1-10},
abstract = {Preliminary results of genetic analysis of skin tissue samples obtained from two sampling locations off the coast of Oman are compared with those obtained form longer term surveys in Madagascar, Mayotte, Mozambique and the east coast of South Africa. Haplotype diversity was relatively low for whales from Oman in comparison with other populations. Maternal lineage haplotypes were shared between whales from both sites in Oman and those of other populations. However, it is unclear whether these shared haplotypes indicate recent exchange/migration links between the Arabian Sea and SW Indian Ocean populations, or are the result of ancestral polymorphism from historical population expansion. Two private material lineage haplotypes were detected in Oman, represented by three individual whales.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, genotyping, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, Mayotte, migration, Oman, population characteristics, South Africa, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Preliminary results of genetic analysis of skin tissue samples obtained from two sampling locations off the coast of Oman are compared with those obtained form longer term surveys in Madagascar, Mayotte, Mozambique and the east coast of South Africa. Haplotype diversity was relatively low for whales from Oman in comparison with other populations. Maternal lineage haplotypes were shared between whales from both sites in Oman and those of other populations. However, it is unclear whether these shared haplotypes indicate recent exchange/migration links between the Arabian Sea and SW Indian Ocean populations, or are the result of ancestral polymorphism from historical population expansion. Two private material lineage haplotypes were detected in Oman, represented by three individual whales.
Rosenbaum,H.C.,Glaberman,S.,Jefferson,T.,Collins,T.,Minton,G.,Peddemors,V.,Baldwin,R.M.
Phylogenetic relationships and population structure among humpback dolphins based on mtDNA variation Technical Report
no. 459, 2002, ISBN: SC/54/SM34.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: control region, dolphin, dolphins, humpback dolphins, International Whaling Commission, mtDNA, Oman, Pacific Ocean, phylogenetic, population, population structure, South Africa, status, taxonomy, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Phylogenetic relationships and population structure among humpback dolphins based on mtDNA variation},
author = {Rosenbaum,H.C.,Glaberman,S.,Jefferson,T.,Collins,T.,Minton,G.,Peddemors,V.,Baldwin,R.M.},
issn = {SC/54/SM34},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the 54th meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/54/SM34},
number = {459},
pages = {1-8},
abstract = {The taxonomy, systematic relationships, and population structure of humpback dolphins (genus Sousa) have been controversial. Various nominal species have been described or subsumed. Recent reports have suggested the division of Sousa into one to three distinct species or sub-species. However, many of these analyses have not been conducted in a proper systematics framework, did not include all representative putative taxa or were lacking specimens from parts of their geographic range, and have not been in published in peer-reviewed journals (typically necessary for revising taxonomy). In order to address relationships and taxonomic status among Sousa species, we present a preliminary genetic analysis of humpback dolphins primarily from Southeast Asia, the coast of Oman, and South Africa. A total of 110 samples were sequenced for 501 by of mtDNA control region and significant population structuring at the regional level was revealed. Population Aggregation and phylogenetic analyses of mtDNA control region lineages and a subset of lineages analyzed for a 358 by fragment of Cytochrome B revealed a series of complex relationships among humpback dolphins in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These preliminary data are a critical first step to better understanding the taxonomy and systematics in the genus Sousa. Additional molecular character data from other mitochondria) and nuclear genes will be essential for resolving relationship and taxonomic status for humpback dolphins.},
keywords = {control region, dolphin, dolphins, humpback dolphins, International Whaling Commission, mtDNA, Oman, Pacific Ocean, phylogenetic, population, population structure, South Africa, status, taxonomy, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
The taxonomy, systematic relationships, and population structure of humpback dolphins (genus Sousa) have been controversial. Various nominal species have been described or subsumed. Recent reports have suggested the division of Sousa into one to three distinct species or sub-species. However, many of these analyses have not been conducted in a proper systematics framework, did not include all representative putative taxa or were lacking specimens from parts of their geographic range, and have not been in published in peer-reviewed journals (typically necessary for revising taxonomy). In order to address relationships and taxonomic status among Sousa species, we present a preliminary genetic analysis of humpback dolphins primarily from Southeast Asia, the coast of Oman, and South Africa. A total of 110 samples were sequenced for 501 by of mtDNA control region and significant population structuring at the regional level was revealed. Population Aggregation and phylogenetic analyses of mtDNA control region lineages and a subset of lineages analyzed for a 358 by fragment of Cytochrome B revealed a series of complex relationships among humpback dolphins in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These preliminary data are a critical first step to better understanding the taxonomy and systematics in the genus Sousa. Additional molecular character data from other mitochondria) and nuclear genes will be essential for resolving relationship and taxonomic status for humpback dolphins.
Best,P.B.
Distribution and population separation of Bryde's whale Balaenoptera edeni off southern Africa Journal Article
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series, vol. 220, no. 44, pp. 277-289, 2001.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Bryde's whale, Distribution, Indian Ocean, length, Madagascar, migration, population characteristics, reproduction, sexual maturity, South Africa, whaling
@article{,
title = {Distribution and population separation of Bryde's whale Balaenoptera edeni off southern Africa},
author = {Best,P.B.},
year = {2001},
date = {2001-01-01},
journal = {Marine Ecology Progress Series},
volume = {220},
number = {44},
pages = {277-289},
abstract = {A review of available catch and biological data suggests that there are 3 populations of Bryde's whales in the Southern African region. An inshore population (the South African Inshore stock) occurs over hte continental shelf of South Africa, south of about 30§ S and seems to be non-migratory, although there is a movement up the west coast in winter. A pelagic population (the South-east Atlantic Stock) occurs on the west coast of southern Africa, ranging from equatorial regions to about 34§ S, and appears to migrate north in autumn and south in spring. Whales from the Southeast Atlantic Stock differ from the South African Inshore Stock in size, scarring, baleen shape, seasonality of reproduction, fecundity and prey types. both occured in the west coast whaling ground off Donkergat, but with differing seasonalities and distributions from the coast. Bryde's whales are rare on the east coast of southern Africa, but are found in summer in some numbers south of Madagascar. Whales from this population are clearly smaller than those from the Southeast Atlantic Stock, but are similar in size to, or even smaller than, those from teh South African Inshore stock. Their external appearance is unknown, but they differ in prey type from South African Inshore stock, and because of a clear discontinuity in distribution, it is believed that they form a third (pelagic) population (the Southwest Indian Ocean Sstock). this population may or may not move normt as far as the Seychelles in winter, but seems to be separate from Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea. From their size composition, length at sexual maturity and infrequent capture, Bryde's whales taken at Durban may have repasented strays from ei ther ht eh South African Inshore Stock or the Southwest Indian Ocean Stock, and recorded stomach contents also indicate prey ty pes commn toe either stock. The unusual degree of population differentiation shown by Bryde's whales may be a consequence of hteir limited seasonal migrations and apparent resource partitioning.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Bryde's whale, Distribution, Indian Ocean, length, Madagascar, migration, population characteristics, reproduction, sexual maturity, South Africa, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A review of available catch and biological data suggests that there are 3 populations of Bryde's whales in the Southern African region. An inshore population (the South African Inshore stock) occurs over hte continental shelf of South Africa, south of about 30§ S and seems to be non-migratory, although there is a movement up the west coast in winter. A pelagic population (the South-east Atlantic Stock) occurs on the west coast of southern Africa, ranging from equatorial regions to about 34§ S, and appears to migrate north in autumn and south in spring. Whales from the Southeast Atlantic Stock differ from the South African Inshore Stock in size, scarring, baleen shape, seasonality of reproduction, fecundity and prey types. both occured in the west coast whaling ground off Donkergat, but with differing seasonalities and distributions from the coast. Bryde's whales are rare on the east coast of southern Africa, but are found in summer in some numbers south of Madagascar. Whales from this population are clearly smaller than those from the Southeast Atlantic Stock, but are similar in size to, or even smaller than, those from teh South African Inshore stock. Their external appearance is unknown, but they differ in prey type from South African Inshore stock, and because of a clear discontinuity in distribution, it is believed that they form a third (pelagic) population (the Southwest Indian Ocean Sstock). this population may or may not move normt as far as the Seychelles in winter, but seems to be separate from Bryde's whales in the Arabian Sea. From their size composition, length at sexual maturity and infrequent capture, Bryde's whales taken at Durban may have repasented strays from ei ther ht eh South African Inshore Stock or the Southwest Indian Ocean Stock, and recorded stomach contents also indicate prey ty pes commn toe either stock. The unusual degree of population differentiation shown by Bryde's whales may be a consequence of hteir limited seasonal migrations and apparent resource partitioning.
Mikhalev,Y.A.
Whaling in the Arabian Sea by the whaling fleets Slava and Sovetskaya Ukraina Book
Center for Russian Environmental Policy, Marine Mammal Council, 2000.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling
@book{,
title = {Whaling in the Arabian Sea by the whaling fleets Slava and Sovetskaya Ukraina},
author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.},
year = {2000},
date = {2000-01-01},
journal = {Soviet Whaling Data [1949-1979]},
number = {156},
pages = {141-181},
publisher = {Center for Russian Environmental Policy, Marine Mammal Council},
abstract = {Thus, each of the two fleets, Slava and Sovetskaya Ukraina, operated in the Arabian Sea during three cruises. Their operations covered the period from 23 October to 15 December taking into account all the years of whaling in the Arabian Sea. In total these fleets took 1294 pygmy blue whales, 849 Bryde's whales, 242 humpback whales, and 954 sperm whales.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
Thus, each of the two fleets, Slava and Sovetskaya Ukraina, operated in the Arabian Sea during three cruises. Their operations covered the period from 23 October to 15 December taking into account all the years of whaling in the Arabian Sea. In total these fleets took 1294 pygmy blue whales, 849 Bryde's whales, 242 humpback whales, and 954 sperm whales.
Phillip Clapham, Sharon Young, Robert L. Brownell Jr
Baleen whales: conservation issues and the status of the most endangered populations Journal Article
In: Mammal Review, vol. 29 , no. 69, pp. 35-60, 1999.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, Arabian Sea, Arctic, Balaena mysticetus, baleen whale, baleen whales, Blue whale, bowhead whale, bowhead whales, conservation, contaminants, disease, endangered, Entanglement, Eubalaena glacialis, fishing gear, gray whales, habitat degradation, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, mortality, Okhotsk Sea, population, populations, right whale, right whales, ship-strike, southern right whales, status, stocks, whale, whales, whaling
@article{,
title = {Baleen whales: conservation issues and the status of the most endangered populations },
author = {Phillip Clapham, Sharon Young, Robert L. Brownell Jr},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2907.1999.00035.x},
year = {1999},
date = {1999-01-01},
urldate = {1999-01-01},
journal = {Mammal Review},
volume = {29 },
number = {69},
pages = {35-60},
abstract = {Most species of baleen whales were subject to intensive overexploitation by commercial whaling in this and previous centuries, and many populations were reduced to small fractions of their original sizes. Here, we review the status of baleen whale stocks, with an emphasis on those that are known or thought to be critically endangered. Current data suggest that, of the various threats potentially affecting baleen whales, only entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes may be significant at the population level, and then only in those populations which are already at critically low abundance. The impact of some problems (vessel harassment, and commercial or aboriginal whaling) is at present probably minor. For others (contaminants, habitat degradation, disease), existing data either indicate no immediate cause for concern, or are insufficient to permit an assessment. While the prospect for many baleen whales appears good, there are notable exceptions: populations that are of greatest concern are those suffering from low abundance and associated problems, including (in some cases) anthropogenic mortality. These include: all Northern Right N hales Eubalaena glacialis. Bowhead Whales Balaena mysticetus of the Okhotsk Sea and various eastern Arctic populations. western Gray Whales Eschrichtius robustus, and probably many Blue Whale Balaenoptera musculus populations. We review the status of these populations and. where known, the issues potentially affecting their recovery. Although Humpback Whales Megaptera novaeangliae and Southern Right Whales Eubalaena australis were also heavily exploited by whaling. existing data indicate strong recovery in most studied populations of these species.},
keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, Arctic, Balaena mysticetus, baleen whale, baleen whales, Blue whale, bowhead whale, bowhead whales, conservation, contaminants, disease, endangered, Entanglement, Eubalaena glacialis, fishing gear, gray whales, habitat degradation, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, mortality, Okhotsk Sea, population, populations, right whale, right whales, ship-strike, southern right whales, status, stocks, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Most species of baleen whales were subject to intensive overexploitation by commercial whaling in this and previous centuries, and many populations were reduced to small fractions of their original sizes. Here, we review the status of baleen whale stocks, with an emphasis on those that are known or thought to be critically endangered. Current data suggest that, of the various threats potentially affecting baleen whales, only entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes may be significant at the population level, and then only in those populations which are already at critically low abundance. The impact of some problems (vessel harassment, and commercial or aboriginal whaling) is at present probably minor. For others (contaminants, habitat degradation, disease), existing data either indicate no immediate cause for concern, or are insufficient to permit an assessment. While the prospect for many baleen whales appears good, there are notable exceptions: populations that are of greatest concern are those suffering from low abundance and associated problems, including (in some cases) anthropogenic mortality. These include: all Northern Right N hales Eubalaena glacialis. Bowhead Whales Balaena mysticetus of the Okhotsk Sea and various eastern Arctic populations. western Gray Whales Eschrichtius robustus, and probably many Blue Whale Balaenoptera musculus populations. We review the status of these populations and. where known, the issues potentially affecting their recovery. Although Humpback Whales Megaptera novaeangliae and Southern Right Whales Eubalaena australis were also heavily exploited by whaling. existing data indicate strong recovery in most studied populations of these species.
Baldwin,R.,Van Waerebeek,K.,Gallagher,M.
A review of small cetaceans from waters off the Arabian Peninsula Technical Report
no. 27, 1998.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, cetacean, cetaceans, Distribution, ecology, migration, Movements, status, Stock identity, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {A review of small cetaceans from waters off the Arabian Peninsula},
author = {Baldwin,R.,Van Waerebeek,K.,Gallagher,M.},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-01-01},
journal = {Document presented at the 50th meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/50/SM6},
number = {27},
pages = {1-26},
abstract = {Available data on small cetacean species in coastal and offshore waters off peninsula Arabia are reviewed. Species accounts are presented for a total of 16 small cetaceans, including information on the date and source of first records in the region, distribution, stock identity, abundance, external appearance, migrations or local movements, status, incidental takes, directed catches and other threats, ecology, life history and disease/parasites. In addition the origin and present location of all curated specimens are listed. Anecdotal information, such as that obtained from local fishermen and other observers, is also presented.},
keywords = {abundance, cetacean, cetaceans, Distribution, ecology, migration, Movements, status, Stock identity, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Available data on small cetacean species in coastal and offshore waters off peninsula Arabia are reviewed. Species accounts are presented for a total of 16 small cetaceans, including information on the date and source of first records in the region, distribution, stock identity, abundance, external appearance, migrations or local movements, status, incidental takes, directed catches and other threats, ecology, life history and disease/parasites. In addition the origin and present location of all curated specimens are listed. Anecdotal information, such as that obtained from local fishermen and other observers, is also presented.
IWC
Report of the 50th meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, Annex Report of the Sub-Committee on Other Great Whales Technical Report
no. 118, 1998.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, Stock identity, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Report of the 50th meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, Annex Report of the Sub-Committee on Other Great Whales},
author = {IWC},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-01-01},
number = {118},
abstract = {The report summarizes the documents presented to, and discussed in the subcommittee on other great whales. It focusses on the definition of whale stocks around the globe. It includes specific mention of the recent papers (Mikhalev 1997, Baldwin 1998) on humpback whales in the Arabian Sea, and strongly recommends further research. "The subcommittee recommended that dedicated surveys should be carried out to establish the status of humpback whales in the northwest Indian Ocean, and that these should include the collection of biopsy material from which the genetic relationships of this interesting stock could be investigated (particularly since genetic material was now available form Madagascar to the south)."},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, Stock identity, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
The report summarizes the documents presented to, and discussed in the subcommittee on other great whales. It focusses on the definition of whale stocks around the globe. It includes specific mention of the recent papers (Mikhalev 1997, Baldwin 1998) on humpback whales in the Arabian Sea, and strongly recommends further research. "The subcommittee recommended that dedicated surveys should be carried out to establish the status of humpback whales in the northwest Indian Ocean, and that these should include the collection of biopsy material from which the genetic relationships of this interesting stock could be investigated (particularly since genetic material was now available form Madagascar to the south)."
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.
Mikhalev,Y.A.
Sperm whales of the Arabian Sea Technical Report
no. 155, 1998.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, baleen whale, baleen whales, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetacean, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, IWC, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Slava, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Sperm whales of the Arabian Sea},
author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-01-01},
journal = {Report presented to the Scientific Committee of the Internaitonal Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/50/CAWS40},
number = {155},
pages = {1-7},
publisher = {Internaitonal Whaling Commission},
abstract = {This article is part of the ongoing publication of materials about true whale catches by Soviet whaling fleets (Yablokov, 1994, Tormosov, 1995; Zemsky, et al, 1995, 1995a, 1996; Mikhalev 1995, 1997, 1997a). The goal of this article is to provide real quantitative characteristics, as well as size and sexual composition, of the sperm whales taken by the fleets Slava and Sovietskaya Ukraina in the Arabian Sea during the period 1963 to 1967. While the catching of baleen whales - pygmy blue whales, Bryde's whales, and humpback whales - in the northwestern Indian Ocean (Mikhalev, 1995, 1997) was absolutely prohibited and thus was a most serious violation of IWC rules, the sperm whale catches in the region had a more masked character. Harvesting of this species was not restricted to areas south of the 40øS, but rather by date and animal size. The first information about sperm whales met in this region by Soviet whalers became known through Yukhov (1969) His article reported that the stock was mixed, including both barren and lactating females as well as young males. Such detailed information about the sperm whales' stock structure should have indicated that the author's primary material was not based on visual observation, but on the results of catches. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, cetacean research laboratories were liquidated and a portion of their primary materials disappeared. Other portions ended up distributed among various former Soviet republics, now independent states, and in private archives. Nonetheless, it was possible to recover with a high level of confidence data on the biological composition, especially the quantitative and size characteristics, of whales taken in the Arabian Sea.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, baleen whale, baleen whales, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetacean, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, IWC, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, Slava, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, sperm whales, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This article is part of the ongoing publication of materials about true whale catches by Soviet whaling fleets (Yablokov, 1994, Tormosov, 1995; Zemsky, et al, 1995, 1995a, 1996; Mikhalev 1995, 1997, 1997a). The goal of this article is to provide real quantitative characteristics, as well as size and sexual composition, of the sperm whales taken by the fleets Slava and Sovietskaya Ukraina in the Arabian Sea during the period 1963 to 1967. While the catching of baleen whales - pygmy blue whales, Bryde's whales, and humpback whales - in the northwestern Indian Ocean (Mikhalev, 1995, 1997) was absolutely prohibited and thus was a most serious violation of IWC rules, the sperm whale catches in the region had a more masked character. Harvesting of this species was not restricted to areas south of the 40øS, but rather by date and animal size. The first information about sperm whales met in this region by Soviet whalers became known through Yukhov (1969) His article reported that the stock was mixed, including both barren and lactating females as well as young males. Such detailed information about the sperm whales' stock structure should have indicated that the author's primary material was not based on visual observation, but on the results of catches. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, cetacean research laboratories were liquidated and a portion of their primary materials disappeared. Other portions ended up distributed among various former Soviet republics, now independent states, and in private archives. Nonetheless, it was possible to recover with a high level of confidence data on the biological composition, especially the quantitative and size characteristics, of whales taken in the Arabian Sea.
Mikhalev,Y.A.
Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the Arabian Sea Journal Article
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series, vol. 149, no. 154, pp. 13-21, 1997.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Antarctic, Arabian Sea, Distribution, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, length, megaptera novaeangliae, Northern Hemisphere, Oman, Pakistan, pathology, population, Population Biology, population identity, reproduction, whale, whales, whaling
@article{,
title = {Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the Arabian Sea},
author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.},
year = {1997},
date = {1997-01-01},
journal = {Marine Ecology Progress Series},
volume = {149},
number = {154},
pages = {13-21},
abstract = {The population identity of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the Arabian Sea has long been a matter of dispute. New information is presented from this region, based upon whaling and observations conducted by the Soviet Union, primarily in November 1966. In that month, a total of 238 humpbacks were killed off the coasts of Oman, Pakistan and northwestern India; 4 others were killed in 1965. Biological examination of these whales showed that they differed significantly from Antarctic humpbacks in terms of size, coloration, body scars and pathology. In addition, analysis of the length distribution of 38 foetuses indicates that the reproductive cycle of the Arabian Sea whales was unequivocally that of a northern hemisphere population. Mean lengths were 12.8 m for males (range: 9.5 to 14.9 m, n = 126) and 13.3 m for females (range: 9.5 to 15.2 m, n = 112). All whales 12.5 m or more in length were sexually mature. Among 97 females examined, 12 (12.4%) were immature. Of the 85 mature females, 39 (45.9%) were pregnant, 3 (3.5%) were lactating, and 43 (50.6%) were resting. A more plausible pregnancy rate, adjusted for underrepresentation of lactating females, was estimated at 39%. A majority of stomachs examined contained food, including euphausiids and fish. Overall, the data presented here argue strongly that Arabian Sea humpbacks constitute a discrete population which remains in tropical waters year-round, a situation which is unique for this species.},
keywords = {Antarctic, Arabian Sea, Distribution, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, India, Indian Ocean, length, megaptera novaeangliae, Northern Hemisphere, Oman, Pakistan, pathology, population, Population Biology, population identity, reproduction, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The population identity of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the Arabian Sea has long been a matter of dispute. New information is presented from this region, based upon whaling and observations conducted by the Soviet Union, primarily in November 1966. In that month, a total of 238 humpbacks were killed off the coasts of Oman, Pakistan and northwestern India; 4 others were killed in 1965. Biological examination of these whales showed that they differed significantly from Antarctic humpbacks in terms of size, coloration, body scars and pathology. In addition, analysis of the length distribution of 38 foetuses indicates that the reproductive cycle of the Arabian Sea whales was unequivocally that of a northern hemisphere population. Mean lengths were 12.8 m for males (range: 9.5 to 14.9 m, n = 126) and 13.3 m for females (range: 9.5 to 15.2 m, n = 112). All whales 12.5 m or more in length were sexually mature. Among 97 females examined, 12 (12.4%) were immature. Of the 85 mature females, 39 (45.9%) were pregnant, 3 (3.5%) were lactating, and 43 (50.6%) were resting. A more plausible pregnancy rate, adjusted for underrepresentation of lactating females, was estimated at 39%. A majority of stomachs examined contained food, including euphausiids and fish. Overall, the data presented here argue strongly that Arabian Sea humpbacks constitute a discrete population which remains in tropical waters year-round, a situation which is unique for this species.
Mikhalev,Y.A.
Pygmy blue whales of the Northern-Western Indian Ocean Technical Report
no. 405, 1996.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Blue whale, blue whales, Distribution, embryo growth rate, Indian Ocean, length, maturity coming, Northern-Western Indian Ocean, population, pregnancy duration, productivity, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, whale, whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Pygmy blue whales of the Northern-Western Indian Ocean},
author = {Mikhalev,Y.A.},
year = {1996},
date = {1996-01-01},
journal = {Document presented to the 48th meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
volume = {SC/48/SH30},
number = {405},
pages = {1-30},
abstract = {The biological characteristic of pygmy blue whale population of the northern-western Indian Ocean according data of whaling results of Slava for seasons 1963/66 and Sovetskaya Ukraina for seasons 1964/67 is given. During period from the end of October to the second half of December pygmy blue whales form in this region four accumulations: Aden-Oman;Pakistan-India; Lacshadweep-Maldives and Equator-Seychelles. The life of the population is provided by high feed productivity of the region. 1294 whales with length from 12.5 m to 24.0 m were taken. The mean length of males was 19.3 m; females - 19.4 m. The males tend to become mature at length 19.0 m and width of testicles 18 - 20 kg; females - at length 21.0 m. The pregnant females form 41.3% from mature ones. The rate of embryo growth is satisfactory described by monoparabola L = 5.98(t - 20.5)1.90The mean new born whale length is 5.5 - 5.6 m. The peak of two seasons of mating are at May and November, the peaks of births - at April and October. The pregnancy is 10.5 - 11.0 months long. The re productivity of pygmy blue whales are low - one new born whales per 2.5 year.},
keywords = {Blue whale, blue whales, Distribution, embryo growth rate, Indian Ocean, length, maturity coming, Northern-Western Indian Ocean, population, pregnancy duration, productivity, pygmy blue whale, Pygmy blue whales, whale, whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
The biological characteristic of pygmy blue whale population of the northern-western Indian Ocean according data of whaling results of Slava for seasons 1963/66 and Sovetskaya Ukraina for seasons 1964/67 is given. During period from the end of October to the second half of December pygmy blue whales form in this region four accumulations: Aden-Oman;Pakistan-India; Lacshadweep-Maldives and Equator-Seychelles. The life of the population is provided by high feed productivity of the region. 1294 whales with length from 12.5 m to 24.0 m were taken. The mean length of males was 19.3 m; females - 19.4 m. The males tend to become mature at length 19.0 m and width of testicles 18 - 20 kg; females - at length 21.0 m. The pregnant females form 41.3% from mature ones. The rate of embryo growth is satisfactory described by monoparabola L = 5.98(t - 20.5)1.90The mean new born whale length is 5.5 - 5.6 m. The peak of two seasons of mating are at May and November, the peaks of births - at April and October. The pregnancy is 10.5 - 11.0 months long. The re productivity of pygmy blue whales are low - one new born whales per 2.5 year.
Best,P.B.
Increase rates in severely depleted stocks of baleen whales Journal Article
In: ICES Journal of Marine Science, vol. 50, no. 43, pp. 169-186, 1993.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: abundance, Arabian Sea, baleen whales, historical whaling, population estimates, Stock identity, whaling
@article{,
title = {Increase rates in severely depleted stocks of baleen whales},
author = {Best,P.B.},
year = {1993},
date = {1993-01-01},
journal = {ICES Journal of Marine Science},
volume = {50},
number = {43},
pages = {169-186},
abstract = {The paper tries to examine the status of all known stocks of baleen whales that were depleted to an estimated 10% of their original abundance. Of 44 such stocks, 18 are classified as not feasible to monitor (including Arabian Sea humpbacks), 12 have been or are being monitored (at the time of writing), and increase rates have been demonstrated for 10 of those. The author concludes that more depleted stocks show higher rates of increase than less depleted stocks, and that most populations are reaching a size which would allow harvesting (a minimum of 60% of their pre-exploitation numbers according to the IWC). The paper points out some interesting problems with the use of historical whaling data and mark-recapture in estimating fecundity rates. It also suggests that population increases were not detected in the years immediately following protection for two reasons: 1) commercial catches were underreported and initial post-whaling population estimates were too high, 2) following population decreases, whales may condense their ranges, leaving some historical feeding or breeding sites to form concentration areas, some of which were only recently discovered.},
keywords = {abundance, Arabian Sea, baleen whales, historical whaling, population estimates, Stock identity, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The paper tries to examine the status of all known stocks of baleen whales that were depleted to an estimated 10% of their original abundance. Of 44 such stocks, 18 are classified as not feasible to monitor (including Arabian Sea humpbacks), 12 have been or are being monitored (at the time of writing), and increase rates have been demonstrated for 10 of those. The author concludes that more depleted stocks show higher rates of increase than less depleted stocks, and that most populations are reaching a size which would allow harvesting (a minimum of 60% of their pre-exploitation numbers according to the IWC). The paper points out some interesting problems with the use of historical whaling data and mark-recapture in estimating fecundity rates. It also suggests that population increases were not detected in the years immediately following protection for two reasons: 1) commercial catches were underreported and initial post-whaling population estimates were too high, 2) following population decreases, whales may condense their ranges, leaving some historical feeding or breeding sites to form concentration areas, some of which were only recently discovered.
IWC
Report of the 42nd meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, Report of of the Small Cetacean Subcommittee Technical Report
no. 117, 1992.
BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, sanctuaries, Stock identity, whale, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Report of the 42nd meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, Report of of the Small Cetacean Subcommittee},
author = {IWC},
year = {1992},
date = {1992-01-01},
number = {117},
pages = {178-234},
publisher = {International Whaling Commission},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, sanctuaries, Stock identity, whale, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
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.
Wray,P.,Martin,K.R.
Historical Whaling Records from the Western Indian Ocean Book
International Whaling Commission, 1980.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: 19th century, Arabian region, Blue whale, blue whales, historical whaling, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Oman, sperm whales, whaling, Yankee whaling
@book{,
title = {Historical Whaling Records from the Western Indian Ocean},
author = {Wray,P.,Martin,K.R.},
year = {1980},
date = {1980-01-01},
journal = {Report to the International Whaling Commission, Special issue 5: Special Issue on Historical Whaling Records.},
number = {511},
pages = {213-241},
publisher = {International Whaling Commission},
abstract = {Preliminary data from 19th century whaling in the western Indian Ocean is presented, including summary of effort by whaling grounds and by species. Catch data from 27 voyages (1800-88) is summarised with comments on the possibility of overfishing of sperm and right whales in the region. Humpback whales were taken opportunistically in Madagascar and Mozambique but were not reported for the Northern Arabian Sea. Sperm whales were taken between September and January in the "Arabian Grounds" (including Arabian Sea coasts of Oman and Yemen). Blue whales were seen on the Arabian grounds from September through November. One blue whale was taken from the Kuria Muria Islands in Dec 1868.},
keywords = {19th century, Arabian region, Blue whale, blue whales, historical whaling, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, Oman, sperm whales, whaling, Yankee whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
Preliminary data from 19th century whaling in the western Indian Ocean is presented, including summary of effort by whaling grounds and by species. Catch data from 27 voyages (1800-88) is summarised with comments on the possibility of overfishing of sperm and right whales in the region. Humpback whales were taken opportunistically in Madagascar and Mozambique but were not reported for the Northern Arabian Sea. Sperm whales were taken between September and January in the "Arabian Grounds" (including Arabian Sea coasts of Oman and Yemen). Blue whales were seen on the Arabian grounds from September through November. One blue whale was taken from the Kuria Muria Islands in Dec 1868.
Yukhov,V.L.
Observations of cetaceans in the Gulf of Aden and the northwestern part of the Arabian Sea Technical Report
no. 512, 1969.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Oman, Soviet whaling, sperm whales, whaling
@techreport{,
title = {Observations of cetaceans in the Gulf of Aden and the northwestern part of the Arabian Sea},
author = {Yukhov,V.L.},
year = {1969},
date = {1969-01-01},
journal = {Morskie Mlekopitayashchie},
number = {512},
pages = {1-6},
publisher = {Izd-vo "Nauka"},
abstract = {This is a brief report of sightings in the Arabian Sea made from a whale catcher of the Sovetskaya Ukraina fleet in the 1964-65 whaling seasons (Oct-Dec). In very general terms it describes sightings of female and juvenile sperm whales in groups of 6-10 throughout the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. This was the most frequently sighted species. Pygmy blue whales and Bryde's whales were also observed in both the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, and specific mention is made of nearshore areas of the coasts of Somalia and the Oman. These species were both observed feeding (on their sides?). Small groups of humpback whales were observed East of Ras Fartak. Huge schools of small cetaceans were also observed feeding and the author concludes that the area provides an adequate supply of food for a variety of species.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Oman, Soviet whaling, sperm whales, whaling},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This is a brief report of sightings in the Arabian Sea made from a whale catcher of the Sovetskaya Ukraina fleet in the 1964-65 whaling seasons (Oct-Dec). In very general terms it describes sightings of female and juvenile sperm whales in groups of 6-10 throughout the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. This was the most frequently sighted species. Pygmy blue whales and Bryde's whales were also observed in both the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, and specific mention is made of nearshore areas of the coasts of Somalia and the Oman. These species were both observed feeding (on their sides?). Small groups of humpback whales were observed East of Ras Fartak. Huge schools of small cetaceans were also observed feeding and the author concludes that the area provides an adequate supply of food for a variety of species.