Cerchio, S.,Willson, A.,Leroy, E.C.,Muirhead, C.,Al Harthi, S.,baldwin, R,Cholewiak, D.,Collins, T.,Minton, Gianna,Rasoloarijao, T.,Rogers, T.,Sarrouf Willson, M.
A new blue whale song-type described for the Arabian Sea and Western Indian Ocean Technical Report
no. 513, 2020.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: acoustic detection, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, behaviour, Blue whale, breeding grounds, Oman, Passive acoustic detection, song
@techreport{,
title = {A new blue whale song-type described for the Arabian Sea and Western Indian Ocean },
author = {Cerchio, S.,Willson, A.,Leroy, E.C.,Muirhead, C.,Al Harthi, S.,baldwin, R,Cholewiak, D.,Collins, T.,Minton, Gianna,Rasoloarijao, T.,Rogers, T.,Sarrouf Willson, M.},
url = {https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/sc_68b_info_28_-new-blue-whale-call-from-oman-2.pdf},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Report Presented to the Scientific Committee meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {513},
publisher = {IWC},
abstract = {Blue whales in the Indian Ocean (IO) are currently thought to represent two or three subspecies (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia, B. m. brevicauda, B. m. indica), and are structured into four populations with diagnostic song-types. Here we describe a previously unreported song-type that implies the existence of a population that has been undetected or conflated with another population. The song-type was recorded off Oman in the northern IO/Arabian Sea, off the western Chagos Archipelago in the equatorial central IO, and off Madagascar in the southwestern IO. As this is the only blue whale song that has been identified in the western Arabian Sea, we label it the “Oman” song-type to distinguish it from other regionally classified song-types. Spatiotemporal variation at the three sites suggested a distribution west of 70°E, with potential affinity for the northern IO/Arabian Sea, and only minor presence in the southwestern IO. Timing of presence off Oman suggests that intensive illegal Soviet whaling that took 1,294 blue whales in the 1960s likely targeted this population, as opposed to the more widely spread “Sri Lanka” acoustic population as previously assumed. Based upon geographic distribution and potential aseasonal reproduction found in the Soviet catch data, we suggest that if there is a northern Indian Ocean subspecies (B. m. c.f. indica), it is likely this population. Moreover, the potentially restricted range, intensive historic whaling, and the fact that the song-type has been previously undetected, suggests a small population that is in critical need of status assessment and conservation action. },
keywords = {acoustic detection, Arabian Sea, balaenoptera musculus, behaviour, Blue whale, breeding grounds, Oman, Passive acoustic detection, song},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Blue whales in the Indian Ocean (IO) are currently thought to represent two or three subspecies (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia, B. m. brevicauda, B. m. indica), and are structured into four populations with diagnostic song-types. Here we describe a previously unreported song-type that implies the existence of a population that has been undetected or conflated with another population. The song-type was recorded off Oman in the northern IO/Arabian Sea, off the western Chagos Archipelago in the equatorial central IO, and off Madagascar in the southwestern IO. As this is the only blue whale song that has been identified in the western Arabian Sea, we label it the “Oman” song-type to distinguish it from other regionally classified song-types. Spatiotemporal variation at the three sites suggested a distribution west of 70°E, with potential affinity for the northern IO/Arabian Sea, and only minor presence in the southwestern IO. Timing of presence off Oman suggests that intensive illegal Soviet whaling that took 1,294 blue whales in the 1960s likely targeted this population, as opposed to the more widely spread “Sri Lanka” acoustic population as previously assumed. Based upon geographic distribution and potential aseasonal reproduction found in the Soviet catch data, we suggest that if there is a northern Indian Ocean subspecies (B. m. c.f. indica), it is likely this population. Moreover, the potentially restricted range, intensive historic whaling, and the fact that the song-type has been previously undetected, suggests a small population that is in critical need of status assessment and conservation action.
Rosenbaum, H. C.,Kershaw, F.,Mendez, M.,Pomilla, C.,Leslie, M. S.,Findlay, K. P.,Best, P. B.,Collins, T.,Vely, M.,Engel, M. H.,Baldwin, R.,Minton, G.,Meÿer, M.,Flórez-González, L.,Poole, M. M.,Hauser, N.,Garrigue, C.,Brasseur, M.,Bannister, J.,Anderson, M.,Olavarría, C.,Baker, C. S.
First circumglobal assessment of Southern Hemisphere humpback whale mitochondrial genetic variation and implications for management Journal Article
In: Endangered Species Research, vol. 32, no. 213, pp. 551-567, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, breeding grounds, Genetic differentiation, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, mtDNA, population structure, Stock assessment
@article{,
title = {First circumglobal assessment of Southern Hemisphere humpback whale mitochondrial genetic variation and implications for management},
author = {Rosenbaum, H. C.,Kershaw, F.,Mendez, M.,Pomilla, C.,Leslie, M. S.,Findlay, K. P.,Best, P. B.,Collins, T.,Vely, M.,Engel, M. H.,Baldwin, R.,Minton, G.,Meÿer, M.,Flórez-González, L.,Poole, M. M.,Hauser, N.,Garrigue, C.,Brasseur, M.,Bannister, J.,Anderson, M.,Olavarría, C.,Baker, C. S.},
url = {http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v32/p551-567/},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Endangered Species Research},
volume = {32},
number = {213},
pages = {551-567},
abstract = {ABSTRACT: The description of genetic population structure over a species geographic range can provide insights into its evolutionary history and also support effective management efforts. Assessments for globally distributed species are rare, however, requiring significant international coordination and collaboration. The global distribution of demographically discrete populations for the humpback whale \textit{Megaptera novaeangliae} is not fully known, hampering the definition of appropriate management units. Here, we present the first circumglobal assessment of mitochondrial genetic population structure across the species range in the Southern Hemisphere and Arabian Sea. We combine new and existing data from the mitochondrial (mt)DNA control region that resulted in a 311 bp consensus sequence of the mtDNA control region for 3009 individuals sampled across 14 breeding stocks and subpopulations currently recognized by the International Whaling Commission. We assess genetic diversity and test for genetic differentiation and also estimate the magnitude and directionality of historic matrilineal gene flow between putative populations. Our results indicate that maternally directed site fidelity drives significant genetic population structure between breeding stocks within ocean basins. However, patterns of connectivity differ across the circumpolar range, possibly as a result of differences in the extent of longitudinal movements on feeding areas. The number of population comparisons observed to be significantly differentiated were found to diminish at the subpopulation scale when nucleotide differences were examined, indicating that more complex processes underlie genetic structure at this scale. It is crucial that these complexities and uncertainties are afforded greater consideration in management and regulatory efforts.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, breeding grounds, Genetic differentiation, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, mtDNA, population structure, Stock assessment},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
ABSTRACT: The description of genetic population structure over a species geographic range can provide insights into its evolutionary history and also support effective management efforts. Assessments for globally distributed species are rare, however, requiring significant international coordination and collaboration. The global distribution of demographically discrete populations for the humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae is not fully known, hampering the definition of appropriate management units. Here, we present the first circumglobal assessment of mitochondrial genetic population structure across the species range in the Southern Hemisphere and Arabian Sea. We combine new and existing data from the mitochondrial (mt)DNA control region that resulted in a 311 bp consensus sequence of the mtDNA control region for 3009 individuals sampled across 14 breeding stocks and subpopulations currently recognized by the International Whaling Commission. We assess genetic diversity and test for genetic differentiation and also estimate the magnitude and directionality of historic matrilineal gene flow between putative populations. Our results indicate that maternally directed site fidelity drives significant genetic population structure between breeding stocks within ocean basins. However, patterns of connectivity differ across the circumpolar range, possibly as a result of differences in the extent of longitudinal movements on feeding areas. The number of population comparisons observed to be significantly differentiated were found to diminish at the subpopulation scale when nucleotide differences were examined, indicating that more complex processes underlie genetic structure at this scale. It is crucial that these complexities and uncertainties are afforded greater consideration in management and regulatory efforts.
Amaral, A. R.,Collins, T.,Minton, G.,Baldwin, R.,Willson, A.,Kershaw, Francine,Gray, H.,Findlay, K.,Brownell Jr, R.L.,Rosenbaum, H. C.
Update on Genetic Analyses of Arabian Sea Humpback Whales Technical Report
no. 9, 2016.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, breeding grounds, feeding grounds, genetics, Gulf of Masirah, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Microsatellite, sexing
@techreport{,
title = {Update on Genetic Analyses of Arabian Sea Humpback Whales},
author = {Amaral, A. R.,Collins, T.,Minton, G.,Baldwin, R.,Willson, A.,Kershaw, Francine,Gray, H.,Findlay, K.,Brownell Jr, R.L.,Rosenbaum, H. C.},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Working Paper presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {9},
pages = {6},
publisher = {IWC},
abstract = {From the 49 new samples, 44 were successfully genotyped at 10 microsatellite loci. We identified 27 males and 17 females. Within this dataset, 7 duplicate samples were found. Five samples representing 3 individuals in the 2015 dataset registered as genotypic matches with animals sampled in the 2004 dataset. An additional 9 samples involving 6 individuals that represent potential matches between the 2015 and 2004 dataset are being reviewed to determine if they represent inter-year recaptures. As the data were generated very recently, further checks to clarify issues with some microsatellite loci will be completed. Six samples failed to amplify consistently for sexing markers and need to be revisited.
Analysis of the combined genotypic dataset will be completed by the end of June/early July 2016. The genotypic matches and sexing data will be incorporated into the Oman Photo-ID database, and used to generate robust updated photo-ID and genotypic mark-recapture estimates of population abundance. These data have also been used to determine or confirm the sex of the 9 satellite tagged whales off the coast of Oman (see SH28), and a significant number of other whales identified photographically off the coast of Oman. This will prove highly valuable if future satellite tagging efforts are undertaken in Oman, as previous tagging work has been significantly male-biased (See SH28), and future tagging should target known females.
Preliminary assessment of the new sexing data (although not yet fully complete) is providing valuable insight into possible difference in habitat use between the two primary study sites off the coast of Oman (see Figure 1). Minton et al. (2011) documented a heavy bias toward males in Dhofar and a ratio near parity in the Gulf of Masirah. These results were based on the total number of photographic captures of known sex individuals. The combination of new and old sexing information allows for a more nuanced examination of this phenomenon: the male-female ratio based on individual whales for which sex was determined in each study site (regardless of how frequently they were observed) is 2:1 in Dhofar (n=30), whilst in the Gulf of Masirah this ratio is slightly biased toward females, with 45% of individuals of known sex observed in that study area being male, and 55% female (n=49). More detailed analysis of these sexing data in relation to survey effort and photographic identification data will yield further important insights into habitat use, behaviour, and social interactions, critical for the conservation of this population.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, breeding grounds, feeding grounds, genetics, Gulf of Masirah, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Microsatellite, sexing},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
From the 49 new samples, 44 were successfully genotyped at 10 microsatellite loci. We identified 27 males and 17 females. Within this dataset, 7 duplicate samples were found. Five samples representing 3 individuals in the 2015 dataset registered as genotypic matches with animals sampled in the 2004 dataset. An additional 9 samples involving 6 individuals that represent potential matches between the 2015 and 2004 dataset are being reviewed to determine if they represent inter-year recaptures. As the data were generated very recently, further checks to clarify issues with some microsatellite loci will be completed. Six samples failed to amplify consistently for sexing markers and need to be revisited.
Analysis of the combined genotypic dataset will be completed by the end of June/early July 2016. The genotypic matches and sexing data will be incorporated into the Oman Photo-ID database, and used to generate robust updated photo-ID and genotypic mark-recapture estimates of population abundance. These data have also been used to determine or confirm the sex of the 9 satellite tagged whales off the coast of Oman (see SH28), and a significant number of other whales identified photographically off the coast of Oman. This will prove highly valuable if future satellite tagging efforts are undertaken in Oman, as previous tagging work has been significantly male-biased (See SH28), and future tagging should target known females.
Preliminary assessment of the new sexing data (although not yet fully complete) is providing valuable insight into possible difference in habitat use between the two primary study sites off the coast of Oman (see Figure 1). Minton et al. (2011) documented a heavy bias toward males in Dhofar and a ratio near parity in the Gulf of Masirah. These results were based on the total number of photographic captures of known sex individuals. The combination of new and old sexing information allows for a more nuanced examination of this phenomenon: the male-female ratio based on individual whales for which sex was determined in each study site (regardless of how frequently they were observed) is 2:1 in Dhofar (n=30), whilst in the Gulf of Masirah this ratio is slightly biased toward females, with 45% of individuals of known sex observed in that study area being male, and 55% female (n=49). More detailed analysis of these sexing data in relation to survey effort and photographic identification data will yield further important insights into habitat use, behaviour, and social interactions, critical for the conservation of this population.
Analysis of the combined genotypic dataset will be completed by the end of June/early July 2016. The genotypic matches and sexing data will be incorporated into the Oman Photo-ID database, and used to generate robust updated photo-ID and genotypic mark-recapture estimates of population abundance. These data have also been used to determine or confirm the sex of the 9 satellite tagged whales off the coast of Oman (see SH28), and a significant number of other whales identified photographically off the coast of Oman. This will prove highly valuable if future satellite tagging efforts are undertaken in Oman, as previous tagging work has been significantly male-biased (See SH28), and future tagging should target known females.
Preliminary assessment of the new sexing data (although not yet fully complete) is providing valuable insight into possible difference in habitat use between the two primary study sites off the coast of Oman (see Figure 1). Minton et al. (2011) documented a heavy bias toward males in Dhofar and a ratio near parity in the Gulf of Masirah. These results were based on the total number of photographic captures of known sex individuals. The combination of new and old sexing information allows for a more nuanced examination of this phenomenon: the male-female ratio based on individual whales for which sex was determined in each study site (regardless of how frequently they were observed) is 2:1 in Dhofar (n=30), whilst in the Gulf of Masirah this ratio is slightly biased toward females, with 45% of individuals of known sex observed in that study area being male, and 55% female (n=49). More detailed analysis of these sexing data in relation to survey effort and photographic identification data will yield further important insights into habitat use, behaviour, and social interactions, critical for the conservation of this population.
Cerchio, S,Willson, A.,Muirhead, C.,Minton, G.,Collins, T.,Baldwin, R.,Sarrouf Willson, M.,Al Harthi, S.
Preliminary Report on Long-term Detection of Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Vocalizations off Oman Technical Report
no. 343, 2016.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: acoustic detection, Arabian Sea, behaviour, breeding grounds, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, Passive acoustic detection, song
@techreport{,
title = {Preliminary Report on Long-term Detection of Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Vocalizations off Oman},
author = {Cerchio, S,Willson, A.,Muirhead, C.,Minton, G.,Collins, T.,Baldwin, R.,Sarrouf Willson, M.,Al Harthi, S.},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Report Presented to the Scientific Committee meeting of the International Whaling Commission},
number = {343},
publisher = {IWC},
abstract = {This report presents an overview of the progress to date on the humpback whale detection
component of the Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Acoustic Research program off Oman. Three
archival acoustic recorders were deployed at sites in two regions for approximately one year each,
in Hallaniyats Bay during 2011/2012, and the Gulf of Masirah during 2012/2013. Performance of
recorders varied among deployments, but despite some challenges due to equipment failures we
succeeded in documenting spatiotemporal patterns in the presence of humpback whales in a large
dataset. Several key findings broaden our understanding of the Arabian Sea humpback whale
population off Oman. There appears a strong seasonal component to the use of song by this
population, primarily from November through May, which is congruent with the Northern
Hemisphere breeding cycle and singing season. Throughout this period, singing was heard in both
Hallaniyats Bay and the Gulf of Masirah, separated by approximately 400km, indicating that the
population utilizes both of these regions. However, there was a much stronger presence in
Hallaniyats Bay, with song heard nearly 24 hours/day during the peak months, and song detected
simultaneously at multiple sites across the Bay. Previous boat-based survey data indicated similar
trends, however, given limitation in the duration of this fieldwork the current acoustic dataset
provides a more reliable indication of this population’s breeding related activity. This suggests that
the Hallaniyats Bay might serve as a more important habitat for breeding activity than the
monitored region of the Gulf of Masirah. There also appeared to be a subtle northward shift in
distribution of detections as the singing season progressed, both within Hallaniyats Bay, and from
Hallaniyats Bay to the Gulf of Masirah, suggesting a seasonal shift in distribution for singing males.
During the summer and autumn months, very little song was detected, however sparse detections
indicate that whales are present in both regions during at least some of this period. It is
recommended that similar acoustic monitoring be conducted in all range states of the population to
elucidate spatiotemporal distribution throughout the Arabian Sea.},
keywords = {acoustic detection, Arabian Sea, behaviour, breeding grounds, Humpback Whale, megaptera novaeangliae, Oman, Passive acoustic detection, song},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This report presents an overview of the progress to date on the humpback whale detection
component of the Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Acoustic Research program off Oman. Three
archival acoustic recorders were deployed at sites in two regions for approximately one year each,
in Hallaniyats Bay during 2011/2012, and the Gulf of Masirah during 2012/2013. Performance of
recorders varied among deployments, but despite some challenges due to equipment failures we
succeeded in documenting spatiotemporal patterns in the presence of humpback whales in a large
dataset. Several key findings broaden our understanding of the Arabian Sea humpback whale
population off Oman. There appears a strong seasonal component to the use of song by this
population, primarily from November through May, which is congruent with the Northern
Hemisphere breeding cycle and singing season. Throughout this period, singing was heard in both
Hallaniyats Bay and the Gulf of Masirah, separated by approximately 400km, indicating that the
population utilizes both of these regions. However, there was a much stronger presence in
Hallaniyats Bay, with song heard nearly 24 hours/day during the peak months, and song detected
simultaneously at multiple sites across the Bay. Previous boat-based survey data indicated similar
trends, however, given limitation in the duration of this fieldwork the current acoustic dataset
provides a more reliable indication of this population’s breeding related activity. This suggests that
the Hallaniyats Bay might serve as a more important habitat for breeding activity than the
monitored region of the Gulf of Masirah. There also appeared to be a subtle northward shift in
distribution of detections as the singing season progressed, both within Hallaniyats Bay, and from
Hallaniyats Bay to the Gulf of Masirah, suggesting a seasonal shift in distribution for singing males.
During the summer and autumn months, very little song was detected, however sparse detections
indicate that whales are present in both regions during at least some of this period. It is
recommended that similar acoustic monitoring be conducted in all range states of the population to
elucidate spatiotemporal distribution throughout the Arabian Sea.
component of the Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Acoustic Research program off Oman. Three
archival acoustic recorders were deployed at sites in two regions for approximately one year each,
in Hallaniyats Bay during 2011/2012, and the Gulf of Masirah during 2012/2013. Performance of
recorders varied among deployments, but despite some challenges due to equipment failures we
succeeded in documenting spatiotemporal patterns in the presence of humpback whales in a large
dataset. Several key findings broaden our understanding of the Arabian Sea humpback whale
population off Oman. There appears a strong seasonal component to the use of song by this
population, primarily from November through May, which is congruent with the Northern
Hemisphere breeding cycle and singing season. Throughout this period, singing was heard in both
Hallaniyats Bay and the Gulf of Masirah, separated by approximately 400km, indicating that the
population utilizes both of these regions. However, there was a much stronger presence in
Hallaniyats Bay, with song heard nearly 24 hours/day during the peak months, and song detected
simultaneously at multiple sites across the Bay. Previous boat-based survey data indicated similar
trends, however, given limitation in the duration of this fieldwork the current acoustic dataset
provides a more reliable indication of this population’s breeding related activity. This suggests that
the Hallaniyats Bay might serve as a more important habitat for breeding activity than the
monitored region of the Gulf of Masirah. There also appeared to be a subtle northward shift in
distribution of detections as the singing season progressed, both within Hallaniyats Bay, and from
Hallaniyats Bay to the Gulf of Masirah, suggesting a seasonal shift in distribution for singing males.
During the summer and autumn months, very little song was detected, however sparse detections
indicate that whales are present in both regions during at least some of this period. It is
recommended that similar acoustic monitoring be conducted in all range states of the population to
elucidate spatiotemporal distribution throughout the Arabian Sea.
NOAA
Endangered and Threatened Species; Identification of 14 Distinct Population Segments of the Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and Revision of Species-wide Listing
2016.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, breeding grounds, conservation status, feeding grounds, Humpback Whale, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, population status, USA
@{,
title = {Endangered and Threatened Species; Identification of 14 Distinct Population Segments of the Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and Revision of Species-wide Listing},
author = {NOAA},
issn = {Docket No. 130708594-6598-03},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
number = {183},
pages = {247},
publisher = {Department of Commerce},
abstract = {We, NMFS, issue a final determination to revise the listing status of the
humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
We divide the globally listed endangered species into 14 distinct population segments
(DPS), remove the current species-level listing, and in its place list four DPSs as
endangered and one DPS as threatened. Based on their current statuses, the remaining
nine DPSs do not warrant listing. At this time, we find that critical habitat is not
determinable for the three listed DPSs that occur in U.S. waters (Western North Pacific,
Mexico, Central America); we will consider designating critical habitat for these three
DPSs in a separate rulemaking. },
keywords = {Arabian Sea, breeding grounds, conservation status, feeding grounds, Humpback Whale, marine mammal, megaptera novaeangliae, population status, USA},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {}
}
We, NMFS, issue a final determination to revise the listing status of the
humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
We divide the globally listed endangered species into 14 distinct population segments
(DPS), remove the current species-level listing, and in its place list four DPSs as
endangered and one DPS as threatened. Based on their current statuses, the remaining
nine DPSs do not warrant listing. At this time, we find that critical habitat is not
determinable for the three listed DPSs that occur in U.S. waters (Western North Pacific,
Mexico, Central America); we will consider designating critical habitat for these three
DPSs in a separate rulemaking.
humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
We divide the globally listed endangered species into 14 distinct population segments
(DPS), remove the current species-level listing, and in its place list four DPSs as
endangered and one DPS as threatened. Based on their current statuses, the remaining
nine DPSs do not warrant listing. At this time, we find that critical habitat is not
determinable for the three listed DPSs that occur in U.S. waters (Western North Pacific,
Mexico, Central America); we will consider designating critical habitat for these three
DPSs in a separate rulemaking.
Mahanty, Madan M,Latha, G,Thirunavukkarasu, A
Analysis of humpback whale sounds in shallow waters of the Southeastern Arabian Sea: An indication of breeding habitat Journal Article
In: Journal of biosciences, vol. 40, no. 148, pp. 407-417, 2015, ISBN: 0250-5991.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: Arabian Sea, behaviour, breeding grounds, Humpback Whale, India, megaptera novaeangliae, song
@article{,
title = {Analysis of humpback whale sounds in shallow waters of the Southeastern Arabian Sea: An indication of breeding habitat},
author = {Mahanty, Madan M,Latha, G,Thirunavukkarasu, A},
issn = {0250-5991},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Journal of biosciences},
volume = {40},
number = {148},
pages = {407-417},
abstract = {The primary objective of this work was to present the acoustical identification of humpback whales, detected by using
an autonomous ambient noise measurement system, deployed in the shallow waters of the Southeastern Arabian Sea
(SEAS) during the period January to May 2011. Seven types of sounds were detected. These were characteristically
upsweeps and downsweeps along with harmonics. Sounds produced repeatedly in a specific pattern were referred to as
phrases (PQRS and ABC). Repeated phrases in a particular pattern were referred to as themes, and from the
spectrographic analysis, two themes (I and II) were identified. The variation in the acoustic characteristics such as
fundamental frequency, range, duration of the sound unit, and the structure of the phrases and themes are discussed.
Sound units were recorded from mid-January to mid-March, with a peak in February, when the mean SST is ~28°C,
and no presence was recorded after mid-March. The temporal and thematic structures strongly determine the functions
of the humpback whale song form. Given the use of song in the SEAS, this area is possibly used as an active breeding
habitat by humpback whales during the winter season.},
keywords = {Arabian Sea, behaviour, breeding grounds, Humpback Whale, India, megaptera novaeangliae, song},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The primary objective of this work was to present the acoustical identification of humpback whales, detected by using
an autonomous ambient noise measurement system, deployed in the shallow waters of the Southeastern Arabian Sea
(SEAS) during the period January to May 2011. Seven types of sounds were detected. These were characteristically
upsweeps and downsweeps along with harmonics. Sounds produced repeatedly in a specific pattern were referred to as
phrases (PQRS and ABC). Repeated phrases in a particular pattern were referred to as themes, and from the
spectrographic analysis, two themes (I and II) were identified. The variation in the acoustic characteristics such as
fundamental frequency, range, duration of the sound unit, and the structure of the phrases and themes are discussed.
Sound units were recorded from mid-January to mid-March, with a peak in February, when the mean SST is ~28°C,
and no presence was recorded after mid-March. The temporal and thematic structures strongly determine the functions
of the humpback whale song form. Given the use of song in the SEAS, this area is possibly used as an active breeding
habitat by humpback whales during the winter season.
an autonomous ambient noise measurement system, deployed in the shallow waters of the Southeastern Arabian Sea
(SEAS) during the period January to May 2011. Seven types of sounds were detected. These were characteristically
upsweeps and downsweeps along with harmonics. Sounds produced repeatedly in a specific pattern were referred to as
phrases (PQRS and ABC). Repeated phrases in a particular pattern were referred to as themes, and from the
spectrographic analysis, two themes (I and II) were identified. The variation in the acoustic characteristics such as
fundamental frequency, range, duration of the sound unit, and the structure of the phrases and themes are discussed.
Sound units were recorded from mid-January to mid-March, with a peak in February, when the mean SST is ~28°C,
and no presence was recorded after mid-March. The temporal and thematic structures strongly determine the functions
of the humpback whale song form. Given the use of song in the SEAS, this area is possibly used as an active breeding
habitat by humpback whales during the winter season.
Branch, T.A.,Stafford, K.M.,Palacios, D. M.,Allison, C.,Bannister, J.L,Burton, C.L.K.,Cabrera, E.,Carlson, C.A.,Galletti Vernazzani, B.,Gill, P.C.,Hucke-Gaete, R.,Jenner, K.C.S.,Jenner, M-N.,Matsuoka, K.,Mikhalev, Y.A.,Miyashita, T.,Morrice, M.G.,Nishiwaki, S.,Sturrock, V.J.,Tormosov, D.D.,Anderson, R.C.,Baker, A. N.,Best, P.B.,Borsa, P.,Brownell Jr, R.L.,Childerhouse, S.,Findlay, K.,Gerrodette, T.,Ilangakoon, A.,Joergensen, M.,Khan, B.,Ljungblad, D.K.,Maughan, B.,McCauley, R.D.,McKay, S.,Norris, T.F.,Oman Whale; Dolphin Research Group,Rankin, S.,Samaran, F.,Thiele, D.,Van Waerebeek, K.,Warneke, R.M.
Past and present distribution, densities and movements of blue whales Journal Article
In: Mammal Review, vol. 37, no. 332, pp. 116-175, 2007.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, breeding grounds, Distribution, feeding grounds, Indian Ocean, Oman, Southern Hemispher
@article{,
title = {Past and present distribution, densities and movements of blue whales },
author = {Branch, T.A.,Stafford, K.M.,Palacios, D. M.,Allison, C.,Bannister, J.L,Burton, C.L.K.,Cabrera, E.,Carlson, C.A.,Galletti Vernazzani, B.,Gill, P.C.,Hucke-Gaete, R.,Jenner, K.C.S.,Jenner, M-N.,Matsuoka, K.,Mikhalev, Y.A.,Miyashita, T.,Morrice, M.G.,Nishiwaki, S.,Sturrock, V.J.,Tormosov, D.D.,Anderson, R.C.,Baker, A. N.,Best, P.B.,Borsa, P.,Brownell Jr, R.L.,Childerhouse, S.,Findlay, K.,Gerrodette, T.,Ilangakoon, A.,Joergensen, M.,Khan, B.,Ljungblad, D.K.,Maughan, B.,McCauley, R.D.,McKay, S.,Norris, T.F.,Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group,Rankin, S.,Samaran, F.,Thiele, D.,Van Waerebeek, K.,Warneke, R.M.},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {Mammal Review},
volume = {37},
number = {332},
pages = {116-175},
abstract = {1. Blue whale locations in the Southern Hemisphere and northern Indian Ocean were
obtained from catches (303 239), sightings (4383 records of 8058 whales), strandings (103),
Discovery marks (2191) and recoveries (95), and acoustic recordings.
2. Sighting surveys included 7 480 450 km of effort plus 14 676 days with unmeasured effort.
Groups usually consisted of solitary whales (65.2%) or pairs (24.6%); larger feeding aggregations
of unassociated individuals were only rarely observed. Sighting rates (groups per
1000 km from many platform types) varied by four orders of magnitude and were lowest in
the waters of Brazil, South Africa, the eastern tropical Pacific, Antarctica and South Georgia;
higher in the Subantarctic and Peru; and highest around Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Chile,
southern Australia and south of Madagascar.
3. Blue whales avoid the oligotrophic central gyres of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic
Oceans, but are more common where phytoplankton densities are high, and where there are
dynamic oceanographic processes like upwelling and frontal meandering.
4. Compared with historical catches, the Antarctic (‘true’) subspecies is exceedingly rare and
usually concentrated closer to the summer pack ice. In summer they are found throughout the
Antarctic; in winter they migrate to southern Africa (although recent sightings there are rare)
and to other northerly locations (based on acoustics), although some overwinter in the
Antarctic.
5. Pygmy blue whales are found around the Indian Ocean and from southern Australia to
New Zealand. At least four groupings are evident: northern Indian Ocean, from Madagascar
to the Subantarctic, Indonesia to western and southern Australia, and from New Zealand
northwards to the equator. Sighting rates are typically much higher than for Antarctic blue
whales.},
keywords = {balaenoptera musculus, Blue whale, breeding grounds, Distribution, feeding grounds, Indian Ocean, Oman, Southern Hemispher},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
1. Blue whale locations in the Southern Hemisphere and northern Indian Ocean were
obtained from catches (303 239), sightings (4383 records of 8058 whales), strandings (103),
Discovery marks (2191) and recoveries (95), and acoustic recordings.
2. Sighting surveys included 7 480 450 km of effort plus 14 676 days with unmeasured effort.
Groups usually consisted of solitary whales (65.2%) or pairs (24.6%); larger feeding aggregations
of unassociated individuals were only rarely observed. Sighting rates (groups per
1000 km from many platform types) varied by four orders of magnitude and were lowest in
the waters of Brazil, South Africa, the eastern tropical Pacific, Antarctica and South Georgia;
higher in the Subantarctic and Peru; and highest around Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Chile,
southern Australia and south of Madagascar.
3. Blue whales avoid the oligotrophic central gyres of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic
Oceans, but are more common where phytoplankton densities are high, and where there are
dynamic oceanographic processes like upwelling and frontal meandering.
4. Compared with historical catches, the Antarctic (‘true’) subspecies is exceedingly rare and
usually concentrated closer to the summer pack ice. In summer they are found throughout the
Antarctic; in winter they migrate to southern Africa (although recent sightings there are rare)
and to other northerly locations (based on acoustics), although some overwinter in the
Antarctic.
5. Pygmy blue whales are found around the Indian Ocean and from southern Australia to
New Zealand. At least four groupings are evident: northern Indian Ocean, from Madagascar
to the Subantarctic, Indonesia to western and southern Australia, and from New Zealand
northwards to the equator. Sighting rates are typically much higher than for Antarctic blue
whales.
obtained from catches (303 239), sightings (4383 records of 8058 whales), strandings (103),
Discovery marks (2191) and recoveries (95), and acoustic recordings.
2. Sighting surveys included 7 480 450 km of effort plus 14 676 days with unmeasured effort.
Groups usually consisted of solitary whales (65.2%) or pairs (24.6%); larger feeding aggregations
of unassociated individuals were only rarely observed. Sighting rates (groups per
1000 km from many platform types) varied by four orders of magnitude and were lowest in
the waters of Brazil, South Africa, the eastern tropical Pacific, Antarctica and South Georgia;
higher in the Subantarctic and Peru; and highest around Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Chile,
southern Australia and south of Madagascar.
3. Blue whales avoid the oligotrophic central gyres of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic
Oceans, but are more common where phytoplankton densities are high, and where there are
dynamic oceanographic processes like upwelling and frontal meandering.
4. Compared with historical catches, the Antarctic (‘true’) subspecies is exceedingly rare and
usually concentrated closer to the summer pack ice. In summer they are found throughout the
Antarctic; in winter they migrate to southern Africa (although recent sightings there are rare)
and to other northerly locations (based on acoustics), although some overwinter in the
Antarctic.
5. Pygmy blue whales are found around the Indian Ocean and from southern Australia to
New Zealand. At least four groupings are evident: northern Indian Ocean, from Madagascar
to the Subantarctic, Indonesia to western and southern Australia, and from New Zealand
northwards to the equator. Sighting rates are typically much higher than for Antarctic blue
whales.
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}
}
Ross,J.P.
Recent marine mammal sightings in the Sultanate of Oman (1980-1981) Technical Report
no. 462, 1981.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: breeding grounds, cetacean, cetaceans, dugong, feeding, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, Oman, sanctuaries, Strandings, whale, whales
@techreport{,
title = {Recent marine mammal sightings in the Sultanate of Oman (1980-1981)},
author = {Ross,J.P.},
year = {1981},
date = {1981-01-01},
journal = {Report presented to the special meeting of the IWC to plan a programme of scientific research on cetaceans in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary, Zeist, Netherlands.},
volume = {Document 23},
number = {462},
abstract = {This brief report summarises observations of live cetaceans, strandings and interviews with local fishermen. The source of sighting and stranding information is not always clear - stranded specimens referred to in this report were curated at the Zoological Museum in Amsterdam and the ONHM are also summarised in Gallagher 1991. JPR describes one stranding of a Dugong near Barka. He also describes Masirah fishermen's observations of a large whale with "bumps on its head like coffee cups" and long white flippers that they slap on the surface. He concludes that these are almost certainly humpback whales "migrating between summer feeding and winter breeding grounds. He also suggests that they were feeding on sardines which were abundant in the region during "these months" (although months not specified). Although he indicates that Oman's coast is abundant in food, yet tropical and thus suitable for breeding, he does not explicitly suggest that the humpbacks are year-round residents.},
keywords = {breeding grounds, cetacean, cetaceans, dugong, feeding, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, Oman, sanctuaries, Strandings, whale, whales},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
This brief report summarises observations of live cetaceans, strandings and interviews with local fishermen. The source of sighting and stranding information is not always clear - stranded specimens referred to in this report were curated at the Zoological Museum in Amsterdam and the ONHM are also summarised in Gallagher 1991. JPR describes one stranding of a Dugong near Barka. He also describes Masirah fishermen's observations of a large whale with "bumps on its head like coffee cups" and long white flippers that they slap on the surface. He concludes that these are almost certainly humpback whales "migrating between summer feeding and winter breeding grounds. He also suggests that they were feeding on sardines which were abundant in the region during "these months" (although months not specified). Although he indicates that Oman's coast is abundant in food, yet tropical and thus suitable for breeding, he does not explicitly suggest that the humpbacks are year-round residents.