The effect of group size on individual behavior of bubble‐net feeding humpback whales in the southern Gulf of Maine

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie C. Mastick ◽  
David Wiley ◽  
David E. Cade ◽  
Colin Ware ◽  
Susan E. Parks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Individual Behavior ◽  
Humpback Whales

Recent observations of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Japanese waters off Ogasawara and Okinawa

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Darling ◽  
K. Mori
Keyword(s):  
North Pacific ◽  
Individual Behavior ◽  
Humpback Whales ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Behavior Patterns ◽  
Mariana Islands ◽  
Northern Mariana Islands ◽  
Japanese Waters ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

The current status of humpback whales in waters off Ogasawara and Okinawa islands, Japan, and the relationship of these populations to each other and to humpback whales in the central-eastern North Pacific were investigated. Fluke-identification photographs collected from 1987 to 1990 were analyzed to estimate abundance and determine individual behavior patterns, and were compared with humpback photoidentifications from other regions. In total, 177 humpbacks were identified. At the end of the study period the rate of discovery of "new" whales was still high, suggesting a substantially larger overall population. Whales were commonly sighted throughout the Ogasawara archipelago from December to May, and were present during the same period near the Kerama Islands, Okinawa. Humpback whales were not regularly seen near Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, or near Kenting, Taiwan. Repeat sightings of individuals indicate that some whales were present for extended periods off Ogasawara. The predominant behavior patterns were those related to calving and mating. Two whales were identified in both the Okinawa and Ogasawara regions in different years, suggesting that both regions are used by the same population. Identification of one whale in both Japan and Hawaii (reported elsewhere) indicates the potential for mixing of western and eastern North Pacific humpback populations; the overall matching effort to date suggests that this interchange is relatively small.

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Angolan and Gulf of Guinea waters, tropical West Africa

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (8) ◽  
pp. 1601-1611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline R Weir ◽  
Tim Collins ◽  
Inês Carvalho ◽  
Howard C. Rosenbaum
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Orcinus Orca ◽  
Humpback Whales ◽  
Physeter Macrocephalus ◽  
Sperm Whales ◽  
Killer Whales ◽  
External Appearance ◽  
Tropical Waters ◽  
Photo Identification ◽  
Mola Mola

Killer whales Orcinus orca are considered to be relatively uncommon in tropical waters. Few sightings have been reported from the west coast of Africa due to a paucity of survey coverage. We present data on 32 killer sightings from tropical waters off Angola (N = 18), Gabon (N = 7), São Tomé (N = 6) and Cameroon (N = 1), comprising a combination of dedicated survey sightings (N = 21) and reliable anecdotal records (n = 11). Killer whales were reported from coastal waters, the shelf edge and deep, oceanic areas. Sightings indicate a probable year-round occurrence of killer whales within the region. Mean group size was 5.6 animals. There was no difference in group size between sightings in waters >200 m deep and those on the continental shelf. No photo-identification matches were found between Angola, Gabon and São Tomé. Re-sightings of two individuals occurred annually in São Tomé during 2002–2004. Killer whales had external appearance consistent with the Type A nominate species form. Antagonistic encounters were recorded between killer whales and humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae off Angola, Gabon and Cameroon, and with sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus off Angola. Predation on ocean sunfish Mola mola was recorded in São Tomé, and possible predation on sharks was recorded twice in Gabon.

Local and migratory movements of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) satellite-tracked in the North Atlantic Ocean

2014 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.S. Kennedy ◽  
A.N. Zerbini ◽  
O.V. Vásquez ◽  
N. Gandilhon ◽  
P.J. Clapham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
North Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Megaptera Novaeangliae ◽  
Humpback Whales ◽  
The North ◽  
Breeding Grounds ◽  
Multiple Feeding ◽  
Feeding Grounds

North Atlantic humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781)) migrate from high-latitude summer feeding grounds to low-latitude winter breeding grounds along the Antillean Island chain. In the winters and springs of 2008 through 2012, satellite tags were deployed on humpback whales on Silver Bank (Dominican Republic) and in Guadeloupe (French West Indies) breeding areas. Whales were monitored, on average, for 26 days (range = 4–90 days). Some animals remained near their tagging location for multiple days before beginning their northerly migration, yet some visited habitats along the northwestern coast of the Dominican Republic, northern Haiti, the Turks and Caicos islands, and off Anguilla. Individuals monitored during migration headed towards feeding grounds in the Gulf of Maine (USA), Canada, and the eastern North Atlantic (Iceland or Norway). One individual traveled near Bermuda during the migration. This study provides the first detailed description of routes used by North Atlantic humpback whales towards multiple feeding destinations. Additionally, it corroborates previous research showing that individuals from multiple feeding grounds migrate to the Antilles for the breeding season. This study indicates that North Atlantic humpbacks use an area broader than the existing boundaries of marine mammal sanctuaries, which should provide justification for their expansion.

Regional and sexual differences in fluke pigmentation of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the North Atlantic Ocean

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 274-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith M. Allen ◽  
Howard C. Rosenbaum ◽  
Steven K. Katona ◽  
Philip J. Clapham ◽  
David K. Mattila
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
North Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Humpback Whales ◽  
Winter Range ◽  
The North ◽  
Breeding Grounds ◽  
Summer Range

The relative amount of pigmentation on the flukes of 3812 humpback whales from five feeding and three breeding regions in the western North Atlantic Ocean was ranked subjectively into categories 1 (white) through 5 (black). The distribution of rankings was examined to determine whether differences existed between regions or sexes. Fluke pigmentation differed significantly among whales photographed in the five northern feeding regions (Iceland, southwestern Greenland, Newfoundland (including the Labrador coast), the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Gulf of Maine). Whales photographed in the Gulf of Maine were characterized by a significantly higher proportion of dark-colored flukes than whales in all feeding regions except Iceland. Whales photographed near Greenland were characterized by significantly more light-colored flukes than other feeding regions. Fluke pigmentation also varied significantly among whales photographed in the three southern breeding regions (Virgin Bank, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic). The flukes of whales photographed near Virgin Bank differed from those of whales near the Dominican Republic and included a higher proportion of light flukes. Fluke pigmentation of males and females differed significantly in the Gulf of Maine and in the Dominican Republic. Both areas showed higher proportions of dark-fluked females and light-fluked males. Sex bias differences in other regions were not examined because sample sizes were small. Fluke pigmentation of whales photographed only on the summer range did not differ significantly from the pigmentation of those photographed only on the winter range, supporting the belief that all northern feeding aggregations mix on the southern breeding grounds. Regional differences in fluke pigmentation suggest that the western North Atlantic humpback whale population includes a number of relatively isolated subunits, as suggested previously by photoidentification and DNA studies.

Stable social associations among humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the southern Gulf of Maine

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 3012-3019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mason T. Weinrich
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Megaptera Novaeangliae ◽  
Humpback Whales ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Feeding Styles ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Stable Association ◽  
Social Associations ◽  
Stable Pairs ◽  
Net Energy Gain

Groups of humpack whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were observed from 1980 to 1987 on their feeding grounds in the southern Gulf of Maine. Although most groups were together for only brief periods, two types of stable association were found: 'continuous' (individual whales associated for at least 7 consecutive days; n = 30) or 'recurring' (individuals associated at least five times in a 6-week period; n = 21). Thirty-seven stable pairs and 3 stable trios involving 56 individual whales were recorded; 11 stable pairs re-associated during more than 1 year. Continuous associations lasted up to 79 days (mean 29.65). Thirty of the 40 associations (75.0%) contained only adults. Females were present in 22 adult associations (73.3%), whereas males were present in only 8 (26.6%). Females sighted with a calf the following year, and therefore pregnant, were members of 6 of the 11 (54.5%) associations that reformed. It is hypothesized that stable associations allow adult females to maximize their net energy gain through cooperative feeding, and may be comprised of closely related animals or individuals with compatible feeding styles.

Seasonal occurrence and annual return of humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, in the southern Gulf of Maine

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 440-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip J. Clapham ◽  
Lisa S. Baraff ◽  
Carole A. Carlson ◽  
Margaret A. Christian ◽  
David K. Mattila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Megaptera Novaeangliae ◽  
Rate Of Return ◽  
Seasonal Occurrence ◽  
Humpback Whales ◽  
The Mean

A study of 518 individually identified humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the southern Gulf of Maine between 1979 and 1988 showed high rates of both within-season occurrence and annual return. On average, 77.3% of whales were resighted on more than 1 day during the year (maximum 83 days), with occupancies ranging from 1 to 324 days (mean 88.1 days). The mean rate of return of individuals in consecutive years was 73.2% (range 59.1–87.4%), and the majority of whales were still being resighted up to 10 years later. Only 13 humpbacks were recorded during 50 midwinter surveys. Variation in the occurrence of individuals appears to be related to variability in the abundance of prey and perhaps to regional preferences.

scholarly journals The Influence of Maternal Lineages on Social Affiliations among Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on Their Feeding Grounds in the Southern Gulf of Maine

2006 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mason T. Weinrich ◽  
Howard Rosenbaum ◽  
C Scott Baker ◽  
Alexis L. Blackmer ◽  
Hal Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Megaptera Novaeangliae ◽  
Humpback Whales ◽  
Social Affiliations ◽  
Feeding Grounds

Short-term association patterns of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) groups on their feeding grounds in the southern Gulf of Maine

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 3005-3011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mason T. Weinrich ◽  
Anne E. Kuhlberg
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Humpback Whale ◽  
Distinct Pattern ◽  
Megaptera Novaeangliae ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Feeding Ground ◽  
Social Nature

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) feeding ground associations show a distinct pattern of group size and composition. Median group size was 2 (mean 1.67), and frequency decreased as group size increased. Adult females and juvenile males were observed in pairs significantly more often than singly, whereas adult males and juvenile females were more often alone. Adult female–female pairs occurred significantly more frequently than adult male–male pairs, and adult female – juvenile male pairs formed more frequently than adult male – juvenile female pairs. The majority of groups remained associated for at least 10 min; however, as the size of a group increased, so did its tendency to separate within that period. Adult male–male pair associations were of significantly shorter duration than female–female or male–female pair associations. It is hypothesized that adult males may avoid other males on the feeding ground as an extension of breeding competition. The energetic burden of reproduction, and hence the need to forage cooperatively to maximize efficiency, may account for the adult female's social nature. Juveniles of both sexes, less constrained by reproductive costs, exhibit less structured social behavior.

Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) Fatally Poisoned by Dinoflagellate Toxin

1989 ◽  
Vol 46 (11) ◽  
pp. 1895-1898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph R. Geraci ◽  
Donald M. Anderson ◽  
Ralph J. Timperi ◽  
David J. St. Aubin ◽  
Gregory A. Early ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning ◽  
Megaptera Novaeangliae ◽  
Humpback Whales ◽  
Cape Cod ◽  
Shellfish Poisoning ◽  
Atlantic Mackerel ◽  
Cape Cod Bay

During a 5–wk period beginning in late November, 1987, 14 humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, died in Cape Cod Bay after eating Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus, containing saxitoxin (STX), a dinoflagellate neurotoxin responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning in humans. We propose a line of evidence to explain how whales, by virtue of their diving adaptations, may be particularly vulnerable to this systemic neurotoxin. Absence of STX in New England waters and shellfish during the episode suggests that the mackerel, representing the northern stock which spawns in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, accumulated the toxin there and delivered it to the Gulf of Maine and Cape Cod Bay in the fall of 1987. These findings challenge common perceptions of the manner in which planktonic toxins move through the food chain, and offer new insights into natural mortality and standings of marine mammals. It seems appropriate to search for STX and other phytotoxins when investigating marine mammal mortalities.

Extended seasonal occurrence of humpback whales in Massachusetts Bay

2013 ◽  
Vol 94 (6) ◽  
pp. 1117-1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Murray ◽  
Aaron N. Rice ◽  
Christopher W. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Humpback Whale ◽  
Acoustic Monitoring ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Humpback Whales ◽  
Massachusetts Bay ◽  
Early Winter ◽  
Passive Acoustic Monitoring ◽  
Migratory Patterns ◽  
Passive Acoustic

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are known to utilize Massachusetts Bay as a feeding ground in the spring and summer, during the annual migration of the Gulf of Maine sub-population. However, there is a limited understanding of the pattern of humpback whale occurrence in this region outside of the feeding period. Passive acoustic monitoring of Massachusetts Bay over a two-year period, revealed an extended presence of acoustically active humpback whales throughout a majority of the study period (87%; 633 days of presence out of 725 days of acoustic monitoring). Humpback whale presence oscillated between lengthy periods of consistent presence (April to December) and relatively shorter periods of variable presence (December to March). Seasonal variation in presence was evident during three distinct phases: (1) maximum-presence from spring to early winter; (2) variable-presence in early winter and early spring; and (3) minimum-presence mid-winter. The variation in seasonal presence was concurrent with coarse migratory patterns of humpback whales, and yearly variations in presence presumably reflect a shift in the influx and efflux of whales between years. The extended presence of humpbacks in this area suggests that Massachusetts Bay is an important, year-round habitat for the Gulf of Maine sub-population, and may warrant revision of management and regulatory practices to reflect this presence.

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