Migration and foraging destinations of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from Southern Africa, tagged in 2025

These data comprise satellite tracking records of adult humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from Breeding Stocks B and C, tagged off South Africa's west coast in November 2025. Breeding Stock B refers to populations that winter off West Africa, including sub-stocks B1 (Gabon) and B2 (West South Africa, Namibia, Angola), while Breeding Stock C encompasses populations that winter off East Africa, subdivided into C1 (Mozambique/Tanzania) and C2+3 (Kenya to Madagascar). Tagged individuals form part of large feeding aggregations (“supergroups”) that seasonally utilise the Benguela Upwelling System. The data were collected to investigate spatial use of this mid-latitude feeding area and to identify subsequent migratory pathways and destination regions following departure from the west coast. This dataset contributes to understanding connectivity between feeding and breeding areas and the ecological importance of the Benguela Upwelling System for multiple Southern Hemisphere humpback whale breeding stocks, supporting regional conservation and management efforts, as well as international efforts under the Southern Ocean Research Partnership of the International Whaling Commission. Tag types are SPOT-372 transdermal tags predominantly, and 2 SPLASH 10-373. Whales are tagged based on their approachability, without aiming for specific individuals but rather by approaching the whales and tagging those that allow taggers to come close enough. Tags are deployed just below the dorsal fin of the humpback whales.