Data from: Satellite tracking reveals novel migratory patterns and the importance of seamounts for endangered South Pacific humpback whales

The humpback whale population of New Caledonia appears to display a novel
migratory pattern characterized by multiple directions, long migratory
paths and frequent pauses over seamounts and other shallow geographical
features. Using satellite-monitored radio tags, we tracked 34 whales for
between 5 and 110 days, travelling between 270 and 8540 km on their
southward migration from a breeding ground in southern New Caledonia. Mean
migration speed was 3.53±2.22 km h−1, while movements within the breeding
ground averaged 2.01±1.63 km h−1. The tag data demonstrate that seamounts
play an important role as offshore habitats for this species. Whales
displayed an intensive use of oceanic seamounts both in the breeding
season and on migration. Seamounts probably serve multiple and important
roles as breeding locations, resting areas, navigational landmarks or even
supplemental feeding grounds for this species, which can be viewed as a
transient component of the seamount communities. Satellite telemetry
suggests that seamounts represent an overlooked cryptic habitat for the
species. The frequent use by humpback whales of such remote locations has
important implications for conservation and management.