New diagnostic descriptions and distribution information for Shepherd's beaked whale (Tasmacetus shepherdi) off Southern Australia and New Zealand (2008-2017)

A total of 13 vessel-based and five aerial sightings of Shepherd’s beaked whale were collated from sightings in the southern Australian and New Zealand regions from 2008 to 2017 (see cited publication) Eight of the 13 vessel-based sightings and all aerial sightings were collected during dedicated marine mammal surveys. The remaining sightings data were collected opportunistically by observers during field activities which included: dedicated pelagic bird surveys, fishing trips, and seismic surveys on a variety of vessels