WAMSI 2 - Kimberley Node - Project 1.2.1a - Modelling the movement and spatial distribution of humpback whales in the nearshore waters of the Kimberley, Western Australia

Modeling the movement and spatial distribution of humpback whales in the Nearshore waters of the Kimberley. This project will directly address this need by collating and synthesising all existing data on distribution, abundance and movement patterns of humpback whales and associated environmental data collected across the north-west and in the Kimberley. Using state-of-the-art analytical approaches to characterise and understand the movement behaviour of humpback whales and the environmental context in which they occur.

The purpose of this project will be to compile and analyse existing humpback whale survey data and tracking data to understand the distribution, abundance and movement patterns of humpback whales in relation to environmental features. Additionally, identify information gaps and fill them with a targeted field research program and ultimately provide advice for future monitoring and management

Existing whale data will be collated and combined and raster.asc will be created for the spatial modelling component of this project.