Gulf of Maine humpback whale satellite tagging project: 2015

Original provider:
Center for Coastal Studies

Dataset credits:
Data provider
Gulf of Maine humpback whales
Originating data center
<a href='http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/' target='_blank'>Satellite Tracking and Analysis Tool (STAT)</a>
Project partner
The project is being undertaken by multi-institutional team with expertise in whale behavior, ecology, anatomy, physiology, telemetry and wound healing processes. It includes collaborators from the following institutions: <br><br>Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) http://www.antarctica.gov.au/science<br><br>Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) . http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/<br><br>The Marine Mammal Center (MMC) .http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/<br><br>National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML)http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/<br><br>Research is being performed under NOAA scientific permit #14245.

Abstract:
Satellite-monitored radio tags have yielded important information for the conservation and management of large whales. Tags provide far greater detail on large whale movements and habitat use than more traditional studies, and past tagging projects have revealed the existence of entirely unknown whale habitats. However, it is not uncommon for tags to stop transmitting within days to months of deployment, and follow-up studies on the individuals have been limited. Further work is needed to improve the scientific and conservation value of this technology.<br><br>In this study, satellite tagging and its effects are being examined among Gulf of Maine humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). This is among the best studied humpback whale populations. Its strong fidelity to particular feeding sites, long feeding ground residency and strong overlap with observer effort that are expected to result in repeated sightings of tagged animals, and a maximized resighting potential in future years. The project will also produce new information on humpback whale movement and habitat use in relation to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.