Bryde’s whales off eastern Venezuela - Vessel 1978-1979

Original provider:
Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute

Abstract:
Systematic surveys, conducted between 28 October 1978 and 13 November 1979 in the waters adjacent to Puerto la Cruz and Isla Margarita, Venezuela, documented the presence, distribution and habits of a population of Bryde's whales. Methods included aerial and boat surveys, interviews with local fishermen, and radio-tagging. Bryde's whales, apparently attracted by the abundance of food, were observed in the area between March and December; numbers were greatest in fall. Distribution within the study area varied with season: between march and August the whales were seen in the eastern part; from August to December in the western. Herd size increased from march through October. Although several cow and calf pairs were seen, breeding activities were not, and there is no evidence that this is a breeding area.