Population Structure and Management of the Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

This project consists of a large-scale genetic study of the Western Australian Humpback (Antarctic Area Group IV). The primary aim of this study is to determine whether humpback whales in Western Australia (Antarctic Area Group IV) comprise distinct genetic subgroups and therefore unique conservation units.

The purpose of Muriel's research is to find out as much as possible about the humpback whale in WA in order to manage and protect this very valuable stock by determining which subgroups may be susceptible to impact by human activities.

本项目针对西澳大利亚座头鲸（Western Australian Humpback，Antarctic Area Group IV）开展大规模遗传学研究。本研究的核心目标为明确该区域的座头鲸是否存在独立的遗传亚群，进而判定其是否为独特的保护单元。

穆里尔（Muriel）的研究旨在尽可能全面地了解西澳大利亚（Western Australia，简称WA）的座头鲸种群，通过明确哪些亚群易受人类活动影响，从而实现对这一极具保育价值的种群的科学管理与保护。