Remote Antarctic feeding ground important for east Australian humpback whales

Constantine, Rochelle; Steel, Debbie; Allen, Judith; Anderson, Megan; Andrews, Olive; Baker, C. Scott; Beeman, Peta; Burns, Daniel; Charrassin, Jean‐Benoît; Childerhouse, Simon; Double, Michael C.; Ensor, Paul; Franklin, Trish; Franklin, Wally; Gales, Nick; Garrigue, Claire; Gibbs, Nadine; Harrison, Peter Lynton; Hauser, Nan; Hutsel, Amanda; Jenner, Curt; Jenner, Micheline‐Nicole M.; Kaufman, Greg; Macie, Anne; Mattila, David K.; Olavarría, Carlos; Oosterman, Adrian; Paton, David; Poole, M. Michael; Robbins, Jooke; Schmitt, Natalie; Stevick, Peter T.; Tagarino, Alden; Thompson, K. F.; Ward, Juney

doi:10.1007/s00227-014-2401-2

Cited by 32 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…While uncertainty still surrounds the extent and inter-annual consistency of the Antarctic feeding grounds associated with both of these populations, mark-recapture data evidence led the IWC to allocate feeding areas IV and V ( Fig 1 ) to the D and E1 breeding stocks respectively. Tagging evidence corroborates the significance of area V, which include the Balleny Islands, as a summer feeding ground for the E1 population [ 9 , 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 57%

Isotopic Evidence of a Wide Spectrum of Feeding Strategies in Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whale Baleen Records

et al. 2016

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Our current understanding of Southern hemisphere humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) ecology assumes high-fidelity feeding on Antarctic krill in Antarctic waters during summer, followed by fasting during their annual migration to and from equatorial breeding grounds. An increase in the number of reported departures from this feeding/fasting model suggests that the current model may be oversimplified or, alternatively, undergoing contemporary change. Information about the feeding and fasting cycles of the two Australian breeding populations of humpback whales were obtained through stable isotope analysis of baleen plates from stranded adult individuals. Comparison of isotope profiles showed that individuals from the West Australian breeding population strongly adhered to the classical feeding model. By contrast, East Australian population individuals demonstrated greater heterogeneity in their feeding. On a spectrum from exclusive Antarctic feeding to exclusive feeding in temperate waters, three different strategies were assigned and discussed: classical feeders, supplemental feeders, and temperate zone feeders. Diversity in the inter-annual feeding strategies of humpback whales demonstrates the feeding plasticity of the species, but could also be indicative of changing dynamics within the Antarctic sea-ice ecosystem. This study presents the first investigation of trophodynamics in Southern hemisphere humpback whales derived from baleen plates, and further provides the first estimates of baleen plate elongation rates in the species.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 57%

Isotopic Evidence of a Wide Spectrum of Feeding Strategies in Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whale Baleen Records

et al. 2016

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“…Genetic monitoring using MIS can also provide valuable information on individual space use, movement patterns and dispersal. This approach has been used to monitor population expansion and individual dispersal distances in reintroduction efforts for brown bears (De Barba, Waits, Garton, et al., ), grey wolves ( Canis lupus ; Stenglein et al., ) and Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits ( Brachylagus idahoensis ; Demay, Becker, Rachlow, & Waits, ), investigate connectivity between migratory habitats in humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ; Constantine et al., ; Garrigue et al., ), to monitor roosting movements in eagles (Rudnick et al., ) and to detect natural range expansion (Carroll et al., ; Valière et al, ) using microsatellites. MIS using microsatellites has also been valuable for assessing the effectiveness of corridors (Dixon et al., ) and evaluating potential barriers (Epps et al., ; Kendall et al., ; Proctor et al., ).…”

Section: Questions and Metrics That Can Be Investigated With Mismentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic and genomic monitoring with minimally invasive sampling methods

Carroll

Bruford

DeWoody

et al. 2018

Evolutionary Applications

152

108

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The decreasing cost and increasing scope and power of emerging genomic technologies are reshaping the field of molecular ecology. However, many modern genomic approaches (e.g., RAD‐seq) require large amounts of high‐quality template DNA. This poses a problem for an active branch of conservation biology: genetic monitoring using minimally invasive sampling (MIS) methods. Without handling or even observing an animal, MIS methods (e.g., collection of hair, skin, faeces) can provide genetic information on individuals or populations. Such samples typically yield low‐quality and/or quantities of DNA, restricting the type of molecular methods that can be used. Despite this limitation, genetic monitoring using MIS is an effective tool for estimating population demographic parameters and monitoring genetic diversity in natural populations. Genetic monitoring is likely to become more important in the future as many natural populations are undergoing anthropogenically driven declines, which are unlikely to abate without intensive adaptive management efforts that often include MIS approaches. Here, we profile the expanding suite of genomic methods and platforms compatible with producing genotypes from MIS, considering factors such as development costs and error rates. We evaluate how powerful new approaches will enhance our ability to investigate questions typically answered using genetic monitoring, such as estimating abundance, genetic structure and relatedness. As the field is in a period of unusually rapid transition, we also highlight the importance of legacy data sets and recommend how to address the challenges of moving between traditional and next‐generation genetic monitoring platforms. Finally, we consider how genetic monitoring could move beyond genotypes in the future. For example, assessing microbiomes or epigenetic markers could provide a greater understanding of the relationship between individuals and their environment.

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“…Humpback whales in the eastern Australia Breeding Stock E-1 population migrate annually between subtropical breeding grounds along the north-east coast of Australia and high-latitude feeding areas in the Antarctic (e.g. Franklin et al 2012;Constantine et al 2014). During their southern migration from late-July to November, an estimated 30-50% (Bryden et al 1989;Chaloupka et al 1999) of humpback whales detour from their main migration route and travel into Hervey Bay (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution patterns of east Australian humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Hervey Bay, Queensland: a historical perspective

et al. 2020

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Tourism activities are expanding in both terrestrial and marine environments, which can have detrimental effects on the target species. Balancing the amount of disturbance a population of animals receives against the educational value of tourism requires localised research and adaptive management. This study examined the distribution of humpback whales within Hervey Bay, Queensland, using data spanning 2004–16, just before the implementation of a commercial ‘swim-with-whales’ program. Spatial and temporal patterns of humpback whale calves were of particular interest given that they are more vulnerable to human-related disturbances than other group types. We found that humpback whales displayed a distinct spatial segregation in Hervey Bay based on pod composition. Most whales displayed a residency time of two to three days, with females having a somewhat shorter residency time than males. These findings suggest that humpback whales in Hervey Bay not only display temporal segregation dependent on maturation and reproductive status, but fine-scale spatial distribution based on pod composition. Understanding habitat preference and patterns of habitat use of humpback whales in Hervey Bay is critical for effective management of the newly sanctioned swim-with-whale tourism in Hervey Bay and the sustained recovery of humpback whales in this region.

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Remote Antarctic feeding ground important for east Australian humpback whales

Abstract: International audienc

Cited by 32 publications

References 35 publications

Isotopic Evidence of a Wide Spectrum of Feeding Strategies in Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whale Baleen Records

Isotopic Evidence of a Wide Spectrum of Feeding Strategies in Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whale Baleen Records

Genetic and genomic monitoring with minimally invasive sampling methods

Distribution patterns of east Australian humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Hervey Bay, Queensland: a historical perspective

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