Effects of diel and seasonal cycles on the dive duration of the minke whale ( Balaenoptera acutorostrata )
Minke whale ( Balaenoptera acutorostrata ) surfacing intervals were recorded over a period of three years in the coastal waters of Mull, Coll and the Small Isles, in the north-west of Scotland. Significant differences in surfacing intervals were noted both throughout the day and throughout the year....
Published in: | Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom |
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Main Authors: | , , , |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
2001
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0025315401003630 https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0025315401003630 |
Summary: | Minke whale ( Balaenoptera acutorostrata ) surfacing intervals were recorded over a period of three years in the coastal waters of Mull, Coll and the Small Isles, in the north-west of Scotland. Significant differences in surfacing intervals were noted both throughout the day and throughout the year. Surfacing intervals were shortest at noon and in the months of June and July. Surfacing intervals were longest both mid-morning and mid-afternoon and during May and August. Differences in surfacing intervals were interpreted to be the result of ecological changes such as different foraging strategies. Consequently, the results of this study have an impact on the methodologies and designs of minke whale sightings surveys. |
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