Local and migratory movements of Hawaiian humpback whales tracked by satellite telemetry
We examined inter-island movements and offshore migrations of six humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) tagged during March and April 1995 with satellite-monitored radio tags off Kaua´i, Hawai´i. The tags transmitted 0.5-17 days ( x bar = 8.5 ± 2.7 days) and produced 1-66 locations that met our s...
Published in: | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
---|---|
Main Authors: | , , |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Canadian Science Publishing
1998
|
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z98-008 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z98-008 |
Summary: | We examined inter-island movements and offshore migrations of six humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) tagged during March and April 1995 with satellite-monitored radio tags off Kaua´i, Hawai´i. The tags transmitted 0.5-17 days ( x bar = 8.5 ± 2.7 days) and produced 1-66 locations that met our screening criteria. Total travel distances per individual ranged from 30 to 1860 km. After screening criteria were applied, satellite-acquired locations ranged from 1.8 to 3.9/day for individuals (group average 2.7/day). One adult traveled 250 km to O´ahu in 4 days. Another visited Penguin Bank and five islands (820 km) in 10 days, suggesting faster inter-island movement than had been previously thought. Three whales traveled independent, parallel courses toward the upper Gulf of Alaska on north-northeast headings. A female with a calf was the fastest: 670 km in 4.5 days (150 km/day). Two whales traveled for 14.7 and 17 days, an average speed of 110 km/day (4.5 km/h). A 4200-km migration to the upper Gulf of Alaska at that speed would take 39 days. If the fastest whale's speed was maintained on a straight course, the entire migration could be accomplished in as little time as 28 days. Based on the two longest tracks, the first third of the migration route is within 1° of magnetic north. These data represent the first route and travel speeds for humpbacks migrating from Hawai´i toward Alaska. |
---|