Collecting baleen whale blow samples by drone:a minimally intrusive tool for conservation genetics

• Published in: Molecular Ecology Resources
• Main Authors: O'Mahony, Éadin, Sremba, Angela, Keen, Eric, Robinson, Nicole, Dundas, Archie, Steele, Debbie, Wray, Janie, Baker, C. Scott, Gaggiotti, Oscar Eduardo
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2024
• Subjects: Conservation genetics; Drones; Unoccupied aerial systems; Baleen whales; Respiratory blow; Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae); Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus); British Columbia; Canada; Balaenoptera physalus; baleen whale; baleen whales; Megaptera novaeangliae
• Online Access: https://research-portal.st-andrews.ac.uk/en/publications/969c1ff2-392c-4a2e-81bb-1948a81e6467; https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-0998.13957; https://research-repository.st-andrews.ac.uk/bitstream/10023/29615/1/O_Mahony_2024_MER_Collecting-baleen-whale_CC.pdf

In coastal British Columbia, Canada, marine megafauna such as humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) and fin whales ( Balaenoptera physalus velifera ) have been subject to a history of exploitation and near extirpation. While their populations have been in recovery, significant threats are posed...