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Can. J. Zool. 59:460-469
Migration and local movement of whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)
through Hawaiian waters
- C. Scott Baker and Louis M. Herman
Department of Zoology and Psychology , University of Hawaii, Kewalo
Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory, 1129 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu,
HI, USA, 96814
(C) 1981 National Research Council of Canada/ Conseil national
de recherche du Canada
Aerial surveys of the population of humpback whales assembled in
Hawaiian waters during the 1977, 1978, 1979 winter seasons were
carried out on a weekly to biweekly basis during the major period
of residency, from mid-January through mid-April. A progressively
later date for peak numbers was found over the 3 years. These annual
changes in migratory timing were consistent with earlier data for
humpback whales in the western North Pacific but differed from the
constant migratory timing reported for South Pacific humpback whales.
Regional data showed that each year the earliest peak influx was
at the island of Hawaii (Big Island), with regions to the northwest
showing progressively later dates for peak residency. Kauai-Niihau,
the island group furthest to the northwest, but separated from the
other islands by extensive deep water channels, seemed to follow
an independent trend. Photographic reidentification of seven whales
that moved from the Big Island or from the Maui area to regions
to the northwest provided supporting evidence for the southeast
to northeast movement pattern indicated by the aircraft data. This
pattern suggested that some whales use the prevailing clockwise
surface currents in the upper North Pacific to aid their migration
between Alaskan feeding grounds and Hawaii.
Baker, C. S., Herman, L. M. (1981). Migration and local movement
of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) through Hawaiian waters.
Canadian Journal of Zoology 59, 460-469
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