Humpback whale calls detected in tropical ocean basin between known Mexico and Hawaii breeding assemblies

J Acoust Soc Am. 2019 Jun;145(6):EL534. doi: 10.1121/1.5111970.

Abstract

Humpback whales migrate in winter from northern feeding grounds to geographically separate breeding assemblies in near-shore waters of Mexico and Hawaii. Currently assessed as distinct populations warranting separate management, their shared song composition and interchange of photo-identified whales question this paradigm. To investigate a potential connection an autonomous Wave Glider performed a 6965.5 km, 100-day (round trip) acoustic survey from Hawaii toward Mexico circa 20° N, from January 15 to April 25, 2018. The 2272 h of recordings included humpback whale calls to approximately midway from Hawaii to Mexico. Explanations include an undocumented migration route, offshore assembly, or mid-season travel between assemblies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acoustics
  • Animal Migration / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Breeding*
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology*
  • Hawaii
  • Humpback Whale
  • Mexico
  • Seasons*
  • Vocalization, Animal / physiology