Trends in relative distribution, abundance and population composition of humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, in Kawaihae Bay, Hawaii 1988-2003
Gabriele CM, Rickards SH, Yin SE, Frankel AS. 2003. Trends in relative distribution, abundance and population composition of humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, in Kawaihae Bay, Hawaii 1988-2003. Hawaii Marine Mammal Consortium. Kamuela, HI
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary encompasses approximately 1,400 square miles of marine waters, comprised of five separate areas abutting six of the major islands of the State of Hawaii. Off the island of Hawaii, Sanctuary waters cover approximately 150 square miles along the northwest coast from Keahole Point to Upolu Point. The waters of Kawaihae Bay are within the Sanctuary. The retrospective analysis of shore-based scan sampling presented here is intended to describe the relative abundance, distribution and population composition of humpback whales in Kawaihae Bay, and identify any trends between 1988 and contemporary data collected using comparable methods in 2001-2003. Sightings of other cetaceans that use the area (Shallenberger 1981, Mobley et al. 2000) such as spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) are also reported. Comparison of current findings with archival scan data allows an assessment of potential long-term changes in: age/sex class composition, pod sizes, relative distribution and abundance of whales and vessel traffic in the area. Continuation of scan sampling at the Kawaihae Bay shore station and periodic vessel-based surveys of the entire coastline contribute to a better understanding of humpback whales and their habitat in Sanctuary waters.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Gabriele, Christine; Rickards, Susan; Yin, Suzanne; Frankel, Adam
- Date of Issue
- 2003-08
- Publisher
- Hawaii Marine Mammal Consortium
- Units
- ALKA , PACN , PUHE
- Keywords
- Abundance (Biodiversity), Big Island, Distribution (Biodiversity), frequency of occurrence, Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Kawaihae Bay Hawaii, Marine Mammals, Observations, Old Ruins, Population Size, Presence (Biodiversity), scan sampling