Abundance of humpback whales in Hawaiian waters: results of 1993-2000 aerial surveys
Mobley J, Spitz S, Grotefendt R, Marine Mammal Research Consultants. 2001. Abundance of humpback whales in Hawaiian waters: results of 1993-2000 aerial surveys. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Hawaii
This report summarizes the results of aerial surveys of humpback whales conducted throughout the major Hawaiian Islands during the 1993, 1995, 1998 and 2000 winter seasons during their period of peak abundance (late Feb – early Apr). Identical methods were used throughout the series consistent with accepted distance sampling theory, thus permitting estimation of abundance and accurate assessment of trends across years. Densities were calculated using DISTANCE (vers. 3.5) stratified by both depth category (0-99, 100-1000, >1000 fathoms) and year. The bulk of available evidence summarized here suggests that the Hawaiian wintering population, which represents the majority of the humpbacks in the North Pacific (Calambokidis, 1997; Baker et al. 1986), is increasing. If this increasing trend is stable, their continued status as endangered species will eventually require reassessment. Continued monitoring of their population and distribution trends is recommended.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Mobley, Joseph; Spitz, Scott; Grotefendt, Richard; Marine Mammal Research Consultants
- Date of Issue
- 2001-09
- Publisher
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Units
- ALKA , HALE , HAVO , KAHO , PACN , PUHE , PUHO , VALR
- Keywords
- Abundance (Biodiversity), Aerial Survey, Animal Studies, Cetaceans, Distribution (Biodiversity), Hawaii, Humpback Whale, Marine Mammals, Observations, Presence (Biodiversity)