Dear all,

I am looking for information on the effects of helicopters on large baleen whales; specifically, on blue whales in a feeding area. The only relevant reference I can find so far is Patenaude et. al. (2002) AIRCRAFT SOUND AND DISTURBANCE TO BOWHEAD AND BELUGA WHALES DURING SPRING MIGRATION IN THE ALASKAN BEAUFORT SEA. Marine Mammal Science 18(2): 309–335.

Helicopters are banned from whale watching in Tonga: are there any other jurisdictions which ban the use of helicopters for whale watching? If so, is there any supporting data?

Any relevant references or reports of experience with helicopters and large rorquals would be welcome.

Cheers, Peter

Dr Peter Gill

Blue Whale Study

Australocetus Research

Australia

petegill@bigpond.com