We are pleased to inform you of the following new publication in
Marine Ecology Progress Series.
Smith JN, Grantham HS, Gales N, Double MC, Noad MJ, Paton D (2012)
Identification of humpback whale breeding habitat in the Great
Barrier Reef. Marine Ecology Progress Series 447:259-272
Abstract: During the winter months, from June to September, humpback
whales Megaptera novaeangliae breed and calve in the waters
of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) after migrating north
from Antarctic waters. Clearly defined wintering areas for breeding
and calving comparable to those identified in other parts of the
world have not yet been identified for humpback whales in
the GBR Marine Park (GBRMP), mainly because of its large size, which
prohibits broad-scale surveys. To identify important wintering areas
in the GBRMP, we developed a predictive spatial habitat
model using the Maxent modelling method and presence-only sighting
data from non-dedicated aerial surveys. The model was further
validated using a small independent satellite tag
data set of 12 whales migrating north into the GBR. The model
identified restricted ranges in water depth (30 to 58 m, highest
probability 49 m) and sea surface temperature (21 to 23°C, highest
probability 21.8°C) and identified 2 core areas of higher
probability of whale occurrence in the GBRMP, which correspond well
with the movements of satellite tagged whales. We propose that
one of the identified core areas is a potentially important
wintering area for humpback whales and the other a migration route.
With an estimated increase in port and coastal development and
shipping
activity in the GBRMP and a rapidly increasing population of whales
recovering from whaling off the east Australian coast, the rate of
human interactions with whales is likely to increase.
Identifying important areas for breeding and calving is essential
for the future management of human interactions with breeding
humpback whales.