Dear everyone,
On behalf of my co-authors, I’m pleased to announce our article published today in Royal Society Open Science, entitled “Seasonal and diel cycles of fin whale acoustic occurrence near Elephant
Island, Antarctica”
Abstract: This study investigates the relevance of the Elephant Island (EI) region for Southern Hemisphere fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in their
annual life cycle. We collected 3 years of passive acoustic recordings (January 2013 to February 2016) northwest of EI to calculate time series of fin whale acoustic indices, daily acoustic occurrence, spectrograms, as well as the abundance of their 20-Hz
pulses. Acoustic backscatter strength, sea ice concentration and chlorophyll-a composites provided concurrent environmental information for graphic comparisons. Acoustic interannual, seasonal and diel patterns together with visual information and literature
resources were used to define the period of occupancy and to infer potential drivers for their behaviour. Spectral results suggest that these fin whales migrate annually to and from offshore central Chile. Acoustic data and visual information reveal their
arrival at EI in December to feed without producing their typical 20-Hz pulse. For all 3 years, acoustic activity commences in February, peaks in May and decreases in August, in phase with the onset of their breeding season. Our results emphasize the importance
of EI for fin whales throughout most of the year. Our recommendation is to consider EI for establishing a marine protected area to expedite the recovery of this vulnerable species.
Link:
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.201142
Best wishes
Elke
Elke Burkhardt
Ocean Acoustics Lab
Alfred-Wegener-Institut
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar und Meeresforschung
Klußmannstraße 3d
D – 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 471.4831 – 1861
Fax: +49 (0) 471.4831 – 1797