*We are searching for contributions of all readily available information on southern right whale offshore sightings south of 40°S over the period 1980 – 2020*. Data requested would ideally include the following: - Date - Coordinates (Latitude/Longitude) - Number of southern right whales observed - Evidence available (photo, video, acoustics, trained observer, …) - Behaviour (if known and confirmed) A key part of IWC-SORP research Theme 6 <http://www.marinemammals.gov.au/sorp/the-right-sentinel-for-climate-change> is the identification of southern right whale foraging grounds. However, contemporary data on feeding ground location are sparse and consequently the identification of areas of importance to the species is difficult. Therefore, the project-leaders are pursuing a comprehensive desktop study to collate all available (published and unpublished, dedicated or opportunistic) data regarding southern right whale offshore sightings South of 40°S. Such information will be essential to further develop foraging ground habitat models and select appropriate environmental variables, to evaluate effects of climatic changes on the species’ foraging success and ultimately reproductive success. IP rights of all contributed data will remain with the data owner. During this initial phase the metadata will only be tabulated. Further data analyses and processing will not occur without the written consent of the respective data owners. The final table of collated data will be made publicly available on the IWC website, unless specifically requested otherwise by the data owner. If required, data sharing agreements can be put in place on a case-by-case basis. To contribute data or for more information, please contact Els Vermeulen ( els.vermeulen@up.ac.za) and Emma Carroll (e.carroll@auckland.ac.nz). ------ Dr Els Vermeulen - Research Manager Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Pretoria, South Africa Office: Shop 11 Astoria Village, Main Road, Hermanus 7200 Cell: +27 (0)60 9714301 www.mammalresearchinstitute.science/whale-unit www.adoptawhale.co.za -- This message and attachments are subject to a disclaimer. Please refer to http://upnet.up.ac.za/services/it/documentation/docs/004167.pdf <http://upnet.up.ac.za/services/it/documentation/docs/004167.pdf> for full details.