IMIS

In this study, satellite tagging and its effects are being examined among Gulf of Maine humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). This is among the best studied humpback whale populations. Its strong fidelity to particular feeding sites, long feeding ground residency and strong overlap with observer effort that are expected to result in repeated sightings of tagged animals, and a maximized resighting potential in future years. The project will also produce new information on humpback whale movement and habitat use in relation to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

The project is being undertaken by multi-institutional team with expertise in whale behavior, ecology, anatomy, physiology, telemetry and wound healing processes. It includes collaborators from the following institutions:

• Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) http://www.antarctica.gov.au/science
• Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) . http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/
• The Marine Mammal Center (MMC) .http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/
• National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML)http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/

Research is being performed under NOAA scientific permit #14245.

Primary research funding comes from NOAA and Exxon through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. This is a project of the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP).

Only data aggregated per 1-degree cell are available through OBIS. For access to additional data, the provider needs to be contacted.