RIGHT WHALE PROGRAM

The right whale is the most endangered of all great whales. Institute researchers, led by Dr Payne, have studied the world's largest population of right whales (2,000 individuals) on their Argentine calving grounds for the past 32 years. This program is the longest continuous study of any baleen whale species based on known individuals.

Certain areas, however, still remain unexplained. One of these is habitat requirements. For example, it is not precisely understood why southern right whales abandon familiar regions and establish new nursery areas.

Aspects of social structure are also not fully understood. Institute researchers have revealed that female right whales produce calves less frequently than other baleen whales - usually only once every three years. It is suspected that this may in part explain the slow recovery of this species despite more than fifty years of protection.

One current objective is to complete a technical book on right whales based on the first twenty years of study at Peninsula Valdes. OA has two other broad research objectives with right whales:

1 - Continue aerial surveys

Long-term aerial survey data has provided baseline information on changes in distribution and reproductive patterns. Each new year of continuing data develops a more complete picture.

In 1997/98, Institute researchers will increase the number of aerial surveys per year from one to three in order to gain a more complete picture of the population. This is important as social bonds and residency within calving areas change over the course of each winter season.

This program is supported in part by grants from the National Geographic Society and the Turner Foundation. OA gratefully acknowledges Aerolineas Argentinas as a major travel sponsor of the Right Whale Program.

2 - Document gull harassment at Peninsula Valdes, Argentina.

Gulls are terrifying the right whales at Peninsula Valdes by diving onto the whales' backs and feeding on skin they pry loose. In one region, as much as 35% of a whale's day is spent fleeing gull attacks. The whales respond by increasing swimming speeds, and making postural changes which allow them to keep their backs submerged. They are fasting during the months they are at the Peninsula. It is feared the gulls might drive the whales from optimal nursery areas, and may affect calf survival by affecting the mother's milk supply.

By documenting the problem of gull harassment, OA will be able to provide management authorities at the Peninsula with evidence allowing them to intervene on the whales' behalf. OA researchers have written a paper about this problem, published in the January 1998 issue of Marine Mammal Science.