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SC/69B/SH/12
Resource ID
22154
Access
Open
Document Number
SC/69B/SH/12
Full Title
Multi-method observations suggest recolonization of the Crozet Islands by southern right whales with links to different coastal calving grounds
Author
Els Vermeulen, Paul Tixier, Emma L. Carroll, Salvatore Cerchio, Tim Collins, Nicolas Gasco, Matthew Germishuizen, Christophe Guinet, Rob Harcourt, Ludwig Houegnigan, Amy Kennedy, Flore Samaran, Alexandre N. Zerbini, Kate Sprogis
Authors Summary
Report SC/69b/SHxx presents a compilation of data on the presence of southern right whales at the Crozet Islands. Results point towards a recolonization of the Corzet Islands by right whales since the cessation of whaling, and sugges this region should be regarded as an important contemporary mid-latitude foraging ground for the species with known connections to the South African and Australian calving grounds. The authors suggest focussed research on southern right whales in the Crozet Islands should be pursued, especially in light of the ongoing research on the effect of climate change on the population dynamics of the species (IWC-SORP Theme 6).
Publisher
IWC
Publication Year
2024
Abstract
In the past decade, notable changes have occurred in many of southern right whale populations likely linked to global climate change. This has shifted research focus from coastal calving grounds to offshore foraging grounds in the Southern Ocean under the IWC-SORP Theme 6. Based on historical whaling records, the Crozet Islands are known as a historical foraging ground, however little is know about their contemporary presence. A first compilation of data clearly shows a recolonization of the Crozet Islands by SRWs, suggesting the area should be considered as an important mid-latitude summer foraging ground for the species, with known connections to the South African and Australian calving grounds. Further work should also consider possible connections to the SRWs observed in the southwest Indian Ocean. Based on this, it is suggested that focussed research on SRWs in the Crozet Islands should be pursued.