Habitat Preferences of North Atlantic Right Whales

The distribution of North Atlantic right whales from foraging grounds in the Gulf of Maine to calving grounds off Florida and Georgia is well documented. What is less well understood is the specific habitat characteristics sought out by the whales for foraging and calving. The aim of this project is to explore the relationship between whale distribution and physical oceanographic conditions to assess which habitat characteristics the whales prefer and whether whale distribution can be predicted by environmental conditions. Using a suite of remotely sensed oceanographic features and bathymetry data we are constructing a spatio-temporal model of right whale habitat characteristics and ultimately seeking to predict where the whales are likely to show up.

Additionally, two species of endangered whales, the humpback whale and the North Atlantic right whale, frequently interact with fishing gear in the Gulf of Maine. Some gear interactions prove harmful or fatal to the whales but little is known about where these events occur since whales can travel hundreds of miles while entangled in gear.Our goal is to spatially assess the seasonal distribution of whales with the distribution of lobster gear to identify areas which may be “hotspots” for entanglement events. Using whale sightings data from aerial surveys and spatially explicit information on lobster gear we can identify areas where entanglements may be more likely to occur.

Supported by the North Atlantic Right Whale Research Grant Program

For additional information contact: Caroline Good (cpg2@duke.edu)