Aerial survey of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) to estimate abundance in the breeding ground, Brazil: Preliminary results
Year
2002
Document Number
SC/54/H5
Issue
Series title
Document presented to the 54th meeting of the International Whaling Commission
Pages
1-10
Keywords
aerial survey, Brazil, Breeding grounds, density, distribution, humpback whales, population estimates, whaling
Abstract
Line transect methods employed during aerial surveys of the Brazilian coast between Bahia Sate and Espirito Santo State yielded a population estimate of 2291 (CV = 45.99). Distribution was patchy, with highest densities in the Abrolhos Bank. Few calves were observed, but this was considered an artifact of the observation technique rather than actual distribution. This data will be used to identify new areas for whale-watching and establish new protected areas.
