Multi-scale and multidisciplinary analysis of baleen whale distribution in the Western Antarctic Peninsula

A.S. Friedlaender, D. Thiele, P. Halpin and S. Moore

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LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES

“Define how spatial and temporal variability in the physical and biological environment influence cetacean species in order to determine those processes in the marine ecosystem which best predict long-term changes in cetacean distribution, abundance, stock structure, extent and timing of migrations and fitness.”

SUMMARY

Mysticete whale distributions are associated with the ice edge, bathymetric features and hydrographic fronts, strong backscatter levels

Dramatic differences in ice conditions between 2001 and 2002 provides a basis to explore effects on whale distribution and seasonal occurrence

SUMMARY (cont.)

SO-GLOBEC WAP research provides an important opportunity to integrate whales as top predators in the Antarctic Ecosystem

Continued research to integrate predator-prey occurrence across a broad range of spatial and temporal scales is key to understanding ecological variability in the Antarctic (and elsewhere)

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Depth

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Slope

Distance From Shore

2002 Ice & Humpback Whales

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Broad Scale

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Cetacean sightings vs ADCP measured current speeds, NBP0103

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Cetacean sightings vs BIOMAPER acoustic backscatter, NBP0103

Cetacean sightings vs bathymetry
NBP0103 vs NBP0202 & LMG0203

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	Mysticete whale distributions are associated with the ice edge, bathymetric features and hydrographic fronts, strong backscatter levels

	Dramatic differences in ice conditions between 2001 and 2002 provides a basis to explore effects on whale distribution and seasonal occurrence


	SO-GLOBEC WAP research provides an important opportunity to integrate whales as top predators in the Antarctic Ecosystem

	Continued research to integrate predator-prey occurrence across a broad range of spatial and temporal scales is key to understanding ecological variability in the Antarctic (and elsewhere)