Monitoring population dynamics of Western right whales - Progress report on activities for 2016
Abstract:

To continue an annual series of aerial surveys off the southern Australian coast between Cape Leeuwin WA and Ceduna SA since 1993, an aerial survey was undertaken over three days, 24-29 August 2016. Because of bad weather, and for the first time in the annual series since 1993, only ‘outward’ flying legs were possible. For comparison with previous results, counts were obtained of 628 individuals including 228 calves of the year. From 4305 photographic images obtained, 323 have been selected for computer-assisted ‘matching’ with those (some 7000 images of over 2000 individuals) already available in the catalogue, and 197 data sightings sheets have been added to the sightings database, currently totalling 3741 sightings sheets.

Full details, including trend analysis since 1993, current population size, and distribution information, will be included in the Final Report due on 30 March 2017.

 

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