Abstract:
Southern Hemisphere humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were heavily
targeted during modern commercial whaling operations, with some 216,000
individuals killed between 1903 and 1973. That impacted the abundance of all the
seven breeding stocks of the species. Most of these stocks have been recovering
from whaling pressure although the understanding of the current growth rates of
some stocks, and how the rates compare across stocks are lacking. Updated
information is fundamental for understanding the species’ current status, and to
support the review of management plans promoting its protection and recovery,
especially considering current changes in ocean environments due to climate
change. This work offers a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on
Southern Hemisphere humpback whales breeding stocks’ status. The aim is to
provide information on their post-whaling growth trends and changes in
distribution and migration patterns. Within that, records of supplementary
feeding records (i.e. feeding beyond their formally described feeding grounds)
are described. We have also identified knowledge gaps and note that the
establishment of research collaborations, as well as standard methodologies
for data collection can be important steps for the acquisition of better
comparable data sets for the analysis of the current status of humpback
whales and to fill such gaps. The compiled information provided can be used
as part of an In-Depth Assessment of the species by the International
Whaling Commission.
