The use of drones allows the research team to measure and asses the whales’ body size and health, and see them from a unique perspective.
The white baby calf frolicking off WA’s south west coast.
Down at water level, researchers are attaching sensors to the whales with suction cups, allowing them to assess fine-scale movements, acoustic communications, ambient noise, calf suckling rates and body condition.
Murdoch’s Professor Lars Bejder said the team wants to better understand the behaviours of whales in their breeding and calving grounds, and how humans may influence their behaviour.
“Little is known about the three dimensional movements and habitat-use of southern right whales in their breeding and calving grounds in Australia – many of which are slated for development activity, including associated increases in shipping, marine tourism and recreational activity. Our aim is not only to study the behavioural ecology of these amazing animals, but also to provide information to industry and management towards conservation,” said Professor Bejder.
The suction cups researchers use to tag the whales with.
“We need to know more about the ambient ocean noise in these regions and the extent to which southern right whales will be exposed to increased noise from human activity.”
