Standard Presentation (15 mins) Australian Marine Sciences Association 2022

Assessing the significance of Jervis Bay for humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) mother-calf groups during their southern migration (#405)

Alex Jones 1 , Eleanor Bruce 1 , Doug Cato 1
  1. University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia

During the humpback whale southern migration, females and their newly born calves are thought to rest in sheltered coastal waters for protection from rough seas, predators, conspecifics and to conserve energy. This resting behaviour has been well documented in Hervey Bay, QLD, and over the last decade there has been an observed increase of mother-calf groups in Jervis Bay, NSW, indicating this area may be an important resting area for these groups. In this study we investigated the composition, residency time and behaviour of humpback whale groups within Jervis Bay. Dedicated land surveys, photo-identification methods and UAV surveys were conducted during the peak southern migration (late September – early November) in 2018, 2019, and 2021. We found that mother-calf groups were the predominant group type within the Bay and displayed clear resting behaviour. These groups also travelled further into the Bay and had longer residency times than groups without a calf. Our results indicate that Jervis Bay is an important resting site for humpback whale mother-calf  groups. As a multiple use marine park, providing for recreational, commercial, and naval activities, there is a clear need to manage anthropogenic impacts in the area.