Background:
Humpback whales are known for their long migrations between tropical breeding grounds and colder feeding areas, including UK and Irish waters. While their populations have recovered globally due to international protection measures, little is known about the specific populations and behaviors of humpbacks in the UK and Ireland. Recently, reported sightings have increased across this region, sparking interest in whether these whales are part of a growing local population or just passing through.
However, long-term accessible datasets that focus on sightings across both the UK and Ireland are not readily available. This project seeks to address this gap by using citizen science to compile and analyse sightings, providing crucial insights into the whales' distribution, feeding habitats, and migratory patterns. By involving local communities, the project aims to contribute to marine conservation efforts and inform future research and policy decisions to protect these marine mammals.
Mission:
The mission of this project is to compile and analyze reported sightings of humpback whales in UK waters, piecing together data to create a clearer understanding of their population distribution, behavior, and seasonal movements.
Data Impact:
By encouraging public participation, the project aims to gather crucial scientific data and raise awareness about the importance of marine ecosystems and the conservation of humpback whales. Researchers from the University of Exeter aim to use generalized sighting data to estimate the number and demographic structure of humpbacks visiting UK and Irish waters. They aim to map humpbacks' seasonal and geographical distribution to identify key trends, such as significant feeding/breeding grounds, migrations, and long-term changes in localized occurrence. This will help us better understand these magnificent creatures and support efforts to protect them in our waters.
How to Participate:
Please email Director of International Relations Gill Rodrigues at [email protected] or UK Program Assistant Vicky Neild at [email protected] to participate.
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