Aerial images of a social group of humpback whales (left) and a solitary Antarctic minke whale (right). Aerial images were collected non-invasively from > 100ft above the whales using remotely-controlled hexacopter drone. Research conducted under NMFS Permit # 22306 and Antarctic Conservation Act Permit ACA 20220-010.
The SR3 team recently completed a successful research season in the Antarctic Peninsula onboard the M/V National Geographic Explorer. This research extends a long-term study to assess the health and population status of top predators (killer whales) and health of top consumers (humpback and minke whales) in the rapidly-warming waters around the Antarctic Peninsula. The team was able to collect aerial photogrammetry and photo-identification images of 10 individual Type A killer whales, including a predation event on an adult male elephant seal. In addition to elephant seals, Type A killer whales are also known to prey on Antarctic minke whales. Many of these individuals were last seen in 2015, so this sighting provides important information for monitoring the survival and long-term trends in population status of this ecotype. Several new calves were documented and most individuals were observed to be in robust body condition- both good indicators that they have access to an adequate supply of prey. The team was also able to collect photo-identification images of two small groups of Type B1 and B2 killer whales and aerial photogrammetry images of 26 humpback whales, 10 Antarctic minke whales, and one Antarctic blue whale. Aerial images will be measured to estimate size, monitor growth and assess body condition of individual whales, while photo-identification images will be used to estimate and monitor trends in population abundance over time. A new addition to the project this year was the collection of humpback whale feces to describe gut microbiome. The team was able to collect and successfully extract and sequence DNA from two samples using remote sequencing technology. This research is funded by the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund (LEX-NG Fund).
Aerial images of Type A killer whales during a predation event on an adult male elephant seal in the nearshore waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. Images show the attack on the elephant seal (left and top right) and whales carrying pieces of seal blubber post-kill (bottom right). Aerial images were collected non-invasively from > 100ft above the whales using remotely-controlled hexacopter drone. Research conducted under NMFS Permit # 22306 and Antarctic Conservation Act Permit ACA 20220-010.