SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban, joined by their colleague Kiirsten Flynn, had a great start to their Antarctic research season onboard the M/V National Geographic Endurance. Last week the team was able to collect photo-identification and aerial photogrammetry images of a group of the elusive “pack ice killer whales” (Antarctic Type B1). These are the least abundant type of killer whales found around the Antarctic Peninsula, with recent declines in abundance that are likely due to the loss of sea ice in their habitat. The whales were observed killing a Weddell seal, their preferred prey, and some of these individuals had first been photographed during our research in 2009, providing a 13-year history for these whales. Photo-identification and aerial photogrammetry images will be integrated into SR3’s long-term monitoring data on the health and status of killer whale populations in the rapidly warming marine environment around Antarctic Peninsula. This research is supported by the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund. Stay tuned for more updates as this research continues….
(Left) Photo of a “pack ice killer whale” (Antarctic Type B1) with the M/V National Geographic Endurance in the distance. (Right) Aerial image of a pack ice killer whale swimming between sea ice in search of seals. Aerial image was collected non-invasively from > 100ft above the whales using remotely-controlled hexacopter drone. Research conducted under NMFS Permit No. 22306 and Antarctic Conservation Act Permit ACA 2017-029.