Land-based surveys: Theodolite tracking of humpback whales

Real time theodolite tracking techniques are used to accurately measure the position of all visible whale pods during daylight hours. A number of observations are taken to each pod so that information such as the location, speed and course of each pod is plotted. Other data such as number of whales in the pod and their behaviour is also noted.

Special software (Cyclopes) has been developed over the past several years during the course of the project to simplify and automate the theodolite tracking techniques so that large samples of data can be collected.

Cyclopes has been developed by Dr Eric Kniest from the University of Newcastle, who supervises two or three students from the university each year to use their surveying expertise to help out with the project.

Photo identification

Photo identification of humpback whale tail flukes and dorsal fins is a methodology used throughout the world to individually identify whales.

During the Cape Byron project photographs of tail flukes are taken aboard the research vessel by one of the project coordinators. These photos are used to trace movements of individual whales past Cape Byron each year and in conjunction with researchers in other areas of the Southern Hemisphere, can be compared with other photo-ID catalogues to assess movements of individual whales over a wider area.

Behavioural observations

Behavioural observations are made during all of the research activities listed above. While tracking whales from the land, information regarding interactions between different pods of whales can be observed. In addition, interactions of whales with human activities such as watercraft (tankers, small boats, the research vessel, etc.) are also recorded. Changes in behaviour associated with these interactions provide important information to assist with the establishment of whale watching guidelines.

Sloughed skin collection

When humpback whales are surface-active (tail slap, pectoral fin slap, or breach) they dislodge small pieces of skin, which can be used for genetic analysis. When a whale is observed to be surface active during the Cape Byron project, volunteers aboard the research vessel collect these skin fragments from the water column using a net.

Sloughed skin samples are then taken to the Centre for Animal Conservation Genetics at Southern Cross University for analysis by Megan Anderson. Each skin sample is sexed and individually identified using microsatellite genotyping. From this information inferences can be made about familial and social relationships of the whales, while also provides information on the migratory movements of individual whales through time and space.

These samples are used in conjunction with samples collected by The Oceania Project* at Hervey Bay, south east Queensland, and during the Ballina Whale Research Project, to determine life histories, movements and interchange rates of east Australian humpback whales.

Updated: 10 January 2011