A note on observations of southern right whales at Campbell Island, New Zealand

Southern right whales were observed at Campbell Island, New Zealand's sub-Antarctic region, over four field seasons (1983, 1994, 1995, and 1997), revealing a shift in their residence patterns from the early 1980s to the 1990s. The study noted that whales were present year-round during certain periods, with peak sightings reaching up to 44 individuals in a single day in July 1995. Individual whales were resighted over extended periods, ranging from days to months, indicating site fidelity. Additionally, the research documented interchange between Campbell Island and the Auckland Islands, with a recent trend of decreasing numbers at Campbell Island and increasing sightings at the latter. This study provides critical insights into the movement and population dynamics of southern right whales in this UNESCO-listed sub-Antarctic ecosystem.

Stewart, R., & Todd, B. (2020). A note on observations of southern right whales at Campbell Island, New Zealand. J. Cetacean Res. Manage., 117–120. https://doi.org/10.47536/jcrm.vi.292