Collection of baseline data on humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) health and causes of mortality for long-term monitoring in Western Australia

Holyoake, C., Stephens, N. and Coughran, D. (2012) Collection of baseline data on humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) health and causes of mortality for long-term monitoring in Western Australia. Murdoch University.

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Abstract

Since 2008 an unprecedented number of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have stranded in Western Australia (WA). Between 1989 and 2007 the mean number of humpback whales ashore was between 2 and 3 animals (range: 0-5). In 2008 there were 13 strandings followed by 46 in 2009 and 16 in 2010. The aim of this project was to initiate the collection of data by post-mortem examination of stranded whales in 2011 in order to: 1) identify and characterise factors associated with strandings; and 2) determine baseline and epidemiological information on disease and the nutritional status of stranded whales.