A note on the distribution and abundance of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the Central and Northeast North Atlantic

Authors

  • Daniel G Pike 1210 Ski Club Road, North Bay, ON, P1B 8E5 Canada
  • Gísli A Víkingsson Marine Research Institute, P.O. Box 1390, IS-121 Reykjavik, Iceland
  • Thorvaldur Gunnlaugsson Marine Research Institute, P.O. Box 1390, IS-121 Reykjavik, Iceland
  • Nils Øien Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7557/3.2703

Keywords:

Balaenoptera musculus, blue whales, abundance, distribution, surveys

Abstract

The distribution and abundance of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) was assessed from ship surveys conducted in the Central and Northeast Atlantic in 1987, 1989, 1995 and 2001. Blue whales were most commonly sighted off western Iceland, and to a lesser extent northeast of Iceland. They were very rare or absent in the Northeast Atlantic. Sightings were combined over all surveys to estimate the detection function using standard line transect methodology, with the addition of a covariate to account for differences between surveys. Total abundance was highest in 1995 (979, 95% CI 137-2,542) and lowest in 1987 (222, 95% CI 115-440). Uncertainty in species identity had little effect on estimates of abundance. There was a significant positive trend in abundance northeast of Iceland and in the total survey area.

Author Biography

Gísli A Víkingsson, Marine Research Institute, P.O. Box 1390, IS-121 Reykjavik, Iceland

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Published

2009-09-01

How to Cite

Pike, D. G., Víkingsson, G. A., Gunnlaugsson, T., & Øien, N. (2009). A note on the distribution and abundance of blue whales (<i>Balaenoptera musculus</i>) in the Central and Northeast North Atlantic. NAMMCO Scientific Publications, 7, 19–29. https://doi.org/10.7557/3.2703

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