MEPS 395:37-53 (2009) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08362
Environmental correlates of blue and fin whale call detections in the North Pacific Ocean from 1997 to 2002
Kathleen M. Stafford1,*, John J. Citta2, Sue E. Moore3, Mary Ann Daher4, Joseph E. George4
ABSTRACT: A 6 yr time series of blue whale Balaenoptera musculus and fin whale B. physalus call detections in the North Pacific Ocean was correlated with 3 oceanographic variables (sea-surface temperature, chlorophyll a concentration, and mixed layer depth), to investigate the broad-scale calling behavior of these species. Monthly values for satellite-derived oceanographic data and whale call data were compared for 4 regions (30° longitude by 15° of latitude) encompassing the whole subarctic North Pacific and an area in the temperate northeastern Pacific. To determine predictive models for whale call occurrence, generalized linear models were used to determine which, if any, oceanographic variables might influence whale calling behavior over such broad space and time scales. Sea-surface temperature was the best oceanographic variable for predicting whale call detections for both species and all regions.
KEY WORDS: Blue whale · Fin whale · North Pacific · Acoustics · Oceanography
Full text in pdf format  | Cite this article as: Stafford KM, Citta JJ, Moore SE, Daher MA, George JE
(2009) Environmental correlates of blue and fin whale call detections in the North Pacific Ocean from 1997 to 2002. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 395:37-53. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08362
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