In this study, we used photo-identification data over a 23 year period to reassess the number and membership of social clusters for false killer whales.
The Passive Acoustic Ecology Program conducts a variety of research projects that use passive acoustics to assess populations and improve our understanding of cetaceans in the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. waters of the Western Atlantic.
In the Hawaiian Archipelago, three genetically distinct false killer whale populations coexist. Researchers investigated whether their whistles could be used to identify populations in acoustic recordings when genetic or photographic-identification data are unavailable.
This collaboration between NOAA, non-profit, and citizen scientists, provides the first reliable abundance estimates of endangered main Hawaiian Islands false killer whales for management.
Every week during the HICEAS research mission, our scientists answered one question from students and the public. Thanks to all everyone who submitted questions!
