Position, swimming direction and group size of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the presence of a fast-ferry in the Bay of Biscay

Aniceto, Ana S., Carroll, Jolynn, Tetley, Michael J. and van Oosterhout, Cock (2016) Position, swimming direction and group size of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the presence of a fast-ferry in the Bay of Biscay. Oceanologia, 58 (3). 235–240. ISSN 0078-3234

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Abstract

We analyze group size, swimming direction and the orientation of fin whales relative to a fast ferry in the Bay of Biscay. Fin whale groups (≥3 individuals) were on average closer to the vessel than single individuals and pairs (F1,114 = 4.94, p = 0.028) and were more often observed within a high-risk angle ahead of the ferry (binomial probability: p = 7.60 × 10−11). Also, small groups tend to swim in the opposite direction (heading of 180°) of the ferry at the starboard side (binomial test: p = 6.86 × 10−5) and at the portside (binomial test: p = 0.0156). These findings provide valuable information to improve shipping management procedures in areas at high risk for collisions.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	2016 Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
Uncontrolled Keywords:	fin whales,ship strikes,behavior
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	06 May 2016 14:00
Last Modified:	16 Jul 2025 03:32
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/58591
DOI:	10.1016/j.oceano.2016.02.002

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