Cetaceans in the Southern Indian Ocean 2004

Pallipuram Jayasankar

doi:10.15468/sytrgg

Cetaceans in the Southern Indian Ocean 2004

Citation

Jayasankar, P. 2008. Cetaceans in the Southern Indian Ocean 2004. Data downloaded from OBIS-SEAMAP (http://seamap.env.duke.edu/dataset/468) on yyyy-mm-dd. https://doi.org/10.15468/sytrgg accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-11-03.

Description

Original provider: Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute Dataset credits: Dr. Pallipuram Jayasankar, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute Abstract: A multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional pilot expedition was organized by the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) to the ice-free areas of the Western Indian Ocean sector of the Southern Ocean onboard ORV Sagar Kanya during the austral summer of 2004 (January-March). This survey, conducted by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), is the first Indian attempt to survey for cetacean diversity in the Southern Ocean. The ultimate objective is to determine distribution, relative abundance, migration patterns and critical habitat parameters. 68% of a total of 13 sightings (22 individuals) were positively identified and species observed included Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis), fin whales (B. physalus), sei whales (B. borealis) and blue whales (B. musculus). The blue whales were not identified to the sub-species level. The highest concentration of cetaceans was between 35° and 37°S (along 45°E) and between 48° and 53°S (along 45°E). Relatively small numbers of cetaceans were observed during the present cruise, possibly because most of the cetacean sighting effort was made during inclement sea conditions. Results on the sighting characteristics and occurrence patterns of the cetaceans in relation to the region and hydrographical parameters are discussed briefly vis a vis published information from the Southern Ocean. Purpose: To get a first hand information on the occurrence of cetaceans in the Southern Ocean as a part of first Indian attempt. Supplemental information: Two sightings on Feb 15, 2004 were sighted together.

Purpose

To get a first hand information on the occurrence of cetaceans in the Southern Ocean as a part of first Indian attempt.

Sampling Description

Study Extent

NA

Sampling

NA

Method steps

NA

Additional info

marine, harvested by iOBIS

Taxonomic Coverages

Scientific names are based on the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS).

Balaenoptera bonaerensis
common name: Antarctic Minke Whale rank: species
Balaenoptera borealis
common name: Sei Whale rank: species
Balaenoptera musculus
common name: Blue Whale rank: species
Balaenoptera physalus
common name: Fin Whale rank: species
Balaenoptera
common name: baleen whales rank: genus
Delphinidae
common name: dolphins rank: family

Geographic Coverages

SOUTHERN OCEAN; SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

Bibliographic Citations

Contacts

Pallipuram Jayasankar
originator
position: Primary contact
Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture
email: jayasankarp@vsnl.com

OBIS-SEAMAP
metadata author
Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab, Duke University
A328 LSRC building
Durham
27708
NC
US
email: seamap-contact@duke.edu
homepage: http://seamap.env.duke.edu

OBIS-SEAMAP
distributor
Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab, Duke University
A328 LSRC building
Durham
27708
NC
US
email: seamap-contact@duke.edu
homepage: http://seamap.env.duke.edu

Pallipuram Jayasankar
owner
position: Primary contact
Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture
email: jayasankarp@vsnl.com

Pallipuram Jayasankar
administrative point of contact
position: Primary contact
Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture
email: jayasankarp@vsnl.com