BEHAVIORAL-RESPONSES OF EAST AUSTRALIAN HUMPBACK WHALES MEGAPTERA-NOVAEANGLIAE TO BIOPSY SAMPLING

The response of migrating humpback whales to biopsy sampling was inves tigated off North Stradbroke Island, South East Queensland. Whales wer e allocated a behavioral category prior to biopsy sampling according t o the general behavior of their pod. Behavioral reactions were recorde d after each attempt. Sex was determined using a molecular genetic tec hnique. Detectable reactions occurred in 41.6% of successful biopsy at tempts, a significantly lower response rate than that reported by two studies carried out on the feeding and breeding grounds of the North A tlantic. There was no difference in the response rate of whales on the ir northward or southward migration. Pod size was not an important fac tor in predicting the response of an individual. Females responded to biopsy sampling at a significantly higher rate than males. Our results indicate that a substantial difference in response rate can occur bet ween studies. Factors such as the type of boat used and the prior expo sure of whales to human impact may be of importance. Our study suggest s that female humpback whales may be particularly responsive to human disturbances. Overall, however, biopsy sampling has minimal impact on humpback whales.