Overview
An international research collaboration has documented humpback whales undertaking an extensive open ocean crossing. This migratory event involves travel between breeding grounds located in eastern Australia and those in Brazil.
Research Context
The documented journey spans more than 14,000 kilometers. This observation establishes new records concerning the greatest distances previously confirmed between sightings of individual humpback whales anywhere worldwide.
Approach
The research involved the use of fluke photos. These photographic records were instrumental in confirming the movements of individual humpback whales across this significant distance.
Findings
- Individual humpback whales were documented traveling between eastern Australian breeding grounds and Brazilian breeding grounds.
- The distance covered in this journey exceeded 14,000 kilometers of open ocean.
- These confirmed sightings represent the longest distances recorded between individual humpback whales globally.