The first field leg of the project took place in Abrolhos Marine National Park, Brazil from 20 September to 17 October 2023, recording the body condition of humpback whales at the end of their breeding season before they migrate south towards their feeding grounds in South Georgia and the Scotia Arc.
During this field project, a total of 121 drone flights were carried out, and more than 200 aerial photographs were taken of individual humpback whales. In addition, 34 skin and blubber biopsy samples were collected to determine the sex and pregnancy status of some of the measured whales. The whales encountered included mothers with calves, sometimes accompanied by an escorting male, singing males, and competitive groups. The whales are now migrating towards their feeding grounds around South Georgia, where they will build up fat reserves for the next winter breeding season. Read the report here.
