Abstract:
Extensive seasonal migrations by humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have been well documented for decades. Unlike other more oceanic whales with complex seasonal patterns, such as blue (Balaenoptera musculus), sei (B. borealis), and even Bryde's (B. edeni) whales the presence of humpback whales in destination areas in high and low latitudes are predominantly regular and predictable. Based on their breeding areas, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) recognizes seven different stocks of humpback whales in the Southern Hemisphere, assigned as Breeding Stocks A to G. Genetic studies largely support this separation, although a certain level of gene flow between the different stocks exists. Although long-term migratory fidelity between breeding and feeding sites is well known in humpback whales, some individuals deviate from this pattern. This has been related to large-scale ocean-atmospheric events, changes in prey distribution, and probably other lesser-known ecological processes driven by climate change. Here, a new case of the interoceanic movement of a humpback whale recorded during the breeding season in two different ocean basins is presented.