DV-04-012 Comparative Study on the Underwater Maneuverability of Gray and Humpback Whales: Using Electronic Tags to Understand Whale Behavior and Ecology

November 8, 2018

John Riley
Dept. of Biological and Chemical Engineering
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
207.581.2715
riley@apollo.umenfa.maine.edu

Mick Peterson
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
207.581.2129
mpeterson@umeme.maine.edu

Commercial fisheries, maritime shipping, and whale watching are all economically important to Maine. However, they also can negatively impact whales, which can collide with ships and become entangled in fishing gear. Researchers will use multi-sensor, data logging tags to collect detailed dive profiles and underwater performance data on gray and humpback whales. A better understanding of whale behavior could provide the foundation upon which effective management policies could be developed.

1-year: $5,000