Results of the NEWREP-A dedicated sighting survey
during the 2016/17 austral summer season
TATSUYA ISODA1, KENJI KONISHI1, FUTOSHI YAMAGUCHI2, SHINYA KAWABE2, RYUICHIRO MORIYAMA2,HIDENORI KASAI2, YOUICHI IGARASHI3, TOSHIHIRO MOGOE1 and KOJI MATSUOKA1
1

Institute of Cetacean Research, 4-5, Toyomi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0055, Japan
Kyodo Senpaku Co. Ltd., 4-5, Toyomi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0055, Japan3
San’ei Marine Co. Ltd., 2-9-5, Furo-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 2-9-5, Japan
2

Contact e-mail: isoda@cetacean.jp

ABSTRACTThe results of the 2016/17 NEWREP-A dedicated whale sighting survey in Antarctic Area V (south of 60°S) are reported.
Two dedicated sighting vessels (SVs) were engaged and successfully conducted the survey for 33 days, from 13 December
2016 to 14 January 2017 in the western sector of Areas V (130°E - 165°E), under two survey modes (Normal Passing mode
NSP and Independent Observer mode IO), and based on IWC/IDCR-SOWER survey procedures.
The total searching distance in the research area was 2,937.1n.miles (5439.5km), including 1,542.0n.miles covered in NSP
and 1,395.1n.miles in IO mode. The survey coverage was 77% in the northern stratum and 91% in the southern stratum. Fivebaleen whale species, i.e. blue (11 schools/13 individuals), fin (21/67), Antarctic minke (115/223), southern right (1/1)
humpback (253/516) and at least three toothed whale species (sperm (30/30), southern bottlenose (4/8), killer (4/26)), weresighted in the research area. Antarctic minke whales were mainly encountered in the northern and southern stratum of thewestern part of the research area. Humpback whales were the most frequently sighted large whale species, and were widelydistributed longitudinally throughout the research area. Blue whales were found mainly in the western part of the researcharea. Estimated Angle and Distance Experiments were completed as in previous years. Routine photo-ID and biopsy
sampling on large whales were also conducted, and a total of 20 photos (9 blue, 1 southern right and 10 humpback whales),were obtained. A total of 10 biopsy (skin and blubber) samples were also collected from 2 blue, 1 southern right and 7
humpback whales using the Larsen system. A total of eight marine debris were observed. The sighting data were validated
and already submitted to the IWC secretariat. During this survey, feasibility studies on telemetry and biopsy sampling of
Antarctic minke whales were continued, and the results are presented in this paper. Krill and oceanographic surveys werealso conducted along the tracklines designed for sighting, and results are reported by Wada et al. (2017).

KEYWORDS: ANTARCTIC; FEEDING GROUNDS; ANTARCTIC MINKE WHALES; BLUE WHALES;FIN WHALES; HUMPBACK WHALES; SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES; LINE-TRANSECT; SURVEY
VESSELINTRODUCTION
The Main Objective I of NEWREP-A is ‘Improvement in the precision of biological and ecological information
for the application of the Revised Management Procedure (RMP) to the Antarctic minke whales’. In order toattain Objective I, four sub-objectives were set: Objective I (i): Abundance estimates for Antarctic minke whales
taking into account of g(0) and additional variance, Objective I (ii): Improvement of precision of biological andecological parameters, Objective I (iii): Refinement of stock structure hypotheses of Antarctic minke whale in
Areas III-VI for the implementation of the RMP, Objective I (iv): Specification of RMP Implementation
Simulation Trials (ISTs) for the Antarctic minke whales (Government of Japan, 2015a).
The Main Objective II of NEWREP-A is ‘Investigation of the structure and dynamics of the Antarctic marine
ecosystem through building ecosystem models’. Four objectives were identified with this main objective:
Objective II (i): Ecological Research (krill abundance estimation and oceanographic observation), Objective II(ii): Abundance estimate of some cetacean species as input data for ecosystem modelling, Objective II (iii):
Estimation of prey consumption by the Antarctic minke whale and its nutritional condition, Objective II (iv):
Ecosystem modelling (Spatial interaction among baleen whales and consideration of predators-prey system andallometric reasoning) (Government of Japan, 2015a).
Objectives I (i), II (ii) and II (iv) require whale abundance information obtained through systematic sighting
surveys. After the completion of the IDCR/SOWER surveys, the dedicated sighting surveys under NEWREP-A
are the only source of sighting data for abundance estimate.

1The NEWREP-A review workshop made the following recommendations regarding the sighing survey (IWC,
2015a):a) Every effort be made to estimate g(0) for the other whale species, at least to determine rather than assume
whether it is significantly different from one. b) The survey design and analysis methods be carefully considered
to enable the survey results to have multiple uses. c) Carefully consider a number of options for survey design
and methods taking into account: (i) the experience gained from the several years of data analysis before the
Scientific Committee adopted abundance estimates from the previous IWC IDCR/SOWER cruises; (ii) the
developments in spatial modelling approaches; (iii) the experience of previous multi-disciplinary survey efforts;(iv) the recommendations from the JARPAII review; (v) the possibility of incorporating more focused surveys toaddress specific issues in some years; (vi) consideration of whales within the ice; (vii) updated power analyses ofthe effects of survey interval and estimation of trend to determine necessary levels of effort and survey design inthe future (including consideration of the regions outside the core study area (additional longitudinal range in
Areas III, VI, and coverage north of 60°S). d) Work closely with the IWC Scientific Committee before finalising
their survey approaches. e) Ensure that future survey plans submitted to the Scientific Committee follow fully
the guidelines for such survey plans, including incorporating proposed tracklines - since the dedicated sighting
survey/echo sounder platform will be separated from the sighting/sampling vessels, sabotage should not be anissue.
The research plan for the 2016/17 NEWREP-A dedicated sighting survey (Hakamada et al., 2016) was submitted
to the International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee (IWC SC) in 2016 in line with recommendationsd) and e) above. The plan took in consideration some of the elements in a)-c) above (Government of Japan,
2015b). The original plan of this dedicated sighting survey was to cover all sectors of Antarctic Area V (130°E170°W) including the Ross Sea. However due to interferences from external NGO groups, the survey was
restricted only to the western part of Area V.
The main research objectives of this survey were i) to collect systematic sighting data for the abundance
estimates of Antarctic minke whales and other baleen whale species in Area V, including the collection of data
for estimates of g(0), ii) to conduct krill and oceanographic surveys, and iii) to continue with the feasibility
studies on biopsy sampling and telemetry in the Antarctic minke whale. Results of the sighting survey ispresented in the main text of this document while the results of the feasibility studies on biopsy sampling andtelemetry are presented in Appendices 1 and 2, respectively. The results of the krill and oceanographic surveys
are presented by Wada et al. (2017).

SURVEY DESIGN
Research area
The research area covered by the survey was the western sector of Area V (130°E-165°E), south of 60°S (Figure1a). The area was divided into northern and southern strata based on the ice edge information (Figure 1b).
Research vesselTwo dedicated sighting vessels (SVs), the R/V Yushin-Maru No.3 (YS3) (742GT) and Kaiyo-Maru No.7 (KY7)(649GT) were engaged in the survey. They were equipped with a top barrel platform (TOP), Independent
Observer Platform (IOP) and an upper bridge platform. Vessels specifications and photos are provided inAppendix 3.
Trackline
In the northern and southern strata, the survey tracklines consisted of a zigzag course changing direction at 5°00’
and 2°30’ longitudinal degree intervals, respectively (Figures 1c-e). The boundary between southern andnorthern strata was defined by a line 45n.miles from the ice-edge. A randomised start point for survey tracks wasused, as for all previous IWC-SOWER surveys, based on the IWC/SC survey guidelines (IWC, 2012).
Research hours, acceptable weather conditions and number of observers on effort
Research hours was consistent with previous SOWER survey procedure. Research effort began 60 minutes after
sunrise and ended 60 minutes before sunset, with a maximum of 12-hour research per day (approximately 06:0018:00). Time-zone changes was recorded at 30-minute intervals, effective from 01:00h. Schedules were adhered
to local ‘ship’ time ranging between +9.0 and +12.0 GMT. Data collected throughout the survey and all
associated reporting was in accord with the local ‘ship’ time. The searching activity was conducted when theweather conditions were suitable for observations: visibility (minke whale visibility) better than 1.5 n.miles andthe wind speed less than 21 knots in northern stratum or 26 knots in southern stratum.

2The vessel speed during the sighting survey was 11.5 knots with slight adjustment to avoid vibration from thevessels.
Whale sighting was conducted by the boatswain and topmen from the TOP (there will be always two primaryobservers in the TOP) and the upper bridge where the helmsman, captain or officer-on-watch, researchers, andthe chief engineer (or second engineer) were also present (always two primary observers and four secondaryobservers were present).
Survey modes
The survey modes followed previous SOWER survey procedures. Sighting activities were classified into two
principal types: ‘On-effort’ and ‘Off-effort’. In the sightings survey portion of the research, On-effort activities
were times when full search effort was being executed and conditions (such as weather and sea state) were
within acceptable parameters to conduct research. Off-effort activities were all activities that were not On-effort.
All sightings recorded while the vessel was On-effort were classified as ‘Primary sightings’. All other sightings
were considered to be ‘Secondary sightings’. Sighting effort was conducted by the boatswain and topmen fromthe TOP and by observers at the upper bridge. The sighting survey was conducted using (1) Normal Passing
mode (NSP) and (2) Passing with Independent Observer (IO) mode. Both survey modes followed the protocol
endorsed for the IWC/SOWER surveys (e.g. Matsuoka et al., 2003; IWC, 2008).
For NSP mode, there were two primary observers on the TOP. These observers conducted searching forcetaceans by using angle board and binoculars (7x), which include the distance estimate scales. Members of thetwo observer teams on TOP were fixed and operated in one or two hours shifts. There was open communication
between the upper bridge and the TOP. These observers reported sighting-information to researchers and otherobservers on the upper bridge for data recording (IWC, 2008).
For IO mode, there were two primary observers on the TOP and one primary observer on the IOP. Theseobservers on TOP and IOP platforms also conducted searching for cetaceans by using angle board andbinoculars (7x). Members of the two observer teams on TOP were fixed and operated in one or two hours shifts.
There was no open communication between the IOP and the TOP. The observers on the upper bridge
communicated to the TOP (or IOP) independently, with the topmen only to clarify information and did not
distract the topmen from their normal search procedure. These observers report sighting-information toresearchers and other observers on the upper bridge for data recording. For encounters of very rare species (e.g.
blue and southern right whales), it was decided that the vessel would approach whales immediately to avoid
losing them due to the delay of closing (IWC, 2008).
Identification of species
Guidelines for species identification were the same as those used during the IWC-SOWER surveys:‘Positive identification of species is based on multiple clues and usually requires the clear observation of thewhale's body. Occasionally, repeated observations of the shape of the blow, surfacing and other behavioural
patterns may also be sufficient; this judgement should be made only by the Senior Scientist or other designatedresearcher.’ (IWC, 2008).
‘Probable identification of species is based on multiple clues, which are nevertheless insufficient to be absolutely
confident in identification. This usually occurs when blows are seen, the surfacing pattern is correct, but thewhale's body cannot be seen or clearly seen’ (IWC, 2008).
Effort will be made to classify killer whales into three ecotypes to respond a NEWREP-A review Panelrecommendation to collect data on the ecotype of killer whales to try to allow estimates of abundance to be
developed for each (IWC, 2015b).
Determination of group size
The following guidelines were used in determining group size:‘Schools where the number of animals, or an accurate estimated range of the number of animals, is determined
are classified as confirmed schools. The data from the confirmed schools are used in the analysis to determine amean school size. Therefore it is critical that the schools that are confirmed are representative in size of theschools that are in the survey area. Normally, schools believed to be confirmed for school size are approached towithin 1n.mile for large whales and to within 0.3 n.miles for minke whales. Obviously, there are differences inthe environmental conditions and behaviour of the animals for every sighting, however, (with particularreference to minke whale sightings) every effort should be made to be as consistent as possible in regard to the
maximum time spent on identification of species and confirmation of numbers. Normally, if the sighting isthought to be minke whales, no more than 20 minutes (after closure has been completed) should be spent trying

3

to complete these tasks (Otherwise there is the potential for confusion with other sightings in the vicinity).’(IWC, 2008).
Attending scientists and responsibilities
The original research plan welcomed the participation of international researchers. No official application forparticipation was received from international researchers. Six experienced Japanese researchers were selected forthis survey. These researchers had enough experience conducting line transect surveys, biopsy sampling andphoto-identification (photo-ID) experiments in the Antarctic through the JARPA/JARPAII and NEWREP-A
programs or other research programs. Koji Matsuoka (Institute of Cetacean Research) was the responsible person
for this survey, and same as in recent seasons, acted as the oversight person on behalf of the IWC SC.
Yushin-Maru No.3 (YS3)
Futoshi YAMAGUCHI - sighting, photo-ID and biopsy
Ryuichiro MORIYAMA - sighting, photo-ID and biopsy
Atsushi WADA - krill and oceanographic survey
Kaiyo-Maru No.7 (KY7)
Kenji KONISHI - sighting, photo-ID, biopsy and satellite tagging
Shinya KAWABE - sighting data, photo-ID and biopsy
Shunjiro BANJO - krill and oceanographic survey

Other research activities
The sighting distance and angle experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the accuracy of sighting distanceand angle provided by primary observers. Observers on each vessel were required to assess eight sets of angles
and distance from two platforms (TOP and IOP) and upper bridge. All trials were conducted under acceptablesighting condition.
Research time was allocated for routine biopsy sampling of blue, fin, sei, southern right, humpback, sperm andkiller whales, with higher priority given to the blue and southern right whales. The Larsen system was used tocollect samples. Priority species for photo-ID were blue, southern right and humpback whales, although photosof all other species, including killer whales would be obtained opportunistically (e.g. Matsuoka and Pastene,
2014; Kanda et al., 2014).
During the research time, marine debris on the sea surface was recorded. For each debris, the following
information was obtained: date of the observation, geographical position (longitude and latitude) of theobservation and type of debris.
Data entry system and analysis
Researchers input the data collected on weather, effort, sighting and experiments into the computer at the fieldusing the ‘onboard data collecting system’ (ICR, 2013). Survey modes and effort codes definitions for thissurvey correspond to those used in the IWC/SOWER surveys. The data should be validated and stored at theInstitute of Cetacean Research (ICR), and all sighting data for abundance estimates should be submitted to the
IWC based on the IWC SC Guidelines (IWC, 2008; 2012).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Brief narrative of the survey
The YS3 departed Shiogama, Miyagi, Japan on 17 November 2016 and started the transit survey on 2 December
2016, which was completed on 11 December 2016. It started dedicated sighting survey in the western sector of
the Area V on 13 December 2016, which was completed on 14 January 2017. Due to external interferences thevessel engaged in different research activities until 10 March 2017. The vessel arrived at Shimonoseki on 31
March 2017 (Table 1a).
The KY7 departed Hachinohe, Aomori, Japan on 16 November 2016 and started the transit survey on 2
December 2016, which was completed on 11 December 2016. It started dedicated sighting survey in the western
sector of the Area V on 13 December 2016, which ended on 8 January 2017. The vessel started the transit survey
on 9 January 2017 arriving at Ogasawara on 3 February 2017 (Table 1a).
Summary of sightings
Antarctic research area
The two dedicated sighting vessels were engaged in the research for 33 days, from 13 December, 2016 to 14
January, 2017 in the western sector of the Area V (130°E - 165°E, Figure1b).

4

Figures 1c-e shows the trackline design and location of the searching effort.
Tabulations of all trackline Waypoint (WP) are shown in Tables 1b and 1c, the searching effort and time spenton experiments in Table 1d. The pack ice shape at 65°S, 155°E was swell up to north (Figure 2), therefore thesurvey tracklines at this site was complicated.
The sightings in the research area and those obtained in transit to and from the research area, are summarized by
species and by stratum in Table 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d, respectively.
The total searching distance in the research area was 2,937.1n.miles (5439.5km), including 1,542.0n.miles in
NSP and 1,395.1n.miles in the IO mode. The searching effort coverage was 77% in the northern stratum and 91%
in the southern stratum.
Five baleen whale species and at least three toothed whale species were sighted in the research area. The mostdominant whale species in the research area was humpback whale (253 schools/516 individuals) followed by
Antarctic minke whale (115/223). Sightings of other species are as follows; blue whale (11 schools/13
individuals), fin (21/67), southern right whale (1/1), sperm whale (30/30), southern bottlenose whale (4/8) andkiller whale (4/26) (Table 2a, 2b). Figures 3a to 3h show the geographical distribution of the primary sightings in
the research area for the main whales sighted.
Antarctic minke whales were frequently sighted and they were encountered mainly in the northern and southern
stratum of western part in the research area (Figure 3c). This distributional pattern of this species was similar to
the results in the past JARPA/JARPAII surveys (Hakamada et al., 2014). As in previous surveys, no mother andcalf pair of the Antarctic minke whale was observed in this survey. Humpback whales were the most frequently
sighted large whale species and widely distributed in the research area (Figure 3d) and somewhat overlapping in
distribution with Antarctic minke whales. However, many sighted areas of Antarctic minke whales were near theice edge (65°S, 140-145°E), where no humpback whales were sighted.
The duplicate number of sightings (determined on the number of sightings made by the IOP that were also
observed by the TOP Barrel) was 16 (Table 2e).
Sighting survey with IO mode was also conducted for other large whale species (Table 2e).
Blue whales distributed in the western part of the research area (Figure 3a), while fin whales were found widelyin the research area (Figure 3b). These observations were almost the same as in the past JARPA/JARPAII
surveys (Matsuoka and Hakamada, 2014). One southern right whale was sighted in the most east part of thenorthern stratum (Figure 3e). Solitary large sperm whales were many found in the eastern part of the researcharea (Figure 3f). One school of killer whale (8 whales) was identified as Type B in the southern stratum of theresearch area.
The present sighting survey complements the work of the IDCR/SOWER programme. The importance ofmonitoring trends in abundance in cetacean species is of general conservation and management importance,
especially in the context of documenting the recovery of species/populations that had been extensively depleted
by commercial whaling. These surveys are also important to investigate recent changes in species composition(Figure 4, Matsuoka and Hakamada, 2014).
Figure 5a shows the breakdown of research time, in hours by effort code in the research area. Figures 5b and 5cshow the breakdown of research time, in hours of wind speed and visibility (minke whale visibility) in the
research area, respectively.
Low and middle latitudinal sighting survey
During transit from Japan to the research area, the sighting surveys were conducted by YS3 and KY7 from 2 to 11
December, 2016 in the area between 20°S and 60°S outside of national EEZs. The searching effort was
955.4n.miles. From the research area to Japan, the sighting survey was conducted by KY7 from 9 to 19 January,2017 in the area between 20°S and 60°S outside of national EEZs. The searching effort was 531.2n.miles. Threebaleen whale species (blue, fin and sei whales) and at least two toothed whale species (sperm and killer whales)
were observed. Table 2c and 2d summarized all sightings observed during transit to the research area and fromthe research area.
Other research activities
Sighting distance and angle experiment
A training for this experiment was conducted on 14 December for 1 hour 40 minutes by YS3 and 18 December
for 2 hour 17 minutes by KY7. The actual experiments were successfully completed on 7 January for 4 hour 13
minutes by YS3 (136 trials), 31 December for 45 minutes and 8 January for 3 hour 28 minutes by KY7 (128
trials). The results of this experiment will be used for the calculation of abundance estimates.

5

Photo-ID
A total of 9 blue, 1 southern right and 10 humpback whales were successfully photo-identified during this survey(Tables 3a and 3b). A total of 24 blue whales, 1 southern right whale 36 humpback whales and 21 killer whales
were photographed in 2015/2016 NEWREP-A survey (Isoda et al., 2016; Mogoe et al., 2016). These data will be
registered to the ICR catalogue and submission of photographs to relevant international catalogues (e.g.
Matsuoka and Pastene, 2014).
Biopsy sampling for large whales
A total of 10 biopsy samples were collected (Tables 4a and 4b), including 2 blue, 1 southern right, 7 humpback
whales. Biopsy samples were stored at -20°C for future genetic analyses. A total of 8 biopsy samples of blue
whale, 7 of fin whale, 1 of southern right whale, 15 of humpback whale and 9 of killer whale were collected in
2015/2016 NEWREP-A survey (Isoda et al., 2016; Mogoe et al., 2016). These samples will be used in future
genetic and some analyses (e.g. Pastene et al., 2014; Kanda et al., 2014).
Marine debris observation
A total of 8 marine debris objects were observed during the survey in the research area (Table 5). In the
Antarctic, comprehensive observations of marine debris (on the sea surface, ingestions, entanglements) has been
carried out by JARPA and JARPAII and the effect of marine debris on whales was expected to be limited (Isoda
et al., 2014). Observation of marine debris will continue as one of the research activities of NEWREP-A. These
data will be registered to the ICR database and reported in the future (e.g. Isoda et al., 2014).
Report of the IWC oversightThe oversight report was shown in Appendix 4.
Sighting data storage
The sighting data were already submitted to the IWC secretary dated 30 April, 2017.

ACKNOWLEDEGMENTS
We thanks the following persons and organizations: the Fisheries Agency of the Government of Japan forlogistic support and funding for this research survey; scientists from ICR and other organizations for logistic
support and for useful suggestions for the field and analytical works. In particular we thank the colleagues of the
National Research Institute of Far Seas Fisheries (Yokohama), and Lars Kleivane, Norway, for discussions on
the satellite tagging system. We are also indebted to researchers, all officers, crew of the Yushin-Maru No.3 andthe Kaiyo-Maru No.7 for support in the field.

REFERENCES
Government of Japan. 2015a. Research Plan for New Scientific Whale Research Program in the Antarctic Ocean(NEWREP-A). IWC.ALL.238, November 2015 (unpublished). 110pp.
Government of Japan. 2015b. Proponents additional responses to the Report of the Expert Panel to review the
proposal for NEWREP-A. Paper SC/66a/SP8 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, May 2015
(unpublished). 37pp. [Paper available at the IWC Office].
Hakamada, T., Matsuoka, K., Nishiwaki, S. and Kitakado, T. 2014. Abundance estimates and trends for
Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) in Antarctic Areas IV and V for the period
1989/90–2004/05. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. 13(2): 123-151.
Hakamada, T., Matsuoka, K. and Pastene, L.A. 2016. Research plan for the NEWREP-A dedicated sighting
survey in the Antarctic in 2016/17. Paper SC/66b/IA04. 12pp. [Paper available at the IWC Office].
Institute of Cetacean Research. 2013. The Outline of the ICR Accurate information System (ICRAS). 13pp.
International Whaling Commission. 2008. IWC SOWER Cruise 2008/09, Information for Researchers.
http://iwcoffice.org/_documents/sci_com/SOWER/Guide%20%20for%20Researchers%20200809.pdf. [Paper available at the IWC Office].
International Whaling Commission. 2012. Requirements and Guidelines for Conducting Surveys and Analysing
Data within the Revised Management Scheme. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. (Suppl.) 13:507-19.
International Whaling Commission. 2015a. Report of the Expert Panel to Review the proposal by Japan for
NEWREP-A, 7-10 February 2015, Tokyo, Japan. Paper SC/66a/Rep6 presented to IWC ScientificCommittee, May 2015 (unpublished). 62pp. [Paper available at the IWC Office].

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International Whaling Commission 2015b. Report of the Expert Workshop to Review the Japanese JAPRA II
Special Permit Research Programme. J. Cetacean. Res. Manage. 16 (Suppl.): 367-409.
Isoda, T., Kawabe, S., Ohkoshi, C., Mogoe, T. and Matsuoka, K. 2016. Results of the NEWREP-A dedicatedsighting survey in Area IV during the 2015/16 austral summer season. SC/66b/IA05. 25pp. [Paper
available at the IWC Office].
Isoda, T., Tamura, T., Nishiwaki, S and Pastene, L.A. 2014. Observation of marine debris in the Antarctic basedon JARPA and JARPAII data. Paper SC/F14/J22 presented to the JARPAII review Workshop,
February, 2014, 11pp. [Paper available at the IWC Office].
Kanda, N., Goto, M. and Pastene, L.A. 2014. Stock structure of humpback whales in the Antarctic feeding
grounds as revealed by microsatellite DNA data. SC/F14/J27 presented to the IWC ScientificCommittee, February 2014 (unpublished). 4pp. [Paper available at the IWC Office].
Kasamatsu, F., Nishiwaki, S. and Sato, M. 1986. Results of the test firing of improved .410 streamer marks,
February 1985. Rep. int. Whal. Commn., 36:201-204.
Matsuoka, K., Ensor, P., Hakamada, T., Shimada, H., Nishiwaki, S., Kasamatsu, F. and Kato, H. 2003. Overview
of minke whale sightings surveys conducted on IWC/IDCR and SOWER Antarctic cruises from1978/79 to 2000/01. J. Cetacean. Res. Manage. 5(2):173-201.
Matsuoka, K. and Hakamada, T. 2014. Estimates of abundance and abundance trend of the blue, fin and southern
right whales in the Antarctic Areas IIIE-VIW, south of 60°S, based on JARPA and JARPAII
sighting data (1989/90-2008/09). SC/F14/J05 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, February
2014 (unpublished). 27pp. [Paper available at the IWC Office].
Matsuoka, K. and Pastene, L.A. 2014. Summary of photo-identification information of blue, southern right andhumpback whales collected by JARPA/JARPA II. SC/F14/J34 presented to the IWC ScientificCommittee, February 2014 (unpublished). 11pp. [Paper available at the IWC Office].
Mogoe, T., Matsuoka, K., Nakai, K., Sato, H., Sato, T., Tsunekawa, M., Yoshimura, I., Yamazaki, M., Fujii, K.,
Yoshida, T., Eguchi, H. and Tamura, T. 2016. Results of biological sampling of Antarctic minke
whale during the first field survey of NEWREP-A in Area V during the 2015/16 austral summer
season. SC/66b/SP07. 23pp. [Paper available at the IWC Office].
Pastene, L.A., Kitakado, T., Goto, M. and Kanda, N. 2014. Mixing rates of humpback whales from Stocks D, E
and F in the Antarctic feeding grounds based on mitochondrial DNA analyses. SC/F14/J30
presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, February 2014 (unpublished). (Doc. SC/65a/SH13. This
paper can be cited only in the context of the IWC meetings).
Wada, A., Konishi, K., Banjo, S., Kasai, H., Igarashi, Y. and Mogoe, T. 2017. Result of the 2016/17 NEWREPA Sighting Survey Vessel-Based Krill Survey in the Antarctic Area V-W. Paper SC/67a/EM
presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, May 2017 (unpublished).

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TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1a. Narrative of the 2016/17 NEWREP-A dedicated sighting survey.
Event
Pre-cruise meeting
Vessels departed Shiogama (YS3) and Hachinohe (KY7), Japan
Start transit survey
Finish transit survey
Vessels started survey in the research area
Vessels completed survey in the research area
Start transit survey
Finish transit survey
Vessels arrived Shimonoseki (YS3) and Ogasawara (KY7), Japan
Post-cruise meeting

Yushin-Maru No.3
15 November 201617 November 2016
2 December 201611 December 201613 December 201614 January 201731 March 201731 March 2017

Kaiyo-Maru No.7
4 November 201616 November 2016
2 December 201611 December 201613 December 2016
8 January 2017
9 January 201719 January 2017
3 February 2017
9 February 2017

Table 1b. Way Points (WP) in the southern strata.
WP
101
102
103
104
105
105A
106
107
108
109
109A
110
111
112
113
113A
114
115
116
117
117A
118
119
120
121
122A
122B
123
124
125
125A
126
127
128
129
130
Total

Latitude64 35.3 S
64 42.0 S
63 58.5 S
63 15.0 S
63 42.5 S
64 10.0 S
64 31.0 S
64 00.5 S
63 30.0 S
64 15.0 S
65 00.0 S
65 17.0 S
64 56.0 S
64 35.0 S
64 52.5 S
65 10.0 S
65 40.0 S
64 55.0 S
64 10.0 S
64 20.0 S
64 30.0 S
64 55.0 S
64 37.5 S
64 20.0 S
64 40.0 S
65 00.0 S
63 45.0 S
63 52.5 S
64 00.0 S
64 32.5 S
65 05.0 S
67 15.0 S
66 50.0 S
66 25.0 S
66 55.0 S
67 18.0 S-

Longitude
130 00.0 E
130 18.0 E
131 34.0 E
132 48.0 E
134 02.4 E
135 18.0 E
135 18.0 E
136 33.7 E
137 48.0 E
139 02.0 E
140 18.0 E
140 18.0 E
141 33.5 E
142 48.0 E
144 02.5 E
145 18.0 E
145 18.0 E
146 34.0 E
147 48.0 E
149 02.8 E
150 18.0 E
150 18.0 E
151 33.3 E
152 48.0 E
154 02.6 E
155 18.0 E
155 18.0 E
156 32.9 E
157 48.0 E
159 02.3 E
160 18.0 E
160 18.0 E
161 33.7 E
162 48.0 E
164 02.3 E
165 00.0 E-

Leg no.
101
102
103
104
105
105
106
107
108
109
109
110
111
112
113
113
114
115
116
117
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
125
126
127
128
129
-

mode
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
-

course
131
37
37
130
130
180
47
47
144
144
180
57
57
118
118
180
35
35
107
107
180
61
61
122
122
102
102
135
135
180
49
49
136
136
-

8

plan
10.2
54.7
54.7
43.2
43.2
21.0
44.9
44.9
55.7
55.7
17.0
38.2
38.2
36.4
36.4
30.0
55.2
55.2
34.1
34.1
25.0
36.7
36.7
37.9
37.9
34.0
33.9
45.9
46.9
130.0
38.8
38.7
42.1
32.1
1419.5effort
10.3
53.8
51.8
41.4
63.9
27.6
29.4
53.4
68.6
33.0
33.4
35.6
64.9
43.7
54.0
31.6
58.5
13.1
35.6
37.8
22.7
31.0
33.8
45.4
175.1
37.7
29.2
38.0
30.8
1284.8covered (%)
101
101
98
96
100
61
66
96
94
86
87
98
98
79
98
93
99
36
97
100
60
91
100
99
99
97
75
90
96
91

area code
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
-

vessel
YS3
YS3
YS3
KY7
KY7
KY7
KY7
KY7
KY7
KY7
KY7
KY7
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
KY7
KY7
KY7
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
-

Table 1c. Way Points (WP) in the northern strata.
WP
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
Total

Latitude61 28.3 S
61 37.6 S
62 26.4 S
63 15.0 S
62 26.1 S
61 37.4 S
60 48.8 S
60 00.0 S
61 08.8 S
62 17.6 S
63 26.4 S
64 35.0 S
63 26.3 S
62 17.5 S
61 08.8 S
60 00.0 S
61 05.0 S
62 10.0 S
63 15.0 S
64 20.0 S
63 15.0 S
62 10.0 S
61 05.0 S
60 00.0 S
61 36.3 S
63 12.6 S
64 48.8 S
66 25.0 S
64 48.8 S
63 46.2 S-

Longitude
130 00.0 E
130 14.2 E
131 30.2 E
132 48.0 E
134 05.7 E
135 21.5 E
136 35.8 E
137 48.0 E
138 58.9 E
140 12.4 E
141 28.7 E
142 48.0 E
144 07.4 E
145 23.7 E
146 37.2 E
147 48.0 E
148 59.1 E
150 12.6 E
151 28.9 E
152 48.0 E
154 07.1 E
155 23.3 E
156 36.8 E
157 48.0 E
158 57.0 E
160 09.7 E
161 26.5 E
162 48.0 E
164 09.5 E
165 00.0 E-

Leg no.
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
-

mode
IO
NSP
IO
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
IO
NSP
-

course
144
144
144
36
36
36
36
153
153
153
153
27
27
27
27
152
152
152
152
28
28
28
28
161
161
161
161
19
19
-

plan
11.5
60.5
60.3
60.5
60.5
60.5
60.5
77.2
77.2
77.2
77.2
77.1
77.2
77.1
77.2
73.9
73.9
73.9
73.9
73.9
73.9
73.9
73.9
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
66.4
2159.6

effort
11.0
51.2
36.3
49.5
50.9
60.3
60.4
75.9
73.0
74.1
72.4
56.7
16.1
20.8
62.8
67.1
52.0
25.9
58.1
32.4
71.6
73.4
17.6
68.9
46.4
101.7
101.6
99.8
64.7
1652.3covered (%) area code
96
53
85
53
60
53
82
53
84
53
100
53
100
53
98
53
95
53
96
53
94
53
73
53
21
53
27
53
81
53
91
53
70
53
35
53
79
53
44
53
97
53
99
53
24
53
67
53
45
53
100
53
100
53
98
53
97
53
77
-

vessel
KY7
KY7
KY7
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
KY7
KY7
KY7
KY7
KY7
KY7
KY7
KY7
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
YS3
-

Table 1d. Summary of searching effort (time and distance) and time (hours) spent on experiments.

Yushi-Maru No.3 andKaiyo-Maru No.7

T ransit survey
to research area
Research area
T ransit survey
from research area
T otal

Date

Date

T ime

Dist.

T ime

Dist.

T ime

Estimated
angle anddistance
training /experiment
T ime

T ime

T ime

(hh:mm:ss)(n.m.)(hh:mm:ss)(n.m.)(hh:mm:ss)(hh:mm:ss)(hh:mm:ss)

2-Dec. / 2-Dec.

11-Dec. / 11-Dec.

8:45 / 10:01

14:22 / 18:00

82:21:04

955.4

-

-

0:10:48--

13-Dec. / 13-Dec.

14-Jan. / 8-Jan.

6:00 / 6:00

9:31 / 15:18

133:42:48

1542.0

120:35:11

1395.1

13:06:52

12:24:36

64:50:16- / 9-Jan.

- / 19-Jan.

- / 6:00- / 16:05

48:00:13

531.2

-

-

-

-

-

2-Dec. / 2-Dec.

14-Jan. / 19-Jan.

8:45 / 10:01

9:31 / 16:05

264:04:05

3028.6

120:35:11

1395.1

13:17:40

12:24:36

64:50:16

Start
YS3 / KY7End
YS3 / KY7NSP

9Photo-ID,
Biopsy,Satellite
experiment

IO

Oceanographic
observations,
Net sampling,
Calibration forechosounder
T ime

Table 2a. Number of sightings for large whale species in the research area, by stratum and species.
West-North of area V
Primary
SecondarySch. Ind. Sch. Ind.
Blue whale
7
8
0
0
Fin whale16
49
0
0
Sei whale0000Antarctic minke whale
37
63
3
7
Like Antarctic minke whale 3
3
3
3
Humpback whale
132 25400Southern right whale1100Baleen whale
10
11
0
0
Sperm whale
14
14
0
0
Southern bottlenose whale3
50
0
Unidentified whale
10
10
0
0
Species

West-South of area V
Primary
SecondarySch. Ind. Sch. Ind.
4
5
0
0
5
18
0
0
0
0
0
0
75 153001
1
00
121 262
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
14
0
0
16
16
0
0
1
3
0
0
7
8
1
1

Sub total
Primary Secondary
Sch. Ind. Sch. Ind.
11
13
0
0
21
67
0
0
0
0
0
0
112 21637
4
4
3
3
253 516
0
0
1
1
0
0
17
25
0
0
30
30
0
0
4
8
0
0
17
18
1
1

T otal
Sch.
11
21
0
115
7
253
1
17
30
4
18

Ind.
13
67
0
223
7
516
1
25
30
8
19

Table 2b. Number of sightings for small cetaceans in the research area, by stratum and species.
West-North of area V
West-South of area V
Primary
SecondaryPrimary
SecondarySch. Ind. Sch. Ind. Sch. Ind. Sch. Ind.
Killer whale
1
3
0
0
3
23
0
0
*Small cetaceans are outside the competence of the IWC.
Species*

Sub total
Primary Secondary
Sch. Ind. Sch. Ind.
4
26
0
0

T otal
Sch.
4

Ind.
26

Table 2c. Number of sightings for large whale species observed during this survey including transit and researcharea.
T ransit to research area
Research area
Primary Secondary
Primary Secondary
Sch. Ind. Sch. Ind. Sch. Ind. Sch. Ind.
Blue whale
1
2
1
3
11
13
0
0
Fin whale
1
1
0
0
21
67
0
0
Sei whale
10
32
0
0
0
0
0
0
Antarctic minke whale0000
112 216 3
7
Like Antarctic minke whale
0
0
0
0
4
4
3
3
Humpback whale0000
253 516 00Southern right whale
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
Baleen whale
8
9
1
1
17
25
0
0
Sperm whale
2
2
0
0
30
30
0
0
Southern bottlenose whale
0
0
0
0
4
8
0
0
Unidentified whale
2
2
3
5
17
18
1
1
Species

Transit from research area

PrimarySch. Ind.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
13
14
0
0
2
2

SecondarySch. Ind.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Sub total
Primary Secondary
Sch. Ind. Sch. Ind.
12
15
1
3
22
68
0
0
10
32
0
0
112 21637
4
4
3
3
253 516
0
0
1
1
0
0
25
34
1
1
45
46
0
0
4
8
0
0
21
22
4
6

T otalSch. Ind.
13 18
22 68
10 32
115 22377
253 516
1
1
26 35
45 46
4
8
25 28

Table 2d. Number of sightings for small cetaceans observed during transit and research surveys.
T ransit to research area
Research area
Primary Secondary
Primary Secondary
Sch. Ind. Sch. Ind. Sch. Ind. Sch. Ind.
Killer whale
0
0
0
0
4
26
0
0
*Small cetaceans are outside the competence of the IWC.
Species*

10

Transit from research area

PrimarySch. Ind.
1
5

SecondarySch. Ind.
00

Sub total
Primary Secondary
Sch. Ind. Sch. Ind.
5
31
0
0

T otalSch. Ind.
5
31

Table 2e. Identification of duplicate sightings during surveys in Independent Observer (IO) mode. Duplicate
status was based on the number of sightings made by the Independent Observer Platform (IOP) that wereobserved also by the Topmen in the Standard TOP Barrel. Status codes: D - Definite duplicate, P Possible duplicate, R - Remote duplicate, N - Not duplicate.
SpeciesBlue whale
Fin whale
Antarctic minke whale
Humpback whale
Baleen whale
Sperm whale
Southern bottlenosed whale
Killer whale
Unidentified whale

Number ofsightings madeby IOP
5
8
25
75
3
3
1
1
5

Duplicate Status
D

P

R

N

5
7
16
57
2
3
1
1
3

0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

0
1
9
16
1
0
0
0
2

Table 3a. Summary of the photo-ID data by the dedicated sighting survey.
Number of individuals
photographed
9
1
10
20

SpeciesBlue whale
Southern right whale
Humpback whale
Total

Table 3b. Summary of the photo-identification and biopsy data with accompanying photo-ID data. Code ofwhale species; B - Blue, R - Southern right, H - Humpback. Code of opportunity of shoot; E: Excellent,
G: Good, P: Possible, U: Unsure. Code of position of shoot; FL: Flukes, HD: Head, LL: Left lateral, RL:
Right lateral, LD: Left dorsal, RD: Right dorsal, DM: Distinctive marking (elsewhere), OT: Other.
Sight

Scl.

Sighted Position

Start time

End time

Experimentsize

Lat. [min.] Long. [min.]

of BX

of BX

duration

B

2

-26

53.6

106

37.4

17:50:30

18:01:18

00:10:48

26.2

2

B

2

-63

09.8

132

56.6

08:51:00

09:17:18

00:26:18

20161214

12

B

1

-62

28.6

134

02.4

17:34:02

18:00:12

20161215

6

H

1

-62

11.3

134

29.1

09:04:30

09:20:52

YS3

20161218

3

H

1

-62

08.5

140

02.4

09:01:49

YS3

20161218

7

B

1

-62

19.1

140

14.1

YS3

20161218

20

B

1

-62

35.5

140

YS3

20161219

16

H

2

-63

14.1

YS3

20161225

5

H

2

-64

33.2

YS3

20170106

11

H

2

-66

YS3

20170110

22

B

1

-65

Vesl.

Date

YS3

20161203

1

YS3

20161214

YS3
YS3

No.

SpeciesEst. body length

Number of

Number ofOpportunity

Position

Biopsyshootof shootof shoot

sample no.

1

3

P

RL,RD

-

-

25.8,22.3

2

12

G

LL,LD

-

-

00:26:10

23.5

1

9

G

LL,RL

-

-

00:16:22

12.3

1

3

P

RL,RD

-

-

09:24:20

00:22:31

12.7

1

7

G

LL,LD,RD,DM

J16YS3H001-

12:04:52

12:36:1700:31:25

24.3

1

12

G

LL,LD,RL,RD

J16YS3B001

-

31.9

14:52:06

15:11:41

00:19:35

26.5

1

11

G

LL,RL,RDJ16YS3B002

141

14.8

09:09:41

09:15:51

00:06:10

13.1,8.1

2

5

G

LL

147

10.3

13:10:38

13:35:1200:24:34

13.3,11.1

2

11

G

LL,LD,RD,RL

25.0

162

48.4

13:50:47

14:14:23

00:23:36

13.9,13.0

2

15

G

HD,FL,LD,RL,RD

10.5

160

18.0

15:52:16

16:28:07

00:35:51

23.7

1

7

G

LL,LD,RDof target ind. [m] marked individual

Notes

Mother and calf pair(sample
J16YS3H002
from mother animal)
J16YS3H003
J16YS3H004
J16YS3H005
J16YS3H006
Opportunistic

YS3

20170114

2

R

1

-63

52.1

164

55.1

07:31:57

07:43:20

00:11:23

14.8

1

11

G

HD

J16YS3R001-

KY720161214

19

H

2

-63

27.6

133

21.9

12:47:49

13:32:21

00:44:32

13.5,12.0

2

6

P

RD,LD

J16KY7H001-

KY720161219

38

B

2

-64

29.3

139

25.9

17:00:24

18:00:22

00:59:58

24.8,22.4

2

7

G

RD,LD

-

-

Table 4a. Summary of biopsy samples collected by the dedicated sighting survey.
*: Results of the biopsy sampling on feasibility study and telemetry in the Antarctic minke whale arepresented by Appendices 1 and 2.
Number of individuals
collected
21710SpeciesBlue whale
Southern right whale
Humpback whale
Total

11

Table 4b. Summary of the biopsy data and encounter duration. Code of whale species; B - Blue, F - Fin, R Southern right, H - Humpback. For codes of struck position see Kasamatsu et al. (1986).
Vesl.

Sheet
numberDate

YS3 BY301 20161203

Sight
No.

Species

Scl.

Sighted Position

Start timesize

Lat. [min.] Long. [min.]of BX

End time Experiment Est. body lengthof BX

duration

Number Numberof target ind. [m] of shootPosition

NumberSampleShootingof hitstruckof sample (ind.)No.

equipment-0-

Larsen

-

Notes

1

B

1

-26

53.6

106

37.4

17:50:30

18:01:18

00:10:48

26.2

1

0

YS3 BY302 20161214

2

B

2

-63

09.8

132

56.6

08:51:00

09:17:18

00:26:18

25.8

1

0

-

0

-

Larsen-YS3 BY304 20161214

12

B

1

-62

28.6

134

02.4

17:34:02

18:00:1200:26:10

23.5

2

1

C1

0

-

Larsen-YS3 BY307 20161215

6

H

1

-62

11.3

134

29.1

09:04:30

09:20:52

00:16:22

12.3

1

0

-

0

-

Larsen-YS3 BY313 20161218

3

H

1

-62

08.5

140

02.4

09:01:49

09:24:20

00:22:31

12.7

3

1

LC1

1

J16YS3H001

Larsen-YS3 BY314 20161218

7

B

1

-62

19.1

140

14.1

12:04:52

12:36:1700:31:25

24.3

1

1

RD1

1

J16YS3B001

Larsen-YS3 BY315 20161218

20

B

1

-62

35.5

140

31.9

14:52:06

15:11:41

00:19:35

26.5

3

1

B1p

1

J16YS3B002

Larsen-YS3 BY316 20161219

9

F

2

-62

59.3

140

58.3

06:47:54

07:05:29

00:17:35

18.1

2

0

-

0

-

Larsen-YS3 BY317 20161219

16

H

2

-63

14.1

141

14.8

09:09:41

09:15:51

00:06:10

13.1

2

1

C3

1

J16YS3H002

LarsenMother & calf pair(sample from motheranimal)YS3 BY320 20161225

5

H

2

-64

33.2

147

10.3

13:10:38

13:35:1200:24:34

13.3,11.1

4

3

A,Blp,RC2

2

Larsen-YS3 BY323 20170106

11

H

2

-66

25.0

162

48.4

13:50:47

14:14:23

00:23:36

13.9,13.0

6

2

LC1,LC2

2

Larsen-YS3 BY326 20170110

22

B

1

-65

10.5

160

18.0

15:52:16

16:28:07

00:35:51

23.7

0

0

-

-

-

LarsenNo chance to shoot

YS3 BY328 20170114

2

R

1

-63

52.1

164

55.1

07:31:57

07:43:20

00:11:23

14.8

2

2

C2

1

J16YS3R001

Larsen-KY7 BY701 20161214

19

H

2

-63

27.6

133

21.9

12:47:49

13:32:21

00:44:32

13.5 12.0

4

1

D1

1

J16KY7H001

Larsen-KY7 BY702 20161219

38

B

2

-64

29.3

139

25.9

17:00:24

18:00:22

00:59:58

24.8 22.4

0

0

-

-

-

LarsenNo chance to shoot

Table 5. Summary of marine debris observations.
No.

Date

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

2016/12/14
2016/12/15
2016/12/18
2016/12/18
2017/1/5
2017/1/6
2017/1/6
2017/1/6

Latitude(xx-xxS)
63-06S62-01S
62-44S
62-49S
64-48S
66-47S
66-48S
66-51SLongitude(xxx-xxE)
132-33E
134-45E
140-42E
140-47E
161-26E
163-41E
163-45E
163-51E

12Description
single fishing float
driftwood
drum cansingle fishing float
single fishing float
fishing floats
single fishing float
single fishing float

J16YS3H003
J16YS3H004
J16YS3H005
J16YS3H006

Figure 1a. Research area of the 2016/17 NEWREP-A dedicated sighting survey. Blue area indicates theresearched area of the dedicated sighting survey in 2016/17 NEWREP-A.

Figure 1b. Research area (130°E-165°E) and trackline of the 2016/17 NEWREP-A dedicated sighting survey.
WN: West-North stratum, WS: West-South stratum. Blue line indicates assumed ice edge line.

Figure 1c. Basic design of the pre-determined trackline. Two vessels alternately survey the northern and southern
strata each crossing the trackline at the way-point between two strata.

13

Figure 1d. Standard procedures for modifications to the cruise trackline in the southern strata (IWC, 2008). If theice edge is encountered prior to reaching a planned waypoint, 2.5 n.miles from the estimated ice edge, thevessel shall follow the ice edge, off-effort, until survey can be resumed on the planned trackline. If the iceedge is not encountered on reaching a planned ice edge waypoint, research shall be conducted on abisector. Survey mode is to be changed at the planned waypoint (unless the ice edge is within 5 n.miles of
the waypoint), and again on reversing direction when the true ice edge is encountered.

Figure 1e. The survey modes (NSP (P) and IO (I) modes) were set alternately in each trackline.

Figure 2. The pack-ice distributions in the research area, dated 9 January 2017 using observational data acquiredby the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2). Data from the Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency (JAXA), http://global.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/gcom_w/.

14

Figure 3a. Primary searching effort and associated primary sighting positions of blue whales in the research area.

Figure 3b. Primary searching effort and associated primary sighting positions of fin whales in the research area.

Figure 3c. Primary searching effort and associated primary sighting positions of Antarctic minke whales in the
research area.

15

Figure 3d. Primary searching effort and associated primary sighting positions of humpback whales in the
research area.

Figure 3e. Primary searching effort and associated primary sighting positions of southern right whale in the
research area.

Figure 3f. Primary searching effort and associated primary sighting positions of sperm whales in the research
area.

16

Figure 3g. Primary searching effort and associated primary sighting positions of southern bottlenose whales in
the research area.

Figure 3h. Primary searching effort and associated primary sighting positions of killer whales in the researcharea.

Figure 4. Estimated biomass of blue, fin, humpback and Antarctic minke whales in Area V (south of 60°S)
between 1990/91 and 2008/09 seasons based on JARPA and JARPAII sighting data (Matsuoka andHakamada, 2014).

17

Figure 5a. Breakdown of research time in hours, by effort code in the research area. BP: Normal Passing mode
searching (NSP), BO: Passing with Independent Observer searching (IO), BI: NSP and BO with in theice area, BX: Sighting distance and angle estimate experiment, Photo-ID, Biopsy experiments, telemetry
experiments, Net sampling and Oceanographic observation, CO: Confirmation of school, DR: Drifting,
TB: Time back to trackline, TD: Top down steaming.

Figure 5b. Breakdown of research time in hours in the research area, by wind speed in knots.

Figure 5c. Breakdown of research time in hours in the research area, by visibility (minke whale visibility) in
nautical mile.

18

Appendix 1
Results of the feasibility study on biopsy sampling on Antarctic minke whale under the NEWREP-A

Introduction
The NEWREP-A research plan includes a feasibility study on biopsy sampling in Antarctic minke whale to beundertaken along the dedicated sighting surveys. On this particular study, the NEWREP-A review workshop
made the following recommendations (IWC, 2015): a) the experiment to examine the effort required to obtain
biopsy samples from Antarctic minke whales be given high priority at the start of any long-term programme; b)
involve people with expertise in successfully biopsy sampling common minke whales in the North Atlantic; c)
mimic the sampling strategy developed for lethal sampling (e.g. when dealing with schools >2); d) record
information on time taken, sea state, swell, etc. to enable a plausible measure of effort required to be developed;
and e) consider the amount of tissue and nature of tissue required (for each analysis and in total).
According to the timeline of the NEWREP-A, and in response to the NEWREP-A review workshop
recommendations, the feasibility study on biopsy sampling of Antarctic minke whale will be carried out during
the first three surveys, and the design will take into consideration the others recommendations from the
NEWREP-A review workshop as much as possible. Design of the feasibility study will take into consideration
the previous experience accumulated from the IDCR/SOWER (Ensor et al., 2001; 2004) and JARPA (Nishiwaki,2000) surveys. The evaluation of this technique for Antarctic minke whale will be provided at the 2018 IWC SC
meeting.
As stated in the NEWREP-A research plan, final evaluation of non-lethal techniques such as biopsy sampling on
Antarctic minke whale should consider the following criteria: i) whether the same data sought can be obtained bythis non-lethal method; ii) whether it is of sufficient quality for analysis (i.e. accuracy); iii) whether the cost to
obtain the data is realistic and reasonable; and iv) whether enough data can be obtained in terms of quantity forstatistical analyses.
At the 2015/16 survey the main purpose was the training of the research personnel with the Larsen system.
During that survey, trials were made at different sea state as measured by the Beaufort scale. Trials under
different sea conditions will continue during the 2016/17 survey.
Study design for the 2016/17
Feasibility study of biopsy sampling on Antarctic minke whales would be based on the Larsen system. The
Larsen system is considered one of the most efficient methods for biopsy sampling and it is used regularly
during the IWC POWER surveys in the North Pacific. It was also used during the former IWC IDCR/SOWER
cruises.
In the northern (: offshore) stratum of the research area, single animals will be targeted under the normal windspeed acceptable for sighting surveys, e.g. 1-20knots. Tentatively a total of 10 biopsy trials will be attempted foreach of the following wind speed ranges: 0-5; 6-10; 11-15; 16-20 (40 trials in total). For each trial otherinformation such as behaviour of the animal should be recorded.
In the southern stratum the study design will try to respond recommendation c) above from the NEWREP-A
review workshop. School of more animals and solitary animal will be targeted and the target animal for biopsy
sampling will be decided randomly using the same method used in the lethal sampling of Antarctic minke whale.
Tentatively a total of three trials will be attempted for each of the following wind speed range: 0-5; 6-10; 11-15;
16-20; 21-25 (15 trials in total) in the southern stratum. For each trial other information such as behaviour of theanimal should be recorded.
If a biopsy is obtained, the weight of the sample should be obtained to respond one of the recommendations fromthe NEWRE-A review workshop.
Results
In the northern stratum, nine solitary Antarctic minke whales were targeted for the feasibility biopsy sampling(Figure 1), and a total of 3 hours and 33 minutes was spent in those trials. Biopsy sample was collected from one
animal (Table 1). The trials in the northern stratum were possible mainly at low wind speed classes (:0-5; 6-10kt), however sampling was inefficient.
In the southern stratum, six Antarctic minke whale schools were targeted for the feasibility biopsy sampling(Figure 1). School sizes were: 1, 1, 1, 3, 5 and 12. A total of 2 hours and 38 minutes was spent in those trials.
Biopsy samples were collected from five animals (Table 1). The trials in the southern stratum were conducted ateach wind speed class. The sampling time was short at low wind speed rather than high wind speed.

19

Following recommendations from the NEWREP-A review workshop, the weights of the biopsy samples wereobtained. The weight ranged from 0.30g and 1.05g with an average of 0.67g.
Preliminary statistical analysis comparing the efficiency of lethal and biopsy sampling
A total of 11 biopsy were sampled from 24 trials in the experiments conducted in 2015/16 and 2016/17. A totalof 666 animals were taken by the lethal sampling from 689 trials (Table 2).
A generalized linear model (GLM) with sampling success as response variable, adjusting for confounders factors(sampling method, research year, Beaufort scale, visibility and sampling vessels) was performed based on datafrom the NEWREP-A in 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. Table 3 shows the coefficient estimates of each explanatory
variable in the selected models. The best model with lowest BIC (Schwarz 1978), suggested as explanatory
variables only the ‘sampling method’. The success of biopsy sampling was significantly lower than lethal
sampling (p < 0.05, Table 3). The estimates and the standard errors of success proportions of biopsy and lethal
sampling were 0.967 ± 0.007 and 0.458 ± 0.102, respectively.
Further statistical analyses will be conducted after the third feasibility study is completed in 2017/18, and a final
evaluation of biopsy sampling technique for the Antarctic minke whale will be presented to the 2018 IWC SC
meeting.

References
Ensor, P., Matsuoka, K., Marques, F., Miura, T., Murase, H., Pitman, R., Sakai, K. and Van Waerebeek,
K. 2001. 2000-2001 International Whaling Commission-Southern Ocean Whale andEcosystem Research (IWCSOWER) Circumpolar Cruise, Areas V, VI and I. Paper
SC/53/IA5 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, May 2002 (unpublished). [Paper
available at the IWC Office].
Ensor, P., Matsuoka, K., Komiya, H., Ljungblad, D., Miura, T., Morse, L., Olson, P., Olavarria, C., Mori,
M. and Sekiguchi, K. 2004. 2003-2004 International Whaling Commission-Southern Ocean
Whale and Ecosystem Research (IWC-SOWER) Circumpolar Cruise, Areas V. Paper
SC/56/IA13 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, May 2004 (unpublished). [Paper
available at the IWC Office].
International Whaling Commission. 2015. Report of the Expert Panel to Review the proposal by Japan
for NEWREP-A, 7-10 February 2015, Tokyo, Japan. Paper SC/66a/Rep6 presented to IWC
Scientific Committee, May 2015 (unpublished). 62pp. [Paper available at the IWC Office].
Nishiwaki, S. 2000. Performance of biopsy skin sampling for minke whales during the JARPN and
JARPA surveys using the ICR air gun. Paper SC/52/O5 presented to the IWC ScientificCommittee, May 2000 (unpublished). 8pp. [Paper available at the IWC Office].
Schwarz, G. 1978. Estimating the dimension of a model. Ann. Stat. 6(2):461-464.

20

Table 1. Summary of feasibility biopsy sampling in Antarctic minke whales during the 2016/17 dedicatedsighting survey.
Experiment
Vesl.

Sighted Position

Sight Scl.

Start time

End time Experiment Est. body length Number Number Position

NumberSampleShootingNo.

equipment

Datenumber

No. size Lat. [min.] Long. [min.]

of BX

of BX

durationof target ind. [m] of shootof hitstruck of sample (ind.)

StratumWind speed(knots)

Notes

YS3

BY303

20161214

9

1

-62

33.1

133

55.2

15:39:19

16:05:23

00:26:04

5.8

2

0

-

0

-

Larsennorthern

6-10kt

-

YS3

BY305

20161215

2

1

-62

22.8

134

11.0

06:26:18

06:39:49

00:13:31

7.2

0

0

-

0

-

Larsennorthern

0-5kt

No chance to shoot

YS3

BY306

20161215

5

1

-62

14.6

134

24.0

07:43:40

08:11:29

00:27:49

6.5

2

0

-

0

-

Larsennorthern

6-10kt

-

YS3

BY308

20161215 10

1

-62

01.9

134

43.6

10:45:57

11:10:11

00:24:14

6.3

1

0

-

0

-

Larsennorthern

0-5kt

-

YS3

BY309

20161215 22

1

-61

47.9

135

05.4

13:08:36

13:53:40

00:45:04

7.8

1

0

-

0

-

Larsennorthern

0-5kt

YS3

BY310

20161215 25

1

-61

43.5

135

12.3

14:45:11

15:01:31

00:16:20

8.0

1

1

C1

1

J16YS3M001

Larsennorthern

6-10kt

-

YS3

BY311

20161216

2

1

-60

11.9

138

00.1

17:39:43

18:08:14

00:28:31

8.0

0

0

-

0

-

Larsennorthern

6-10ktNo chance to shoot

YS3

BY312

20161217

1

1

-60

24.2

138

12.8

07:40:15

07:59:17

00:19:02

5.7

1

0

-

0

-

Larsennorthern

6-10kt

-

YS3

BY318

20161220

3

3

-64

44.0

142

16.0

14:16:08

14:49:24

00:33:16

7.1

3

1

A

1

J16YS3M002

Larsensouthern

21-25kt

-

YS3

BY319

20161224

1

5

-65

02.6

144

45.7

06:38:08

07:05:11

00:27:03

8.1

3

1

LC2

1

J16YS3M003

Larsensouthern

11-15kt

-

YS3

BY321

20161226

4

12

-64

18.0

148

47.4

09:49:16

10:21:38

00:32:22

8.4

3

2

LC2

1

J16YS3M004

Larsensouthern

6-10kt

-

YS3

BY322

20161228

2

1

-64

03.0

153

09.1

08:55:05

09:07:31

00:12:26

6.1

1

0

-

0

-

Larsennorthern

16-20kt

-

YS3

BY324

20170106 33

1

-66

48.2

163

45.1

17:29:10

17:34:17

00:05:07

5.8

1

1

LC1

1

J16YS3M005

Larsensouthern

6-10kt

-

YS3

BY325

20170107 23

1

-67

09.3

164

38.1

08:39:06

08:56:15

00:17:09

6.3

1

1

RB1

1

J16YS3M006

Larsensouthern

0-5kt

-

YS3

BY327

20170111

1

-65

48.6

160

18.0

07:45:43

08:29:27

00:43:44

6.2

1

0

-

0

-

Larsensouthern

16-20kt-

5-

Table 2. Success proportions, sampled whale numbers and target whale (experiment) numbers in Antarctic
minke whale of biopsy and lethal sampling in the NEWREP-A for 2015/16-2016/2017.
MethodBiopsyLethalResearch year

Number oftarget whales

Number ofsampled whales

Success
proportion

2015/20162016/2017
Total
2015/20162016/2017
Total

9
15
24
349
340
689

5
6
11
333
333
666

0.556
0.400
0.458
0.954
0.979
0.967

Table 3. Results of generalized linear model analyses with estimates of success of biopsy and lethal sampling in
Antarctic minke whales as explanatory variables.
Estimate
Std. Errorz value
Pr (>|z|)(Intercept)
3.36580.212115.870p < 0.05
Method1-3.53280.4613-7.658p < 0.05
Null deviance: 285.14 on 712 degrees of freedom; Residual deviance: 234.72 on 711 degrees of freedom.

Figure 1. Geographic position of feasibility biopsy sampling on Antarctic minke whales by the 2016/17
dedicated sighting survey.

21

Appendix 2
Results of the feasibility study on satellite tracking of Antarctic minke whale under the 2016/17
NEWREP-A

Introduction
As stated in the timeline of the NEWREP-A plan, the feasibility study on telemetry in the Antarctic minke whale
will be undertaken along with the dedicated sighting surveys, at an early stage of the first six-year period of
NEWREP-A. On this particular study, the NEWREP-A Review Panel made the following recommendations(IWC, 2015): a) This experiment should be accorded high priority but notes the difficulties in the attachment andfunctioning of long-term satellite tags on minke whales in both hemispheres; b) Undertake this work incollaboration with research groups with experience in such work rather than try to develop techniques on theirown.
Consequently, in planning this feasibility study, effort was spent in developing an attachment system in
consultation with the National Research Institute of Far Seas Fisheries (NRIFSF, Yokohama, Japan) and Lars
Kleivane, Norway, all of them experienced in telemetry studies.
Study design
As in the first feasibility survey, the experiment was based on a pneumatic tool (the whale tag launcher: Aerial
Rocket Tag System: ARTS, Lars Kleivane and Restech Norway A/S, Norway) and satellite tag (SPOT6,
Wildlife computers, WA, USA). Satellite tags were shot by this tool from the bow deck and carried a blubber
penetration-type mount system for whales. The harpoon heads function to anchor under the skin. The tagged
whales were also target of biopsy sampling using the Larsen system. Originally the experiment had been plannedwith 2 dedicated sighting vessels, but the experiment were assigned to a dedicated sighting vessel (Kaiyo-MaruNo.7) and a sighting/sampling vessel (Yushin-Maru No.1) for logistical reason in this season. As mentioned
above, the attachment system was discussed previously with colleagues from the National Research Institute of
Far Seas Fisheries (NRIFSF, Yokohama), and with Norwegian colleagues.
Location data were obtained from six classes of accuracy: 3, 2, 1, 0, A and B. The location classes 1–3 haveestimated accuracies of < 1500m. The location class 0 has estimated accuracies of > 1500m. The location classes
A and B have no estimated location accuracy (Argos User's Manual, 2016). In the context of migration route anddestination all three classes of low-accuracy positions contribute important information to the tracks of whales
and the errors seem insignificant relative to the scale of whale movements (Vikingsson and Heide-Jørgensen,2015).
Results
A total of seven trials were made (Table 1). Four satellite tags were deployed on Antarctic minke whales. Threeof the tagged whales were also sampled for biopsy samples. Of the four satellite tags, three satellite tags
successfully provided positions data (Argos No. 160299, 160296, 162662).
Argos No.160299 was deployed on a whale of estimated body length of 8.0m. The position of the whale wastracked for a period of 39 days. Tagged whale moved to eastward along the ice edge and stayed in polynya about
133°E (Figure 1). Argos No.160296 was deployed on a whale of estimated body length of 7.8m. The position of
the whale was tracked for a period of 79 days. Tagged whale moved to eastward along the ice edge and stayed inpolynya about 133°E (Figure 2). Argos No.162662 was deployed on a whale of estimated body length of 8.2m.
The position of the whale was tracked for a period of 15 days. Tagged whale entered into the Prydz bay andmoved east-northward in the Prydz Bay (Figure 3).
Preliminary evaluation and future surveys
Three of satellite tags were deployed on Antarctic minke whales successfully received location data. These data
are now under analyses and details will be reported to the future IWC/SC meeting. The attachment systems andtechniques improved steadily. Track duration in this season was longer than in 2015/16 season. The methods toextend the period with location information should be further discussed before the third field study in 2017/18.

22

References
Argos User’s Manual. 2016. CLS/Service Argos, Toulouse, France. Available at www.argossystem.org/manual/.
International Whaling Commission. 2015. Report of the Expert Panel to Review the proposal by Japan
for NEWREP-A, 7-10 February 2015, Tokyo, Japan. Paper SC/66a/Rep6 presented to IWC
Scientific Committee, May 2015 (unpublished). 62pp. [Paper available at the IWC Office].
Vikingsson, G.A. and Heide-Jørgensen, M.P. 2015. First indications of autumn migration routes anddestination of common minke whales tracked by satellite in the North Atlantic during 2001–
2011. Marine Mammal Science, 31(1): 376-385.

Table and Figure
Table 1. Summary of the feasibility satellite tagging study for Antarctic minke whales in 2016/17
NEWREP-A.
Vesl.
YS1
YS1
YS1
YS1
YS1
YS1
KY7

Sheet
numberST 101ST 102ST 103
ST 104
ST 105
ST 106
ST 701

Date
20170103
20170103
20170103
20170201
2017021720170304
20161219

Sight

Scl.

No.

size Lat. [min.] Long. [min.]Sighted Position

of BX

of BX

duration of target ind. [m] of shoot

7
9
11
7
8
8
15

4
4
6
1
1
1
3

11:48:07
13:16:09
14:30:14
14:26:33
16:08:45
15:19:18
09:42:59

12:47:22
13:50:03
15:12:42
14:55:58
16:36:42
15:25:23
10:32:09

00:59:15
00:33:54
00:42:28
00:29:25
00:27:57
00:06:05
00:49:10

-65
-65
-65
-66
-67
-66
-63

07.0
10.6
07.5
49.0
19.1
53.6
50.8

111
111
111
62
66
59
138

58.8
58.0
58.7
33.0
27.4
18.1
21.8

Start time End time Experiment Est. body length
8.0,8.3
8.5
7.8
8.2
8.3
8.9
8.3

Number
2
1
2
1
0
0
1

NumberPosition

ARGOS

Shootingof hit (ind.)struckNo.

equipment

2
0
1
1
0
0
0

RE,LB1a 160299,160297
RC1
160296
LB1p
162662-

LK-ART S
LK-ART S
LK-ART S
LK-ART S
LK-ART S
LK-ART S
LK-ART S

Notes
Biopsy sample No. J16YS1M001,J16YS1M002
Biopsy sample No. J16YS1M003
No chance to shootNo chance to shootNo chance to shootFigure 1. Tracking positions of the Antarctic minke whale (No.160299) with monthly sea ice
concentration January (upper) and February (lower). Location data in this figure are used Location
Classes of 3, 2, 1, 0, A and B.

23

Figure 2. Tracking positions of the Antarctic minke whale (No.160296) with monthly sea ice
concentration January (upper), February (middle) and March (lower). Location data in this figure
are used Location Classes of 3, 2, 1, 0, A and B.

Figure 3. Tracking positions of the Antarctic minke whale (No.162662) with monthly sea ice
concentration, February. Location data in this figure are used Location Classes of 3, 2, 1, 0, A andB.

24

Appendix 3
Ship specifications of Yushin-Maru No.3 and Kaiyo-Maru No.7

Vessel photos:

Yushin-Maru No.3

Kaiyo-Maru No.7

Vessel specifications:

Call sign
Length overall [m]Molded breadth [m]Gross tonnage [GT]Barrel height [m]Upper bridge height [m]Bow height [m]Engine power [PS / kW]

Yushin-Maru No.3

Kaiyo-Maru No.7

7JCH
69.61
10.8
742
19.5
11.5
6.5
5280 / 3900

JFCL
60.02
10.60
649
17.0
9.0
4.8
2100 / 1544

25

Appendix 4
Oversight for the 2016/17 NEWREP-A dedicated sighting survey
Koji Matsuoka
Institute of Cetacean Research
4-5, Toyomi, Chuo, Tokyo, 104-0055, JAPANThe plan of this survey was presented to the 2016 IWC/SC meeting (Hakamada et al., 2016) and endorsed by the
Scientific Committee (IWC, 2016). The research activities to be conducted during the 2016/17 survey are thesame as in the original plan presented to SC65b in 2014 (Matsuoka et al., 2014). On behalf of the IWC ScientificCommittee I carried out the oversight work during the 2016/17 NEWREP-A dedicated sighting survey. This is abrief report of the oversight activities conducted on that survey.
Preparatory work
I participated in a pre-cruise meeting carried out in Shiogama, Miyagi, Japan on 15 November 2016 andHachinohe, Aomori, Japan on 4 November 2016. The survey organizers, researchers and crew members also
participated in that meeting. During the meeting the organizers explained the objective of the survey and theprocedure to be used for sighting surveys, experiments and krill and oceanographic survey. The planned sighting
procedure was in order with that agreed by the Scientific Committee. Research vessels were available for thesurveys, the R/V Yushin-Maru No.3 (YS3) (742GT) and Kaiyo-Maru No.7 (KY7) (649GT). These vessels wereassigned to cover the research area, south of 60°S in IWC Antarctic Area V included the Ross Sea, and in thelongitudinal range of 130°E-170°W. These vessels were assigned to cover predetermined transects, normal
passing mode and passing with Independent Observer mode. Two experienced researchers were assigned to each
vessel.
Oversight period and method
I was carried out the oversight work through the planning and the execution of this sighting survey conducted by
the Institute of Cetacean Research (ICR). The research activities in the research vessels were oversight byexamining the daily report prepared by the researchers on board. In some instances telephone calls were madefor further clarification of the activities, procedure and sightings made. Geographical positions and weather
information of the each vessel were tracked every day from ICR. Thus the total survey was oversighted.
Brief narrative of the oversight vessel
The duration of this cruise was 135 days for YS3. The YS3 departed from Shiogama, in Japan on 17 November
and started the transit survey on 2 December and completed on 11 December. They started survey in the researcharea on 13 December and completed the research area on 14 January when the western sector of the Area V wasfinished, for the backup plan of NEWREP-A. The vessel departed from the research area on 10 March, thetransit survey of the vessel cancelled for logistical reason. The vessel arrived at Shimonoseki, in Japan on 31
March.
The duration of this cruise was 80 days for KY7. The KY7 departed from Hachinohe, in Japan on 16 November
and started the transit survey on 2 December and completed on 11 December. They started survey in the researcharea on 13 December and concluded the research area on 8 January. The vessel left the research area andconducted the transit survey from 9 to 19 January. The vessel arrived at Ogasawara, in Japan on 3 February.
Post-cruise meeting
I participated in a post-cruise meeting held on 9 February 2017 in Tokyo (KY7) and 31 March 2017 in
Shimonoseki (YS3). Survey organizers, researchers and the captain participated in that meeting. Apart to discussand assess the results of the surveys, the researchers engaged in the verification and checking of data.
Conclusion
All equipment and the survey method of vessel were the same as in the past sighting surveys. The design of thesurvey strata and tracklines were improved to cover each stratum completely. The planned sighting procedure
was in accordance with the guideline agreed by the SC (IWC, 2012). Objectives and procedure of the survey
were explained to the captains, officers, crew and researcher in advance. I then endorse the information and dataobtained during the 2016/17 NEWREP-A dedicated sighting survey.

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References
Hakamada, T., Matsuoka, K. and Pastene, L.A. 2016. Research plan for the NEWREP-A dedicated sighting
survey in the Antarctic in 2016/17. Paper SC/66b/IA04. 12pp. [Paper available at the IWC Office].
International Whaling Commission. 2012. Requirements and Guidelines for Conducting Surveys and Analysing
Data within the Revised Management Scheme. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. (Suppl.) 13:507-19.
International Whaling Commission. 2016. Report of the Scientific Committee. Annex G: Report of the
Sub-Committee on In-Depth Assessments. 31pp. Bled, Slovenia, 2016. [Paper available atthe IWC Office].
Matsuoka, K., Hakamada, T. and Miyashita, T. 2014. Proposal for a cetacean sighting survey in the
Antarctic in the 2014/15 austral summer season. Paper SC/65b/IA12. 4pp. [Paper available atthe IWC Office].

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