Results of the second biological field survey of NEWREP-A
during the 2016/17 austral summer season
Toshihiro Mogoe1, Tatsuya Isoda1, Takashi Yoshida1, Kazuyoshi Nakai1, Jun Kanbayashi1, Kei Ono1, Isamu
Yoshimura2, Yuu Ueda2, Hiroya Mure2, Eisei Ueta2, Atsushi Wada1, Hiroshi Eguchi2 and Tsutomu Tamura1
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, Japan
Contact e-mail: mogoe@cetacean.jp
2

ABSTRACTThis paper reports the results of biological sampling of the Antarctic minke whale during the second New Scientific
Whale Research Program in the Antarctic Ocean (NEWREP-A) survey conducted in Area III-E (45°E-70°E) andIV (70°E-130°E), south of 60°S during the 2016/17 austral summer season. The paper also presents the results ofthe sighting surveys and photo-ID and biopsy sampling of large whales by the sighting sampling vessels (SSVs).
Three SSVs and one research base vessel were engaged in the survey for 83 days. A total of 311 primary sightings(involving 526 individuals) of Antarctic minke whale were made during 3,274 n.miles of searching distance. A
total of 333 Antarctic minke whales (178 females and 155 males) were sampled, and a number of biologicalsamples and data required for the two main objectives of NEWREP-A were obtained from each whale taken.
Earplugs for age determination were collected from all whales. A total of 24 whales were photo-identified:
humpback whale (20) and killer whale (4) in the research area. A total of four biopsy samples of humpback whale
were collected from photo-identified individuals. The samples and data collected in this survey are available forinterested national and international scientists under the guidelines for research collaboration posted at the home
page of the Institute of Cetacean Research (ICR): http://www.icrwhale.org/NEWREP-AProtocol.html.
KEYWORDS: SCIENTIFIC PERMITS; ANTARCTIC; FEEDING GROUNDS; ANTARCTIC MINKEWHALE; BIOPSY SAMPLING; PHOTO-ID
INTRODUCTION
The survey of the New Scientific Whale Research Program in the Antarctic Ocean (NEWREP-A) was started in
the 2015/16 austral summer season, after the review of the research plan was completed by the International
Whaling Commission Scientific Committee (IWC SC) following the guidelines in Annex P (IWC, 2015a; see
GOJ, 2016 and Matsuoka et al., 2016).
Research under NEWREP-A requires the collection of various types of samples and data which are important foraddressing the main objectives I and II of the program. For example, under objective I (ii) samples and data forobtaining the age, sexual maturity and body length of the whales are required. Under objective I (iii) data andsamples for studying morphometric, morphological and genetic differences among whales are required. All that
information together with other obtained by non-lethal means (e.g. abundance under objective I (i)) is necessary
for the specifications of RMP ISTs for Antarctic minke whales (Objective I (iv)).
Under objective II (iii), stomach contents of the whales are required to estimate prey composition andconsumption by Antarctic minke whales; and blubber thickness, fat weight and girth data are required to study
the nutritional condition of the whales. All that information together with other obtained by non-lethal means(e.g. whale abundance under objective II (ii) and krill biomass and oceanographic information under objective II(i)) is necessary for ecosystem modelling work (Objective II (iv)).
Age data at the annual scale is required by the Statistical Catch-at-Age Analysis (SCAA) under objective I (ii).
Age information can be obtained only from internal earplugs and therefore only through lethal sampling methods.
The NEWREP-A review workshop agreed that at present, the technique commonly used for the determination of
the biological parameters used in the SCAA model require earplug for age determination (IWC, 2015b).
Calculation of sample size of Antarctic minke whale in NEWREP-A was based on the biological parameter Age
at Sexual Maturity (ASM). ASM is of great importance not only for contributing information on the proportionof matured animals in the SCAA (related to the main objective I) but also as an important indicator of changes
in the nutritional condition of the whale population (related to main objective II). The age-at-50% sexual maturity(ASM 50) was used to set the annual sample size of 333 Antarctic minke whales (see GOJ, 2015 for details).

1

The second multidiscipline survey of the NEWREP-A was conducted in Areas III-E (45°E-70°E), IV and V-W
during the austral summer season 2016/17. The report of the dedicated sighting survey is presented by Isoda etal. (2017) and that of the krill and oceanographic survey is presented by Wada et al. (2017).
The objective of this paper is to present the results of the biological survey of 333 Antarctic minke whales
sampled during the field survey of NEWREP-A in Area III-E and IV. Sighting data obtained by the Sighting
Sampling Vessels (SSVs) are also presented in this paper.
SURVEY DESIGN
Research area
The sampling survey was set south of 60°S in Area IV. The area was divided into the East and West sector at
100°E. Each sector was divided into the South and North strata. The boundary between the South and North strata
in the sector was defined by a line 45 n.miles from the ice-edge. The southern boundary of the West-south stratum
between 70°E and 80°E was fixed at 66°S and the Prydz Bay was defined as the southern area of this boundary(Figure 1). Estimated pack-ice line (ice-edge) was obtained from direct observation from the vessels, from the
Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP; Maslanik and Stroeve, 1999) and from the Advanced
Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2; JAXA, 2016).
Research vessels
Three research vessels Yushin-Maru (YS1), Yushin-Maru No.2 (YS2) and Yushin-Maru No.3 (YS3) were engaged
in sighting and sampling (SSVs). They were equipped with a top barrel platform (TOP), upper bridge platform(UBP), and a whaling cannon. Biological research of the whales sampled was carried out on board the researchbase vessel, Nisshin-Maru (NM). One researcher was on board each YS1, YS2 and YS3. A total of eighteen
researchers, included the cruise leader and vice cruise leader, were on board the NM. Specifications of the research
vessels were shown in Table 1 and Figure 2.
Backup plan for contingencies
As research activities could be disrupted by both natural and human factors including dangerous sabotage activities
by an extreme anti-whaling NGO, the research has a contingency backup plan (GOJ, 2015). The backup plan
would address three aspects; (i) adjustments of research protocols at the scene of disruption, (ii) adjustment ofresearch plans including research period, sample size, and research areas after the year of disruption, and (iii)
consideration of analysis methods to compensate the effects of disruptions. This plan was in response to therecommendation made at the Expert Workshop to Review the Japanese JARPA II Special Permit Research
Programme (IWC, 2014).
Cruise track-line
Survey courses were established in offshore and ice edge waters of the research area by the line transect method.
Two SSVs advanced along parallel track-lines 7 n.miles apart (main course and sub-courses). Each of the SSVs
changed the track-line order every day to avoid possible sighting bias by fixed position. Starting point of the day
was set at the position where one of the vessels ended the surveys on the previous day in the most advanced
position. The other vessel moved to the starting position of the next day after the end of the daily survey.
The predetermined track-line of the sampling survey was shown in Figure 3a. Track-line for each vessel consistedof two legs in the northern stratum at 3°20’ longitudinal degree intervals, and six legs in the southern stratum at
1°40’ longitudinal degree intervals in a 10° longitudinal band in the research area (Nishiwaki et al., 2014) except
for the Prydz Bay. A latitudinal zig-zag line was set for the Prydz Bay. Track-lines were decided based on theoriginal longitude line, which was selected at random in the western and eastern part of the stratum, respectively.
The interval of legs and number of legs in each stratum could be changed in consideration of delay caused by bad
weather conditions and other factors. Survey course angle and distances were calculated using a Tamaya Navigator
NC-2100G (Ver.1.2.1; Tamaya Instrument Co., Japan).
Sighting protocols
Survey mode2

Survey mode of sampling survey for Antarctic minke whale was conducted using Normal Closing mode (NSC).
Sighting activities of the survey mode were classified into two types according to ‘On-effort’ or ‘Off-effort’. Bothsurvey activities followed the protocol endorsed for the IWC/SOWER surveys (e.g. Matsuoka et al., 2003).
Sighting protocol
Sighting protocols were the same as those in IDCR/SOWER. Research effort began 60 minutes after sunrise andended 60 minutes before sunset, with a maximum 12 hours per day (approximately 06:00‒18:00). Time-zonechange was recorded at 30 minute intervals, effective from 01:00h.
Time was adhered to local ‘ship’ time ranging between +3.0 and +9.0 GMT. Data collected throughout the survey
and all associated reporting were in accord with the local ‘vessel’ time. Searching activity was conducted when
the weather conditions were suitable for observations: minke whale visibility better than 1.5 n.miles and the windspeed less than 21 knots (northern strata) or 26 knots (southern strata). Vessel speed during the sighting survey
was 11.5 knots with slight adjustment to avoid vibration of the vessels. Sighting effort was conducted by theboatswain and top-men from the TOP (there were always two primary observers in the TOP) and the upper bridge
where the helmsman, captain or officer-on-watch, researchers, and the chief engineer (or second engineer) werealso present.
Experiment
Preliminary sighting distance and angle experiment was examined in each SSV for evaluating the accuracy ofsighting distance and angle given by observers. Observers on each vessel were required to assess eight sets ofangles and distance estimation from two platforms (TOP and UBP). The experiment was conducted using a buoywith a radar reflecting transponder, using angle board and scope (7x) equipped with estimate scales on the eyelens. All trials were conducted under good sighting conditions.
Whale sampling
The target sample size for Antarctic minke whales was 333 animals (GOJ, 2015). Whales were sampled using arandom sampling method (Kato et al., 1989). One or two whales were sampled randomly from each primarysighted school using harpoon with 30g penthrite grenade. Sampled whales were immediately transported to theresearch base vessel, where biological measurements and biological sampling were carried out.
Biological measurements and sampling
Morphometric and body weight
After photographing the lateral side of each whale, a series of standard measurements was taken, including bodylength to the nearest 1cm and body proportion at seven different points (to the nearest 1cm). Skull measurements(length and greatest breadth to the nearest 0.5cm were taken for most whales using a large pair of vernier calipers.
Measurements of blubber thickness were taken at two points on the lateral side of the body. Girth dimensions weretaken from all animal sampled. Body weights of each whale were measured using an electronic track scale (EDP1801 and EDI-801, Yamato Scale Co., Ltd., Japan) on board the NM to the nearest 0.01tons. Body parts and organs
weight of six whales were weighted for studying energy storage, using an electronic hanging scale (Kubota) anda marine scale (M1100 and S-182, Marel, Iceland).
Total fat weight
Blubber weight of 35whales was measured for assessment of nutritional condition using an electronic hanging
scale and a marine scale.
Definition of sexual maturity
The maturity of the females was determined by the presence of at least one corpus luteum or corpus albicans ineither ovary. In the case where no corpus luteum or corpus albicans was observed, the female was categorized as
immature. The definition of male sexual maturity was defined preliminary based on the weight of one testis. If thetestis was over 0.4kg, the whale was determined as sexually mature (Kato, 1986). Reproductive status of female3whales was classified into four categories (ovulating, pregnant, resting and pregnant and lactating), based uponobservation of the ovary, uterus, and mammary gland. Pregnancy of the animal was defined based on conceptus
with placental development in the uterus. Body length and weight of foetus was measured in the same way as inadult whales. Sex of the foetus was classified into three categories (female, male or sex unidentified).
Earplug sampling
Left and right earplugs were collected for age determination by the routine procedure (Omura, 1963). Afterremoving the mandibles, the proximal part of the earplug was exposed along the surrounding the external part ofthe ear canal from the tympanic bulla using a knife, for subsequent incision. The external part of the ear canal was
carefully cut open so as not to incise the earplug, and then the earplug was collected with glove-finger using ascalpel. Earplugs were fixed and stored in 10% formalin solution. As a supplement for age determination studies,
the largest baleen plates were collected from whales of either sex smaller than 7.0m long. Skin tissue samples werecollected from 7 different points of body surface and stored at -80°C for an age-determining study based on DNA
methylation.
Stomach contents
Conventional stomach content records were obtained from all sampled whales. Prey species from the fore- andmain-stomach contents are weighed for each whale sampled (319 whales) and stored at −20°C or in 10% formalinsolution (51 whales).
Other biological samples
Ocular lenses of each adult whale and foetuses with body length less than 10cm were collected, and stored at−80°C for age estimation purposes. Blubber samples were collected at seven different points from six specimen
for feasibility study of the age determination method based on DNA methylation. Ovary, mammary gland andendometrium from female animals were dissected from the uterus and stored at −20°C for reproductive study.
Tissue samples of testis from male animals for the histological observation were collected and fixed using 10%
formalin solution. After measurements of blubber thickness (two points), blubber samples were taken from all
specimen for the study of feeding ecology. Muscle and liver samples were sampled and stored at −20°C for
pollutant studies. Skin samples were collected and fixed in ethanol solution (70%) for genetic studies.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Narrative of the cruise
YS1 and YS2 departed Shimonoseki (Japan) on 18 November 2016. YS3 departed Shiogama (Japan) on 17
November 2016 for dedicated sighting survey. NM departed from Innoshima (Japan). During transit from Japanto the research area, the sighting surveys were conducted from 2 December 2016 to 11 December 2016 in the area
between 20°S and 60°S outside of national EEZs. As for sampling survey, three SSVs and one research base vessel
were engaged in the survey for 83 days. A total of 311 primary sightings (involving 526 individuals) of Antarctic
minke whale were made during 3,274 n.miles of searching distance. A total of 333 Antarctic minke whales (178
females and 155 males) were sampled, and a number of biological samples and data required for the two main
objectives of NEWREP-A were obtained from each whale taken. A contingency backup plan has been applied forthis research cruise as a result of a countermeasure against dangerous sabotage activities by an anti-whaling NGO.
As a backup plan, a third SSVs, YS3, conducted biological sampling survey from 24 January to 7 March in 2017,
and the research area was reconfigured for Area III-E (45°E-70°E) and IV (70°E-130°E), south of 60°S. The total
research period of the sampling survey was 83 days from 15 December 2016 to 7 March 2017. SSVs and NM
arrived at Shimonoseki on 31 March 2017.
Area coverage
Figure 3b shows the main cruise tracks of the SSVs. The searching distance of the SSVs in each stratum is shownin the Appendix. The total searching distance during the 83-days research period was 8,603 n.miles. The
percentage of actual coverage in the whole research area was 22.4% (main course). The actual coverage was lessthan half compared with predetermined track-line due to bad weather, especially in the northern part of the research4

area and anti-whaling NGO in Area IV. The survey in the sector 90°E to 100°E and almost all Prydz Bay area of
Area IV was cancelled to avoid meeting vessels of anti-whaling NGO.
Geographical distribution of sampled whales
A total of 333 Antarctic minke whales were caught from a total of 311 primary sightings (involving 525
individuals). All whales were sampled in a random manner. Geographical distribution of sighting and sampling
were shown in Figure 3c and 3d, respectively. Of the total, 178 whales were females and 155 males (male sex ratio
was 0.47). Table 2 show the mean body length and weight of the sampled whales, by sex, reproductive status andstratum.
Sampling efficiency
A total of 333 individuals were sampled from 301 targeted school (340 individuals). The technical sampling
efficiency (number of whales sampled per number of individuals targeted) was 0.98.The main reason for missing
a targeted whales (7 cases) was the quick movement of the whale (4 cases out of 7). Two struck and lost cases
occurred.
Biological measurements and samplingExternal measurements
Table 3 summarizes the information on external body proportions of the sampled whales, and provides thepercentage of each measurement in relation to body length. The female and male external body measurements had
nearly identical percentages. Figure 5 shows the body length distribution of the sampled whales, by sex. The
maximum body length of males and females was 9.41m and 10.27m, respectively. The range for males was 4.72‒
9.41m and for females 5.12‒10.27m.
Body parts weight of sampled whale
Six whales of body parts and organ weights (kg) was measured. A total of 35 whales of total fat weight were
weighted. Table 4 shows the number of whales total fat weight measured from the sampled whales by sex.
Sexual maturity of sampled whale
Table 2 shows that mature animals were dominant in the East-South stratum of Area III-E, which is similar toresults of previous surveys. Immature animals were more frequent (69.8%) in the North strata. Maturity rate ofboth sexes were high (74.2 % in female and 74.8 % in male) in the South strata. Two lactating females withpregnancy were sampled in the East-North (17 and 18 December 2016).
The occurrence of lactating females was recorded in the early period of the survey, as in previous surveys.
Secretion was observed in the mammary glands of the early-pregnant animals. These observations suggested that
pregnant females migrated to the feeding ground after parturition. The animal with maximum testicular weight
was also observed in the early period (December). These results reflect seasonal changes in the reproductive
activity of the adult Antarctic minke whales.
Stomach contents
A total of 319 stomachs were examined (in 14 cases the both fore- and main stomach were broken). Table 5 shows
the frequency of appearance of dominant prey species in the forestomach, by strata. Antarctic krill (Euphausia
superba) was the dominant prey species (51.4% of the whales examined) in Area III-E and IV. In the southern partof Area III-E, south of 76°S, the dominant prey species was ice krill (Euphausia crystallorophias). Thysanoessa.
Sp. was found in mainly northern part in Area IV.
Other sampling5Age information is important for the main objective 1 of NEWREP-A. During the survey earplugs were collectedfrom all animals sampled. Eye lenses were also collected for the purpose of age determination based on the ratioof aspartic acid enantiomers in the lens nucleus. To conduct a feasibility study of the age determination method
based on DNA methylation, a total of six tissue samples were collected from the sampled whales.
Some other samples collected such as baleen plate, prey species from stomach contents, blood, muscle, and biopsy
skin would be useful for analysis of stable isotopes analyses to estimate the duration of Antarctic minke whale in
the feeding grounds.
Data and samples obtained from this survey will be validated and stored at the Institute of Cetacean Research(ICR), Japan, and they are available to national (Japan) and international scientists under established guidelines(see http://www.icrwhale.org/NEWREP-AProtocol.html). Catch data record will be submitted to the IWC
secretary, as in the previous surveys.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors thank the captains and crew members for their help and assistance in the field for obtaining thebiological samples and sighting data reported in this paper. Also our thanks to the Fisheries Agency of Japan (FAJ)
for research permission and logistical support, and to ICR and other research institutions colleagues for supportand suggestions on this paper.
REFERENCES
Government of Japan 2015. Research Plan for New Scientific Whale Research Program in the Antarctic Ocean(NEWREP-A). IWC.ALL.238, November 2015 (unpublished). 110pp.
Government of Japan 2016. Progress report of the work conducted by the proponents in response to IWC ScientificCommittee’s recommendations on NEWREP-A. Paper SC/66b/SP09 presented to the IWC ScientificCommittee, June 2016 (unpublished).
International Whaling Commission 2014. Report of the Expert Workshop to Review the Japanese JARPA II
Special Permit Research Programme. Paper SC/65b/Rep2 submitted to IWC Scientific Committee (unpublished).
62pp.
International Whaling Commission 2015a. Process for the review of special permit proposals and research resultsfrom existing and completed permits. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. (Suppl.) 16:349‒53.
International Whaling Commission 2015b. Report of the Expert Panel to review the proposal by Japan for
NEWREP-A. Paper SC/66a/Rep6 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, May 2015 (unpublished). 62pp.
Isoda, T., Konishi, K., Yamaguchi, F., Kawabe, S., Moriyama, R., Kasai, H., Igarashi, Y., Mogoe, T. and Matsuoka,
K. 2017. Results of the NEWREP-A dedicated sighting survey during the 2016/17 austral summer season. Paper
SC/67a/ASI presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, May 2017 (unpublished). 26pp.
Kato, H. 1986. Study on changes in biological parameters and population dynamics of southern minke whales.
Doctoral Thesis, Hokkaido University. 145pp. [in Japanese]
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 from 1978/79 to
2000/01. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. 5(2):173‒201.
Matsuoka, K., Mogoe, T. and Pastene, L.A. 2016. Overview of the first field survey of the New Scientific Whale
Research Program in the Antarctic Ocean (NEWREP-A) in 2015/16. Paper SC/66b/SP05 presented to the IWC
Scientific Committee, June 2016 (unpublished). 8pp.
Nishiwaki, S., Ishikawa, H., Goto, M., Matsuoka, K. and Tamura, T. 2014. Review of general methodology andsurvey procedures under the JARPAII. Paper SC/F14/J2 presented to the Expert Workshop to Review theJapanese JARPAII Special Permit Research Programme, February 2014 (unpublished). 34pp.
Omura, H. 1963. An improved method for collection of ear plugs from baleen whales. Norsk Hvalfangst-Tidende.
10:279‒83.

6

Table 1
Specifications of the research vessels.

Call sign
Length overall [m]Molded breadth [m]Gross tonnage [GT]Barrel height [m]Barrel height (IO) [m]Upper bridge height [m]Bow height [m]Engine power [PS/ kW]
CaptainYushin-Maru

Yushin-Maru No.2

Yushin-Maru No.3

Nisshin-Maru

JLZS
69.61
10.4
724
19.5
13.5
11.5
6.5
5,280/ 3,900
Nobuo Abe

JPPV
69.61
10.8
747
19.5
13.5
11.5
6.5
5,280/ 3,900
Chikamasa Ohkoshi

7JCH
69.61
10.8
742
19.5
13.5
11.5
6.5
5,280/ 3,900
Hidenori Kasai

JJCJ
129.58
19.4
8,145
–
–
–
–
7,320/ 5,383
Hiroshi Eguchi

Table 2
Mean (±SD) body length and weight of Antarctic minke whale samples obtained in the NEWREP-A 2016/17.
Stratum
Area III East-SouthSex

Sexual Maturity

Immature
MatureFemale Immature
MatureReproductive status

N

Body length (Mean±SD)

Body weight (Mean±SD)

Maturing
Resting
Pregnant
Pregnant & Lactation

8
57
8
0
13
79
0

6.97±1.57
8.57±0.35
7.01±1.24–
8.80±0.35
9.07±0.36–

4.42±2.54
7.35±0.87
4.27±1.90–
8.10±1.149.22±0.99
–

4
6
8
0
1
2
0
16
18
13
1
1
5
0
3
5
1
0
0
2
0
15
1
11
0
0
3
2
5
17
12
0
1
15
0

6.30±0.75
8.28±0.49
6.38±1.05–
8.53
8.82±0.93–
6.68±0.88
8.29±0.28
6.61±0.67
8.98
8.71
8.97±0.26–
6.14±1.41
8.36±0.58
7.16––
9.23±0.43–
6.27±0.60
7.66
6.03±0.73––
9.00±0.40
8.92±0.48
6.35±0.85
8.54±0.33
6.77±1.02–
9.29
9.09±0.49–

3.29±0.98
6.63±0.77
3.48±1.44–
6.91
7.88±1.71–
3.53±1.15
6.79±0.83
3.62±1.06
7.80
8.30
7.89±1.08–
2.99±1.89
7.12±1.30
4.24––
8.59±1.33–
2.98±0.85
5.37
2.78±0.89––
7.67±1.26
7.51±1.50
3.12±1.16
7.44±1.03
3.91±1.54–
8.81
8.56±1.42–333

8.08±1.23

6.66±2.53

Male

Area IV West-South Male

Immature
MatureFemale Immature
MatureEast-South

West-North

East-North

Prydz Bay

Immature
MatureFemale Immature
MatureMaturing
Resting
Pregnant
Pregnant & Lactation

Male

Immature
MatureFemale Immature
MatureMaturing
Resting
Pregnant
Pregnant & Lactation

Male

Immature
MatureFemale Immature
MatureMaturing
Resting
Pregnant
Pregnant & Lactation

Male

Immature
MatureFemale Immature
MatureMaturing
Resting
Pregnant
Pregnant & Lactation

Male

Maturing
Resting
Pregnant
Pregnant & Lactation

Total

7

Table 3External body proportions of Antarctic minke whales in the NEWREP-A 2016/17.
Measurement Point
No of
Measured
Samples
Total length (body length)
Tip of snout to centre of eye
Tip of snout to tip of flipper
Tip of snout to end of ventral grooves
Tip of snout to umbilicus
Tip of snout to anus
Girth of chest, half
Girth of abdominal, half
Skull length, condyle to tip of premaxilla
Skull, greatest width

FemaleMean (cm)%BL

No of Measured
Samples

829
159
373
417
449
613
229
212
198.2
108.5

100.0
19.2
45.0
50.3
54.2
73.9
27.6
25.6
23.9
13.1

155
153
149
154
153
154
144
150
153
152

178
177
173
178
178
178
168
174
173
165

Male
Mean (cm)

%BL

783
146
346
389
420
578
212
198
182.3
99.8

100.0
18.6
44.2
49.7
53.6
73.8
27.1
25.3
23.3
12.7

Table 4aBody parts and organ weight (kg) of Antarctic minke whales in NEWREP-A 2016/17.
Catch date

Sex

Body length (m)Total parts

Blubber

Meat

Bone

Viscera andothers26 Dec 2016
1 Jan 201713 Jan 201721 Jan 201730 Jan 201714 Feb 2017

M
M
M
F
F
M

8.81
7.05
7.75
8.93
5.55
6.97

7,320
3,929
4,862
7,302
1,994
3,732

1,403
789
1,051
1,619
490
787

4,028
2,179
2,551
3,832
981
2,062

984
518
670
1,003
253
475

923
455
607
867
276
418

Table 4b
Number of whale total fat weight measured in the NEWREP-A 2016/17.
Sex

No. of individuals measured

Female
Male

15
20

Total

35

Table 5
The frequency of the appearance of dominant prey species found in forestomach contents of Antarctic minke
whales sampled in the NEWREP-A 2016/17.
Stratum

Antarctic krillN%

Ice krillN%

Thysanoessa.sp
N%

Area III
East-South
West-South

80
12

24.0
3.6

8
0

2.4
0.0

0
0

0.0
0.0

63
6

18.9
1.8

14
3

4.2
0.9

Area IV
East-South
West-North
East-North
Prydz Bay

30
6
19
24

9.0
1.8
5.7
7.2

0
0
0
0

0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

0
2
1
0

0.0
0.6
0.3
0.0

19
3
10
20

5.7
0.9
3.0
6.0

5
0
2
6

1.5
0.0
0.6
1.8

Total

171

51.4

8

2.4

3

0.9

121

36.3

30

9.0

N: number of whales examined; Broken: animals with broken stomach by harpoon.

8

N

Empty
%

BrokenN%

Figure 1. Stratification of sampling survey for Antarctic minke whales in the NEWREP-A 2016/17 research area.
Gray shade; research area of the NEWREP-A 2016/17. The boundary between North and South strata of eachresearch area was the 45n.mile lines from estimated ice-edge line except for the Prydz Bay. The boundary
between South and Prydz Bay boundary of west strata of Area IV (from 70°E to 80°E, in longitude) was 66°S
in latitude. The map using Lambert conic conformal projection.

Figure 2. Research vessels which were used in the NEWREP-A biological sampling survey in 2016/17. Upper
left: Yushin-Maru; upper right: Yushin-Maru No.2; lower left: Yushin-Maru No.2; lower right: Nisshin-Maru.

9Figure 3a. Predetermined track-line (black lines: main course) of sampling survey for Antarctic minke whales in
the NEWREP-A 2016/17. The map using Lambert conic conformal projection.

Figure 3b. The portion of the vessel’s track-line (red line) that was surveyed on the effort of sampling survey for
Antarctic minke whales in the NEWREP-A 2016/17. Two or three parallel lines show the main- and sub-courses.

10Figure 3c. Geographical distribution of primary sighting position of Antarctic minke whales (pink closed circle)
sighted in the NEWREP-A 2016/17 sampling survey. Black bold line of the map was the boundary line for a
stratum of the research area. Gray lines were the predetermined track-line. The black line was the track-line of
the searching effort. The map using Lambert conic conformal projection.

Figure 3d. Geographical distribution of sighting position of Antarctic minke whale sampled in the NEWREP-A
2016/17. One plot showed the sighting position of the one school of the primary sighting. In cases where theschool consists of multiple individuals, some samples were sampled less than two individuals/school. Red closed
circle: female; blue closed circle: male. Black bold line of each map was the boundary line for a stratum of theeach research area. Gray lines were the predetermined track-line. The black line was the track-line of thesearching effort. The map using Lambert conic conformal projection.

11

N. of individuals

50
40
30

Female20
100N. of individuals

4
50
40
30

6

8

10

8

10

Body length (m)
Male

20
10
0
4

6
Body length (m)Figure 4. Histogram of the Antarctic minke whales body length data values obtained in the NEWREP-A 2016/17.
Upper: female; lower: male. Two vectors colours mean the value of the stature in maturity. White: matureindividuals; gray: immature individuals. A vector giving the breakpoints between histogram cells were 0.2m
intervals.

12

APPENDIX
Sighting results by the sighting and sampling vessels during NEWREP-A 2016/17 in Area III-E (45°E-70°E)
and IVIDENTIFICATION OF SPECIESGuidelines for species identification were based on the IWC-SOWER methods for classification of identification(IWC, 2008): ‘Positive identification of species was based on multiple cues and usually required clear observationof the whale's body. Occasionally, repeated observations of the shape of the blow, surfacing, and other behavioural
patterns were sufficient; this judgement was made only by the Cruise leader or other designated researcher.
Identification of species was recorded as ‘probable’ based on multiple cues, which were nevertheless insufficient
to be absolutely confident of identification. This usually occurred when blows and surfacing patterns could be
confirmed, but the whale's body could not be clearly seen. Details of recording procedures during sightings can befound in ‘Information for Researchers’’. From initial observations of morphologic characteristics, killer whale data
were divided into three ecotypes (Pitman and Ensor, 2003).
DETERMINATION OF GROUP SIZE
Following guidelines were used in determining group size (IWC, 2008): ‘Schools where the number of animals oran accurately estimated range of the number of animals was determined, were classified as confirmed schools.
Data from the confirmed schools can be used to determine a mean school size. Therefore, it is critical that theconfirmed schools accurately represent the size of schools in the survey area. Normally, schools believed to be
confirmed for school size are approached to within 1 n. mile for large whales and to within 0.3 n. miles for minke
whales. Allowing for context-specific differences (i.e. environmental conditions and animal behaviour), every
effort was made to be consistent with regard to the maximum time spent on the identification of species andconfirmation of numbers. Normally, if the sighting was thought to be minke whales, no more than 20 minutes(after the closure has been completed) should be spent on confirmation. This reduces the potential for confusion
with other sightings in the vicinity. Counts of individuals provided by the sighting summary represent best
estimates of school sizes in the research area, except when indicated otherwise’.
OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIESPhoto-ID
Photo-ID data of individual whales was collected for stock structure analyses as well as examining mixing andmovements during the research time. Data were captured by digital photograph using Digital camera (300mm lens,Canon Co., Ltd., Japan). Target species for photo-ID were blue whale (B. musculus), humpback whale (Megaptera
novaeangliae), southern right whale (Eubalaena australis), and killer whale.
Biopsy sampling
Samples of skin biopsy were collected by biopsy from the target whales. The target species were blue whale, fin
whale (B. physalus), sei whale (B. borealis), southern right whale, sperm whale (Physeter macrocehpalus), killer
whale, pygmy right whale (Caperea marginata), and southern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon planifrons) sighted
in the research time. The system for biopsy sampling was a Larsen gun (Larsen, 1998). The open sight was replacedwith an electronic aiming device (red-dot-sight), which allows faster aiming and thus faster shooting. The biopsy
darts consisted of a carbon fibre shaft, which is high-pressure moulded to a polyethylene float that also functions
as a stop to limit penetration into the tissue. In the float end of the dart, a threaded insert is used for attaching thescrew-on biopsy-sampling tip. The biopsy tip is a stainless steel cylinder with a 9mm outer diameter, an internal
diameter of 7mm and three internal barbs for sample retention. All collected samples were stored at −80°C.
Feasibility study on satellite tracking of Antarctic minke whale
Feasibility study on satellite tracking of Antarctic minke whale was carried out in both the sampling and the
dedicated sighting survey. Results of the feasibility study are presented by Isoda et al., (2017).

13

RESULT
Sightings
The searching effort and experiment times are summarised in Table 1. The WP of the SSV’s track-line of sampling
survey is shown in Table 2. Total searching distance in the research area was 736.6 n.miles in Area III-E (45°E70°E) and 2,537.2 n.miles in Area IV (main and sub course). Sighting records are not suitable for design-basedabundance estimation as the sighting records of the sampling and survey vessels were made by NSC mode using
TOP and UBP except for examination of the distribution of specified species using model-based estimation.
The sightings recorded in the sampling survey are shown in Table 3a–b. Figures 1a–b shows the geographicaldistribution of baleen whales sighted in sampling survey (Figure 1a: blue and fin whales; Figure 1b: humpback
whales). Figure 2 shows the geographical distribution of toothed whales (sperm whale, Southern bottlenose whale,
Arnoux's beaked whale, and killer whales) sighted in sampling survey.
In Area IV, Humpback whale was the most abundant species followed by Antarctic minke whale. Distribution of
Antarctic minke whale was narrower than that of humpback whales, widely found in III-E and IV. In Area III-E
Antarctic minke whale was concentrated at the ice edge.
Effort was made to identify killer whales into three ecotypes (types A, B and C). A total of 13 schools (101individuals) were sighted and the most sighted schools (12 schools) were ‘not identified ecotypes (undetermined)’due to the difficulty of approaching the whales, and recorded as ‘killer whales (undetermined)’. Photo-ID datasuggested that the one school of killer whales might have been type C. Further observation, experiments, andanalysis of this species will be continued during the next cruise.
Photo ID and biopsy
A total of 24 photo-ID data was obtained from humpback and killer whales. The number of photo-ID and biopsy
samples are summarised in Tables 4a–4b. Distribution of the sighting position of photo-ID data and biopsy
sampling are shown in Figure 3a and 3b, respectively. Table 5 summarises the details of the photo-ID and biopsy
sampling. The records will provide useful data for understanding the stock structure, mixing and movements ofthese species. These data will be submitted to the IWC secretary and will be analysed comparing previous IWC
and other relevant catalogues (e.g. Olson, 2012, Matsuoka and Pastene, 2009).
In terms of biopsy skin sampling, a total of 4 individuals were sampled from humpback whales. These biopsy
samples obtained during surveys of the NEWREP-A 2016/17 will be used for microsatellite DNA loci analysis forstudies of stock structure in the Antarctic feeding ground. Biopsy samples may also be used for other research (e.g.
chemical markers as body condition indicator, stable isotope, or hormones).
REFERENCES
International Whaling Commission. 2008. Report of the Intersessional Workshop to review data and results from
special permit research on minke whales in the Antarctic, Tokyo, 7-8 December 2006. J. Cetacean Res. Manage.
(Suppl.) 10:411‒45.
Isoda, T., Konishi, K., Yamaguchi, F., Kawabe, S., Moriyama, R., Kasai, H., Igarashi, Y., Mogoe, T. and Matsuoka,
K. 2017. Results of the NEWREP-A dedicated sighting survey during the 2016/17 austral summer season. Paper
SC/67a/ASI presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, May 2017 (unpublished). 26pp.
Larsen, F. 1998. Development of a biopsy system primarily for use on large cetaceans. Paper SC/50/O15 presented
to the IWC Scientific Committee, May 1998 (unpublished). 8pp.
Matsuoka, K. and Pastene, L.A. 2009. Summary of photo-id information of blue whales collected by
JARPA/JARPA II and preliminary analysis of matches in the feeding grounds. Paper SC/61/SH3 presented to
the IWC Scientific Committee, June 2009 (unpublished). 5pp.
Pitman, R.L. and Ensor, P. 2003. Three forms of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Antarctic waters. J. Cetacean Res.
Manage. 5(2):131‒9.
Olson, P.A. 2012. Antarctic blue whale photo-identification catalogue summary. Paper SC/64/SH8 presented to
the IWC Scientific Committee, June 2012 (unpublished). 5pp.

14

Table 1
Summary of research effort of the sighting and sampling vessels during NEWREP-A 2016/17.
StrataDate
Start

Area IV

West-North
East-North
West-South
East-South
Prydz BayArea III

East-North
East-South

Total

Days

12-Jan 6-Feb
14:30
18:00
16-Dec 22-Dec
10:22
17:26
13-Jan 18-Jan
15:32
18:00
15-Dec 8-Jan
6:00
18:00
20-Jan 15-Feb
6:00
18:00
3-Feb 13-Feb
10:00
18:00
30-Jan 7-Mar
13:39
15:11
15-Dec
6:00

NSC
Time
Dist

NSP
Time
Dist

7

30:16

343.1

0:00

0.0

0:00

10

60:43

696.4

0:00

0.0

0:00

7

42:10

466.4

0:00

0.0

0:00

16

65:47

740.4

0:00

0.0

1:01

9

25:35

290.9

0:00

0.0

0:00

2

9:03

106.0

0:00

0.0

0:00

21

56:08

630.6

0:00

0.0

0:10

72

365:534174.4

0:00

0.0

1:11

End

7-Mar
15:11

Photo-ID Biopsy
Time

Table 2Predetermined waypoints (WP) and the actually covered ratio in Area III and IV.
WP No.

Leg. No.

LatitudeLongitude

CoursePlan

EffortCovered (%)

East-South in Area III Area code: 32, Mode: NSC
301
301
67°29'S
302
302
67°05'S
303’
303
67°40'S
303
303
67°05'S
304
304
66°30'S
305
305
67°00'S
306
306
66°40'S
307
307
67°00'S
308
308
66°15'S
308’
308
66°20'S
309–
66°48'S
308’
309
66°20'S
310
310
65°25'S
311
311
65°55'S
312
312
65°10'S
312’
312
66°05'S
313
313
66°16'S
314
314
66°00'S
315
315
67°05'S
316–
66°30'S
801
801
67°00'S
802
802
67°30'S
803
803
67°00'S
803’
803
67°30'S
804–
67°40'S

070°00'E
069°07'E
067°27'E
067°27'E
065°47'E
064°07'E
062°27'E
060°47'E
059°07'E057°27'E057°27'E057°27'E
055°47'E
054°07'E
052°27'E050°47'E050°47'E
049°07'E
047°27'E
045°47'E
064°55'E
065°35'E
066°15'E066°55'E066°55'E

319°
227°
000°
311°
232°
296°
243°
243°
262°
180°
–
323°
233°
317°
216°
180°
291°
211°
311°
–
152°
027°
152°
180°
–

31.6
52.1
35.0
52.8
49.7
44.2
44.2
44.2
60.1
28.0
–
68.7
51.1
61.3
68.9
11.0
43.6
76.4
52.8
–
33.8
33.8
33.8
10.0
–

0.2
4.7
0.1
0.0
15.7
29.6
3.4
0.0
22.6
16.5
–
35.7
31.0
0.0
6.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
–
16.3
17.3
11.1
0.1
–

0.5
8.9
0.3
0.0
31.5
66.8
7.8
0.0
37.6
59.0
–
52.0
60.6
0.0
9.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
–
48.1
51.1
32.7
1.1
–

East-North in Area III Area code: 34, Mode: NSC
404
404
66°30'S
405
405
60°00'S
406
406
66°40'S065°47'E
064°07'E
062°27'E

353°
186°
–

393.1
403.0
–

106.0
0.0
–

27.0
0.0
–

15

Table 2
Continued.
WP No.

Leg. No.

LatitudeLongitude

CoursePlan

EffortCovered (%)

East-South in Area IV Area code: 42, Mode: NSC
501
501
64°09'S
501’
901
64°49'S
502
502
64°53'S
503
503
63°55'S
503’
903
64°50'S
504
504
65°00'S
505
505
63°55'S
506
506
65°00'S
507
507
63°55'S
507’
907
64°25'S
508
508
64°35'S
509–
63°20'S
511
511
63°45'S
511’
911
64°40'S
512
512
65°11'S
513
513
64°20'S
513’
913
64°45'S
514
514
65°05'S
515–
64°00'S

130°00'E
128°29'E
128°29'E
126°49'E
125°09'E
125°09'E
123°29'E
121°49'E
120°09'E
118°29'E
118°29'E
116°49'E
113°29'E
111°49'E
111°49'E
110°09'E
108°29'E
108°29'E
106°49'E

224°
180°
323°
218°
180°
326°
213°
326°
235°
180°
329°
–
218°
180°
320°
239°
180°
326°
–

56.1
4.0
72.5
70.1
10.0
78.1
78.1
78.1
53.0
10.0
87.1
–
70.3
31.0
66.6
49.8
20.0
78.1
–

26.4
3.8
29.6
62.2
8.4
34.2
42.9
28.1
39.7
8.7
58.0
–
45.9
20.3
19.5
43.7
0.2
0.0
–

47.0
95.5
40.9
88.7
83.5
43.8
54.9
36.0
74.9
86.7
66.6
–
65.3
65.5
29.3
87.6
1.2
0.0
–

West-South in Area IV Area code: 41, Mode: NSC
556
556
64°10'S
557
557
64°00'S
558
558
65°05'S
558’
957
64°55'S
559
559
64°25'S
559’
959
65°10'S
560
560
65°12'S
561
561
64°35'S
562
562
65°00'S
563
563
64°30'S
564
564
66°00'S
565–
65°15'S
567
567
65°15'S
568
568
66°00'S
569
569
65°15'S
570–
65°19'S

091°49'E
090°09'E
088°29'E
088°29'E
086°49'E
085°09'E
085°09'E
083°29'E
081°49'E
080°09'E
078°29'E
076°49'E
073°29'E
071°49'E
070°09'E
070°00'E

282°
213°
000°
305°
223°
180°
311°
311°
239°
305°
204°
–
222°
317°
222°
–

45.0
78.1
10.0
52.4
62.1
2.0
56.4
56.4
49.5
52.3
99.4
–
61.2
61.2
5.6
–

0.0
74.6
1.9
37.0
46.8
2.0
8.4
9.8
40.9
21.3
0.0
–
0.0
0.0
0.0
–

0.0
95.5
18.8
70.7
75.3
100.0
14.9
17.4
82.7
40.8
0.0
–
0.0
0.0
0.0
–

Prydz Bay Area code: 45, Mode: NSC
701
701
702
702
703
703
704
704
705
705
706
706
707
707
708
708
709
709
710
710
711
711
712
712

070°00'E
070°19'E
071°19'E
072°19'E
073°19'E
074°19'E
075°19'E
076°19'E
077°19'E
078°19'E
079°19'E
080°19'E

013°
170°
009°
170°
009°
172°
007°
172°
007°
168°
011°
166°

33.3
137.3
137.3
142.2
142.2
166.9
166.9
181.8
181.8
122.5
122.5
102.9

9.2
13.3
12.3
46.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
21.3
0.0
0.0
0.0

27.6
9.7
8.9
32.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
11.7
0.0
0.0
0.0

East-North in Area IV Area code: 44, Mode: NSC
603
603
63°55'S
604
604
60°00'S
605–
63°55'S
609
609
63°20'S
610
610
60°00'S
611–
63°45'S
615
615
64°00'S
616
616
60°00'S
617–
63°10'S126°49'E
125°09'E
123°29'E
116°49'E
115°09'E
113°29'E
106°49'E
105°09'E
103°29'E

348°
191°
–
346°
191°
–
348°
194°
–

239.9
239.9
–
205.8
230.1
–
244.8
196.1
–

4.4
0.0
–
110.9
122.6
–
60.6
88.8
–

1.8
0.0
–
53.9
53.3
–
24.7
45.3
–

West-North in Area IV Area code: 43, Mode: NSC
659
659
64°25'S
660
660
60°00'S
661–
64°35'S
665
665
65°15'S
666
666
60°00'S
667–
65°15'S086°49'E
085°09'E
083°29'E
076°49'E
075°09'E
073°29'E

350°
189°
–
351°
188°
–

269.4
279.2
–
318.7
318.7
–

78.9
0.0
–
15.8
82.0
–

29.3
0.0
–
5.0
25.7
–

66°32'S
66°00'S
68°15'S
66°00'S
68°20'S
66°00'S
68°45'S
66°00'S
69°00'S
66°00'S
68°00'S
66°00'S

16

Table 3a
Number of the great whales sighted in Area III-E and Area IV.
Area III-E (45°E-70°E)
Species

Area III-E

Blue whale
Fin whale
Sei whale
Antarctic minke whale
Like Antarctic minke whale
Humpback whale
Southern right whale
Sperm whale
Baleen whale

Subtotal

East-South
Prim.
Second.
Sch
Ind.
Sch
Ind.

East-North
Prim.
Second.
Sch
Ind.
Sch
Ind.

Prim.
Sch
Ind.

Second.
Sch
Ind.

0
10
0
155
0
52
0
1
2

0
1
0
0
0
19
0
0
0

0
11
0
155
0
71
0
1
2

0
5
0
31
0
15
0
0
0

0
22
0
254
0
83
0
1
2

0
5
0
30
0
15
0
0
0

0
14
0
74
0
28
0
0
0

0
2
0
0
0
33
0
0
0

0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0

0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0

0
24
0
254
0
116
0
1
2

0
14
0
75
0
28
0
0
0

Area IV
Species

Area IV

SubtotalWest-South
East-South
West-North
East-North
Prydz bay
Prim. Second. Prim. Second. Prim. Second. Prim. Second. Prim. Second. Prim. Second.
Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind.
Blue whale
Fin whale
Sei whale
Antarctic minke whale
Like Antarctic minke whale
Humpback whale
Southern right whale
Sperm whale
Baleen whale

2 4 0
34 94 00 0 0
21 29 00 0 074 156 0
0 0 0
11 11 02 10 0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

0 0 0 0
2 6 0 00 0 0 051 108 14 33
1 2 0 0155 284 15 35
0 0 1 14 4 1 1
1 3 0 0

0 0
11 28
0 0
10 11
0 0
41 85
0 0
1 1
0 0

0
3
0
6
0
0
0
0
0

0
8
0
8
0
0
0
0
0

0 0 2
2 3 1
0 0 0
33 38 12 2 0
125 237 2
0 0 0
0 0 0
3 7 0

2
2
0
1
0
8
0
0
0

0 0 0
28 104 00 0 0
41 86 30 0 0
35 64 1
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0

0
0
0
7
0
4
0
0
0

2 4 2 277 235 4 10
0 0 0 0156 272 24 49
3 4 0 0430 826 18 47
0 0 1 116 16 1 1
6 20 0 0

Table 3b
Number of the other toothed whales sighted in Area III-E and Area IV.
Area III-E (45°E-70°E)
SpeciesSouthern bottlenosed whale
Arnoux's beaked whale
Unidentified Beaked whale
Killer whale*

Area III-E

Subtotal

East-South
Prim.
Second.
Sch
Ind.
Sch
Ind.

East-North
Prim.
Second.
Sch
Ind.
Sch
Ind.

Prim.
Sch
Ind.

Second.
Sch
Ind.

0
1
1
23

0
0
0
0

0
1
1
23

1
1
1
6

0
18
2
217

0
1
1
6

0
30
1
64

0
0
0
0

1
0
0
0

1
0
0
0

0
18
2
217

1
30
1
64

*Small cetaceans are outside the competence of the IWC.

Area IV
Species

Area IV

SubtotalWest-South
East-South
West-North
East-North
Prydz bay
Prim. Second. Prim. Second. Prim. Second. Prim. Second. Prim. Second. Prim. Second.
Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind. Sch Ind.
Southern bottlenosed whale
Arnoux's beaked whale
Unidentified Beaked whale
Killer whale*

2 2
0 0
10 19
5 35

0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0

0 0
0 0
6 7
2 13

0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0

*Small cetaceans are outside the competence of the IWC.

17

0 0
0 0
2 5
2 16

0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0

0 0
0 0
2 4
3 10

0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0

0 0
0 0
0 0
4 43

0 0
0 0
0 0
1 25

2 2 0 00 0 0 020 35 0 0
16 117 1 25

Table 4a
Number of individuals photo-identified in Area III-E and Area IV.
Species# individuals photographedBlue whale
Humpback whale
Killer whale

0
20
4

Total

24

Table 4b
Number of biopsy samples collected in the sampling survey.
Species# individuals collectedBlue whale
Humpback whale
Killer whale

0
4
0

Total

4

Table 5
Details of the encounter duration in photo-ID and biopsy sampling.
Date

Sight
No.

Species

YS1
30 Jan 201730 Jan 2017

1
2

Humpback
Humpback

67°3.16'S67°4.19'S

YS2
21 Dec 201629 Dec 201631 Dec 2016
3 Jan 2017
3 Jan 2017
3 Jan 2017

1
1
1
5
8
10

Humpback
Humpback
Humpback
Humpback
Humpback
Humpback

3 Jan 201720 Feb 2017

11
1

YS3
6 Mar 2017

Sighting position
Lat.
Long.

Schoolsize

Est. body length oftarget ind. [m]# marked
Individual# of shoot

Opportunityof shoot

Position of shoot66°37.20'E
66°42.04'E

1
1

9
13.4

1
1

4
2

G
G

RD,FL,LD
FL,LD

–
–

62°28.38'S
64°18.37'S64°20.29'S65°8.90'S
65°12.74'S
65°13.13'S113°59.10'E
130°5.93'E
124°59.36'E
111°54.10'E
112°1.23'E
112°12.30'E

4
2
2
2
1
2

12.7,12.8,13.2,13.4,
12.7,13.0
13.1,13.3
12.5,12.8
11.8
12.8,13.5

4
2
2
2
1
2

12
6
9
5
2
8

P
P
P
P
G
P

HD,LD,RD,OT,
RD,OT,
RD,HD,OT,LD,RD,LD,
LD, RD,OT,

Humpback
Humpback

65°11.01'S
64°3.43'S

112°24.91'E
67°30.43'E

32

10.7,12.3,12.8
13.2,13.6

3
2

6
11

P
G

FL,LD,RDFL, LD,OT–––
J16YS2H001
J16YS2H002
J16YS2H003
J16YS2H004––

Killer67°26.46'S

67°19.40'E

10

7.7,7.5,7.0,4.0

4

8

G

RL

–

18

BiopsyNotes.
sample No.

Figure 1a. Geographical distribution of primary sighting position of blue (blue closed circle) and fin (red closed
circle) whales sighted in the NEWREP-A 2016/17 sampling survey. Gray line of the map shows thepredetermined track-line. The black line was the track-line of the searching effort. The map using Lambert conic
conformal projection.

Figure 1b. Geographical distribution of primary sighting position of humpback whales (black open circle) sighted
in the NEWREP-A 2016/17 sampling survey. Black bold line of the map was the boundary line for a stratum of
the research area. Gray line was the predetermined track-line. The black line was the track-line of the searchingeffort. The map using Lambert conic conformal projection.

19

Figure 2. Geographical distribution of primary sighting position of sperm (brown closed reverse triangle),
Southern bottlenose (light red closed circle), Arnoux's Beaked (cyan closed circle) and killer (orange closed
circle) whales sighted in the NEWREP-A 2016/17 sampling survey. Black bold line of the map was the boundaryline for a stratum of the research area. Gray lines were the predetermined track-line. The black line was the
track-line of the searching effort. The map using Lambert conic conformal projection.

Figure 3a. Geographical distribution of photo-ID data from humpback (black open circle) and killer (orange closed
circle) whales collected during the NEWREP-A 2016/17 sampling survey. A single symbol could represent
more than one photograph data. Black bold line of the map was the boundary line for a stratum of the researcharea. Gray lines were the predetermined track-line. The black line was the track-line of the searching effort. The
map using Lambert conic conformal projection.

20

Figure 3b. Geographical distribution of biopsy samples of humpback whales (black opened circle) collected during
the NEWREP-A 2016/17 sampling survey. Black bold line of the map was the boundary line for a stratum of
the research area. Gray lines were the predetermined track-line. The black line was the track-line of the searchingeffort. The map using Lambert conic conformal projection.

21