SC/66b/SP

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
Toshihiro Mogoe1, Koji Matsuoka1, Kazuyoshi Nakai1, Hitomi Sato1, Takuya Sato1, Masomi Tsunekawa2, Isamu
Yoshimura2, Masahiro Yamazaki2, Kensuke Fujii2, Takashi Yoshida1, 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

2

Contact e-mail: mogoe@cetacean.jp

ABSTRACTThis paper reports the results of biological sampling of the Antarctic minke whale during the first New Scientific
Whale Research Program in the Antarctic Ocean (NEWREP-A) survey conducted in Area V (130°E-170°W, southof 60°S) during the 2015/16 austral summer season. The paper also reports the results of the sighting surveys andPhoto-ID and biopsy sampling of large whales by the sighting sampling vessels (SSVs). Two SSVs and one
research base, were engaged in the survey for 65 days. A total of 335 primary sightings (involving 915 individuals)of Antarctic minke whale were made during 2,394n.miles of searching distance. A total of 333 Antarctic minke
whales (230 females and 103 males) were sampled, and a number of biological samples and data required for thetwo main objectives of NEWREP-A were obtained from each whale taken. Earplugs for age determination werecollected from all whales. A total of 13 large whales were photo-identified: blue whale (3), humpback whale (9)and killer whale (1). A total of seven biopsy samples were collected from blue (1), humpback (5) and killer (1)whales. The samples and data collected in this survey are available for interested 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 first survey of the New Scientific Whale Research Program in the Antarctic Ocean (NEWREP-A) was carriedout in Area V during 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 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 and consumption
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 the 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).

1

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 proportion of
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 (ASM50) was used to set the annual sample size of 333 Antarctic minke whales (see GOJ, 2015 for details).
The first multidiscipline survey of the NEWREP-A was conducted in Areas IV and V during the austral summer
season 2015/16. An overview of the survey is presented by Matsuoka et al. (2016). The report of the dedicatedsighting survey is presented by Isoda et al. (2016) and that of the krill and oceanographic survey is presented by
Wada et al. (2016).
The objective of this paper is to present the results of the biological survey of 333 Antarctic minke whale sampledduring the first field survey of NEWREP-A in Area V. Sighting data obtained by the Sighting Sampling Vessels(SSVs) are also presented in this paper.
SURVEY DESIGN
Research area
IWC Antarctic Management Area V, south of 60°S, was surveyed during the 2015/16 season. The area was divided
into the East and West sector at 165°E. Each sector was divided into the South and North strata. The boundary
between the South and North strata in the West sector was defined by a line 45n.miles from the ice-edge. In the
East sector, 69°S was the latitudinal boundary line. The East-South stratum (Ross Sea) was further divided into
the West and East sector at the 180° longitudinal line (Figure 1a). Within the Ross Sea, the area comprised east of
170°W (enclosed within pack ice) was also included in the East-South stratum.
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
Two research vessels Yushin-Maru (YS1) and Yushin-Maru No.2 (YS2) 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 research base vessel, Nisshin-Maru (NM).
One researcher was on board each YS1 and YS2. A total of eleven researchers, included the cruise leader and vicecruise leader, were on board the NM. Specifications of the research vessels were shown in Table 1 and Figure 2.
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 7n.miles apart (Main course and sub-course). 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 East-South stratum (Ross Sea). A latitudinal zig-zag line was set for the East-South stratum. Track-lines
were decided based on the original longitude line, which was selected at random in the western and eastern part ofthe stratum, respectively. The interval of legs and number of legs in each stratum could be changed in considerationof delay caused by bad weather conditions and other factors. Survey course angle and distances were calculatedusing a Tamaya Navigator NC-2100G (Ver.1.2.1; Tamaya Instrument Co., Japan).
Sighting protocols
Survey mode
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 teams and observation time
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 hour 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 +9.0 and +12.0 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 1.5n.miles and the wind2

speed less than 21knots (northern strata) or 26knots (southern strata). Vessel speed during the sighting survey was
11.5knots with slight adjustment to avoid vibration of the vessels. Sighting effort was conducted by the boatswain
and top-men from the TOP (there were always two primary observers in the TOP) and the upper bridge where thehelmsman, captain or officer-on-watch, researchers, and the chief engineer (or second engineer) were also present.
Sighting distance and angle experiment was examined in each SSV for evaluating the accuracy of sighting distanceand angle given by observers. Observers on each vessel were required to assess eight sets of angles and distanceestimation from two platforms (TOP and UBP). The experiment was conducted using a buoy with a radarreflecting transponder, using angle board and scope (7x) equipped with estimate scales on eye lens. All trials wereconducted under good sighting conditions.
Whale sampling
Sample size for Antarctic minke whales was 333 animals (GOJ, 2015). Whales were sampled using a random
sampling method (Kato et al., 1989). One or two whales were sampled randomly from each primary sighted school
using harpoon with 30g penthrite grenade. Sampled whales were immediately transported to the research basevessel, 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 7 different points (to the nearest 1cm; Figure 4). Skullmeasurements (length and greatest breadth to the nearest 0.5cm were taken for most whales using a large pair ofvernier calipers. Blubber thickness measurements were taken at two points on the lateral side of the body.
Body weights of each whale were measured using an electronic track scale (EDP-1801 and EDI-801, Yamato
Scale Co., Ltd., Japan) on board the NM to the nearest 0.01tons. Body parts and organs weight of five whales were
weighted for studying energy storage, using an electronic hanging scale (Kubota) and a marine scale (M1100 and
S-182, Marel, Iceland).
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 female
whales was classified into four categories (ovulating, pregnant, resting and pregnant and lactating), based uponobservation of ovary, uterus, and mammary gland. Pregnancy of the animal was defined based on conceptus withplacental development in the uterus. Body length and weight of foetus was measured in the same way as in adultwhales. Sex of the foetus was classified into three categories (female, male or sex unidentified).
Earplug survey
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.
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 (47 whales) and stored at −20°C or in 10% formalinsolution.
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. Ovary, mammary gland and endometrium from female animals were dissectedfrom the uterus and stored at −20°C for reproductive study. Tissue samples of testis 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.

3

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Narrative of the cruise
SSVs (YS1 and YS2) departed from Shimonoseki (Japan) on 1 December 2015. NM departed from Innoshima(Japan). Transit sighting surveys to the research area were conducted from 14 December 2015 to 21 December
2016. The total research period of the sampling survey was 65 days from 22 December 2015 to 25 February 2016.
Transit sighting surveys from the research area were conducted from 26 February 2016 to 8 March 2016. SSVs
and NM arrived at Shimonoseki on 24 March 2016.
Ice concentration
Figure 1b shows the spatial distribution of representative sea ice concentration during NEWREP-A 2015/16 cruise.
There were several large polynya along the continent in the western sector during the earlier period. These area
could not be surveyed because the sea ice prevented access.
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 65-days research period was 2,394n.miles. The percentageof actual coverage in the whole research area was 11.2% (main course). The actual coverage was less than half
compared with predetermined track-line due to bad weather, especially in the northern part of the research area.
The survey in the western part of the Ross Sea was cancelled to avoid a high vessel traffic zone and to avoid
meeting a vessel from an anti-whaling NGO.
Geographical distribution of sampled whales
A total of 333 Antarctic minke whales were caught from a total of 335 primary sightings (involving 915
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, 230 whales were females and 103 males (male sex ratio
was 0.31). 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 was sampled from 317 targeted school. The technical sampling efficiency (number ofwhales sampled per number of individuals targeted) was 0.95, and did not change significantly between numberof whales targeted (e.g. one and two whales targeted) (0.93 and 0.97, respectively; P > 0.05: Chi-squared test).
The main reason for missing a targeted whales (18 cases) was the quick movement of the whale (12 cases out of
18). 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. Table 4 summarizes the information on body parts and organ weights (kg) for the
sampled whales. Figure 5 shows the body length distribution of the sampled whales, by sex. The maximum bodylength of males and females was 9.00m and 10.06m, respectively. The range for females was 5.27‒9.00m and formales 5.17‒10.06m.
Sexual maturity of sampled whale
Table 2 shows that mature animals were dominant in the East-South stratum, which is similar to results of previous
surveys. Mature males were more frequent (66.7% male sex ration) in the North strata. Maturity rate of both sexes
was high (93.9 % in female and 71.4 % in male) in the South strata (e.g. the maturity is higher than 50% for all
strata in both sexes: 51.7–91.5%). Two lactating females with pregnancy were sampled in the West-South (24December 2015) and East-South strata (13 February 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 309 stomachs were examined (in 24 cases the stomach was broken). Table 5 shows the frequency of
appearance of dominant prey species in the forestomach, by strata. Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) was thedominant prey species (92.8% of the whales examined) in Area V. In the eastern part of Area V, south of 76°S,
the dominant prey species was ice krill (Euphausia crystallorophias).

4Other sampling
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.
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
Donovan, G.P. 1991. A review of IWC stock boundaries. Rep. int. Whal. Commn (special issue) 13:39–68.
Government of Japan. 2005. Plan for the Second Phase of the Japanese Whale Research Program under Special
Permit in the Antractic (JARPA II) - monitoring of the Antarctic ecosystem and development of new
management objectives for whale resources. Paper SC/57/O1 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, June
2005 (unpublished). 99pp.
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/SP presented to the IWC Scientific Committee,
June 2016 (unpublished).
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., 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. Paper SC/66B/IA presented to the IWC
Scientific Committee, June 2016 (unpublished). 25pp.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Earth Observation Research Center (ed.). 2016. Data Users' Manual for the
Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) onboard the Global Change Observation Mission 1st Water "SHIZUKU" (GCOM-W1). Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Ibaraki, Japan. 256pp.
Kato, H. 1986. Study on changes in biological parameters and population dynamics of southern minke whales.
Doctoral Thesis, Hokkaido University. 145pp. [in Japanese]
Kato, H., Hiroyama, H., Fujise, Y. and Ono, K. 1989. Preliminary report of the 1987/88 Japanese feasibility studyof the special permit proposal for Southern hemisphere minke whales. Rep. Int. Whal. Commn. 39:235‒248.
Maslanik, J. and Stroeve, J. 1999. Updated daily. Near-Real-Time DMSP SSMIS Daily Polar Gridded Sea Ice
Concentrations. NASA DAAC at the National Snow and Ice Data Center. Boulder, Colorado USA.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.5067/U8C09DWVX9LM.
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.

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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/SP 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.
Wada, A., Isoda, T., Okoshi, C. and Tamura, T. 2016. Result of the 2015/16 NEWREP-A Sighting Survey VesselBased Krill Survey in the Antarctic Area IV. Paper SC/66B/EM presented to the IWC Scientific Committee,
June 2016 (unpublished). 6pp.

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

Nisshin-Maru

JLZS
69.61
10.40
724
19.5
13.5
11.5
6.5
5,280/ 3,900
Yasuaki Sasaki

JPPV
69.61
10.80
720
19.5
13.5
11.5
6.5
5,280/ 3,900
Nobuo Abe

JJCJ
129.58
19.40
8,145
–
–
–
–
7,320/ 5,383
Hiroshi Eguchi

Table 2
Mean (±SD) Body length (m) and weight (t) of Antarctic minke whale by the stratum in the NEWREP-A
2015/16.
Stratum

Sex

West-North Male

FemaleEast-North

Total

Immature
MatureImmature
MatureFemaleImmature
MatureFemaleReproductive status

N%

Body length(Mean±SD)

Body weight(Mean±SD)

0
0

–
–

–
–

–
–

1
0
0
0
0

100.0
–
–
–
–

6.03
–
–
–
–

2.59
–
–
–
–

1
6

12.5
75.0

7.5
8.41±0.33

4.87
6.90±1.02

1
0
0
0
0

12.5
–
–
–
–

5.19
–
–
–
–

1.98
–
–
–
–

10
15

16.7
25.0

6.88±1.02
8.29±0.33

3.87±1.63
6.46±0.82

19
1
1
13
1

31.7
1.7
1.7
21.7
1.7

6.42±0.90
9.22
9.30
8.92±0.33
10.06

3.16±1.36
7.54
8.86
8.15±0.97
11.21

6
65

2.3
24.6

7.49 ±0.56
8.23±0.35

4.47±0.90
6.47±0.80

35 13.35
1.9
10 3.8142 53.810.4

7.45±0.75
8.88±0.41
8.64±0.49
8.76±0.37
8.58

4.92±1.23
7.85±0.64
7.69±0.87
7.66±1.02
7.73

333

8.26±0.87

6.64±1.77

Immature
MatureMale

West-South Male

East-South(Ross Sea)

Sexual Maturity

Maturing
Resting
Pregnant
Pregnant & Lactation

Maturing
Resting
Pregnant
Pregnant & Lactation

Immature
MatureImmature
MatureMale

Immature
MatureFemaleImmature
MatureMaturing
Resting
Pregnant
Pregnant & Lactation

Maturing
Resting
Pregnant
Pregnant & Lactation

7

Table 3External body proportions of Antarctic minke whales in the NEWREP-A 2015/16.
Measurement Point1

Male

Female

No of
Measured
Samples

Mean (cm)

%BL

No of
Measured
Samples

Mean (cm)

%BL

230
229
223
230
229
229
222
227
224
221

835
164
381
428
458
620
227
204
202.6
110.7

100.0
19.6
45.6
51.2
54.8
74.3
27.2
24.5
24.3
13.3

103
103
100
103
103
103
101
100
101
94

806
154
363
406
439
599
215
199
192.2
105.6

100.0
19.1
45.0
50.4
54.5
74.3
26.7
24.7
23.8
13.1

Total length (body length)2
Tip of snout to centre of eye2
Tip of snout to tip of flipper2
Tip of snout to end of ventral grooves2
Tip of snout to umbilicus2
Tip of snout to anus2
Girth of chest, half2
Girth of abdominal, half2
Skull length, condyle to tip of premaxilla3
Skull, greatest width3

1: Measurement point was described in Figure 5; 2: measured by 1cm intervals; 3: measured by 0.1cm intervals.

Table 4
Body parts and organ weight (kg) of Antarctic minke whales in NEWREP-A 2015/16.
Catch date

Sex

Body length (m)Total parts

Blubber

Meat

Bone

Viscera andothers30 Dec 2015
5 Jan 2016
3 Feb 2016
8 Feb 201611 Feb 2016

F
F
F
M
M

8.74
6.03
5.19
8.07
8.53

6,736
2,507
1,889
6,357
6,501

1,451
540
510
1,565
1,463

3,578
1,338
905
3,231
3,501

1,002
358
270
899
923

705
270
205
662
613

Table 5The Frequency of the appearance of dominant prey species found in forestomach contents of Antarctic minke
whales sampled in the NEWREP-A 2015/16.
Stratum

Antarctic krill

Ice krill

Empty or trace

Broken

N

%

N

%

N

%

N

%

West-North
East-North
West-South
East-South

1
5
35
163

0.3
1.5
10.5
48.9

0
0
0
11

0
0
0
3.3

0
2
20
72

0
0.6
6
21.6

0
1
5
18

0
0.3
1.5
5.4

Total

204

61.3

11

3.3

94

28.2

24

7.2

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

8

Figure 1a. Stratification of sampling survey for Antarctic minke whales in the NEWREP-A 2015/16 researcharea. Gray shade; research area of the NEWREP-A 2015/16. The boundary between North and South strata
of each research area was the 45n.mile lines from estimated ice-edge line except for the east strata of Area V.
The boundary between North and South boundary of east strata of Area V (from 165°E to 170°W, in longitude)
was 69°S in latitude. The map using Lambert conic conformal projection.

Figure 1b. Spatial distribution of representative sea ice concentration of AMSR2 data during NEWREP-A 2016
cruise. Right: 24 Dec 2016 in West sector. Open water areas (Antarctica polynyas) existed along thecontinent's coastline. Left: 20 Jan 2016 in East sector. Colour bar denotes sea ice concentration of each map.

9

Figure 2. Research vessels which were used in NEWREP-A 2015/16. Upper left: Yushin-Maru; upper right:
Yushin-Maru No.2; lower: Nisshin-Maru.

Figure 3a. Predetermined track-line (Gray lines: main course) of sampling survey for Antarctic minke whales in
the NEWREP-A 2015/16. The map using Lambert conic conformal projection.

10

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 2015/16. Two parallel lines show the main- and sub-courses.

Figure 3c. Geographical distribution of primary sighting position of Antarctic minke whales (pink closed circle)
sighted in the NEWREP-A 2015/16 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-lineof the searching effort. The map using Lambert conic conformal projection.

11

Figure 3d. Geographical distribution of sighting position of Antarctic minke whale sampled in the NEWREP-A
2015/16. 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 stratumof the each 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 4. Measurement points of external proportions for Antarctic minke whale in the NEWREP-A 2015/16.
The number corresponds to row number is below the keys. 1: tip of snout to centre of eye; 2: tip of snout to
tip of flipper; 3: tip of snout to end of ventral grooves; 4: tip of snout to umbilicus; 5: tip of snout to anus; 6:
total length; 7: girth of chest, half; 8: girth of abdominal, half; 9: skull length, condyle to tip of premaxilla;
10: skull, greatest width.

12

N. of individuals

50
40
30

Female

20
10
0
4

6

8

10

8

10

N. of individuals

Body length (m)
50
40
30

Male

20
10
0
4

6
Body length (m)Figure 5. Histogram of Antarctic minke whales body length in the NEWREP-A 2015/16. Upper: female; lower:
male. Two vectors colours mean the value of the stature in maturity. White: mature individuals; gray:immature individuals. The breakpoints between histogram cells were 0.20m intervals.

13

APPENDIX
Sighting results by the sighting and sampling vessels during NEWREP-A 2015/16 in Area V

IDENTIFICATION 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 0.3n. 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 for large whales
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.

RESULTS
Sightings
The searching effort and experimental times are summarised in Table 1. The portion of the SSV’s track-line thatwas surveyed on the effort of sampling survey is shown in Table 2. Total searching distance in the research area
was 2,394n.miles in Area V (main and sub course). The 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 3. Figures 1a–b show the geographical distribution

14

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 V, Antarctic minke whale was the mostabundant species followed by humpback whales. Distribution of Antarctic minke whales was narrower than thatof humpback whales, mainly found in East-South strata (Ross Sea) and West-South stratum, which wereconcentrated at the ice edge. As for observations of vomit in Antarctic minke whales, during a total of 284 school
825 individuals (7 hours 22 minutes) observations, no vomit behaviours were recorded during the sampling survey.
From the differences in morphologic characteristics of killer whales, the effort was made to identify them into
three ecotypes (types A, B and C). A total of 13 schools 101 individuals were sighted and the most sighted schools(12 schools) were ‘not identified ecotypes (undetermined)’ due to the difficulty of approaching the whales, andrecorded as ‘killer whales (undetermined)’. One individual was identified as type C (1 school/ 1 individual), andthe whale was photographed as photo-ID data. One biopsy sample was collected from this species. Further
observation, experiments, and analysis of this species will be continued during the next cruise based on thisprogramme.
After examination of sighting distance and angle experiments, total experiment times were 7 hours and 47 minutes
in total survey hour by three vessels during the sampling survey and dedicated sighting survey. The results of thisexperiment will be used for the calculation of abundance estimates.

Photo ID and biopsy
A total of 13 Photo-ID data was obtained from 3 species (blue, humpback and killer whales). In terms of biopsy
skin sampling, a total of 7 individuals were sampled from 3 species (blue, humpback and killer whales). The
number of Photo-ID and biopsy samples are summarised in Tables 4a–4b. Distribution of the sighting position ofphoto-ID data and biopsy sampling are shown in Figure 3a and 3b, respectively. Table 5a summarises the detailsof the Photo-ID and biopsy sampling. Table 5b summarises the details of the encounter duration of the biopsy
sampling.
Photo-ID records were collected for four blue whales, nine humpback whales and one killer whale. The records
will provide useful data for understanding the stock structure, mixing and movements of these 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).
Furthermore, biopsy skin samples were obtained from a total of 13 individuals in one research season. Thesebiopsy samples obtained during surveys of the NEWREP-A 2015/16 will be used for microsatellite DNA locianalysis for studies of stock structure in the Antarctic feeding ground. Biopsy samples may also be used for otherresearch (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.
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.

15

Table 1
Summary of research effort in NEWREP-A 2015/16.
StrataDate

Start
West-North
East-North
West-South
East-South(Ross Sea)
Total

Days

NSC

End

23 Dec 6 Jan
12:00
8:26
9 Jan
3 Feb
6:00
13:23
24 Dec 7 Jan
10:05 11:09
12 Jan 25 Feb
6:00
18:00
23 Dec 25 Feb
12:00 18:00

NSP

Photo-ID
BiopsyEstimated angle and distancetraining

Time

Dist.

Time Dist.

Time

Time

4

23:29

274.5

0:00

0.0

0:00

0:00

8

17:29

187.4

0:00

0.0

0:00

0:00

12

96:09

987.0

0:00

0.0

2:10

7:47

41

91:27

945.5

0:00

0.0

0:26

0:00

65

228:36 2,394.3

0:00

0.0

2:36

7:47

Table 2Predetermined waypoints (WP) and the actually covered ratio of sampling survey in Area V.
StrataArea CodeMode

WP No.

Leg. No.

LatitudeLongitude

CoursePlan

EffortCovered (%)

West-North

53

NSC

601
602
606
607
608
612
613
614
618
619
620

601
602
606
607
608
612
613
614
618
619
620

60°05'S63°15'S64°40'S
60°00'S64°55'S64°30'S
60°00'S64°10'S64°30'S
60°00'S64°10'S

130°00'E
131°14'E137°54'E139°34'E141°14'E147°54'E149°34'E
151°14'E
157°54'E
159°34'E
161°14'E

169°
—
009°
171°
—
009°
169°
—
009°
169°
—

193.4
—
284.2
299.0
—
274.3
254.6
—
274.3
254.6
—

40.9
—
0.0
0.0
—
29.3
0.0
—
0.0
0.0
—

21.2
—
0.0
0.0
—
10.7
0.0
—
0.0
0.0
—

East-North

54

NSC

623
624'
624
625
625
626
627
631
632
633
637
638
639

623
624
624
625
625
626
627
631
623
633
637
638
639

65°06'S
66°05'S66°43'S
65°50'S
65°50'S
60°00'S
69°00'S
69°00'S
60°00'S
69°00'S
69°00'S
60°00'S62°38'S

165°00'E
166°14'E
166°14'E
167°54'E
167°54'E
169°34'E
171°14'E
177°54'E
179°34'E
178°46'W
172°06'W
170°26'W
170°00'W

152°
180°
037°
141°
007°
175°
—
004°
175°
—
004°
175°
—

66.6
38.0
66.7
64.3
353.4
542.5
—
542.5
542.5
—
542.5
158.7
—

49.7
22.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
—
0.0
25.6
—
0.0
0.0
—

74.6
21.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
—
0.0
4.7
—
0.0
0.0
—

16

Table 2
Continued.
StrataArea CodeMode

WP No.

Leg. No.

LatitudeLongitude

CoursePlan

EffortCovered (%)

West-South

51

NSC

502
503'
503
504
505'
505
506
507'
507
508
509
510
511'
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521'
521
522
523

502
503
503
504
505
505
506
507
507
508
509
510
511
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
521
522
523

63°15'S64°17'S64°30'S63°35'S
64°48'S65°22'S64°40'S65°30'S
65°50'S64°55'S
65°35'S64°55'S
65°50'S65°37'S64°30'S
65°24'S64°10'S64°55'S64°15'S64°55'S64°10'S
65°00'S
64°05'S65°14'S
65°25'S
64°45'S
65°06'S131°14'E132°54'E132°54'E134°34'E
136°14'E
136°14'E137°54'E139°34'E139°34'E141°14'E
142°54'E
144°34'E146°14'E146°14'E147°54'E149°34'E
151°14'E
152°54'E154°34'E
156°14'E
157°54'E
159°34'E
161°14'E
162°54'E
162°54'E
164°34'E
165°00'E

144°
180°
038°
149°
180°
045°
139°
180°
037°
133°
046°
142°
000°
032°
141°
029°
136°
043°
132°
043°
139°
038°
148°
180°
022°
152°
152°

76.3
13.0
70.4
85.1
34.0
59.7
65.5
20.0
69.1
58.0
58.0
69.1
13.0
79.3
68.8
85.5
62.4
62.4
58.8
62.4
66.0
69.9
81.3
11.0
108.4
23.8
66.6

51.9
18.8
0.0
37.9
70.8
0.0
19.0
54.2
0.0
9.7
50.2
43.7
59.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
19.2
11.7
0.0
0.0
16.7
9.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
49.7

68.0
22.5
0.0
44.5
75.5
0.0
29.0
60.8
0.0
16.6
86.6
63.3
64.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
30.8
18.7
0.0
0.0
25.3
13.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
74.6

East-South(Ross Sea)

52

NSC

701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715
716
717
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
731
732
733

701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715
716
717
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
731
732
733

69°00'S
69°42'S
70°32'S71°22'S72°12'S73°02'S73°52'S74°42'S75°32'S76°22'S77°12'S
78°02'S
78°02'S77°12'S76°22'S75°32'S74°42'S73°52'S73°02'S72°12'S71°22'S
70°32'S
69°42'S
69°00'S75°35'S
78°25'S76°42'S

171°34.5'E
180°00'E
170°00'E
180°00'E
170°00'E
180°00'E
170°00'E
180°00'E
170°00'E
180°00'E
170°00'E
180°00'E
180°00'E
170°00'W
180°00'E
170°00'W
180°00'E
170°00'W
180°00'E
170°00'W
180°00'E
170°00'W
180°00'E
171°40'W
170°00'W
164°15'W
160°26'W

103°
265°
104°
255°
105°
253°
107°
252°
108°
249°
111°
—
068°
290°
071°
287°
072°
286°
074°
284°
075°
283°
076°
—
155°
025°
—

183.7
210.7
202.7
194.7
186.6
178.6
170.5
162.5
154.4
146.4
138.4
—
138.4
146.4
154.4
162.5
170.5
178.6
186.6
194.7
202.7
210.7
181.8
—
187.3
114.5
—

55.5
95.0
29.8
44.8
26.7
17.4
0.0
0.0
13.6
0.0
0.0
—
0.8
23.3
0.4
1.7
10.0
39.5
25.2
50.0
8.1
23.6
0.0
—
21.7
0.3
—

30.2
45.1
14.7
23.0
14.3
9.8
0.0
0.0
8.8
0.0
0.0
—
0.5
15.9
0.2
1.1
5.9
22.1
13.5
25.7
4.0
11.2
0.0
—
11.6
0.3
—

17

Table 3
Number of whales sighted in Area V during sampling survey by each stratum (school/ individuals).
Species

West-North

East-North

West-South

East-SouthSub total

Total

Prim. Second.
Sch.Ind.Sch.Ind.

Prim. Second.
Sch.Ind. Sch.Ind.

Prim. Second.
Sch.Ind.Sch.Ind.

Prim. Second.
Sch.Ind. Sch.Ind.

Prim. Second.
Sch.Ind.Sch.Ind.

Sch. Ind.

Blue whale
Fin whale
Antarctic minke whale
Like minke whale
Humpback whale
Baleen whales

0 0
0 0
1 1
0 0
13 30
0 0

0
0
1
0
0
0

0
0
1
0
0
0

0 0 0
4 11 18 14 01 1 0
7 22 1
1 3 0

0
1
0
0
1
0

3 4 0 02 4 1 359 84 7 10
2 2 0 0120 187 2 4
5 6 0 00 0 2 31 2 1 2267 816 27 95
4 4 0 04 6 1 10 0 0 03 4 2 3
7 17 3 6
335 915 35 106
7 7 0 0144 245 4 6
6 9 0 05 7
10 23
370 1021
7 7
148 251
6 9

Sperm whale
Southern bottlenose whale
Arnoux's beaked whale
Unidentified beaked whales
Killer whale

0
0
0
1
1

0
0
0
1
4

0
0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0
0

0
0
0
2
0

0
0
0
2
0

0
0
0
1
0

0
0
0
1
0

12 12
2 4
0 0
6 7
5 37

1
0
1
0
0

1
0
7
0
0

0 0 0
0 0 0
2 20 00 0 0
7 60 000000

12 12 12 4 0
2 20 1
9 10 113 101 0

1
0
7
1
0

13 13
2 4
3 27
10 11
13 101

Unidentified whale
Unidentified dolphin

2
1

2
4

0
0

0
0

1
0

1
0

0
0

0
0

14 14 00 0 0

00

19 23 00 0 0

0036 40 0
1 4 0

0
0

36 40
1 4

Prim: primary sightings; Second: secondary sightings; Sch: school; Ind: individuals.

Table 4a
Number of individuals photo-identified in the NEWREP-A 2015/16.
SpeciesNo. of individuals photographedBlue whale
Humpback whale
Killer whale

3
9
1

Total

13

Table 4b
Number of biopsy samples collected in the NEWREP-A 2015/16.
SpeciesNo. of individuals collectedBlue whale
Humpback whale
Killer whale*

1
5
1

Total

7

*: Type C.

18

Table 5a
Details of the Photo-ID and biopsy sampling
Date

Sight
No.

Species

Sighted position

Lat.

Long.

School Est. body length N. of N. of Opportunity
sizeof target Ind. marked shoots
of
[m]
Ind.
shoot

PositionofshootBiopsy sample Notes.
No.

J15YS1H001
J15YS1H002
J15YS1H003
J15YS1H004
J15YS1H005
J15YS1K001 TypeC

YS1
24 Dec 201524 Dec 2015
4 Jan 2016
4 Jan 2016
4 Jan 201614 Feb 2016

11
12
6
7
8
5

Humpback
Humpback
Humpback
Humpback
Humpback
Killer63°32.89'S63°35.29'S65°14.31'S65°10.16'S
65°08.04'S
78°01.76'S

132°03.41'E
132°03.93'E
146°44.08'E
146°51.07'E
147°44.00'E
164°33.13'W

1
2
2
3
1
1

12
12.7
12.7, 13.0
10.9, 11.3, 11.7
12.6
5.8

1
2
2
3
1
1

2
1
4
5
2
3

P
P
G
G
G
P

LD,FL,LD,
LD,RD,
LD,RD,
LD,RD,
LD,RD,HDYS2
26 Dec 201526 Dec 2015

7
8

Blue
Blue

64°09.20'S
64°05.58'S

133°40.66'E
133°45.26'E

1
2

24.3
23.2, 18.1

1
1

26
48

P
G

RD
RD

27 Dec 2015

6

Blue

64°02.53'S

135°12.13'E

1

22.1

1

40

P

HD

-

Mother& calfpair
J15YS2B0001-

LD: left dorsal; RD: right dorsal, HD: head.

Table 5b
Details of the encounter duration in biopsy sampling.
Date

Sight
No.

Species

SchoolSize

BX timeEst. body N. of N. of
length of shoots hitstarget Ind.
[m]

Start

End

Duration

Struckposition

N. of Sample No. Shooting
samples
Equipment

YS1
24 Dec 201524 Dec 2015
4 Jan 2016
4 Jan 2016
4 Jan 201614 Feb 2016

11
12
6
7
8
5

Humpback
Humpback
Humpback
Humpback
Humpback
Killer

1
2
2
3
1
1

13:14:39
13:40:49
13:16:55
14:22:40
14:55:45
9:41:09

13:25:54
13:44:18
13:41:48
14:30:12
14:59:35
10:07:10

0:11:15
0:03:29
0:24:53
0:07:32
0:03:50
0:26:01

12
12.7
12.7
11.7
12.6
5.8

1
1
2
2
1
4

1
1
1
2
1
2

LB1a
C1
RC2
RC1, RB1a
C2
C1

1
1
1
1
1
1

J15YS1H001
J15YS1H002
J15YS1H003
J15YS1H004
J15YS1H005
J15YS1K001

YS2
26 Dec 201526 Dec 2015

7
8

Blue
Blue

1
2

14:23:40 14:52:26
15:23:03 15:56:26

0:28:46
0:33:2324.3
23.1, 18.1

1
0

0
0

-

0
0

-

27 Dec 2015

6

Blue

1

6:24:140:16:29

22.1

1

1

Bla

1

J15YS2B001

6:40:43

Larsen: Larsen biopsy system.

19

LarsenLarsenLarsenLarsenLarsenLarsenNotes.

Type C

LarsenLarsen Mother & calfpairLarsen-Figure 1a. Geographical distribution of primary sighting position of blue (blue closed circle) and fin (red closed
circle) whales sighted in the NEWREP-A 2015/16 sampling survey. Gray line of the map was thepredetermined track-line. The black line was the track-line of the searching effort. The map using Lambertconic conformal projection.

Figure 1b. Geographical distribution of primary sighting position of humpback whales (black open circle) sighted
in the NEWREP-A 2015/16 sampling survey. Black bold line of the map was the boundary line for a stratumof the research area. Gray line was the predetermined track-line. The black line was the track-line of thesearching effort. The map using Lambert conic conformal projection.

20

Figure 2.
Geographical distribution of primary sighting position of sperm (brown closed reverse triangle),
Southern bottlenose (light red closed circle), Arnoux's Beaked Whale (cyan closed circle) and killer (orange
closed circle) whales sighted in the NEWREP-A 2015/16 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 blackline was the track-line of the searching effort. The map using Lambert conic conformal projection.

Figure 3a. Geographical distribution of Photo-ID data from blue (blue closed circle), humpback (black open
circle) and killer whale (orange closed circle) collected during the NEWREP-A 2015/16 sampling survey. A
single symbol could represent more than one photograph data. 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.

21

Figure 3b. Geographical distribution of biopsy samples of blue (blue closed circle), humpback (black opened
circle) and killer whales (orange closed circle) collected during the NEWREP-A 2015/16 sampling survey.
Black bold line of the map was the boundary line for a stratum of the research area. Gray lines were thepredetermined track-line. The black line was the track-line of the searching effort. The map using Lambertconic conformal projection.

22