A note on the spatial and temporal distribution of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Venezuela, Southeastern Caribbean

This paper presents information on the spatial and temporal distribution of humpback whales in Venezuelan waters. Using a relational database containing from museums Venezuela, published unpublished records were incorporated into Geographical Information System (MapInfo Professional 7.0). A total 53 gathered, which sightings made up 72%, followed by acoustic sampling (9%) intentional capture (6%), stranding (6%) unknown (8%). Humpback mainly sighted over continental shelf northeastern region shallow waters 0-100m depth. The date each record was supports seasonal occurrence North Atlantic off coast. Opportunistic austral winter months do not give conclusive proof that Southern Hemisphere are present during this time, but lead to hypothesis migrate Brazil. Systematic research effort (especially photo-identification) is recommended order better understand whale movements, identity.