Photo-identification confirms that humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from eastern Australia migrate past New Zealand but indicates low levels of interchange with breeding grounds of Oceania

Recent photo-identification and genetic studies have identified at least five discrete breeding populations in Australia Oceania: western (D), eastern (E (i)), New Caledonia (ii)), Tonga (iii)), French Polynesia the Cook Islands (F). Also evident are low levels of intermingling among consistent with degree differentiation. Photo-identification has confirmed linkages between Area V feeding areas grounds one genotype match been reported Oceania grounds. abundance estimates show strong increases Australian population, some recovery populations, but little evidence other known or Zealand. Studies to date provided no conclusive migratory destination humpback whales passing through Zealand waters en route Antarctic tropical comparisons were undertaken whale fluke catalogues from (EA, 1315), east (OE, 513), west (OW, 166) (NZ, 13). Five matches found OE/OW, four OW/EA three NZ/EA. The data used investigate discuss ground interchange travelling waters. confirm that site fidelity migrate past including Strait Foveaux Strait.