SYDNEY, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Two key stopover sites along the coast of Australia's state of Queensland serve different roles for migrating humpback whales, a new study from Australia's Griffith University has found.
The study, published on the PLOS One on Wednesday, found that Hervey Bay acts as a social hub for migrating humpback whales, while Moreton Bay serves more as a rest stop, particularly for mothers and their calves.
The study's insights could prove vital in tailoring conservation strategies to the unique roles each bay plays in the humpbacks' migratory network.
The research compared whale activity in Hervey Bay and Moreton Bay, both in southeast Queensland, during the 2021 migration season, building on a 2023 study that identified Moreton Bay as a key resting site for mother-calf pairs on their southward journey.
Understanding the distinct roles these stopovers play helps better grasp humpback whale population dynamics and can guide more effective conservation, said the study's lead author, Raphael Mayaud, from Griffith University's Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program.
The study's survey found Hervey Bay hosted a diverse mix of whale groups and was characterized by frequent social interactions, especially among juveniles. In contrast, Moreton Bay was dominated by calf groups, with whales displaying primarily resting behaviors.
"Hervey Bay felt like a playground, where the whales were socially interacting with one another, and were genuinely curious about the research vessel, whereas Moreton Bay seemed more like a much-needed pit-stop," Mayaud said.
Further research is needed to determine whether Moreton Bay's use is driven more by energy requirements or learned migratory behavior, he said. ■
