CHARACTERIZATION OF BEAKED WHALE (ZIPHIIDAE) AND SPERM WHALE ( PHYSETER MACROCEPHALUS ) SUMMER HABITAT IN SHELF‐EDGE AND DEEPER WATERS OFF THE NORTHEAST U. S.

Abstract

A bstract Sperm whales ( Physeter macrocephalus ) and beaked whales ( Mesoplodon spp. and Ziphius cavirostris ) are deep‐diving cetaceans that frequent shelf‐edge and Gulf Stream waters off the northeast U. S. coast. Sighting data collected during seven summer (1990, 1991, 1993, and 1995–1998) shipboard surveys were analyzed using a geographic information system to determine habitat use based on bathymetric and oceanographic features. Although sighting rates were lower for beaked whales, both taxa occupied similar habitats. Beaked whales were concentrated at the colder shelf edge, whereas sperm whales were associated with warmer off‐shelf water. Mean sighting rates for both taxa were higher in canyon features, but only beaked whale sighting rates were significantly different between canyon and non‐canyon habitat (Wilcoxon signed rank test P = 0.007). Within the shared habitat, the two taxa were separated at fine‐scale based on oceanographic features.

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