Characterization of Short-Finned Pilot Whales
(<i>Globicephala Macrorhynchus</i>) Population along the
Caribbean Coast of Martinique

Flechet A; Pillet M; Bordes R; Scanga V; De Montgolfier B

Research Article

Characterization of Short-Finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala Macrorhynchus) Population along the Caribbean Coast of Martinique

Flechet A¹, Pillet M¹, Bordes R¹, Morissette L², Scanga V³ and De Montgolfier B¹*

¹Aquasearch, ZAC Les Coteaux, Martinique, Canada

²M-Expertise Marine, Sainte-Luce, Canada

³Aquasearch-Polynesie, Papeete Polynesie Française, Canada

Corresponding Author

Received Date: February 13, 2019; Published Date: February 26, 2019

Abstract

The Caribbean coast of Martinique has a great wealth of marine mammals, with almost twenty species observed, including the short-finned pilot whale Globicephala Macrorhynchus. Little is known about this specie in Martinique. Boat surveys between “le rocher du Diamant” and “l’îlet la Perle” allow gathering data and pictures. Statistical analysis, SIG and photo identification provide first information on the pilot-whale population. Results indicate there is a rather small but healthy population of G. macrorhynchus in Martinique. It is composed of both resident and migrant groups and no seasonality was observed. Correlation between the percentage of teenagers and the number of boats might imply an effect of whale-watching on individuals.

Keywords: Globicephala Macrorhynchus; Short-finned pilot whale; Caribbean coast of Martinique; Population; Boat survey; Photoidentification

Article Details

Citation

De Montgolfier B, Flechet A, Pillet M, Bordes R, Morissette L, Scanga V. Characterization of Short-Finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala Macrorhynchus) Population along the Caribbean Coast of Martinique Ad Oceanogr & Marine Biol. 1(3): 2019. AOMB.MS.ID.000511.