Support Humpback Whale Conservation in the U.S.

Seattle, WA, USA

Laurène Trudelle

The proposed project is unique in that it will bring together several international groups. It aims to encourage initiatives and collaborative programs that improve ecology research and contribute to the development of data sharing networks within the scientific community. In addition, the fidelity of humpback whales to their breeding grounds, which are generally very coastal, is an important feature to consider in the management and protection of marine areas.

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€4,500

HERE IS THE BUDGET BREAKDOWN

22.2%

Conduct analysis in collaboration with behavioral ecologist of whales

0%

Life in Seattle

77.8%

Dissemination and communication of Findings

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Community Initiative

€4,370 TO GO!

“At a time when biodiversity is under heavy threat and where there is talk of history’s ‘sixth mass extinction’, it is increasingly difficult to find funding to carry out scientific studies in favor of knowledge and the conservation of biodiversity”

Courtesy of Laurène Trudelle

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

During my PhD, I described the movements of humpback whales and characterized their breeding habitats in Madagascar, which represents a key wintering ground for the Western Indian Ocean population. While my approach (analysis of satellite tracks in relation to environmental parameters) provided new perspectives to better understand the ecology of the species, a key question remains unanswered: are habitat-use strategies different from one region to another due to the differing characteristics of various marine environments? Here, I attempt to answer this question by applying a comparative approach to four major humpback whale breeding regions in the Southern Hemisphere.

HOW DOES IT RELATE TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

Whales are engineers in our marine ecosystem! At different stages of their lives, they are useful for ‘nutrient pump’, essential to the proper functioning of the food chain and our marine ecosystems. Humpback whales are migratory species and are excellent indicators of the health of our oceans! They live in all the world’s oceans, near coasts, and in the open sea. Moreover, as they are located at the top of the food chain, so studying their evolution informs us about the changes that take place within their environments. Humpback whales, like other large whales, are “umbrella species”. By protecting this species and its habitat, we are protecting many other species and therefore the ocean in general.

HOW DO WE ADDRESS IT?

The fidelity of humpback whales to their breeding grounds, which are generally very coastal, is an important feature to consider in the management and protection of marine areas. The main threats to humpback whale populations in Madagascar, and in other regions, are anthropogenic (related to human activities), which is why it is important to increase our knowledge of their breeding and calving habits. The information from our study will contribute to better knowledge of the populations and can be used in future management decisions for the conservation of the species and its habitats.

Photo Credit: Cetamada NGO

WHO WILL BENEFIT?

The movements of humpback whales could be used to help manage risks to humpback whale populations. There is an increase in vessel traffic, deployment of fishing gears, and human-induced ambient noise in the ocean. Many countries have recognized the importance of whales and are currently funding research projects to implement conservation strategies using research-based information on habitat utilization and movement patterns. This project will increase our knowledge of distribution patterns and habitat preferences of humpback whale populations in the Southern Hemisphere. It will also improve our understanding of humpback whales ecology; thus contributing to the conservation of the species. Moreover, whale watching tourism is becoming a vehicle for transforming conservation and research into key economic forces.

WHO IS BEHIND IT?

My name is Laurène Trudelle and the marine environment has fascinated me since my childhood. This passion has since guided me in my studies and professional choices. The project presented here is a wonderful extension of my chosen path! I travelled to Sainte Marie, Madagascar, for the first time in 2008, where I first discovered humpback whales as an eager eco-volunteer. I returned in 2012, and then 2 more years (to collect data) as part of my PhD work. In 2017, I continued working on the collection of scientific data as scientific coordinator for Association Cetamada. Every trip brings magical animal encounters but also helps build strong human bonds.

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Support Humpback Whale Conservation in the U.S.

Seattle, WA, USA

Laurène Trudelle

€4,500

HERE IS THE BUDGET BREAKDOWN

22.2% Conduct analysis in collaboration with behavioral ecologist of whales

0% Life in Seattle

77.8% Dissemination and communication of Findings

DONATE

“At a time when biodiversity is under heavy threat and where there is talk of history’s ‘sixth mass extinction’, it is increasingly difficult to find funding to carry out scientific studies in favor of knowledge and the conservation of biodiversity”

PlanA Newsletter

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WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

HOW DOES IT RELATE TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

HOW DOES IT RELATE TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

HOW DO WE ADDRESS IT?

HOW DO WE ADDRESS IT?

WHO WILL BENEFIT?

WHO WILL BENEFIT?

WHO IS BEHIND IT?

WHO IS BEHIND IT?

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22.2%

Conduct analysis in collaboration with behavioral ecologist of whales

0%

Life in Seattle

77.8%

Dissemination and communication of Findings