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Whale Migration Exercise
Information for the Whale Biologist
In this chapter you will be given actual data gathered by whale biologists on the migration of a North Pacific Blue Whale. Your job will be to plot the data on the map provided and to identify specific aspects of each whale’s migratory cycle.
North Pacific Blue Whale
Researchers estimate the blue whale population to be 2,000 whales (1994). Although this is significantly lower than the pre-whaling population (5,000), researchers believe that the number of blue whales is increasing. In 1990, researchers observed 13 calves.
However, since blue whales are usually found far offshore, the impact of pollution, fishing, and shipping has probably been less severe on blue whales than on coastal whales. The blue whale has been protected from whaling since 1965.
The migration of the blue whale is poorly understood because the whale is normally found more than 50 miles offshore. The data given below are from old whaling records and recent sightings of blue whales.
Month Latitude/Longitude Notes
Jan.-Feb.* 10°N / 98°W Possible wintering grounds. Several groups of whales were seen in this area. 7°N / 100°W
March/ April 28°N / 116°W Spring migration north off the Baja coast. Whales were seen in large numbers.
May 41°N / 130°W Spring migration. Whales were seen off the continental shelf.
June 50°N / 130°W Spring migration.
July-August 57°N / 150°W Summer feeding grounds. 55°N / 143°W
September 50°N / 130°W Fall migration south.
October 36°N / 128°W Fall migration south.
November 25°N / 115°W Fall migration south.
* Sightings made by the author in 1973.
1. Identify the wintering grounds on the map below and draw a box around the area. Label it "Wintering Grounds."
2. Identify the spring migration route and use arrows to show the direction of whale movement.
3. Identify the summer feeding grounds on the map and make a box around the area. Label it "Summer Feeding Grounds."
4. Identify the fall migration route and use arrows to show the direction of whale movement.
For more information, see Chapter 3 in Whales in the Classroom Presents: Getting to Know the Whales. Check your answers in the answer section!
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