 (5) Minke and sei were found to be feeding on the same food in the same area, suggesting the presence of competition over food between these two species.
(6) Sperm whales, sampled in the offshore area, were found to be feeding on mid- and deep-layer squid, |
such as flowervase jewel squid, both in the coastal and offshore area.
The results of sighting surveys, conducted concurrently with the research, are shown in the table below. |
Number of major whale species sighted by 3 sighting/
sampling vessels and the mothership. (Preliminary figures)
| minke |
primary
sighting |
74 schools
75 animals |
secondary
sighting |
48 schools
50 animals |
| Bryde's |
primary
sighting |
102
schools
129 animals |
secondary
sighting |
46
schools
64 animals |
| sei |
primary
sighting |
99
schools
163 animals |
secondary
sighting |
46
schools
73 animals |
| sperm |
primary
sighting |
211
schools
615 animals |
secondary
sighting |
113
schools
309 animals |
(Photos and table: by courtesy of the Institute of Cetacean Research)
|
| Japan Supports Iceland's Research Whaling |
Japan
has welcomed and gave support to Iceland's plan to carry out research
whaling in its territorial waters as appropriate and legitimate
scientific effort.
Earlier Iceland submitted a plan to the International
Whaling Commission in June this year to take 50 samples of sei
whales, and 100 each of fin and minke whales for scientific purposes
the coming
two years. |
Iceland
formally regained its full membership status of the IWC last year,
with
its objection to the Commission's 1982 commercial whaling moratorium.
According to an Icelandic Fisheries Ministry's source, the country decided
to limit the number of samples to be taken in the initial year
to
38 minke whales in consideration of the possible protest from anti-whaling
groups. |
