(01) Whale Social Associations of the Kitimat Fjord System, British Columbia

Studying associations between any species known to be social can be meticulous to analyze but can make for a compelling story to save a species. Through the use of photographic analysis of the humpback and fin whales of the... [ view full abstract ]

Studying associations between any species known to be social can be meticulous to analyze but can make for a compelling story to save a species. Through the use of photographic analysis of the humpback and fin whales of the Kitimat Fjord system of British Columbia in the summers of 2013-2015, we were able produce significant social networks based on the amount of times the individuals were observed and with whom they were seen. This study identified 208 individual humpback whales and 55 individual fin whales. We were able to compare the strength of social associations and social network structure in two sympatric species, one of which has never been studied in this way. Through the use of half-weight association indices (HAI), our study was able to define relationships that were considered statistically significant by quantifying association strength. We also used randomization to assess statistical significance of the metrics provided by our HAI results. We then used these results to compare association strengths in two populations and build association networks. This study showed that fin whales, which are not known to be social, are just as likely to be social on their feeding grounds as humpbacks, a highly social species. We also found many significant relationships in both social networks. In the Kitimat Fjord system, a shipping lane is being proposed to run through the area which could greatly harm the marine life of the system. Having been greatly diminished by the whaling industries in the 20^th century, it is now more urgent than ever to conserve whale species in areas where their population is increasing, such as the Pacific Northwest. Studies such as this one display how complex these whale species are and how there is much left to be learned. We hope that this study will serve as a testament as to why a shipping lane should not be constructed in this area and will hopefully help deter the project from being implemented.