Research Document - 2007/078

Assessment of the recovery potential of the Scotian Shelf population of northern bottlenose whale, Hyperoodon ampullatus

By Harris, L.E., C.L. Waters, R.K. Smedbol and D.C. Millar

Abstract

This document describes the biology and evaluates the current status of the northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) on the Scotian Shelf. Allowable harm and potential sources of human-induced mortality are also documented. The average population estimate for the 1988 to 2003 period is 163 individuals. There is no statistically significant trend in abundance. The Scotian Shelf population is highly aggregated and has been sighted most often in the deep waters of three underwater canyons: the Gully, Shortland Canyon and Haldimand Canyon on the edge of the Scotian Shelf. The whales are thought to be year-round residents but winter distribution is not well understood. The Gully, Shortland Canyon and Haldimand Canyon appear to be critical habitat. Historical and current ranges are not known but there is no evidence from the whaling records or sightings data to suggest that distribution has been reduced. Current distribution should be maintained as a minimum. A reasonable population target would be a stable or increasing population. Potential threats include entanglement/bycatch in fishing gear, oil and gas activities and acoustic disturbance. The current level of mortality attributable to these threats is not known. Total allowable human–induced mortality was calculated to be 0.3 animals per year using the Potential Biological Removal (PBR) methodology.

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