Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Hawaii
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Humpback Whales are highly migratory species that typically overwinter in Hawaiian nearshore waters. During their stay in Hawaii, Humpback Whales slough off their skin as part of an annual molt and give birth. Both of these processes result in the release of a substantial amount of biomass and nutrients in the form of dead skin, placentas, and other material transported to Hawai'i from Alaska which could have major ramifications for local productivity patterns and fisheries. Understanding the degree to which nearshore productivity is influenced by these nutrient subsidies is important because Humpback Whale migration patterns are shifting in response to changing climatic conditions. This work represents a collaboration with University of Hawai'i researchers, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and the Hawai'i Division of Aquatic Resources. Changing nearshore productivity patterns due to altered Humpback Whale migratory patterns may result in changes to fish abundance and population structures in the main Hawaiian Islands. This work will allow resource managers to ​develop and adopt climate-resilient management strategies to ensure sustainable nearshore fisheries.