ABSTRACT: Information on the degree of clustering and aggregation behavior of whales is extremely limited. To obtain such information within various survey areas would not only be of help in understanding cetacean ecology, but also in optimizing the survey design in order to obtain abundance estimates with minimal variance. The clustering and aggregation patterns of minke whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata were examined using the data derived from systematic sighting surveys in 3 major feeding grounds in Antarctic waters. Distribution patterns showed that minke whales clustered in the Antarctic feeding grounds but were relatively randomly distributed within the aggregations, with the possibility that schools within the aggregation tend to avoid each other. Higher clustering was observed in areas within bays (Ross Sea and Prydz Bay) than in areas of open water (Weddell Sea). Mean school sizes were positively correlated with density. Aggregation patterns in relation to density and abundance in Antarctic waters are presented.

KEY WORDS: Minke whale · Distribution · Aggregation · Clustering · Antarctic · Ross Sea · Weddell Sea · Prydz Bay · Sighting survey

Published in MEPS Vol. 168 (1998) on July 9
ISSN: 0171-8630. Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 1998