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North Atlantic right whale (NARW) distribution shifts have led to increased presence in the US mid‐Atlantic, which includes the New York Bight (NYB), an area with substantial vessel traffic. NARW vessel strikes are mitigated by a seasonal management area (SMA) that is active November–April. Within the SMA, vessels ≥ 19.8 m must travel at ≤10 knots. However, until recently, surveys of the NYB were not conducted after the NARW distribution shifted. Thus, it was unclear whether the SMA captured NARW presence in the NYB. Outside the SMA, voluntary speed restrictions are implemented over a limited area when NARW calls are acoustically detected; therefore, it was important to quantify NARW vocal activity. Acoustic recordings (2016–2020) were analyzed to determine NARW presence, vocal states, and diel pattern of vocal activity. NARWs were detected outside SMA boundaries, and medium/high vocal states (21–69 calls over 3–6 h) occurred while the SMA was inactive. Therefore, the SMA spatiotemporal boundaries should be revised. Vocal activity was highest at night (22:00–1:00), and NARWs were acoustically detected when they were not detected by aerial surveys, illustrating acoustic detections are a viable method for triggering mitigation measures when NARWs are vocalizing but are not visually observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Species distribution modelling is a useful tool for determining important habitats. By accounting for specific animal behaviour in the model, it is possible to identify finer‐scale patterns of habitat use. Together with spatially explicit data on anthropogenic activities, models can be used to assess human impacts and inform conservation management. This study used observations of breeding behaviour to identify fine‐scale breeding habitats of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), as well as potential overlap of these habitats with cumulative anthropogenic impacts. Location: Eastern Tropical Atlantic, West Africa. Methods: Maxent was used to model humpback distribution using pertinent environmental predictors and an integrated dataset of humpback whale occurrences filtered for breeding‐specific behaviours. In conjunction with multiple anthropogenic activities, a subsequent cumulative utilization and impact analysis assessed the degree of overlap between predicted breeding habitat and potential anthropogenic impacts. Results: Greatest habitat suitability occurred in warm coastal waters of Gabon, and other highly suitable areas occurred off Equatorial Guinea (Bioko Island), Cameroon and Angola. Sea surface temperature and height contributed most to the model. Highest overlap between humpback whales and potential impacts from anthropogenic activities occurred off Gabon, Equatorial Guinea (Bioko Island), Cameroon and Angola. Impacts associated with oil and gas development (where oil and gas platforms serve as an indicator for industry activity) appeared to contribute most to potential cumulative impact. Main Conclusions: Depth and sea surface temperature of predicted breeding habitats were consistent with previous studies. However, lesser known characteristics such as sea surface height and wind speed, resulting in potentially more sheltered areas for breeding whales, may also be important in delineating finer‐scale habitat suitability. Identified areas of high potential cumulative impact occurred within exclusive economic zones of multiple countries and likely represent the minimum level of impact to humpback whales in the region, highlighting the need for additional research and effective management throughout the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]