Using drones, UH researchers assess the health of humpback whale mother-calf pairs across the Pacific Ocean.

Researchers at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa used drone imagery to study the health of humpback whale mother-calf pairs as they migrate across the Pacific Ocean. The study revealed that larger females produced larger, faster-growing calves, and lactating mothers in Hawai'i lost significant body volume while their calves grew rapidly. The research highlights the vulnerability of humpback whales during early calf growth and lactation, emphasizing the importance of carefully managing their critical breeding habitats in Hawai'i. This study provides valuable insights into the energetic requirements of humpback whales and the potential impacts of human activities on their survival. [Extracted from the article]