Faucher, A. and H. Whitehead.
pp 99-102 in: Marine protected areas and sustainable fisheries. (Eds. Shackell, N.L. and Willison, J.H.M.) Science and Management of Protected Areas Association (SAMPA), Wolfville, NS, Canada. 1995.
Summary
Northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus) have been
studies since 1988 in the Gully, a deep submarine canyon near Sable Island,
Nova Scotia. A population of about 300 individuals, including all ages and
both sexes, uses the area year round. This is the most southern population
of this North Atlantic species, and is probably distinct from the animals
found in more arctic waters. The study of the bottlenose whales in the Gully
is of special significance since it is the only systematic research which
has ever been performed on any population or species of beaked whale. The
very small, 8 x 12 km, core range of the bottlenose whales in the Gully is
close to a major transatlantic shipping route and is surrounded by oil and
gas discoveries. Increased marine traffic, oil or toxic chemical contamination
as well as floating debris and noise pollution are potential hazards for
the whales and their prey species. Given its low numbers, residency habits
and relative isolation, the population of bottlenose whales in the Gully may
be especially vulnerable to these threats. There is an urgent need to
protect its habitat.