DWARF MINKE WHALE (BALAENOPTERA ACUTOROSTRATA SUBSP.) INTERACTIONS WITH VESSELS OFF THE COAST OF BRAZIL

Abstract

The dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata subsp.) is a hard to detect small baleen whale whose behavior towards vessels and man-made structures in South Atlantic waters is still not well characterized. This study compiles records on the behavior of this species in Brazil, employing citizen science reports and data from ship and sailboat surveys. A total of 16 records were obtained from 2001 to 2021. The data indicate a consistently curious approach toward boats (81.25% of all identified behaviors). Other identified behaviors included traveling/fleeing (6.25%), and breaching (6.25%). These assessments comprise valuable tools for field identification of this species, as color patterns may become exposed during different aerial displays. This is the first approach to understand the ephemeral behavior of the dwarf minke whale along the southeastern coast of Brazil.