Sperm whales were targeted by the whaling industry in the 19th and 20th centuries, and more than 70 per cent of their population was wiped out.
“My theory is that because of all the whaling that took place, they have learned to disappear as soon as they hear a big ship.”
Kate Green/Stuff
Principal scientists Matt Pinkerton, left, and Richard O'Driscoll, with ice pilot Evan Solly, centre, in front of Niwa flagship Tangaroa ahead of its departure to Antarctica.
Knowing how many sperm whales were in the Ross Sea and their movements was an important part of a five-year programme, led by Niwa, to monitor the effectiveness of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area established in 2017.