Observations and radio tagging of Balaenoptera edeni near Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela

Abstract : Whales (Balaenoptera edeni) were observed and radio tagged near Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela (23 October to 13 November 1979). The whales appeared to be transient, remaining in the area not more than one day, so that even the two whales tagged with both highly visible streamers and radio beacons could not be located again. A change in the whales' behavior at dusk was indicated by the radio signals, with much shortened submergence times after dark. The modifications to the tag made prior to these experiments appear to have improved several aspects of the WHOI radio whale tag. (Author)