Project Team Dr Alana Alexander
This project will highlight the connections among populations of parāoa (sperm whales) within Aotearoa New Zealand and across the Pacific and investigate the effect of the changing ocean environment on distribution and demographic parameters. The project will make use of the longitudinal study conducted by the Marine Mammal Research Group at the University of Otago, and an ongoing collaboration with Whalewatch Kaikōura. The aim of the project is to connect communities in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific through shared learning from other communities that have important connections with sperm whales, to improve our understanding of the species so that traditionally important connections may persist and thrive into the future.
