Using Argos pepper piles tracks humpback whales

Approximately 15 stakes of Argos pepper will be placed on the backs of humpback whales in order to understand their movement to the waters of New Caledonia in the winter.

"The goal of this technique that has been tested all over the world is to capture information about whale movement to Antarctica," said Claire Garrigue, head of the Whale Activities Association. This Caledonia has been studying for more than 10 years about humpback whales, and every year they leave Antarctica to breed in hot waters in New Caledonia.

According to Mrs. Garrigue, the hibernating humpback whales in New Caledonia and their food supply area are less known. She also said that since mid-August, their movements could be monitored via the association's Internet.

The number of humpback whales moving to New Caledonia waters is estimated at 420.

Garrigue said the South Pacific humpback whale population, hunted to near extinction in the last century, is showing no signs of growth except on the east coast of Australia.

However, Japan decided to hunt this whale. In addition to about 850 whales in Minke, Tokyo has said the intention this year will kill about 50 Antarctic whales and confirm that the number of these animals is growing.

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