About This Project

This project examines how nearshore fisheries influence the movement and hunting behavior of endangered Hawaiian false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). By assessing their reliance on fishing activity, the study aims to reveal changes in natural foraging, risks to long-term survival, and inform conservation strategies. Using acoustic monitoring, satellite tagging, and fisheries data, the project supports efforts to balance marine wildlife protection with sustainable fishing practices

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Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

This project aims to understand how interactions with nearshore fisheries affect the movement and hunting behavior of endangered false killer whales. These whales risk becoming dependent on human activity, which can harm their survival. Reports dating back to 1963 show false killer whales stealing fish from longlines off Hawaii, and this behavior has become common (Baird et al.). Such reliance may cause them to lose their natural cooperative hunting skills, which involve deep, long-distance pursuits of prey. When feeding off of nearshore fisheries, they don’t utilize cooperative hunting techniques, thus leading to behavioral changes that can affect population health. (Fisheries Interactions With Marine Mammals - Marine Mammal Commission, 2022) Preventing further dependence on fisheries is vital to preserve their natural abilities and ensure long-term survival.

What is the significance of this project?

This study will guide conservation strategies for false killer whales, which have a population of approximately 5,500 individuals in the pelagic population, and between 150 and 200 individuals in the main Hawaiian Islands insular population (Marine Mammal Commission, 2025). By understanding how interactions with nearshore fisheries alter their spatial use and hunting behaviors, researchers can assess the risks of human-induced behavioral changes- such as dependency on fishing vessels for food. These changes can reduce the whales' ability to survive independently, affecting their long-term survival and ecosystem role. The study also provides critical insights for regulating fisheries to minimize harmful interactions, promoting a balance between marine wildlife protection and human industry.

What are the goals of the project?

The goal of the study is to understand how interactions with nearshore fisheries influence the movement patterns and hunting behavior of false killer whales. Specifically, the study will examine variables such as echolocation clicks associated with foraging, spatial movement data, dive behavior, foraging success rates, and frequency of close proximity to active fishing vessels. By identifying how these interactions affect the whales—especially their tendency to rely on fishing operations for food—the study aims to inform effective conservation efforts and help establish fishery regulations that protect this endangered species and support their long-term survival in the wild.