Research under the Humpback Whale Sentinel Program focuses on three, non-linear and overlapping research components.
1) Development and validation of novel chemical and biochemical biomarker techniques for the quantification of Program Sentinel Parameters, paved the way for implementation of the HWSP. Our capacity and expertise in this area continues to deliver new insight into the ecology and trophodynamics of humpback whales and their prey.
2) Long-term monitoring of Program sentinel parameters allows us to ‘signpost’ Antarctic regions and timepoints that have resulted in anomalous biomarker signatures.
3) These ‘signpost’ further guide ecosystem investigations into key underlying bio-physical parameters driving observed patterns. Such investigations are critical for furthering mechanistic understanding of climate-driven ecosystem shifts.