Photogrammetric video tracking of whale movements during the ENRICH voyage (IN2019_V01)

Updated: 2026-07-06

This record describes photogrammetric video tracking data collected during the Marine National Facility (MNF) RV Investigator voyage IN2019_V01, ENRICH (Euphausiids and Nutrient Recycling in Cetacean Hotspots), conducted in the Southern Ocean between 19 January and 5 March 2019. The voyage investigated the availability of Antarctic krill to large predators and their role in biogeochemical nutrient recycling. A digital photogrammetric video tracking system was used to determine the range and bearing of surfacing cetaceans relative to the research vessel, enabling precise measurements of surface locations and fine-scale movement. Video tracking was conducted on 24 occasions for a total of approximately 18 hours, primarily targeting Antarctic blue whales, with additional observations of fin whales. Focal follows were terminated when sea ice or the presence of multiple animals prevented reliable identification of the focal individual. The dataset provides baseline information on cetacean surface behaviour and movement and supports investigations of the relationships among whale behaviour, movement patterns, and vocal activity in the Southern Ocean.