Sperm whales off the Galapagos Islands from 1830-50 and comparisons with modern studies

The distribution, population size and lengths of Physeter macrocephalus off tthe Galapagos Islands were studied using the logbooks of American whalers working in the area between 1830-50. Sperm whale distributions were similar to those found during modern studies. Although seasonal variations in distribution were not pronounced, both historical and modern data suggest that sperm whales were more abunant near the island during March and April, amd that they migrated between areas close to and far from the islands. There were 7500-23 000 sperm whales in the whole study area in 1830. -from Authors