Historical Trends of Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) Distribution in the Phoenix Archipelago

Historical whaling records reveal that the Phoenix Archipelago, now home to two large Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), was once a critical sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) habitat. Analysis of 19th-century data shows these whales were present year-round in the region, with hotspots identified within the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) and near Howland and Baker islands, suggesting long-term ecological significance. While modern surveys are lacking, anecdotal evidence indicates that MPAs may support population resurgence, though not to pre-whaling levels. This study underscores the importance of historical baselines for measuring MPA effectiveness in marine conservation efforts.

Kennedy, B. R. C., Hakam, L., Witting, J., Milani, R., Taei, S., Smith, T., Taylor, E., Teemari, T., & Rotjan, R. D. (2021). Historical Trends of Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) Distribution in the Phoenix Archipelago. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.583326