Satellite telemetry results indicate an open-ocean population of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in Hawaiian waters

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At least 11 of the 18 species of odontocetes in Hawaiian waters have island-associated, resident populations. Sperm whales have been sighted throughout Hawaiian waters, including offshore areas, and around the northwestern and main Hawaiian Islands, and are primarily comprised of groups of females and juveniles. Around the main Hawaiian Islands, they make up less than 2% of odontocete sightings. In this study, we used satellite tag data to assess whether they were part of an island-associated or open-ocean population.