Aerial Blue Whales (IMAGE) Oregon State University Caption A group of blue whales first spotted off New Zealand several years ago appears to be part of a local population that is genetically distinct from other blue whales in the Pacific Ocean and Southern Ocean, a new study has found. Credit Todd Chandler Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.