Samples are being scooped out of the faeces for DNA analysis by the Australian Antarctic Division.

"We don't spend our time, thankfully, in small boats following whales all day long but we collaborate with a lot of researchers who are spending time around whales where they're feeding," said principal research scientist Nick Gales.

"They pass food through fairly quickly, so there's small amounts coming through all the time rather than building up to one almighty event."

His team is about to start a three-month study on Australia's sub-Antarctic possession of Heard Island, applying the same techniques to penguins, albatross and fur seals. The research complements satellite tracking and tags.

Gales said the research was necessary to ensure that the food of these major predators was not overfished.

"Baleen whales, such as Blue Whales and Humpbacks, are a key part of the marine food chain and it is important to understand what they are doing for management and conservation purposes," he said.

One major risk of the work, however, was whale flatulence, he admitted.

"It's not even a bubble bath, it's just one great big bubble -- quite impressive," Gales said.

TERRA.WIRE