19 December 2024: New study shows bowhead whales prefer colder waters

A new study by Ngo and colleagues, titled “Bowhead whales spend more time in waters with colder sea surface temperatures”, has been published in the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series.

The study looks at how climate change and warming oceans could affect bowhead whales, a unique Arctic species. Using tracking data from 84 bowhead whales in Baffin Bay–West Greenland over 11 years, the researchers found that these whales generally spend more time in colder waters.

As ocean temperatures rise, the study suggests that bowhead whales may move further north to find suitable habitat. This could make it harder for them to find enough space to live and feed in the future.

For more details, read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.7557/3.7372

Photo: Fernando Ugarte