30 December 2024: New study reveals changes in cetacean sightings in Iceland’s Faxaflói Bay

A new article by Bellon and colleagues, titled “Changes in cetacean occurrence in Faxaflói Bay, Iceland, as observed from whale watching vessels,” has been published in the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series.

The study uses data collected from whale watching tours (2016–2023) to examine shifts in the occurrence of humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises in Faxaflói Bay. Results show a significant increase in humpback whale sightings after 2021, while minke whale sightings have steadily declined since 2018. Seasonal patterns suggest humpback whale sightings are becoming more common during non-touristic periods, hinting at potential changes in species distribution or competition.

The findings highlight the value of whale watching records for year-round monitoring and the need for collaboration between operators and researchers to improve data quality and guide conservation efforts.

For more details, read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.7557/3.7386

Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen