Giant whales move into Greenland waters as ice disappears
Summary
Scientists have found that giant whales like humpbacks, fin, and minke whales are moving into East Greenland waters because sea ice has melted due to warmer temperatures. These whales were not seen in this area before but are now feeding there in large numbers during summer, showing a big change in the Arctic marine environment.Key Facts
- Sea ice in East Greenland has been melting, opening coastal waters to whales.
- Before 2006, humpback whales were never recorded in East Greenland waters.
- By 2024, scientists spotted 150 humpback whales during ship surveys.
- Around 4,000 humpbacks, 6,000 fin whales, and 6,000 minke whales visited the Greenland Sea in summer 2024.
- Researchers used ship and aerial surveys, satellite tracking, and Inuit hunters’ observations for the study.
- The whales feed on fish and krill that have moved into warmer waters, consuming about 800,000 tonnes each summer.
- This change is called an ecological “regime shift” caused by climate warming.
- Some Arctic species like narwhals are losing habitat as these whales move in and compete for space.
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