Occurrence and patterns of fin whale songs reveal alternative migration strategies in Svalbard Islands, Norway.

ABSTRACT: The Arctic marine environment is highly affected by global warming with notable changes in habitat conditions, which have great consequences on migrating species. For example, the timing of their migration can be altered leading to changes in their occurrence in suitable areas, which are critical for their survival. In this study, seven years of acoustic data were analysed in Svalbard Islands from 2014 to 2020, revealing that the occurrence of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) happened all year-round. The sea surface temperature recorded reveals conditions which could be favorable for these species to persist until the Polar Night. The occurrence of songs indicated that certain individuals did not undertake the migratory journey through the southern breeding grounds, possibly using the ar

SUBMITTER: Papale E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10023778 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature