A multi-year analysis of acoustic occurrence and habitat use of blue and fin whales in eastern and central Fram Strait.

ABSTRACT: Climate change-induced habitat alterations in the Arctic Ocean are expected to affect spatial and temporal occurrence patterns of seasonally migrating baleen whale species, leading to poleward range shifts and prolonged stays in Arctic waters. The aim of this study was to investigate occurrence patterns of blue (Balaenoptera musculus musculus) and fin (B. physalus) whales in Fram Strait, a summering habitat and historic whaling ground for both species. Passive acoustic monitoring data were collected between 2012 and 2021 at eight different mooring positions in eastern and central Fram Strait. These data were initially analyzed for the acoustic presence of blue and fin whales. Afterwards, the environmental impact on acoustic occurrences and the potential temporal expansion of acoustic prese

SUBMITTER: Meister M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11594435 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature