A hidden getaway for bowhead whales in the Greenland Sea

摘要: The critically endangered Spitsbergen stock of bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) seems to be increasing. However, research effort has also been increasing confounding a firm conclusion. A systematic aerial survey for walrus (Odobaenus rosmarus), applying distance sampling methodology in part the Northeast Water Polynya (NEW), revealed ‘bycatch’ several observations whales, which resulted an estimated abundance 102 (95 % CI 32–329) individuals. This is largest whales reported from Greenland Sea since days whaling sixteenth seventeenth centuries. NEW was inaccessible vessels during period because heavy pack ice, and it only recently that researchers have visited this area; thus few sightings within exist prior 2009. may nevertheless one most important summering grounds stock, benefit advection calanoid copepods productive deep basins along coast Svalbard east NEW. discovery provides renewed hope until now shown inconclusive signs recovery despite more than 100 years protection whaling.