Hi Everyone
We are pleased to announce the publication of our article dealing with humpback whales and their expansion into new habitats on the east coast of Canada:
"Humpback Whale Expansion and Climate Change- Evidence of Foraging Into New Habitats.". Journal of Marine Animals and Their Ecology (JMATE). Volume 9 no 1 2017.
ABSTRACT: Studies have shown that some cetacean species may immediately benefit from climate change, however, most point to long term negative impacts for many species. The Bay of Fundy is an important summer/fall habitat for up to 12 cetacean species that depend on its rich biodiversity for food and as a nursery for their young. St. Mary’s Bay (Nova Scotia, Canada), located at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, is a long, narrow bay that has seen little cetacean activity for decades. Interestingly, in the Fall of 2016, 4 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were seen feeding in the bay on large schools of fish and performing aerial displays which lasted for 3 weeks. Evidence points towards the local water temperature being warmer than usual, and anecdotal evidence of increased numbers of herring in the bay, as explanations for these unusual cetacean activities. These events suggest undocumented signs of climate change and regional cetacean expansion. These foraging changes may increase interactions between cetaceans and humans both hunting for the same fish stocks, which may result in more whale entanglement in fishing gear. As climate change is increasing at an alarming pace, it is critical to document new habitat use by cetaceans and how this may affect human/cetacean interaction within smaller habitats such as St. Mary’s Bay. Knowledge from local biologists, citizen scientists and fishers will help clarify whether the effects of climate change on new habitats used by cetaceans is beneficial and for how long. [JMATE 2017; 9(1):13-17]
We would be pleased to answer any questions about our publication or if you need a PDF copy of the article: Please send an email to:
nesimeaskin@yahoo.ca Dr Nesime Askin
Biologist in Residence
Oceanographic Environmental Research Society (OERS)