DV-21-02 Oceanographic regime shift impacts on threatened baleen whale species’ distribution and diet

Aimee Whitman

The Gulf of Maine has been identified as one of the fastest warming bodies of saltwater anywhere on the planet, increasing almost 2°C within the past 15 years. With this, it’s become apparent that whale sightings have drastically decreased – a concern to scientists, industry, and policymakers within the state. Traditionally, Maine coastal waters have included significant populations of humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), and North Atlantic right whales (Eaubalaena glacialis), with the Gulf being the home to their feeding grounds.

Researchers at College of the Atlantic seek to examine a shift in where whales are located, and the consequences of climate change impacts to the Gulf of Maine. Sea Grant funds were used to support ten vessel-based surveys off the coast of Bar Harbor, Maine, onboard College of the Atlantic’s 26’ R/V Borealis. Undergraduate students and recent graduates were onboard to document sightings of baleen whales, particularly data on species, group size, and estimated distance from the ship; these were recorded along with the date, time, and weather. Information collected will be compared to distribution and abundance data acquired ten years prior. With these strategies in mind, researchers aim to provide a narrative demonstrating large-scale ecosystem shifts in Maine waters over the last decade and inform the public of climate-related human impacts on Maine’s natural resources.

“This project has definitely been demonstrating to us just how difficult it is to collect systematic data on whales and why there is still so much uncertainty on patterns and distributions of animals. Getting the appropriate weather, available crew or volunteers, and working vessels all at the same time can be shockingly difficult for small research organizations,” said Tanya Lubansky, a research associate at Allied Whale and an assistant professor at Unity Environmental University. “Nevertheless, we have had many interesting and valuable conversations about conservation during our survey volunteer training sessions and have completed several of our offshore surveys. Continuing to document where whales are being seen off of Maine coastlines is important as Maine begins exploring new activities such as offshore wind.”

Sea Grant Funds: $5,000