Arctic Climate Change and the Effects on Bowhead Whales and Their Environment

• Main Author: Wimmert, Kelly A
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: ScholarWorks at University of Montana 2014
• Subjects: Arctic; Balaena mysticetus; bowhead whale; Climate change
• Online Access: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/umcur/2014/oralpres2a/5; https://scholarworks.umt.edu/context/umcur/article/1055/type/native/viewcontent/Arctic_Climate_Change_and_the_effects_on_bowhead_whales_and_their_environment.pptx

Kelly Wimmert 790683696 2/20/2014 Arctic Climate Change and the Impacts on Bowhead Whales Abstract The purpose of this research is to identify the effects of arctic climate change on bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) and their environment. Bowhead whales are recognized internationally as a threatened species, in part, because of the dramatic declines in their population over the past century. My study is structured around three primary objectives: one, to examine the impacts of melting arctic ice and warming temperatures on species dynamics and habitat; two, to investigate the ways in which current and anticipated human activities in the arctic influence bowhead whales; and three, to assess the models of conservation science and action that are designed to support the health and resilience of bowhead whale populations. For this study I will be analyzing existing data from international databases and examine existing media reports documenting viewpoints/scientific opinion provided by arctic climate specialists, whale biologists, and whale conservation activists. I will also be surveying information on international conservation efforts that is available through government agencies and non-governmental organizations. This research on bowhead whales will provide a succinct and accessible analysis of the trends in bowhead whale population dynamics in relation to climate, human interactions, and conservation efforts.