Fall and Winter Movements of Bowhead Whales (Balaena mysticetus) in the Chukchi Sea and Within a Potential Petroleum Development Area

Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in the Chukchi Sea exhibit distinct fall and winter migration patterns, with key stopover sites identified as Point Barrow (Alaska), Wrangel Island (Russia), and northern Chukotka. Satellite tagging of 19 mostly immature whales between 2006 and 2008 revealed that most crossed the Chukchi Sea in 6–9 days, while some lingered near Wrangel Island for up to 21 days before moving southeast along the Chukotka coast. Kernel density analysis highlighted these areas as critical feeding grounds. Notably, all whales traversed a potential petroleum development zone, with one whale remaining there for 30 days, raising concerns about habitat overlap with industrial activity.

Quakenbush, L. T., Citta, J. J., George, J. C., Small, R. J., & Heide-Jørgensen, M. P. (2010). Fall and Winter Movements of Bowhead Whales (Balaena mysticetus) in the Chukchi Sea and Within a Potential Petroleum Development Area. Arctic, 63(3). https://doi.org/10.14430/arctic1493