Greenland whales gather in massive feeding frenzies due to melting ice

A multi-decade study published in Frontiers in Marine Science reveals a major ecological regime shift along the East Greenland coast. Rising ocean temperatures and declining sea-ice cover have opened previously inaccessible coastal waters, attracting massive congregations of baleen whales to the region.

Researchers, including Professor Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen from the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, documented a significant increase in species such as humpback, fin, and common minke whales. For example, ship-based humpback sightings rose from zero before 2006 to over 150 in 2024. In the summer of 2024 alone, an estimated 4,000 humpback, 6,000 fin, and 6,000 minke whales visited the Greenland Sea.

The whales are drawn to these feeding frenzies by a sudden abundance of prey, particularly capelin and krill, which have shifted their distributions northward into warmer waters. Scientists estimate these three species may consume up to 1 million tons of prey during their summer feeding period. While some species are benefiting from these new opportunities, researchers warn that this influx of large predators could trigger significant changes throughout the Arctic marine food web.