Habitat Studies

Whales Choose Their Habitat 

Occurrence and distribution of species is linked to specific habitats that fulfill their requirements. Habitat studies examine the relationship between species and the parameters of their habitat. The factors that are taken into account are sea temperature, depth, slope, aspect, chlorophyll concentration, salinity, and ocean currents. The habitat studies in Skjálfandi Bay are focusing on Minke and Humpback whales, and White-beaked dolphins. By investigating the association between these species and the local environment, it is possible to determine their distribution in the bay and the preferred feeding areas.

The Most Preferred Habitats

The species considered show a clear preference for the steeper sections in the bay. The steeper slopes are linked with dynamic features like the upwelling currents that enhance the amalgamation of the water masses and stimulate the productivity. This in turn creates favourable conditions for prey aggregation and availability.

The pictures show the depth and the areas of higher distribution of white-beaked dolphins in Skjálfandi Bay in 2004-2006 (right picture).