Occurrence of narwhals (Monodon monoceros) and white whales (Delphiapterus leucas) in East Greenland

Abstract

Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) have been observed along the east coast of Greenland from Umiiviip Kangertiva (64°10'N, 41 °W) to Kilen (81°N, 13°W). The fjord complexes of Sermilik, Kangerlussuaq and Scoresby Sund are important inshore summering areas. Narwhals occur in these fjords from ice breakup in May-July until new ice forms in September-November. Narwhals also occur at the entrances to these fjords during winter.

Historical information from whalers indicates that narwhals are present in the pack ice of the Greenland Sea between May and September. Narwhals are believed to be widely scattered in the pack ice between eastern Greenland and Svalbard during winter, and the narwhals in this area may comprise a single population.