Ice entrapments of narwhals (Monodon monoceros) and white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in Greenland

Abstract

Information on historical and recent ice entrapments of narwhals (Monodon monoceros) and white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in Greenland is presented. Most entrapments occur in the inner parts of Disko Bugt where both narwhals and white whales are caught. In this area entrapments happened under particular weather conditions and at certain sites at intervals of two to three years during the 197Os and 198Os.

In the Uummannaq and Upernavik areas entrapments occurred less frequently and usually involved only narwhals. No entrapments were documented in East Greenland.

The data suggest that whales sometimes die in entrapments that are not discovered by hunters and that ice entrapments may be regarded as contributing to the natural mortality of narwhals and white whales. These large-scale, periodic die-off events probably affect long-term population trends and represent a concern for the management of arctic whale stocks.