Impacts of Climate Change on Migration Patterns of Marine Mammals: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

This longitudinal study investigates the impacts of climate change on the migration patterns of marine mammals, focusing on species such as humpback whales, gray whales, and harbor seals. Climate change, characterized by rising sea temperatures, reduced sea ice, and altered ocean currents, is hypothesized to disrupt traditional migration routes and timings. Using satellite tracking and GPS tagging technologies, we collected data on migration patterns over several years and correlated these with climatic variables from satellite observations and oceanographic databases. Our findings reveal significant shifts in migration routes and timings, with notable regional variations. For instance, humpback whales have altered their northern migration routes, while gray whales show changes in feeding and breeding timings. Case studies highlight the impact of reduced sea ice on harbor seals' breeding sites. These changes suggest that marine mammals are adapting to new environmental conditions, which may affect their reproductive success and population health. The study underscores the need for continued research and adaptive management strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. Future work should include broader species and geographic areas to fully understand the implications of these environmental changes.