The Ice that Once Saved Bowhead Whales Is Vanishing Beneath Them

The ice that once saved bowhead whales is vanishing beneath them

Populations of bowhead whales were able to hide from hunters under ice, a new study finds, saving them from extinction. But now, climate change is making that refuge disappear.

Arctic Sea Ice Helped Some Bowhead Whales Survive Centuries of Industrial Whaling

Learn how Arctic sea ice created natural refuges for bowhead whales during centuries of industrial whaling, shaping which populations are recovering today.

Historic whaling, sea ice shape bowhead whale recovery: study

Historic whaling, sea ice shape bowhead whale recovery: study

Sea Ice Barriers Shaped Bowhead Whale Recovery Across Arctic Stocks

Adelaide, Australia (SPX) Apr 28, 2026 An international study led by Adelaide University has found that bowhead whale populations are recovering only in stocks where large areas of hazardous sea ice once limited devastating hunting centuries ago. The research team analysed historical logbooks from more than 700 whaling voyages, reconstructing daily positions and hunting successes across the Arctic. 'We found that whaling

Bowhead Whale Recovery Reflects Century-Old Whaling Patterns

An international study led by Adelaide University has found bowhead whale populations are recovering only in stocks where large areas of hazardous sea ice conditions limited devastating hunting centuries ago.