The Impact of Sea Ice Melting on the Population Dynamics of Humpback Whales

Zexuan Cai

doi:10.54097/zfxerw28

Authors

Zexuan Cai

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/zfxerw28

Keywords:

Sea ice melting, Climate change, Humpback whale, Arctic ecosystem.

Abstract

The phenomenon of global climate warming has resulted in the continuous melting of Arctic sea ice, which has had profound impacts on polar ecosystems and their key species. As a species of whale endemic to the Arctic, the survival, reproduction and distribution of humpback whales are highly dependent on sea ice environments. This study utilises a comprehensive set of data sources, encompassing monthly climate data from 2000 to 2025 and population survey data of humpback whales from 2002 to 2020, to elucidate the impact of sea ice variation (indicated by climatic anomalies) on humpback whale population dynamics. The study employs rigorous analytical methods, including correlation analysis, regression models, and time-series analysis, to ensure the robustness of the findings. The findings indicate that the decline in sea ice and the increased frequency of climate anomalies exert substantial influence on the habitat, feeding behaviour, and population growth rate of humpback whales. This study provides a scientific basis for the conservation of polar organisms and climate-adaptive management.

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References

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