Cetacean spatial trends from 2005 to 2019 in Svalbard, Norway

This study uses cetacean sighting data, acquired via a citizen science programme, to update distributions and spatial trends of whales dolphins in waters around the Svalbard Archipelago during period 2005–2019. Distributions, based on kernel density estimates, from an early (2005–2009) recent (2015–19) were compared identify potential shifts distribution this area, which is experiencing rapid warming concomitant sea-ice losses. Among three Arctic endemic cetaceans, white (Delphinapterus leucas, also known as beluga) had stable, coastal throughout study, whereas narwhals (Monodon monoceros) bowhead (Balaena mysticetus) observed only north archipelago, but with increasing frequency period. White-beaked (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) stable along continental shelf break, west south Svalbard. Sperm whale observations shifted Bjørnøya being concentrated end Prins Karls Forland, Spitsbergen The four summer-resident baleen whales—blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin physalus), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) minke acutorostrata)—have their break into fjords areas These changes coincide increased inflows Atlantic Water coast across archipelago.