Marine Traffic Stresses Narwhales

Researchers have found evidence to suggest increased marine traffic is stressing out narwhales, according to Nunatsiaq News.

A new study has found the stress hormone cortisol increased in the marine mammals by 200 per cent after more vessels started visiting Eclipse Sound, near Pond Inlet, after 2006. Eclipse Sound, located off north Baffin Island, is home to the world’s largest population of narwhals.

Cortisol is sometimes called the “fight-or-flight” hormone. It’s released by the adrenal glands. It helps mammals deal with stressful situations, but it can also be harmful to health, affecting, among other things, the reproductive system.

Increased boat traffic isn’t the only thing that stresses narwhals. Changing ice conditions, access to food, an increase in predation by killer whales and cumulative impacts from these sources likely all contribute.