Marine Wildlife

Marine Wildlife: Narwhal Arctic Welfare

Narwhals are uniquely vulnerable Arctic cetaceans whose welfare is increasingly threatened by sea ice loss, shipping traffic, and climate-driven habitat change.

Key Facts

Narwhals are among the most ice-associated cetaceans, spending winter months under pack ice
They hunt Arctic cod and Greenland halibut under ice where killer whales cannot follow
Sea ice decline exposes narwhals to increased killer whale predation outside their former refuge
Ship traffic in the Northwest Passage expands as ice recedes, increasing collision and disturbance risk
Narwhal response to ship noise includes panic entrapment under ice and drowning

Welfare Considerations

Narwhals face a uniquely severe climate welfare crisis as their sea ice refuge disappears. Ice entrapment events during summer (sassats) trap narwhals in rapidly freezing water, causing mass drowning. Reduced winter ice cover exposes them to killer whale predation that previously was impossible in their range. These welfare harms are direct consequences of climate change.

What You Can Do

Support strong Arctic emissions reduction policies as the primary narwhal welfare intervention
Advocate for shipping restrictions in key narwhal habitat areas
Support research into narwhal responses to climate change and shipping disturbance
Donate to organisations monitoring Arctic cetacean populations and welfare
Raise awareness that narwhal welfare is directly linked to climate action