Occurrence of Humpback Whales at Franz Josef Land Recorded

 

Scientists first documented occurrence of humpback whales near the archipelago of Franz Josef Land. Experts attribute this to the successful development of their populations.

The usual habitat in the Red Book of Russia humpback whales is far south and west of Franz Josef Land. However, in mid-July of this year, members of the expedition, organized by the national park "Russian Arctic", approached the archipelago noticed a flock of whales, including several humpbacks. This was reported by the deputy director for scientific work "Russian Arctic" Maria Gavrilo in an interview with Tass.

According to her, the occurrence of humpback whales near the Franz Josef Land marked the first time since the discovery of the archipelago in 1873.

"I would not attribute this to global warming, because this type of cold tolerant. Rather, as the northern humpback whales swim is due to successful development of the population and, as a consequence, the expansion of habitat "- suggested Gabriel.

In the waters of the reserve, "Franz Josef Land" saved Spitsbergen population of bowhead whale, one of the smallest in the world.

"Now, together with Gorbachev in the Franz Josef Land, we recorded six species of cetaceans. This bowhead whale, beluga whale, minke whale, fin whale and narwhal. It is important to ensure their safety, especially given the commercial assault on the shelf ", - said the deputy director of the" Russian Arctic ".

Gorbach - a large whale, its average length of about 13-14 meters, and weight - about 30 tons. The population was almost completely wiped out during the commercial production. The international ban on whaling humpback whales was introduced in 1966. In the Barents Sea population of humpback whales is estimated at about one thousand individuals.