BWB – On the journey

Whales are impressive sea creatures. Some of them often travel long distances on their migrations. These migrations are seasonal and are primarily for feeding and reproduction. The largest whale species, such as blue whales, grey whales and humpback whales, undertake some of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom.

Most whale species spend the summer in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the polar regions. Here, in their feeding grounds, they consume large quantities of krill and fish. When winter comes and the food supply dwindles, they embark on long journeys to warmer waters. In the tropical or subtropical regions, they mate and give birth to their young. These warmer temperatures help the newborn calves not to lose too much body heat.

A famous example of whale migration is that of the grey whale (Eschrichtius robustus), which travels up to 20,000 kilometres a year between the Arctic and the warm lagoons of Mexico. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are also well-known long-distance travellers. Some populations swim from the Antarctic to Australia or Hawaii. Orientation over these long distances is a fascinating mystery. Scientists assume that whales orientate themselves by the earth’s magnetic field, ocean currents and acoustic signals. While toothed whales such as dolphins and sperm whales use sonar for navigation, baleen whales rely primarily on their hearing and water currents.’

However, the migration of whales is increasingly under threat. Marine pollution, noise from shipping traffic, wind farms and fishing pose major challenges. Increasing shipping traffic in particular can lead to collisions, which are often fatal for whales. Whale migrations are not only impressive, but also an important part of the marine ecosystem. Their journeys play a crucial role in the balance of the oceans – another reason to better protect these majestic animals.

By Fatima Kutzschbach