Behavioral Ecology of Narwhals in a Changing Arctic

Abstract : Our primary goal is to understand baseline narwhal (Monodon monoceros) behavioral ecology in the pack ice of Baffin Bay. We will collect data on the species acoustic, movement, and diving ecology in the offshore pack ice of Baffin Bay over a 4 year long research program with three ecological focus areas (acoustic ecology, sea ice ecology, and foraging ecology). Our longitudinal and cross-population analyses will use a suite of ecological modeling approaches over a 2 decade period that encompass a period of sea ice decline and increased anthropogenic activities in West Greenland (1993-present).