370 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 18, No. 3 Reports of Humpback and Minke Whales in the Hudson Bay Region, Eastern Canadian Arctic Jeff W. Higdon1,2,* and Steven H. Ferguson1,2 Abstract - We summarize recently reported sightings of Megaptera novaeangliae (Humpback Whales) and Balaenoptera acuturostrata (Minke Whales) in the Hudson Bay region, in the eastern Canadian Arctic. Balaena mysticetus (Bowhead Whale) is the only baleen whale historically known from Hudson Bay, and during the commercial whaling era (1860–1915), no other large whale was reported to occur there. We note recent (ca. last 10 years) Humpback observations reported by local Inuit hunters in Hudson Bay and northern Foxe Basin. One Humpback was also observed by cetacean biologists in Ungava Bay during an aerial survey for Delphinapterus leucas (Beluga Whales). Minke Whales have previously been reported in southern Hudson Bay and James Bay, and recent discussions with Inuit hunters have indicated possible sightings in Foxe Basin and western Hudson Bay. They are commonly observed by Inuit in eastern Hudson Strait, where there have also been recent detections by biologists. Observations of these species in Hudson Bay and Foxe Basin may be related to reduced ice cover and increased open water, changes in prey species distributions, population recovery and growth following commercial whaling, or some combination of factors. More efficient reporting of observations is needed, and improved community-level monitoring would assist with documentation of temperate-region species in high-latitude areas. Over the past three decades, there have been significant changes in the climate of Arctic regions, including an increase in average temperatures and earlier and faster ice melt (Serreze et al. 2007). The greater Hudson Bay region (Fig. 1), in the eastern Canadian Arctic, has experienced significant decreases in the extent and duration of seasonal ice cover (Gagnon and Gough 2005, Houser and Gough 2003). Ice cover in Hudson Bay undergoes a complete cryogenic cycle each year, with freeze-up typically occurring in late October and November and breakup usually complete by the first week of August, with significant interannual variability (Crane 1978, Markham 1986) depending on ice thickness and weather (Drinkwater 1986). Hudson Bay is a shallow (mean depth ca. 150 m) and large (ca. 1.23 million km2) inland sea connected to the Labrador Sea through the Hudson Strait (300–900 m depth, 65–240 km width). Arctic Ocean and sea-ice conditions occur much farther south in Hudson Bay than anywhere else in North America (Stewart 2000). North of Hudson Bay, Foxe Basin is a broad shallow basin generally less than 100 m deep. Hudson Strait also connects the Arctic Archipelago to the Labrador Sea through Fury and Hecla Strait (ca. 160 km long, 16–24 km wide) and Foxe Basin. The ice-adapted marine mammal community (described in Stewart and Lockhart 2005) includes three pagophilic cetaceans (Monodon monoceros L. [Narwhal], Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas) [Beluga Whale], Balaena mysticetus L. [Bowhead Whale]). Orcinus orca (L.) (Killer Whale), occur seasonally during the ice-free summer months, and the frequency of sightings have been increasing exponentially (Higdon and Ferguson 2009). Physeter macrocephalus L. (Sperm Whale) and Hyperoodon ampullatus (Forster) (Northern Bottlenose Whale) have also been reported, but sightings are unverified (Reeves and Mitchell 1989). Both species occur in Davis Strait, and Sperm Whales are known to enter at least as far as eastern Hudson Strait and Ungava Bay (Reeves et al. 1986). 1Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6 Canada. 2Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Central and Arctic Region, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6 Canada. *Corresponding author - jeff.higdon@ gmail.com. Notes of the Northeastern Nat u ral ist, Issue 18/3, 2011 370 2011 Northeastern Naturalist Notes 371 Sea-ice declines and warming ocean temperatures are expected to result in changes in the distribution and abundance of Arctic species (Laidre et al. 2008, Tynan and DeMaster 1997), and studies in the Hudson Bay region have documented shifts in top predator distribution, trophic structure, and predator-prey ecology (Ferguson et al. 2010). A seasonal reduction in sea ice in Hudson Strait, a choke point, has likely provided some marine mammals with regular access to a new region into which they rarely ventured historically (Higdon and Ferguson 2009). Here, we summarize recently reported sightings of Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski) (Humpback Whale) in northwest Hudson Bay and Foxe Basin, the first reports of the species in this region. We also provide several new reports of Balaenoptera acutorostrata Lacépède (Common Minke Whale), a species that had been reported previously here. None of the observations reported here were made by the authors, but all are first-hand observations reported directly to us. Figure 1. Map of the greater Hudson Bay region in the eastern Canadian Arctic. All communities in Nunavut, Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec (Nunavik) are identified with stars, with those mentioned in the text labelled. Numbered squares identify approximate locations of Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) observations provided by Inuit hunters in Repulse Bay and Igloolik, Nunavut as summarized in Table 1. 372 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 18, No. 3 Humpback whale observations. Inuit hunters from Repulse Bay and Igloolik (Fig. 1) reported Humpback Whale observations that we consider reliable (Table 1). All of the observations apparently occurred within the past ca. 10 years. All reports were reported directly to J.W. Higdon, and most were initially volunteered freely (see below), without the informant being solicited (i.e., they first provided a casual mention of seeing Humpback Whales without being specifically asked about them). Observations were reported either through general discussions with local hunters during field research work (Repulse Bay) or through semi-directed interviews (Huntington 1998) with Inuit hunters and elders in Igloolik (n = 16). Interviews focused on Killer and Bowhead whales and were conducted in Inuktitut when necessary, with the aid of a local interpreter (who was also interviewed, and also provided a Humpback Whale sighting). Interviewees requested that their names not be assigned to any specific statement, and we therefore do not provide their names in the text. We have listed them by name in the Acknowledgments, with their approval. While conducting field work in Repulse Bay in August 2007, one of our guides mentioned past observations of Humpback Whales at the floe edge. Further discussion indicated that three observations were made, in consecutive years, with the first sighting occurring “about seven years ago” (ca. 2000) (L. Putulik, pers. comm., 31 August 2007 and 15 September 2009). The first sighting was of two whales, the following two sightings were of single animals, and all occurred along the Repulse Bay floe edge (“1” in Fig. 1 shows the approximate location) in early July. The guide provided a detailed description of a Humpback Whale (see Table 1), and he was not aware of any reports since then. Two Igloolik interviewees provided observations from northern Foxe Basin (interviews conducted 05 March 2008). Both were elders interviewed with the help of an interpreter, and the comments provided, in English, represent the translated responses. One hunter reported a Humpback sighting from “several years ago” near Tern Island (see “3” on Fig. 1 for the approximate location). He initially described it as “a different whale ...”, and then provided additional details upon request, including a description of “long white fins” and breaching (see comments in Table 1). The other interviewee indicated a similar location, west of Tern Island, which also occurred “in recent years” and may represent the same whale. The respondent once again initially described it as a different whale, one with a dorsal fin (“unlike a Bowhead”) and long white fins. The Igloolik interpreter, who was present for both interviews in which a Humpback Whale was reported, also provided an observation of a single whale in southern Roes Welcome Sound in July 2002 (“2” on Fig. 1) (J. Kopak, pers. comm., 05 and 09 March 2008). This observation was influenced by the interpreter’s presence at the other interviews, but does provide independent corroboration of the Repulse Bay observations reported previously. In both Igloolik interviews, the initial unsolicited report generated discussion between J.W. Higdon, the interpreter, and the interviewee on Humpback Whales. However, both conversations were initiated by the interviewee, without being specifically asked about Humpback observations. None of the other 14 interviewees mentioned Humpback Whales, but once again, none were specifically asked if they had ever observed them (or Minke Whales). Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) researchers in Quebec observed a Humpback Whale in Ungava Bay (Nunavik, northern Québec) on 03 September 2001. A single whale was observed (59°05'N 66°31'W) during an aerial survey for Beluga Whales (J.-F. Gosselin and H. Bourdages, DFO, Mont-Joli, PQ, Canada, pers. comm., 17 June 2008 and 22 March 2010; Gosselin et al. 2002). The whale’s two white flippers were first spotted before it surfaced, and the plane circled around the animal to confirm species identification. The observers had previous experience identifying Humpback Whales during aerial 2011 Northeastern Naturalist Notes 373 Table 1. Reported observations of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in western Hudson Bay, Foxe Basin, and Ungava Bay. Observations provided by Inuit hunters or cetacean biologists, and include only those considered reliable by the authors based on supporting descriptions of Humpback Whales. Map reference refers to general locations identified in Figure 1 for sightings where no specific latitude/longitude given (Inuit observations, all respondents physically identified the general location on a map). Lat/long or Date Location map reference Comments Source Early July, ca. Repulse Bay floe edge 1 Whales were observed “three years or so in a row”, but L. Putulik, Repulse Bay, NU, 2000–2003 respondent not aware of any reports since. First observation pers. comm., 31 August ca. 2000 of two whales, whereas the following two sightings 2007 and 15 September were single animals. Observer provided detailed description 2009 of a Humpback Whale, including small “bumpy” dorsal fin and long white fore flippers, and full breaches observed on one occasion. July 2002 Southern Roes 2 A single whale observed, white flukes noted. Report provided J. Kopak, Igloolik, pers. Welcome Sound by resident of Igloolik, but sighting in northwest Hudson Bay. comm., 05 and 09 March 2008 “Several years ago” Near Tern Island, 3 Observed “several years ago” in a little cove on Tern Island, Igloolik semi-directed northern Foxe Basin “a different whale with a really high blow, a large whale, in interview, 05 March 2008 the springtime”, “there were lots of bowheads eating, but one was different from the others. I saw it with binoculars, including watching it jump out of the water, it had long white fins”. “In recent years” West of Tern Island, 3 Similar location as above report, west of Tern Island, occurred Igloolik semi-directed northern Foxe Basin “in recent years” and may represent the same whale as noted interview, 05 March 2008 above. Described as "a different whale, one with a dorsal fin, unlike a Bowhead, and long white fins". 03 September 2001 Ungava Bay 59°05'N, Observed by biologists during Beluga aerial survey. Observed J.-F. Gosselin and H. 66°31'W at 1319 local time while flying at a speed of 130 kt and an Bourdages, DFO, pers. altitude of 1500 feet. The whale’s two white flukes were first comm., 17 June 2008 and spotted before it surfaced, and the plane circled around the 22 March 2010; Gosselin animal to confirm species identification. et al. 2002 374 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 18, No. 3 surveys of the northwest Atlantic Ocean. A Humpback sighting here is not so unusual, as they have previously been seen around Killinek Island, at the eastern end of Ungava Bay (along the northern tip of Labrador) (W. Doidge, Makivik Corp., Kuujjuaq, PQ, Canada, pers. comm., 26 February 2010). Humpback Whales are occasionally observed along eastern Baffin Island (Guinn and Stewart 1988), but these are the first reported observations in the Hudson Bay region. Commercial whalers from Scotland and the United States were active in northwest Hudson Bay from 1860–1915 (Higdon 2010, Ross 1974), but Bowhead Whales were the only baleen whales reported in this area. Sutton and Hamilton (1932:91) briefly discussed possible Balaenoptera physalus L. (Fin Whale) occurrence in the region, but concluded that it was “rarely, if ever, found” there. Those authors (also see Degerbøl and Freuchen 1935) corresponded with a number of experienced whaling captains, and none had ever seen any baleen whale but the Bowhead in Hudson Bay. The Humpback Whale observations reported here, which we consider credible based on the supporting descriptions, are the first known for the region. One could consider these reports as unverified, given that there is no photographic or other confirmation (e.g., specimens) and that the observations were made by non-scientists. However, most initial reports were unsolicited, and the descriptions (large whales, dorsal fins, long white flippers) could refer to nothing except Humpback Whales. Minke Whale observations. Minke Whales, which have been previously documented (both live whales and strandings) in southern Hudson Bay (Abraham and Lim 1990, Pattie and Webber 1992, Reeves and Mitchell 1989), are known to occur in Hudson Strait and Ungava Bay (COSEWIC 2006). Recently reported observations from this area are summarized in Table 2, including sightings made by DFO survey crews and Makivik employees (August–September, 2001, 2008, and 2009), aerial surveys conducted by consulting company biologists, and observations collected during semi-directed interviews (n = 5) conducted in Kimmirut, NU in February 2009 (Westdal 2009). Two respondents noted that Minke Whales are observed in the area and occasionally enter the harbor near the community. Semi-directed interviews in Hall Beach (n = 7) and Arviat (n = 5) and informal discussions with local residents in Igloolik and Repulse Bay (J.W. Higdon and S.H. Ferguson, unpub. data) have yielded possible observations of Minke Whales, but these are unconfirmed and not included in Table 2. The descriptions provided are suggestive of this species, and further discussions with local residents could help determine the accuracy of these reports. The small number of confirmed reports from Hudson Bay and western Hudson Strait may reflect a lack of reporting (COSEWIC 2006). Conclusions. In summary, we present credible reports of Humpback Whales in northern Foxe Basin and northwest Hudson Bay, the first reported observations in this area. Minke Whales have been recently observed in eastern Hudson Strait, in areas where they are previously known to occur (COSEWIC 2006). There are previous reports from Hudson Bay, and recent observations can be considered possible but tentative. Recent sightings of temperate whales in this region may be a function of reduced ice coverage and increased open water (c.f. Higdon and Ferguson 2009), population recovery and growth following commercial whaling (Stevick et al. 2003), changing distribution of prey items (Gjøsæter 1998), or a combination of these factors. Increased research focus and a lack of prior reporting (COSEWIC 2006) cannot be discounted, although Inuit hunters noted that Humpback Whales were “new” or “different”. With further ice declines and increasing population sizes, sightings may increase in the Hudson Bay region, and distributional shifts in response to environmental changes (Tynan and Demaster 1997) could result in changes to food web dynamics and ecosystem structure (Ferguson et al. 2010). Inuit hunters have proven to be expert observers of their marine 2011 Northeastern Naturalist Notes 375 Table 2. Recent Balaenoptera acuturostrata (Minke Whale) observations in Ungava Bay and Hudson Strait. Date Location Comments Source 5 Sept 2001 Central Hudson Strait (61°33'N 71°31'W) Observed during Beluga aerial surveys. Single whale, likely J.-F. Gosselin and H. a Minke Whale based on size and color, but not confirmed. Bourdages, DFO, pers. Observed east of Kangiqsujjuaq, Nunavik. comm., 17 June 2008, 22 March 2010 12 Sept 2008 Central Hudson Strait (61°43'N 68°48'W) A group of 14 whales observed during aerial surveys Knight Piésold Consuling 2010 conducted by environmental consulting company (approximate location from Figure 4.15, p. 115) 20 Aug 2008 Ungava Bay (58°53'N 68°1'W) Observed during Beluga aerial survey (09:15 LT). J.-F. Gosselin, DFO, pers. comm., 22 March 2010 21 Aug 2009 Central Hudson Strait (61°24'N; 71°36'W) Single whale, observed by Makivik Corp. staff during 2009 M. Simard, Makivik Nunavik Bowhead hunt (near Kangiqsujjuaq). Corporation, pers. comm., 01 March 2010 21 Aug 2009 Central Hudson Strait (61°20'N; 71°59'W) Single whale, observed by Makivik Corp. staff during 2009 M. Simard, Makivik Nunavik Bowhead hunt (near Kangiqsujjuaq). Corporation, pers. comm., 01 March 2010 Central Hudson Strait (Kimmirut, NU) Two of five Inuit interviewees noted that Minke Whales are Semi-directed interviews observed in the area and occasionally enter the harbor with Kimmirut hunters, near the community (Kimmirut, NU). Westdal 2009 376 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 18, No. 3 environment, and improved monitoring and reporting of local observations (Wismer and Mitchell 2005) would provide important information on changes to the Arctic marine mammal community. Acknowledgments. We thank the following Inuit hunters for providing information on their Humpback Whale sightings: L. Putulik (Repulse Bay) and D. Irngaut, J. Kopak, and E. Kunuk (Igloolik). We thank the hunters and trappers organizations/associations in the various communities for their support and assistance with our research efforts, and K. Westdal for conducting many of the interviews. Sightings from Nunavik were provided by J.-F. Gosselin and H. Bourdages (DFO, Quebec region), and staff at Makivik Corporation (W. Doidge, M. Simon). T. Ikkumaq and P. Kringayark provided information on possible Minke Whale sightings in Igloolik and Repulse Bay, respectively. Funding for field work and interviews was provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, Northern Scientific Training Program, Interdepartmental Recovery Fund, International Polar Year, ArcticNet Centres of Excellence, and a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Discovery Grant to SHF. Student support for JWH was provided by a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council PGS-D scholarship. This manuscript was improved by helpful comments from S.D. 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