Essential Interactive Image

Orcas and sea ice reduction

Orcas are traditionally seasonal visitors to Arctic waters and avoided ice-covered areas.

Due to rapid Arctic sea ice decline, their range now extends deep into the northwest Arctic Ocean.

(Al Mayadeen Net, 2021)

Ecosystem Impact

- Orcas in the Arctic Ocean could threaten ecosystems. Orcas are known to hunt other marine mammals, such as beluga whales and seals. - With the melting of sea ice, their growing presence in the region may lead to various ecosystem shifts and impacts on existing marine mammal populations