How does climate change affect whales in Antarctica?

My colleagues and I study humpback whales that breed near the equator and feed in the region of the Antarctic Peninsula. Rapid ocean warming in this area is leading to a reduction in the extent of floating sea ice. At the same time, the increase in open water allows whales to access more remote areas and remain longer in their feeding grounds—a pattern we have observed recently. However, sea ice is essential for the reproduction of krill, which is the primary food source for these whales in Antarctica. A decline in sea ice can lead to a decrease in krill populations and, consequently, to food shortages for whales. In collaboration with researchers from other countries, we have identified a link between krill abundance and the number of whale pregnancies in subsequent years. This shows that krill resources in Antarctica are not limitless for whales.

Have you experienced any unexpected encounters or situations during your observations that changed the way you see whales?

There have been many moments when whales truly amazed me. One of the most memorable was my very first encounter, when you realize that a giant marine animal is emerging from the ocean right next to you. You only see part of its body, yet you immediately understand that the animal’s true size far exceeds that of your boat. I have also observed so-called “sleeping” whales—individuals that have fed well and are resting, barely reacting to the presence of a nearby boat. The ideal observation is when whales continue their natural behavior without disturbance, allowing scientists to watch them without interference. At the same time, there have been whales that actively tried to “interact” with the boat, even peering inside and curiously examining the researchers. Everything I learn about whales fills me with awe—and at the same time with a in-depth awareness of their vulnerability.

What new technologies or observation methods allow scientists to learn things about Antarctic whales that were previously impossible to detect?

The use of drones and photogrammetric methods makes it possible to measure whales quite accurately, determine their age class and body condition, all without disturbing the animals. Specially modified drones can also be used to collect biological samples and deploy tags on whales. Research increasingly relies on multisensor tags that combine GPS, video cameras, acoustic recorders, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and various hydrological sensors. Modern tags can record high-quality sound and video, while sensitive sensors provide detailed information about whale behavior and the characteristics of the environment they inhabit.

How does observing whales help us better understand ocean processes, not just the lives of the animals themselves?

Marine mammals are apex predators, so their condition is a crucial indicator of the overall health of marine ecosystems. If whales sing less, lose body mass, or give birth less frequently, it signals profound changes taking place in the ocean. In addition, whales influence the habitats of many other organisms. One of their key ecological functions is the redistribution of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron. By filtering thousands of tons of water and consuming prey, whales accumulate these compounds and, through digestion, convert them into simpler forms that are released back into the environment via feces, supporting lower levels of the food web.

How has working in the extreme conditions of Antarctica changed your perception of the ocean and nature as a whole?

Antarctica is a unique place on our planet, where it is possible to see not only individual protected areas but an entire continent that remains largely untouched. Apart from a few research stations and limited automated equipment, this space appears minimally altered by human activity. Antarctica clearly demonstrates that the ocean is capable of self-recovery if given the chance. This is accurately what has happened with some whale populations that were nearly wiped out during the era of industrial whaling and have since either recovered or are still in the process of recovery.