Researchers observe significant whale population increase in Icelandic waters

This summer, researchers from the Marine Research Institute of Iceland conducted a cetacean survey, observing approximately 4,000 whales in Icelandic waters. Notably, there was a significant sighting of blue whales, and experts suspect that humpback whales may be increasing in number.

The survey, carried out aboard the research vessel Árna Friðriksson, revealed a considerable presence of various whale species. Gudjón Már Sigurðsson, a whale specialist at the institute, reported, “The most commonly observed species was the blue whale, followed by a substantial number of pilot whales and humpbacks.”

There have been reports of large whale pods near Iceland, with news emerging from Grímsey about an abundance of these majestic creatures. Observers believe that the whales are following schools of herring throughout the waters. “There have been large migrations, particularly of humpback whales, as noted during this summer’s survey in several areas,” Sigurðsson added.

The last survey of whale populations in Iceland occurred in 2015, when it was estimated there were around 40,000 blue whales and about 10,000 humpbacks. Sigurðsson suspects that the numbers of humpback whales have increased since then, indicating a positive trend for the species in the region. As Iceland continues to monitor its whale populations, scientists remain optimistic about their recovery and sustainability.