Bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) and killer whale (Orcinus orca) co-occurrence in the U.S. Pacific Arctic, 2009–2018: evidence from bowhead whale carcasses

Abstract

Imagery and sighting data on bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) carcasses documented from 2009 to 2018 during aerial surveys in the eastern Chukchi and western Beaufort seas have provided evidence for killer whale (Orcinus orca) predation on bowhead whales of the Bering–Chukchi–Beaufort Seas stock. The Aerial Surveys of Arctic Marine Mammals (ASAMM) project provides information on distribution, behavior, and relative density of marine mammals. ASAMM surveys large areas of bowhead whale and killer whale summer and autumn habitat and offers consistent information on bowhead whale carcasses. Thirty-three bowhead whale carcasses were documented in July–October, from 2009 to 2018. Carcasses were distributed across the eastern Chukchi and western Beaufort seas from 141.6° W to 168.1° W and 68.9° N to 72.0° N. Carcass sighting rates (carcasses/1000 km) varied by month, year, and region. Statistical results suggest an alternating series of high and low annual carcass sighting rates. Eighteen bowhead whale carcasses having injuries consistent with probable killer whale predation were photo-documented: four each in 2016 and 2018, three each in 2013 and 2015, two in 2012, and one each in 2010 and 2017. Four carcasses, two in 2015 and one each in 2013 and 2018, were likely whales struck and lost during aboriginal subsistence hunting. Cause of death could not be determined for 11 carcasses. This study is the first systematic inquiry into non-harvest related mortality of bowhead whales in the U.S. Pacific Arctic and provides multi-year evidence for killer whale predation on bowhead whales in this portion of their range.