For millennia, some of the largest whales, including humpbacks, fin whales, and blue whales, have embarked on epic journeys between warm breeding grounds in the tropics and nutrient-rich feeding areas in the poles. These long-distance movements, which are also common for dolphin species, are critical for their survival. However, climate change is increasingly disrupting these ancient patterns of whale and dolphin migrations, posing a significant threat to these marine mammals.
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Official guidance: W3C — official guidance for Whale and dolphin migrations
Whale and dolphin migrations 2025 — Key Developments
A recent report published by the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals highlights the alarming impact of climate change on migratory species worldwide. The report, compiled by over 70 scientists, reveals that rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting ecosystems are disrupting migratory routes and reshaping critical habitats for a wide range of animals, including whales and dolphins. More than 20 percent of the species monitored by the convention are on the brink of extinction, underscoring the urgency of addressing these climate-related threats.
Ecologist Trisha Atwood notes that climate change is “scrambling these signals” that guide whale and dolphin migrations, causing them to veer off course. This disruption affects not only the marine mammals themselves, but also the entire marine ecosystem, as these animals play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and food web dynamics.
Impact of Warming Waters on Whale and Dolphin Migrations
Rising ocean temperatures are a major concern for whale and dolphin migrations, as they can impact both the availability of prey and the suitability of habitats. In the Mediterranean Sea, for example, heatwaves are projected to reduce suitable habitat for endangered fin whales by up to 70 percent by mid-century. This is due to the decline or relocation of their prey as a result of warming waters.
Similarly, in the Northern Adriatic Sea, hotter temperatures may eventually become intolerable for bottlenose dolphins, potentially exceeding their physiological limits. These changes force whales and dolphins to seek out new feeding grounds, which may be less productive or more dangerous. The loss of prey in traditional habitats is particularly concerning for migrating marine mammals, pushing them into unfamiliar territories where they face increased risks.
Disruptions to Whale and Dolphin Migrations and Habitat Loss
The report also details the devastating effects of extreme weather events on marine habitats. Seagrass meadows, which are vital feeding grounds for migrating sea turtles and dugongs, are disappearing due to warmer waters, cyclones, and sea level rise. To date, around 30 percent of the world’s known seagrass beds have been lost, threatening not only the animals that depend on them but also humans. These ecosystems store around 20 percent of the world’s oceanic carbon, support fisheries, and protect coastlines.
In 2023, record-high temperatures in the Amazon River led to the deaths of over 200 river dolphins, which migrate seasonally between tributaries and lagoons. The shallow aquatic habitats became excessively hot, exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas, isolating the animals and depleting their prey. Mark Simmonds, scientific councilor for marine pollution for the U.N. convention, emphasized that the river systems were unusually empty and dry, leaving the dolphins without the water they needed to survive. These events highlight the vulnerability of whale and dolphin migrations to extreme climate conditions.
The North Atlantic Right Whale and Increased Risks
The critically endangered North Atlantic Right whales are particularly vulnerable to the disruptions caused by climate change. As they pursue their prey into new areas, they face increased risks of ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. The changing distribution of their food sources forces them to navigate more perilous waters, further threatening their already dwindling population. The disruption to whale and dolphin migrations is having a cascading effect.
The challenges faced by the North Atlantic Right whales underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change on migratory marine mammals. Protecting their habitats, reducing ship strikes, and minimizing fishing gear entanglement are crucial steps in ensuring the survival of these magnificent creatures.
The disruptions to whale and dolphin migrations caused by climate change pose a significant threat to these iconic marine species. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and habitat loss are forcing them to alter their migratory routes and seek out new feeding grounds, often with perilous consequences. Addressing climate change and implementing effective conservation measures are essential to protect these animals and preserve the health of the world’s oceans.
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