Are There Whales In Lake Superior?
Many people are often fascinated by the Great Lakes of North America as they are filled with incredible creatures and a tremendous variety of aquatic life. One of the most intriguing questions surrounding the Great Lakes is: Are there whales in Lake Superior?
The answer to this question is actually quite simple – no, whales are not found in Lake Superior. Whales are mostly found in saltwater oceans, which is the opposite of the fresh-water composition of Lake Superior. Additionally, whales require much deeper water than what Lake Superior offers and typically can’t survive in habitats with a depth of less than 2000 feet. Thus, it isn’t possible for whales to live in Lake Superior.
In addition to being unable to survive in Lake Superior, whales typically don’t enter the Great Lakes due to the harsh, cold winters. Winter weather in the Great Lakes area is far too cold and the water is filled with thick ice, making it difficult or impossible for whales to survive. This cold winter weather also affects other aquatic life, with some species such as salmon leaving the lake and surrounding rivers to go out to sea during the winter months, when temperatures drop.
Dr. Elisa Koontz, a Marine Biology professor at the University of Michigan, states that “Each of the different whale species has specialized requirements when it comes to where they can live, find food and breed. The colder, fresh water of the Great Lakes does not provide the right conditions for whales to survive and flourish, so despite this region’s deep connection to the waters, we simply won’t find any whales in the Great Lakes.”
Though most people would expect to find whales in Lake Superior, the reality is that this specific marine ecosystem cannot sustain them. That being said, the lack of whales in Lake Superior does not make it any less amazing or exciting. The lake is home to a wide range of aquatic life and deep-water creatures, many of which are fascinating in their own way. For instance, Lake Superior is known for its abundance and variety of salmon, trout, walleye and whitefish, all of which can easily be caught and enjoyed.
Dangers That Lake Superior Poses For Whales
Though there are no whales in Lake Superior, there are many dangers that whales would face if they were somehow introduced to this lake. For one, Lake Superior is incredibly polluted and would be incredibly toxic for whales to swim in. It is estimated that there is more than 24 million gallons of contaminants, including metals, pesticides and other chemicals, in Lake Superior, which would be highly detrimental to whales.
In addition, the strain on the lake’s resources would be extreme if whales were introduced. Such a large influx of whales would place a great strain on the number of schools of fish that already inhabit the lake, as well as complicating the fishing opportunities of lake-dwellers. Thus, although it may be a dream to observe whales in the Great Lakes, it definitely wouldn’t be sustainable and could have dire consequences.
Dr. Koontz adds, “Not only does introducing whales to Lake Superior have consequences for the oceanic ecosystem, there are many dangers for the whales themselves. After all, whales are incredibly delicate creatures and require a very specific type of care and environment to flourish and be comfortable. Introducing whales to a lake like Lake Superior would be incredibly dangerous for the whales and could lead to their suffering and potentially even their deaths.”
Impossible For Whales To Reach Lake Superior
In addition to the dangers of pollution and resource strain, it is actually impossible for whales to reach Lake Superior in the first place. This is due to the numerous locks and dams placed in the water systems between the oceans and the Great Lakes. The locks and dams were constructed specifically to physically keep whales and other oceanic animals out of the Great Lakes.
These locks and dams are incredibly important for keeping the oceans separated from the Great Lakes, as the different bodies of water have very different water conditions from one another. The water pH, salinity and temperature levels of these bodies of water have been carefully regulated to safely contain aquatic life unique to each ecosystem. The introduction of oceanic creatures could easily disrupt this fragile balance and cause a chain reaction of environmental problems.
Dolphin Sighting in Lake Superior
Notably, there have been isolated sightings of dolphins in the Great Lakes over the years, including Lake Superior. As with most animals, dolphins can occasionally find themselves in freshwater ecosystems, although they may become disoriented or confused due to the change in conditions. Unfortunately, such accidental visits can be fatal for dolphins, as they typically need to return to the ocean in order to feed on the adequate amounts of food necessary to survive.
What’s more, due to the large size of Lake Superior and other Great Lakes, it can often be impossible for dolphins to find their way back to the ocean if they are somehow navigating without a map. Thus, it is important for those around these freshwater lakes to be very cautious if a dolphin is somehow spotted, rather than gathering in excitement.
Measures to Help Aquatic Animals Cross the Great Lakes
Despite all of the locks, dams and waterway regulations in place to keep aquatic creatures from entering Lake Superior, scientists have been looking for ways to improve these measures in order to keep these animals safe. In some areas of the Great Lakes, namely Niagara Falls, scientists have developed special fish ladders or elevators that allow fish to bypass the water infrastructure separating them from their spawning areas by allowing them to bypass the Niagara River’s hydroelectric dam.
In theory, these ladders or elevators could also be used to help dolphins and other marine animals find their way out of the freshwater ecosystems if they ever accidentally find themselves there. While these measures do not make it possible for whales or dolphins to coexist in Lake Superior or other Great Lakes, they do ensure that aquatic creatures are able to pass safely and return to the ocean if and when necessary.
Conserving Whales in Aquatic Ecosystems
While it is impossible for whales to survive in the fresh waters of Lake Superior, it is nonetheless important to do what is necessary to obtain fresh water environments suitable for all animals, such as whales. This means proper conservation of natural habitats and a commitment to keeping water sources healthy and clean of pollutants and contaminants. By doing so, freshwater ecosystems can remain safe and healthy for a variety of aquatic life.
Conserving whales and other aquatic life is only made possible through the collaboration of local citizens, businesses, governments and non-profits. This collaboration needs to be constant and involve both short-term and long-term planning to ensure the future of aquatic life both in and around Lake Superior. Only together can we protect, conserve and preserve the incredible aquatic life that calls it home.
The Danger and Beauty of Lake Superior
Though there are no whales in Lake Superior, the lake itself is an incredible feat of nature and should be appreciated as such. Every year, millions of people come from all over the country to marvel in its beauty and the deep connection it provides to the nature around us. Even though whales cannot be found in Lake Superior, it does not make it any less amazing and worthwhile to observe for all of its unique creatures and natural wonders.
The danger posed to aquatic life due to its deep waters and quickly changing climates is also something to consider. While creatures like salmon and trout have adapted to live in the depths of the lake, many other creatures have not been so lucky. It is for this reason that every person must do their part to maintain the environment and keep it free of pollutants and contaminants.
Seeking Alternatives to Whale Viewing in Lake Superior
Although there are no whales in Lake Superior, this doesn’t mean that there are no opportunities to view them. There are numerous whale watching tours that take visitors to nearby oceans so they can get up close and personal with these majestic ocean creatures. Places like the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State or Monterey Bay in central California are two of the most popular whale watching destinations in the United States.
It is important to remember to keep a safe distance from any whale or other aquatic life when viewing them in their natural habitat. These animals are incredibly sensitive and can easily become scared and disoriented if people are too close. If a whale is seen in any body of freshwater, such as Lake Superior, it is important to keep a very safe distance and report any sightings to the proper authorities, as the whale may need assistance.
The Importance of Education and Conservation
It is important to recognize that the absence of whales in bodies of freshwater like Lake Superior does not make them any less amazing. There are still many opportunities for people to view and appreciate whales and other aquatic life, as long as it is done with the proper precautions and respect. Additionally, it is important for everyone to do their part to maintain clean habitats and protect aquatic creatures from pollution and other dangers that can harm them.
Through proper education and conservation of dolphin habitats, people can ensure that these creatures remain safe from the dangers posed by humans and their activities. This includes not just Lake Superior but any body of freshwater, as the proper care and respect for the environment is the key to protecting whales, dolphins and other aquatic life that call it home.
