There is something very out of the ordinary about whales living in the freshwaters of Lake Superior. Not only does the presence of these remarkable creatures raise questions about their origin, but it challenges the notion of whales being a species of ocean-dwellers. It begs the question: why are there whales in Lake Superior?
The most commonly accepted explanation hypothesizes that the whales originated from the ocean and swam through the Great Lakes of North America in search of a more suitable climate. This theory is confirmed by the fact that, 21 million years ago, the connecting link that divided the Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean was much thinner than it is today. From the early 1900s, their numbers steadily increased over the years, lending support to the theory that they were initially out of the ordinary “tourists”.
In the absence of human habitat disturbances, whales in Lake Superior have thrived. Locals living near the lakes have spotted the whales regularly, enthusing over their giant, graceful presence. The whales in Lake Superior are comprised of two distinct species: white whales, which usually measure 6 meters in length and belugas, which typically grow 3 meters long. These species, who have adapted to lake life, have their origins in the ocean and are part of the easily recognizable white whale family.
In recent years, specialists have indeed identified evidence of human related disturbances possibly contributing to whale deaths. These include such activities as shipping, construction and natural causes, such as toxic water runoff and harsh weather. In 2015, the death of a young female beluga whale caused great concern in the scientific community and further raised awareness of the importance of protecting the lakes from human activities.
The whales of Superior are unique in more ways than one. Over the years, they have been observed engaging in an activity seen in no other lake or ocean-dwelling whale. These majestic creatures have the remarkable ability to “suck” their prey (usually plankton and small fish). “Sucking” is a behavior seen most often in the whales of Lake Superior, rather than gulping or gulping, as occurs in ocean-dwelling whales.
What’s more, these whales are not as vulnerable to environmental disruption as their ocean-living counterparts. Despite the limited resources, they do appear to have adapted, at least to some degree, to life in Lake Superior and its adjacent waters. Their numbers have increased since the turn of the century and their recorded natural lifespan exceeds the 49 years recorded for their Atlantic brethren.
Experts have conducted numerous studies to better understand and ultimately protect the whales in Lake Superior. For example, research conducted in the late 1990s showed that the whales seemed to prefer areas of the lake with higher nutrient levels, suggesting that the nutrients play an important role in the whales’ choice of habitat. Additional studies revealed that ocean-living white whales have begun to migrate back to Lake Superior in search of a safer home.
This is a clear indication that the greatest danger is human-induced, not the environment itself.
This is why conservation efforts are so important in order to protect these remarkable creatures. The collaboration between dedicated researchers and local communities has resulted in the creation of legislation aimed at protecting the whales and their environment. The government is now enforcing strict regulations regarding noise, water pollution, and boat disturbances within certain areas of the lake. These regulations were implemented primarily to protect the whales, though they are also beneficial to other species in the lake.
Climate Change Impact
It is reasonable to assume that Lake Superior would be the ideal habitat for a whale species. However, given the ever-changing climate and the fact that Lake Superior is profoundly affected by climate change, the future of the whales may be uncertain. For example, rising air temperatures are causing the lakes to warm up and the original habitats of the whales may no longer be suitable. In addition, unpredictable weather patterns could damage or inundate shorelines, reducing potential food sources and causing disruption of the whales’ natural environment.
The glacial melting in Lake Superior is also an ongoing concern; in fact, the area containing Lake Superior has been experiencing intensified glacial melting since the 1950s. This could reduce the amount of oxygen in the lake and diminish the whales’ food sources, thus affecting their survival. The glaciers also play an important role in the migration of species, including those of whales; if the glaciers melt, these routes may be disrupted and less accessible.
Whilst the effects of climate change on whales are still not completely understood, one thing is for certain – it is causing disruptions in the whales’ habitats and their food sources. It is therefore imperative that researchers, conservationists and policy-makers continue to monitor the situation and develop initiatives to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Blue Whales
Blue whales, while not existing in Lake Superior, are a species related to the whales living there. They are by far the largest animals on the planet with an estimated length of 30 meters and an approximate weight of 190,000 kilograms. Blue whales are the heaviest animals ever to have lived, and they are the loudest too. They produce the loudest sound among all animals, with a peak signal of 188 decibels.
Blue whales, despite their enormous size, are very sensitive to noise pollution and climate change. Ocean temperatures are rising, leading to a decrease in the abundance of their primary food source, krill. In addition, ships, exploration, and underwater sound pollutions are disrupting the migratory pattern of the blue whales and threatening their survival.
Given their huge sizes, blue whales are the most visible sign of the destruction of marine ecosystems. The increasing severity of human-induced disturbances, such as ship noise, pollution, and climate change, is directly linked to the decline of blue whale populations. Therefore, to protect these majestic creatures and preserve their populations, multiple international regulations and conservation policies have been put in place.
Population
It is estimated that before commercial whaling began in the 19th century, there were approximately 250,000 blue whales worldwide. Unfortunately, by 1950, the population had plummeted to just 1% of its previous size. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) created a moratorium in 1986, and the blue whale population has slightly recovered since then, but their numbers remain lower than what pre-whaling populations were.
The blue whale population is not the only species of whale that suffers from human-induced environmental changes. Most whale species, including those in Lake Superior, are highly vulnerable and require special protection. The Whale and Dolphin Conservationist Society, in partnership with numerous local and government bodies is working to protect whales around the world – in both the ocean and freshwater.
Conservation Efforts
If whales are to be successfully present in the future, concerted and sustained conservation efforts must be put in place. With regard to Lake Superior, current conservation efforts involve the health monitoring of whales, the banning of commercial fishing in certain areas, and the establishment of protected areas. Currently, it is not clear what the exact effects of conservation efforts are in comparison to the effects of climate change, but it appears that the whales in Lake Superior are not facing an imminent threat of extinction.
Ultimately, to protect the whales in Lake Superior, the local community needs to be engaged and aware of the effects of their activities and the current initiatives in place. In addition, further initiatives need to be developed to ensure the long-term survival of the whales. Policies that specifically address the impacts of climate change and human-induced disturbances must also be put in place to protect the whales and their habitat.
Online Engagement
In recent years, with the help of the internet and social media, the awareness of and appreciation for the beauty of the whales of Lake Superior is on the rise. Social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube have allowed people to share images and videos of the whales, further increasing worldwide awareness. Conservation-focused online campaigns and initiatives have also been launched to raise awareness, educate, and empower people to take action.
Professional photographers and nature enthusiasts around the world have embraced the power of visual storytelling to spread the message about the importance of protecting the Lake Superior whales. Spectacular aerial images and videos of the whales have been shared on various platforms, drawing people’s attention to the incredible beauty of these majestic creatures and the importance of their protection.
Conclusion
The whales of Lake Superior may seem like an oddity, however they are incredibly resilient creatures and have adapted to the freshwater environment, providing a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in a new – yet familiar – setting. While human induced disturbances and climate change continue to threaten their presence in the lake, dedicated conservation efforts have allowed for the whales’ population to slowly increase. Through active collaboration and the engagement of local communities, these efforts can be sustained and further developed in order to ensure the continued presence of the whales in Lake Superior.
