Narwhal, beluga and bowhead whale responses to marine vessel traffic: A systematic map.

The remote and harsh environment that endemic Arctic whales (bowhead, narwhal and beluga) reside in has so far limited their exposure to many human activities. However, Arctic industrialisation coupled with increasingly accessible ice-free waters means these species increasingly co-occur, and are exposed to, a number of potentially impactful activities, many of which are directly or indirectly associated with marine vessels. We conducted a systematic map, using five search databases, to ascertain the current level of understanding relating to how Arctic whales respond to marine vessels and vessel-associated activities. We identified a limited volume of literature (n = 169), and a disparity in volume between species, subpopulations, and vessel types. Several vessel types are increasingly present in the Arctic (e.g. cruise ships, fishing vessels), yet received limited consideration. Similarly, several endangered subpopulations have received little attention. Only with sufficient understanding of the associated impacts of vessels can we develop appropriate management and mitigation measures which can effectively conserve these unique, vulnerable and inherently valuable species. [Display omitted] • Marine vessel traffic in the Arctic is increasing, and often overlaps with Arctic whale range (beluga, bowhead, narwhal). • We used a systematic map to review current knowledge of Arctic whale response(s) to vessels, and found research has been limited, and is unequal across species, stocks and vessel types. • Many endangered subpopulations have little research related to their response to vessels. • Vessel types that are increasing in the Arctic, e.g. fishing, cruise, have so far received limited research effort. • Knowledge gaps should be addressed to inform the development of proactive and adaptive vessel-related management approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]