Whales research studying impact of shipping in the Arctic

Dr Lauren McWhinnie, of Heriot-Watt University, outlines a five-year programme of research to monitor the impact of commercial shipping sailing through the Northwest Passage

This summer, myself and my colleague were lucky enough to undertake the first of five years of surveys through the Northwest Passage, the sea route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The goal was to document and refine our protocols for collecting data on any whales we encountered in these icy waters. Getting to spend time at sea and experience how these animals react to vessels first hand provides researchers like myself with invaluable insights that help inform the work we are doing.