Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
THE WHALES OF HÚSAVÍK
Edda Elísabet Magnúsdóttir is a local marine biologist at the Húsavík Research Center (a
branch of the University of Iceland), established with a focus on marine mammal studies.
What's so special about Húsavík's geology that brings whales to the area?
Húsavík sits on a scenic bay known as Skjálfandi, which means 'the tremulous one' in
Icelandic. The name is appropriate, since little earthquakes occur very frequently in the
bay, usually without being noticed. These trembles are caused by the wrench fault in the
earth's crust right beneath the bay. Skjálfandi's bowl-shaped topography and the infusion
of fresh water from two river estuaries means that there is a great deal of nutrients col-
lecting in the bay. The nutrient deposits accumulate during the winter months, and when
early summer arrives - with its long sunlit days - the cool waters of Skjálfandi bay come
alive with myriad plankton blooms. These rich deposits act like a beacon, attracting spe-
cial types of mammals that are highly adapted to life in the cold subarctic waters.
What species of whale visit Húsavík?
Every summer roughly nine to 11 species of whale are sighted in the bay, ranging from the
tiny harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)to the giant blue whale (Balaenoptera mus-
culus),the biggest animal known to roam the earth.
Plankton blooming kick-starts each year's feeding season; that's when the whales start
appearing in greater numbers in the bay. The first creatures to arrive are the humpback
whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)and the minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata).
The humpback whale is known for its curious nature, equanimity and spectacular surface
displays, whereas the minke whale is famous for its elegant features: a streamlined and
slender black body and white-striped pectoral fin.
Although the average minke whale weighs the same amount as two or three grown ele-
phants, they are known as the 'petite cousin' of the greater rorquals. The minke whale
has the tendency to leap entirely out of the water and is likely the only rorqual capable of
doing so.
Several minke and humpback whales stay in the bay throughout the year, but most mi-
grate south during the winter. The blue whale, undoubtedly the most exciting sight in
