Arctic whale tales: Stories from the far north

Whether spotting these marine giants breach the water’s surface, looking over from the side of a boat or catching a glimpse underwater, seeing a whale in its habitat can be a magical, memorable experience. For World Whale Day this past Febrary, we asked WWF staff and our audience to tell us about their best Arctic whale story. In this feature, we highlighted the incredible tales they shared.

Thanks to our contributors from our audience; Sadie Ainsworth, Sophie Bolesworth and Haruka Matsumoto; and our WWF contributors; Melanie Lancaster, Steve MacLean and Josh Ostroff.

From agreement to action: The High Seas Treaty in the Arctic

WWF GLOBAL ARCTIC PROGRAMME

The adoption of the High Seas Treaty was a critical step toward the shared management of the world’s oceans and has the potential to significantly strengthen stewardship of the Arctic Ocean. However, realizing this potential requires states to step up their efforts to ratify the Treaty, define its place within international frameworks and enforce it as intended. This was the main message from a panel discussion at the Arctic Frontiers conference in January.

The IMO considers “polar fuels” to reduce black carbon in the Arctic

WWF GLOBAL ARCTIC PROGRAMME

On the agenda at a recent International Maritime Organization (IMO) meeting, PPR12, was regulatory measures to reduce black carbon emissions. If approved, a new fuel category, termed polar fuels, would be considered suitable for use in the Arctic — and would help reduce the environmental impact of shipping. WWF Global Arctic Programme's Elena Tracy was at PPR12 and explains the importance of phasing out traditional shipping fuels.

New data on the Last Ice Area: Insights from Bruno Tremblay

WWF GLOBAL ARCTIC PROGRAMME

The Last Ice Area (LIA) is a region in the high Arctic that is projected to be the final refuge for summer sea ice as the planet warms. It will be a critical for ice-dependent marine species that rely on sea ice for survival. However, new high-resolution climate research reveals that this enduring sanctuary may be more vulnerable than previously thought. We explore the study’s key findings and implications in a conversation with one of its authors, Bruno Tremblay, a professor at McGill University.

From The Circle | Reducing black carbon in the Arctic

WWF GLOBAL ARCTIC PROGRAMME

It’s common knowledge that cleaner engine fuels cause less air pollution. By using so-called “polar fuels” when operating in the Arctic, ships could cut their climate impacts significantly overnight.

As Bill Hemmings writes in The Circle magazine, the world has been waiting more than a decade for mandatory international regulations to mandate this.

Inuit women-led expedition help Netsilikmiut share knowledge

WWF-CANADA

While both women and men hold knowledge vital to Inuit culture and tradition, leadership roles in Nunavut are often still held by men. That made it especially impactful for a recent trip to be led by three Inuit women representing TUA and the Aqviqtuuq IPCA project. After this WWF-Canada supported knowledge sharing trip, three Inuit women leaders spoke to WWF about their experiences.

Arctic Community Wildlife Grants Program

WWF-US

WWF-US's Arctic Community Wildlife Grants program supports conservation, stewardship, and research initiatives that focus on coastal Arctic ecology, community sustainability, and priority Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, walrus, ice seals, belugas, bowhead whales, and Arctic seabirds in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas and adjacent coastal areas. Arctic Community Wildlife Grants address community concerns and achieve meaningful outcomes for the conservation of Arctic wildlife and the people who depend on them.

Projects are intended to have a one-year duration open to US-based applicants from all backgrounds and fields, including community groups, Tribal councils, co-management bodies, governments, universities, independent research entities, and non-governmental organizations.

Learn more and apply

That's all for this edition of The Arc – thanks for reading! You can also subscribe to receive this email right to your inbox.