Volume : 10, Issue : 1, JAN 2024

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON MIGRATORY BEHAVIOUR IN MARINE MAMMALS

DR. RAVI KANT SHARMA

Abstract

Climate change is reshaping marine ecosystems, profoundly impacting the migratory behaviour of marine mammals, including cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sirenians. Rising sea surface temperatures, altered ocean currents, shifting prey distributions, accelerating sea ice loss, and increasing anthropogenic pressures are disrupting traditional migration patterns, leading to changes in timing, routes, and destinations. These changes challenge species' survival by increasing energy expenditure, reducing reproductive success, and heightening exposure to threats like shipping and fishing gear. This article synthesizes current research to examine the mechanisms driving these shifts, including thermal stress, current disruptions, prey redistribution, and habitat loss. Case studies, such as humpback whales in the North Pacific and ringed seals in the Arctic, illustrate species-specific impacts. Data tables quantify changes in temperature, prey biomass, current strength, and sea ice extent, providing empirical evidence. Ecological consequences include disrupted predator-prey dynamics and increased interspecies competition, while conservation challenges demand innovative solutions. Adaptive management strategies, such as dynamic marine protected areas, prey management, advanced monitoring, habitat restoration, and climate adaptation plans, are proposed to mitigate impacts. The article emphasizes the urgency of international cooperation and predictive modeling to ensure the resilience of marine mammal populations. By integrating scientific research with practical conservation, this study highlights pathways to safeguard these species in a rapidly changing environment, addressing both ecological and anthropogenic dimensions of the crisis

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