Humpback Whale
· Humpback Whale Habitat
· Humpback Whale Food
· Humpback Whale Behaviour
· Conservation Status
· Humpback Whale Pictures
· Humpback Whale Facts

Humpback Whale Habitat

Humpback Whales are found all over the world, and a Humpback Whale habitat can therefore consist of icy Artic waters as well as warm tropical parts of the Pacific Ocean. You can find Humpback Whales in the Atlantic, in the Pacific Ocean, and in the waters surrounding the South and North Pole, including the Bering Strait. Humpback Whales live in polar, temperate, subtropical and tropical climate zones at different times of the year.

Humpback Whale habitat and different stocks

Humpback whales are divided into several distinct populations. They are usually isolated from each other, but a certain degree of interaction has been witnessed in some areas. We know that there are at least four different stocks in the northern hemisphere; two north Atlantic stocks and two north Pacific stocks. In the Blue Whale habitats located in the Southern hemisphere, there are currently no less than seven recognized stocks.

Humpback Whale habitat and migration

During the summer, the Humpback whales migrate towards the poles to feed. Humpbacks living in the Atlantic Ocean can for instance find great Humpback whale habitat to spend the summer in at the Gulf of Maine / Nova Scotia, Newfoundland / Labrador, and the waters surrounding Greenland. When they reach these areas, they normally stay in the waters located right above the continental shelves and ledges.

When the fall comes and the waters near the poles begin to get chilly, the Humpback whales migrate back to tropical regions to breed. This is a chance for Humpback Whales that have spent the summer in separate locations to mix and breed with Humpback Whales from other groups, thereby avoid interbreeding. The various Atlantic populations will for instance congregate in the West Indies and stay there from January through March. When female Humpback whales migrate back to colder waters for the next feeding season, they bring their calves with them.

Humpback Whale habitat – coastal or open sea?

The answer is both, but at different geographical locations. Along the North American east coast, the Humpback Whales will for instance typically stay far from shore until they reach New York, Long Island and Cape Cod during migration.