It is not clear from this study whether the change reflects an overall increase in the populations of these whale species, or just a redistribution from other areas.<\/p>\n
Other experts the BBC spoke to were concerned that the study suggested there was an influx of the animals from West Greenland. That is a sensitive issue in Greenland, a country where some whales are hunted. <\/p>\n
But the scientists said that their findings do suggest that these “opportunistic” baleen whales appear to be adapting and might even be benefiting from the change. <\/p>\n
Other Arctic species, however, are “in trouble now”, explained Prof Heide-J\u00f8rgensen. <\/p>\n
Animals including narwhals and belugas are sharing habitat with – or even being displaced by – these other whales.<\/p>\n
“For some species, climate change is not necessarily a problem – it opens up new opportunities,” said Prof Heide-J\u00f8rgensen, “but other species are losing their habitat”.<\/p>\n