A WHALE'S ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET
By now, you’ve likely discovered that our whales are seasonal visitors, arriving in subpolar waters each year to feed. But what makes these regions so ideal for them?
The answer lies in the water itself: only nutrient-rich waters can sustain the abundance of food these gentle giants rely on.
Interestingly, such nutrients are especially plentiful in cold waters — but why is that?
Firstly, glacial melt delivers nutrients into the oceans. These nutrients can trigger blooms of phytoplankton, which form the base of aquatic and marine food chains.
Secondly, when surface waters are cold, it becomes easier for deeper water to rise to the surface—a process known as upwelling. This brings nutrient-rich water back up to sunlit zones where phytoplankton can thrive. In other words, nutrients "fertilize" the surface waters, leading to high biological productivity.
In contrast, when surface waters are warm, the cooler, nutrient-rich water remains trapped below, while surface nutrients sink to the bottom and may eventually be lost.
Areas with concentrated phytoplankton quickly attract the next level of the marine food chain: zooplankton, crustaceans, and small fish.
These are followed by carnivorous fish, such as herring and mackerel. Despite being skilled hunters, these fish are still subject to one of the ocean's simplest rules: big fish eat small fish.
At the top of the marine food chain are the apex predators. This diverse group includes large fish (such as sharks and tuna), cetaceans (like porpoises, dolphins, and whales), certain seabirds, and pinnipeds (such as seals and walruses).
So what makes Skjálfandi Bay such a rich feeding ground for whales in particular?
At the southern end of this beloved bay, two large rivers flow into the sea. One is a freshwater river originating in the Mývatn area. Freshwater plays a crucial role in maintaining the health, productivity, and balance of coastal and marine ecosystems.
The second is a glacial river that begins at Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. This river delivers vital nutrients into the bay, enriching the marine environment.
As you travel toward Húsavík, you’ve likely stopped to admire this very river as it feeds one of the region’s most iconic waterfalls: Goðafoss!
Photo Credit: Charlie (Guide)
