Whales
Whales are normally not found in the pack ice . However, when it begins to break up in the spring, at least three whale species enter the pack ice zone to search for food. Minke whales as well as the Southern bottlenosed whales have, however, been observed in leads and polynyas even during winter. A reason why whales numbers are increasing very slowly after the moratorium on whaling in 1986/87, is that whales rear only between 3 and 5 calves during their life span.
Minke whales
The Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) is the smallest member of the Baleopterans with a length between 9 and 10 meters and weighing up top 8 tons. It is, however, the most abundant whale species, having profited from the strong exploitation of their larger relatives and probably due to the fact that the moratorium on whaling was enforced shortly after whaling had turned to Minke whales in 1971/72. Minke whales are still killed for "scientific purposes", by countries such as Norway and Japan. In particular the females are the only baleen whales known to penetrate deep into the pack ice while the males and larger baleen whales tend to liver further north or near the ice edge. Minke whales have a cosmopolitan distribution but latest genetic investigations seem to indicate that Arctic and Antarctic minkes may be distinct species.
Southern bottlenosed whale
The Southern bottlenosed whale (Hyperoodon planifrons) belongs to the toothed whales and as the name denotes has an elongated snout. Since these whales seem to occur mainly in pack ice fields and because they are capable of diving for long periods (up to 1 hour) they have been elusive both to scientists and whalers. We know, mainly from a few specimens found stranded along the Australian coast, that these whales attain a length of up to 10 meters and a weight of 6 tons. Scientist of the AWI have frequently observed schools of more than a dozen Southern bottlenosed whales hunting in the Inlet at the Drescher summerstation. Their spectacular leaps before and after dives are an exciting display.
Orca
Orcas (Orcinus orca) - which in Latin means "sea monster" - are also known as killer whales because of their predatory habits. This largest member of the dolphins grows to a length of 9 meters and a weight of 8 tons. Like the bottlenosed whales, Orcas are social animals living in schools with strong family bonds. In contrast, however, they don't dive deep to hunt for their food, but chase after penguins, seals or fish near the sea surface. Some schools have developed specific strategies to hunt their favourite prey.