The project aims to investigate the economic implications of whale-related activities in the city of Tromsø, Norway. Tromsø is renowned for its unique marine ecosystem and its growing reputation as a hub for whale watching, research, and conservation efforts.
World map showing the migration routes of a selection of whale species
The largest migratory journeys belong to the humpback whale and fin whales (Balaenoptera group). The humpback whale travels up to 18,000 km and one of the stops is in northern Norway. Here it comes to feed on the energetic herring that overwinter. The fin whale and the killer whale also come here during this period. Where the herring have stayed has varied. This is because the herring follows the majority. Before the herring collapse in 1970, the world's largest stock of herring was in the Norwegian Sea. When this stock was overfished, the group split into two smaller stocks: 1 in Norway and 1 outside Iceland. This in turn has affected the whale. An example: The killer whales also split up. This is why you only find killer whales specialized in herring in these two parts of the world.
After the collapse, the herring has moved around a lot. 1971-1987 in Møre and Tysfjorden. 1995-2000 in Tysfjorden. 2008-2011- in the open sea. 2012-2017 outside Kvaløya and after 2017 in Kvæænangen.
The whale has followed and in recent times humpback whales have been observed hunting the herring. Something that is new information. The killer whale has had to change its hunting methods due to the humpback whale stealing their food.
Maps showing the movement of whales and herring
1000 AD the Basque people hunted the whale commercially. Then it was mainly the right whale species and the gray whale that became a target. Mother and calf in particular were easy prey for the hunters because they stayed in coastal sea areas. The tools for hunting were smaller boats and harpoons.
The Basque people had become diligent hunters who inspired other nations to take up the industry such as Norway, Great Britain and the Netherlands. The money from the meat and oil was good for making lanterns and soap.
Eventually came the industrial revolution which brought with it larger and more advanced boats. This made it possible to start hunting larger species of whales that were found in pelagic waters. The fin whales were shot first with harpoons and later with grenades. The whales were also filled with air to keep the animal afloat.
In 1878, fishing was bad for the fishermen in northern Norway. At that time, it was believed that the hunt for the whale caused the fish to move further out to sea. This led to a major disagreement between the fishermen and the whalers. In the 20th century, the discussion had become a political issue. In 1903, the fishermen had had enough and made a settlement against the whaling station in Varanger during the Menhaven settlement. This led to a ban on whaling in Norwegian waters.
The whaling operations were moved to Iceland, Shetland and the Faroe Islands, as well as floating whaling factories which were sent to Svaldbard, Jan Mayen and Bjørnøya. 3.- Norwegian companies produced 1/4 of
the oil in Iceland. Gradually, there were fewer and fewer whales in the Atlantic Ocean.
6.- Roald Amundsen reported on the whales that were found outside
Antarctica. Norwegian industry moved to the island of South Georgia which was
then under British rule. (1904-1966). From 1903 to 1923, as many as 2,000 people died in the Southern Ocean. The whaling profession was a dangerous one to have. Which business had also left its mark in South Africa. Despite the ban in Norway, Norwegian whaling still had an impact on a global basis.
Fig 2.- Barbro "Lill-Babs" Svensson visiting the Skjelnan whaling station in connection with a visit to Tromsø. Sjelnan whale station was an opportunity for many to get close to the animals, despite the fact that they were not alive. the facility was open between 1947 and 1971 (then it became legal again) and was an important workplace for many in Tromsø.
After the Second World War, whale populations began to decline. Whalers also began to disappear and the world had moved on. Scientists began to ring the alarm bells because of the dwindling population of whales in all the world's oceans. There was also new knowledge about how the whale affects the trophic and ecological systems in the sea.
Whale tourism emerged when Cabrillo National Monument was built in San Diego. The project aimed to give the public the opportunity to see the whale migrating outside of California. Five years later new ways to interact with the animals appeared, a local man demanded $1 for a boat trip. This was the start of whale tourism as we know it today.
Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego -Kelp Forest (Whale Watch) Overlook-NPS Photo
Whalesafari in Tromsø- Since 2017 the herring have stayd the winter outside of Skjærvøy
Images taken 13:42 outside of Laukøya
1-The whale watching phenomenon also made its way to Norway, but due to the uncertain conditions (the herring) it has led to an uncertain everyday life for whale watching companies. When the whale ended up coming to Tysfjorden, it led to a collapse in the economy and many companies went bankrupt or had to move.
2-Another problem is that the modern whale watching boats cannot handle rough weather. So if the herring moves out to the open sea, it means no income either. I experienced this when I was going on a whale watching trip myself. We had rough weather so we had to take a detour. Despite this, plates and vases fell to the floor and many on board the boat became seasick. Can see booklet to see more.
3-.A third problem is the boats' negative impact on the whale. The sounds can affect the animals' hunting and communication. I received many articles supporting this argument from Dag Vongraven who has been researching killer whales since the 1980s. Despite modern boats that have electric motors, this does not nullify the degree of impact. The boats also tend to gather when whales are spotted. The killer whale collects the herring in a ball and the humpback whale also comes because of this collection of animals, so it is easy for the boats to communicate with each other and fishermen and there is a gathering around. There are rules against this, but it is only for the number of minutes observing the same animal and not for the number of boats. Pictures of this can also be found in my little picture book - the tour guide thought it was so strange that I took pictures of the boats instead of the whale.
4-The fourth problem is that it is expensive. This is perhaps a personal problem, but the fact that it costs NOK 1,500 can be a barrier for many. Especially students or people with poor means. There may also be a taboo from going on these trips for locals. I say can because everyone is different. But an offer that is more everyday is definitely a goal for my project.
Analaysis of the main skitrack on Tromsøya
I tried to find the best place on the island for whales. I used observations on the species database (artsdatabanken) and a tracking study from 2018 on humpback whales to find out the best places. I found that the north side of the island posed many interesting issues. I also thought that I could use the height of the vardetoppen as a starting point. I also wanted to get down to the shore to get a perspective that is closer to the water's surface. I want you to be able to enter the landscape space of the whale. I also wanted to use the light trail to connect the two points. By using the light trail, I can get people to come to my project on a more everyday basis. Nor has the Nprdspissen been an end goal for people on the light trail. By having a place, it can perhaps inspire or motivate people to take the trip or start their trip there. This combined with the whale may or may not create everyday encounters with the animals. Or with other animals such as animals on the shore or smaller cetacean species such as white-beaked dolphin.
Whale observations outside of Tromsø
Sound Exploration- press image to see more.
Vardetoppen (Highest point of the Tromsø-Island)
I arrived at the grip and shape through drawing. I tried using a form study I had come up with using coding and whale sounds inspired by Barb's Generative. (read barcode if you want to see the animation) But intriguing complex shapes was easier said than done. I tried to use the broken loose shapes in different ways, but when I used a circle that was the zero point for the abstract sounds, an exciting shape appeared that gave a kind of rhythm. I also showed that the elevated pool was a difficult area to work with, The construction is important for the drinking water and was originally supposed to offer a park or outdoor area on its roof, but today there are high eaves and chambers that make it difficult for people to use the area. I want to implement the idea of a park and combine it with the strategic lookout post for whales. I used the same shape on the roof to create a somewhat recognizable heat with the shape that can be observed at the northern tip. This way you can know where the next mushroom is.
The construction is placed as close to high water as possible, with a margin of 1 meter (with the railing to prevent people from drowning when they want to look for whales, but low enough that you get on the same level as the whale so you can look for blow spray or a find from the whale. Also, coincidences can create the encounters.
The construction is placed as close to high water as possible, with a margin of 1 meter (with the railing to prevent people from drowning when they want to look for whales, but low enough that you get on the same level as the whale so you can look for blow spray or a find from the whale. Also, coincidences can create the encounters.
Distance between the two points
The northern tip
Illustration showing the project during the highest tide.
Model studies:
