Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend

Isabelle Groc, Narwhal Tusk Research
May 10, 2017
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Researchers tag a narwhal in shallow water
Isabelle Groc, Narwhal Tusk Research

An Inuit hunter (foreground, in red) assists a scientist in holding a narwhal during a tagging effort led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Tremblay near Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Canada. Scientific study of the narwhal has historically been challenging due to its elusive icy habitat and the difficulties of conducting field research in the harsh Arctic environment. The Inuit, however, have developed extensive knowledge of these animals over several thousand years through their deep cultural, artistic, spiritual and subsistence relationships with the narwhal. Scientists are expanding their knowledge of narwhal anatomy, physiology, behavior and the Arctic environment by collaborating with local Inuit communities and drawing on traditional knowledge to complement their research.

Isabelle Groc, Narwhal Tusk Research