The Habitat of White-Beaked Dolphins

Geography

• The geographic distribution of the white-beaked dolphin is extensive, notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The mammal ranges from the Atlantic Coast off the United States from Cape Cod, Massachusetts north to much or maritime Canada, including Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This dolphin resides in the North Atlantic off Greenland, Scandinavia, Ireland and Northern Europe.

Movements

• While in certain parts of their distribution, the white-beaked dolphin is a year-round inhabitant, many of these species migrate, with the presence of ice a factor in where they live. In the winter months, white-beaked dolphins move southward and further offshore to avoid the formation of ice in colder waters. As the ice melts away, these dolphins come closer to shore and begin to move northward.

Depth

• Evidence suggests that the vast majority of white-beaked dolphins prefer a habitat in waters that are no deeper than about 650 feet deep, according to the International Union for nature and Conservation. The dolphins are at home on the continental shelf, with the edge of the continental shelf appealing greatly to this mammal.

Effects

• The U.S. population of the white-beaked dolphin seemingly underwent a subtle change in habitat, beginning during the 1970s. Normally, prior to the 1970s, white-beaked dolphin off the U.S. lived closer to shore. This began to change, with the dolphins moving further offshore. A lack of the fish, such as herring, that comprised much of their diet forced the species to move out to sea, where these food items were more plentiful.