It is not clear from this study whether the change reflects an overall increase in the populations of these whale species, or just a redistribution from other areas.
Other experts the BBC spoke to were concerned that the study suggested there was an influx of the animals from West Greenland. That is a sensitive issue in Greenland, a country where some whales are hunted.
But the scientists said that their findings do suggest that these “opportunistic” baleen whales appear to be adapting and might even be benefiting from the change.
Other Arctic species, however, are “in trouble now”, explained Prof Heide-Jørgensen.
Animals including narwhals and belugas are sharing habitat with – or even being displaced by – these other whales.
“For some species, climate change is not necessarily a problem – it opens up new opportunities,” said Prof Heide-Jørgensen, “but other species are losing their habitat”.
The study is published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, external.
