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This study aims to uncover the historical distribution and abundance of harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea using archival records.

May 13, 2026Ecology and EvolutionOpen Access

Historical Range Contraction and Extent of Harbour Porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena ) in the Baltic Sea Revealed by Archival Newspapers

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Randomized trial analyzes historical distribution of harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea, highlighting implications for conservation efforts.

This study aims to uncover the historical distribution and abundance of harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea using archival records.
Examined archival Swedish newspaper records from the late 1700s to early 1900s.
Used digitized articles from the National Library of Sweden Newspaper Archive.
Combined findings with HELCOM/ASCOBANS historic data for comprehensive analysis.
Harbour porpoises were found to have a wider historical distribution along the entire Swedish coast, including the Gulf of Bothnia.
Records indicate that porpoises were more frequent in the Baltic Sea historically than they are today.
The spring and summer peak in occurrences suggests the Gulf of Bothnia was a vital foraging habitat for migrating porpoises.

Aiken et al. (2026) studied this question.

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Randomized trial analyzes historical distribution of harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea, highlighting implications for conservation efforts.