We’re excited to share good news from Norway: our 2025 field season has begun very successfully! On our first day in may we found the pilot whales in exactly the same spot as we left them in the end of July last year!

This year brings an extra layer of excitement as we combine our fieldwork with teaching a Marine Mammal Biology course at Nord University. Students had the chance to join us in the field, learning first-hand about the marine mammals that inhabit Norway’s coastal waters.

Our first days brought more than just good weather, we were lucky enough to reconnect with a familiar group of pilot whales, known to us as Group I. We’ve been encountering these individuals regularly since 2013, and seeing them return year after year is not only heartwarming but a vital indicator of their well-being and the importance of the Vestfjord for their livelihood. During these encounters, we collect valuable data through photo identification and acoustic recordings. This year, we’re also excited to announce a new addition to our research where we collect blow samples for genetic analysis and the health status of these animals. By combining traditional field methods with molecular techniques, we’re deepening our understanding of these animals in new and meaningful ways. Check out our social media for more updates from the field.