About 15 whale species are found regularly in Greenland waters, yet only three of these occur throughout the winter: belugas, narwhales, and bowhead whales. All three species have played a tremendously important role in the exploration and colonization of Greenland and the entire Arctic. These species have been a vital resource for Eskimos and continue to be important in Greenland's maritime hunting culture.
 
by Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen and Kristin Laidre