Statistical Analysis of the Possible Association Between Geomagnetic Storms and Cetacean Mass Strandings

Cetacean mass strandings are one of the long‐standing mysteries in marine biology and many explanations have been proposed for the often‐fatal animal behavior. Geomagnetic activity that is driven by solar phenomena such as coronal mass ejections is one of the proposed explanations. In this study, we investigate if there is statistical evidence for a possible connection between mass strandings and geomagnetic storms. Fresh (live or recently deceased animals) mass stranding records from Cape Cod, USA, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, together with global geomagnetic indices and local geomagnetic observations, are utilized in this investigation. While seasonal statistical association is found between cetacean mass strandings and geomagnetic field variations, the connection is likely a byproduct of the seasonality found in both types of data. No statistical associations are found in 30‐day or shorter time scales that are believed to be relevant for possible animal response to changes in geomagnetic conditions. If geomagnetic activity plays any role in fresh mass strandings analyzed in this investigation, the connection has to be very subtle and likely coupled with a complex combination of multiple environmental factors. Key Points Geomagnetic anomalies have been suggested as a potential cause for cetacean mass strandings We test the hypothesis using large data sets of geomagnetic recordings and mass strandings from three different locations around the globe Identified seasonal statistical association between geomagnetic activity and cetacean mass strandings is not believed to be causal