A recent study describes how researchers closely observed humpback whales in Southeast Alaska using advanced technology including drones and special tags that monitor their movements and behaviours. What they’ve discovered is fascinating: humpback whales create intricate bubble-nets by releasing air from their blowholes while swimming in circles. These bubbles rise to the surface, forming a net-like structure that traps krill and small fish.
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have provided researchers with unprecedented insights into the communication patterns of sperm whales, suggesting a sophisticated language system among these majestic marine mammals.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that sperm whales may possess a highly structured form of communication and sheds light on the cognitive abilities of sperm whales, suggesting a level of social complexity previously attributed primarily to humans and some primates.
Marine scientists from Oregon State University have observed a concerning trend in the body size of gray whales off the Pacific Northwest coast. Since around 2000, these whales have shown a significant decrease in length, raising alarms about their overall health and the state of the ecosystem.
Lyle Krannichfeld and Brandi Romano observed two whales circling near their boat before joining in sexual activity about five metres below their vessel, off the Molokini crater near Maui. They were able to photograph them, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the intimate lives of these marine giants. Dr. Stephanie H. Stack, marine mammal researcher in Hawaii, published the observations in a study.
In a pioneering study published in Nature Communications, researchers have made significant progress in decoding the communication system of sperm whales, suggesting that their patterns of clicks—known as codas—may be the closest animal equivalent to human language.
This discovery sheds light on the unique physiological adaptations that allow these marine giants to perform such vocal feats.
The research's primary focus involved examining humpback whales' laryngeal anatomy. Researchers found that specific adaptations in the whale's larynx enable it to produce song even without the continuous passage of air, contrary to what is typically required for sound production in most mammals, including humans.
The decline marks a significant departure from decades of slow population growth following the end of commercial whaling.
The study, conducted by a team of marine biologists led by Ted Cheeseman, found that the decline in humpback whale numbers coincided with the onset of a massive ocean heat wave, colloquially known as 'the blob', which began in 2013 and lasted until 2016. The blob led to widespread die-offs of man
Researchers analyzed the genomes of North Atlantic blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus musculus) and found surprisingly high levels of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) DNA, suggesting extensive interbreeding.
Blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, faced severe population decline due to historic whaling, leading to their current endangered status. The North Atlantic subspecies is particularly at risk. The study aimed to assess inbreeding within this population, crucial for their recovery.
To be in the water with a southern right whale is a life-changing experience. Don Silcock shares his adventure in Argentina to photograph these majestic marine mammals, where he was lucky enough to see a rare white calf.
Originally developed for use in pesticides, paints and fire-resistant materials, POPs are highly toxic and do not easily break down in nature. These chemicals have leached into the soil, air and waterways, eventually reaching the ocean. They are absorbed by plankton at the bottom of the food chain and increase in concentration through a process known as biomagnification. As a result, marine mammals, which are at the top of the food chain, accumulate high levels of these toxins.
