The ocean soundscape contains rich information about marine life and environments. By analyzing a unique archive of ocean acoustic data that MBARI recorded in the aftermath of a marine heatwave, researchers from MBARI’s Ocean Soundscape Team and an interdisciplinary team of collaborators revealed that whales' acoustic behavior can provide vital clues about overall ocean health. Analyzing whale songs uncovered year-to-year variations that reflect changes in the availability of the species they forage on. The acoustic behavior of different whale species provides important clues about how resilient they may be when faced with changing ocean conditions. Blue whales feed exclusively on krill and are especially vulnerable, while humpback whales are more resilient because of their flexible diet. These findings can help decision-makers better protect these magnificent mammals. |
Research Publication:
Ryan, J.P., W.K. Oestreich, K.J. Benoit-Bird, C.M. Waluk, C.A. Rueda, D.E. Cline, Y. Zhang, T. Cheeseman, J. Calambokidis, J.A. Fahlbusch, J. Barkowski, A.H. Fleming, C.N. Turner Tomaszewicz, J.A. Santora, T. Margolina, J.E. Joseph, A.S. Friedlaender, and J.A. Goldbogen. 2025. Audible changes in marine trophic ecology: Baleen whale song tracks foraging conditions in the eastern North Pacific. PLOS One, 20(2): e0318624. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0318624