Articles tagged with Whales
Research suggests that the sperm whale head's connective tissue partitions could function as a shock absorber, reducing impact stress and protecting the skull from failure. The study's findings may have implications for understanding aggressive behavior in other species.
Historic logbook records and computer modeling were used to assess the population's trajectory, finding numbers fell to less than 100 animals between 1914 and 1926. Today, only 12% of pre-industrial levels remain, with conservation strategies crucial for protection.
Scientists have created detailed maps charting seasonal movements and population densities of 35 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. The maps provide insights into habitats, tracking regional differences in population densities and large seasonal shifts in migratory baleen whales.
A Northeastern University research team has mapped a mass feeding frenzy involving eight highly protected species of whales and dolphins in the U.S. Gulf of Maine region. The study uses innovative underwater acoustic sensing methods to understand predator-prey interactions and their implications for conserving marine ecosystems.
Researchers have mapped whale calls to reveal species-specific feeding centers along Georges Bank, where humpback whales congregate in two main clusters and minke, fin, and blue whales set up territories in between. The team's results suggest predator and prey interactions are influenced by territorialism or foraging mechanisms.
Beluga whales have been found to dive to depths of up to 900 meters to maximize their encounters with prey, such as Arctic cod. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of beluga migration and feeding patterns in the Arctic, shedding light on the impact of climate change on these elusive marine mammals.
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) can help minimize the negative effects of shipping on marine mammals. Researchers used AIS to track vessel traffic in relation to whale habitats, identifying areas where shipping lanes and migration routes overlap. By improving coverage and usability of data, AIS can inform conservation efforts.
A study measuring underwater noise from ships found that low-frequency noise affects killer whales, while medium-high frequencies also interfere with their communication and echolocation. Reducing ship speed can help mitigate this noise pollution.
Examination of fishing hooks and baits reveals conflicting impacts on sharks and rays, with some methods potentially increasing catch and injury while others help sea turtles and other species.
Young baleen whale calves have significantly lower myoglobin levels than adults, but these levels increase as they mature. Exercise has been shown to influence the rate of myoglobin accumulation in young baleen whales, potentially explaining their high activity levels during early development.
Scientists have confirmed that killer whales in the Pacific Northwest mainly eat Chinook salmon and coho salmon during their summer diet. The study analyzed DNA from feces to estimate the whales' diet composition, providing new insights into their ecological interactions.
A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed the clicks of Mediterranean sperm whales and found that most individuals range from 7.5 to 14 meters in length, with a peak range of 9-12 meters likely corresponding to adult females or young males
Humpback whales' diets reflect surrounding environmental changes, while harbor porpoises recolonize San Francisco Bay and sea otters help restore ecosystem health. New research highlights the West Coast's diverse marine mammals and their responses to climate change.
Research at the Society of Marine Mammalogy's Biennial Conference highlights how climate change is affecting marine mammals globally, introducing new interactions and shifting habitats. Marine mammals, especially in the Arctic, serve as sentinel species reflecting environmental changes.
A 15-million-year-old fossil sperm whale specimen from California has been re-analyzed by researchers, revealing a new genus name 'Albicetus' due to its bone-white color. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of body size in sperm whales and suggests that they may have fed on large prey like marine mammals.
Researchers quantify the amount of drag on entangled whales created by towing fishing gear, revealing significant effects on energy costs and survival. The study provides crucial data for evaluating risks and benefits of whale disentanglements and reinforces current efforts to minimize entangling gear.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that vessel speed is the most influential factor in how much noise from boats reaches endangered killer whales. The research used digital acoustic recording tags and laser positioning system to track boat noise levels and found that speed was the main contributor.
Researchers have described a new species of fossil baleen whale, Fucaia buelli, found in the North Pacific Ocean 30-33 million years ago. The whale's transitional teeth suggest it was an active hunter that likely used suction to capture prey.
Researchers tracked whale sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, revealing they use both near-surface and deeper waters for feeding, with some staying at depth greater than 50 meters continuously for over three days. The study found complex patterns of habitat utilization likely driven by shifting ocean conditions and prey distribution.
Over 600 southern right whale calves died at the Península Valdés calving ground in Argentina between 2003 and 2014 due to Kelp Gull harassment. The number of gull-inflicted lesions increased from 2% in the 1970s to nearly all mothers and calves by the 2000s.
A team of researchers is using 'passive acoustic monitoring' to document the use of the Bering Strait by species previously excluded by sea ice. They are eavesdropping on marine mammals within the Arctic to monitor their presence year-round and study the impacts of climate change on the ecosystem.
A new study reveals that the loss of large land animals, whales, and seabirds has disrupted the global nutrient cycle, with a significant reduction in phosphorus transport. The researchers calculate that the ability of these animals to transport nutrients around the globe has been reduced to just 6% of its former capacity.
A new study reveals massive declines and extinctions of whales, fish, seabirds have damaged the planet's nutrient recycling system. This has weakened ecosystem health, fisheries, and agriculture.
Scientists have found a strong correlation between the concentration of toxic algae Pseudo-nitzschia and the number of young right whale deaths at Peninsula Valdes. The study suggests that the algae's potent neurotoxin domoic acid may be causing non-lethal effects that affect survival.
A recent study published in the Royal Society Open Science journal has made the first-ever field observations of Omura's whales off the coast of Madagascar. The research team observed 44 groups of whales, collected skin biopsies from 18 adult whales, and recorded song-like vocalizations that may indicate reproductive behavior.
The Government of Chile has announced a plan to design a network of Marine Protected Areas for Patagonia's unique wildlife and ecosystems. With funding from the Waitt Foundation, the new MPA network will protect over 100,000 square kilometers of oceanic waters, meeting Chile's goal of 10% ecosystem protection by 2020.
Researchers find overexploitation of resources by adaptable predators can cause long-term negative effects on food webs. The change in prey can trigger an extinction cascade where species are wiped out in a domino effect.
Researchers found that blue whales feed infrequently when krill are sparse and intensively when density increases, consuming more energy from the densest patches. This lunge-feeding strategy allows them to maximize energy gain while conserving oxygen, supporting their massive body size.
Researchers found that deep-diving whales have ultra-stable versions of myoglobin, a protein that holds oxygen in muscle cells. This stability allows them to pack more myoglobin into their cells, enabling them to remain active while holding their breath. The discovery could lead to creating synthetic blood for human trauma patients.
Scientists have discovered that the gut microbiome of right whales and other baleen species shares traits with both cows and meat-eating predators. This dual microbial community enables whales to digest not only copepods but also their chitin-rich shells, providing a significant nutritional benefit.
Three new fossil whale species have been identified in New Zealand, providing insights into the evolution of baleen whales. The discovery includes two new genera and three species, including a transitional fossil between primitive toothed and modern baleen whales.
Scientists from NOAA Fisheries and the Vancouver Aquarium used a hexacopter UAV to take straight-down photos of Northern resident killer whales, a threatened population in British Columbia. The aerial images allow for precise measurements of body condition, feeding habits, and growth patterns.
A recent study suggests that Australian humpback whales should be downlisted from threatened species status due to remarkable population growth rates. The East and West Coast populations have increased by 63% and 90%, respectively, since the whaling era.
A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Mammalogy found no difference in life expectancy between SeaWorld's killer whales and a well-studied population of wild killer whales. The average life expectancy for SeaWorld's killer whales is 41.6 years, similar to that of Southern Resident killer whales.
A new study provides the first detailed view of calling blue and fin whale distribution in Southern California, revealing a steady population trend for blue whales and an upward trend for fin whales. The research uses acoustic data collected from 2006-2012, indicating that fin whales are more likely to be detected further offshore.
Researchers found that modern toothed whales have inherited defunct copies of the Mx1 and Mx2 genes, profoundly altering their immune systems. The study aims to preserve these cetaceans as they face extensive die-offs.
Researchers studying blue whales in Chile have discovered that a female named 'Isabela' has traveled at least 5,000 kilometers from the Gulf of Corcovado to the Galapagos Islands, indicating a possible breeding ground. This journey represents the largest north-south migratory movement ever recorded for a Southern Hemisphere blue whale.
A new analysis of archived calls from North Atlantic right whales reveals distinctive traits that might be used to identify and track individuals. The researchers found that a combination of variables, including call duration and fundamental frequency change, could distinguish between upcalls of individual whales.
The Solomon Islands study highlights the increasing vulnerability of small cetaceans worldwide, with over 15,000 dolphins killed by villagers from 1976 to 2013. The drive-hunting of dolphins in the Solomon Islands is a significant threat to their survival, with the hunt being as much about culture as economic value.
Researchers discovered that rorqual whale nerves can double in length without damage, supporting their extreme lunge feeding mechanism. This discovery highlights the importance of flexible nervous systems in accommodating body deformation.
Scientists studying the Northern clingfish are exploring its unique ability to generate massive suction power in wet environments. This could lead to the development of bio-inspired medical devices, such as laparoscopic surgery tools, and non-invasive whale tagging systems.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia discovered stretchy nerves in rorqual whales that can double in length like a bungee cord. This unique structure allows the whales to create a large pocket between their body wall and blubber to capture prey during feeding dives.
The U.S. Northeast Passive Acoustic Sensing Network (NEPAN) uses buoys and autonomous underwater vehicles to record and archive sounds from marine mammals and fish in the western North Atlantic. The data will inform NOAA Fisheries stock assessment reports, permit consultations, and specific management actions.
A new species of extinct pigmy sperm whale has been discovered in Panama, providing fresh evidence on the evolution of these whales and their distinctive spermaceti organ. The finding fills a key geographic gap in the group's ancient distribution and offers insights into the complex history of sound emission and echolocation.
The discovery of rare pygmy sperm whale fossils in Panama has provided new insights into the evolution of these whales. The fossils indicate that the spermaceti organ, which plays a key role in sound generation and echolocation, was reduced in size throughout their evolution.
Research by NOAA Fisheries found that dolphins consume 80% more oxygen when whistling at higher vocal energy levels, suggesting a biological cost of communication in loud environments. This study supports concerns about vessel traffic and noise impacting marine mammals like Southern Resident Killer Whales.
A scientific review synthesizes decades of discoveries on the evolution of whales, dolphins, seals, and other species that adapted to aquatic environments. The study highlights how life in the ocean has responded to environmental change over time, informing an understanding of human impacts on marine species today.
Researchers tracked a critically endangered whale migrating over 14,000 miles from Russia to Mexico, raising questions about its status and potential genetic link to eastern gray whales. The study challenges past assumptions of distinct species and highlights the need for closer examination.
Researchers have created a comprehensive family tree of living and extinct baleen whales stretching back nearly 40 million years. The study estimates that there were over 70 species, with many lineages branching out into unique body shapes and feeding strategies before extinction occurred between 30-23 million years ago.
Scientists discovered that a species of bone-eating worm, Osedax, originated at least 100 million years ago and subsisted on prehistoric reptile bones. The discovery suggests that Osedax may have prevented many skeletons from becoming fossilized, affecting our knowledge of extinct marine life.
A 17-million-year-old beaked whale fossil found in Kenya has provided the first exact date for East Africa's mysterious uplift. The whale was stranded inland at a time when the continent was still at sea level and covered with forest, leading to changes in vegetation that drove human evolution.
A multinational study reviews the current state of knowledge and recommends conservation measures for Arctic marine mammals due to climate change. The study finds profound reductions in sea ice cover and its impact on species such as polar bears and seals.
Researchers reconstructed fetal ear bone development in whales using non-invasive imaging techniques, providing insight into how whales transitioned from land to sea and adapted to underwater hearing. The study's findings confirm changes in ear bone development parallelled changes throughout whale evolution.
Researchers analyzed ear bone development in womb and fossilized whales, revealing parallel changes that indicate whales shifted from land to sea. The study provides insight into the evolutionary process of whale hearing, essential for protecting populations from ocean noise.
Researchers identified over 100 biologically important areas (BIAs) in U.S. waters to inform conservation and management decisions for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. BIAs cover 24 species, stocks, or populations in seven regions and include reproductive, feeding, migratory, and population-concentrated areas.
A new study finds that female killer whales survive after menopause due to their ability to share 'ecological knowledge' with family members, particularly during hard times. This research provides insights into why women continue to live long after they can no longer have children.
Researchers found that underwater noise from melting glaciers exceeds ocean noise levels generated by all other sources. The loud sounds are short-lived, but consistent melting of ice creates a persistent noise generator. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between underwater noise levels and the fjord ecosystem.
Researchers found that post-reproductive female killer whales act as leaders and share valuable ecological knowledge, helping their younger kin survive. This discovery suggests a potential explanation for the evolution of menopause in humans.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has named five distinguished scientists and conservationists from Canada, Australia, Russia, and the UK as 2015 recipients of the Pew fellowship in marine conservation. They will conduct research projects addressing key ocean conservation challenges including bycatch reduction and coral reef protection.
The new system, developed by NOAA scientists, can track individual whales and increase the sample size of the population count. This allows for more accurate estimates of population size and helps conservation efforts.