Oceanic giants dance to atmospheric rhythms
Blue whales flock to California in the summer when seasonal winds drive coastal upwelling that jumpstarts the ocean food web. A study by MBARI researchers and collaborators published today in Ecology Letters reveals how these ocean giants dance with the wind.
By using a directional hydrophone on MBARI’s cabled observatory, coupled with other advanced technologies, the team used whales’ booming vocalizations to track their movements.
They learned that the whales rapidly respond to changes in the wind. When the winds create an upwelling event, the whales seek out the plumes of cooler water, where krill are plentiful. When upwelling stops, the whales move offshore into habitat that is transected by shipping lanes, putting them at risk for collisions with ships.
This research has provided important insight into the complex ecology of these endangered whales and offers resource managers new tools to set protections that can help ensure their future. Learn more on our website.