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In a study published in the journal Science, researchers successfully tested baleen whale hearing for the first time. The contentious study, which took place in 2023, involves catching two juvenile minke whales off the Norwegian coast. The whales, each measuring roughly 12 feet and weighing around a ton, were equipped with gold-plated electrodes on their skin to record brain reactions to different sound frequencies. The findings reveal that baleen whales can detect ultrasonic frequencies far higher than previously thought, which is thought to help them avoid predators, particularly killer whales.
Study sparks debate within the marine research community
The Minke Whale Hearing Project has drawn criticism from conservation groups and experts. Concerns have been made about the stress and potential injury caused to the whales during their temporary confinement. According to NBC News, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation submitted an open letter to the Norwegian government in 2021 advocating the project's cancelation. Critics contended that alternate, non-invasive procedures may produce equivalent results without jeopardizing the animals' wellbeing.
Despite criticism, Brandon Southall, a marine acoustic specialist, told NBC News that the research was carried out in accordance with strict guidelines. He stated that the experiment followed best standards and provided useful insights into ocean noise control measures under rules such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Methodology and Challenges of Whale Capture and Testing
According to the study, a complicated trapping system was set up along the minke whale migratory path in Norway's Lofoten Islands to aid in testing. The team used nearly a mile of nets to direct the whales into a waterway, where they were temporarily housed in a fish farm cage. A team of 12-15 people, including veterinarians, monitored the situation. Blood samples, satellite tags, and neurological data were obtained in 30-90-minute periods before the animals were released.
Dr. Dorian Houser, lead researcher of the National Marine Mammal Foundation, emphasized the welfare measures in place during an interview with NBC News. He noted that the tagged whales resumed normal activities after being released, although one whale that was not examined perished after being trapped in a net during a storm.
The study's findings might affect future regulations addressing underwater noise pollution. However, as Susan Parks, a professor of biology at Syracuse University, told NBC News, the small sample size and scope show the need for more study to better understand baleen whale hearing skills across species and ages.
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